Apparatus, method, and program for electronic money system for gifts

Abstract

To provide an electronic money system in which, when electronic money is given as present, a recipient has an opportunity to express gratitude each time he / she actually uses the given electronic money.SOLUTION: An apparatus functioning as an intermediary server or a depositor terminal in an electronic money system, includes: electronic money for present information receiving means for receiving information about electronic money to be given from a sender terminal of a sender; balance classification display control means for controlling the entire balance of electronic money of a depositor to be displayed on the depositor terminal by classifying it by sender; and activation means for making it possible to use the electronic money for present for each classified and displayed balance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for providing a service of giving electronic money as a gift. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, services that allow people to give gifts such as cashless gifts or New Year's presents, rather than cash, have become popular. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a person-to-person gift transaction system that allows people to give digital gifts to each other. Patent Document 2 discloses a gift system that allows a sender to send electronic money or electronic data receipt data along with gift data to a recipient. Non-Patent Document 1 also explains why prepaid cards are ideal gifts and how to give them as gifts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-49727 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-191392 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Visa Gift, "Prepaid cards are the perfect gift! Introducing why they're recommended and how to give them," [online], [searched January 26, 2022], Internet,<URL:https: / / www.vvgift.jp / biz / blog / i0021#> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1 above, it is believed that there is an increasing demand for giving gifts in electronic money, especially now that it is difficult to meet people in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when giving a gift to someone, physical gifts or cash are still the norm, and it is difficult to say that giving electronic money as a gift is widespread. Furthermore, because gifts in electronic money are not usually given face-to-face, it is difficult for the recipient to express gratitude every time they use the gift, or conversely, for the giver to specify how the recipient will use the gift or have them report how it will be used.

[0006] Therefore, in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an electronic money system that, when electronic money is given as a gift, gives the recipient an opportunity to express gratitude every time he or she actually uses the gifted electronic money, and enables the giver to specify how the recipient will use the gift and to have the giver report how the gift will be used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following solutions.

[0008] (1) A device that functions as an intermediary server in an electronic money system that allows electronic money to be given as a gift, characterized by comprising: a gift electronic money information receiving means that receives information on the electronic money to be given as a gift from the sender's terminal; a balance classification display control means that divides the depositor's total electronic money balance by sender and controls the display on the depositor's terminal; and an activation means that enables the use of the gift electronic money for each of the displayed divided balances.

[0009] (2) A device that functions as a depositor terminal in an electronic money system that allows electronic money to be given as a gift, characterized by comprising: a gift electronic money information receiving means that receives information on the electronic money to be given as a gift from the remitter's terminal of the remitter; a balance classification display control means that displays the depositor's total electronic money balance by dividing it by remitter; and an activation means that enables the use of individual gift electronic money for each of the displayed divided balances.

[0010] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the device is characterized by further comprising a store information inquiry means for connecting to the store system of the store that accepts the electronic money for gifts and inquiring about available information including benefit information of the electronic money for gifts.

[0011] (4) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the system further comprises a usage designation means for the remitter to designate how the depositor will use the electronic money for the gift, and a usage history reporting means for reporting the usage history of the electronic money for the gift to the remitter terminal and the depositor terminal.

[0012] (5) In the configuration of (4) above, the usage designation means is characterized in that it allows the remitter to designate a store category or store identifier, and when the remitter designates only a category, it presents information on stores that belong to that category and allows the remitter to select one.

[0013] (6) In the configuration of (5) above, the usage history reporting means receives from the store’s system a usage history of the electronic money and a message addressed to the remitter in response to the depositor’s use of the electronic money at the store, and transmits the same to the remitter’s terminal and the depositor’s terminal.

[0014] (7) In the configuration of (4) above, the present electronic money is provided with bonus information on the condition that the present electronic money is used at a store designated by the use designation means.

[0015] (8) In the configuration of (4) above, the usage history reporting means is characterized in that if the depositor is unable to use the gift electronic money at the designated store or has unused gift electronic money, the means reports to the remitter that the depositor requests permission to change the designated use or to transfer the unused gift electronic money to regular electronic money.

[0016] (9) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, when electronic money is received from a plurality of remittance senders, the amounts of electronic money received from the plurality of remittance senders can be added together and paid.

[0017] (10) A method for enabling electronic money to be given as a gift, characterized in that a computer constituting an electronic money system executes the steps of: accepting information on electronic money to be given as a gift from the remitter's terminal of the remitter; displaying the total balance of the depositor's electronic money separately for each remitter; and enabling the use of individual pieces of electronic money for gifts for each of the displayed separately categorized balances.

[0018] (11) A program that causes a computer to execute each step described in (10) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, when electronic money is given as a present, an electronic money system can be provided which gives a recipient an opportunity to express gratitude every time the recipient uses the given electronic money, and enables the giver to specify how the recipient will use the money and have the recipient report how the money will be used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the basic operation of the system of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an electronic money system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a payment screen for electronic money for a gift. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed after payment is completed using electronic money for a gift. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for integrating a plurality of electronic moneys. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a processing flow of an intermediary server in the electronic money system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an electronic money system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In this invention, when a remitter (also referred to as a sender) gives electronic money as a gift, he or she can specify the category of use for the recipient (also referred to as a recipient). For example, electronic money is exchanged as a New Year's gift or for a celebration, such as when grandparents give their grandchildren electronic money by saying, "Use it at a toy store." Here, the remitter can specify the use of the electronic money to be given as a gift (electronic money for a gift). In this case, the remitter can specify not only a category such as a toy store, but also a more specific store (e.g., "TOY Tengoku XX Store") to use the gift. Specifying a store allows the use of coupons issued by the store, such as discounted purchases. In other words, by specifying the use at a specific store, for example, 10,000 yen worth of electronic money can be given for 9,000 yen. Other uses include running errands for a child (supermarket, stationery store, etc.) or showing appreciation to a junior colleague (restaurant, convenience store, etc.). Furthermore, when the gift electronic money is used according to its intended purpose, the sender receives a message of appreciation along with information about the purchase. This allows the sender to feel like they have given a gift.

[0022] By doing so, electronic money for gifts has the following advantages: 〇You can create a gift that will surely please the recipient 〇The sender can give gifts of their own choice to a certain extent. 〇If there is a discount from the store, you can get a great gift. - For stores, the coupon function designated by the store can be expected to have advertising and sales promotion effects. - For businesses that operate electronic money systems, this will lead to increased use of electronic money.

[0023] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same elements are assigned the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiment. In addition, in the diagrams of the functional configuration, arrows between functional blocks indicate the direction of data flow or the direction of processing flow.

[0024] Figure 1 is a diagram explaining the basic operation of this system. In this system, an intermediary server that mediates electronic money for gifts, a remitter terminal held by the remitter, and a depositor terminal held by the depositor are connected so that they can communicate with each other via the Internet. Here, the intermediary server mainly performs the following processes:

[0025] (1) The remitter's terminal (in this example, Grandpa's terminal) accepts the amount to be deposited by the remitter (for example, 9,000 yen) and the store identifier (in this example, "Toy Store A") as electronic money information for the gift.

[0026] (2) The store system (Toy Store A) obtains the gift electronic money usage information and store identifier and sends them to the remitter's terminal. The gift electronic money usage information here refers to the amount that can be used as gift electronic money at the store, allowing for more savings than with regular electronic money. When gift electronic money is used, for example, a 1,000 yen coupon is issued by the store, which, combined with the 9,000 yen deposited by the remitter, allows for a total of 10,000 yen in purchases. In other words, the discount amount of the store coupon or other discount can be incorporated into the electronic money information in advance and used as a gift.

[0027] (3) The sender's terminal (in this example, the "grandchild's" terminal) sends the amount deposited by the sender (9,000 yen), the amount to be used for the gift electronic money at the store (Toy Store A) (10,000 yen), the store identifier of Toy Store A, and the sender information (Grandpa). At this time, when the app on the depositor's terminal (grandchild) receives the gift electronic money (cost price 9,000 yen), 10,000 yen is charged (deposited) into his / her own electronic money wallet as gift electronic money. If this gift electronic money 10,000 yen is used at a store other than Toy Store A, it becomes 9,000 yen.

[0028] (4) The depositor (grandchild) actually purchases a toy at Toy Store A using 10,000 yen of electronic gift money. At this time, the grandchild may manually input a thank-you message addressed to his grandfather and register it in the store system. Alternatively, instead of manually inputting a message, an automatic message of a fixed phrase may be generated by the intermediary server or the toy store's store system.

[0029] (5) The store system (Toy Store A) receives the usage record of the electronic money for the gift, an automatic message, or a manual message, and transmits them to the remitter's terminal.

[0030] The same applies to remittances from other remitter terminals (for example, "Grandma" or "Mom"), but if the remittance does not specify a use, as in the case of "Mom" in the illustration, it will be treated as a regular electronic money remittance. In this case, no coupon will be given.

[0031] First Embodiment Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the system in the first embodiment. In this system, an intermediary server 10 in an electronic money system providing an electronic money service for gifts, one or more remitter terminals 20, a depositor terminal 30, and store systems 40 of multiple stores are connected via the Internet. The remitter terminal 20 is a smartphone, PC, tablet terminal, etc., while the depositor terminal 30 is a smartphone or equivalent mobile terminal equipped with an electronic money application (hereinafter referred to as an app). This app is installed on both the remitter terminal 20 and the depositor terminal 30, and controls communication between each terminal and the intermediary server 10.

[0032] (Intermediary server configuration) The configuration of the intermediary server 10 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the server) will be described in detail below. The intermediary server 10 acts as an intermediary between a sender of electronic money to be given as a gift and a recipient (depositor) of the electronic money, and provides functions specific to the gift electronic money system. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediary server 10 comprises a terminal transmitting / receiving means 101, a store system transmitting / receiving means 102, a gift electronic money information receiving means 103, a store information inquiry means 104, a use designation means 105, an electronic money data storage means 106, a balance category display control means 107, an activation means 108, and a usage history reporting means 109. The intermediary server 10 may be provided by expanding the functions of a server for a normal electronic money system, or may be provided as a server separate from the server for a normal electronic money system. Each functional block will be described below in order.

[0033] The terminal transmitting / receiving means 101 controls the transmission and reception of data between the remitter terminal 20, which is the terminal of one or more remitter(s) from the depositor's perspective, and the depositor terminal 30, which is the terminal of the depositor. The store system transmitting / receiving means 102 controls the transmission and reception of data between the store systems 40 participating in this service.

[0034] The present electronic money information receiving means 103 receives present electronic money information, which is information for delivering electronic money to be presented, from the remitter terminal 20. That is, the intermediary server 10 generates an input screen for the remitter to input the present electronic money information and transmits it to the remitter terminal 20. The present electronic money information includes a remitter identifier, a depositor identifier, the amount to be deposited by the remitter, and the name of the store or category to specify how the depositor intends to use the money. The remitter may deposit (charge) the electronic money using their own electronic money, a credit card, or a bank account.

[0035] The store information inquiry means 104 finds the identifier of the store system 40 from the store name entered in the gift electronic money information, and inquires about the electronic money usable information for that store. The electronic money usable information also includes information about benefits such as coupons that can be received when the gift electronic money is used at that store. If the remitter does not specify the store name, the use designation means 105, which will be described later, may prompt the remitter to enter a store category (such as industry), present a list of stores that belong to that category as usable stores, and allow the remitter to select a store from that list.

[0036] The use designation means 105 allows the remitter to designate the store name or store category so that the remitter can specify how the electronic money for the depositor will be used. If the remitter designates only the store category, the store information inquiry means 102 searches for stores in that category, presents electronic money acceptance information, and allows the remitter to select a store. However, since coupons and other special offer information differ depending on the store, the offers may be presented in order of the most advantageous to the user.

[0037] It is also possible for the sender to change the intended use of the coupon once it has been specified. Furthermore, with the sender's prior consent, the depositor may also be allowed to change the intended use of the coupon. For example, if the desired product is not available at Toy Store A, the depositor can change the store so that the coupon can be used at another toy store (in this case, the coupon amount will be changed to that of the new store).

[0038] The electronic money data storage means 106 stores electronic money data including the name of the store (store identifier) ​​where the electronic money will be used as determined by the use designation means 105, the amount of the electronic money for gifts that can be used at that store (including the amount of any benefits such as coupons), the name of the remitter (remitter identifier), and other data. The depositor's electronic money data stored in the electronic money data storage means 106 can be accessed at any time from the depositor's terminal 30, and the balance is updated with each deposit and withdrawal, functioning as an electronic money wallet. The balance of the electronic money for gifts is managed as the amount actually sent by the remitter (e.g., 9,000 yen), the amount of the coupon (e.g., 1,000 yen) given by the store designated as the use, and a total of 10,000 yen. The coupon amount may be discounted at the store rather than being added to the electronic money.

[0039] The balance classification display control means 107 reads out the depositor's electronic money data stored in the electronic money data storage means 106, classifies the depositor's total electronic money balance, regular electronic money limit, and gift electronic money limit, manages them by remitter, and controls the classification and display on the depositor's terminal 30.

[0040] The activation means 108 has a function that allows the depositor to individually activate (make available for payment) the electronic money for gifts that has been classified and displayed by the balance classification display means 107. For example, if a depositor has received gift electronic money from remitter A and remitter B, the gift electronic money can be used only after it has been "activated" using a toggle switch that turns remitter A's electronic money on and off. Conversely, the gift electronic money cannot be used for payment unless it is activated. In this way, when the depositor uses the gift electronic money, he or she is forced to be aware of who gave him or her the electronic money, and each time he or she uses the electronic money, he or she is given an opportunity to express gratitude.

[0041] The usage history reporting means 109 receives the usage history of electronic money from the store system 40 and transmits the details to the remitter terminal 20 and the depositor terminal 30 for confirmation. The usage history may include a message to the remitter created by the depositor at the store, or the store may be equipped with a function to create a message to the remitter at this stage. Also, the message may be automatically generated by the store system 40 or the usage history reporting means 109 without being created by the depositor.

[0042] Furthermore, the usage history reporting means 109 can not only report but also receive requests from the depositor. For example, if the depositor is unable to use the gift electronic money at the designated store or has unused gift electronic money, the means can notify the remitter by message or the like that the depositor is requesting permission to change the designated store or to transfer the unused gift electronic money to regular electronic money. If the remitter gives permission, the depositor can do so within the system.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an example of the payment screen after the depositor launches the app and receives the gift electronic money. In this example, "Grandpa" has given 10,000 yen in gift electronic money, exclusive to "TOY Tengoku XX Store," and "Grandma" has given 5,000 yen in gift electronic money, exclusive to "XX Sports XX Store."

[0044] If the depositor wants to use the 10,000 yen from "Grandpa" at "TOY Tengoku XX Store," he turns on toggle switch 311 in the diagram (activating this gift electronic money) and displays it at the store's register, allowing him to make a purchase of 10,000 yen. Similarly, if the depositor wants to use the 5,000 yen from "Grandma" at "XX Sports XX Store," he turns on toggle switch 312, indicating that this gift electronic money is active, and displays it at the store's register, allowing him to make a purchase of 5,000 yen.

[0045] As shown in the areas denoted by reference numerals 313 and 314 in Fig. 3, the gift electronic money limit 313 and the regular electronic money limit 314 are managed as separate categories, but they can be transferred between or combined using a specific operation, etc., as described below. By default, the toggle switches 311 and 312 are off, and payments are made from the regular electronic money limit 314 unless at least one of them is turned on.

[0046] Figure 4 shows an example of the screen displayed after the payment of 9,999 yen at "TOY Tengoku XX Store" is completed using the electronic money for the 10,000 yen gift from "Grandpa." At this time, a message of thanks or report to the sender may be generated, as shown in message field 314. This message may be entered by the sender themselves, or a standard message may be automatically generated by the store system or server, depending on the sender's preference.

[0047] Returning to Figure 2, the depositor terminal 30 receives the usage record of the gift electronic money and the message finally sent to the remitter terminal 20, and stores this as the electronic money usage history. If any gift electronic money remains unused at the store specified as the intended use, the depositor must check the store information for that store again to see if there are any coupons or other items available for use at the same store next time. If the remaining gift electronic money cannot be used at the store, it may be transferred to the regular electronic money limit. However, coupons and other benefits cannot be transferred to regular electronic money.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows an example of an operation by a depositor to combine multiple electronic money accounts. In this example, if the depositor cannot purchase a specific item at a designated store with the 10,000 yen given by "Grandpa," he or she may feel reluctant to ask "Grandpa" for an increase. Instead, the depositor may combine part or all of the 2,000 yen given by "Mom" as regular electronic money with the electronic money for a gift from "Grandpa" to make payment. For example, the depositor may click on the regular electronic money account 317 in the figure and drag and drop it onto the electronic money for a gift account 316 from "Grandpa." This example shows the entire balance of 2,000 yen in the regular electronic money account being transferred to the electronic money for a gift account 316.

[0049] Here, the breakdown of the amount is 9,000 yen from "Grandpa," 1,000 yen coupon from the store, and 2,000 yen from "Mom." In this case, if the store coupon is not a fixed amount but is given as a percentage of the amount spent, assuming that the rate is 10%, the principal will be 9,000 yen + 2,000 yen = 11,000 yen, so the coupon (discount amount) will increase to 1,100 yen.

[0050] If the amount sent by "Mom" is not regular electronic money but electronic money exclusive to "TOY Tengoku" as a gift, the two amounts can be automatically added together since they are used for the same purpose. However, in such a case, when the sender looks at the usage history, it will appear that the amount sent has increased without the sender realizing it, so it is advisable for the donor to inform the sender of the reason for this (for example, that "Mom" gave them a 2,000 yen subsidy) by message or other means. Also, if the donor has any unused electronic money for a gift, they can, with the sender's permission, transfer the remaining balance to regular electronic money. This will ensure that not a single yen of the donated electronic money goes to waste.

[0051] (Processing flow) 6 is a diagram showing the processing flow of the intermediary server 10. In this processing flow diagram (flowchart), the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the relationship between input and output of each step is not lost.

[0052] First, in step S10, the intermediary server examines the request received from the user or store and checks whether it is a request to accept electronic money as a gift from the remitter. If it is a request to accept electronic money as a gift from the remitter, the process proceeds to step S11, but if not, the process proceeds to step S20 to check whether it is a report of the use of electronic money as a gift from the store. Each step will be explained below in order.

[0053] Step S11: Accept electronic money information for sending electronic money as a gift from the remitter (remitter terminal). Specifically, a screen for accepting electronic money information for a gift is displayed on the remitter terminal, and the remitter is asked to enter the necessary information.

[0054] Step S12: Check whether the gift electronic money information acquired in step S11 specifies how the electronic money will be used. It is desirable for the purpose to be a name or identifier that can identify the store, but if the store cannot be identified, the user should be asked to enter the store's category or industry, and select one from multiple options. It is also possible to specify only the category rather than an individual store, but in that case, since special information such as coupons varies depending on the store, the depositor should be able to obtain the special information again when actually using the money.

[0055] Step S13: If the gift electronic money information acquired in step S11 specifies how it will be used, it is introduced into the system of the designated store, and information on the gift electronic money that can be used (benefit information such as coupons and discount rates, expiration date, etc.) is acquired. If no usage is specified, proceed to step S17.

[0056] Step S14: It is checked whether there is electronic money information (including benefit information) that can be used at the store specified as the use.

[0057] Step S15: If the store has available electronic money information, it sends (gifts) the electronic money information for a gift to the depositor's terminal. If there is more than one available electronic money information, the depositor can select from them.

[0058] Step S16: If the store does not have available electronic money information, the sender is notified of this and asked to take the next action.

[0059] Step S17: The transaction is processed as a normal electronic money remittance, except that the remitter identifier is recorded.

[0060] Step S20: It is checked whether the electronic money for a present has been used (usage record) from the store system.

[0061] Step S21: The depositor is asked to decide whether to send a message to the remitter automatically or manually. In particular, manual messages can include not only thank you messages and reports, but also requests to the remitter for permission to change the use of the funds.

[0062] Step S22: If a message is to be sent manually, a message from the depositor is accepted here. Specifically, the depositor is prompted to enter the message in the message field 314 in FIG. 4. The message may be entered for the first time at this stage, or if an automatic or manual message has already been accepted by the store system, the message may be edited at this stage.

[0063] Step S23: Finally, the usage history and final message are sent to the remitter's terminal and the depositor's terminal, and the process ends.

[0064] Although not shown in the figure, other functions processed by the intermediary server include the ability to change the use of the funds once specified by the sender at the request of the depositor, the ability to change (increase / decrease) the payment amount, and the ability for the depositor to combine multiple gift moneys designated for the same store or the same chain of stores.

[0065] <Second embodiment> Figure 7 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the system in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the main functions provided in the intermediary server 10 in the first embodiment are realized on the depositor terminal 30 side. Specifically, the gift electronic money information receiving means 103, store information inquiry means 104, use designation means 105, electronic money data storage means 106, balance category display control means 107, money activation means 108, and usage history reporting means 109, which are provided on the server side as shown in Figure 2, are provided on the depositor terminal 30 side, and an electronic money application (app) installed on the depositor terminal 30 communicates with (and cooperates with, in some cases) the intermediary server 10 to realize functions equivalent to those of the first embodiment.

[0066] This app may be newly developed for this system, or may be an existing electronic money app with the following functions specific to this system extended. In this way, this system can be adapted to various existing electronic money. Only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0067] However, the electronic money data storage means 106 is functionally the same as in the first embodiment. The electronic money data storage means 106 remains on the server side in the second embodiment as well, and electronic money data is managed on the server.

[0068] The electronic money data editing means 301 is a newly added function that, when electronic money for gifts is received from multiple remitter, makes it possible to add up the received amounts of these multiple electronic moneys for payment. Furthermore, with the consent of the remitter, it also provides functions to change the designated use of the gift or to transfer the electronic money for gifts to regular electronic money. Of course, in the first embodiment, the same functions can also be provided on the server side by having the server receive and process input from the deposit terminal 30.

[0069] Unlike the first embodiment, the usage history receiving means 109a has a function of receiving the usage history of the present electronic money directly from the store system 40 and reporting it to the remitter terminal 10.

[0070] The functional configuration of the system described above in Figures 2 and 7 is merely an example, and further variations may be constructed, such as dividing one functional block (database and functional processing unit) or combining multiple functional blocks into one functional block.

[0071] Each functional processing unit is realized by a computer program that is read by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) built into the device and executed by the CPU, which reads out a computer program stored in a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), or hard disk. In other words, each functional processing unit is realized by this computer program reading and writing necessary data such as tables from a database (DB) stored in the storage device or a storage area in memory, and in some cases controlling related hardware (e.g., an input / output device, a display device, or a communication interface device).

[0072] (Effects of the embodiment) This system allows the recipient of electronic money to express their gratitude when they actually use it. In other words, when using the gifted electronic money, the sender is forced to be aware of who gave them the gift, providing an opportunity to express gratitude each time they use it. The sender can also specify, to some extent, how the gift is to be used by the sender. The sender can also receive a usage report showing that the electronic money was used at a store designated by the sender.

[0073] Furthermore, when the remitter specifies how the electronic money will be used, they may specify either the store name (store identifier) ​​or the store category (business type). If only a category is specified, the server can inquire about stores that belong to that category and display information on available services and special offers at each store.

[0074] Furthermore, when the depositor uses the electronic money at a store designated as the intended use, the store system receives a record of the electronic money's use and a message addressed to the remitter, and sends these to the remitter, allowing the remitter to know that the electronic money has been used as designated and to receive a report and thank-you message from the depositor. This allows the remitter to feel like they have given a gift.

[0075] Furthermore, the store system provides the electronic money for presents with special benefit information on the condition that the electronic money for presents is used at a store designated by the use designation means, which leads to promotion of use of the electronic money for presents.

[0076] Furthermore, if the depositor is unable to use the gift electronic money at the designated store or has unused gift electronic money, the depositor can notify the remitter that the depositor has requested permission to change the designated store or to transfer the unused gift electronic money to regular electronic money. Therefore, if the remitter agrees, the gift electronic money can be used without waste, even a single yen.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the main functions are realized by the server alone or the terminal alone, but it is also possible to realize them by cooperation between the server and the terminal. Also, although this embodiment is directed to an electronic money system, it is also applicable to remittance methods other than electronic money.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described as an invention of a "thing" in terms of an electronic money system and an intermediary server, but the present invention can also be seen as an invention of a "method" executed by a computer constituting the electronic money system or an invention of a computer "program." [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10 Intermediary Server 20 Remitter terminal 30 Depositor terminal 40 Store System 101 Terminal transmission and reception means 102 Store system transmission and reception means 103 Electronic money information acceptance means for gifts 104 Store information inquiry method 105 Means of specifying use 106 Electronic money data storage means 107 Balance classification display control means 108 Activation Method 109 Usage Reporting Method 301 Electronic Money Editing Method 310 Gift e-money payment screen 311~317 Specific display and input areas on each screen 320 Gift e-money payment completion screen

Claims

1. A device that functions as an intermediary server in an electronic money system that allows electronic money to be given as a gift, a means for receiving information on electronic money for a present from a remitter terminal of the remitter; a balance classification display control means for controlling the classification of the depositor's total electronic money balance by remitter and displaying the classification on the depositor's terminal; an activation means for enabling the depositor to activate a flag of the remitter's electronic money for each of the balances displayed separately by turning it on or off, thereby enabling the use of the gift electronic money; a store information inquiry means for connecting to a store system of a store that accepts the electronic money for presents and inquiring about available use information including benefit information of the electronic money for presents; An apparatus comprising:

2. A device that functions as a depositor terminal in an electronic money system that allows electronic money to be given as a gift, a means for receiving information on electronic money for a present from a remitter terminal of the remitter; a balance classification display control means for displaying the total balance of the depositor's electronic money classified by remitter; an activation means for enabling the depositor to activate the flag of the remitter's electronic money for each of the balances displayed separately by turning it on or off, thereby enabling the use of each electronic money for a gift; a store information inquiry means for connecting to a store system of a store that accepts the electronic money for presents and inquiring about available use information including benefit information of the electronic money for presents; An apparatus comprising:

3. a use designation means for a remitter to designate a use of the electronic money for a gift to a depositor; 3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a usage history reporting means for reporting a usage history of said electronic money for presents to said remitter terminal and said depositor terminal.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the use designation means allows the remitter to designate a store category or store identifier, and when the remitter designates only a category, the device presents information on stores belonging to that category where electronic money can be used, and allows the remitter to select the store.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the usage history reporting means receives from the store's system a usage history of the electronic money and a message addressed to the remitter in response to the depositor's use of the electronic money at the store, and transmits the results to the remitter terminal and the depositor terminal.

6. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the electronic money for a present is provided with bonus information on the condition that the electronic money for a present is used at a store designated by the use designation means.

7. The device described in claim 3, characterized in that the usage history reporting means reports to the remitter that if the depositor is unable to use the gift electronic money at a designated store, the depositor is requesting permission to change the designated use destination, or if the depositor has any unused gift electronic money, the depositor is requesting permission to transfer the unused gift electronic money to regular electronic money.

8. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein when electronic money is received from a plurality of remittance senders, the amounts of electronic money received from said plurality of remittance senders are added together and can be used for payment.

9. A method for making electronic money a gift, comprising: The computers that make up the electronic money system are: receiving information on electronic money for a gift from a remitter's terminal; a step of displaying the depositor's total balance of electronic money by remitter; a step in which the depositor activates a flag of the remitter's electronic money for each of the balances displayed in the categories by turning it on or off, thereby enabling the use of each individual electronic money for a gift; a step of connecting to a store system of a store that accepts the electronic money for a present, and inquiring about available use information including benefit information of the electronic money for a present; A method comprising:

10. A program causing a computer to execute the steps set forth in claim 9.

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