trading system

Abstract

To provide technical means that allows each of individual payment terms to be set at each store in a commerce system.SOLUTION: A commerce system comprises the steps of: storing, for each business operator, a payment method including at least information related to timing of payment that can be used when the business operator and a user conduct a commercial transaction, in a settlement server (S130); receiving, by a store terminal 20, an instruction of the user related to purchase of a product (S113); notifying, by the store terminal 20, the user of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase (S114); receiving, by the store terminal 20, one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods (S116); and executing, when the settlement server 40 receives a settlement request including an amount of the product purchase and one payment method from the store terminal 20, on the basis of the settlement request, settlement processing (S137).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a commercial transaction system with a payment function. [Background technology]

[0002] Commercial transaction systems that enable credit card payments are widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1). On the other hand, when purchasing high-priced goods or services, credit transactions are often adopted in which all or part of the price is paid after the purchase of the goods or services. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6952084 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Traditionally, when making a credit card payment, the card issuer would generally set uniform conditions regarding the number of payments (for example, "up to 24 or 36 payments") regardless of the product being purchased or the store where the purchase was made. While it is possible to take out a loan for more than 36 payments for special products (high-priced items) in current commercial transactions, such loans require individual applications and screening at the time of purchase, which is time-consuming. For example, it is virtually impossible to apply this method to the purchase of everyday consumer goods.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable each store in a commercial transaction system to individually set payment conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a payment method comprising the steps of: storing, for each business, payment methods including at least information regarding the timing of payment that can be used when a business and a user conduct a commercial transaction, in a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; an information processing device managed by the business accepting instructions from the user regarding the purchase of a product or service; a step in which the information processing device notifies the user of multiple payment methods that can be used for the purchase; a step in which the information processing device accepts one payment method selected by the user from the multiple payment methods; and a step in which, when the payment server receives from the information processing device a payment request including the amount related to the purchase of the product or service and the one payment method, executes payment processing based on the payment request.

[0007] Here, the information processing device refers to a server device that manages an e-commerce (EC) site accessed by consumers, or a terminal installed in a physical store and operated by a salesperson (i.e., a business-side terminal). Sales may be conducted face-to-face or online. "Accepting a user's instruction to purchase a product or service" may refer to receiving the purchase instruction from a user terminal (e.g., shopping at a physical store using an e-commerce site or terminal), or the user may input the purchase instruction from a store terminal. The "payment" method of the "payment request" does not matter. Payment may be by credit card or so-called code payment using a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). In other words, the commercial transactions handled by the present invention may be credit transactions that directly or indirectly handle credit card information. Payment does not need to be conducted using a user terminal. In short, it is sufficient for the business-side terminal to acquire the user's purchase instruction and payment count instruction.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the payment method indicates at least the number of payments required to pay off the loan in full.

[0009] Here, the "number of payments until full repayment" refers to the number of installments. The payment method may also refer to the amount of payment at each time. In this case, the payment method also includes revolving credit and bonus payments. In other words, the amount of each installment payment does not have to be a fixed amount.

[0010] In another preferred aspect, the information processing device further includes a step of storing bonus information about bonuses associated with the purchase of the product or service in association with each payment method, and in the notification step, information indicating the content of the bonus corresponding to each payment method is further notified.

[0011] In another preferred aspect, the information processing device further includes a step of acquiring purchasing behavior information regarding the user's past purchasing behavior, and the plurality of payment methods notified include one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the purchasing behavior information.

[0012] For example, for a user who prefers a payment style that involves many installments (in other words, a small payment amount per installment), payment methods that involve more installments than usual are presented preferentially.

[0013] In another preferred aspect, the information processing device further includes a step of acquiring attributes of the user, and the plurality of payment methods notified include one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the attributes.

[0014] Here, "user attributes" include, for example, age, income, and the like.

[0015] In another preferred aspect, the information processing device further comprises a step of acquiring information indicating a credit limit of the user, and the plurality of payment methods are determined based on the credit limit.

[0016] For example, if the purchase amount is large and the limit is small, a payment method with many installments (i.e., fewer payments per installment) will be recommended.

[0017] The present invention also provides a commercial transaction system comprising a user terminal, an information processing device managed by a business operator, and a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, wherein the terminal has means for accepting an instruction to purchase a product or service and means for accepting a payment method specification relating to the purchase, the payment method including at least information regarding the timing of payment; the information processing device has means for notifying the terminal of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase, and means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods; and the payment server has means for storing, for each business operator, payment methods including at least information regarding the timing of payment that can be used when conducting a commercial transaction between the business operator and the user, according to an arbitrary setting for each business operator; and means for executing payment processing based on the payment request when a payment request including the amount related to the purchase and the one payment method is received from the information processing device.

[0018] The present invention also provides an information processing device having means for acquiring payment methods, including at least information regarding the timing of payment, that can be used by a user when conducting a commercial transaction from a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, through arbitrary settings for each business operator; means for receiving instructions for the product or service to be purchased from the user's terminal; means for notifying the terminal of multiple payment methods that can be used for the purchase; and means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method selected by the user from the multiple payment methods and transferring the information to the payment server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to this invention, payment conditions can be set individually at each store in the commercial transaction system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a commercial transaction system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a store terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a payment server in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a code management server in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a user terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a commercial transaction system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a commercial transaction system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a commercial transaction system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] First Embodiment Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a commercial transaction system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This commercial transaction system 100 includes a user terminal 10, a store terminal 20, a payment server 40, and a code management server 50, all of which are interconnected via a network 200 such as the Internet or a mobile communications network. The commercial transaction system 100 according to this embodiment is a system for performing payments using the CPM (Consumer Presented Mode) method.

[0023] In Figure 1, in order to prevent the drawing from becoming too cluttered, one user terminal 10, one store terminal 20, one payment server 40, and one code management server 50 are shown, but the commercial transaction system 100 may include multiple user terminals 10, multiple store terminals 20, multiple payment servers 40, and multiple code management servers 50.

[0024] The user terminal 10 is a terminal used by a user who wishes to conduct a commercial transaction at a store, and is, for example, a smartphone. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 10. As shown in FIG. The user terminal 10 has a processor 11 which is the control center of the user terminal 10, a memory unit 12 consisting of a volatile memory unit and a non-volatile memory unit, an input unit 13 consisting of various input devices for inputting information, a display unit 14 such as an LCD display, and a communication unit 15 for communicating with other devices connected to the network 200. A code payment app is stored in the non-volatile memory of the memory unit 12. By executing this code payment app, the processor 11 functions as a means for accepting instructions to purchase a product or service and a means for accepting a payment method specification, including information related to the purchase, at least the timing of payment, and requests payment processing. The volatile memory of the memory unit 12 is used as a work area by the processor 11. The payment processing in this embodiment uses a QR code (registered trademark). To proceed with the payment processing, the user terminal 10 obtains a QR code from the code management server 50 via the communication unit 15, displays the QR code on the display unit 14, and has the store terminal 20 read it.

[0025] The store terminal 20 is an information processing device managed by a business operator and installed in a store. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store terminal 20. Note that a store can be any type of store, regardless of the type of products or services it handles, its operator, or its operating style. Furthermore, the purpose of the business conducted at the store (profit or non-profit) can also be any type of store. For example, leisure facilities, sports facilities, government offices providing administrative services, and other facilities are included. Like the user terminal 10, the store terminal 20 has a processor 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25. A control program is stored in the non-volatile storage unit of the storage unit 22. By executing this program, the processor 21 functions as a means for acquiring, from the payment server 40, payment methods that can be used by the user when conducting a commercial transaction, including at least information regarding the timing of payment; a means for receiving, from the user terminal 10, instructions regarding the product or service to be purchased; a means for notifying the user terminal 10 of multiple payment methods that can be used in the purchase; and a means for receiving, from the user terminal 10, information indicating one of the multiple payment methods selected by the user and transferring the information to the payment server 40.

[0026] The payment server 40 is a server that executes payment processing for commercial transactions at a store where the store terminal 20 is installed. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the payment server 40. The payment server 40 has a processor 41, which is a control center, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 45 for communicating with other devices connected to the network 200. A control program is stored in the non-volatile storage unit of the storage unit 42. By executing this program, the processor 41 functions as a means for storing, for each business, payment methods that can be used when a business and a user conduct a commercial transaction, including at least information regarding the timing of payment, and as a means for executing payment processing based on a payment request that is received from the store terminal 20, which is an information processing device, including the purchase amount and one payment method.

[0027] The code management server 50 is a server that manages user IDs and QR codes associated with each other for all users who use commercial transactions according to this embodiment, and uses these QR codes to authenticate the identity of users who send payment requests via the store terminal 20. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the code management server 50. The code management server 50 has a processor 51, which is a control center, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 55 for communicating with other devices connected to the network 200.

[0028] Although the settlement server 40 and the code management server 50 are physically separate servers, they are closely related to each other and function as an integrated intermediation server 30.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the payment server 40 makes a prior agreement with each business operator regarding the payment method for commercial transactions to be performed at the store (step S130). Specifically, the store terminal 20 of each business operator sends a payment method setting request to the payment server 40 (step S131). The payment server 40 then registers payment method setting information for each business operator that operates the store where the store terminal 20 is installed (step S132) and approves the payment method by sending this setting information to the store terminal 20 (step S133). Here, the payment method setting information indicates, for example, the upper limit of the number of installments for installment payments. Note that the content of this setting information is not important as long as it is based on an agreement between the business operator and the administrator of the payment server (a business entity different from the business operator; for example, a credit card company). Furthermore, the method of forming the agreement (e.g., whether the business operator first proposes the payment server administrator, or whether the administrator of the payment server first proposes the payment server administrator) is also not important.

[0030] When a user makes a transaction at a store, the user terminal 10 selects a product to be purchased (step S111). This selection is performed, for example, by reading a barcode printed on the product with the scanner of the input unit 13 of the user terminal 10. This reading may be performed by the store terminal 20. Alternatively, a web page for product selection may be delivered to the user terminal 10 in the store, and the user may use this web page to select the product to be purchased.

[0031] Next, the user terminal 10 starts the code payment application (step S112), which causes the user terminal 10 to send a payment processing request to the store terminal 20 (step S113).

[0032] When the store terminal 20 receives the payment processing request, it determines candidate payment methods (step S121) and notifies the determined candidate payment methods to the user terminal 10, which is the sender of the payment processing request (step S114). Here, the candidate payment methods are determined based on the details approved by the payment server 40 in the above-mentioned step S133.

[0033] When the user terminal 10 receives the notification of the payment method candidates, it displays the payment method candidates on the display unit 14 and prompts the user to select a payment method (step S115).

[0034] FIG. 7 shows an example of the display of candidate payment methods on the display unit 14 of the user terminal 10. In this embodiment, the store terminal 20, which is an information processing device, executes a step of storing benefit information about benefits accompanying the purchase of a product, in association with each payment method. In step S114, the store terminal 20 notifies the user terminal 10 of information indicating each payment method, as well as information indicating the benefits corresponding to each payment method. In the example of FIG. 7, the information indicating the benefits is "double points."

[0035] In this embodiment, the store terminal 20, which is an information processing device, executes a step of acquiring purchasing behavior information related to the user's purchasing behavior. The multiple payment methods notified in step S114 include one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the purchasing behavior information. For example, the display example in FIG. 7 includes the information "6 times → the number of installments you usually use," which is recommended information generated based on the purchasing behavior information.

[0036] Here, for a user who prefers a payment style with many installments (in other words, a small payment amount per installment), a payment method with more installments than usual may be presented (preferentially).

[0037] Alternatively, the information processing device may further execute a step of acquiring user attributes, and the plurality of payment methods notified in step S114 may include one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the attributes. The user attributes are preferably information such as age and income that may be directly or indirectly related to the decision-making regarding the payment method. For example, for younger users, a strategy may be adopted in which the barrier to purchase is lowered by increasing the number of payment options.

[0038] Alternatively, the information processing device may further execute a step of acquiring information indicating the user's credit limit, and determine the multiple payment methods to be notified in step S114 based on the credit limit. For example, if the purchase amount is large and the credit limit is small (for example, if the ratio of the purchase amount to the credit limit exceeds a value preset by the store), and at least one of the purchase amount and the credit limit meets a predetermined condition, a payment method with a larger number of installments than usual may be recommended.

[0039] When the user selects a payment method, the user terminal 10 transmits information indicating the selected payment method to the store terminal 20 (step S116). Next, the user terminal 10 requests a QR code from the code management server 50 and acquires the QR code associated with the user ID of the user terminal 10 from the code management server 50 (step S117). The user terminal 10 then displays the acquired QR code on the display unit 14 (step S118). This QR code includes at least the business ID of the business that operates the store terminal 20 and the user ID of the user terminal 10.

[0040] The store clerk uses a scanner that is part of the input unit 23 of the store terminal 20 to read the QR code on the display unit 14 (step S122).

[0041] Next, the store terminal 20 accepts input of the product price of the product selected by the user (step S123). This input acceptance may be performed by receiving information about the selected product from the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 25.

[0042] Next, the store terminal 20 transmits a payment request to the payment server 40 (step S124). This payment request includes information indicating the QR code read in step S122, information regarding the price of the product input accepted in step S123, and information specifying the payment method accepted in step S116.

[0043] Here, the QR code is associated with the user ID of the user terminal 10 that is the source of the product price and that selected the payment method, and this association is stored in the code management server 50. The payment server 40 then searches the contents stored in the code management server 50 to determine the user ID associated with the QR code, and identifies the credit card number to be used for payment based on this user ID (step S134).

[0044] Next, the payment server 40 determines whether the product price falls within the credit limit of the credit card corresponding to the identified credit card number (step S135). If the product price falls within the credit limit, the payment server 40 determines whether the payment method indicated in the payment request is appropriate based on the business ID indicated by the QR code included in the payment request (step S136). That is, it determines whether the payment request indicated in the payment request is within the range of payment methods determined for each business. If the payment method indicated in the payment request is appropriate, the payment server 40 executes payment processing in accordance with the payment request (step S137). That is, based on the credit card number identified in step S134, it executes procedures to pay the product price indicated in the payment request using the payment method indicated in the payment request.

[0045] Next, the payment server 40 notifies the store terminal 20 and the user terminal 10 that the payment has been completed (step S138). The user terminal 10 displays a payment completion screen on the display unit 14 (step S119).

[0046] As described above, according to this embodiment, each store can individually set the payment conditions for each product (number of installments, timing of payments, and amount of each payment (bonus payment, revolving payment, etc.)) for each transaction (whether face-to-face or not) as long as the conditions are within the set limit. For example, when purchasing a product, the store can present the user with options for the number of installments (e.g., 2, 6, 12, 24, 36 installments) that the store has independently determined, and the user can select the number of installments they prefer from among these. Here, the "limit" is set by the issuer and refers to the upper limit (so-called credit limit) of the total amount (i.e., the outstanding balance) that a user (credit card holder) can use in transactions using the card. In this way, by setting payment methods such as the number of installments per business (credit card member store), businesses can set their own payment methods, making it easier to differentiate themselves from other businesses. For example, for younger customers, this strategy could lower the barrier to purchase by increasing the number of payment options. Alternatively, by offering store-specific promotions such as awarding points issued by the store when a certain number of payments is selected, it is possible to encourage purchasing behavior or induce customers to choose a specific payment method. In this way, expanding the scope of discretion for businesses is expected to revitalize their businesses.

[0047] Second Embodiment 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the commercial transaction system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This commercial transaction system is a system for performing payments using the dynamic MPM (Merchant Presented Mode) method.

[0048] As in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), in this embodiment, the payment server 40 makes a prior agreement with each business operator regarding the payment method for a commercial transaction to be carried out at the store (steps S230, S231 to S233).

[0049] As in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), when a commercial transaction is made at a store, the user terminal 10 selects a product to be purchased (step S211). Next, the user terminal 10 transmits a payment processing request to the store terminal 20 (step S212).

[0050] When the store terminal 20 receives the payment processing request, it determines candidate payment methods (step S221) and notifies the user terminal 10, which is the sender of the payment processing request, of the candidate payment methods (step S213). Here, the candidate payment methods are determined based on the details approved by the payment server 40 in step S233.

[0051] When the user terminal 10 receives the notification of the payment method candidates, it displays the payment method candidates on the display unit 14 and prompts the user to select a payment method (step S214).

[0052] When the user selects a payment method, the user terminal 10 transmits information indicating the selected payment method to the store terminal 20 (step S215). Having received the information indicating the payment method, the store terminal 20 requests a QR code from the payment server 40 and acquires the QR code associated with the user ID of the user terminal 10 from the payment server 40 (step S222). The store terminal 20 then displays the acquired QR code on the display unit 24 (step S223). This QR code includes at least the business ID of the business that operates the store terminal 20 and the user ID of the user terminal 10.

[0053] On the other hand, the user terminal 10 that transmitted the information indicating the payment method starts the code payment app (step S216). Next, the user terminal 10 reads the QR code displayed on the display unit 24 of the store terminal 20 using a scanner that is part of the input unit 13 (step S217).

[0054] Next, the user terminal 10 accepts input of the product price of the product selected by the user (step S218). This input acceptance may be performed, for example, by inquiring of the store terminal 20 about the price of the product selected in step S211.

[0055] Next, the user terminal 10 performs user authentication (step S219) by, for example, having the user input a personal identification number.

[0056] If the user authentication is successful, the user terminal 10 transmits a payment request to the payment server 40 (step S21A). This payment request includes information indicating the QR code read in step S217, information regarding the price of the product input accepted in step S218, and information specifying the payment method accepted in step S215.

[0057] The processes of steps S234 to S238 and S21B executed thereafter are the same as the processes of steps S134 to S138 and S119 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0058] <Third embodiment> Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a commercial transaction system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the second embodiment, this commercial transaction system is a system for performing payments using the dynamic MPM method. In the second embodiment, a QR code that does not include amount information is sent from the payment server 40 to the store terminal 20, but in this embodiment, a QR code that includes amount information is sent from the payment server 40 to the store terminal 20.

[0059] As in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), in this embodiment, the payment server 40 makes a prior agreement with each business operator regarding the payment method for a commercial transaction to be carried out at the store (steps S330, S331 to S333).

[0060] As in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), when a commercial transaction is made at a store, the user terminal 10 selects a product to be purchased (step S311). Next, the user terminal 10 transmits a payment processing request to the store terminal 20 (step S312). This payment processing request includes information indicating the product to be purchased selected by the user.

[0061] When the store terminal 20 receives the payment processing request, it determines candidate payment methods (step S321) and notifies the user terminal 10, which is the sender of the payment processing request, of the candidate payment methods (step S313). Here, the candidate payment methods are determined based on the details approved by the payment server 40 in step S333.

[0062] When the user terminal 10 receives the notification of the payment method candidates, it displays the payment method candidates on the display unit 14 and prompts the user to select a payment method (step S314).

[0063] When the user selects a payment method, the user terminal 10 transmits information indicating the selected payment method to the store terminal 20 (step S315). Upon receiving the information indicating the payment method, the store terminal 20 transmits a QR code request to the payment server 40 and acquires the QR code associated with the user ID of the user terminal 10 from the payment server 40 (step S322).

[0064] Here, the QR code request includes information included in the payment process request received in step S312 (i.e., information indicating the product selected by the user for purchase) and the user ID of the user terminal 10. Then, in step S322, the payment server 40 determines information about the amount to be paid by the user based on the information indicating the product selected by the user for purchase, and transmits a QR code including this amount information, the business ID of the store terminal 20, and the user ID of the user terminal 10 to the store terminal 20. The store terminal 20 displays the QR code acquired from the payment server 40 on the display unit 24 (step S323).

[0065] On the other hand, the user terminal 10 that transmitted the information indicating the payment method starts the code payment app (step S316). Next, the user terminal 10 reads the QR code displayed on the display unit 24 of the store terminal 20 using a scanner that is part of the input unit 13 (step S317).

[0066] Next, the user terminal 10 displays the amount information included in the read QR code on the display unit 14 (step S318). Next, the user terminal 10 performs user authentication (step S319). This user authentication is performed, for example, by having the user enter a PIN number.

[0067] If the user authentication is successful, the user terminal 10 transmits a payment request to the payment server 40 (step S31A). This payment request includes information indicating the QR code read in step S317 (including the user ID, business ID, and amount information) and information specifying the payment method accepted in step S315.

[0068] The processes of steps S334 to S338 and S31B executed thereafter are the same as the processes of steps S134 to S138 and S119 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0069] <Fourth embodiment> 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a commercial transaction system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this commercial transaction system, an EC server 60 is an information processing device managed by a business operator. In this embodiment, the EC server 60 provides a web page of an EC site to a user terminal 10 and accepts commercial transactions.

[0070] As in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), in this embodiment, the payment server 40 makes a prior agreement on the payment method for a commercial transaction to be carried out for each business (EC site) (steps S430, S431 to S433).

[0071] When a user conducts a commercial transaction, the user sends a login request to the desired EC site to the EC server 60 using the user terminal 10 (step S411). In response, the EC server 60 provides the user terminal 10 with a product page, which is a Web page (step S412).

[0072] The user terminal 10 displays this product page on the display unit 14 and allows the user to select a product to purchase (step S413). Once the product to purchase is selected, the user terminal 10 sends a purchase instruction to the EC server 60 (step S414). This purchase instruction includes information indicating the product to purchase. The purchase instruction may also include the credit card number of the user of the user terminal 10.

[0073] When the EC server 60 receives the purchase instruction, it determines candidate payment methods (step S421) and notifies the candidate payment methods to the user terminal 10 that sent the purchase instruction (step S415). Here, the candidate payment methods are determined based on the details approved by the settlement server 40 in step S433.

[0074] When the user terminal 10 receives the notification of the payment method candidates, it displays the payment method candidates on the display unit 14 and prompts the user to select a payment method (step S416).

[0075] When the user selects a payment method, the user terminal 10 transmits information indicating the selected payment method to the EC server 60 (step S417). Having received the information indicating the payment method, the EC server 60 transmits a credit card number confirmation request to the settlement server 40 (step S422). This credit card number confirmation request includes the credit card number of the user of the user terminal 10 that sent the purchase instruction. This credit card number may be the one included in the purchase instruction received in step S414, or may be the one identified by the EC server 60 based on the user ID of the user terminal 10.

[0076] Upon receiving the credit limit balance confirmation request, the settlement server 40 confirms the credit card credit limit balance based on the credit card number included in the credit limit balance confirmation request (step S434). Next, the settlement server 40 notifies the EC server 60 of the credit card credit limit balance (step S423).

[0077] If the price of the product for which the purchase instruction was received in step S414 falls within the remaining credit limit notified in step S423, the EC server 60 transmits a payment request corresponding to the purchase instruction to the payment server 40 (step S424). This payment request includes the business ID of the business operating the EC server 60, price information for the product indicated in the purchase instruction (step S414), and information specifying the payment method accepted in step S417.

[0078] The processes of steps S435, S436, S437, and S418 executed thereafter are the same as the processes of steps S136, S137, S138, and S119 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0079] <Other embodiments> Although the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention have been described above, other embodiments of the present invention are also possible, for example as follows.

[0080] In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to commercial transactions of goods, but the present invention can also be applied to commercial transactions of services. In other words, the content of the objects of the commercial transactions and the form of the transaction (transfer, purchase, loan, etc.) are not limited.

[0081] Instructions from a user regarding the purchase of a product or service may be received by an information processing device (such as a store terminal) from a user terminal, or may be realized by the user inputting the instructions into the store terminal.

[0082] When using a user terminal, any payment method can be used, such as credit card payment or various code payments. Furthermore, a user terminal does not have to be used for payment requests. Regarding payment requests, it is sufficient for an information processing device managed by the business, such as a store terminal, to acquire purchase instructions and payment count instructions from the user. In short, the information processing system of the present invention only needs to execute the following steps: for each business, payment methods including at least information regarding the timing of payment that can be used when a business and a user conduct a commercial transaction are stored in a payment server managed by a business entity other than the business, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; an information processing device managed by the business accepts instructions from the user regarding the purchase of a product or service; the information processing device notifies the user of multiple payment methods that can be used for the purchase; the information processing device accepts one payment method selected by the user from the multiple payment methods; and, when the payment server receives a payment request from the information processing device including the amount related to the purchase of the product or service and the one payment method, executes payment processing based on the payment request. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100...commerce system, 10...user terminal, 20...store terminal, 60...EC server, 40...payment server, 50...code management server, 30...intermediary server, 11,21,41,51...processor, 12,22,42,52...memory unit, 13,23...input unit, 14,24...display unit, 15,25,45,55...communication unit.

Claims

1. a step of registering, for each business, payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, in a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; a first receiving step in which an information processing device managed by the business receives an instruction from the user regarding the purchase of a product or service; a notification step in which the information processing device notifies the user of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase accepted in the first acceptance step, based on the payment method information registered in the registration step; a second accepting step in which the information processing device accepts one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods notified in the notifying step; a step in which the payment server executes a payment process based on the payment request when the payment request includes the amount related to the purchase of the product or service and one of the payment methods accepted in the second accepting step from the information processing device; and the information processing device has a storage unit that stores, in association with each payment method, benefit information regarding benefits accompanying the purchase of the product or service; In the notification step, information indicating the contents of the benefit corresponding to each payment method read from the storage unit is further notified. Payment method.

2. a step of registering, for each business, payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, in a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; a first receiving step in which an information processing device managed by the business receives an instruction from the user regarding the purchase of a product or service; a notification step in which the information processing device notifies the user of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase accepted in the first acceptance step, based on the payment method information registered in the registration step; a second accepting step in which the information processing device accepts one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods notified in the notifying step; a step of, when the payment server receives from the information processing device a payment request including an amount related to the purchase of the product or service and one of the payment methods accepted in the second accepting step, executing a payment process based on the payment request, The method further includes a step of acquiring purchasing behavior information stored in a storage unit of the information processing device regarding past purchasing behavior of the user, The plurality of payment methods to be notified includes one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the purchasing behavior information. Payment method.

3. a step of registering, for each business, payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, in a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; a first receiving step in which an information processing device managed by the business receives an instruction from the user regarding the purchase of a product or service; a notification step in which the information processing device notifies the user of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase accepted in the first acceptance step, based on the payment method information registered in the registration step; a second receiving step in which the information processing device receives one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods notified in the notifying step; a step of executing a payment process based on a payment request received by the payment server from the information processing device, the payment request including an amount related to the purchase of the product or service and one of the payment methods accepted in the second accepting step, The information processing device further includes a step of acquiring attributes of the user from a user terminal used by the user; The plurality of payment methods to be notified includes one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the attributes. Payment method.

4. a step of registering, for each business, payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, in a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; a first receiving step in which an information processing device managed by the business receives an instruction from the user regarding the purchase of a product or service; a notification step in which the information processing device notifies the user of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase accepted in the first acceptance step, based on the payment method information registered in the registration step; a second accepting step in which the information processing device accepts one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods notified in the notifying step; a step of executing a payment process based on a payment request received by the payment server from the information processing device, the payment request including an amount related to the purchase of the product or service and one of the payment methods accepted in the second accepting step, The information processing device further includes a step of acquiring information indicating a credit limit of the user from the payment server, the plurality of payment methods are determined based on the credit limit; Payment method.

5. A commercial transaction system including a user terminal, an information processing device managed by a business operator, and a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, The terminal a first receiving means for receiving an instruction to purchase a product or service; a second accepting means for accepting a payment method specification including at least information regarding the timing of payment for the purchase accepted by the first accepting means; and The information processing device includes: a notification means for notifying the terminal of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for a purchase accepted by the first acceptance means, based on payment method information that includes at least information regarding the timing of payment and that can be used for each business when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, and that is arbitrarily set for each business and registered in the payment server; a receiving means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method accepted by the second accepting means out of the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means; and The payment server a means for storing, for each business, payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; a means for executing a payment process based on a payment request received from the information processing device, the payment request including the amount of the purchase accepted by the first accepting means and one of the payment methods accepted by the second accepting means; A trading system having: the information processing device has a storage means for storing, in association with each payment method, benefit information regarding benefits accompanying the purchase of the product or service; The notification means further notifies the user of information indicating the contents of the benefit corresponding to each payment method read from the storage means. Commerce system.

6. A commercial transaction system including a user terminal, an information processing device managed by a business operator, and a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, The terminal a first receiving means for receiving an instruction to purchase a product or service; a second accepting means for accepting a payment method specification including at least information regarding the timing of payment for the purchase accepted by the first accepting means; and The information processing device includes: a notification means for notifying the terminal of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for a purchase accepted by the first acceptance means based on payment method information registered in the payment server, the payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used for each business when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, and which is set arbitrarily for each business; a receiving means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method accepted by the second accepting means out of the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means; and The payment server a means for storing, for each business, payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; a means for executing a payment process based on a payment request received from the information processing device, the payment request including the amount of the purchase accepted by the first accepting means and one of the payment methods accepted by the second accepting means; A trading system having: the information processing device further comprises a storage means for storing purchasing behavior information relating to past purchasing behavior of the user; The plurality of payment methods notified by the notification means include one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the purchasing behavior information stored in the storage means. Commerce system.

7. A commercial transaction system including a user terminal, an information processing device managed by a business operator, and a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, The terminal a first receiving means for receiving an instruction to purchase a product or service; a second accepting means for accepting a payment method specification including at least information regarding the timing of payment for the purchase accepted by the first accepting means; and The information processing device includes: a notification means for notifying the terminal of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for a purchase accepted by the first acceptance means, based on payment method information that includes at least information regarding the timing of payment and that can be used for each business when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, and that is arbitrarily set for each business and registered in the payment server; a receiving means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method accepted by the second accepting means out of the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means; and The payment server a means for storing, for each business, payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; a means for executing a payment process based on a payment request received from the information processing device, the payment request including the amount of the purchase accepted by the first accepting means and one of the payment methods accepted by the second accepting means; A trading system having: The information processing device further includes an acquisition unit for acquiring attributes of the user from the terminal, The plurality of payment methods to be notified includes one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the attributes acquired by the acquisition means. Commerce system.

8. A commercial transaction system including a user terminal, an information processing device managed by a business operator, and a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, The terminal a first receiving means for receiving an instruction to purchase a product or service; a second accepting means for accepting a payment method specification including at least information regarding the timing of payment for the purchase accepted by the first accepting means; and The information processing device includes: a notification means for notifying the terminal of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for a purchase accepted by the first acceptance means based on payment method information registered in the payment server, the payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used for each business when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, and which is set arbitrarily for each business; a receiving means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method accepted by the second accepting means out of the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means; and The payment server a means for storing, for each business, payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, which can be used when the business and the user conduct a commercial transaction, according to an arbitrary setting for each business; a means for executing a payment process based on a payment request received from the information processing device, the payment request including the amount of the purchase accepted by the first accepting means and one of the payment methods accepted by the second accepting means; A trading system having: The information processing device further includes an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating a credit limit of the user from the payment server, The plurality of payment methods are determined based on the credit limit acquired by the acquisition means. Commerce system.

9. an acquisition means for acquiring, from a payment server, payment method information that can be used by a user when conducting a commercial transaction and includes at least information regarding the timing of payment, the payment method information being registered in a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business entity, according to an arbitrary setting for each business entity; receiving means for receiving an instruction for a product or service to be purchased from the user's terminal; a notification means for notifying the terminal of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase related to the instruction received by the receiving means, based on the payment method information acquired by the acquisition means; a means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means, and transferring the information to the payment server; a storage means for storing information on benefits associated with the purchase of said goods or services in association with each payment method; and The notification means further notifies the user of information indicating the contents of the benefit corresponding to each payment method read from the storage means. Information processing device.

10. an acquisition means for acquiring, from a payment server, payment method information that can be used by a user when conducting a commercial transaction and includes at least information regarding the timing of payment, the payment method information being registered in a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business entity, according to an arbitrary setting for each business entity; receiving means for receiving an instruction for a product or service to be purchased from the user's terminal; a notification means for notifying the terminal of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase related to the instruction received by the receiving means, based on the payment method information acquired by the acquisition means; a means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means, and transferring the information to the payment server; a storage means for storing purchasing behavior information relating to past purchasing behavior of the user; and The plurality of payment methods notified by the notification means include one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the purchasing behavior information. Information processing device.

11. an acquisition means for acquiring, from a payment server, payment method information that can be used by a user when conducting a commercial transaction and includes at least information regarding the timing of payment, the payment method information being registered in a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business entity, according to an arbitrary setting for each business entity; receiving means for receiving an instruction for a product or service to be purchased from the user's terminal; a notification means for notifying the terminal of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase related to the instruction received by the receiving means, based on the payment method information acquired by the acquisition means; a means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means, and transferring the information to the payment server; a second acquisition means for acquiring the user's attributes from the terminal; and The plurality of payment methods notified by the notification means include one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the attributes acquired by the second acquisition means. Information processing device.

12. an acquisition means for acquiring, from a payment server, payment method information that can be used by a user when conducting a commercial transaction and includes at least information regarding the timing of payment, the payment method information being registered in a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business entity, according to an arbitrary setting for each business entity; receiving means for receiving an instruction for a product or service to be purchased from the user's terminal; a notification means for notifying the terminal of a plurality of payment methods that can be used for the purchase related to the instruction received by the receiving means, based on the payment method information acquired by the acquisition means; a means for receiving from the terminal information indicating one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means, and transferring the information to the payment server; a second acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the credit limit of the user from the payment server; and The plurality of payment methods are determined based on the credit limit acquired by the second acquisition means. Information processing device.

13. The system includes an information processing device managed by a business operator and a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, The payment server a storage means for storing payment method information that can be used by a user when conducting a commercial transaction, the payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, the payment method information being registered by arbitrary settings for each business; a payment means for receiving a payment request including an amount related to the purchase of a product or service and one payment method from the information processing device and executing a payment process based on the payment request; Equipped with The information processing device includes: a first accepting means for accepting a user's instruction regarding the purchase of the product or service; a notification means for notifying the user of a plurality of payment methods that can be used to purchase the product or service related to the instruction received by the first reception means, based on the payment method information stored in the storage means; a second accepting means for accepting one payment method selected by the user from among the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means; Equipped with A trading system comprising: the information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores, in association with each payment method, benefit information regarding benefits associated with the purchase of the product or service; The notification means further notifies the user of information indicating the contents of the benefit corresponding to each payment method read from the storage unit. Commerce system.

14. The system includes an information processing device managed by a business operator and a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, The payment server a storage means for storing payment method information that can be used by a user when conducting a commercial transaction, the payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, the payment method information being registered by arbitrary settings for each business; a payment means for receiving a payment request including an amount related to the purchase of a product or service and one payment method from the information processing device and executing a payment process based on the payment request; The information processing device includes: a first accepting means for accepting a user's instruction regarding the purchase of the product or service; a notification means for notifying the user of a plurality of payment methods that can be used to purchase the product or service related to the instruction received by the first reception means, based on the payment method information stored in the storage means; and a second accepting means for accepting one payment method selected by the user from the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means. A trading system comprising: the information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores purchasing behavior information regarding past purchasing behavior of the user; The plurality of payment methods to be notified includes one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the purchasing behavior information read from the storage unit. Commerce system.

15. The system includes an information processing device managed by a business operator and a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, The payment server a storage means for storing payment method information that can be used by a user when conducting a commercial transaction, the payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, the payment method information being registered by arbitrary settings for each business; a payment means for receiving a payment request including an amount related to the purchase of a product or service and one payment method from the information processing device and executing a payment process based on the payment request; Equipped with The information processing device includes: a first accepting means for accepting a user's instruction regarding the purchase of the product or service; a notification means for notifying the user of a plurality of payment methods that can be used to purchase the product or service related to the instruction received by the first reception means, based on the payment method information stored in the storage means; a second accepting means for accepting one payment method selected by the user from among the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means; A trading system comprising: the information processing device further comprises an acquisition means for acquiring the user's attributes from a user terminal used by the user; The plurality of payment methods to be notified includes one or more recommended payment methods generated based on the attributes acquired by the acquisition means. Commerce system.

16. The system includes an information processing device managed by a business operator and a payment server managed by a business entity different from the business operator, The payment server a storage means for storing payment method information that can be used by a user when conducting a commercial transaction, the payment method information including at least information regarding the timing of payment, the payment method information being registered by arbitrary settings for each business; a payment means for receiving a payment request including an amount related to the purchase of a product or service and one payment method from the information processing device and executing a payment process based on the payment request; Equipped with The information processing device includes: a first accepting means for accepting a user's instruction regarding the purchase of the product or service; a notification means for notifying the user of a plurality of payment methods that can be used to purchase the product or service related to the instruction received by the first reception means, based on the payment method information stored in the storage means; a second accepting means for accepting one payment method selected by the user from among the plurality of payment methods notified by the notifying means; A trading system comprising: The information processing device further includes an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating a credit limit of the user from the payment server, The plurality of payment methods are determined based on the credit limit acquired by the acquisition means. Commerce system.

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