Program, information processing method, information processing device, and system

Abstract

To improve convenience related to the use of electronic money.SOLUTION: A program executed by an information processing device that communicates with a first information processing device causes the information processing device to perform a process related to first settlement by a control unit of the information processing device, based on at least part of first electronic money for which restrictions are set by a user of the first information processing device and which is remitted from the first information processing device and at least part of second electronic money associated with a user of the information processing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1-1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Recently, services that enable payments (settlements) using electronic currency and the like through applications that can be executed on terminals such as smartphones are becoming more widespread. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for settling the purchase amount of a product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-176671 Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a program executed by an information processing device communicating with a first information processing device is executed by the information processing device such that a limit is set by a user of the first information processing device, and processing related to the first payment is performed by a control unit of the information processing device based on at least a portion of the first electronic currency transferred from the first information processing device and at least a portion of the second electronic currency associated with the user of the information processing device. According to a second aspect of the present invention, an information processing method of an information processing device communicating with a first information processing device includes a limit set by a user of the first information processing device, and performing processing related to a first payment by a control unit of the information processing device based on at least a portion of a first electronic currency transferred from the first information processing device and at least a portion of a second electronic currency associated with the user of the information processing device. According to a third aspect of the present invention, an information processing device that communicates with a first information processing device includes a control unit that performs processing related to a first payment, in which a limit is set by a user of the first information processing device, based on at least a portion of a first electronic currency transferred from the first information processing device and at least a portion of a second electronic currency associated with the user of the information processing device. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an information processing device communicating with a first information processing device includes a processor that reads a program stored in a memory and executes processing based on the program, and the processor executes processing related to a first payment based on at least a portion of a first electronic currency transferred from the first information processing device, for which a limit is set by a user of the first information processing device, and at least a portion of a second electronic currency associated with the user of the information processing device. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a program executed by a server communicating with a first information processing device and a second information processing device includes a control unit of the server performing a process of associating a first electronic currency transferred from the first information processing device to the second information processing device, the first electronic currency having a restriction set by the user of the first information processing device, with the user of the second information processing device, and a process of associating the second electronic currency with the user of the second information processing device, and a process related to a first payment based on at least a portion of the first electronic currency and at least a portion of the second electronic currency based on information transmitted from the second information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1-1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 1-2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a store POS system according to an embodiment. [Figure 1-3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by a control unit of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-5]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of account registration data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by a control unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-9] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-11] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-12] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-13] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database according to a first modified example. [Figure 1-15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a first modified example. [Figure 1-16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database according to a first modified example. [Figure 2-1] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2-2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit of a server according to a second modified example. [Figure 2-3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of payment history management data according to a second modified example. [Figure 2-4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database according to a second modified example. [Figure 2-5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a second modified example. [Figure 3-1] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a third embodiment. [Figure 3-2] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3-3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3-4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a third modified example. [Figure 3-5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by each device according to a third modified example. [Figure 3-6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a third modified example. [Figure 3-7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by each device according to a third modified example. [Figure 4-1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 4-2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 4-3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 4-4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 4-5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 4-6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 4-7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 5-1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 5-2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 5-3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 6-1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 6-2]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 6-3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 6-4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 7-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7-2] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7-3] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7-4] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7-5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7-6] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7-7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database according to a seventh modified example. [Figure 7-8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a seventh modification. [Figure 7-9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a seventh modification. [Figure 7-10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a seventh modification. [Figure 7-11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a seventh modification. [Figure 8-1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 8-2] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 8-3] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 8-4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eighth modification. [Figure 8-5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by each device according to the eighth modified example. [Figure 8-6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eighth modification. [Figure 8-7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eighth modification. [Figure 8-8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by each device according to the eighth modified example. [Figure 8-9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eighth modification. [Figure 9-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 9-2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 9-3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 9-4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a ninth modification. [Figure 9-5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a processing method in a used balance selection process according to a ninth modified example. [Figure 9-6] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a processing method in a used balance priority order setting process according to a ninth modified example. [Figure 10-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 10-2] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a tenth modification. [Figure 11-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 11-2] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 11-3] 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 11-4] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eleventh modification. [Figure 11-5] 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by each device according to the eleventh modification. [Figure 12-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database according to the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 12-2] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 12-3] 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 12-4] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a twelfth modification. [Figure 12-5] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of account management data according to a twelfth modification. [Figure 12-6] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of account management data according to a twelfth modification. [Figure 13-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 13-2] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 13-3] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 13-4] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 13-5] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 13-6] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 13-7] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 14-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 14-2] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 14-3] 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the fifteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] <Compliance with legal matters> It should be noted that the disclosures set forth herein are subject to compliance with the laws of the country of implementation, such as communications privacy, as required for the implementation of the disclosures.

[0007] <Embodiment> In this specification, for ease of understanding, there are places where the phrase "by way of example and not limitation" is used, but please note that not only those places but also the entire embodiment described below are not limited to the contents of that description.

[0008] An embodiment for implementing a program or the like according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] A system may be, by way of example and not limitation, comprised of multiple devices. The plurality of devices may be a combination of devices of the same type, a combination of devices of different types, or a combination of devices of the same type and devices of different types. Note that a system can be thought of as, for example and not as a limitation, a plurality of devices working together to perform some kind of processing.

[0010] Furthermore, a system relating to a client (client device) and a server can be considered to be, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of the following: (1) Terminals and servers (2) Server (3) Terminal

[0011] (1) is, by way of example and not limitation, a system that includes at least one terminal and at least one server. One example of this is a client-server system.

[0012] The server is configured by the following devices, by way of example and not limitation, and may be a single device or a combination of multiple devices.

[0013] Specifically, the server is configured to have at least one processor (for example, but not limited to, CPU: Central Processing Unit, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, APU: Accelerated Processing Unit, DSP: Digital Signal Processor (for example, but not limited to, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array), etc.), computer device (processor + memory), control device, arithmetic device, processing device, etc., and may be configured to have multiple of the same type of any one device (for example, but not limited to, CPU + CPU, homogeneous multi-core processor, etc.), or multiple of different types of any one device (for example, but not limited to, CPU + DSP, heterogeneous multi-core processor, etc.), or may be a combination of multiple devices (for example, but not limited to, processor + computer device, processor + arithmetic device, multiple devices made heterogeneous, etc.). The processor may be a virtual processor.

[0014] Furthermore, when a server performs some processing, if the server is configured with a single device, the processing described in the embodiments is performed by the single device. Furthermore, if the server is configured with multiple devices, some processing may be performed by one device, and other processing may be performed by another device. For example, and not by way of limitation, if the server is configured with a processor and an arithmetic device, the processor may perform a first processing, and the arithmetic device may perform a second processing. Furthermore, when a plurality of devices are used, the devices may be located at positions physically separated from one another.

[0015] Furthermore, the functions of the server may be provided in the form of PaaS, IaaS, or SaaS in cloud computing, for example and without limitation.

[0016] The control unit of the system can be at least one of the control unit of the terminal and the control unit of the server, i.e., by way of example and not limitation, the control unit of the system can be either (1A) only the control unit of the terminal, (1B) only the control unit of the server, or (1C) both the control unit of the terminal and the control unit of the server.

[0017] Furthermore, the control and processing (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control, etc.") performed by the control unit of the system may be performed by (1A) only the control unit of the terminal, (1B) only the control unit of the server, or (1C) both the control unit of the terminal and the control unit of the server. In addition, in (1C), as an example and not a limitation, some of the controls performed by the system's control unit may be performed by the terminal's control unit, and the remaining controls may be performed by the server's control unit. In this case, the allocation of controls may be equal or may be allocated in different proportions.

[0018] Furthermore, when referring to the communication unit of a server, if the server is configured with a single device, it may refer to the communication unit itself that the single device has, or if the server is configured with multiple devices, it may be configured to include each communication unit that each device has. As an example and not by way of limitation, if a server comprises a first device and a second device, and the first device has a first communication unit and the second device has a second communication unit, the communication unit of the server may be conceptualized as including the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

[0019] (2) is not limited to, but may be, for example, a system consisting of multiple servers (hereinafter referred to as a "server system"). In this case, the configuration of each server can be similarly applied to the configuration described above.

[0020] The control etc. performed by the server system may be performed by only one of the multiple servers (2A), by only the other servers (2B), or by both the one server and the other servers (2C). In addition, in (2C), as an example and not a limitation, one server may perform some of the control, etc., performed by the server system, and another server may perform the remaining control, etc. In this case, the allocation (allocation) of the control, etc. may be equal or may be allocated in different proportions.

[0021] (3) By way of example and not limitation, the system may be comprised of multiple terminals. The system may be, by way of example and not limitation, a system such as the following: A system that gives server functions to terminals (distributed system). This can be realized using blockchain technology, for example and not by way of limitation. A system in which terminals communicate wirelessly with each other. This can be realized, for example and without limitation, by communicating using a P2P (peer-to-peer) method using short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth.

[0022] The above is not limited to the control unit, but also applies to each functional unit such as an input / output unit, a communication unit, a storage unit, and a clock unit that may be components of the system.

[0023] In the following embodiment, a system including a terminal and a server (a client-server system) is illustrated as an example and not as a limitation. It is also possible to apply the server system described in (2) above as the server.

[0024] Furthermore, instead of a system including a terminal and a server, a system not including a server, such as the system in (3) above, can also be applied, but is not limited to this. In this case, the embodiment can be configured based on the above-mentioned blockchain technology, etc. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, data stored and managed in a server described in the following embodiment is stored on the blockchain. Then, a terminal can generate a transaction to the blockchain, and when the transaction is approved on the blockchain, the data stored on the blockchain can be updated.

[0025] It should be noted that even when the term "terminal" is used, this is not limited to the meaning of a terminal as a client device in a client server. That is, a terminal may include the concept of a device that is not in a client-server context.

[0026] Furthermore, in this specification, the expression "through a communication I / F" is used as appropriate. This is not intended to be limiting, but may also mean, for example, that a device transmits and receives various information and data through a communication I / F (through a communication unit) based on the control of a control unit (such as a processor).

[0027] Furthermore, in this specification, when the terms "related to" or "related to" are used, "B related to A" or "B related to A" may mean, by way of example and not limitation, that "B" has some relationship with "A." Specific examples of this will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, in this specification, when a device performs processing on two or more objects, such as "sending A and B" or "receiving A and B," this may include performing "A" and "B" at the same time (hereinafter referred to as "simultaneous"), and performing "A" and "B" at different times (hereinafter referred to as "non-simultaneous"). As an example and not a limitation, when referring to transmitting first information and second information, this may include both concepts of transmitting the first information and the second information at the same time, and transmitting the first information and the second information at different times. In addition, taking into account the lag (time lag), "simultaneous" may include "almost simultaneously."

[0029] Note that even though "A" and "B" are performed at different times, this only needs to be done with "A" and "B" as the processing targets, and the purposes do not necessarily have to be the same. By way of example and not limitation, when the first information and the second information are transmitted as described above, it is sufficient to transmit the first information and the second information, and this may include cases where the first information and the second information are transmitted for the same purpose, as well as cases where the first information and the second information are transmitted for different purposes.

[0030] In the following embodiment, a service for users to make payments (hereinafter referred to as a "payment service") will be exemplified. An application for realizing the payment service will be referred to as a "payment application." By way of example and not limitation, a payment application may enable a user to make payments using electronic currency.

[0031] As a payment method using electronic currency, either one of "customer-presented" code payment and "store-presented" code payment may be applied, but is not limited to this.

[0032] By way of example and not limitation, "customer-presented" code payment can be a method of payment in which the user presents the code information displayed on display unit 24 of terminal 20 to a store clerk and has it read by the store's code reader. "Store-presented" code payment can be, by way of example and not limitation, a method in which a user makes a payment by having the code reader of their terminal 20 read code information presented by the store.

[0033] While either payment method is applicable, the following examples will focus on "consumer-presented" code payments for simplicity's sake. However, "store-presented" code payments are also applicable.

[0034] In the following embodiments, a messaging service is exemplified as an example of a service that allows users to chat (hereinafter referred to as a "chat service"). An application that realizes the chat service is referred to as a "chat application," and an application that realizes the messaging service is referred to as a "messaging application." For example and not limitation, a chat application may allow users to chat in chat rooms.

[0035] Note that messaging services (MS) (including instant messaging services (IMS)) can also be considered one form of social networking services (SNS). Therefore, messaging services and social networking services may or may not be distinguished. In other words, messaging services may be included in social networking services.

[0036] In addition, in the following embodiments, as an example of a messaging service, an instant messaging service (IMS) that sends and receives content in the form of simple messages between multiple devices (terminals, for example and not limitation) via a server is exemplified. For example and not limitation, an instant messaging application may allow users to talk in talk rooms.

[0037] A chat room (for example, but not limited to, a talk room) can be a UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows each user to view content sent and received between the terminals of multiple users.

[0038] In addition, chat rooms can include one-on-one user chat rooms (hereinafter referred to as "one-on-one chat rooms"), group chat rooms including multiple users (hereinafter referred to as "group chat rooms"), and chat rooms with official account users (hereinafter referred to as "OA chat rooms").

[0039] In terms of data management, a one-to-one chat room may be managed as a one-to-one user or one-to-one account chat room, or as a group chat room consisting of two users or two accounts.

[0040] An official account is an account of a business operator (an account of a business operator's user), not of a general user, and users of this official account can, for example and without limitation, use a terminal similar to that of a general user to send and receive content (messages) with other devices via the server.

[0041] In this specification, content may be information transmitted from a source to a destination, and may be one or more pieces of content.

[0042] The content may include, by way of example and not limitation, text content in text format, image content in image format (including at least one of still images and moving images), and sound content in sound format (including voice). In addition, it may also include operational content such as buttons and icons for user operation, and link content such as link information (including, but not limited to, URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers)).

[0043] The text may include, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of national characters, extended characters, platform-dependent characters, numbers, symbols, graphics, and symbols, as represented by character codes. The text does not have to include at least one of the above characters, extended characters, machine-dependent characters, numbers, symbols, figures, and signs, and may include other text.

[0044] The image may include at least one of various types of image information, such as, for example and without limitation, an icon, a button, a stamp, an emoji, and a banner image.

[0045] As a form for realizing the payment service (payment application), any of the following forms can be applied, by way of example and not limitation. (A) A form in which a payment service function is provided as part of a messaging application (B) A form constituting an application having payment service functionality and messaging service functionality (integrated application) (C) A messaging application that is a separate application from a payment application.

[0046] In forms (A) and (B), by way of example and not limitation, the payment service provider may be the same provider as the messaging service provider. In this case, one method is to have the user's account in the messaging application and the user's account in the payment application be a common account. Alternatively, in this case, the user's account in the messaging application and the user's account in the payment application may be automatically associated (linked).

[0047] In form (C), by way of example and not limitation, the payment service provider may be a different entity from the messaging service provider. In addition, in the case of (C), a process for associating the user's account in the messaging application with the user's account in the payment application (a linking process) can be performed.

[0048] Alternatively, the payment application may have a messaging service function as one of its functions.

[0049] In this specification, "electronic currency" may refer to electronic currency that is distinguished from physical currency and that is owned by a terminal managed by the various applications described above or by a user of the terminal. It should be noted that "electronic money" may also be considered as "digital currency (digital money)."

[0050] One way of thinking about it is that electronic currency can be considered a concept that includes "electronic money," "virtual currency (crypto assets)," "central bank-issued digital currency (CBDB)," etc.

[0051] Furthermore, electronic currency may be either a legal tender or a corporate currency. The implementation method of electronic currency may be either a centralized finance (CeFi) or a decentralized finance (DeFi).

[0052] In the following embodiment, electronic money as a corporate currency in centralized finance will be exemplified as an example of electronic currency, but not as a limitation.

[0053] It should be noted that the corporate currency may also include physical currency such as coupons.

[0054] <First Example> The first embodiment is an example, not a limitation, in which electronic currency is transferred from a user of one terminal 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "first terminal" as appropriate) to a user of another terminal 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "second terminal" as appropriate), and a notification is sent to a specific terminal 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "third terminal" as appropriate) based on the use of at least a portion of the electronic currency by the user of the second terminal.

[0055] As mentioned above, hereinafter, a business that provides a payment service using a payment application will be referred to as a "payment service business." The payment service provider can also be expressed as a provider that provides a payment application or a provider of server 10. It can also be referred to as a payment service provider, meaning a business that provides payment services.

[0056] In addition, stores that partner with payment service providers and allow payment services using payment applications to pay for goods and services provided at the store can be designated as "affiliated stores."

[0057] In the following description, the name of the payment application will be referred to as "Payment App" where appropriate.

[0058] The contents described in the first embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0059] <System configuration> FIG. 1-1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the communication system 1, as an example and not a limitation, a server 10, a plurality of terminals 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, terminal 20C, ...), and one or more store POS systems 40 are connected via a network 30.

[0060] The server 10 has a function of providing predetermined services (for example, but not limited to, a payment service, a messaging service, etc.) to the terminal 20 owned by the user via the network 30. For example, but not limited to, the server 10 can also be expressed as a payment server, a settlement server, a messaging server, etc. In this embodiment, payment service providers (operators) and messaging service providers (operators) are assumed to be users of the server 10.

[0061] The number of servers 10 and the number of terminals 20 connected to the network 30 are not limited.

[0062] The terminal 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, terminal 20C, etc.) may be any information processing terminal capable of implementing the functions described in each embodiment. Examples of the terminal 20 include, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones (feature phones), computers (such as, but not limited to, desktops, laptops, and tablets), media computer platforms (such as, but not limited to, cable and satellite set-top boxes and digital video recorders), handheld computer devices (such as, but not limited to, personal digital assistants (PDAs), email clients, etc.), wearable devices (such as glasses and watch devices), virtual reality (VR) terminals, smart speakers (voice recognition devices), or other types of computers or communication platforms. The terminal 20 may also be referred to as an information processing terminal.

[0063] The configurations of terminal 20A, terminal 20B, and terminal 20C can be the same, for example and not by way of limitation. Furthermore, as necessary, the terminal used by user X may be expressed as terminal 20X, and user information in a predetermined service associated with user X or terminal 20X may or may not be expressed as user information X. The user information is information of a user associated with an account used by the user in a predetermined service. The user information includes, but is not limited to, information associated with a user, such as the user's name, an icon image of the user, the user's age, the user's gender, the user's address, the user's hobbies and interests, and a user identifier, which is input by the user or assigned by the predetermined service, and may be any one of these, or a combination thereof, or may not be the same.

[0064] The network 30 serves to connect one or more terminals 20 and one or more servers 10. In other words, the network 30 refers to a communication network that provides a connection path so that the above-mentioned various devices can connect and then send and receive data.

[0065] One or more portions of network 30 may or may not be a wired or wireless network. Network 30 may include, by way of example and not limitation, an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the Internet, a portion of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellular network, integrated service digital networks (ISDN), wireless LAN, long term evolution (LTE), code division multiple access (CDMA), Bluetooth, satellite communications, etc., or a combination of two or more thereof. Network 30 may include one or more networks 30.

[0066] The server 10 (which is an example of a server, information processing device, or information management device, but is not limited thereto) has a function of providing a predetermined service to the terminal 20. The server 10 may be any device that is an information processing device that can realize the functions described in each embodiment. The server 10 includes, but is not limited to, a server device, a computer (such as a desktop, laptop, or tablet), a media computer platform (such as a cable or satellite set-top box or digital video recorder), a handheld computer device (such as a PDA or email client), or other types of computers or communication platforms. The server 10 may also be referred to as an information processing device. When there is no need to distinguish between the server 10 and the terminal 20, the server 10 and the terminal 20 may or may not each be referred to as an information processing device.

[0067] [Hardware (HW) configuration of each device] The hardware configuration of each device included in the communication system 1 will be described.

[0068] (1) Hardware configuration of the terminal FIG. 1-1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 20. The terminal 20 includes a control unit 21 (CPU: central processing unit), a storage unit 28, a communication I / F 22 (interface), an input / output unit 23, a clock unit 29A, and a position calculation information detection unit 29B. The HW components of the terminal 20 are connected to each other via a bus B, for example and not as a limitation. It is not essential that the HW configuration of the terminal 20 includes all of the components. For example and not as a limitation, the terminal 20 may or may not be configured such that individual components or multiple components are detachable.

[0069] The communication I / F 22 transmits and receives various data via the network 30. The communication may be performed either wired or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication is possible. The communication I / F 22 has a function of communicating with various devices such as the server 10 via the network 30. The communication I / F 22 transmits various data to various devices such as the server 10 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 21. The communication I / F 22 also receives various data transmitted from various devices such as the server 10 and transmits it to the control unit 21. The communication I / F 22 may also be simply referred to as a communication unit. When the communication I / F 22 is configured as a physically structured circuit, it may also be referred to as a communication circuit.

[0070] The input / output unit 23 includes a device for inputting various operations to the terminal 20, a device for outputting processing results processed by the terminal 20, etc. The input / output unit 23 may be an integrated input unit and an output unit, or may be separate input unit and output unit, or may not be so.

[0071] The input unit is realized by any one of or a combination of all types of devices that can accept input from a user and transmit information related to the input to the control unit 21. Examples of the input unit include, but are not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, hardware keys such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a camera (operation input via moving images), and a microphone (operation input by voice).

[0072] The output unit is realized by any one or a combination of all kinds of devices that can output the processing results processed by the control unit 21. Examples of the output unit include, but are not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a speaker (audio output), a lens (for example, but not limited to, 3D (three dimensions) output or hologram output), a printer, etc.

[0073] By way of example only, the input / output unit 23 includes, but is not limited to, a display unit 24, a sound input unit 25, a sound output unit 26, and an imaging unit 27.

[0074] The display unit 24 is realized by any one of all types of devices or a combination thereof that can display according to the display data written to the frame buffer. Examples of the display unit 24 include, but are not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a monitor (for example, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED)), a head mounted display (HDM), projection mapping, a hologram, and a device that can display images, text information, etc. in air (which may or may not be a vacuum). Note that these display units 24 may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D.

[0075] The sound input unit 25 is used to input sound data (including voice data; the same applies below.) The sound input unit 25 includes a microphone and the like. The sound output unit 26 is used to output sound data and includes a speaker and the like. The imaging unit 27 is used to acquire image data (including still image data and moving image data; the same applies below.) The imaging unit 27 includes a camera and the like.

[0076] When the input / output unit 23 is a touch panel, the input / output unit 23 and the display unit 24 may be disposed opposite each other and have approximately the same size and shape.

[0077] The clock unit 29A is a built-in clock of the terminal 20, and outputs time information (timekeeping information). The clock unit 29A is configured to include, for example and not by way of limitation, a clock that uses a crystal oscillator. The clock unit 29A can also be expressed as a timekeeping unit or a time information detection unit, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0078] The clock unit 29A may or may not have a clock that conforms to the NITZ (Network Identity and Time Zone) standard or the like.

[0079] The position calculation information detection unit 29B is a functional unit that detects (measures) information (hereinafter referred to as "position calculation information") necessary for the control unit 21 to calculate (measure) the position of its own terminal 20. The position calculation information detection unit 29B can also be expressed as a position calculation sensor unit, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0080] The position calculation information detection unit 29B includes, by way of example and not limitation, a satellite positioning sensor (satellite positioning unit) which is a sensor or unit for calculating the position of the terminal 20 using a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System), an inertial measurement sensor (inertial measurement unit (IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit))) which is a sensor or unit for calculating the position of the terminal 20 using an inertial navigation system, a UWB positioning sensor (UWB positioning unit) which is a sensor or unit for calculating the position of the terminal 20 using UWB (Ultra Wide Band), and the like.

[0081] The satellite positioning unit includes, by way of example and not limitation, an RF receiving circuit that converts RF (Radio Frequency) signals, including positioning satellite signals transmitted from positioning satellites and received by an antenna (not shown), into digital signals, and a baseband processing circuit that performs correlation calculation processing on the digital signals output from the RF receiving circuit to capture the positioning satellite signals, and outputs information such as satellite orbit data and time data extracted from the positioning satellite signals as information for position calculation.

[0082] The inertial measurement unit has an inertial sensor that is a sensor that detects information necessary for calculating the position of the terminal 20 by inertial navigation calculation. The inertial sensor includes, but is not limited to, a three-axis acceleration sensor and a three-axis gyro sensor, and outputs the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity detected by the gyro sensor as information for position calculation.

[0083] The UWB positioning unit includes, for example and without limitation, an ultra-wideband RF (Radio Frequency) receiving circuit that converts an ultra-wideband RF signal, including an ultra-wideband pulse signal for positioning transmitted from a positioning beacon and received by an antenna (not shown), into a digital signal, and a relative position calculation processing circuit that calculates the relative position between the terminal 20 and the positioning beacon based on the digital signal output from the ultra-wideband RF receiving circuit. By way of example and not limitation, the UWB positioning unit may or may not cause terminal 20 to function as a positioning beacon by transmitting an ultra-wideband RF signal including an ultra-wideband pulse signal for positioning from an antenna not shown.

[0084] For example, and not by way of limitation, control unit 21 calculates the position of its own terminal 20 at regular intervals or specific intervals based on the position calculation information detected by position calculation information detection unit 29B. The terminal position is referred to as the "terminal position," and the calculated terminal position is referred to as the "calculated terminal position." Control unit 21 may, but need not, associate the calculated terminal position with the date and time when the calculated terminal position was calculated and store the calculated terminal position in storage unit 28 as calculated terminal position history data.

[0085] The control unit 21 has a circuit physically structured to execute the functions realized by the code or instructions contained in the program, and is realized by, for example and not by a data processing device built into hardware. Therefore, the control unit 21 may or may not be expressed as a control circuit.

[0086] The control unit 21 includes, by way of example and not limitation, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0087] The storage unit 28 has a function of storing various programs and various data required for the operation of the terminal 20. The storage unit 28 includes, but is not limited to, various storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), and a read only memory (ROM). Furthermore, the storage unit 28 may or may not be expressed as a memory.

[0088] Terminal 20 stores program P in storage unit 28, and by executing this program P, control unit 21 executes the processing of each unit included in control unit 21. In other words, program P stored in storage unit 28 causes terminal 20 to realize each function executed by control unit 21. Furthermore, this program P may or may not be expressed as a program module.

[0089] (2) Server hardware configuration FIG. 1-1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server 10. In FIG. The server 10 includes a control unit 11 (CPU), a storage unit 15, a communication I / F 14 (interface), an input / output unit 12, and a clock unit 19. The components of the HW of the server 10 are connected to each other via a bus B, for example and not as a limitation. Note that the HW of the server 10 does not necessarily have to include all components as a configuration of the HW of the server 10. For example and not as a limitation, the HW of the server 10 may or may not be configured such that individual components or multiple components are removable.

[0090] The control unit 11 has circuits physically structured to execute the functions realized by the codes or instructions contained in the program, and is realized by, for example and not by way of limitation, a data processing device built into hardware.

[0091] The control unit 11 is typically a central processing unit (CPU), but may also be a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC, or an FPGA. In the present disclosure, the control unit 11 is not limited to these.

[0092] The storage unit 15 has a function of storing various programs and various data required for the operation of the server 10. The storage unit 15 is realized by various storage media such as an HDD, an SSD, and a flash memory. However, in the present disclosure, the storage unit 15 is not limited to these. Furthermore, the storage unit 15 may or may not be expressed as a memory.

[0093] The communication I / F 14 transmits and receives various data via the network 30. The communication may be performed either wired or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication is possible. The communication I / F 14 has a function of communicating with various devices such as the terminal 20 via the network 30. The communication I / F 14 transmits various data to various devices such as the terminal 20 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 11. The communication I / F 14 also receives various data transmitted from various devices such as the terminal 20 and transmits it to the control unit 11. The communication I / F 14 may also be simply referred to as a communication unit. When the communication I / F 14 is configured as a physically structured circuit, it may also be referred to as a communication circuit.

[0094] The input / output unit 12 includes a device for inputting various operations to the server 10, a device for outputting processing results processed by the server 10, etc. The input / output unit 12 may be an integrated input unit and an output unit, or may be separate input unit and output unit, or may not be the same.

[0095] The input unit is realized by any one of or a combination of all types of devices that can accept input from a user and transmit information related to the input to the control unit 11. The input unit is typically realized by hardware keys such as a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse. Note that the input unit may or may not include, for example and without limitation, a touch panel, a camera (for operation input via moving images), or a microphone (for operation input by voice).

[0096] The output unit is realized by any one or a combination of all kinds of devices that can output the processing results processed by the control unit 11. Examples of the output unit include, but are not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a speaker (sound output), a lens (for example, but not limited to, 3D (three dimensions) output or hologram output), a printer, etc.

[0097] By way of example only, the input / output unit 12 includes a display unit 13, by way of example and not limitation.

[0098] The display unit 13 is realized by a display or the like. The display is typically realized by a monitor (for example, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED)). The display may or may not be a head-mounted display (HDM) or the like. These displays may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D. In the present disclosure, the display is not limited to these.

[0099] The clock unit 19 is a built-in clock of the server 10, and outputs time information (timekeeping information). The clock unit 19 is configured to include, for example and without limitation, an RTC (Real Time Clock) as a hardware clock, a system clock, etc. The clock unit 19 can also be expressed as, for example and without limitation, a timekeeping unit or a time information detection unit.

[0100] (3) Store POS system configuration FIG. 1-2 shows an example of the system configuration of the store POS system 40. The store POS system 40 is a POS system that is installed and used in a store that is affiliated with the business that operates the server 10, and includes, by way of example and not limitation, a store code reader device 50, a code register 60, and a store server 70.

[0101] The store code reader device 50 is communicatively connected to the code register 60 and the store server 70 via a POS communication I / F 57 (for example, but not limited to, a wired communication I / F or wireless communication I / F within the store), and reads the code information displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 during a transaction at the code register 60. Then, based on the read code information, it sends payment request information to the server 10 via the communication I / F 54, and after the payment is made by the server 10, it receives information regarding the payment result from the server 10 via the communication I / F 54.

[0102] The store code reader device 50 includes, by way of example and not limitation, a control unit 51, an input / output unit 52, a display unit 53, a communication I / F 54, a memory unit 55, a sound output unit 56, a POS communication I / F 57, a code reader 58, and a clock unit 59.

[0103] The code reader 58 is a code reader for reading code information such as a one-dimensional code (one-dimensional code image), a two-dimensional code (two-dimensional code image), or, by way of example and not limitation, wallet code information, which will be described later.

[0104] As an example, but not by way of limitation, the code register 60 is connected to the store code reader device 50 and the store server 70 via the POS communication I / F 57, and issues a receipt printed with information such as the total amount of the sold goods and the electronic currency balance of the user of the terminal 20, based on the payment completion notification received by the store code reader device 50 from the server 10.

[0105] Also, by way of example and not limitation, a display may be provided integrally with the code register 60 or separately from the code register 60, with the display surface facing the customer. The code register 60 is a cash register configured to be compatible with a payment application, and can also be called a payment application compatible stationary terminal.

[0106] The store server 70 manages various types of information, such as, but not limited to, store information about its own store, information about products sold at its own store, information about services provided at its own store, and information about sales from the sale of products and provision of services at its own store. The store server 70 is configured to be able to communicate with the store code reader device 50 and the code register 60 via the POS communication I / F 57, and is also configured to be able to communicate with external devices such as the server 10 via the network 30.

[0107] The store server 70 does not necessarily need to be configured to be able to communicate directly with the store code reader device 50, but may be configured to be able to communicate with the store code reader device 50 via the code register 60. As a non-limiting example, a payment completion notice or the like received by the store code reader device 50 from the server 10 can be sent to the code register 60, and then sent from the code register 60 to the store server 70.

[0108] (3) Other Server 10 stores program P in storage unit 15, and by executing this program P, control unit 11 executes the processes of each unit included in control unit 11. In other words, program P stored in storage unit 15 causes server 10 to realize each function executed by control unit 11. This program P may or may not be expressed as a program module. The same applies to other devices.

[0109] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, the description will be given assuming that the CPU of the terminal 20 and / or the server 10 executes the program P to realize the present invention.

[0110] The control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and / or the control unit 11 of the server 10 may or may not realize each process not only by a CPU having a control circuit but also by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), or a dedicated circuit. These circuits may be realized by one or more integrated circuits, and multiple processes shown in each embodiment may or may not be realized by a single integrated circuit. LSIs may also be called VLSIs, super LSIs, ultra LSIs, etc. depending on the degree of integration. Therefore, the control unit 21 may or may not be expressed as a control circuit.

[0111] Furthermore, the program P (for example, but not limited to, a software program, a computer program, or a program module) of each embodiment of the present disclosure may or may not be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can store the program P in a "non-transitory tangible medium." The program P may or may not be intended to realize part of the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the program P may or may not be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure in combination with a program P already recorded on a storage medium.

[0112] Furthermore, when referring to a system program (a program executed by a system), the system is as described above. The aforementioned system program is a program that can be executed by the entire system, and this program may be composed of individual programs for the devices that make up the system, for example and without limitation, and the programs stored in the individual devices that make up the system may be different from one another. In other words, it is not necessary for the individual devices that make up the system to share a common program. As a non-limiting example, if a system is composed of a terminal and a server, and the system program is P1, then the system program P1 may be composed of a program P2 stored on the terminal and a program P3 stored on the server, and P2 and P3 are for executing the system program and may be different programs. As a non-limiting example, the program P2 stored on the terminal may be a program that performs a first process and sends the results of the first process to the server, and the program P3 stored on the server may be a program that performs a second process on the received results of the first process and sends the results of the second process to the terminal.

[0113] The storage medium may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such as, by way of example and not limitation, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific ICs (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical disks, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards, or drives, any other suitable storage media, or any suitable combination of two or more of these. The storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate. The storage medium is not limited to these examples and may be any device or medium capable of storing the program P. Furthermore, the storage medium may or may not be referred to as memory.

[0114] The server 10 and / or the terminal 20 can implement the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment by reading out the program P stored in the storage medium and executing the read out program P.

[0115] Furthermore, the program P of the present disclosure may or may not be provided to the server 10 and / or the terminal 20 via any transmission medium capable of transmitting a program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). The server 10 and / or the terminal 20, by way of example and not limitation, executes the program P downloaded via the Internet or the like to realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment.

[0116] In addition, each embodiment of the present disclosure may also be realized in the form of a data signal in which the program P is embodied by electronic transmission. At least a part of the processing in the server 10 and / or the terminal 20 may or may not be realized by cloud computing configured by one or more computers. At least a part or all of the processing in the terminal 20 may or may not be performed by the server 10. In this case, at least a part or all of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may or may not be performed by the server 10. At least a part or all of the processing in the server 10 may or may not be performed by the terminal 20. In this case, at least a part or all of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 11 of the server 10 may or may not be performed by the terminal 20.

[0117] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the judgment configuration in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not essential, and a predetermined process may or may not be performed when the judgment condition is met, or when the judgment condition is not met.

[0118] The programs of the present disclosure are implemented using, for example and without limitation, scripting languages ​​such as ActionScript and JavaScript (registered trademark), compiler languages ​​such as Objective-C and Java (registered trademark), and markup languages ​​such as HTML Living Standard.

[0119] <Functional configuration> (1) Server functional configuration FIG. 1-3 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in this embodiment. The control unit 11 includes, as a functional unit, an application management processing unit 111 for executing application management processing in accordance with an application management processing program 151 stored in the storage unit 15, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0120] FIG. 1-4 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10 in this embodiment. The storage unit 15 stores, by way of example and not limitation, an application management processing program 151 executed as application management processing, account registration data 153, and an account management database 155.

[0121] The account registration data 153 is registration data relating to the account of an application (in this embodiment, a payment application), and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG. 1-5. In the account registration data 153, for example and without limitation, a user name, an application ID, and other registration information are stored in association with each other.

[0122] The user name is the name of the account of the terminal 20 that uses this application, and as a non-limiting example, the name that the user of the terminal 20 registers when using the application is stored.

[0123] The application ID is information used to identify an application account, or the account itself. This application ID is preferably a value that is unique for each account, and as a non-limiting example, a unique value (proper value) is set and stored by the server 10 for each account. The application ID is information associated with the terminal 20 or the user of the terminal 20, and is an example of information about the terminal or information about the user of the terminal.

[0124] Other registration information may include, but is not limited to, various types of information such as identification information for identifying terminal 20, the telephone number of terminal 20 (terminal telephone number), email address (terminal email address), and authentication information such as passwords (login password, authentication password, etc.) used for various authentications in applications.

[0125] The identification information for identifying the terminal 20 may be, for example and not by way of limitation, a terminal ID (for example and not by way of limitation, an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)). Furthermore, the identification information for identifying the user of the terminal 20 can be, for example and without limitation, an application ID for a general user or an application ID for an official user.

[0126] Note that the application ID may or may not be replaced by a "user ID." Furthermore, for an application in which only one account can be registered per terminal 20, as an example and not a limitation, the following can be used: "identification information for identifying terminal 20 = identification information for identifying the user of terminal 20 = application ID."

[0127] Also, by way of example and not limitation, it may or may not be possible to assign multiple terminal IDs to one application ID.

[0128] Furthermore, instead of various IDs such as application IDs, it is also possible to apply a method of managing accounts using information such as terminal phone numbers. In this case, instead of storing ID information such as an application ID in the account registration data 153, information such as a terminal telephone number can be stored in the account registration data 153.

[0129] In the following various embodiments, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that one account is registered for one terminal 20. Furthermore, in this case, as described above, "identification information for identifying terminal 20 = identification information for identifying the user of terminal 20 = application ID," so the term "user of the account" used in the following explanation may be considered to be essentially synonymous with "terminal of the account."

[0130] The account management database 155 is a database for managing information about the accounts registered in the account registration data 153, and an example of the data configuration of the account management database 155A is shown in FIG. 1-6. Account management database 155A stores account management data as management data for each account.

[0131] Each account management data stores, by way of example and not limitation, an application ID, a regular electronic money balance, and electronic money management data with notification.

[0132] The regular electronic money balance is the balance of regular (ordinary) electronic money associated with the account of this application ID.

[0133] The notification-attached electronic money management data is data for managing information about notification-attached electronic money associated with the account of this application ID, and by way of example and not limitation, the notification recipient ID, the notifier name, and the notification-attached electronic money balance are stored in association with each other.

[0134] In the embodiment described below, it is assumed that the terminal 20 or server 10 of the remittance source account (or remittance source user) is configured to be able to set a setting for sending a notification to the notification destination account (or notification destination user) as a setting related to the remittance of electronic money to the remittance destination account (or remittance destination user). Furthermore, remittance based on this setting is referred to as "remittance with notification," and electronic money remitted based on this setting is referred to as "electronic money with notification." The notification may include, by way of example and not limitation, a notification based on the use of electronic money with notification by the destination account (or its user), which notification is referred to as a "electronic money use notification with notification."

[0135] The notification destination ID is information for identifying the account to which the notification of electronic money usage notification with notification is to be sent (hereinafter referred to as the "notification destination account"), and as a non-limiting example, the application ID of the account set as the notification destination account is stored.

[0136] The notifier name is the user name corresponding to this notification destination ID. In the account registration data 153, the user name associated with the application ID corresponding to this notification destination ID is stored.

[0137] The electronic money balance with notification is the balance of electronic money with notification associated with this notification destination ID.

[0138] By way of example and not limitation, each time a sending account sends electronic money with notification to a receiving account, the notified party ID, the notifier name, and the electronic money with notification balance may be associated and added and stored as a new record in the electronic money with notification management data. Then, when the balance of the electronic money with notification is reduced by a payment or the like, a notification of the use of the electronic money with notification can be sent to the terminal 20 of the user of the account of the notification destination ID.

[0139] In this embodiment, information about who sent the electronic money with notification to the user of the remittance destination account is not essential. For this reason, the electronic money with notification management data does not store information such as the remitter ID, but instead stores the electronic money with notification balance in association with the recipient ID.

[0140] Furthermore, as an example and not a limitation, in the first to third embodiments, the "notification destination account = remittance source account" is assumed, and the notification of electronic money usage with notification is sent to the account (or its user) that made the remittance with notification.

[0141] (2) Functional configuration of the terminal FIG. 1-7 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The control unit 21 includes, as a functional unit, an application processing unit 211 for executing application processing in accordance with an application processing program 281 stored in the storage unit 28, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0142] FIG. 1-8 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. In the storage unit 28, for example and without limitation, an application processing program 281 to be executed as application processing and an application ID 283 corresponding to the terminal 20 or the account of the user of the terminal 20 are stored.

[0143] <Display screen> In the following, as an example and not a limitation, a case will be illustrated in which the terminal 20 is a smartphone equipped with a display unit 24 having a portrait display.

[0144] For example, but not by way of limitation, a smartphone has a touch panel that functions as an input unit and is disposed opposite the display, thereby constituting a touch screen. When an element such as an icon, button, item, or input area is displayed on the display, and a part of the touch panel that faces the area where the element is displayed is operated by a user, a program associated with the element or a subroutine of the program is executed.

[0145] In the following, the operation by the user will be described as a tap (tap operation) as an example and not as a limitation. A tap (tap operation) is, by way of example and not limitation, an action in which a user lightly taps the display unit 24 (touch screen) that is integrally configured with a touch panel with a finger or the tip of a pen, and then releases the touch.

[0146] The transition of the display screens described below is merely an example of the transition of the display screens for realizing the technique of the present disclosure. In the transition of the display screens exemplified below, some of the display screens may be omitted, or other display screens may be added.

[0147] FIG. 1-9 shows an example of the transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. Source account = User BB's (user of the first device) account Destination account = User AA's (user of the second device) account Notification account = Remittance source account = User BB (user of the first terminal) account The following example shows the case where:

[0148] The left side of FIG. 1-9 is, by way of example and not limitation, a main menu screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of user BB's terminal 20B.

[0149] The name of the payment application, "Payment App," is displayed in the center of the top of the menu screen. Also, the icon image of the payment application and the user name (user BB in this example) of the user of terminal 20B are displayed in the top right of the screen.

[0150] Below that is a page name display area showing the page name in the payment application. In this example, the words "Wallet Main Menu" are displayed in the page name display area, indicating that the page name is the main menu of the payment application.

[0151] The area below the page name display area is configured with a balance display area BR1 that displays information about the electronic money balance of this account. The balance display area BR1 displays, by way of example and not limitation, the word "balance," the latest electronic money balance of this account, and a charge button CBT for charging electronic money to the regular electronic money balance.

[0152] When the "Transfer" icon IC1, which includes the word "Transfer" and an illustration, displayed at the bottom of the main menu screen, is tapped, the screen shown in the center of Figure 1-9 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation. This screen is for setting a destination account, and by way of example and not limitation, the information for specifying the destination account includes the text "Please specify destination," along with a search box for searching for the destination account by phone number.

[0153] Below that, a list of information about accounts that have previously sent a remittance with notification is displayed. Specifically, in this example, an icon image and username (AA) corresponding to user AA, and an icon image and username (CC) corresponding to user CC are displayed. Also, a check box is provided to the left of each, and tapping the check box places a check mark in the check box, allowing that user's account to be designated as a remittance destination account. In this example, the check box corresponding to user AA is shown checked.

[0154] In this state, when the "OK" button BT1 at the bottom of the screen is tapped, the screen on the right side of Figure 1-9 will be displayed, as an example and not a limitation. This screen is for specifying the remittance amount and setting notifications, and as an example, but not by way of limitation, at the top of the screen, information regarding specifying the remittance amount is displayed, including the text "Please specify the amount," along with information for specifying the remittance amount by directly entering it or using a button.

[0155] Below that, information for setting up notifications is displayed. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, the words "Remittance Destination" are displayed along with an icon image of User AA, the user of the remittance destination account set on the screen in the center of Figure 1-9, and their user name (AA).

[0156] Below that, a slide button is displayed for setting whether or not to receive information indicating that electronic money has been used by user AA (hereinafter referred to as "electronic money use information with notification"). In this example, a tap or slide operation on the slide button indicates that the notification setting has been set to "ON."

[0157] By way of example and not limitation, the notification-attached electronic money usage information may be received by the terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account and displayed or audibly output, etc., to notify the recipient account that the notification-attached electronic money has been used. This notification is referred to as a "notification-attached electronic money usage notification."

[0158] In this state, when the "Remit" button BT2 at the bottom of the screen is tapped, the screen on the left side of FIG. 1-10 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA, by way of example and not limitation. This screen is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A. Below the page name display area is a notification area where the contents of the notification are displayed, and on the left side of the notification area, notification-attached electronic money remittance result information NR1, which is information regarding the result of the notification-attached electronic money remittance, is displayed. For user AA, this information indicates that electronic money with notification has been received, so it can also be considered as electronic money receipt result information with notification.

[0159] The notification-attached electronic money remittance result information NR1 includes, by way of example and not limitation, the amount remitted (amount received), the remittance date and time which is the date and time when the notification-attached electronic money remittance process was performed by server 10, a "Receive" icon indicating that the recipient is the remittance party (remittance destination), illustrated information of the remitter and remittance destination, and a ">Check details" button for checking the details.

[0160] In this example, the remittance amount is displayed as "1,000 yen," with a "Receive" icon next to it indicating that the remittance has been received. The remittance date and time is displayed as "April 5, 2021, 10:23 AM," and the sender account icon and user name (BB) of user BB are displayed, while the recipient account icon and user name (AA) of user AA are displayed.

[0161] For example, but not by way of limitation, when user AA taps the "Return to Menu" button BT3 at the bottom of the screen, the main menu screen shown in the center of Figure 1-10 is displayed. Similar to the main menu screen of terminal 20B on the left side of Figure 1-9, the main menu screen of terminal 20A includes a balance display area BR2.

[0162] Here, the balance displayed in the balance display area BR2 may be, for example and without limitation, the total of the normal electronic money balance and the notification-attached electronic money balance. As a non-limiting example, the account with application ID "U001" in Figure 1-6 is the account of user AA in this example, and its regular electronic money balance is "500 yen." Also, in this example, user BB transfers "1,000 yen" to user AA as a remittance with notification, and user AA receives this. Therefore, the sum of the regular electronic money balance and the electronic money balance with notification is "1,500 yen." Therefore, the balance display area BR2 displays "1,500 yen" as the electronic money balance.

[0163] Then, for example, but not by way of limitation, assume that user AA is about to make a purchase at a store. In this case, when the "Code Payment" icon IC2 containing the words "Code Payment" is tapped on the main menu screen in the center of Figure 1-10, the screen on the right side of Figure 1-10 is displayed, for example, but not by way of limitation.

[0164] This screen is a code payment screen for making code payments, and the words "Code Payment" are displayed in the page name display area. In addition, in the area below that, a wallet code information display area WCR1 is configured in which wallet code information is displayed.

[0165] In this example, the wallet code information display area WCR1 displays, as wallet code information, by way of example and not limitation, the word "balance" indicating user AA's electronic money balance and the amount (in this example, "1,500 yen"), a one-dimensional wallet code image represented by a one-dimensional code image (by way of example and not limitation, a barcode), and a two-dimensional wallet code image represented by a two-dimensional code image (by way of example and not limitation, a QR code).

[0166] In this example, below the one-dimensional code image, a wallet token (in this example, "123456789000") represented by a predetermined number of digits (in this example, "12 digits") is displayed as wallet code information. The wallet token may be encoded and stored in a two-dimensional wallet code image, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0167] It is not necessary to display both the one-dimensional wallet code image and the two-dimensional wallet code image, and it is also possible to display only one of them. Also, the wallet token may not be displayed. Also, as shown in this figure, information regarding the expiration date of the wallet code information (as an example, but not limited to, the time remaining until the expiration date, displayed below the two-dimensional wallet code image) may or may not be displayed.

[0168] Furthermore, since wallet code information is code information used to make payments (settlements), it may also be referred to as payment code information, settlement code information, etc.

[0169] In this embodiment, by way of example and not limitation, when the normal electronic money balance is less than the notification electronic money balance, the server 10 can perform the settlement (settlement process) based on the following. (a) Payment amount ≦ Regular electronic money balance: Payment from regular electronic money balance (b) Regular electronic money balance < payment amount ≦ notification electronic money balance: Consumption from notification electronic money balance (c) Electronic money balance with notification < payment amount: payment not possible (payment NG) That is, in this embodiment, a payment using both the normal electronic money balance and the notification-attached electronic money balance (combined payment) is not performed.

[0170] in particular, In this example, (a) means that when making a payment of 500 yen or less, the payment is normally made from the electronic money balance. (b) means that in this example, when making a payment of more than 500 yen and less than 1000 yen, the payment is made from the balance of electronic money with notification. (c) means that in this example, payments of more than 1,000 yen are not possible.

[0171] In this embodiment, as in (c) above, if the payment amount exceeds the maximum value of the electronic money balance with notification, the payment is not permitted. Therefore, the balance displayed in the wallet code information display area can be used as the electronic money balance with notification.

[0172] Furthermore, when making a payment in the above (a), the payment may be made from the notification-attached electronic money balance, as in the above (b). In other words, the notification-attached electronic money balance may be used in preference to the normal electronic money balance for making a payment.

[0173] By way of example and not limitation, if the regular electronic money balance is equal to or greater than the notified electronic money balance, the server 10 may perform a settlement (settlement process) based on the following: (d) Payment amount ≦ notification electronic money balance: Payment is made from notification electronic money balance (e) Notification electronic money balance < payment amount ≦ regular electronic money balance: Consumption from regular electronic money balance (f) Regular electronic money balance < payment amount: payment not possible (payment NG)

[0174] When making a payment in the above (d), the payment may be made from the regular electronic money balance, as in the above (e). In other words, the regular electronic money balance may be used in preference to the notification-attached electronic money balance.

[0175] In the code payment screen on the right side of FIG. 1-10, by way of example and not limitation, when a one-dimensional wallet code image or a two-dimensional wallet code image is read by the code reader 58 of the store code reader device 50, payment is made by the server 10. In this example, it is assumed that user AA purchases a book for 1,000 yen at XX Bookstore. As a result, the screen on the left side of Figure 1-11 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.

[0176] In this example, in addition to the image of a robot and text indicating that the payment has been completed, the payment amount (in this example, "1,000 yen"), the payment date and time (in this example, "April 5, 2021, 2:50 PM"), and the payment destination (in this example, "XX Bookstore") are also displayed, but are not limited to these.

[0177] When the "Confirm" button BT4 at the bottom of the screen is tapped, the screen shown in the center of Figure 1-11 will be displayed, as an example and not a limitation. This screen is the main menu screen mentioned above, and the balance displayed in the balance display area BR2 has decreased from "1,500 yen" to "500 yen" due to the payment.

[0178] The right side of FIG. 1-11 shows an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B of user BB, who is the user of the notification destination account in this case. This notice screen displays electronic money remittance result information NR2 with notice, which corresponds to electronic money remittance result information NR1 with notice displayed on the notice screen of terminal 20A shown on the left side of FIG. 1-10.

[0179] The notification-attached electronic money remittance result information NR2 includes, by way of example and not limitation, the remittance amount, the remittance date and time, a "Remittance" icon indicating that the notification-attached electronic money is being sent from the sender, illustrated information of the sender and recipient, and a ">Check details" button.

[0180] Below that, electronic money usage information NU2 with notification is displayed, which indicates that the electronic money with notification sent to user AA has been used by user AA. This notification-attached electronic money usage information NU2 includes, by way of example and not limitation, the date and time when the amount transferred via notification-attached transfer was used (in this example, "April 5, 2021, 2:50 p.m."), text indicating that it was used (in this example, "The electronic money transferred to AA has been used"), and a ">Check details" button. This notification-attached electronic money usage information NU2 allows user BB, who has sent money to user AA, to know that the remitted amount has been used by user AA.

[0181] <Processing> 1-12 and 1-13 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment. This figure shows, from the left, examples of processing performed by the control unit 21 of terminal 20A, processing performed by the control unit 21 of terminal 20B, processing performed by the control unit 11 of server 10, and processing performed by the store POS system 40.

[0182] Note that the processes described below are merely examples of processes for realizing the method of the present disclosure, and are not limited to these. Other steps may be added to the processing described below, or some steps may be omitted (deleted) from the processing described below.

[0183] Here, as with the display screen, Source account = User BB's (user of the first device) account Destination account = User AA's (user of the second device) account Notification account = Remittance source account = User BB (user of the first terminal) account The following illustrates the process in this case.

[0184] First, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B performs a notification-attached electronic money remittance setting process (B110) as a setting process for remittance of notification-attached electronic money, based on user input to the input / output unit 23, etc. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 sets the amount to be remitted, the remittance destination account (user AA's account in this example), whether or not to send notification-attached electronic money (ON / OFF), the notification destination account (user BB's account in this example), etc.

[0185] Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B sends electronic money remittance request information with notification, which includes, for example but not limited to, the application ID of the remitter account and the setting information set in B110, to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (B120).

[0186] When the communication I / F 14 receives the electronic money remittance request information with notification from the terminal 20B, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs electronic money remittance processing with notification (S110). Specifically, based on the setting information, the remittance amount is subtracted from the regular electronic money balance in the account management data of user BB. Also, a record associating the notification destination ID ("U0002" in this example), the notifier name ("user BB" in this example), and the notification electronic money balance (the remittance amount) is added to the notification electronic money management data in the account management data of user AA.

[0187] Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits electronic money remittance result information with notification, which is information relating to the electronic money remittance result with notification, to each of the terminals 20A and 20B via the communication I / F 14 (S120). The control unit 21 of the terminal 20A and the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B cause the electronic money remittance result information received from the server 10 to be displayed on the display unit 24, respectively (A110, B130).

[0188] After A110, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits wallet payment request information to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 based on the user input to the input / output unit 23 (A120). When the wallet payment request information is received from the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14, the control unit 11 of the server 10 generates the wallet code information described above, for example but not by way of limitation, and then transmits it to the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14 (S130). The wallet code information may include information on the balance of electronic money.

[0189] When the wallet code information is received from the server 10 via the communication I / F 22, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the received wallet code information on the display unit 24 (A130). The wallet code information displayed on the display unit 24 is read by the store code reader device 50 (code reader 58) of the store POS system 40 (P110).

[0190] The store code reader device 50 transmits payment request information including, by way of example and not limitation, store information (store ID, etc.), the payment request amount, and the wallet token contained in the read wallet code information to the server 10 via the communication I / F 44 (P120).

[0191] When the communication I / F 14 receives the payment request information from the store POS system 40, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs the payment process (S140). In this case, the control unit 11 performs the payment based on the above-mentioned methods (a) to (f), for example and not by way of limitation.

[0192] Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits payment result information, which is information relating to the result of the payment, to the terminal 20A and the store POS system 40 via the communication I / F 14 (S150).

[0193] The control unit 21 of the terminal 20A causes the display unit 24 to display the payment result information received from the server 10 (A140). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A ends the process.

[0194] Similarly, the control unit 51 of the store code reader 50 causes the display unit 53 to display the payment result information received from the server 10 (P130). Then, the control unit 51 of the store code reader 50 ends the process.

[0195] After S150, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not the notification-attached electronic money balance has been used for the payment in the payment processing of S140 (S160). If it is determined that the information has not been used (S160: NO), the control unit 11 of the server 10 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electronic money has been used (S160: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits the electronic money use information with notification to the terminal 20B via the communication I / F 14 (S170). Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 ends the process.

[0196] After B130, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B determines whether or not electronic money usage information with notification has been received from the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (B140). If it is determined that the message has not been received (B140: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification-attached electronic money usage information has been received (B140: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B causes the display unit 24 to display the received notification-attached electronic money usage information (B150). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B ends the process.

[0197] <Effects of the First Embodiment> In this embodiment, the server 10 receives remittance request information (not limiting, an example of information regarding remittance of the first electronic currency) for notification-attached electronic money (not limiting, an example of the first electronic currency), which is electronic money for which notification settings have been made by the user (not limiting, an example of the user of the first terminal) of the terminal 20 (not limiting, an example of the first terminal) of the user of the remittance source account. In addition, based on receiving the remittance request information, the server 10 controls the control unit 11 to store the electronic money with notification to be remitted to the user of the remittance destination account in the electronic money with notification balance (this is not a limitation, but an example of control to store the first electronic currency to be remitted to the user of the second terminal in association with the user of the second terminal). In addition, based on receiving the remittance request information, the server 10 transmits electronic money remittance result information with notification (which is not limited to, but is an example of second information indicating that remittance has been made from the first terminal to the user of the second terminal) to the terminal 20 of the user of the destination account via the communication I / F 14. The server 10 is configured to send notification-attached electronic money usage information (not limited to, but an example of a notification) to the terminal 20 (not limited to, but an example of a third terminal) of the user of the destination account based on the fact that at least a portion of the notification-attached electronic money has been used by the user of the destination account. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, based on reception from the first terminal of first information which is information regarding the remittance of first electronic currency for which notification settings have been made by the user of the first terminal to the user of the second terminal, the first electronic currency to be remitted to the user of the second terminal can be stored in association with the user of the second terminal, and the user of the second terminal can be notified that the remittance has been made from the first terminal. Also, the user of the third terminal can be notified of the fact that at least a portion of the first electronic currency has been used by the user of the second terminal.

[0198] In this case, the notification-attached electronic money usage information may include information indicating that at least a portion of the notification-attached electronic money has been used by the user of the remittance destination account. As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the third terminal that at least a part of the first electronic currency has been used by the user of the second terminal.

[0199] In addition, this embodiment shows a configuration in which the terminal 20 (not limited to, but an example of a third terminal) of the user of the notification destination account is the terminal 20 (not limited to, but an example of a first terminal) of the user of the remittance source account. As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the first terminal who has set up notification that at least a part of the first electronic currency has been used by the user of the second terminal.

[0200] As one example, a parent (mother or father) may transfer electronic money to their child to allow them to go shopping or the like. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, the mother's account is the sender account, and the mother's terminal 20 is the first terminal. Also, by way of example and not limitation, the child's account is the destination account, in which case the child's terminal 20 is the second terminal. Also, as a non-limiting example, the mother's account is set as the notification destination account, in which case the mother's terminal 20 becomes the third terminal (=first terminal). When the child uses the electronic money with notification transferred from the mother to pay for purchases or the like using the child's own account, a notification can be sent to the mother's account.

[0201] In addition, this embodiment shows a configuration in which the control unit 11 controls the server 10 to distinguish and store electronic money with notification (not limited to, but an example of a first electronic currency with notification set) and regular electronic money (not limited to, but an example of a second electronic currency associated with a user of a second terminal). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to manage a first electronic currency for which a notification has been set and a second electronic currency associated with a user of a second terminal for which a notification has not been set separately, thereby improving user convenience.

[0202] <First Modification Example (1)> In the above embodiment, the user of the remittance source account may be allowed to set the content of the notification to be sent to the notification destination account.

[0203] FIG. 1-14 is a diagram showing an example of the account management database 155B, which is an example of the account management database 155 in this modified example. The information stored in each account management data included in account management database 155B is the same as that in account management database 155A, but the information stored in the notification-attached electronic money management data is partially different.

[0204] Specifically, the notification-attached electronic money management data stores the notification content in addition to the notification destination ID, the notifier's name, and the notification-attached electronic money balance. The notification content is more detailed than the content notified to the notified account, and may include, by way of example and not limitation, information such as the "amount" used by the electronic money with notification and the "store" where the electronic money with notification was used.

[0205] In addition, the notification content may or may not include information about the product or service purchased at the payment destination store, etc. In this case, the store POS system 40 may, for example and without limitation, include information about the product or service the user is trying to purchase in the payment request information and send it to the server 10.

[0206] Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least one of the above-mentioned various types of information is stored, that is, one piece of information may be stored, or two or more pieces of information may be stored.

[0207] Every time a sender account sends electronic money with notification to a recipient account, the recipient ID, the name of the sender, the balance of electronic money with notification, and the content of the notification are associated with each other and added to and stored as a new record in the electronic money with notification management data.

[0208] The control unit 11 of the server 10 receives information capable of identifying the notification content transmitted from the store POS system 40 in step P120 of FIG. 1-13, and performs the payment processing in S140 of FIG. 1-13. Then, in step S170 of FIG. 1-13, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes the notification content in electronic money usage information with notification and transmits it to the terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account. Then, the terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account displays the electronic money usage information with notification including the notification content on the display unit 24.

[0209] FIG. 1-15 is a diagram showing an example of transition of the display screen of the terminal 20 in this modified example. The left side of FIG. 1-15 is an example of a remittance screen of the payment application displayed on terminal 20B of user BB, who is the user of the remittance source account, and corresponds to the screen on the right side of FIG. 1-9.

[0210] In this example, an area for setting whether or not to receive a notification of electronic money use with notification is configured with an area for setting the content of the notification. Specifically, as a non-limiting example, along with the words "Notification Content," three notification content items, "Amount," "Payee," and "Content," are displayed, with a check box associated with each item. When a check box is tapped, the check box is checked, and that item can be included in the notification content. In this example, the check box corresponding to the "Amount" item and the check box corresponding to the "Payee" item are both checked, and the state in which the "Transfer" button BT2 has been tapped is shown.

[0211] The center of FIG. 1-15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of user AA, which is a code payment completion screen similar to the screen on the left side of FIG. 1-11.

[0212] The right side of FIG. 1-15 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B of the user BB who is the notification destination in this case, and corresponds to the right side of FIG. 1-11. On this notification screen, electronic money usage information with notification NU3 is displayed instead of electronic money usage information with notification NU2 on the screen on the right side of FIG. 1-11.

[0213] In addition to the information contained in the electronic money usage information NU2 with notification on the screen on the right side of Figure 1-11, this electronic money usage information NU3 with notification also displays, by way of example and not limitation, the amount of electronic money with notification used for payment (in this example, "1,000 yen") and the payment destination (in this example, "XX Bookstore").

[0214] In this modification, the server 10 can incorporate the notification content into notification-attached electronic money usage information in step S170 of FIG. 1-13 and transmit it to the terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account.

[0215] In this variant, the notification-attached electronic money usage information includes at least one of the following: the amount paid by the user of the destination account (not limited to, but an example of the amount used of the first electronic currency), the payment destination (not limited to, but an example of the location used by the user of the second terminal), and the goods or services purchased. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to inform the user of the third terminal of at least one of the amount of the first electronic currency used by the user of the second terminal, the location where it was used by the user of the second terminal, the product purchased by the user of the second terminal, and the service purchased by the user of the second terminal.

[0216] <First Modification (2)> It is also possible for the server 10 to manage the notification-attached electronic money balance and the normal electronic money balance without distinguishing between them.

[0217] FIG. 1-16 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the account management database 155C, which is an example of the account management database 155 in this modified example. Each account management data stores, by way of example and not limitation, an application ID, an electronic money balance, and electronic money usage notification destination management data.

[0218] The electronic money balance is a common balance that does not distinguish between the normal electronic money balance and the notification-attached electronic money balance.

[0219] The electronic money usage notification destination management data is data for managing the notification destination when electronic money with notification is used, and as a non-limiting example, the notification destination ID and the notifier name are stored in association with each other.

[0220] In this modification, in step S110 of Fig. 1-12, the server 10 subtracts the remittance amount from the electronic money balance in the account management data of user BB based on the setting information. The server 10 also adds a record associating the notification destination ID ("U0002" in the above example) and the notifier name ("user BB" in the above example) to the electronic money usage notification destination management data in the account management data of user AA, and adds the remittance amount to the electronic money balance.

[0221] Furthermore, if the server 10 determines that the electronic money has been used and the electronic money balance has become "0", it clears the electronic money use notification destination management data.

[0222] This modified example shows a configuration in which the control unit 11 controls the server 10 to store electronic money with notification (not limited to, but an example of a first electronic currency with notification set) and regular electronic money (not limited to, but an example of a second electronic currency associated with a user of a second terminal) without distinguishing between them. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to manage a first electronic currency for which a notification has been set and a second electronic currency associated with a user of a second terminal for which a notification has not been set without distinguishing between them.

[0223] <First Modification (3)> When making a payment in the first embodiment, there may be cases where the payment is not possible (payment NG) due to insufficient electronic money balance, etc. Examples of this are the cases (c) and (f) described above. In such a case, if the server 10 determines that payment is not possible during the payment process, it may notify the user of the insufficient balance or the inability to make payment by sending information about the insufficient balance or the inability to make payment to at least one of the terminals 20 of the user of the destination account and the terminals 20 of the user of the notification destination account.

[0224] <Second Example> The second embodiment is an embodiment in which notification of use of notification-attached electronic money is given according to the balance of notification-attached electronic money.

[0225] The contents described in the second embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0226] In this embodiment, if the balance of the electronic money with notification is equal to or less than a set amount (set value), the notification of use of the electronic money with notification is not sent. This is because, by way of example and not limitation, it is difficult to make large payments using the electronic money with notification if the balance of the electronic money with notification is relatively small. The set amount can be set by the user of the sender account (the user of the first terminal, not by way of limitation), by way of example and not limitation. However, this is not limited to this, and may be set by the server 10 (the user of the server 10), or by the user of the notification destination account (not limited to this, but is an example of a user of the third terminal).

[0227] <Processing> FIG. 2-1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment, and shows the part corresponding to FIG. 1-13. As a non-limiting example, in step B110 of FIG. 1-12, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B may set the notification content based on a user input to the input / output unit 23.

[0228] If it is determined in S160 that the notification-attached electronic money balance has been used (S160: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B determines whether the notification-attached electronic money balance is equal to or less than a set amount (S210). If it is determined that the notification-attached electronic money balance is equal to or less than the set amount (S210: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification-attached electronic money balance exceeds the set amount (S210: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B advances the process to S170.

[0229] In S210, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B may determine whether the notification-attached electronic money balance is less than the set amount.

[0230] <Effects of the second embodiment> This embodiment shows a configuration in which the notification of electronic money usage with notification is not sent by the server 10 to the terminal 20 (not limited to, but an example of a third terminal) of the user of the notification destination account if the balance of electronic money with notification is less than or equal to the set amount. As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, when the balance of electronic money with notification is small to a certain extent, it is possible to prevent the server from sending a notification to the third terminal.

[0231] <Second Modification Example (1)> The conditions for issuing or not issuing a notification of electronic money use with notification are not limited to those described in the above embodiment. For example, and not by way of limitation, if the amount of electronic money with notification used per transaction is equal to or less than a set amount, the notification of electronic money usage with notification may not be sent by the server 10. This is because if the amount used per transaction is small, it may not be a high-risk use of electronic money with notification.

[0232] Furthermore, as a non-limiting example, notification may be made at a set timing rather than every time notification-enabled electronic money is used. In this case, the conditions for making a notification may be, by way of example and not limitation, as follows: At set times (once a month, once a week, etc.) When all electronic money with notification has been used If the amount used of the electronic money with notification is equal to or greater than the set amount If the percentage of the amount used of the electronic money with notification is equal to or greater than the set percentage When the number of times or frequency of use of notification-enabled electronic money is greater than the set value (e.g., when it is used more than five times within 24 hours), or when it is greater than the set value. A combination of two or more of the above

[0233] The various conditions above may be set by, for example and not by way of limitation, a user of the sending account (and not by way of limitation, a user of the first terminal). However, this is not limited to this, and may be set by the server 10 (the user of the server 10), or by the user of the notification destination account (not limited to this, but is an example of a user of the third terminal).

[0234] This modified example shows a configuration in which the notification of electronic money usage with notification is not sent by server 10 if the amount of electronic money with notification (an example of the first electronic currency, not a limitation) used by the user of the destination account (an example of the user of the second terminal, not a limitation) is less than or equal to the set amount. As an example of the effect of this modified example, if the amount of the first electronic currency used by the user of the second terminal is relatively small, the server can be prevented from sending a notification to the third terminal, thereby reducing the effort required for the user of the third terminal to check the notification.

[0235] Furthermore, this modified example shows a configuration in which the notification-attached electronic money usage notification is transmitted by the server 10 at a timing set by the user of the remittance source account (not limited to, but an example of the user of the first terminal). As an example of the effect of this modified example obtained by such a configuration, a notification can be sent from the server to the third terminal at a timing arbitrarily set by the user of the first terminal.

[0236] <Second Modification Example (2)> The user of the notification destination account may be allowed to check the usage history of the notification-attached electronic money by displaying information about the usage history of the notification-attached electronic money on the terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account.

[0237] FIG. 2-2 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10 in this modification. In addition to the above-mentioned programs and data, the storage unit 15 stores, as a non-limiting example, payment history management data 157.

[0238] FIG. 2-3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the payment history management data 157. The payment history management data is data for managing payment history of payments made from a normal electronic money balance without notification and payment history of payments made from an electronic money balance with notification, and by way of example and not limitation, the payment ID, application ID, name of the store used, date and time of payment, and payment amount are stored in association with each other.

[0239] The payment ID is identification information for uniquely identifying a payment, and by way of example and not limitation, a unique ID is set by the server 10 each time a payment is made using electronic money.

[0240] In the application ID, the server 10 stores the application ID of the terminal 20 (or the user of the terminal 20) that performed the payment (payment-related processing). The store name of the store that requested the payment for the payment ID is stored by the server 10 as the store name used. As the payment date and time, the server 10 stores the date and time when the payment process for that payment ID was performed by the server 10. The payment amount for that payment ID is stored by the server 10 as the payment amount.

[0241] Instead of the name of the store where the payment ID was used, the store ID of the store that requested the payment may be stored.

[0242] FIG. 2-4 is a diagram showing an example of the account management database 155D, which is an example of the account management database 155 in this embodiment. Each account management data included in the account management database 155D stores, in addition to the application ID, the regular electronic money balance, and the notification-attached electronic money management data, electronic money usage history data with notification, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0243] In this data, the electronic money management data with notification stores, by way of example and not limitation, a remittance management ID, a notification destination ID, a notifier name, and an electronic money balance with notification in association with each other.

[0244] Unlike the aforementioned electronic money management data with notification, in this embodiment, a notification destination ID, a notifier name, and an electronic money balance with notification are associated with a remittance management ID.

[0245] The remittance management ID is an ID for uniquely identifying a remittance of electronic money with notification, and by way of example and not limitation, a different ID is set and stored by server 10 each time a remittance of electronic money with notification is executed by server 10. As a non-limiting example, even when electronic money with notification is transferred from the same account of user BB to the same account of user AA, different IDs are set for each.

[0246] The notification-attached electronic money usage history data is data relating to the usage history of notification-attached electronic money, and by way of example, but not limitation, the payment ID, remittance management ID, name of the store used, date and time of use, and amount used are stored in association with each other.

[0247] The payment ID stores the payment ID corresponding to the payment made using notification-attached electronic money among the payment IDs stored in the payment history management data 157. By storing this payment ID, the server 10 can identify the required amount even when returning a product or service.

[0248] The remittance management ID stores the remittance management ID corresponding to the balance of electronic money with notification used in the payment for this payment ID, among the remittance management IDs stored in the electronic money with notification management data.

[0249] The store name of the store that is used is stored as the store name that corresponds to this payment ID, from among the store names stored in the payment history management data 157.

[0250] As the date and time of use, the date and time of payment corresponding to this payment ID among the dates and times of payment stored in the payment history management data 157 is stored.

[0251] The amount used is the amount of notification-attached electronic money used in the payment for this payment ID, out of the payment amounts stored in the payment history management data 157.

[0252] In this embodiment, the server 10 performs the settlement using the above-mentioned methods (a) to (f). Of these, in the cases (b) and (d) described above, the payment is made from the balance of the electronic money with notification, so that amount can be stored as the amount used.

[0253] It is also possible to use both the normal electronic money balance without notification and the electronic money balance with notification for payment, as will be described in detail later. In this case, the total amount of these amounts is stored as the payment amount in the payment history management data 157 (FIG. 2-3). In this case, the amount of electronic money with notification used for the payment out of the payment amount can be stored as the amount used in the electronic money with notification usage history data (FIG. 2-4).

[0254] As an example, and not as a limitation, the account management data shown at the front of Figure 2-4 is the account management data of the aforementioned recipient user AA, and the remittance management ID "T01003" in the notification-attached electronic money management data indicates that "2,000 yen" was remitted by notification-attached electronic money remittance from the aforementioned sender user BB, and the notification-attached electronic money balance was "2,000 yen." After that, payments were made using the electronic money with notification for the payment IDs "P21053," "P29903," and "P32306" in the electronic money with notification usage history data, and the total amount used was "1,000 yen + 400 yen + 200 yen = 1,600 yen," so the electronic money with notification balance was "2,000 yen - 1,600 yen = 400 yen."

[0255] The left side of FIG. 2-5 shows an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B of user BB, who is the user of the remittance source account and the notification destination account in this modified example.

[0256] This notification screen displays electronic money usage information NU21 with notification. This electronic money usage information NU21 with notification includes, by way of example and not limitation, a "Check Usage History" button BT21 containing the words "View Usage History" for the user to check the usage history of the remittance with notification.

[0257] When this "Check Usage History" button BT21 is tapped, the screen in the center of Figure 2-5 will be displayed, as an example and not a limitation. This screen is an example of an electronic money usage history screen with notification in a payment application, and at the top it displays an icon image of user AA and their username (AA), as well as the total amount of the remittance with notification (in this example, "2,000 yen") and the unused amount of that (in this example, "400 yen").

[0258] Below that, there is provided selection information that the user can select to enable viewing of the notification-attached electronic money usage history for a predetermined period of time, such as, but not limited to, "1 week," "1 month," "6 months," etc. This selection information is similar to a tab, and for convenience, will be referred to as a "selection tab."

[0259] In this example, when the selection tab corresponding to "1 week" is tapped, that selection tab is highlighted, and below it, a list of electronic money usage history with notification for the past week is displayed. Specifically, in this example, a payment of "1,000 yen" at "XX Bookstore," a payment of "400 yen" at "Convenience Store YY," and a payment of "200 yen" at "ZZ Supermarket" are displayed. In other words, of the total amount of remittance with notification ("2,000 yen" above), "1,600 yen" has been used.

[0260] Below that, a "Check Usage" button BT22 is provided, which includes the words "View Usage" and allows the user to check the specific usage status of the notification-enabled electronic money. When this "Check Usage" button is tapped, the screen on the right side of Figure 2-5 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation. As a non-limiting example, a trend graph of the electronic money balance with notification corresponding to the period displayed when the "Check Usage" button BT22 was tapped is displayed. In this example, the screen on the right side of Figure 2-5 displays a trend graph of the electronic money balance with notification for the past "one week" period (in this example, "the period from April 5, 2021 to April 11, 2021"), corresponding to the electronic money usage history with notification for the past "one week" period displayed on the screen in the center of Figure 2-5 when the "Check Usage" button BT22 was tapped.

[0261] In addition, below the trend graph, there is a "View Usage History List" button BT23 containing the words "View Usage History List." When this "View Usage History List" button BT23 is tapped, the screen returns to the screen in the center of Figure 2-5.

[0262] In this modification, by way of example and not limitation, various devices can be configured to execute the processes based on FIGS. 1-12 to 2-1. For example, and not by way of limitation, the electronic money remittance result information with notification may include the remittance management ID set by the electronic money remittance with notification process.

[0263] In this process, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account stores, by way of example and not limitation, the notification-attached electronic money usage information in the storage unit 28. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account can cause the display unit 24 to display the notification-attached electronic money usage history based on the notification-attached electronic money usage information stored in the storage unit 28, based on user input.

[0264] Alternatively, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 of the user of the account to be notified may send request information for electronic money usage history data with notification to the server 10, and the control unit 11 of the server 10 may send the electronic money usage history data with notification to the terminal 20 of the user of the account to be notified.

[0265] In this case, as an example and not a limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 of the user of the notified account can generate a trend graph based on the notification-attached electronic money usage information stored in the memory unit 28. Alternatively, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may generate a transition graph based on the electronic money usage history data with notification (FIG. 2-4) and transmit it to the terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account.

[0266] This modified example shows a configuration in which the server 10 transmits information regarding the usage history of notification-attached electronic money (not limited to, but an example of the first electronic currency) by the user of the destination account (not limited to, but an example of the user of the second terminal) to the terminal 20 (not limited to, but an example of the third terminal) of the user of the destination account. As an example of the effect of this modified example obtained by such a configuration, when at least a portion of the first electronic currency is used by the user of the second terminal, information regarding the usage history of the first electronic currency can be notified to the user of the third terminal.

[0267] <Second Modification Example (3)> As described above, by storing the payment ID in the payment history management data 157, the server 10 can identify the required amount even when returning a product or service. In this case, when refunding at least a portion of the electronic money with notification used by the user of the remittance destination account, the control unit 11 of the server 10 identifies the payment ID sent from the store POS system 40 from the payment history management data 157. This is to confirm whether or not a payment has been made and to identify the payment amount.

[0268] Next, the control unit 11 of the server 10 refers to the notification-attached electronic money usage history data included in the account management data of the user of the remittance account in the account management database 155D, and identifies the remittance management ID corresponding to the identified payment ID.

[0269] If there is no remittance management ID corresponding to the identified payment ID, it means that the notification-attached electronic money was not used for the payment. Therefore, the refund amount is added to the regular electronic money balance. If the payment was made using only regular electronic money, the payment amount corresponding to the identified payment ID in the payment history management data 157 will be the refund amount to the regular electronic money balance.

[0270] On the other hand, if a remittance management ID corresponding to the identified payment ID exists, it means that the notification-attached electronic money was used for the payment. Therefore, the amount used corresponding to the identified payment ID is identified from the notification-attached electronic money usage history data, and that amount used is added to the notification-attached electronic money balance of the corresponding remittance management ID in the notification-attached electronic money management data.

[0271] In this modified example, when the server 10 refunds at least a portion of the notification-attached electronic money used by the user of the destination account, the control unit 11 controls the refund to the user of the destination account with a notification set on at least a portion of the notification-attached electronic money. As an example of the effect of this modified example obtained by such a configuration, when it is necessary to refund at least a portion of the first electronic currency used by the user of the second terminal, the refund can be made to the user of the second terminal with a notification set on at least a portion of the first electronic currency.

[0272] <Third Example> The third embodiment is an embodiment that enables the user of the remittance destination account to confirm the remittance of electronic money with notification and the association of electronic money with the account of the remittance destination user.

[0273] The contents described in the third embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0274] <Display screen> The left side of FIG. 3-1 shows an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of user AA, who is the user of the remittance destination account. On this notification screen, on the left side of the notification area, notification-attached electronic money receipt confirmation information NC31 for confirming receipt of notification-attached electronic money from user BB is displayed.

[0275] This notification-attached electronic money receipt confirmation information NC31 displays, by way of example and not limitation, the amount to be transferred (in this example, "1,000 yen"), a "Receive" icon indicating that the user is the recipient, an illustration indicating that user BB will be notified when the transferred notification-attached electronic money is received and used, the date and time that the notification-attached electronic money receipt confirmation information NC31 was sent by server 10, the text "Electronic money with notification has arrived (BB will be notified of usage status)," an illustration indicating that the transfer is from user BB to user AA, and a ">Check details" button. In addition, a "Decline" button BT31 for refusing to receive the notification-attached electronic money and a "Receive" button BT32 for allowing receipt of the notification-attached electronic money are also displayed.

[0276] Since user AA has not yet received the electronic money with notification, the electronic money with notification receipt confirmation information NC31 uses the expression "electronic money with notification has arrived" as an example and not as a limitation.

[0277] When the "Decline" button BT31 is tapped, the electronic money with notification from user BB to user AA is not transferred. Also, as a non-limiting example, a screen such as the one shown on the right side of Figure 3-1 is displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20B of user BB, who is the user of the remitter's account. This screen is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen for a payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20B, and on the left side of the notification area, notification-attached electronic money receipt refusal information ND31 is displayed, indicating that receipt of the notification-attached electronic money has been refused.

[0278] Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, the date and time when this notification-attached electronic money refusal information ND31 was sent by server 10, the text "Failed to transfer notification-attached electronic money to AA," the amount attempted to be transferred (in this example, "1,000 yen"), and a ">Check details" button labeled ">Check details" are displayed.

[0279] On the other hand, when the "Receive" button BT32 is tapped on the screen on the left side of FIG. 3-1, electronic money with notification is transferred from user BB to user AA.

[0280] <Processing> 3-2 and 3-3 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment. When the electronic money remittance request information with notification is received from the terminal 20B, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits electronic money receipt confirmation information with notification to the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14 (S310). In this case, the notification-attached electronic money receipt confirmation information may include, by way of example and not limitation, information indicating that notification has been set for the electronic money to be transferred to the user of terminal 20A.

[0281] In response to this, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A causes the display unit 24 to display the received electronic money receipt confirmation information with notification (A310).

[0282] Thereafter, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether or not to receive the notification-attached electronic money (A320) based on, for example, a user input to the input / output unit 23 indicating acceptance of the receipt. If it is determined not to receive the notification-attached electronic money (A320: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A ends the process.

[0283] On the other hand, if it is determined that the electronic money should be received (A320: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits electronic money reception acceptance information with notification to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (A330).

[0284] After S310, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not electronic money receipt acceptance information with notification has been received from the terminal 20A (S320), and if it is determined that it has been received (S320: YES), the process proceeds to S110.

[0285] On the other hand, if it is determined that the electronic money has not been received (S320: NO), the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits electronic money reception refusal information with notification to the terminal 20B via the communication I / F 14 (S330).

[0286] After B120, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B determines whether or not electronic money receipt refusal information with notification has been received from the server 10 (B310), and if it determines that it has not been received (B310: NO), it executes step B130.

[0287] On the other hand, if it is determined that the electronic money receipt refusal information with notification has been received (B310: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B causes the display unit 24 to display the received electronic money receipt refusal information with notification (B320). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B ends the process.

[0288] In the above process, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may not send electronic money receipt confirmation information with notification to the terminal 20A in step S310, but may include information indicating that notification has been set for the electronic money to be remitted to the user of the terminal 20A in the electronic money remittance result information with notification and send it to the terminal 20A in step S120.

[0289] In the above process, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may execute step A330 after step A310 without executing step A320.

[0290] <Effects of the third embodiment> This embodiment shows a configuration in which the server 10 transmits electronic money receipt confirmation information with notification (not limited to, but an example of notification setting information indicating that notification settings have been made for the first electronic currency transferred to the user of the second terminal) to the terminal 20 of the user of the destination account via the communication I / F 22. As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the second terminal that notification settings have been made for the first electronic currency transferred to the user of the second terminal.

[0291] In this case, based on the transmission of the electronic money receipt confirmation information with notification, the server 10 receives electronic money receipt acceptance information with notification (not limited to this, but an example of permission information regarding permission to remit to the user of the second terminal) transmitted from the terminal 20 of the user of the remittance destination account via the communication I / F 14. Then, based on the reception of this electronic money receipt acceptance information with notification, the electronic money with notification is stored in association with the user of the remittance destination account. As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the first electronic currency from being stored in association with the user of the second terminal without the permission of the user of the second terminal.

[0292] <Third Modification (1)> For example, and not by way of limitation, a malicious user of a source account may intentionally send electronic money with notification in an attempt to learn information such as the location of a user of a destination account. Furthermore, as a non-limiting example, in the parent-child example mentioned above, the child who receives the notification-enabled electronic money may end up sending the notification-enabled electronic money to a complete stranger using a tip, which is a type of gifting function.

[0293] Therefore, it is also possible to notify the recipient account that when the notification-attached electronic money is used, a notification will be sent to the terminal 20 of the user of the recipient account before at least a portion of the notification-attached electronic money is used by the user of the recipient account.

[0294] FIG. 3-4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. The left side of FIG. 3-4 shows the code payment screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of user AA, who is the user of the remittance destination account. When the wallet code information displayed in the wallet code information display area WCR1 is read by the store code reader device 50, as an example and not a limitation, as shown in the center of Figure 3-4, superimposed on the wallet code information display area WCR1 of the code payment screen, notification-attached electronic money usage confirmation information NE31 is displayed, which is information informing the user of the destination account that a notification of electronic money usage with notification has been sent to the destination account (in this example, user BB's account) when at least a portion of the notification-attached electronic money is used by the destination account (in this example, user AA's account).

[0295] Specifically, in this example, the text "This payment will be notified to BB. Are you sure?" is displayed, along with a "Pay" button BT33 to accept the use of electronic money with notification and make the payment, and a "Cancel" button T34 to reject the use of electronic money with notification and stop the payment.

[0296] When the "Pay" button BT33 is tapped, the payment process is performed by the server 10. Then, the screen on the right side of FIG. 3-4 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B of the user BB, who is the user of the remittance source account and the notification destination account, by way of example and not limitation. This screen is the notification screen of the payment application, and on the left side of the notification area, below the notification-attached electronic money transfer result information NR2 indicating that the transfer of notification-attached electronic money from user BB to user AA has been completed, notification-attached electronic money usage information NU3 indicating that notification-attached electronic money has been used by user AA is displayed.

[0297] FIG. 3-5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this modified example. After S120, when the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives wallet payment request information from the terminal 20A, it transmits electronic money use confirmation information with notification to the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14 (S340). This electronic money use confirmation information with notification may include, by way of example and not limitation, information informing (notifying) user AA that a notification of electronic money use with notification will be sent to the notification destination account (user BB's account in this example) when at least a portion of the electronic money with notification is used by the remittance destination account (user AA's account in this example).

[0298] After A120, when the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A receives the notification-attached electronic money use confirmation information from the server 10, it determines whether or not to use the notification-attached electronic money (A340), for example, by determining whether or not an input permitting the use of the notification-attached electronic money has been made to the input / output unit 23. If it is determined not to use the notification-attached electronic money (A340: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A ends the process.

[0299] On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification-attached electronic money is to be used (A340: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits notification-attached electronic money use approval information to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (A350).

[0300] After S340, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not the notification-attached electronic money use consent information has been received from the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14 (S350). If it is determined that the notification-attached electronic money use consent information has not been received (S350: NO), the control unit 11 of the server 10 ends the process.

[0301] On the other hand, if it is determined that notification-attached electronic money use approval information has been received (S350: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 proceeds to S130.

[0302] If the setting is such that the notification-attached electronic money balance is used preferentially for payment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can execute step S340 after step S120, as described above. However, if the setting is such that payments are made using the regular electronic money balance first, the control unit 11 of the server 10 cannot determine whether to make the payment using the notification electronic money balance instead of the regular electronic money balance unless it knows the payment amount, and therefore cannot determine whether it is necessary to send notification electronic money use confirmation information to the terminal 20A.

[0303] Therefore, as a non-limiting example, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits electronic money use confirmation information with notification along with wallet code information to the terminal 20A in step S130. Then, before executing step S140 in Fig. 1-13, the control unit 11 may confirm with the terminal 20A whether or not the settlement using the electronic money balance with notification is permitted.

[0304] 1-13, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may determine whether or not the notification-attached electronic money balance will be used for the payment, based on the payment amount included in the payment request information received from the store POS system 40. If it determines that the notification-attached electronic money balance will be used for the payment, the control unit 11 may transmit notification-attached electronic money use confirmation information to the terminal 20A to confirm with the terminal 20A whether or not the payment using the notification-attached electronic money balance is permitted.

[0305] This modified example shows a configuration in which the server 10 transmits notification-attached electronic money usage confirmation information (not limited to, but an example of third information relating to notification to a third terminal before at least a portion of the first electronic currency is used by a user of a second terminal) to the terminal 20 of the user of the destination account before at least a portion of the notification-attached electronic money is used by the user of the destination account. As an example of the effect of this modified example obtained by such a configuration, the user of the second terminal can be informed that a notification will be sent to the third terminal before at least a portion of the first electronic currency is used by the user of the second terminal.

[0306] <Third Modification (2)> For example and not by way of limitation, the user of the destination account may not want to be notified. Therefore, if the user of the remittance destination account has set up not to receive electronic money remittances with notification, electronic money with notification may not be associated with the remittance destination account. In this case, the user of the remittance source account may be notified that remittances with notification are not possible.

[0307] Here, the following are examples of settings for not receiving electronic money remittance with notification (settings for refusing to receive electronic money with notification). (S1) Bulk refusal (S2) Block (S3) Blacklist (S4) Whitelist

[0308] (S1) Bulk refusal can be, for example and not by way of limitation, a setting to not accept electronic money transfers with notifications from all accounts (or all users).

[0309] (S2) Block may be set, by way of example and not limitation, to not accept electronic money transfers with notifications from a particular account (or particular user).

[0310] (S3) As a non-limiting example, the blacklist may be set by default to allow electronic money transfers with notification from all accounts, but may be set to not allow electronic money transfers with notification from specific accounts.

[0311] (S4) As an example, and not by way of limitation, the whitelist may be set by default to not accept electronic money transfers with notification from all accounts, but may be set to accept electronic money transfers with notification from specific accounts.

[0312] In addition, (S3) blacklists and (S4) whitelists can also be considered as a type of implementation method for (S2) blocking. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, (S2) blocking can be achieved by adding specific accounts to a blacklist. Conversely, by way of example and not limitation, (S2) blocking can also be achieved by removing a specific account from a whitelist.

[0313] Also, (S1) blanket rejection can be considered a type of (S2) block, meaning blocking all accounts.

[0314] FIG. 3-6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. The left side of Figure 3-6 shows an example of a wallet settings screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A. Examples of electronic money settings include, but are not limited to, an "Automatic Charge" option for automatically charging electronic money and a "Refuse to Receive Electronic Money with Notification" option for refusing to receive electronic money with notification from all accounts. A slide button is associated with each item on the right side, and the item can be set to "ON" by tapping or sliding the slide button. This example shows the "Refuse to Receive Electronic Money with Notification" option set to "ON." This is an example of a screen diagram for the aforementioned (S1) blanket refusal.

[0315] In this example, the above item "Reject receipt of electronic money with notification" may be replaced with "Reject receipt of electronic money with notification from the account of user BB." In this case, the above-mentioned (S2) block is executed. In addition, a screen image may be configured that allows the user BB's account to be added to the blacklist or deleted from the whitelist. In this case, this becomes the aforementioned (S3) blacklist and (S4) whitelist.

[0316] In this state, if the "Settings" button BT35 at the bottom of the screen is tapped, the screen in the center of Figure 3-6 will be displayed, as an example and not a limitation. This screen shows an example of a remittance screen displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20B of user BB, the user of the remitter account, and is the same as the screen on the right side of Figure 1-9. When the "Remit" button BT2 is tapped on this screen, the notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20B will display, by way of example and not limitation, the display shown on the right side of Figure 3-6.

[0317] Specifically, on the left side of the notification area, notification-attached electronic money refusal information NF31 is displayed, indicating that user AA has refused to receive notification-attached electronic money based on the (S1) blanket refusal setting in the screen image on the left side of Figure 3-1. This notification-attached electronic money refusal information NF31 displays, by way of example and not limitation, the date and time when this notification-attached electronic money refusal information was sent by server 10, the text "Failed to transfer notification-attached electronic money to AA," the text "(AA's wallet settings have refused to accept notification-attached electronic money)," the amount attempted to be transferred (in this example, "1,000 yen"), and a ">Check details" button.

[0318] In order to distinguish it from the electronic money receipt refusal information with notification described above, in this modified example, it is conveniently referred to as "electronic money refusal information with notification." On the other hand, a consistent terminology may be easier for users of the payment application to understand, so the example display screen uses the term "rejected."

[0319] FIG. 3-7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this modified example. First, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits notification-attached electronic money reception refusal setting information to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 based on a user input to the input / output unit 23 to refuse reception of notification-attached electronic money (A360).

[0320] In response to this, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs a notification-attached electronic money reception refusal setting process (S360). In this case, the control unit 11 can, by way of example and not limitation, set up a setting to block the remitter account (user BB's account in this example). The server 10 can prevent the blocked remitter account from remitting notification-attached electronic money to the remitter account.

[0321] Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not the destination account has been set to refuse receipt of electronic money with notification (S370), and if it is determined that the setting has been set (S370: YES), it transmits electronic money with notification refusal information to the terminal 20B via the communication I / F 14 (S380).Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 proceeds to S130. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting has not been completed (S370: NO), the control unit 11 of the server 10 proceeds to S110.

[0322] After B120, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B determines whether or not electronic money receipt refusal information with notification has been received from the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (B310), and if it determines that the information has been received (B310: YES), causes the display unit 24 to display the electronic money receipt refusal information with notification (B320). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B proceeds to B140 in FIG. 1-13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the message has not been received (B310; NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B moves the process to B130.

[0323] After A360, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether electronic money remittance result information with notification has been received from the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (A370), and if it determines that it has been received (A370: YES), it transfers processing to A110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the message has not been received (A370: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A advances the process to A120.

[0324] This modified example shows a configuration in which, when the server 10 performs an electronic money receipt refusal setting process with notification (not limiting, an example of a case where the user of the second terminal has set up not to receive remittances for which notifications are set up) based on receiving electronic money receipt refusal setting information with notification from the terminal 20 of the user of the remittance destination account, the server 10 does not perform an electronic money receipt refusal setting process with notification (not limiting, an example of associating the first electronic currency with the user of the second terminal), but instead sends electronic money receipt refusal information with notification (not limiting, an example of remittance refusal information indicating that remittance to the user of the second terminal is not possible) to the terminal 20 of the user of the remittance source account (not limiting, an example of the first terminal). As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, if the user of the second terminal has set up not to receive remittances for which notifications are set up, the first electronic currency can be prevented from being associated with the user of the second terminal, and the user of the first terminal can be notified that remittances cannot be made.

[0325] In this case, the setting for the user of the remittance destination account not to receive a remittance for which notification is set may include a setting to block the user of the remittance source account. As an example of the effect of this modified configuration, if the user of the second terminal does not want to receive a remittance for which a notification has been set, the user of the first terminal can be blocked, thereby avoiding receiving a remittance for which a notification has been set from the user of the first terminal.

[0326] In this case, the setting for the user of the remittance destination account not to receive a remittance for which notification is set may include a setting to block users of all accounts. As an example of the effect of this modified configuration, if a user of the second terminal does not want to receive a remittance for which a notification has been set, all users can be blocked, so that they will not receive a remittance for which a notification has been set from a user of the first terminal.

[0327] <Fourth Example> The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which a distinction is made between electronic money with notification and electronic money associated with the user of the remittance destination account for which notification is not set.

[0328] The contents described in the fourth embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0329] <Data structure> FIG. 4-1 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the account management database 155E, which is an example of the account management database 155 in this embodiment. In each account management data in this account management database 155E, the notification-attached electronic money management data is stored in association with, for example and without limitation, a remittance management ID, a remitter ID, a notification recipient ID, a notifier name, and a notification-attached electronic money balance.

[0330] Unlike the account management data described above, a remittance source ID is additionally stored, which allows the server 10 to manage the remittance source account and the notification destination account separately.

[0331] <Display screen> 4-2 and 4-3 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The left side of Figure 4-2 shows an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20A, which displays notification-attached electronic money remittance result information NR41 indicating that notification-attached electronic money remitted from user BB to user AA has been received.

[0332] This notification-attached electronic money remittance result information NR41 displays, by way of example and not limitation, the amount remitted (amount received), a "Receive" icon, an illustration indicating that user BB will be notified when the received notification-attached electronic money is used, the date and time this information was sent by server 10, the text "Electronic money with notification has been received (BB will be notified of usage status)," an illustration indicating that the remittance is from user BB to user AA, and a ">Check details" button.

[0333] Since user AA has already received the electronic money with notification, unlike the electronic money with notification receipt confirmation information NC31 shown on the left side of Figure 3-1, the electronic money with notification remittance result information NR41 uses the expression "electronic money with notification has been received" as an example, not a limitation.

[0334] The center of Figure 4-2 shows the state in which the main menu screen of the payment application is then displayed. The word "Balance" is displayed in the balance display area BR2 at the top of the screen, and below that, the balance corresponding to the electronic money with notification of "1,000 yen" transferred from user BB to user AA is displayed as the electronic money with notification balance, along with the word "with notification" and an illustration indicating that a notification will be sent to user BB. Below that, the regular electronic money balance is displayed along with the words "No notification" and the charge button CBT.

[0335] When the "Code Payment" icon IC2 is tapped on this screen, the code payment screen of the payment application is displayed as shown on the right side of Figure 4-2, by way of example and not limitation. On this code payment screen, the area in which information regarding the balance in the wallet code information display area WCR1 is displayed displays information for selecting whether to make payment from the notification-enabled electronic money balance or the regular electronic money balance.

[0336] Specifically, the word "with notification" is displayed to indicate that payment will be made from the "electronic money balance with notification," the electronic money balance with notification (in this example, "1,000 yen"), and an illustration indicating that user BB will be notified when a payment is made from that balance. Also, below that are displayed the words "No notification" to make a payment from the "regular electronic money balance," the regular electronic money balance ("500 yen" in this example), and a charge button CBT to charge the electronic money to the regular electronic money balance.

[0337] To the left of the words "with notification" and "without notification," there are radio buttons, and by tapping the corresponding radio button, the user can select whether to make a payment from the electronic money balance with notification or the regular electronic money balance. In this example, the electronic money with notification is shown as selected. When a payment is made in this state, the payment result information shown on the left side of Figure 4-3 is displayed, as an example and not a limitation.

[0338] In this case, the notification screen of the payment application on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B displays, by way of example and not limitation, the display shown on the right side of FIG. 4-3. Specifically, as an example and not by way of limitation, electronic money usage information with notification NU3 is displayed below electronic money remittance result information with notification NR42, which includes the amount remitted (in this example, "1,000 yen"), a "Remit" icon, an illustration indicating that user BB will be notified when the remitted electronic money with notification is used, the date and time of transmission by server 10 of the electronic money remittance result information with notification, the text "Electronic money with notification has been remitted (usage status will be notified)," an illustration indicating that the remittance is from user BB to user AA, and a ">Check details" button.

[0339] <Processing> In the processing of this embodiment, in the example of the screen diagram above, by way of example and not limitation, in step S120 of Figure 1-12, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can transmit the remittance management ID of the electronic money management data with notification contained in the account management data of user AA's account in the account management database 155E to terminal 20A together with the remittance result information. By doing so, it becomes possible to specify the remittance management ID on terminal 20A, and as an example and not limitation, the user can select the electronic money balance with notification, with user BB's account as the remitter ID and user BB's account as the notification destination ID, as shown in the screen on the right side of Figure 4-2.

[0340] Furthermore, after the user selects the electronic money balance to be used for payment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A can transmit a remittance management ID corresponding to the selected electronic money balance with notification to the server 10 at or around step A120 in Fig. 1-12. In this way, the server 10 can identify the electronic money balance with notification selected by the user.

[0341] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> This embodiment shows a configuration in which the control unit 11 controls the server 10 to distinguish and store electronic money with notification (not limited to, but an example of a first electronic currency with notification set) and regular electronic money (not limited to, but an example of a second electronic currency associated with a user of a second terminal). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to manage a first electronic currency for which a notification has been set and a second electronic currency associated with a user of a second terminal for which a notification has not been set separately, thereby improving user convenience.

[0342] <Fourth Modification (1)> As described above, the account management data in FIG. 2-4 allows the server 10 to manage the remittance source account and the notification destination account separately. This allows the user of the remittance source account to set an account other than his / her own account as the notification destination account, for example and not by way of limitation. In this case, if one user can only have one account, the user of the notification destination account will be a user other than the user of the remittance source account. As a result, it is possible to set up so that the notification of electronic money usage with notification is sent to a terminal 20 (=terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account) other than the terminal 20 of the user of the remittance source account.

[0343] In the non-limiting example of the parent-child relationship described above, the mother's account is the remittance source account, and in this case, the mother's terminal 20 is the first terminal. Also, by way of example and not limitation, the child's account is the destination account, in which case the child's terminal 20 is the second terminal. Also, as a non-limiting example, the father's account is set as the notification destination account, in which case the father's terminal 20 becomes the third terminal. In this case, when the child uses the electronic money with notification transferred from the mother to pay for shopping or the like using his / her own account, a notification can be sent to the father's account.

[0344] 4-4 and 4-5 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. The left side of Figure 4-4 is the remittance screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20B, and in the area at the bottom of the screen for setting the user of the remittance destination account, there are provided a slide button marked "Receive usage notification" for setting so that an electronic money usage notification with notification is sent to the user, and a slide button marked "Send usage notification to other users" for setting so that an electronic money usage notification with notification is sent to other users. In this example, the slide button for "Send usage notification to other users" is shown in the "ON" position.

[0345] Below that is a "Set notification destination" button BT36 for setting a notification destination account. Also, because a notification destination account has not yet been set, the "Transfer" button BT2 at the bottom of the screen is displayed in a grayed-out state, and tapping it will not transfer money.

[0346] In this state, when the "Set notification destination" button BT36 is tapped, the display shown in the center of Figure 4-4 is displayed, for example and not by way of limitation. This screen is a money transfer screen, similar to the one on the left side of Figure 4-4, but at the top of the screen, the words "Please set the notification destination" are displayed, and below that there is a search box for searching for the notification destination account (that user) by phone number. Below that, notification destination accounts (those users) that have been set as notification destinations in the past are displayed as a history, and in this example, an icon image of user CC and its user name are displayed. Next to it is an associated check box, which can be checked "ON" to set this user as a notification destination. In this example, the state in which user CC is checked "ON" is shown.

[0347] In this state, when the "Settings" button BT37 at the bottom of the screen is tapped, the display on the right side of Figure 4-4 will be displayed, by way of example and not limitation. This screen corresponds to the screen on the left side of Figure 4-4, but because the notification account was set on the screen in the center of Figure 4-4, the icon image of the user CC set as the notification destination on the screen in the center of Figure 4-4 and their user name are displayed along with the word "Notification destination."

[0348] In addition, since the notification account has been set, the grayed-out state of the "Transfer" button BT2 is canceled. When the "Transfer" button BT2 is tapped in this state, the server 10 executes the notification-attached electronic money remittance process, and the notification-attached electronic money is remitted from user BB to user AA.

[0349] The left side of FIG. 4-5 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of user AA, who is the user of the remittance destination account, in this case. This screen is a notification screen for the payment application, and electronic money remittance result information NR43 with notification is displayed on the left side of the notification area.

[0350] This notification-attached electronic money remittance result information NR43 displays, by way of example and not limitation, the amount remitted (amount received), a "Receive" icon, an illustration indicating that user CC will be notified when the received notification-attached electronic money is used, the date and time this information was sent by server 10, the text "Electronic money with notification has been received (CC will be notified of usage status)," an illustration indicating that the remittance is from user BB to user AA, and a ">Check details" button.

[0351] Thereafter, when the notification-attached electronic money is used by user AA, a payment result screen of the payment application, such as that shown in the center of FIG. 4-5, is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A, by way of example and not limitation.

[0352] In this case, the notification-attached electronic money usage information is sent to the terminal 20C of the user CC who has been set as the notification destination. As a result, the display unit 24 of the terminal 20C displays, by way of example and not limitation, the display shown on the right side of FIG. 4-5. This screen is a notification screen for the payment application, and on the left side of the notification area, electronic money usage information NU43 with notification is displayed. Specifically, information indicating that the electronic money with notification transferred from user BB to user AA has been used by user AA is displayed.

[0353] In this modification, the notification-attached electronic money notification setting includes a setting related to sending a notification to a terminal 20 different from the terminal 20 of the user of the remittance source account. As an example of the effect of this modified example obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to notify a user of a third terminal different from the first terminal that at least a portion of the first electronic currency has been used by a user of a second terminal.

[0354] <Fourth Modification (2)> In the fourth embodiment, as shown in the screen on the right side of Figure 4-2, an example is shown in which a payment is made by selecting either electronic money with notification transferred from one user or regular electronic money, but this is not limited to this. The user may be allowed to select either electronic money with notification sent from two or more users or ordinary electronic money.

[0355] 4-6 and 4-7 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. The left side of FIG. 4-6 is a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A, and on the left side of the notification area, two pieces of electronic money remittance result information with notifications are displayed.

[0356] The older notification-attached electronic money remittance result information NR45 is the notification-attached electronic money remittance result information of "1,000 yen" sent from user BB to user AA, and user BB, the user of the sender account, is set as the notification recipient. The newer notification-attached electronic money remittance result information NR46 is the notification-attached electronic money remittance result information of "2,000 yen" sent from user CC to user AA, and user CC, the user of the sender account, is set as the notification recipient.

[0357] The right side of Figure 4-6 shows the state after that, when the main menu screen of the payment application is displayed. The word "Balance" is displayed in the balance display area BR2 at the top of the screen, and below that, two electronic money balances with notifications are displayed as electronic money balances with notifications. Specifically, the balance corresponding to the electronic money with notification of "1,000 yen" transferred from user BB to user AA is displayed with the words "with notification" and an illustration indicating that a notification will be sent to user BB. Similarly, the balance corresponding to the electronic money with notification of "2,000 yen" transferred from user CC to user AA is displayed with the words "with notification" and an illustration indicating that a notification will be sent to user CC. Below that, the regular electronic money balance ("500 yen" in this example) and the charge button CBT are displayed.

[0358] When the "Code Payment" icon IC2 is tapped on this screen, the code payment screen of the payment application is displayed as shown on the left side of Figure 4-7, by way of example and not limitation. On this code payment screen, the area displaying information about the balance in the wallet code information display area WCR1 displays information for selecting whether to make payment from the balance of the electronic money with notification transferred from user BB, the balance of the electronic money with notification transferred from user CC, or the regular electronic money balance.

[0359] Specifically, the word "with notification" is displayed to indicate that payment will be made from the balance of the electronic money with notification transferred from user BB, the balance of the electronic money with notification (in this example, "1,000 yen"), and an illustration indicating that user BB will be notified when payment is made from that balance. Similarly, the word "with notification" is displayed to indicate that payment will be made from the balance of the electronic money with notification transferred from user CC, along with the balance of the electronic money with notification (in this example, "2,000 yen") and an illustration indicating that user CC will be notified when a payment is made from that balance. Also, below that are displayed the words "No notification" to make a payment from the "regular electronic money balance," the regular electronic money balance ("500 yen" in this example), and a charge button CBT to charge the electronic money to the regular electronic money balance.

[0360] A radio button is provided next to each item, and the corresponding balance can be selected based on the operation of the corresponding radio button. In this example, the balance of electronic money with notification transferred from user CC is shown as selected. When a payment is made in this state, the payment result information shown in the center of Figure 4-7 is displayed, as an example and not a limitation.

[0361] The right side of FIG. 4-7 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20C of user CC, who is the user of the notification destination account in this case. On the left side of the notification area, electronic money remittance result information with notification NR48 is displayed. This electronic money remittance result information with notification NR48 includes, by way of example and not limitation, the remittance amount (in this example, "2,000 yen"), the remittance date and time, a "Remit" icon indicating that this is the sender of electronic money with notification, illustrated information of the sender and recipient, and a ">Check details" button.

[0362] Furthermore, based on the fact that the electronic money with notification remitted to user AA has been used, electronic money with notification use information NU48 is displayed below electronic money with notification remittance result information NR48.

[0363] <Fourth Modification (3)> In the above embodiment, two or more accounts may be set as notification destination accounts. In the non-limiting example of the parent-child relationship described above, the mother's account is the remittance source account, and in this case, the mother's terminal 20 is the first terminal. Also, by way of example and not limitation, the child's account is the destination account, in which case the child's terminal 20 is the second terminal. Also, as a non-limiting example, two accounts, a mother's account and a father's account, are set as notification destination accounts. In this case, the two terminals 20, the mother's terminal 20 and the father's terminal 20, become the third terminal. In this case, when a child uses electronic money with notification transferred from his / her mother to pay for shopping or the like using his / her own account, a notification can be sent to both the mother's account and the father's account.

[0364] <Fourth Modification (4)> In the fourth embodiment, when a payment is about to be made by code payment or the like, information indicating that the notification-attached electronic money is about to be used (hereinafter referred to as "notification-attached electronic money use intention information") may be sent to the terminal 20 of the user of the notification-attached account, thereby notifying the notification-attached electronic money that it is about to be used.

[0365] Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, when the radio button associated with the electronic money balance with notification displayed in the wallet code information display area WCR1 on the code payment screen on the right side of FIG. 4-2 is turned "ON," the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits information indicating that the electronic money balance with notification has been selected to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22. In response to this, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits electronic money usage intention information with notification to the terminal 20 of the user of the account to be notified via the communication I / F 14.

[0366] <Fourth Modification (5)> In the various embodiments described above, the electronic money remittance with notification setting process is performed by the remitter's account, but the present invention is not limited to this. As explained in the fourth embodiment, it is possible for the remittance source account and the notification destination account to be different.

[0367] As a non-limiting example, suppose one user can have multiple accounts, with the user's first account being the sender account and the user's second account being the notification destination account. The notification-attached electronic money remittance setup may or may not be performed using the user's second account (notification destination account). In this case, the notification-attached electronic money remittance setup process can be performed on the user's terminal 20.

[0368] Also, by way of example and not limitation, if one user can only have one account, the user of the notification destination account may be a different user from the user of the remitter account. In this case, too, the notification-attached electronic money remittance setting may or may not be performed using the account of the different user (notification destination account). In this case, the notification-attached electronic money remittance setting process may be performed on the terminal 20 of this different user.

[0369] <Fifth Example> The fifth embodiment relates to withdrawing at least a part of the notification-attached electronic money to a bank account, etc. The notification-attached electronic money withdrawn to a bank account, etc. can be withdrawn as cash.

[0370] The contents described in the fifth embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0371] <Display screen> 5-1 and 5-2 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The left side of Figure 5-1 shows an example of the main menu screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20A, and the balance display area BR2 displays the electronic money balance with notification for user BB as the user of the notification account, the regular electronic money balance, and the charge button CBT.

[0372] In this example, the "Withdraw" icon IC3, one of the multiple function icons displayed below it, is tapped. Then, by way of example and not limitation, the screen shown in the center of Figure 5-1 is displayed.

[0373] This screen is a withdrawal screen for the payment application, and along with the message "Please specify the withdrawal destination," it displays the bank account registered by user AA (in this example, "LL Bank, Regular Account XXXXXX"). Next to the bank account is a radio button, and by turning the radio button "ON," it is possible to specify that bank account as the withdrawal destination. In this example, the radio button for "LL Bank, Regular Account XXXXXX" is shown turned "ON."

[0374] Below that, information about the notification-attached electronic money balance and information about the regular electronic money balance are displayed, along with the words "Please specify the withdrawal source balance." By turning "ON" the radio button displayed next to "With notification," it is possible to designate the notification-attached electronic money balance as the withdrawal source balance, and by turning "ON" the radio button displayed next to "Without notification," it is possible to designate the regular electronic money balance as the withdrawal source balance. In this example, the radio button for the notification-attached electronic money balance of "1,000 yen," which is set to be notified to user BB, is shown to be "ON."

[0375] In this state, when the "Confirm" button BT51 at the bottom of the screen is tapped, the withdrawal destination and withdrawal source balance are confirmed. Then, as an example and not a limitation, the screen on the right side of Figure 5-1 is displayed.

[0376] This screen is a remittance screen of the payment application, and in this example, it shows a state in which "1,000 yen" has been entered, which is the entire amount of the electronic money balance with notification determined as described above. In this state, when the "Withdraw" button BT52 at the bottom of the screen is tapped, the server 10 performs a withdrawal process. As a result, the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A displays the display shown on the left side of FIG. 5-2, for example and not limitation.

[0377] This screen is the notification screen for the payment application, and on the left side of the notification area, below the notification-attached electronic money remittance result information NR41, withdrawal result information WR51 showing the withdrawal result is displayed. Specifically, the word "Amount" is displayed along with the withdrawal amount (in this example, "1,000 yen"), and next to it is a "Withdrawal" icon indicating that it is a withdrawal. Also below that are the withdrawal date and time, the withdrawal destination, and a "View Details" button.

[0378] The right side of FIG. 5-2 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B of user BB, who is the user of the notification destination account in this case. On the left side of the notification area, below the electronic money remittance result information with notification NR51, electronic money withdrawal information with notification NW51 is displayed, indicating that the electronic money with notification has been withdrawn by user AA. Specifically, along with the withdrawal date and time, the words "The electronic money remitted to AA has been withdrawn" are displayed, and below that, the withdrawal amount (in this example, "1,000 yen") and a ">Check details" button are displayed.

[0379] <Processing> 1-12, 1-13, and other various flowcharts, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines, by way of example and not limitation, after step A140, whether or not a user input requesting a withdrawal has been made to the input / output unit 23. If it determines that a withdrawal has been made, the control unit 21 transmits withdrawal request information including, by way of example and not limitation, the application ID, the withdrawal destination, the withdrawal source balance, and the requested withdrawal amount to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22.

[0380] For example, but not by way of limitation, after step S170, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not withdrawal request information has been received from the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14. If it is determined that the information has been received, the control unit 11 performs a withdrawal process. Specifically, the control unit 11 subtracts the requested withdrawal amount from the withdrawal source balance in the account management data for the application ID included in the received withdrawal request information. Then, the control unit 11 performs an electronic money transfer to remit the requested withdrawal amount to the server of the financial institution to which the withdrawal is to be made (the financial institution's server).

[0381] Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits withdrawal completion information to the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14. Furthermore, if the withdrawal source balance is an electronic money balance with notification, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits electronic money withdrawal information with notification to the terminal 20B via the communication I / F 14.

[0382] <Effects of the Fifth Embodiment> This embodiment shows a configuration in which, when at least a portion of the electronic money with notification is withdrawn by the user of the destination account, the server 10 transmits electronic money withdrawal information with notification to the terminal 20 of the user of the destination account via the communication I / F 14. As an example of the effect of this embodiment obtained by such a configuration, when the user of the second terminal withdraws at least a portion of the first electronic currency, the user of the third terminal can be notified of the details of this.

[0383] If withdrawal of electronic money with notification is permitted, it can be thought of as disabling notification settings, which means that notifications will no longer be sent to the recipient account even if the money is withdrawn. This could result in the recipient account being allowed to use the money freely. However, as in this embodiment, when electronic money with notification is withdrawn, a notification is sent to the notification destination account, thereby preventing the above situation.

[0384] <Fifth Modification (1)> In view of the above problem, as a method different from the fifth embodiment, it is also possible to prohibit the withdrawal of electronic money with notification.

[0385] FIG. 5-3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this modified example. The screens on the left side of Figure 5-3 and the center of Figure 5-3 are similar to the screens on the left side of Figure 5-1 and the center of Figure 5-1, respectively. In this modified example, when the "OK" button BT51 is tapped on the screen in the center of FIG. 5-3, the display on the right side of FIG. 5-3 is displayed, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0386] This screen is the remittance screen of the payment application, but it is displayed differently from the right side of Figure 5-1. Specifically, as a notification of electronic money withdrawal not possible, the message "This balance cannot be withdrawn" is displayed along with information about the withdrawal source balance specified by User AA on the screen in the center of Figure 5-3.

[0387] 1-12, 1-13, and other various flowcharts, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines, by way of example and not limitation, after step A140, whether or not a user input requesting a withdrawal has been made to the input / output unit 23. If it is determined that a withdrawal has been made, the control unit 21 transmits withdrawal request information including, by way of example and not limitation, an application ID, a withdrawal destination, a withdrawal source balance, and a withdrawal request amount to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22.

[0388] As a non-limiting example, after step S170, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not withdrawal request information has been received from the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14. If it is determined that the withdrawal request information has been received, it determines whether or not the withdrawal source balance included in the received withdrawal request information is an electronic money balance with notification. If it is determined that the electronic money balance with notification is the electronic money balance with notification, it transmits electronic money withdrawal disabling information with notification to the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14.

[0389] The control unit 11 of the server 10 may be configured to send the electronic money withdrawal impossibility information with notification to the terminal 20B of the user of the remittance source account in addition to the terminal 20A.

[0390] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives the withdrawal request information for the electronic money balance with notification, the control unit 11 may transmit inquiry information as to whether or not to approve the withdrawal to the terminal 20B of the user of the remittance source account. In this case, as a non-limiting example, when the user of the remittance source account approves the withdrawal based on input (user operation, etc.) to the input / output unit 23 of the terminal 20B, the withdrawal process for the electronic money balance with notification is executed.

[0391] This modified example shows a configuration in which, when the server 10 receives withdrawal request information for withdrawing at least a portion of the electronic money with notification from the terminal 20 of the user of the destination account, it sends information on the electronic money with notification that cannot be withdrawn (not limited to this, but an example of information on the non-withdrawal of the electronic money) to the terminal 20 of the user of the destination account. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, when information regarding the withdrawal of at least a portion of the first electronic currency by the second terminal is received by the communication unit, the user of the second terminal can be notified that withdrawal is not possible.

[0392] <Fifth Modification (2)> In the above embodiment, a notification is sent to the notification destination account when a withdrawal is made to a bank account, etc., but this is not limited to this. As a non-limiting example, if the payment application is equipped with a cash withdrawal function from an automated teller machine (ATM), etc., when the electronic money balance with notification is withdrawn using an ATM, a notification may be sent to terminal 20B of the user of the notification destination account.

[0393] As in the fifth modified example (1), the control unit 11 of the server 10 may be configured to transmit electronic money withdrawal impossibility information with a notification to the terminal 20A when the terminal 20A of the remittance destination account attempts to withdraw money using an ATM.

[0394] <Sixth Example> A sixth embodiment is one that utilizes a messaging application instead of or in addition to a payment application.

[0395] The contents described in the sixth embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0396] For example, but not by way of limitation, the messaging application may be configured to allow one-on-one chat between accounts registered as friends on the server 10. Also, for example, but not by way of limitation, a group may be formed containing two or more accounts, and group chat may be performed between the accounts included in the group.

[0397] <Display screen> FIG. 6-1 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The left side of FIG. 6-1 shows a screen of a talk room (an example of a chat room) of a messaging application (not limited to, an example of a chat application). In the center at the top of the screen, the characters "Messaging App" are displayed as the name of the messaging application. Also, on the upper right side of the screen, an icon image and a user name (user A.A in this example) of the user of this terminal 20A in the messaging application are displayed.

[0398] Below that, a talk room name display area indicating the talk room name in the messaging application is configured. In this example, the characters "B.B" indicating that the talk room name is a one-on-one talk room with user B.B and a "<" button for returning to the previous screen are included, and "<B.B" is displayed.

[0399] Below that, a talk area is configured. In the talk area, as an example and not limited to, the content with oneself as the sender is displayed on the right side of the screen, and the content with the other party as the sender is displayed on the left side of the screen, and it is configured to be displayed in chronological order downward in the order of older time. Also, as an example and not limited to, the content with oneself as the sender is displayed as a pop-up from the right end of the talk area, and the content with the other party as the sender is configured to be displayed as a pop-up associated with the icon image and user name of that user at the left end of the talk area.

[0400] In this example, on the left side within the talk area, text content TC61 promoting the purchase of a reference book with user B.B as the sender and notification-attached electronic money transfer result content NRC61 with the payment application as the sender are displayed.

[0401] The notification-attached electronic money transfer result content NRC61 is, as an example and not limited to, content indicating that notification-attached electronic money of "1,000 yen" sent from user B.B has been received, and it is shown that user B.B is set as the notification destination account. Also, on the right side of the talk area, text content TC62 is displayed, which expresses gratitude and is sent from user AA.

[0402] In this state, a function for making a code payment using the payment application is invoked based on user input (not shown), and the payment process is executed using the electronic money with notification transferred from user BB via the code payment described above, resulting in the display of the screen shown in the center of Figure 6-1, by way of example and not limitation. In this example screen, a payment result information display area PWR, which displays payment result information, is displayed rising from the bottom of the chat room screen so as to overlap part of the chat area on the left side of Figure 6-1.

[0403] The right side of FIG. 6-1 shows an example of a talk room screen of the messaging application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B in this case. This chat room screen is a one-on-one chat room screen with user AA as the chat partner, and on the left side of the chat area, electronic money remittance result content NRC62 with notification, sent from the payment application, is displayed, and below that, text content TC62 expressing the aforementioned gratitude, sent from user AA, is displayed. Below that, a notification-attached electronic money usage content NUC62 indicating that notification-attached electronic money has been used by user AA is displayed as content whose transmission source is the payment application.

[0404] <Processing> The processing in this embodiment can be realized, by way of example and not limitation, by giving server 10 the functionality to provide a messaging service using a messaging application, and by combining the processing described in the first to fifth embodiments with the processing of the messaging service.

[0405] <Effects of the Sixth Embodiment> This embodiment shows a configuration in which the control unit 11 controls the server 10 to send the notification-attached electronic money usage information to a chat room (not limited to, but an example of the first chat room) including the user of the notification destination account. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the user of the third terminal can be informed in an easy-to-understand manner by displaying information in a first chat room that includes the user of the third terminal about the fact that at least a portion of the first electronic currency has been used by the user of the second terminal.

[0406] <Sixth Modification (1)> It is also possible to configure a group of three or more accounts in a messaging application so that users of other accounts are notified based on the use of electronic money with notification by the user of the recipient account.

[0407] FIG. 6-2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. Here, taking the example of a parent and child mentioned above, an example of a display screen will be described in which a group "family" is made up of a mother's account, a father's account, and a child's account. The description will be given assuming that user AA is the "child," user BB is the "mother," and user CC is the "father."

[0408] The left side of Figure 6-2 shows an example of a group chat room screen for the group "Family" displayed on the display unit 24 of the child's terminal 20A. On this group chat room screen, on the left side of the chat area, there are displayed text content TC61, sent from user BB's account, encouraging the child to purchase the aforementioned reference book, electronic money remittance result content NRC63 with notification, sent from a payment application, text content TC62, sent from user AA, and text content TC64, sent from user CC, warning the child not to buy snacks.

[0409] The electronic money remittance result content NRC63 with notification is, by way of example and not limitation, content indicating that electronic money with notification of "1,000 yen" remitted from user BB has been received, and indicates that the group "Family" has been set as the notification account.

[0410] Since the group "Family" is set as the notification destination account, when user AA uses electronic money with notification, electronic money usage content with notification is sent to the terminals 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, terminal 20C) of all users included in the group "Family".

[0411] It may be considered undesirable to send a notification to user AA. Therefore, unlike the above, electronic money usage content with notification may be sent to terminals 20 of users of accounts included in the group other than the remittance destination account.

[0412] In the above state, a function for making a code payment using a payment application is called based on user input (not shown), and the payment process is executed using the electronic money with notification transferred from user BB through the code payment described above. As a result, the screen shown in the center of Figure 6-2 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation. This screen is similar to the screen in the center of Figure 6-1.

[0413] The right side of FIG. 6-2 shows an example of a group talk room screen of the messaging application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20C in this case. On this group chat room screen, the electronic money remittance result content NRC64 with notification, sent from the payment application, is displayed on the left side of the chat area, and below that, text content TC62, sent from user AA, and text content TC64, sent from user CC, are displayed.

[0414] Below that, a notification-attached electronic money usage content NUC64, which indicates that notification-attached electronic money has been used by user AA, is displayed as a content whose sender is the payment application.

[0415] The processing in this modified example can be similarly realized by making the processing in the sixth embodiment a processing targeting a group of messaging applications. In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can be configured to transmit the notification-attached electronic money usage content to the terminal 20 of each user included in the group, as an example and not a limitation, as described above. Alternatively, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may be configured not to transmit the notification-attached electronic money use content to the terminal 20 of the user of the remittance destination account.

[0416] <Sixth Modification (2)> It may be possible to transmit content by quoting information contained in the content of the messaging application.

[0417] 6-3 and 6-4 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. The left side of FIG. 6-3 is a talk room screen of a messaging application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B, which is an example of the screen of an OA talk room in which the talk partner is an official account of a payment application.

[0418] On this OA chat room screen, on the left side of the chat area, the aforementioned electronic money remittance result content with notification NRC62 and electronic money usage content with notification NUC62 are displayed in chronological order as content sent from a payment application.

[0419] In this state, by way of example and not limitation, when the notification-enabled electronic money usage content NUC62 is tapped, a function selection area FSR is displayed above it as a display area in which the user can select a function to be executed based on this content. In this example, the function selection field includes, by way of example and not limitation, multiple functions such as a "copy" function for copying the tapped content, a "forward" function for forwarding the tapped content, a "reply" function for replying to the tapped content, and an "announce" function for pinning the content in the chat room to a predetermined position (such as the top of the screen).

[0420] By way of example and not limitation, when the "Reply" function is tapped, the screen shown in the center of Figure 6-3 is displayed. This screen is a one-on-one chat room screen with user AA as the chat partner, and displays text content TC61 originating from user BB and text content TC62 originating from user AA in the chat area. In addition, a keyboard area and a reply area are displayed so as to overlap part of the talk area.

[0421] The reply area includes, by way of example and not limitation, a citation information display area QIR in which first citation information is displayed that quotes information related to the source content, which is the notification-enabled electronic money content NUC62 shown in the screen on the left side of Figure 6-3, or at least some of the information contained in the notification-enabled electronic money content NUC62, and a content input area CIR in which the user inputs content to be sent together with second citation information that quotes information related to the notification-enabled electronic money content NUC62, which is also the source content, or at least some of the information contained in the notification-enabled electronic money content NUC62. In this example, a citation information display area QIR is displayed as an area different from the content input area CIR, in which the user cannot input content.

[0422] In this example, the citation information display area QIR displays the text "The electronic money sent to AA has been used" as part of the information contained in the notification-attached electronic money usage content NUC62.

[0423] The first citation information displayed in the citation information display area QIR may or may not include information about the source (sender) of the citing content. Information about the source (sender) of the content may include, but is not limited to, the name of the source (account name, user name), an icon image, and the like.

[0424] In the example screen in the center of Figure 6-3, the citation information display area QIR displays the icon image and name (Payment App) of the payment application that sent the electronic money usage content NUC62 with notification, associated with the text "The electronic money sent to AA has been used."

[0425] The content input area CIR below includes a content input field for the user to input content, and a send button for sending the input content together with citation information. In this example, the state is shown in which user BB has used the keyboard to enter the text "You haven't bought the manga, have you?" into the content input field and then tapped the send button.

[0426] Then, as an example, not a limitation, the screen on the right side of Figure 6-3 will be displayed. Specifically, below text content TC62 sent from user AA, as content sent from user BB, there is displayed second citation information including the icon image and name (Payment App) of the payment application displayed as citation information on the screen in the center of Figure 6-3, and quoted response content (reply content) QC61 including "You didn't buy the manga, did you?" entered by user BB on the screen in the center of Figure 6-3. Also, below that, there is displayed text content TC66 including the text "I did buy the reference book" sent from user AA.

[0427] In this example, the content entered by user BB is displayed in the area below the second citation information. Unlike this example, the content input by the user BB may be displayed in the area above the second citation information.

[0428] Also, in this example, by way of example and not limitation, the content of the quote source, electronic money usage content with notification NUC62, includes a ">Check details" button, but the quote response content QC61 sent to the user with whom the quote is sent does not include a ">Check details" button. This is because, as one way of thinking, it can be considered appropriate to limit the ability to check "detailed information" such as the usage history of electronic money with notification to the user of the notification destination account. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the quote response content QC61 may include a ">Check details" button.

[0429] In the above example, the first citation information displayed in the citation information display area QIR may be all or part of the information contained in the quoting content. The second citation information transmitted together with the content input by the user may be all or part of the information contained in the quoting content. Furthermore, the first citation information and the second citation information may be completely the same information, or may be information that is partially different.

[0430] Also, unlike the above example, the content input area CIR and the citation information display area QIR may be combined into one area, that is, the first citation information may be displayed in the content input area CIR. Also, unlike the above example, information about the source (sender) of the content may not be displayed in the citation information display area QIR.

[0431] FIG. 6-4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B in this modification. The left side of Figure 6-4 shows an example of a group chat room screen with the chat partner being the group "Family." On the left side of the chat area, the following content is displayed in chronological order: notification-attached electronic money transfer result content NRC64, sent from a payment application; text content TC67, sent from user AA and containing the text "Thank you for the pocket money!"; and notification-attached electronic money usage content NUC64, based on the use of the notification-attached electronic money sent to user AA.

[0432] In this state, by way of example and not limitation, when the notification-enabled electronic money usage content NUC64 is tapped, a function selection area FSR is displayed below it as a display area in which the user can select a function to be executed based on this notification-enabled electronic money usage content NUC64. In this example, in addition to the functions described above, the function selection area FSR includes, by way of example and not limitation, a "Regular Remittance Settings" function for setting up regular remittances. When this "Regular Remittance Settings" function is tapped, the screen shown in the center of Figure 6-4 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.

[0433] This screen is an example of a regular remittance setting screen in a payment application, and by way of example and not limitation, it includes a remittance date setting field for setting the remittance date, a remittance destination account setting field for setting the remittance destination account, a notification destination account setting field for setting the notification destination account, and a remittance amount setting field for setting the remittance amount.

[0434] The remittance date setting field displays the set remittance date. In this example, the setting is "Remit on the 1st of every month." In addition, by tapping the "Change" button on the right, it is possible to change the remittance date of the electronic money with notification.

[0435] The recipient account setting field displays information about the recipient account. In this example, the icon image of user AA and their username (AA) are displayed.

[0436] The notification account settings field displays information about the configured notification account. In this example, the "Family" group in the messaging application is shown as the notification account. Additionally, the notification account can be changed by tapping the "Change" button on the right.

[0437] The remittance amount setting field displays the set remittance amount of the electronic money with notification. In this example, "3,000 yen" is set. The remittance amount can be changed by tapping the "Change" button on the right.

[0438] In this state, when the "Settings" button BT61 at the bottom of the screen is tapped, the screen on the right side of Figure 6-4 is displayed, as an example and not a limitation. This screen corresponds to the chat room screen on the left side of Figure 6-4, and below the notification-included electronic money usage content NUC64 on the chat room screen on the left side of Figure 6-4, regular remittance setting content NSC61 is displayed as content sent from a payment application, indicating that regular remittance settings have been made (or that regular remittance settings have been changed). The regular remittance setting content NSC61 indicates that the remittance amount for the regular remittance has been reduced from 5,000 yen to 3,000 yen.

[0439] Also displayed below that are text content TC68 sent from user BB containing the text "Since you're buying games, your allowance will be reduced from next month," and text content TC69 sent from user AA containing the text "Huh, why?"

[0440] <Processing> In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 (as an example, not a limitation, of the terminal 20 of the user of the sending account) displays a function selection area corresponding to a piece of content (as an example, not a limitation, of electronic money usage content with notification) in the chat room of the messaging application displayed on the display unit 24 of its own terminal 20, based on input for that content.

[0441] As a non-limiting example, when the "Reply" function is selected, the control unit 21 displays a citation information display area including the first citation information and a content input area. It also displays a keyboard based on the detection of an operation on the content input area. It then displays input content entered by the user via the keyboard in the content input area, and, if the send button is operated, displays quote response content including the second citation information and the input content in the chat room of the user's terminal 20. It also transmits the second citation information and the input content to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22. In response to this, the control unit 11 of the server 10 generates quote response content based on the received information and transmits it to the terminal 20 of the talk partner via the communication I / F 14. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 of the talk partner displays the received quote response content in the talk room on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 of the talk partner.

[0442] Furthermore, as a non-limiting example, when the "regular remittance settings" function is selected, the control unit 21 executes the payment application and causes the display unit 24 to display a regular remittance settings screen. Then, the setting information related to the regular remittance set based on the user input is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22. In response to this, the control unit 11 of the server 10 generates regular remittance setting content based on the received setting information, and transmits it to the terminal 20 of the person with whom the conversation is being held via the communication I / F 14 . Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 of the other person in the conversation displays the received regular remittance setting content in the conversation room on the display unit 24 of the user's own terminal 20.

[0443] In this embodiment, the terminal 20 of the user of the notification destination account is the terminal 20 of the user of the remittance source account (this is not a limitation, but an example of the third terminal being the first terminal), and the talk room includes the user of the remittance source account (this is not a limitation, but an example of the user of the first terminal) and the user of the remittance destination account (this is not a limitation, but an example of the user of the second terminal). When input is made to content using electronic money with notification displayed in the talk room, the server 10 transmits information for setting up regular remittances (this is not a limitation, but an example of information for inputting the amount of electronic money for which notification has been set to be remitted to the user of the second terminal at set intervals) to the terminal 20 of the user of the remittance source account via the communication I / F 14. As an example of the effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to enable the user of the first terminal to input the amount of electronic currency for which a notification has been set to be transferred to the user of the second terminal for each set period, based on the input made by the user of the first terminal to a notification displayed in a chat room including the user of the first terminal and the user of the second terminal.

[0444] <Seventh Example> The seventh embodiment is an embodiment that allows restrictions to be placed on the use of the electronic money balance with notification.

[0445] The contents described in the seventh embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0446] FIG. 7-1 is a diagram showing an example of the account management database 155F, which is an example of the account management database 155 in this embodiment. Each account management data included in the account management database 155F stores, in addition to the application ID and the normal electronic money balance, restricted electronic money management data, restricted electronic money usage history data, and electronic money usage restriction management data, by way of example and not limitation.

[0447] The restricted electronic money management data is data for managing information related to the restricted electronic money associated with the account of this application ID. In this data, the restricted electronic money management data stores, by way of example and not limitation, a remittance management ID, a remitter ID, a notifier ID, a notifier name, and a restricted electronic money balance in association with each other.

[0448] The remittance management ID is an ID for uniquely identifying a remittance of restricted electronic money, and by way of example and not limitation, a different ID is set and stored by server 10 each time a remittance of restricted electronic money is executed by server 10. As a non-limiting example, even if restricted electronic money is transferred from the same account of user BB to the same account of user AA, different IDs are set for each.

[0449] The remitter ID is identification information for identifying the account that remitted the restricted electronic money to the account of this application ID, and as a non-limiting example, the application ID of the account that remitted the restricted electronic money (remitter account) is stored.

[0450] The notification destination ID is information for identifying the notification destination account when the corresponding restricted electronic money balance is used, and as a non-limiting example, the application ID of the account set as the notification destination account is stored.

[0451] The notifier name is the user name corresponding to this destination ID. By way of example and not limitation, the user name associated with the application ID corresponding to this destination ID is stored in account registration data 153.

[0452] The limited electronic money balance is the balance of the limited electronic money associated with this remittance management ID.

[0453] The restricted electronic money usage history data is data relating to the usage history of restricted electronic money, and by way of example, but not limitation, the payment ID, remittance management ID, name of the store where the money was used, the date and time of use, and the amount used are stored in association with each other. The payment ID, remittance management ID, name of the store where the transaction was made, the date and time of the transaction, and the amount of the transaction can be configured in the same manner as the notification-attached electronic money usage history data described above, but this is not a limitation.

[0454] The electronic money usage restriction management data is data for managing (specifying) usage restrictions on restricted electronic money, and as a non-limiting example, a remittance management ID, a usability flag, and the end date and time of the usable state are stored in association with each other.

[0455] The remittance management ID is information for identifying restricted electronic money for which a usage limit is imposed on the restricted electronic money balance in the electronic money usage limit management data, and as a non-limiting example, among the remittance management IDs stored in the restricted electronic money management data, a remittance management ID for which a usage limit has been set by the remitter is stored.

[0456] The usability flag is flag information that indicates whether or not the restricted electronic money balance can be used (to make a payment using the restricted electronic money balance).By way of example and not limitation, if the balance can be used, a "possible" flag is stored, and if the balance cannot be used, a "not possible" flag is stored.

[0457] As a non-limiting example, the usable state end date and time is the date and time when the limited electronic money balance changes from usable to unusable, if the limited electronic money balance is usable.

[0458] In this data, the restriction on the use of the electronic money balance with notification is not limited to, but is exemplified by, for example, whether or not the use (payment) is possible within a certain period of time. However, the restriction is not limited to, and examples of electronic money use restriction management data for various restrictions will be described later.

[0459] <Display screen> 7-2, 7-3, and 7-4 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The left side of Figure 7-2 shows an example of a remittance screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20B. From the center to the bottom of this remittance screen, there is provided information indicating the user of the remittance destination account, as well as a slide button for selecting whether or not to receive the aforementioned electronic money usage notification with notification. Further below that, there is provided a slide button for selecting whether or not to impose a limit on the use of the electronic money balance with notification.

[0460] Below this, there is provided a "Set Usage Restrictions" button BT71 for setting restrictions on the use of restricted electronic money. In this example, it is assumed that a "time limit" has already been set as a restriction on the use of restricted electronic money.

[0461] Here, both slide buttons are set to "ON" and the "Remit" button BT2 is tapped. The center of FIG. 7-2 shows an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this case. On this notice screen, on the left side of the notice area, restricted electronic money remittance result information RR71 indicating that restricted electronic money has been remitted is displayed.

[0462] In this example, the restricted electronic money remittance result information RR71 indicates that when the restricted electronic money is used, a notification of electronic money use will be sent to user BB, and that user BB's permission is required to use the restricted electronic money. In addition, to the right of the illustration showing that when restricted electronic money is used, user BB will be notified of the use of electronic money with notification, a mark RMK (hereinafter referred to as the "restriction mark") is displayed, which is similar to a warning mark / construction mark and indicates that there are restrictions on the use of electronic money with notification.

[0463] The right side of FIG. 7-2 shows an example of a code payment screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A. On this code payment screen, the area at the top of the wallet code information display area WCR1 where the balance is displayed displays information about the limited electronic money balance and information about the unlimited electronic money balance (i.e., the normal electronic money balance). The balance marked "Restricted" is the restricted electronic money balance, but as mentioned above, permission from user BB is required to use restricted electronic money, and user AA has not yet received permission from user BB. For this reason, the display portion of the information about the restricted electronic money balance is grayed out, and even if user AA taps the radio button to the left of the word "Restricted," he or she cannot turn it "ON."

[0464] The left side of Figure 7-3 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20B, and on the left side of the notification area, restricted electronic money remittance result information RR72 indicating that restricted electronic money has been remitted is displayed. The restricted electronic money remittance result information RR72 is provided with a restricted electronic money usage permission button BT72 for permitting the use of the remitted notification-attached electronic money for only a set time period (in this example, "60 minutes").

[0465] The right side of FIG. 7-3 shows an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this case. Below the restricted electronic money remittance result information RR71 in the notification area, restricted electronic money use permission information RP71 is displayed, which indicates that the use of restricted electronic money has been permitted by user BB. In this example, the period during which the restricted electronic money can be used can be, by way of example and not limitation, from the time the server 10 receives information permitting / approving the use of the restricted electronic money sent from the terminal 20B (restricted electronic money use approval information, described later) until a set time (in this example, 60 minutes) has elapsed.

[0466] FIG. 7-4 is a diagram showing an example of a code payment screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B. With user BB being permitted to use restricted electronic money, the grayed-out portion of the information about the balance of restricted electronic money displayed in the wallet code information display area WCR1 on the code payment screen on the right side of Figure 7-2 is undone, and user AA can tap the radio button to the left of the word "Restricted" to set it to "ON." Here, the radio button is shown in its "ON" state. By making a code payment in this state, the payment result information is displayed as shown on the right side of Figure 7-4.

[0467] <Processing> 7-5 and 7-6 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment. First, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B performs a restricted electronic money remittance setting process as a setting process related to the remittance of restricted electronic money based on a user input to the input / output unit 23 or the like (B410).

[0468] Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B sends notification-attached electronic money remittance request information, which includes, for example but not limited to, settings information including settings regarding usage restrictions and notification destination accounts, to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (B420).

[0469] When the communication I / F 14 receives the restricted electronic money remittance request information from the terminal 20B, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs the restricted electronic money remittance process (S410). Specifically, the control unit 11 of the server 10 updates the account management data contained in the account management database 155F, which corresponds to the account of user AA (or terminal 20A), who is the user of the destination account, based on the setting information contained in the notification-attached electronic money remittance request information received from terminal 20B. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sets the use permission flag of the electronic money use restriction management data to a flag of "disabled" as an initial value, for example and not as a limitation.

[0470] Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits restricted electronic money remittance result information, which is information relating to the restricted electronic money remittance result, to each of the terminals 20A and 20B via the communication I / F 14 (S420). Note that the restricted electronic money remittance result information may include the remittance management ID generated in the restricted electronic money remittance process. When the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A and the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B receive the restricted electronic money remittance result information from the server 10, they each display it on the display unit 24 (A410, B430).

[0471] Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B causes the display unit 24 to display a selection display for whether or not to approve the use of the remitted restricted electronic money balance (B440). If approval of use is selected based on user input to the input / output unit 23 or the like (B440: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B transmits restricted electronic money use approval information to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (B450). Note that the restricted electronic money use approval information may include the remittance management ID of the restricted electronic money balance whose use is approved. If use approval is not selected (B440: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B skips step B450.

[0472] When restricted electronic money use approval information is received from the terminal 20B via the communication I / F 14 (S430: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes restricted electronic money use approval processing (S440). Specifically, the control unit 11 of the server 10 changes the usability flag of the remittance management ID specified in the restricted electronic money use approval information from "unavailable" to "available" in the electronic money use restriction management data in the account management data included in the account management database 155F, by way of example and not limitation. Also, the control unit 11 stores a predetermined date and time (by way of example and not limitation, 60 minutes after the receipt of the restricted electronic money use approval information) as the usable state end date and time.

[0473] If restricted electronic money use approval information is not received from the terminal 20B via the communication I / F 14 (S430: NO), the control unit 11 of the server 10 skips step S440.

[0474] The control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the received wallet code information on the display unit 24 (A130), and then transmits payment balance selection information including, by way of example and not limitation, a remittance management ID for specifying the balance to be paid, to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (A420), based on user input to the input / output unit 23, etc. Note that if payment is selected to be made from the regular electronic money balance, the payment balance selection information may include information for selecting to make payment from the regular electronic money balance. Furthermore, if the balance to be paid is not specified, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A does not need to transmit the payment balance selection information to the server 10.

[0475] The control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may execute step A420 simultaneously with, before or after, step A120. In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may not transmit wallet code information to the terminal 20A when the use availability flag of the limited electronic money balance designated as the balance for payment is "unavailable."

[0476] When the communication I / F 14 receives the payment request information from the store POS system 40 and the payment balance selection information from the terminal 20A, the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes the limited payment process (S450).

[0477] In the limited payment process, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not to allow the payment based on the payment balance selection information if the usability flag of the limited electronic money balance specified as the balance to be paid is "allowed" and the usable state end date and time has not passed. If the payment is successful, the control unit 11 of the server 10 deducts the payment amount from the specified limited electronic money balance. If the use availability flag of the restricted electronic money balance specified as the balance to be paid is "unavailable" or if the end date and time of the available state has passed, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that the payment using the specified restricted electronic money balance has failed. Note that if the end date and time of the available state has passed, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may change the use availability flag of the specified restricted electronic money balance from "available" to "unavailable" and erase the end date and time of the available state. If a payment using the restricted electronic money balance fails due to insufficient balance or usage restrictions, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may switch to the normal electronic money balance and execute the payment. When the normal electronic money balance is specified as the balance for payment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes the settlement using the normal electronic money balance.

[0478] In addition, if payment balance selection information is not received from terminal 20A, the control unit 11 of server 10 may interpret the notification-attached electronic money balance as a restricted electronic money balance based on the methods (a) to (f) described in the first embodiment, select the balance to be paid, and perform restricted payment processing.

[0479] After S150, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not the limited electronic money balance has been used for the payment in the limited payment process of S450 (S460). If it is determined that the information has not been used (S460: NO), the control unit 11 of the server 10 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electronic money has been used (S460: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits the restricted electronic money use information to the terminal 20B via the communication I / F 14 (S470). Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 ends the process.

[0480] The control unit 21 of the terminal 20B determines whether or not the restricted electronic money usage information has been received from the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (B460). If it is determined that the message has not been received (B460: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information has been received (B460: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B causes the display unit 24 to display the received restricted electronic money usage information (B470). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B ends the process.

[0481] <Seventh Modification (1)> In the above embodiment, when the limited electronic money balance is used, a notification is sent to the notification account, but this is not limiting. For example, and not limiting, when the limited electronic money balance is used, a third party such as a remitter may not be notified.

[0482] In this case, for example and not by way of limitation, no data is stored in the notification destination ID and notifier name of the restricted electronic money management data (for example and not by way of limitation, NULL is stored). Even if the restricted electronic money balance is used in the restricted payment process, the control unit 11 of the server 10 does not transmit the restricted electronic money usage information.

[0483] <Seventh Modification (2)> While the above embodiment may include a case where the use of the limited electronic money balance is not permitted in a restricted payment transaction, this is not intended to be limiting. For example and not by way of limitation, the use of the limited electronic money balance may always be permitted in a restricted payment transaction. In this case, for example and not by way of limitation, a remittance management ID may not be stored in the electronic money use limit management data for a given remittance management ID. Alternatively, for a given remittance management ID, the usability flag in the electronic money use limit management data may be permanently set to "enabled," and the usable state end date and time may be set far enough in the future (for example and not by way of limitation, 5 billion years from now). This is equivalent to having no limit on the use of the restricted electronic money balance in the restricted payment process.

[0484] In addition, in the case where the use of the limited electronic money balance is not restricted in the limited payment process, and the use of the limited electronic money balance is notified to the notification destination account, the limited electronic money balance may be called a notified electronic money balance.

[0485] <Seventh Modification (3)> In the above embodiment, a distinction is made between a normal electronic money balance and a restricted electronic money balance, but this is not limiting. For example and not limitation, the normal electronic money balance may be a restricted electronic money balance with no notification ID or notifier name in the restricted electronic money management data, and no usage restrictions in the restricted payment processing in the electronic money usage restriction management data. In this case, for example and not limitation, in the restricted electronic money management data, the remittance management ID may be an ID generated when the electronic money is charged, and the remitter ID may be the same as the application ID.

[0486] In other words, the broad definition of "limited electronic money balance" can include the following concepts: (1) "Notification-restricted electronic money balance" has restrictions on its use, and when it is used, a notification is sent to the sender or other third party. (2) “Electronic money balance with no notification restrictions” which has restrictions on its use but does not notify third parties of its use. (3) "Electronic money balance with notification and no limit" (electronic money balance with notification), which has no restrictions on use and is notified to a third party when used (there is a restriction that notification is given when used). (4) "Electronic money balance without notification and without restrictions (normal electronic money balance)" which has no restrictions on use and is not notified to third parties even if used (no restrictions exist).

[0487] <Seventh Modification (4)> In the above embodiment, the limit on the use of the balance in the restricted payment process requires the prior approval of the remitter, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a non-limiting example of a restriction on the use of the balance in a restricted payment process, the balance may not be used to make payments at stores or services in a specific industry or business category.

[0488] FIG. 7-7 is a diagram showing an example of an account management database 155G, which is an example of the account management database 155 in this modified example. In the account management database 155G, the electronic money use restriction management data stores, by way of example and not limitation, a remittance management ID and a prohibited store type in association with each other.

[0489] The prohibited store business type is an item for storing the business type or business form in which the use of this restricted electronic money balance is prohibited, and is set and stored based on input by the remitter, for example, but not by way of limitation. In Figure 7-7, by way of example and not limitation, it is stored that the restricted electronic money balance managed by the remittance management ID "T01003" cannot be used at stores and services classified as "apparel," "furniture and home appliances," or "izakayas and pubs."

[0490] 7-8 and 7-9 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. FIG. 7-8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen relating to another example of usage restrictions on restricted electronic money. The left side of FIG. 7-8 is a diagram showing an example of a remittance screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B, and corresponds to the screen on the left side of FIG. 7-2. In this example, the restrictions on the use of restricted electronic money have not yet been set, so the "Transfer" button at the bottom of the screen is grayed out. When the above-mentioned "Set Usage Restrictions" button BT71 is tapped, a display such as that shown in the center of FIG. 7-8 is displayed.

[0491] This screen is configured to allow the user to set the type of store that prohibits the use of restricted electronic money, as an example of restrictions on the use of restricted electronic money, but is not limited thereto. In this example, multiple store types, such as "convenience stores," "supermarkets and home improvement centers," "apparel," "furniture and home appliances," "izakayas and pubs," and "coffee shops," are listed in boxes containing an illustration and the name of the type of store.

[0492] When a box for which you want to prohibit the use of restricted electronic money is tapped, a check mark is placed in association with that box, not as a limitation but as an example. Then, by tapping the "Set" button BT73 at the bottom of the screen, it is possible to set the checked business type as a business type for which the use of restricted electronic money is restricted.

[0493] In this example, user BB has tapped and checked three business types, "Apparel," "Furniture / Home Appliances," and "Izakaya / Pubs," as business types for which the use of restricted electronic money should be prohibited. By tapping the "Settings" button BT73 in this state, the screen on the right side of Figure 7-8 is displayed, which is not a limitation but an example.

[0494] This screen is the remittance screen of the payment application, and corresponds to the screen on the left side of Figure 7-8. In this example, icons corresponding to the business types set on the screen in the center of Figure 7-8 are displayed above the "Set Usage Restrictions" button BT71 on the remittance screen on the left side of Figure 7-8. Specifically, icons corresponding to the three business types, "Apparel," "Furniture / Home Appliances," and "Izakaya / Pubs," are displayed. In addition, because the business types for which the use of restricted electronic money is prohibited have been set, the "Remit" button on the screen on the left side of Figure 7-8 is no longer grayed out. This screen shows the state in which the "Remit" button BT2 has been tapped.

[0495] The left side of FIG. 7-9 shows an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this case. On the left side of the notification area, restricted electronic money remittance result information RR73 is displayed. This restricted electronic money remittance result information includes illustrations corresponding to the types of businesses for which the use of the restricted electronic money set by user BB is prohibited. Specifically, along with a prohibition mark and the words "Cannot be used at the following stores," icons corresponding to three types of businesses - "Apparel," "Furniture / Home Appliances," and "Izakaya / Pubs" - are displayed.

[0496] The code payment screen in the center of Figure 7-9 then shows the state in which the radio button for the restricted electronic money balance in the wallet code information display area WCR1 is set to "ON." In this state, as a non-limiting example, suppose user AA attempts to make a payment at an electronics store (in this example, "XX Electronics") and has their wallet code information read by the store's code reader. However, since the electronics store is included in the "furniture and home appliances" industry, which prohibits the use of restricted electronic money, the use of restricted electronic money is prohibited. As a result, the screen on the right side of Figure 7-9 is displayed, as a non-limiting example.

[0497] On this screen, information indicating that the balance is insufficient and payment cannot be made is displayed so as to be superimposed on the wallet code information display area WCR1. Specifically, the payment amount is "1,000 yen" and the limited electronic money balance is "1,000 yen", so the amount is actually sufficient. However, since the use of the limited electronic money balance is prohibited, the limited electronic money balance "1,000 yen" cannot be used for payment. Therefore, there is a shortage of "1,000 yen" for the payment amount of "1,000 yen", resulting in an insufficient balance. In this example, only the limited electronic money balance is used for payment, and the normal electronic money balance is not used for payment.

[0498] In this modified example, first, in step B410 of Figure 7-5, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B sets, by way of example and not limitation, the business type and business model in which the use of the restricted electronic money balance is prohibited, based on user input to the input / output unit 23, etc. In step S410 of Figure 7-5, the control unit 11 of the server 10 updates the prohibited store types in the electronic money usage restriction management data based on, for example and not limitation, the setting information included in the notification-attached electronic money remittance request information received from terminal 20B.

[0499] Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B skips steps B430 to B450 in FIG. 7-5, and the control unit 11 of the server 10 skips steps S430 to S440 in FIG. 7-5.

[0500] In step S450 of FIG. 7-5, for example and not by way of limitation, if the prohibited store business type of the restricted electronic money balance specified as the balance to be paid does not match the business type and business format determined from the payment request information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not to allow the payment using the specified restricted electronic money balance. If the payment is successful, the control unit 11 of the server 10 deducts the payment amount from the specified restricted electronic money balance. If the type of store prohibited from use of the restricted electronic money balance specified as the balance to be paid matches the type and business form determined from the payment request information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that the payment using the specified restricted electronic money balance has failed.

[0501] The following restrictions are examples of usage restrictions on the restricted electronic money balance, but are not limited to these: - Approval for use in sender accounts, notification accounts, etc. · Notification of restricted electronic money balance usage. - The dates and times when the limited electronic money balance can be used (for example, but not limited to, it can be used on school trip days, on weekends, and between 11:00 and 13:00). - Dates, times and times when the restricted electronic money balance cannot be used (for example, but not limited to, weekdays and late night hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM). Usage restrictions based on the type and business model of the store or service provider making the payment (for example, but not limited to, setting whether or not the payment can be used based on the type and business model of the store or service based on the identification information of the payment store included in the payment request information) - Usage restrictions on the items of goods and services for which payment is made (for example, but not limited to, setting usable goods and services based on the JAN code or EAN code included in the product image captured by the terminal or the payment request information. More specifically, for example, but not limited to, the card can be used to purchase plastic models but not game software.) - Usage restrictions regarding payment amounts (for example, payment amounts under 1,000 yen can be used, but not limited to this) - Usage restrictions based on device location (for example, use within a 5km radius of your home) Withdrawal restrictions (for example, but not limited to, not being able to withdraw restricted electronic money balances into cash at an ATM or to a bank account) · The expiration date of the restricted electronic money balance from the time it is first used. The number of times the limited electronic money balance can be used (for example, but not limited to, it can be used "10 times"). · Any combination of the above restrictions.

[0502] Furthermore, the restricted electronic money balance is not limited to being generated by a money transfer. For example and without limitation, when a parent charges a child's account, the parent's device or the child's device may or may not be able to set a spending limit.

[0503] In this modified example, the restrictions set on restricted electronic money include at least one of the following: restrictions regarding notification when the user of the terminal 20 making the payment uses restricted electronic money; restrictions regarding stores where restricted electronic money can be used; restrictions regarding goods or services for which restricted electronic money can be used; restrictions regarding categories of goods or services for which restricted electronic money can be used; restrictions regarding goods for which restricted electronic money cannot be used; restrictions regarding time periods when restricted electronic money cannot be used; dates on which restricted electronic money cannot be used; and restrictions regarding dates and times when restricted electronic money cannot be used. As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to enable the user of the first information processing device to set various restrictions on the first electronic currency, such as restrictions on notifying the user of the first information processing device when the user of the information processing device uses the first electronic currency, restrictions on the stores where the first electronic currency can be used, restrictions on the goods or services for which the first electronic currency can be used, restrictions on the categories of goods or services for which the first electronic currency can be used, restrictions on goods for which the first electronic currency cannot be used, restrictions on the time periods during which the first electronic currency cannot be used, and restrictions on the days or dates and times during which the first electronic currency cannot be used, thereby improving convenience for the user of the first information processing device.

[0504] <Seventh Modification (5)> In the above embodiment, the limited electronic money balance is used at the time of payment, but the present invention is not limited to this. By way of example and not limitation, after regular electronic money is used in a payment, the balance may be converted from a restricted electronic money balance to a regular electronic money balance based on, for example and not limitation, the authorization for use of the sending account, the notified account, etc. That is, even if the restricted electronic money is not available at the time of payment, the restricted electronic money balance may be made available after the payment by paying in advance using regular electronic money.

[0505] 7-10 and 7-11 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. The left side of Figure 7-10 is a code payment screen similar to the screen in the center of Figure 7-9. In this example, the charge button CBT is tapped by user AA, and the electronic money balance is charged by 500 yen, increasing the normal electronic money balance from 500 yen to 1,000 yen. If a code payment of 1,000 yen is made in this state, the payment result information shown in the center of Figure 7-10 is displayed, as an example and not a limitation. In this example, it is shown that regular electronic money was used for the payment, and the payment from "No Limit" is "1,000 yen."

[0506] The right side of Figure 7-10 shows the main menu screen of the payment application that is displayed afterwards, and the balance displayed in the balance display area remains at "1,000 yen" for "Limited" and has changed to "0 yen" for "No limit."

[0507] The left side of FIG. 7-11 shows an example of a notification screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B. On this notification screen, restricted electronic money use confirmation information RV74 for confirming whether or not to allow the use of the restricted electronic money is displayed below restricted electronic money remittance result information RR74. When the "Allow" button included in this information is tapped and user BB selects to allow the use of the restricted electronic money remitted to user AA, a message to that effect (the text "Allow") is displayed in the notification area, as shown in the center of Figure 7-11. However, in this example, the permission to use this restricted electronic money is permission to convert the balance from the restricted electronic money balance to a normal electronic money balance.

[0508] Based on the above permission, the server 10 converts the limited electronic money balance in user AA's account to a normal electronic money balance. Then, the server 10 transmits limited electronic money usage information RU71 to terminal 20B. As a result, the limited electronic money usage information RU71 is displayed in the notification area, as shown in the center of FIG. 7-11.

[0509] Meanwhile, the wallet main menu screen of the payment application of terminal 20A displays the display shown on the right side of Figure 7-11. Specifically, as a result of the server 10 converting the balance from the limited electronic money balance of user AA's account to the normal electronic money balance, the display of information about the limited electronic money balance that was displayed in the balance display area BR2 on the screen on the right side of Figure 7-10 is erased, and the screen on the right side of Figure 7-11 displays the balance of "1000 yen" (normal electronic money balance) and the charge button CBT.

[0510] <Seventh Modification (6)> When a refund is issued, such as when returning a product or service, and the limited electronic money balance was used at the time of payment, the amount of the refund may be added to the limited electronic money balance used at the time of payment. In this case, the processing may be performed in the same manner as in the second modified example, by way of example and not limitation.

[0511] <Eighth Example> In the above-described embodiment, the server 10 executes the payment process (restricted payment process) using either normal electronic money or restricted electronic money. The eighth embodiment is an embodiment in which payment is made using normal electronic money and one type of restricted electronic money.

[0512] The contents described in the eighth embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0513] <Display screen> FIG. 8-1 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The left side of FIG. 8-1 shows the main menu screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A, with the "Code Payment" icon tapped. Then, by way of example and not limitation, the code payment screen shown in the center of Figure 8-1 will be displayed.

[0514] On this screen, the notification account is user BB's account and the limited notification money balance is displayed as "1,000 yen," and the regular electronic money balance is displayed as "500 yen." When the "Code Payment" icon IC2 is tapped, the code payment screen shown in the center of Figure 8-1 is displayed.

[0515] On this code payment screen, the wallet code information display area WCR1 displays the combined balance of the limited electronic money balance and the regular electronic money balance (in this example, "1,500 yen"). As mentioned above, information about the limited electronic money balance (limited) and information about the regular electronic money balance (unlimited) are also displayed. However, here, there are no radio buttons next to these displays, and the limited electronic money balance and the regular electronic money balance are automatically used for payment.

[0516] Here we will use the example of purchasing a product for 1,200 yen. The total of the limited notification money balance and the regular electronic money balance is 1,500 yen, which exceeds the payment amount of 1,200 yen. In this case, as an example and not a limitation, the limited electronic money can be used first, and the remaining balance can be made up by using regular electronic money. The payment process is carried out based on this, and the payment result information on the right side of Figure 8-1 is displayed.

[0517] Specifically, information is displayed indicating that a payment of "1,200 yen" has been completed, with the breakdown showing that "1,000 yen" was paid from restricted electronic money and the remaining "200 yen" was paid from regular electronic money.

[0518] <Processing> 8-2 and 8-3 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment.

[0519] When the communication I / F 14 receives the payment request information from the store POS system 40, the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes a used balance calculation process (S500). In the used balance calculation process, the control unit 11 of the server 10 calculates, from the payment amount of the payment request information, a first payment amount to be paid from the limited electronic money balance and a second payment amount to be paid from the normal electronic money balance.

[0520] Here, the first payment amount and the second payment amount are any amounts that satisfy the condition "first payment amount" + "second payment amount" = "payment amount in the payment request information", and can be determined as follows, by way of example and not limitation: · Priority use of limited electronic money balance. "First payment amount" = "Limited electronic money balance" ("Second payment amount" = "Payment amount in payment request information" - "First payment amount") · Regular electronic money balance is used first. "Second payment amount" = "Normal electronic money balance" ("First payment amount" = "Payment amount in payment request information" - "Second payment amount") -Use in proportion to each balance. "First payment amount": "Second payment amount" = "Limited electronic money balance": "Normal electronic money balance" Hereinafter, the priority of the balance used for payment will be referred to as "usage balance priority."

[0521] By way of example and not limitation, an example of automatically prioritizing the use of a limited electronic money balance is shown in Figure 8-1. The calculation method of the first payment amount and the second payment amount shown above is, by way of example and not limitation, preset and programmed by a user of the server 10.

[0522] Once the first payment amount and the second payment amount are calculated, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs a consecutive limited payment process (S510). In the consecutive limited payment process, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sequentially performs, by way of example and not limitation, a limited payment process using the limited electronic money balance for the first payment amount and a payment process using the normal electronic money balance for the second payment amount.

[0523] If the restricted payment process and the payment process are successful, the consecutive restricted payment process is a successful payment. If at least one of the limited payment process and the payment process fails, the consecutive limited payment process will result in a payment failure (payment not possible). If the consecutive limited payment process fails, by way of example and not limitation, any of the limited payment processes or payment processes that were successful will be cancelled and the balance will be returned.

[0524] If the first payment amount is "0", the limited payment process may not be executed. If the second payment amount is "0", the payment process may not be executed. In these cases, the limited payment process (payment process) that is not executed is treated as successful.

[0525] When a restricted payment process is executed, for example and not by way of limitation, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may generate a payment ID for each restricted payment process in the payment history management data 157 and add it to the payment history management data 157. In this case, the payment amount in the payment request information is stored as the payment amount in the payment history management data 157, and the first payment amount is stored as the usage amount in the restricted electronic money usage history data.

[0526] The control unit 11 of the server 10 may generate separate payment IDs for the restricted payment process and the payment process in the payment history management data 157 and add them to the payment history management data 157. In this case, the payment history management data 157 records two payments as if they were made in response to a single payment request. Therefore, when a refund is made due to a return to a store, etc., two payment IDs must be specified.

[0527] For simplicity of explanation, this flowchart omits the notification transmission process for the restricted electronic money balance with notification and the unrestricted electronic money balance with notification. In the consecutive restricted payment process, when the restricted electronic money balance with notification or the unrestricted electronic money balance with notification is used and a notification is issued, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may, by way of example and not limitation, transmit restricted electronic money usage information to the terminal 20B, which is the terminal of the notification destination account, as shown in FIG. 7-6. When the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B receives the restricted electronic money usage information, the control unit 21 may, by way of example and not limitation, display the received restricted electronic money usage information on the display unit 24.

[0528] Furthermore, prior to this flowchart, as a non-limiting example, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may transmit charge request information for charging the normal electronic money balance to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 based on user input to the input / output unit 23, etc. In this case, when the charge request information is received from the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may execute a charge process for increasing the normal electronic money balance based on the received charge request information.

[0529] <Effects of the Eighth Embodiment> This embodiment shows a configuration executed by the information processing device, in which a program is executed by terminal 20A (not limited to, an example of an information processing device) communicating with terminal 20B (not limited to, an example of a first information processing device), and a usage restriction (not limited to, an example of a restriction) including a notification is set by user BB (not limited to, an example of a user of the first information processing device), and a wallet code information display process (not limited to, an example of a process related to the first payment) for performing a continuous limited payment process is performed by the control unit of the information processing device based on a first payment amount (not limited to, an example of at least a portion of the first electronic currency) of the limited electronic money balance (not limited to, an example of the first electronic currency) transferred from the first information processing device and a second payment amount (not limited to, an example of at least a portion of the second electronic currency) of the normal electronic money balance (not limited to, an example of the second electronic currency) associated with user AA (not limited to, an example of a user of the information processing device). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, a limit is set by the user of the first information processing device, and processing related to the first payment is performed based on at least a portion of the first electronic currency transferred from the first information processing device and at least a portion of the second electronic currency associated with the user of the information processing device, thereby realizing, by way of example and not limitation, payment using at least two electronic currencies including at least the first electronic currency on which a limit has been set.

[0530] In this example, the information processing device is the terminal 20 (terminal 20A, as an example and not a limitation) of the user of the destination account of the restricted electronic money, and the first information processing device is the terminal 20 (terminal 20B, as an example and not a limitation) of the source account of the restricted electronic money. However, without being limited to this, as an example, the information processing device may be the terminal 20 of the user of the destination account of the restricted electronic money, and the first information processing device may be the server 10. It should be noted that other combinations are also possible.

[0531] In addition, this embodiment shows a configuration in which the first electronic currency and the second electronic currency are selected based on pre-set (pre-programmed) conditions (not limited to, but an example of a set condition). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, and by way of example and not limitation, the first electronic currency and the second electronic currency to be used for payment can be appropriately selected based on set conditions.

[0532] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the set conditions include a condition regarding use from a limited electronic money balance (not a limitation, but an example of electronic currency with a set limit). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, and by way of example and not limitation, a limit can be set by the user of the first information processing device, and the first electronic currency transferred from the first information processing device can be used preferentially for payment.

[0533] In addition, this embodiment shows a configuration in which the restrictions set on restricted electronic money include at least one of the following: restrictions regarding notification when the user of the terminal 20 making the payment uses restricted electronic money; restrictions regarding stores where restricted electronic money can be used; restrictions regarding goods or services where restricted electronic money can be used; restrictions regarding categories of goods or services where restricted electronic money can be used; restrictions regarding goods for which restricted electronic money cannot be used; restrictions regarding time periods when restricted electronic money cannot be used; dates when restricted electronic money cannot be used; and restrictions regarding dates and times when restricted electronic money cannot be used. As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to enable the user of the first information processing device to set various restrictions on the first electronic currency, such as restrictions on notifying the user of the first information processing device when the user of the information processing device uses the first electronic currency, restrictions on the stores where the first electronic currency can be used, restrictions on the goods or services for which the first electronic currency can be used, restrictions on the categories of goods or services for which the first electronic currency can be used, restrictions on goods for which the first electronic currency cannot be used, restrictions on the time periods during which the first electronic currency cannot be used, and restrictions on the days or dates and times during which the first electronic currency cannot be used, thereby improving convenience for the user of the first information processing device.

[0534] In addition, this embodiment shows a configuration in which the server performs, by its control unit, a restricted electronic money remittance process (a program executed by a server communicating with terminal 20B (an example of a first information processing device, not a limitation) and terminal 20A (an example of a second information processing device, not a limitation), which is an example of a process for associating a restricted electronic money balance (an example of a first electronic currency, not a limitation) transferred from the first information processing device to the second information processing device, on which a limit has been set by the user of the first information processing device, with the user of the second information processing device) and a charge process (an example of a process for associating a normal electronic money balance (an example of a second electronic currency, not a limitation) with the user of the second information processing device), and a control unit performs, by the server, a process related to a continuous restricted payment process (an example of a first payment, not a limitation) based on at least a portion of the first electronic currency and at least a portion of the second electronic currency, based on wallet payment request information (an example of information sent from the second information processing device, not a limitation). As an example of the effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, a first electronic currency transferred from a first information processing device to a second information processing device, for which a limit has been set by the user of the first information processing device, can be associated with the user of the second information processing device, and the second electronic currency can be associated with the user of the second information processing device, and then a first payment can be realized based on at least a portion of the first electronic currency and at least a portion of the second electronic currency based on information sent from the second information processing device.

[0535] In addition, this embodiment shows a configuration in which the restriction includes a notification to the notification destination account (not limited to, but an example of a restriction in which, when at least a portion of the first electronic currency is used by a user of a second information processing device, a notification indicating that the user of the second information processing device has used it is sent to the first information processing device by the communication unit of the server). As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, when at least a part of the first electronic currency is used by the user of the second information processing device, the user of the first information processing device can be notified of the details thereof.

[0536] <Eighth Modification (1)> In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which both the limited electronic money balance and the normal electronic money balance were automatically used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example and not by way of limitation, the amount of electronic money (balance) to be used may be determined based on input by the user of the terminal 20 making the payment.

[0537] FIG. 8-4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. The left side of Figure 8-4 shows the main menu screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A, and is the same as the screen on the left side of Figure 8-1. When the "Code Payment" icon IC2 is tapped, the code payment screen in the center of Figure 8-4 is displayed.

[0538] On this code payment screen, the information displayed in the wallet code information display area WCR1 is the combined balance of the restricted electronic money balance and the normal electronic money balance (1,500 yen in this example), as described above. Also, below that is a slide button for selecting whether or not to use the restricted electronic money for payment. By setting the slide button to "ON," it is possible to set the restricted electronic money to be used for payment. Also, by setting the slide button to "OFF," it is possible to set the restricted electronic money not to be used for payment.

[0539] This example shows the slide button in the "ON" position. In this case, as in Figure 8-1, the restricted electronic money is used first, and the remaining amount is made up by using regular electronic money. The payment process is carried out based on this, and the payment result information on the right side of Figure 8-4 is displayed.

[0540] Alternatively, by turning the slide button to "ON," regular electronic money may be used preferentially. In this case, by turning the slide button to "OFF," restricted electronic money cannot be used for payment.

[0541] FIG. 8-5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this modified example. By way of example and not limitation, when the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the wallet code information (A130), it transmits restricted electronic money usage selection information, including a setting as to whether to use the restricted electronic money balance or the normal electronic money balance, to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 based on user input to the input / output unit 23 (A510).

[0542] When the communication I / F 14 receives the restricted electronic money use selection information from the terminal 20A, the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes a used balance calculation process based on the restricted electronic money use selection information (S500), and then executes a consecutive restricted payment process based on the calculated first payment amount and second payment amount (S510).

[0543] In the balance calculation process, by way of example and not limitation, if only the restricted electronic money balance is used, the "second payment amount" can be set to "0", and if only the normal electronic money balance is used, the "first payment amount" can be set to "0".

[0544] In addition, when the control unit 11 of the server 10 does not receive restricted electronic money usage selection information from the terminal 20A, it may, by way of example and not limitation, execute a usage balance calculation process based on the usage balance priority (usage ratio) previously set by the user of the server 10, and may or may not execute a continuous restricted payment process.

[0545] Furthermore, if the consecutive limit payment process fails because the limited electronic money use selection information selects not to use the limited electronic money balance or the normal electronic money balance, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may be configured to send limited electronic money use confirmation information to the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14, for confirming whether or not to retry the payment using both balances. Upon receiving the limited electronic money use confirmation information from the server 10, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may be configured to send the limited electronic money use selection information to the server 10 again if it is selected to retry the payment using the limited electronic money balance and the normal electronic money balance based on user input to the input / output unit 23, etc. Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may be configured to retry the usage balance calculation process and the consecutive limit payment process based on the resent limited electronic money use selection information.

[0546] Furthermore, the selection of the balance to be used for payment is not limited to selection each time a payment is made. As a non-limiting example, prior to a payment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may accept a default setting regarding which balance, the restricted electronic money balance or the normal electronic money balance, to use for the payment, based on user input to the input / output unit 23, etc. Then, in a payment after accepting the default setting, as a non-limiting example, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may display wallet code information (A130), and then transmit the default setting to the server 10 as restricted electronic money use selection information.

[0547] This modified example shows a configuration in which the limited electronic money balance (not limiting, but an example of the first electronic currency) and the normal electronic money balance (not limiting, but an example of the second electronic currency) are selected based on input by the user of terminal 20A (not limiting, but an example of an information processing device). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it becomes possible for the user of the information processing device to select the first electronic currency and the second electronic currency to be used for payment, thereby improving convenience for the user of the information processing device.

[0548] <Eighth Modification (2)> In the above embodiment, the first payment amount and the second payment amount are determined according to the usage balance priority set in advance by the user of the server 10, by way of example and not limitation, but are not limited to this. By way of example and not limitation, the usage balance priority may be determined based on input by a user of the payment terminal 20 .

[0549] FIG. 8-6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. The left side of Figure 8-6 shows the main menu screen of the payment application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A, showing the state when the "Code Payment" icon IC2 is tapped. Then, the code payment screen shown in the center of Figure 8-6 is displayed. On this code payment screen, the information displayed in the wallet code information display area WCR1 is the limited electronic money balance ("Limited") and the regular electronic money balance (Unlimited), which are displayed separately, with the limited electronic money balance ("Limited") displayed at the top and the regular electronic money balance (Unlimited) displayed below.

[0550] As a non-limiting example, when user AA touches the area where the regular electronic money balance is displayed and slides it toward the area where the restricted electronic money balance is displayed (upward in this example), the areas where the regular electronic money balance is displayed and the restricted electronic money balance are swapped, with the regular electronic money balance displayed on top and the restricted electronic money balance displayed below, as shown on the right side of Figure 8-6. This swaps the priority of balance usage, and the regular electronic money balance now takes precedence.

[0551] Alternatively, a check box or the like may be used to allow the user to select the electronic money balance that is to be used preferentially.

[0552] 8-5, the process in this modification is, for example and not by way of limitation, as follows: when the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays wallet code information (A130), the control unit 21 transmits restricted electronic money use selection information including a setting regarding the usage balance priority between the restricted electronic money balance and the normal electronic money balance to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (A510), based on a user input to the input / output unit 23. The restricted electronic money use selection information may also include information regarding the usage ratio of each balance. When the communication I / F 14 receives restricted electronic money use selection information from the terminal 20A, the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes a usage balance calculation process (S500) based on the usage balance priority (usage ratio) of the restricted electronic money use selection information, and executes a consecutive limited payment process (S510). Note that, when the control unit 11 of the server 10 does not receive restricted electronic money use selection information from the terminal 20A, it may, by way of example and not limitation, execute a usage balance calculation process and execute a consecutive limited payment process based on the usage balance priority (usage ratio) preset by the user of the server 10, but this is not restrictive.

[0553] If the consecutive limit payment process fails, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may be configured to send limited electronic money use confirmation information to the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14 to confirm whether or not to retry the payment with different first and second payment amounts. Upon receiving the limited electronic money use confirmation information from the server 10, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may be configured to send limited electronic money use selection information to the server 10 again if it is selected to retry the payment by setting different first and second payment amounts based on user input to the input / output unit 23, etc. Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may be configured to retry the balance usage calculation process and the consecutive limit payment process based on the resent limited electronic money use selection information.

[0554] Furthermore, the usage balance priority order is not limited to being selected each time a payment is made. As a non-limiting example, prior to a payment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may accept a default setting regarding the usage balance priority order between the restricted electronic money balance and the normal electronic money balance, based on user input to the input / output unit 23, etc. Then, during a payment after accepting the default setting, as a non-limiting example, when the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays wallet code information (A130), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may transmit the default setting to the server 10 as restricted electronic money usage selection information.

[0555] In this modification, the set conditions are set by the user of the terminal 20 making the payment. As an example of the effect of this modified example obtained by such a configuration, the first electronic currency and the second electronic currency to be used for payment can be selected based on conditions that reflect the intentions of the user of the information processing device.

[0556] In addition, this modified example shows a configuration in which the conditions set by the user of the terminal 20 making the payment include a condition regarding the use from a limited electronic money balance (an example of electronic currency with a set limit, not a limitation). As an example of the effect of this embodiment obtained by such a configuration, since electronic currency with a set limit is used for settlement, it is possible to realize settlement in accordance with the intentions of the user of the information processing device.

[0557] In addition, this modified example shows a configuration in which the conditions set by the user of the terminal 20 making the payment include a condition regarding use in the order set by the user of the terminal 20 making the payment (not limited to, but an example of an information processing device). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, electronic currency is used for payment in the order set by the user of the information processing device, so that payment can be realized in accordance with the intentions of the user of the information processing device.

[0558] In addition, this modified example shows a configuration in which the condition regarding use in the order set by the user of the terminal 20 making the payment includes a condition regarding use in order starting from the limited electronic money balance (an example of electronic currency with a set limit, not a limitation). As an example of the effect of this embodiment obtained by such a configuration, electronic currency with a set limit can be used preferentially for settlement.

[0559] <Eighth Modification (3)> In the above embodiment, after executing the consecutive limited payment process, the server 10 transmits payment result information including the used limited electronic money balance and the normal electronic money balance to the terminal 20A, but this is not limited to this. As an example and not by way of limitation, in a payment process with a consecutive limit, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may be configured to transmit the first payment amount and the second payment amount to the terminal 20A once the first payment amount and the second payment amount are determined.

[0560] FIG. 8-7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modified example. On the code payment screen on the left side of Figure 8-7, when the wallet code information displayed in the wallet code information display area WCR1 is read by the store's code reader, the display in the center of Figure 8-7 is displayed.

[0561] In this example, the restricted electronic money use confirmation information transmitted from the server 10 is displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the wallet code information display area WCR1. In this example, by way of example and not limitation, restricted electronic money use confirmation information including the first payment amount in addition to the payee and payment amount is transmitted to terminal 20A. As a result, restricted electronic money use confirmation information including, by way of example and not limitation, the payee ("XX Bookstore" in this example), the payment amount ("1,200 yen" in this example), and the first payment amount ("1,000 yen" of restricted electronic money in this example) is displayed.

[0562] In this example, the restricted electronic money use confirmation information also includes a "Pay" button BT81 for agreeing to use the first payment amount, and a "Cancel" button BT82 for refusing to use the first payment amount.

[0563] As a non-limiting example, when the "Pay" button BT81 is tapped, the server 10 executes the consecutive limited payment process, and the payment result information on the right side of Figure 8-7 is displayed. Specifically, it shows that the limited electronic money is used preferentially, and the first payment amount (in this example, "1,000 yen") is paid from the limited electronic money, and the second payment amount (in this example, "200 yen") is paid from the regular electronic money.

[0564] In this example, only the first payment amount among the payment amounts is displayed on the screen in the center of FIG. 8-7, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, both the first payment amount and the second payment amount may be displayed. In this case, the server 10 may transmit restricted electronic money use confirmation information including the first payment amount and the second payment amount to the terminal 20A.

[0565] FIG. 8-8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this modified example. When the communication I / F 14 receives the payment request information from the store POS system 40, the control unit 11 of the server 10 calculates the first payment amount and the second payment amount (S500). Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits limited electronic money use confirmation information including at least the calculated first payment amount to the terminal 20A via the communication I / F 14.

[0566] When the restricted electronic money use confirmation information is received from the server 10 via the communication I / F 22, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A causes the display unit 24 to display a confirmation screen for asking whether or not to agree to the use of the first payment amount (A520). By way of example and not limitation, if consent to spending the first payment amount from the restricted electronic money balance is selected based on an input (user operation) to the input / output unit 23 of the terminal 20A (A520: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits restricted electronic money use permission information to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22 (A530).

[0567] If the communication I / F 14 receives the limited electronic money license information from the terminal 20A (S530: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes the payment process with the consecutive limit (S510). If the communication I / F 14 does not receive the limited electronic money license information (S530: NO), the control unit 11 of the server 10 skips the payment process with the consecutive limit.

[0568] If consent to spending the first payment amount from the limited electronic money balance is not selected (A520: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A skips step A530.

[0569] Note that if consent to spending the first payment amount from the limited electronic money balance is not selected (A520: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A, for example and not by way of limitation, accepts the first payment amount and the second payment amount based on user input to the input / output unit 23, and transmits the first payment amount and the second payment amount to the ...

Claims

1. A program executed by a user's information processing device, performing, by a control unit of the information processing device, a process of setting a limit on electronic currency of a first amount that is not set by the user and is usable by the user, based on an input of a limit setting by the user; performing, by the control unit, a process of remitting the electronic currency of the first amount for which the limit is set to the first user based on a remittance input by the user; The information processing device executes the process of receiving, via a communication unit of the information processing device, information regarding the balance transferred to the user based on conditions for returning the balance of the electronic currency of the first amount for which the limit has been set and which was transferred to the first user.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, The condition includes a condition relating to the balance or a ratio of the balance to the first amount.

3. 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, The conditions include a condition regarding a period during which the first user can make a payment using the electronic currency of the first amount for which the limit is set.

4. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The conditions include a condition regarding the number of times the first user has made a payment using the electronic currency of the first amount for which the limit is set.

5. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The balance is transferred to the user based on input by the first user to information for transferring the balance to the user, which information is displayed on the first information processing device of the first user based on the conditions.

6. 6. The program according to claim 1, The restrictions include at least one of the following: restrictions regarding notifying the user when the electronic currency for which the restriction is set is used; restrictions regarding stores where the electronic currency for which the restriction is set can be used; restrictions regarding goods or services for which the electronic currency for which the restriction is set can be used; restrictions regarding categories of goods or services for which the electronic currency for which the restriction is set can be used; restrictions regarding goods for which the electronic currency for which the restriction is set cannot be used; restrictions regarding time periods during which the electronic currency for which the restriction is set cannot be used; and restrictions regarding days or dates and times during which the electronic currency for which the restriction is set cannot be used.

7. An information processing method for a user's information processing device, comprising: performing, by a control unit of the information processing device, a process of setting a limit on electronic currency of a first amount that is not set by the user and is usable by the user, based on an input of a limit setting by the user; performing, by the control unit, a process of remitting the electronic currency of the first amount for which the limit is set to the first user based on a remittance input by the user; The method includes receiving, by a communication unit of the information processing device, information regarding the balance transferred to the first user based on conditions for returning the balance of the electronic currency of the first amount for which the limit is set and which was transferred to the first user.

8. An information processing device of a user, a control unit that performs a process of setting a limit on electronic currency of a first amount that is not limited by the user and that can be used by the user and that the user will bear through remittance, based on an input of limit setting by the user, and that performs a process of remitting the electronic currency of the first amount for which the limit has been set to a first user, based on an input of remittance by the user; and a communication unit that receives information regarding the balance remitted to the first user based on conditions for returning the balance of the electronic currency of the first amount for which the limit is set and that has been remitted to the first user.

Images