Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device that enables issuers to understand fluctuations in their revenue based on the type of payment method used by their customers. [Solution] The information processing device 60 includes a transaction information acquisition unit, a revenue information acquisition unit, a revenue calculation unit, and an output unit. The transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information including store information, first payment method identification information, and amount information. The revenue information acquisition unit acquires first issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating first issuer revenue, and second issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating second issuer revenue. The revenue calculation unit calculates first issuer revenue based on the transaction information and first issuer revenue information, and also calculates second issuer revenue that would be generated if the second payment method was used in the transaction, based on the transaction information and second issuer revenue information. The output unit outputs the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit in a comparable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various cashless payment means such as credit cards, which are highly convenient for users, have become widespread among consumers. When a user makes a payment at a store, if such a payment means is used, the store pays a predetermined fee (merchant fee) according to the transaction amount or the like to a payment business operator (acquirer) that has concluded a franchise contract regarding the payment means. The merchant fee is generally calculated based on the merchant fee rate (Merchant Discount Rate) determined by a prior contract (such as a franchise contract) between each store and the acquirer and the transaction amount.

[0003] The acquirer pays the issuer, the business that issues the credit card used by the user, a predetermined shopping fee based on the transaction amount or merchant fees, and this shopping fee becomes the issuer's source of revenue. The shopping fee is calculated as an interchange reimbursement fee (IRF) by multiplying the transaction amount by a predetermined percentage (interchange rate) determined for each type of merchant and card. Alternatively, the shopping fee is calculated in a revenue-sharing manner by multiplying the merchant fee, which is calculated based on the transaction amount and the merchant fee rate, by a predetermined percentage. Furthermore, the shopping fee may be calculated by a combination of an amount calculated by a percentage as described above and a fixed amount. As described above, a transaction in which the acquirer and issuer are different businesses is called an off-us transaction. On the other hand, a transaction in which the acquirer and issuer are the same business is called an on-us transaction. In on-us transactions, since the issuer and acquirer are the same payment service provider, the merchant fees that the payment service provider earns as the acquirer become the shopping fees, which are the revenue that the payment service provider, acting as both acquirer and issuer, earns from the transaction. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-057138 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] As described above, the shopping fee, which is the revenue for the issuer (who also acts as the acquirer in the case of on-us transactions), varies depending on the transaction amount for each individual transaction. Furthermore, the shopping fee also varies depending on the type of payment method used, i.e., the grade and brand of the payment method, as well as the type of business of the store where the payment method is used. In addition, the conditions for calculating the shopping fee may also vary depending on the type of payment method. For the issuer, it is extremely useful to know how much revenue each customer who uses various payment methods can expect to generate from each type of payment method. This allows them to suggest more profitable payment methods to customers and consider rewards that can be given to customers when they use those payment methods.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an information processing device and information processing method for enabling the understanding of fluctuations in the issuer's revenue according to the type of payment method used by the customer. The purpose is to provide information processing programs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device includes a transaction information acquisition unit, a revenue information acquisition unit, a revenue calculation unit, and an output unit. The transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; first payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the first payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount. The revenue information acquisition unit acquires first issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the first issuer revenue generated by the issuer that provides the first payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the first payment method in the transaction; and second issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the second issuer revenue generated by the issuer that provides the second payment method in connection with the use of a second payment method different from the first payment method. The revenue calculation unit calculates the first issuer revenue associated with the use of the first payment method used in the transaction based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information, and also calculates the second issuer revenue that would have been generated if the second payment method had been used in the transaction based on the transaction information and the second issuer revenue information. The output unit outputs the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit in a comparable manner.

[0008] The information processing method includes a transaction information acquisition step, a revenue information acquisition step, a revenue calculation step, and an output step, and is performed by a computer. The transaction information acquisition step acquires transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; first payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the first payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount. The revenue information acquisition step acquires first issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the first issuer revenue generated by the issuer that provides the first payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the first payment method in the transaction; and second issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the second issuer revenue generated by the issuer that provides the second payment method in connection with the use of a second payment method different from the first payment method. The revenue calculation step calculates the first issuer revenue generated by the use of the first payment method used in the transaction based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information, and also calculates the second issuer revenue that would have been generated if the second payment method had been used in the transaction based on the transaction information and the second issuer revenue information. The output step outputs the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue calculated in the revenue calculation step in a comparable manner.

[0009] The information processing program is configured to make the computer function as the information processing device described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the information processing device obtains transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; first payment method identification information, which is information of the first payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is information of the transaction amount in the transaction. The information processing device obtains first issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the first issuer revenue generated by the issuer that provides the first payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the first payment method in the transaction. The information processing device also obtains second issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the second issuer revenue generated by the issuer that provides the second payment method in connection with the use of a second payment method different from the first payment method. Based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information, the information processing device calculates the first issuer revenue associated with the use of the first payment method used in the transaction, and also calculates the second issuer revenue that would have been generated if the second payment method had been used in the transaction, based on the transaction information and the second issuer revenue information. The information processing device outputs the calculated first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue in a comparable manner. This allows issuers to understand fluctuations in their revenue based on the type of payment method their customers use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the store terminal. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the general structure of the information processing center. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an acquirer system. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the outline configuration of a payment brand system. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram outlining the configuration of the issuer system. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the acquisition process of issuer revenue information executed by an information processing apparatus. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of an issuer fee information table stored in an information processing apparatus. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the acquisition process of partnership condition information executed by an information processing apparatus. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the calculation process and output process of issuer revenue executed by an information processing apparatus. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the calculation process of issuer revenue, the identification process of high-revenue settlement means, and the output process executed by an information processing apparatus. [Figure 14] It is a conceptual diagram for explaining the outline of the calculation process of issuer revenue and the identification process of high-revenue settlement means executed by an information processing apparatus.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0013] (Settlement System) First, a settlement system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a settlement system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the payment system includes a store terminal 10, an information processing center 20, an acquirer system 30, a payment brand system 40, an issuer system 50, and an information processing device 60. The store terminal 10, the information processing center 20, the acquirer system 30, the payment brand system 40, the issuer system 50, and the information processing device 60 are interconnected via a network.

[0016] The store terminal 10 is an information terminal installed in a store as a franchisee using the payment system. A plurality of store terminals 10 may be connected to a payment server via a network, and the payment server may be connected to the information processing center 20 or the like. In this case, the plurality of store terminals 10 and the payment server cooperate to constitute the store terminal 10. Further, when the store is a non-face-to-face franchisee that conducts non-face-to-face transactions such as Internet sales (EC), the payment server of the store or the payment server of a payment agency that executes the payment process of the store and a terminal such as a PC or a smartphone used by a customer cooperate to constitute the store terminal 10.

[0017] The information processing center 20 is a system for processing, transmitting, and receiving information related to payments. The information processing center 20 may include a system of a payment agency (Payment Service Provider: PSP) that substitutes various processes related to payments. Alternatively, instead of the information processing center 20, the system of the payment agency may be connected as the PSP system 20. Further, the store terminal 10 may be connected to the acquirer system 30 via a network without passing through the information processing center 20 (including the PSP system).

[0018] The acquirer system 30 is a system provided by an acquirer (store contractor) that concludes a franchise contract regarding the use of a store and payment means. When the acquirer concludes a franchise contract with a payment agency, the store may conclude a franchise contract with the payment agency. In this case, the payment agency also functions as an acquirer for the store.

[0019] The payment brand system 40 is a system established by the payment brand that operates the payment method. If the payment brand itself enters into a merchant agreement with a store, the payment brand system 40 and the acquirer system 30 may be established as the same system, or as separate systems by the same operator.

[0020] The issuer system 50 is a system established by an issuer (issuer) that issues payment methods to its customers, the users. The payment methods issued by the issuer may include, for example, credit card payment methods that allow users to pay later based on their creditworthiness, or debit card payment methods that deduct funds immediately from the user's bank account. Alternatively, prepaid payment methods may be used, where users pre-charge value into their account and use that value to make payments. If the payment brand itself issues the payment methods, the payment brand system 40 and the issuer system 50 may be established as the same system, or as separate systems by the same business operator. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the issuer and the acquirer may be the same business operator. In this case, the acquirer system 30 and the issuer system 50 may be established as the same system, or as separate, independent systems. The following explanation will use the case where the acquirer system 30, the payment brand system 40, and the issuer system 50 are independent systems as an example.

[0021] The information processing device 60 is a device that calculates the issuer revenue generated by the issuer when a customer uses a payment method for a transaction performed using that payment method, and the issuer revenue generated by the issuer when a different payment method was used, and outputs them in a comparable manner.

[0022] In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the information processing device 60 is connected to the acquirer system 30 and the issuer system 50, but it is not limited to this. The information processing device 60 may also be connected to the store terminal 10, the information processing center 20, the payment brand system 40, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a typical system configuration for credit card payment is given as an example, but the system configuration can be appropriately changed depending on the payment method used, etc.

[0023] Next, we will explain the details of each component.

[0024] (Store terminal) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a store terminal.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the store terminal 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation reception unit 15, and a reading unit 16. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 17 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0026] The control unit 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that, according to the program, controls each of the above-mentioned components and performs various calculation processes.

[0027] The memory unit 12 consists of a ROM (Read Only Memory) for pre-storing various programs and data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing programs and data as a working area, and a hard disk for storing various programs and data.

[0028] The communication unit 13 is an interface for communicating with other terminals and devices via the network. For example, the communication unit 13 sends and receives various data with the information processing center 20, etc.

[0029] The display unit 14 consists of a liquid crystal display, a touch panel, etc., and displays various information.

[0030] The operation reception unit 15 consists of a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc., and receives various user operations. The display unit 14 and the operation reception unit 15 may be integrated using a touch panel or the like.

[0031] The reading unit 16 reads and obtains payment method identification information from the customer's card or customer information terminal to identify the payment method used by the customer. The reading unit 16 includes, for example, a contact or contactless card reader and obtains payment method identification information from the customer's credit card, etc. The payment method identification information includes, for example, information such as the customer's credit card number and expiration date. The reading unit 16 may also include a code reader that reads codes such as one-dimensional codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademarks). For example, in various code payment methods, the reading unit 16 obtains payment method identification information by reading a barcode displayed on the customer's information terminal.

[0032] Furthermore, if the store is a non-face-to-face merchant, the customer's smartphone or other terminal may constitute the display unit 14, operation reception unit 15, reading unit 16, etc. In this case, the reading unit 16 can obtain payment method identification information by acquiring information entered by the customer on the payment screen displayed on the display using browser software on the smartphone or other device.

[0033] (Information Processing Center) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing center.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing center 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, and an operation reception unit 25. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 26 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the components of the control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, and operation reception unit 25 of the information processing center 20 have the same functions as the components of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, display unit 14, and operation reception unit 15 of the store terminal 10, so their explanation is omitted.

[0035] (Acquirer System) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the acquirer system.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the acquirer system 30 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, a display unit 34, and an operation reception unit 35. Each component communicates with the others via a bus 36. They are reliably connected. Note that each component of the acquirer system 30 has the same functionality as each component of the information processing center 20, therefore a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0037] (Payment brand system) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the payment brand system.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the payment brand system 40 comprises a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, a display unit 44, and an operation reception unit 45. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 46 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Since each component of the payment brand system 40 has the same function as each component of the information processing center 20, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0039] (Issua System) Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the issuer system.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the issuer system 50 comprises a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, a display unit 54, and an operation reception unit 55. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 56 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Since each component of the issuer system 50 has the same function as each component of the information processing center 20, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0041] (Information processing device) Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an information processing device.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 60 comprises a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a communication unit 63, a display unit 64, and an operation reception unit 65. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 66 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Since each component of the information processing device 60 has the same function as each component of the information processing center 20, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0043] (Functions of information processing equipment) Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device.

[0044] The control unit 61 of the information processing device 60 reads the program stored in the storage unit 62 and executes the processing. As a result, the control unit 61 functions as a transaction information acquisition unit 611, a profit information acquisition unit 612, a profit calculation unit 613, an output unit 614, and a specific unit 615, as shown in Figure 8.

[0045] The transaction information acquisition unit 611 acquires transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; first payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the first payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount.

[0046] The revenue information acquisition unit 612 acquires first issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the first issuer revenue generated by the issuer who provides the first settlement method to the customer in connection with the use of the first settlement method in a transaction. The revenue information acquisition unit 612 also acquires second issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the second issuer revenue generated by the issuer who provides the second settlement method in connection with the use of a second settlement method different from the first settlement method. The first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information include information showing the ratio of the issuer's revenue to the transaction amount, or information showing the ratio of the issuer's revenue to the charges paid by the store, which is calculated based on the transaction amount and store charge information.

[0047] The revenue calculation unit 613 uses the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information to calculate the revenue used in the transaction. The revenue calculation unit 613 calculates the first issuer revenue that would have been generated if the second settlement method had been used in the transaction, based on the transaction information and the second issuer revenue information.

[0048] The output unit 614 outputs the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit 613 in a comparable manner.

[0049] The second payment method may include multiple types of payment methods that may be issued by the issuer. For example, the second payment method may include payment methods of a different grade from the first payment method, provided by the same issuer as the first payment method. The second payment method may also include payment methods of a different payment brand from the first payment method, provided by the same issuer as the first payment method. The second payment method may also include store-specific payment methods, provided by the same issuer as the first payment method, that do not have a payment brand and are usable only at specific stores and stores associated with those specific stores. The second payment method may also include payment methods of a different payment method or type from the first payment method, provided by the same issuer as the first payment method.

[0050] The revenue information acquisition unit 612 acquires multiple types of second issuer revenue information corresponding to multiple types of second settlement methods. The revenue calculation unit 613 calculates multiple types of second issuer revenue that would be generated in each transaction if multiple types of second settlement methods were used, based on the transaction information and the multiple types of second issuer revenue information. The output unit 614 outputs the first issuer revenue and the multiple types of second issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit in a comparable manner.

[0051] The revenue information acquisition unit 612 acquires the first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information before the change and the first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information after the change when the first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information are changed. The revenue calculation unit 613 calculates the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue before the change and the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue after the change based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information before the change and the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue information after the change acquired by the revenue information acquisition unit 612. The output unit 614 outputs the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue before the change and the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue after the change, calculated by the revenue calculation unit 613, in a comparable manner.

[0052] The transaction information acquisition unit 611 can acquire transaction information for multiple transactions conducted by the customer. Alternatively, the transaction information acquisition unit 611 may acquire transaction information for all transactions conducted by the customer within a predetermined period. In this case, the revenue calculation unit 613 calculates the total first issuer revenue and the total second issuer revenue for each of the multiple transactions based on the respective transaction information and the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information. The output unit 614 outputs the total first issuer revenue and the total second issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit 613.

[0053] The identification unit 615 identifies the high-profit settlement method that maximizes the issuer's revenue from among the first and second settlement methods, based on the total first issuer revenue and the total second issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit 613. The output unit 614 outputs the high-profit settlement method identified by the identification unit 615 as the settlement method that maximizes the issuer's revenue.

[0054] For example, the specific unit 615 may identify a second payment method that is of a different grade from the first payment method as a high-profit payment method. Furthermore, the specific unit 615 may identify a second payment method that is of a different payment brand from the first payment method as a high-profit payment method. Also, the specific unit 615 may, A second payment method, which does not have a payment brand and is a store-specific payment method usable only at specific stores and stores associated with those specific stores, may be designated as a high-profit payment method.

[0055] The revenue information acquisition unit 612 further acquires partnership conditions information to calculate the costs or revenues incurred by the issuer as a result of the use of the first or second payment method at a store, if the first or second payment method was issued in partnership with a store. In this case, the revenue calculation unit 613 calculates the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue, taking into account the costs or revenues incurred as a result of the partnership.

[0056] The revenue calculation unit 613 calculates the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue when the issuer of the first or second payment method has entered into a merchant agreement with the store, i.e., in an on-us transaction where the acquirer and the issuer are the same entity, taking into account the first issuer revenue information or the second issuer revenue information applicable in the on-us transaction.

[0057] (Processing Summary) The following describes the processes performed by the information processing device 60.

[0058] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for acquiring issuer revenue information performed by the information processing device. Figure 10 shows an example of an issuer fee information table stored in the information processing device. The processing algorithm shown in Figure 9 is stored as a program in the storage unit 62 of the information processing device 60 and is executed by the control unit 61.

[0059] As shown in Figure 9, the information processing device 60 waits until a predetermined period has elapsed (step S101: NO), and when the predetermined period has elapsed (step S101: YES), it proceeds to step S102. The predetermined period can be set to any period such as one day or one week, in accordance with the trend and frequency of updates to issuer revenue information.

[0060] The information processing device 60 determines whether the issuer revenue information has been updated (step S102). The issuer revenue information includes multiple types of issuer revenue information (first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information) corresponding to multiple types of payment methods with different brands, grades, etc. For example, if issuer revenue is calculated as an interchange fee (IRF) based on the interchange rate, the interchange rate becomes the issuer revenue information. In that case, the information processing device 60 accesses the database in the storage unit 42 of the payment brand system 40 or a web page provided by the payment brand system 40 to check the latest interchange rate. The interchange rate is information that shows the ratio of the transaction amount to issuer revenue according to the payment brand, the type of business of the store, the grade of the payment method, the country of issue of the payment method, and the contract status between the issuer of the payment method and the store. In this case, the information processing device 60 stores table information as shown in Figure 10 in the storage unit 2 as issuer fee information. In the example shown in Figure 10, a table showing multiple types of information indicating the ratio of issuer revenue to the transaction amount, depending on the type of store where the payment method was used, the payment brand, and the grade of the payment method, is stored in the storage unit 62 of the information processing device 60 as issuer revenue information. Alternatively, if issuer revenue is calculated as a revenue share of merchant fees, the issuer revenue information will be information showing the merchant fee rate and the percentage of the merchant fees paid to the issuer. In that case, the information processing device 60 accesses the acquirer system 30, the payment brand system 40, etc., to obtain information showing the merchant fee rate and revenue share ratio applicable to the store. Furthermore, the information processing device 60 can obtain issuer revenue information applicable to the calculation of the issuer's revenue when the issuer of the payment method has concluded a merchant agreement with the store where the transaction took place (so-called on-us transaction). In addition, the information processing device 60 does not have a payment brand and can access information for specific stores and for those stores. When a specific store-specific payment method (so-called house card) usable only at related stores is used at the target store, issuer revenue information applicable to the calculation of the issuer's revenue can be obtained.

[0061] If the issuer revenue information has not been updated (step S102: NO), the information processing device 60 terminates the process of acquiring the issuer revenue information.

[0062] If issuer revenue information has been updated (step S102: YES), the information processing device 60 obtains the latest issuer revenue information and updates the issuer revenue information table stored in the storage unit 62 (step S103). The information processing device 60 then terminates the process of obtaining issuer revenue information. As a result, the latest issuer revenue information is stored in the storage unit 62.

[0063] In the above example, we described an example where issuer revenue information is acquired only when it has been updated. However, the method of updating is not limited to this, and the latest issuer revenue information may be acquired and updated regardless of whether the issuer revenue information has been updated or not. Alternatively, if the issuer revenue information has been updated, only the changed parts may be acquired as differential data and updated. In addition, other information such as a judgment table based on the card number provided by the payment brand may also be acquired. Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may acquire issuer revenue information when it receives an instruction to update the issuer revenue information from an administrator or the like. Also, if the issuer revenue information is scheduled to be changed, even if it has not actually been changed yet, the information processing device 60 may acquire the issuer revenue information before the change and the issuer revenue information after the change and store them in the storage unit 62.

[0064] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may obtain store master information, which contains various information about the store where the transaction takes place, from the acquirer system 30 or the like. The store master information stores information such as store information (merchant number, etc.) to identify each store, the type of business of the store, the name of the store, the merchant fee rate, and the payment cycle, all of which are associated with and stored. In addition, the store master information may also store the type of payment terminal used at each store, the unit price of the transaction amount, various information regarding fraudulent transactions, information about the PSP or payment network being used, and information about the method of inputting payment method identification information. Furthermore, the store master information may include information to identify whether or not a payment method has been issued in partnership with the store, and the type of payment method issued in partnership.

[0065] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for acquiring alliance condition information, which is performed by the information processing device. The algorithm for the process shown in Figure 11 is stored as a program in the storage unit 62 of the information processing device 60 and is executed by the control unit 61.

[0066] As shown in Figure 11, the information processing device 60 waits until a predetermined period has elapsed (step S201: NO), and when the predetermined period has elapsed (step S201: YES), it proceeds to step S202. The predetermined period can be any period such as one day, one week, or one month, depending on the trend and frequency of updates to the partnership conditions information.

[0067] The information processing device 60 determines whether the partnership conditions information has been updated (step S202). The partnership conditions information includes information for calculating rewards provided to customers when a payment method issued in partnership with a store is used at that store, and information for calculating the costs or revenues incurred by the issuer in connection with the partnership. The information processing device 60 can obtain the latest partnership conditions information from, for example, the issuer system 50 of the issuer that issues the payment method, or the store terminal 10 of the partner store.

[0068] If the partnership conditions information has not been updated (Step S202: NO), the information processing device 60 The process of acquiring partnership conditions information is terminated.

[0069] If the partnership conditions information has been updated (step S202: YES), the information processing device 60 obtains the latest partnership conditions information and updates the partnership conditions information table stored in the storage unit 62 (step S203). The information processing device 60 then terminates the process of obtaining the partnership conditions information. As a result, the latest partnership conditions information is stored in the storage unit 62.

[0070] In the example above, we described an example where the partnership conditions information is acquired only when it has been updated. However, the method of updating is not limited to this, and the latest partnership conditions information may be acquired and updated regardless of whether the partnership conditions information has been updated or not. Alternatively, if the partnership conditions information has been updated, only the changed parts may be acquired as differential data and updated. Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may acquire the partnership conditions information when it receives an instruction to update the partnership conditions information from an administrator or the like. In addition, if the partnership conditions information is scheduled to be changed, even if the change has not yet been made, the information processing device 60 may acquire the partnership conditions information before the change and the partnership conditions information after the change and store them in the storage unit 62.

[0071] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the procedures for calculating and outputting issuer revenue, which are performed by the information processing device. The algorithm for the process shown in Figure 12 is stored as a program in the storage unit 62 of the information processing device 60 and is executed by the control unit 61.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, the information processing device 60 acquires transaction information (step S301). For example, the information processing device 60 acquires transaction information from the issuer system 50 according to a predetermined cycle, such as once a day. In this embodiment, an example in which the issuer revenue calculation process is performed for each transaction is described, but it is not limited to this, and the issuer revenue calculation process may be performed collectively for multiple transactions to which the same conditions apply.

[0073] Next, the information processing device 60 obtains issuer revenue information (first issuer revenue information) applicable to calculating issuer revenue in the transaction, and issuer revenue information (second issuer revenue information) corresponding to other types of payment methods, based on the transaction information obtained in step S301 (step S302). The first issuer revenue information is information for calculating the revenue (first issuer revenue) generated to the issuer as a result of using the payment method (first payment method) used in the transaction. The second issuer revenue information is information for calculating the revenue (second issuer revenue) generated to the issuer as a result of using a payment method other than the payment method actually used (second payment method). For example, the information processing device 60 identifies the type of business of the store where the transaction was executed based on the store information included in the transaction information and the store master stored in the storage unit 62 beforehand. Alternatively, the information processing device 60 identifies the type of business of the store where the transaction was executed based on information indicating the type of business of the store, such as the merchant business code included in the transaction information. Furthermore, the information processing device 60 identifies the payment brand and grade of the first payment method used, based on the card number included in the transaction information as payment method identification information and a determination table pre-stored in the storage unit 62. The information processing device 60 obtains the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information for the transaction by referring to the issuer revenue information stored in the storage unit 62. For example, in the example in Figure 10, if the transaction in question is one in a retail store using a card of payment brand A with a gold grade, the first issuer revenue information obtained is a percentage of "1.00%" (the value of the interchange rate). In this case, the second issuer revenue information obtained includes percentages corresponding to payment brand A's general, platinum, and business grades other than the gold grade, as well as percentages corresponding to payment brand B's general, gold, platinum, and business grades.

[0074] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 provides partnerships corresponding to the first and second payment methods, respectively. Retrieve condition information.

[0075] Next, the information processing device 60 calculates the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue for the transaction based on the transaction information obtained in step S301 and the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information obtained in step S302 (step S303). That is, the information processing device 60 calculates the issuer revenue for each type of settlement method used for the target transaction. For example, the information processing device 60 can calculate the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue by applying the interchange rate value, or the merchant fee rate and revenue share ratio obtained as the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information in step S302, to the transaction amount. For example, in the example in Figure 10 above, if the transaction amount is "10,000 yen", the actual issuer revenue (first issuer revenue) is calculated as "100 yen" based on the "1.00%" in the first issuer revenue information. Furthermore, issuer revenue (second issuer revenue) when other types of payment methods are used is calculated based on the transaction amount of "10,000 yen" and the second issuer revenue information applicable to each of the other types of payment methods. For example, if payment brand A's general, platinum, and business grades are used, the issuer revenue (second issuer revenue) will be calculated as "90 yen," "120 yen," and "130 yen," respectively. Similarly, if payment brand B's general, gold, platinum, and business grades are used, the second issuer revenue will be calculated as "145 yen," "155 yen," "165 yen," and "175 yen," respectively.

[0076] Furthermore, if the first or second payment method described above was issued in partnership with the store where the transaction took place, the information processing device 60 obtains the corresponding partnership conditions information and calculates the costs or revenues incurred by the issuer as a result of the use of the first or second payment method at the store. The information processing device 60 calculates the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue, taking into account the calculated costs or revenues associated with the partnership. For example, if the first payment method was issued in partnership with the store, and the partnership conditions information stipulates that the issuer will bear "0.25%" of the transaction amount as a cost for providing incentives to customers, the information processing device 60 calculates the issuer revenue, taking into account the said cost. In the example above with a transaction amount of "10,000 yen," the issuer's cost based on the partnership conditions information is "25 yen," so the issuer revenue is calculated as "75 yen," which is "100 yen" minus "25 yen."

[0077] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 can calculate the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue when the issuer of the first or second payment method has entered into a merchant agreement with the store where the transaction took place (a so-called on-us transaction), taking into account the first issuer revenue information or the second issuer revenue information applicable to the calculation of the issuer's revenue. The information processing device 60 can also determine which business acts as the acquirer and which as the issuer in the transaction, using information such as the card number included in the payment method identification information and a pre-stored determination table. The acquirer is the store contractor that receives the store fees borne by the store in the transaction. The issuer is the issuer that issued (provided) the payment method used in the transaction to the customer. If the acquirer and the issuer are the same business, the transaction is determined to be an on-us transaction, and if the acquirer and the issuer are different business entities, the transaction is determined to be an off-us transaction.

[0078] Next, the information processing device 60 determines whether there is any further transaction information to be processed (step S304). For example, the information processing device 60 may acquire transaction information for all transactions made by the same customer within a predetermined period and perform the above issuer revenue calculation process. Alternatively, the information processing device 60 may acquire transaction information for a single transaction and perform the above issuer revenue calculation process for that single transaction.

[0079] If there is more transaction information to process (step S304: YES), the information processing device 60 returns to the process in step S301 and repeats the processes in steps S301 to S303.

[0080] If there is no further transaction information to process (step S304: NO), the information processing device 60 calculates the total issuer revenue for each type of payment method calculated in step S303 (step S305). For example, the information processing device 60 calculates the total issuer revenue for the gold grade payment method of payment brand A, which is the first payment method, and the total issuer revenue for the general, platinum, and business grade payment methods of payment brand A, which is the second payment method, and the general, gold, platinum, and business grade payment methods of payment brand B.

[0081] The information processing device 60 outputs the total issuer revenue for each type of payment method calculated in step S305 in a comparable manner (step S306). For example, if only one transaction from the example in Figure 10 described above is to be processed, the information processing device 60 outputs the value of "100 yen," which is the issuer revenue generated by the gold payment method of payment brand A that was actually used, and the values ​​of "90 yen," "120 yen," "130 yen," "145 yen," "155 yen," "165 yen," and "175 yen," which are the issuer revenues that would have been generated if other types of payment methods had been used, in a listable format, along with the information indicating each payment method.

[0082] Alternatively, when processing multiple transactions executed within a predetermined period, the information processing device 60 outputs the total issuer revenue generated in each transaction through the use of each payment method, in a listable format, after associating it with information indicating each payment method. For example, let's consider the case where two transactions are to be processed: the one transaction described above and another separate transaction. The other transaction is with an airline, using a gold-grade card of payment brand A, with a transaction amount of "20,000 yen". In this case, the first issuer revenue information is obtained as a percentage of "1.60%". The second issuer revenue information is obtained as percentages corresponding to payment brand A's general, platinum, and business grades other than the gold grade, and percentages corresponding to payment brand B's general, gold, platinum, and business grades. In this case, the actual first issuer revenue generated is calculated as "320 yen" based on the "1.60%" in the first issuer revenue information. Furthermore, if payment brand A, as the second payment method, is used in its standard, platinum, or business grades, the second issuer revenue will be calculated as "300 yen," "340 yen," and "300 yen," based on the respective second issuer revenue figures of "1.50%," "1.70%," and "1.50%." Similarly, if payment brand B, as the standard, gold, platinum, or business grades, is used, the second issuer revenue will be calculated as "170 yen," "190 yen," "210 yen," and "230 yen," based on the respective second issuer revenue figures of "0.85%," "0.95%," "1.05%," and "1.15%." Calculating the sum of issuer revenue for the two transactions above, the total first issuer revenue is calculated as "100 yen + 320 yen = 420 yen." The total revenue for the second issuer is calculated for each of the above payment methods as follows: "90 yen + 300 yen = 390 yen", "120 yen + 340 yen = 460 yen", "130 yen + 300 yen = 430 yen", "145 yen + 170 yen = 315 yen", "155 yen + 190 yen = 345 yen", "165 yen + 210 yen = 375 yen", and "175 yen + 230 yen = 405 yen".

[0083] As described above, when considering only one transaction at a retail store, the issuer revenue was highest when using the business-grade payment method of payment brand B. However, when considering two transactions including transactions at other stores, the platinum-grade payment method of payment brand A was the highest. Issuer revenue was maximized when using the payment method. As such, issuer revenue varies considerably depending on the combination of factors such as the store (industry) where the transaction took place, the payment brand, the grade of the payment method, the transaction amount, and the partnership conditions between each payment method and the store. Therefore, it is difficult to grasp the total issuer revenue when each payment method is used. According to the information processing device 60 of this embodiment, it is possible to calculate the total issuer revenue when each payment method is used. For example, an issuer can easily understand how much issuer revenue they could have obtained if the customer had used which type of payment method.

[0084] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information processing device 60 acquires issuer revenue information corresponding to the settlement method used in the transaction and issuer revenue information corresponding to other types of settlement methods, and outputs the respective issuer revenues in a comparable manner. However, the device is not limited to this example. For example, when each issuer revenue information is changed, the information processing device 60 may output the issuer revenue before the change and the issuer revenue after the change in a comparable manner. In this case, in the process of step S302 in Figure 12, the information processing device 60 acquires the first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information before the change and the first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information after the change. In the process of step S303, the information processing device 60 calculates the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue before the change and the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue after the change based on the transaction information, the first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information before the change, and the first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information after the change. If there are multiple transaction records, the information processing device 60 repeats the processing in steps S301 to S303. In step S305, the information processing device 60 calculates the total value of the first issuer revenue before the change, the total value of the second issuer revenue before the change, the total value of the first issuer revenue after the change, and the total value of the second issuer revenue after the change for each of the multiple transaction records. In step S306, the information processing device 60 outputs the total value of the first issuer revenue before the change, the total value of the second issuer revenue before the change, the total value of the first issuer revenue after the change, and the total value of the second issuer revenue after the change in a comparable manner. This allows, for example, an issuer to easily understand how issuer revenue will change for each type of settlement method when issuer revenue information is changed.

[0085] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example in which the information processing device 60 includes a payment method of a different grade or payment brand from the payment method used in the transaction (first payment method) as a second payment method, it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 60 may include a store-specific payment method (so-called house card) provided by the same issuer as the first payment method, which does not have a payment brand and can only be used at specific stores and stores associated with those stores, as a second payment method. This allows, for example, the issuer to easily understand how issuer revenue will change if they change a payment method with a payment brand used by a customer to a store-specific payment method without a payment brand.

[0086] Alternatively, the information processing device 60 may include a second payment method provided by the same issuer as the first payment method, but with a different payment method or type than the first payment method. Examples of payment methods with different payment methods or types include credit, debit, and prepaid cards. This allows, for example, the issuer to easily understand how issuer revenue will change if the payment method or type of the payment method used by the customer changes.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information processing device 60 calculates the issuer revenue corresponding to the first payment method and the issuer revenue corresponding to the second payment method and outputs them in a comparable manner. In addition, based on the calculated issuer revenue, the information processing device 60 identifies the high-profit payment method that maximizes the issuer's revenue from among the first and second payment methods. You may output it this way. The details are explained below.

[0088] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the procedures for issuer revenue calculation, high-profit payment method identification, and output processing performed by the information processing device. Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the overview of the issuer revenue calculation and high-profit payment method identification processes performed by the information processing device. The algorithm for the process shown in Figure 13 is stored as a program in the storage unit 62 of the information processing device 60 and executed by the control unit 61.

[0089] The processes in steps S301 to S305 shown in Figure 13 are the same as the processes in steps S301 to S305 in Figure 12 described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, the information processing device 60 identifies the high-revenue settlement instrument that maximizes the issuer's revenue from among the first and second settlement instruments, based on the total first issuer revenue and the total second issuer revenue calculated in step S305 (step S3051). For example, in the example in Figure 10 above, if we consider only one transaction with a transaction amount of "10,000 yen", the total first issuer revenue corresponding to the gold grade settlement instrument of settlement brand A is "100 yen". On the other hand, the total second issuer revenue corresponding to the general, platinum, and business grades of settlement brand A and the general, gold, platinum, and business grades of settlement brand B are "90 yen", "120 yen", "130 yen", "145 yen", "155 yen", "165 yen", and "175 yen", respectively. In this case, the settlement instrument that maximizes the issuer's revenue is the business grade settlement instrument of settlement brand B. Therefore, the information processing device 60 can identify the business-grade payment method of payment brand B as a high-profit payment method. Alternatively, in the example of Figure 10 described above, if we consider two transactions with transaction amounts of "10,000 yen" and "20,000 yen," the total first issuer revenue corresponding to the gold-grade payment method of payment brand A is "420 yen." On the other hand, the total second issuer revenue corresponding to the general, platinum, and business grades of payment brand A and the general, gold, platinum, and business grades of payment brand B is "390 yen," "460 yen," "430 yen," "315 yen," "345 yen," "375 yen," and "405 yen," respectively. Therefore, the information processing device 60 can identify the platinum-grade payment method of payment brand A as a high-profit payment method. In this way, the information processing device 60 can identify a second payment method that differs in payment brand and grade from the first payment method as a high-profit payment method. Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may identify a second payment method, which does not have a payment brand and is a store-specific payment method (so-called house card) usable only at specific stores and stores associated with those stores, as a high-profit payment method.Furthermore, as explained in the processing shown in Figure 12, the information processing device 60 may also calculate the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue based on the partnership conditions information, taking into account the costs or revenues associated with the partnership, and identify high-profit settlement methods.

[0091] The information processing device 60 outputs the high-profit payment method identified in step S3051 as the payment method that maximizes the issuer's revenue (step S3061). For example, if only one transaction in the example of Figure 10 described above is considered, the information processing device 60 outputs the business card of payment brand B, which was identified as a high-profit payment method, as the payment method that maximizes the issuer's revenue. This makes it easy for the issuer to understand that the business card of payment brand B, included in the second payment method, is more profitable for the issuer than the gold card of payment brand A, which is the first payment method used by the customer. As a result, for example, the issuer can appropriately calculate an incentive that can be given to the customer when the customer contracts for or uses a business card of payment brand B, using the expected increase in the issuer's revenue when the customer uses a business card of payment brand B as the source of funds. The issuer then proposes the above incentive to the customer, along with the payment brand The system can recommend changing the grade of the payment method and using a business card from payment brand B. Alternatively, in the case of the two transactions in the example in Figure 10 above, the information processing device 60 outputs the platinum card from payment brand A, which has been identified as a high-profit payment method, as the payment method that maximizes the issuer's revenue. This allows the issuer to recommend to the customer that they upgrade their payment method to platinum and use a platinum card from payment brand A, along with an incentive offer that has been appropriately calculated as described above.

[0092] As described above, Figure 14 shows an overview of the process by which the information processing device 60 calculates issuer revenue when each payment method is used and identifies high-revenue payment methods. In the example in Figure 14, the customer has contracted and uses two types of payment methods: a general-grade payment method issued in partnership with retailer X under payment brand A, and a gold-grade payment method under payment brand B. The customer uses each payment method for transactions of various amounts at various stores. For each transaction, the information processing device 60 acquires information about the store where the transaction took place and the transaction amount, and stores it as transaction information (transaction history). The information processing device 60 also acquires and stores issuer revenue information corresponding to each payment method with different payment brands and grades, as well as partnership condition information for payment methods issued in partnership with stores, etc. The information processing device 60 calculates the issuer revenue for each transaction stored as transaction information, based on the transaction amount, issuer revenue information, partnership conditions information applicable depending on the combination of store and payment method, etc., when each payment method is used, and identifies the optimal payment method by identifying the combination of payment brand and grade that maximizes the issuer's revenue.

[0093] Although an example of a payment system's processing has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0094] For example, in the above embodiment, credit card payment was mainly used as an example of a payment method, but the payment method is not limited to this. Payment methods include all payment methods such as debit card payment, prepaid card payment, electronic money payment, various code payments, various ID payments, convenience store payment, and deferred payment.

[0095] Furthermore, the program includes both face-to-face member stores that conduct face-to-face transactions with customers, and non-face-to-face member stores that conduct non-face-to-face transactions through various communication methods such as the internet, telephone, and written correspondence without meeting customers in person.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a store terminal 10 is installed in the store, and the store terminal 10 reads payment method identification information and transmits the transaction information, along with the store information and amount information, to the information processing center 20, etc., as an example, but the system is not limited to this. For example, a user terminal owned by the user may read a barcode or the like indicating store information installed in the store and transmit the transaction information, along with the payment method identification information and amount information, to the information processing center 20, etc.

[0097] Depending on the payment method, the business structure and division of functions of the payment brand, payment method issuer, and acquirer may differ from the embodiments and modifications described above. For example, the payment brand and the payment method issuer may be the same business, the payment brand and the acquirer may be the same business, or the acquirer and the payment method issuer may be the same business. Even in such cases, the present invention can be applied in the same way as the embodiments described above by assigning the roles of each business to the acquirer and issuer.

[0098] For example, with convenience store payment, the service provider offering the convenience store payment method is both the payment brand and the issuer that issues (provides) the payment method to the customer. Furthermore, while there are cases where the service provider itself enters into a merchant agreement with the store and becomes the acquirer, there are also many cases where a payment processing company that can handle other payment methods as well enters into a merchant agreement with the service provider, and the payment processing company then enters into a merchant agreement with the store. In this case, the payment processing company becomes the acquirer in this embodiment. The fee that the payment processing company pays to the service provider, which is also the issuer, becomes the issuer revenue. Therefore, the information processing device 60 can also set convenience store payment as either the first or second payment method, calculate the issuer revenue, and output it in a way that allows comparison with other payment methods.

[0099] Furthermore, the same applies to deferred payment as to the convenience store payment described above. The provider that offers the deferred payment method is both the payment brand and the issuer that issues (provides) the payment method to the customer. When a payment processing company enters into a merchant agreement with the provider, and the payment processing company enters into a merchant agreement with the store, the payment processing company becomes the acquirer in this embodiment. Therefore, the information processing device 60 can also set deferred payment as either the first or second payment method, calculate the issuer revenue, and output it in a way that allows comparison with other payment methods.

[0100] Furthermore, while the above embodiment described an example where issuer revenue information is set as a percentage that varies depending on the type of business of the store, the type of payment method, etc., it is not limited to this. For example, different conditions may be set for issuer revenue information when the acquirer or store does not comply with the requirements of the payment brand or violates the regulations. Specifically, if a store or acquirer transmits sales data to the issuer without obtaining prior approval (authorization or authorization), special conditions such as a higher-than-usual percentage may be set for issuer revenue information. In addition, a uniform percentage may be set for issuer revenue information, or a fixed amount may be set instead of a percentage, or a combination of a percentage and a fixed amount may be set. Furthermore, the amount of issuer revenue information may be set in stages according to the range of the transaction amount, or any arbitrary judgment conditions or calculation formulas such as combinations of such amounts and percentages may be set.

[0101] Furthermore, the payment system may include devices other than the store terminal 10, information processing center 20, acquirer system 30, payment brand system 40, issuer system 50, and information processing device 60, and may not include any of these components. Also, each of the store terminal 10, information processing center 20, acquirer system 30, payment brand system 40, issuer system 50, and information processing device 60 may include components other than those described above, and may not include some of the components described above.

[0102] Furthermore, the functions of each component may be implemented by other components. For example, some of the functions described as being provided by the information processing device 60 may be performed by other components such as the information processing center 20, acquirer system 30, payment brand system 40, and issuer system 50.

[0103] Furthermore, the store terminal 10, information processing center 20, acquirer system 30, payment brand system 40, issuer system 50, and information processing device 60 may each be composed of multiple devices or a single device.

[0104] Furthermore, the processing in the billing support system according to the above embodiment may include steps other than those in the flowchart above, or may not include some of the steps described above. Also, the order of the steps is not limited to the embodiment described above. Furthermore, each step may be executed as a single step in combination with other steps, or may be executed as part of other steps, or may be divided into multiple steps and executed. That's good too.

[0105] As described above, the information processing device 60 of this embodiment obtains transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; first payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the first payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount. The information processing device 60 obtains first issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the first issuer revenue generated by the issuer that provides the first payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the first payment method in the transaction. The information processing device 60 also obtains second issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating the second issuer revenue generated by the issuer that provides the second payment method in connection with the use of a second payment method different from the first payment method. Based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information, the information processing device 60 calculates the first issuer revenue associated with the use of the first payment method used in the transaction, and also calculates the second issuer revenue that would have been generated if the second payment method had been used in the transaction, based on the transaction information and the second issuer revenue information. The information processing device 60 outputs the calculated first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue in a comparable manner. This allows issuers to understand fluctuations in their revenue based on the type of payment method used by their customers. For example, a payment method issuer can understand how much revenue each customer who uses their payment method for various transactions is likely to generate, and can then propose more profitable payment methods to customers or consider rewards that can be given to customers when they use those payment methods.

[0106] The revenue an issuer earns when each payment method is used varies considerably depending on the combination of factors such as the store (industry) where the transaction took place, the payment brand, the grade of the payment method, the transaction amount, and the partnership conditions between each payment method and the store. Therefore, it is difficult to grasp the issuer's revenue when each payment method is used. However, the information processing device 60 of this embodiment can calculate and output the issuer's revenue when each payment method is used in a comparable manner. This allows issuers to easily understand how much revenue they could have earned depending on which type of payment method the customer used.

[0107] Furthermore, the second payment method may include multiple types of payment methods that can be issued by the issuer. The information processing device 60 acquires multiple types of second issuer revenue information corresponding to the multiple types of second payment methods. Based on the transaction information and the multiple types of second issuer revenue information, the information processing device 60 calculates the multiple types of second issuer revenue that would be generated if multiple types of second payment methods were used in each transaction, and outputs the calculated first issuer revenue and the multiple types of second issuer revenue in a comparable manner. This makes it possible to compare the issuer revenue generated with the payment method actually used by the customer with the issuer revenue that would be generated if other multiple types of payment methods were used.

[0108] Furthermore, when the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information are changed, the information processing device 60 acquires the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information before the change and the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information after the change. Based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information before the change and the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information after the change acquired by the revenue information acquisition unit, the information processing device 60 calculates the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue before the change and the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue after the change. The information processing device 60 outputs the calculated first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue before the change and the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue after the change in a comparable manner. This allows, for example, an issuer of a payment instrument to easily understand how the issuer revenue will change for each type of payment instrument when the issuer revenue information is changed by the payment brand, etc.

[0109] Furthermore, the second payment method may be a payment method of a different grade, provided by the same issuer as the first payment method. This allows, for example, the issuer of a payment method to easily understand how their revenue will change if the grade of the payment method used by a customer changes.

[0110] Furthermore, the second payment method may be a payment method provided by the same issuer as the first payment method, but with a different payment brand. This allows, for example, the issuer of a payment method to easily understand how their revenue will change if they change the payment brand of the payment method used by their customers.

[0111] Furthermore, the second payment method may be a store-specific payment method provided by the same issuer as the first payment method, usable only at stores that do not have a payment brand and stores associated with such stores. This allows, for example, the issuer of a payment method to easily understand how their revenue will change if a customer changes from a branded payment method to a store-specific payment method that does not have a payment brand.

[0112] Furthermore, the second payment method may be a payment method provided by the same issuer as the first payment method, but differing in the method or type of payment. This allows, for example, the issuer of a payment method to easily understand how their revenue will change if they change the method or type of payment used by a customer.

[0113] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 acquires transaction information regarding multiple transactions conducted by the customer. For each of the multiple transactions, the information processing device 60 calculates the total value of the first issuer revenue and the total value of the second issuer revenue based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information. The information processing device 60 outputs the calculated total value of the first issuer revenue and the total value of the second issuer revenue. This allows, for example, an issuer of a payment instrument to compare the total value of issuer revenue generated from the payment instrument actually used for multiple transactions that actually took place with the total value of issuer revenue that would have been generated if other types of payment instruments had been used.

[0114] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may acquire transaction information relating to all transactions conducted by the customer within a predetermined period. This allows, for example, an issuer of a payment instrument to compare the total issuer revenue generated from the payment instrument actually used for transactions conducted by the customer within a predetermined period with the total issuer revenue that would have been generated if other types of payment instruments had been used. Therefore, for transactions conducted within a predetermined period, such as one month or one year, it is possible to grasp and compare the issuer revenue that would have been generated if each payment instrument had been used.

[0115] Furthermore, based on the calculated total first issuer revenue and total second issuer revenue, the information processing device 60 identifies the high-profit settlement method that maximizes the issuer's revenue from among the first and second settlement methods. The information processing device 60 outputs the identified high-profit settlement method as the settlement method that maximizes the issuer's revenue. This allows, for example, an issuer of a settlement method to identify the high-profit settlement method that maximizes their revenue among multiple settlement methods, based on the details of the actual transactions.

[0116] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may identify a second payment method of a different grade from the first payment method as a high-profit payment method. This allows, for example, the issuer of a payment method to easily understand which grade of payment method a customer uses to increase the issuer's revenue. In addition, the issuer of a payment method can appropriately calculate the incentive that can be given to the customer when the customer changes grades, and along with providing the incentive, the issuer can determine the price of the payment method to the customer. It is possible to propose changing the grade of the payment method.

[0117] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may identify a second payment method with a different payment brand from the first payment method as a high-profit payment method. This allows, for example, a payment method issuer to easily understand which payment method with which brand a customer uses will increase the issuer's revenue. In addition, the payment method issuer can appropriately calculate incentives that can be given to the customer if the customer changes payment brands, and can offer incentives and propose that the customer change payment brands.

[0118] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may identify a second payment method, which does not have a payment brand and is a specific store-specific payment method usable only at the store and stores associated with that store, as a high-profit payment method. This allows, for example, the issuer of a payment method to easily understand which payment method will increase issuer revenue, including when the customer uses a payment method without a payment brand. For example, if using a payment method without a payment brand results in higher issuer revenue, the issuer of the payment method can propose that the customer use the payment method without a payment brand, along with providing an incentive calculated based on the issuer revenue to be obtained.

[0119] Furthermore, if the first or second payment method is issued in partnership with a store, the information processing device 60 acquires partnership conditions information to calculate the costs or revenues incurred by the issuer as a result of the use of the first or second payment method at the store. The information processing device 60 can calculate the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue, taking into account the costs or revenues associated with the partnership. This allows, for example, the issuer of a payment method to understand the issuer revenue that would have been generated if each payment method had been used, taking into account the costs or revenues associated with the partnership between each payment method and the store.

[0120] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 calculates the revenue of the first and second issuers, taking into account the revenue information of the first or second issuer that is applicable to the calculation of the issuer's revenue when the issuer of the first or second payment method has entered into a merchant agreement with the store. This makes it possible to grasp the issuer's revenue when each payment method is used, including both so-called off-us transactions and on-us transactions.

[0121] Furthermore, the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information include information showing the ratio of the issuer's revenue to the transaction amount, or information showing the ratio of the issuer's revenue to the fees paid by the store, calculated based on the transaction amount and store fee information. This makes it possible to calculate issuer revenue whether the issuer revenue information is expressed as a ratio to the transaction amount, such as the interchange rate, or as a ratio to the merchant fee, such as the revenue-sharing method for merchant fees.

[0122] The means and methods for performing various processing tasks in each device of the system according to the above embodiment can be implemented by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided, for example, on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or it may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may also be provided as a standalone application software, or it may be incorporated into the software of each device of the system as a function of that device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10 store terminals, 11 Control unit, 12 storage section, 13 Communications Department, 14 Display section, 15 Operation reception unit, 16 Reading unit, 20. Information Processing Center (PSP System), 21 Control unit, 22 Memory section, 23 Communications Department, 24 Display section, 25 Operation reception unit, 26 buses, 30 Acquirer Systems, 31 Control unit, 32 storage section, 33 Communications Department, 34 Display section, 35 Operation reception unit, 36 buses, 40 Payment Brand Systems, 41 Control unit, 42 Memory section, 43 Communications Department, 44 Display section, 45 Operation reception unit, 46 buses, 50 Issuer Systems, 51 Control unit, 52 Memory section, 53 Communications Department, 54 Display section, 55 Operation reception unit, 56 bus, 60 Information Processing Devices, 61 Control unit, 611 Transaction Information Acquisition Department, 612 Revenue Information Acquisition Department, 613 Revenue Calculation Department, 614 output section, 615 Specific Department; 62 Memory section, 63 Communications Department, 64 Display section, 65 Operation reception unit, 66 bus.

Claims

1. A transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information from the source of said transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; first payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the first payment method used by the customer in said transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount in said transaction. A revenue information acquisition unit that acquires first issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating first issuer revenue generated to the issuer who provides the first payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the first payment method in the transaction, and second issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating second issuer revenue generated to the issuer who provides the second payment method in connection with the use of a second payment method different from the first payment method. A revenue calculation unit that calculates the first issuer revenue associated with the use of the first settlement method used in the transaction based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information, and calculates the second issuer revenue that would have been generated if the second settlement method had been used in the transaction based on the transaction information and the second issuer revenue information, An output unit that outputs the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit in a comparable manner, An information processing device having

2. The second payment method includes multiple types of payment methods that may be issued by the issuer, The revenue information acquisition unit acquires multiple types of second issuer revenue information corresponding to multiple types of second payment methods, The revenue calculation unit calculates, based on the transaction information and the multiple types of the second issuer revenue information, the multiple types of second issuer revenue that would be generated in each transaction if multiple types of the second settlement means were used. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the first issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit and a plurality of types of second issuer revenue in a comparable manner.

3. The revenue information acquisition unit acquires the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information before the change and the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information after the change when the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information are changed. The revenue calculation unit calculates the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue before the change and the first issuer revenue and second issuer revenue after the change based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information and second issuer revenue information before the change and after the change, obtained by the revenue information acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue before the change, calculated by the revenue calculation unit, and the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue after the change, in a manner that allows for comparison.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second payment method is a payment method provided by the same issuer as the first payment method, but of a different grade from the first payment method.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second payment means is a payment means provided by the same issuer as the first payment means, but with a different payment brand from the first payment means.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second payment means is a specific store-use payment means provided by the same issuer as the first payment means, which does not have a payment brand and can be used only at the store and stores associated with the store.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second payment means is a payment means provided by the same issuer as the first payment means, but differs from the first payment means in terms of payment method or type.

8. The transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information relating to multiple transactions conducted by the customer. The revenue calculation unit calculates the total value of the first issuer revenue and the total value of the second issuer revenue based on the transaction information for each of the multiple transactions, the first issuer revenue information, and the second issuer revenue information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the output unit outputs the total value of the first issuer revenue and the total value of the second issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information relating to all transactions performed by the customer within a predetermined period as the transaction information.

10. The system further includes a selection unit that identifies a high-profit settlement means from among the first and second settlement means that maximizes the issuer's revenue, based on the total value of the first issuer revenue and the total value of the second issuer revenue calculated by the revenue calculation unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output unit outputs the high-profit settlement means identified by the identification unit as the settlement means that maximizes the issuer's profits.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the identifying unit identifies the second payment method, which is of a different grade from the first payment method, as the high-profit payment method.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the identifying unit identifies the second payment method, which has a different payment brand from the first payment method, as the high-profit payment method.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the specified unit specifies the second payment means as the high-profit payment means, which is a payment means for a specific store that does not have a payment brand and can be used only at the store and stores related to the store.

14. The revenue information acquisition unit further acquires partnership conditions information for calculating the costs or revenues incurred by the issuer as a result of the partnership when the first payment method or the second payment method is issued in partnership with the store, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the revenue calculation unit calculates the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue after taking into account the costs or revenues associated with the partnership.

15. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the revenue calculation unit calculates the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue after considering the first issuer revenue information or the second issuer revenue information applicable to the calculation of the issuer's revenue when the issuer of the first payment means or the second payment means has entered into a merchant agreement with the store.

16. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first issuer revenue information and the second issuer revenue information include information indicating the ratio of the issuer's revenue to the transaction amount, or information indicating the ratio of the issuer's revenue to the charges paid by the store, calculated based on the transaction amount and store charge information.

17. Store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; first payment method identification information, which identifies the first payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and information regarding the transaction amount in the transaction. A transaction information acquisition step that obtains transaction information, including monetary information, from the source of said transaction information, A revenue information acquisition step that acquires first issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating first issuer revenue generated by the issuer providing the first payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the first payment method in the transaction, and second issuer revenue information, which is information for calculating second issuer revenue generated by the issuer providing the second payment method in connection with the use of a second payment method different from the first payment method. A revenue calculation step that calculates the first issuer revenue associated with the use of the first settlement method used in the transaction based on the transaction information and the first issuer revenue information, and calculates the second issuer revenue that would have been generated if the second settlement method had been used in the transaction based on the transaction information and the second issuer revenue information, An output step that outputs the first issuer revenue and the second issuer revenue calculated in the revenue calculation step in a comparable manner, A computer-based information processing method, including [a specific example].

18. An information processing program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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