Program, information processing terminal, and information processing method

Abstract

To allow a user to easily utilize crypto-assets.SOLUTION: In a crypto-assets management system, a program stored in a storage unit 35 causes a user terminal 3 of a user to function as: a code information acquisition unit 361 which acquires code information by reading a code image including an ID of a settlement company that can provide a settlement service to a store, the code image being presented by the store for which the user makes a payment; a display control unit 363 which displays, on a display unit 33, an input screen for making the payment in the store with crypto-assets only when a determination is made that the ID of the settlement company included in the acquired code information indicates a company that manages a settlement server for settling a payment with crypto-assets, as conditions for use of the crypto-assets for which conditions for use for payment has been permitted; and a transmission unit 366 which transmits a settlement request for making the payment with crypto-assets corresponding to the amount input by the user on the input screen displayed on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing terminal, and an information processing method for processing information related to cryptocurrency.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a system for settlement using cryptocurrency (also referred to as virtual currency).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For the purpose of activating the economic circulation within a region, cryptocurrency (for example, regional digital currency) that can be used for settlement in a specific region is issued. However, users must know in which regions or stores such cryptocurrency can be used. For example, even if a user can use cryptocurrency in a store they visited, if the user did not know that the store accepts cryptocurrency or forgot to hold the available cryptocurrency, they might miss the opportunity to use the cryptocurrency.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and aims to enable users to easily use cryptocurrency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A program according to a first aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as: a code information acquisition unit that acquires code information by reading a code image presented by a store where a user pays a fee, which includes the ID of a payment service provider that can provide payment to the store; a display control unit that displays an input screen for paying the fee with the crypto asset at the store on a display unit only when it is determined that the ID of the payment service provider included in the code information acquired by the code information acquisition unit indicates a business operator that manages an information processing device that performs payment using the crypto asset as a condition for permission to use the crypto asset for which the conditions for use of the crypto asset are defined. A transmission unit that transmits a payment request for payment with the crypto asset corresponding to the input amount entered by the user on the input screen displayed on the display unit.

[0007] The computer may further function as an inquiry unit that queries a payment server for settling payments to determine whether the ID of the payment service provider included in the code information satisfies the usage permission conditions; the display control unit may display the input screen only when the inquiry unit obtains a query result indicating that the ID of the payment service provider included in the code information satisfies the usage permission conditions; and the transmission unit may transmit the payment request to the payment server.

[0008] The code information may further include store identification information for identifying the store, or the computer may further function as a determination unit that refers to an authorized list of stores in the storage unit that are permitted to use the crypto assets and determines whether a specific store identified by the store identification information included in the code information is included in the authorized list, or the display control unit may further display the input screen when the determination unit determines that the specific store is included in the authorized list.

[0009] The computer may further function as an inquiry unit that queries a management system that manages the cryptocurrency account to determine whether the user meets the payment conditions for paying the price with the cryptocurrency, and the display control unit may further display the input screen when the inquiry unit obtains a query result indicating that the user meets the payment conditions.

[0010] The transmitting unit may transmit the settlement request to the management system that manages the cryptocurrency account, causing it to transfer the input amount from the user account associated with the user to the store account associated with the store.

[0011] The code information may further include store identification information for identifying the store, and the display control unit may further display the input screen if it determines that a specific store identified by the store identification information included in the code information is included in the permission list of stores permitted to use the crypto asset.

[0012] The code information acquisition unit may further acquire user identification information for identifying the user, and the display control unit may further display the input screen if it is determined that the user identified by the user identification information meets the payment conditions for paying the price with the cryptocurrency.

[0013] The display control unit may display the type of crypto asset from among the multiple types of crypto assets for which the ID of the payment service provider included in the code information acquired by the code information acquisition unit has been determined to satisfy the usage permission conditions. The display control unit may display the balance of the crypto assets held by the user on the input screen.

[0014] The computer may further function as an inquiry unit that queries a management system for managing cryptocurrency accounts to determine whether an account exists for the user, and if an account exists, retrieves the balance of the user's cryptocurrency. The display control unit may also display the balance of the cryptocurrency retrieved by the inquiry unit.

[0015] If the input amount is less than the price, the transmitting unit may transmit the settlement request which further includes a predetermined currency held by the user that corresponds to the difference between the price and the input amount.

[0016] The display control unit may display the input screen for inputting the amount of the cryptocurrency to be used and the amount of a predetermined currency different from the cryptocurrency to be used, and the transmission unit may transmit the settlement request on the input screen, which includes the amount of the cryptocurrency entered by the user and the amount of the predetermined currency entered by the user.

[0017] An information processing terminal according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a code information acquisition unit that acquires code information by reading a code image presented by a store where a user pays a fee, the code image including the ID of a payment service provider that can provide payment to the store; a display control unit that causes the display unit to display an input screen for paying the fee with the crypto asset at the store only when it is determined that the ID of the payment service provider included in the code information acquired by the code information acquisition unit indicates a business operator that manages an information processing device that performs payment using the crypto asset as a condition for permission to use the crypto asset for which conditions are defined for which use is permitted for payment of the fee; and a transmission unit that transmits a payment request for payment with the crypto asset corresponding to the input amount entered by the user on the input screen displayed on the display unit.

[0018] The information processing method according to the third aspect of the present invention includes steps of: a computer acquiring code information by reading a code image presented by a store where a user pays a price, the code image including an ID of a settlement operator capable of providing settlement to the store; and when it is determined that the ID of the settlement operator included in the acquired code information indicates an operator managing an information processing device that settles the price using the cryptocurrency under the condition that the use of the cryptocurrency is permitted for the payment of the price, causing an input screen for paying the price with the cryptocurrency to be displayed on a display unit in the store; and transmitting a settlement request for paying with the cryptocurrency corresponding to an input amount input by the user on the input screen displayed on the display unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, there is an effect that a user can easily use cryptocurrency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of a settlement server according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram of a source user terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method by which an information processing system manages cryptocurrency. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of an input screen. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram of an exemplary information processing method executed by the information processing system according to this embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] [Overview of Information Processing System S] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the information processing system S according to this embodiment. The information processing system S includes a crypto asset management system 1, a settlement server 2, a source user terminal 3, and a destination user terminal 4. The information processing system S may also include other servers, terminals, and other equipment.

[0022] The crypto asset management system 1 is one or more computers for managing information related to crypto assets. Crypto assets are electronic assets that can be used for payment and other purposes, and are different from legal tender (such as Japanese yen or US dollars). Crypto assets can be converted to a predetermined currency at a predetermined conversion ratio. Crypto assets are associated with the user who holds them, for example, in a storage device, and are transferred from the customer user to the store user when used for payment.

[0023] Crypto assets are, for example, electronic assets managed by a blockchain. However, crypto assets are not limited to blockchains; they may also be electronic assets managed by databases or other means. Crypto assets are managed in asset units, which are predetermined units (e.g., circulating units) used for settlement. Hereinafter, these asset units of crypto assets will be referred to as coins, but other names may also be used.

[0024] In this embodiment, the crypto asset is, for example, a local digital currency usable in a predetermined region. Payments using the local digital currency crypto asset are possible at stores within the predetermined region but not at stores outside that region. Alternatively, payments using the local digital currency crypto asset may be possible only at predetermined stores (e.g., registered stores) within the predetermined region.

[0025] Furthermore, crypto assets are, for example, regional digital currencies usable by designated users. Payments using these regional digital currencies are possible at stores within a designated region upon request from designated users, but not at stores inside or outside that region upon request from users other than the designated users. The designated region and designated users are determined, for example, by the entity that provided the funds to issue the crypto assets.

[0026] The crypto asset management system 1 manages the crypto assets held by each user in a crypto asset account associated with that user. For each type of crypto asset, the regions where it can be used (stores where it can be used) and the users where it can be used are predetermined, and the crypto asset management system 1 may manage crypto asset accounts for multiple types of crypto assets. The types of crypto assets include, for example, the regions where the use of the crypto asset is permitted, the stores where the use of the crypto asset is permitted, or the person who bears the cost of the crypto asset. The crypto asset management system 1 transfers crypto assets from one user's crypto asset account to another user's crypto asset account in response to a transfer request received from the settlement server 2, for example. The crypto asset management system 1 can communicate with the settlement server 2, the destination user terminal 4, and the destination user terminal 4 via the network.

[0027] The settlement server 2 (information processing device) is a computer for settling payments using cryptocurrency. For example, upon receiving a settlement request from the source user terminal 3, the settlement server 2 sends a transfer request to the cryptocurrency management system 1 to transfer cryptocurrency corresponding to the settlement amount from the source user to the destination user. The settlement server 2 can communicate with the cryptocurrency management system 1, the source user terminal 3, and the destination user terminal 4 via the network.

[0028] The source user terminal 3 (information processing terminal) is a computer used by the source user. The source user is, for example, a customer who pays for goods (items, services, etc.) to a destination user (a store) using cryptocurrency. Alternatively, the source user may be a store that pays for other destination users (stores) using cryptocurrency. The source user terminal 3 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. The source user terminal 3 has an operation unit such as a touch panel or keyboard for receiving operations, a display unit such as an LCD display for displaying information, and an imaging unit such as a camera for reading information. The source user terminal 3 can communicate with the payment server 2 via a network.

[0029] The destination user terminal 4 is a computer used by the destination user. The destination user is, for example, a store that receives payment using cryptocurrency from a customer or a store that is a source user. The destination user terminal 4 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer. The destination user terminal 4 has an operation unit such as a touch panel or keyboard for receiving operations, and a display unit such as an LCD display for displaying information. The destination user terminal 4 generates a code image, including a QR code (registered trademark), for the source user to settle the payment to the destination user, and displays the generated code image on the display unit. Note that the code image is not limited to being displayed by the destination user terminal 4; it may also be installed in the form of a sticker or the like at the store that is the destination user.

[0030] The following describes the process performed by the information processing system S according to this embodiment. The source user terminal 3 obtains code information by reading the code image displayed on the display unit of the destination user terminal 4 (Figure 1 (1)). The code information includes, for example, identification information (the destination user's ID (identifier)) for identifying the store that is the destination user.

[0031] The user terminal 3 displays an input screen when it is determined that the specific information identified by the code information satisfies the conditions for permission to use the cryptocurrency, and when it is determined that the user meets the payment conditions. The specific information is, for example, the ID of the recipient user or the ID of the payment service provider. The permission conditions are the conditions for permission to use the cryptocurrency for which conditions are defined for permission to use for payment, for example, whether the area where the store is located is an area where cryptocurrency can be used, or whether the store is a store where cryptocurrency can be used. The permission conditions may also be whether the store has a cryptocurrency account or not. The payment conditions are the conditions for the user to pay with cryptocurrency, for example, whether the user is a user who can use cryptocurrency. The input screen is a screen for entering the amount of cryptocurrency to be used to pay the amount to the recipient user.

[0032] The user terminal 3 transmits the acquired code information to the payment server 2, for example (Figure 1, (2)). The code information may include the ID of a payment service provider that can provide payment to the receiving user. When the payment server 2 receives the code information from the user terminal 3, it determines whether the specific information identified by the code information satisfies the conditions for permission to use the crypto asset, and transmits the determination result to the user terminal 3 (Figure 1, (3)).

[0033] The payment server 2 determines, for example, whether the region where a specific store identified by the customer user's ID is located is a region where cryptocurrency can be used, or whether the specific store is a store where cryptocurrency can be used. The payment server 2 may also query the cryptocurrency management system 1 based on the customer user's ID to determine whether the specific store has a cryptocurrency account, and based on the query result, determine whether the specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use cryptocurrency. In this case, when the cryptocurrency management system 1 obtains the customer user's ID from the payment server 2, it determines whether a cryptocurrency account associated with that customer user's ID exists, and sends the determination result to the payment server 2.

[0034] Furthermore, the user terminal 3 transmits, for example, the user's ID to the cryptocurrency management system 1 (Figure 1, (4)). When the cryptocurrency management system 1 obtains the user's ID from the user terminal 3, it determines whether or not a cryptocurrency account associated with that user's ID exists and transmits the determination result to the user terminal 3 (Figure 1, (5)). The user terminal 3 then displays the input screen if it obtains a determination result from the settlement server 2 indicating that the specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use cryptocurrency, and also obtains a determination result from the cryptocurrency management system 1 indicating that the user's cryptocurrency account exists. The user terminal 3 may prohibit the display of the input screen for cryptocurrency settlement if it obtains a determination result from the settlement server 2 indicating that the specific information does not satisfy the conditions for permission to use cryptocurrency, or if it obtains a determination result from the cryptocurrency management system 1 indicating that the user's cryptocurrency account does not exist. Furthermore, the user terminal 3 may query the cryptocurrency management system 1 based on the ID of the user at the destination to determine whether the specific store holds a cryptocurrency account, and based on the query results, determine whether the specific information meets the conditions for permission to use cryptocurrency.

[0035] The user terminal 3 sends a payment request to the payment server 2 in response to the user's operation on the input screen displayed on the display unit (Figure 1, (6)). The payment request includes, for example, identification information to identify the user who is the user (user ID), the recipient user's ID, and the amount of cryptocurrency entered by the user on the input screen.

[0036] The settlement server 2 sends a transfer request to the crypto asset management system 1 to transfer crypto assets corresponding to the input amount indicated by the settlement request received from the source user terminal 3 from the source user to the destination user (Figure 1, (7)). The transfer request includes, for example, the input amount, the source user's ID, and the destination user's ID.

[0037] Then, the crypto asset management system 1 transfers the crypto assets corresponding to the settlement amount indicated by the transfer request received from the settlement server 2 from the source user's crypto asset account to the destination user's crypto asset account ((8) in Figure 1). For example, the crypto asset management system 1 adds data to the blockchain indicating that the holder of the crypto assets corresponding to the settlement amount has been changed from the source user to the destination user.

[0038] In this way, the information processing system S presents an input screen to the user depending on whether or not the user can use crypto assets to pay the recipient user, and settles the payment based on the amount entered by the user on the presented input screen. As a result, even if the information processing system S does not know, for example, whether or not the user's crypto assets are usable at the time of settlement, or if the user has forgotten that they have usable crypto assets for the recipient user, the system S can present usable crypto assets to the recipient user on the input screen, making it easy for the user to use the crypto assets. The following describes the configuration of payment server 2 and user terminal 3.

[0039] [Configuration of Payment Server 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the payment server 2 according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the arrows indicate the main data flow, and there may be other data flows besides those shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, each block represents a functional unit configuration, not a hardware (device) unit configuration. Therefore, the blocks shown in Figure 2 may be implemented in a single device, or they may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data exchange between blocks may be performed via any means, such as a data bus, network, or portable storage medium.

[0040] The payment server 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The payment server 2 may be configured by two or more physically separate devices connected by wired or wireless connections. Alternatively, the payment server 2 may be configured as a cloud, which is a collection of computer resources.

[0041] The communication unit 21 has a communication controller for sending and receiving data between the cryptocurrency management system 1, the source user terminal 3, and the destination user terminal 4 via the network. The communication unit 21 notifies the control unit 23 of the data received from the cryptocurrency management system 1, the source user terminal 3, or the destination user terminal 4 via the network. The communication unit 21 also transmits the data output from the control unit 23 to the cryptocurrency management system 1, the source user terminal 3, or the destination user terminal 4 via the network.

[0042] The storage unit 22 is a storage medium including ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 22 pre-stores programs to be executed by the control unit 23. The storage unit 22 may be located outside the payment server 2, in which case data may be exchanged with the control unit 23 via a network.

[0043] The control unit 23 includes an information acquisition unit 231, a determination unit 232, a transmission unit 233, an input amount acquisition unit 234, a settlement unit 235, and an assignment unit 236. The control unit 23 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and by executing a program stored in the storage unit 22, it functions as the information acquisition unit 231, determination unit 232, transmission unit 233, input amount acquisition unit 234, settlement unit 235, and assignment unit 236. The processing performed by each of the information acquisition unit 231, determination unit 232, transmission unit 233, input amount acquisition unit 234, settlement unit 235, and assignment unit 236 will be described later.

[0044] [Configuration of User Terminal 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the user terminal 3 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, the arrows indicate the main data flow, and there may be other data flows besides those shown in Figure 3.

[0045] The user terminal 3 comprises an imaging unit 31, a communication unit 32, a display unit 33, an operation unit 34, a storage unit 35, and a control unit 36. The imaging unit 31 is a camera that captures images. The imaging unit 31 also notifies the control unit 36 ​​of the captured images.

[0046] The communication unit 32 has a communication controller for sending and receiving data to and from the crypto asset management system 1 or the settlement server 2 via the network. The communication unit 32 notifies the control unit 36 ​​of the data received from the crypto asset management system 1 or the settlement server 2 via the network. The communication unit 32 also transmits the data output from the control unit 36 ​​to the crypto asset management system 1 or the settlement server 2 via the network.

[0047] The display unit 33 is a liquid crystal display for displaying information. The operation unit 34 is a touch panel, keyboard, etc., for receiving operations.

[0048] The storage unit 35 is a storage medium including ROM, RAM, hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 35 pre-stores programs to be executed by the control unit 36. The storage unit 35 may be located outside the user terminal 3, in which case data may be exchanged with the control unit 36 ​​via a network.

[0049] The control unit 36 ​​includes a code information acquisition unit 361, an inquiry unit 362, a display control unit 363, an asset information acquisition unit 364, an operation reception unit 365, and a transmission unit 366. The control unit 36 ​​is, for example, a processor such as a CPU, and functions as the code information acquisition unit 361, inquiry unit 362, display control unit 363, asset information acquisition unit 364, operation reception unit 365, and transmission unit 366 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 35. The processing performed by each of the code information acquisition unit 361, inquiry unit 362, display control unit 363, asset information acquisition unit 364, operation reception unit 365, and transmission unit 366 will be described later.

[0050] [Account Description] First, we will explain how the information processing system S manages crypto assets. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the information processing system S manages crypto assets.

[0051] The crypto asset management system 1 manages the crypto assets held by multiple users in their respective crypto asset accounts. Each user's crypto asset account is associated with that user's ID (for example, the ID of the crypto asset account). As part of its crypto asset management, the crypto asset management system 1 deposits and withdraws crypto assets to and from crypto asset accounts, or transfers crypto assets between multiple crypto asset accounts.

[0052] The crypto asset management system 1 manages crypto assets using coins as the asset unit, for example, by using a blockchain. The crypto asset management system 1 stores blocks (data) that associate a user's ID with the details of transactions in the user's crypto asset account, as a blockchain on one or more storage devices on the network. Each block in the blockchain contains a hash value generated according to a predetermined rule, and the correctness of the entire blockchain is guaranteed by verifying the consistency of the hash values ​​between blocks.

[0053] The crypto asset management system 1 is not limited to blockchain; for example, it may store data as a database on the storage unit of the crypto asset management system 1 that associates a user's ID, the balance of the user's crypto asset account, and the details of one or more transactions in the user's crypto asset account.

[0054] [Explanation of presentation process] Next, the configuration for the information processing system S to present crypto assets available for payment to the user is described below. At the user terminal 3, the code information acquisition unit 361 acquires code information by having the image capturing unit 31 read the code image. The code information includes, for example, the ID of the receiving user. The code information may further include the ID of the payment service provider.

[0055] The inquiry unit 362 sends the code information acquired by the code information acquisition unit 361 to the payment server 2 to inquire whether the user can use cryptocurrency as payment. In the payment server 2, the information acquisition unit 231 functions as a code information acquisition unit and acquires code information from the user terminal 3.

[0056] When the information acquisition unit 231 acquires code information from the source user terminal 3, the determination unit 232 determines whether the specific information identified by the code information satisfies the conditions for permission to use the cryptocurrency. Specifically, the determination unit 232 determines whether the user (specific store) identified by the user ID included in the code information satisfies the conditions for permission to use.

[0057] For example, the determination unit 232 determines whether the specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use crypto assets by determining whether the specific store identified by the ID of the user included in the code information is located in an area where the use of crypto assets is permitted. For example, the storage unit 22 stores a list of permitted users who are permitted to use crypto assets, and the determination unit 232 may determine whether the specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use crypto assets by determining whether the specific store identified by the ID of the user included in the code information is included in the permitted list.

[0058] The determination unit 232 may also function as an inquiry unit and query the cryptocurrency management system 1 to determine whether a cryptocurrency account exists held by the specific store by sending the ID of the customer user included in the code information to the cryptocurrency management system 1. When the cryptocurrency management system 1 obtains the ID of the customer user from the settlement server 2, it determines whether a cryptocurrency account associated with the ID of the customer user exists and sends the determination result to the settlement server 2. If the determination unit 232 obtains a determination result indicating that a cryptocurrency account exists held by the specific store, it determines that the specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use cryptocurrency. If the determination unit 232 obtains a determination result indicating that a cryptocurrency account does not exist held by the specific store, it determines that the specific information does not satisfy the conditions for permission to use cryptocurrency.

[0059] For example, if the specific information is the ID of a payment service provider, the determination unit 232 may determine whether the specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use crypto assets by checking whether the ID of the payment service provider included in the code information indicates the payment service provider that manages the payment server 2. The transmission unit 233 transmits the determination result determined by the determination unit 232 to the user terminal 3.

[0060] In the above example, the inquiry unit 362 of the user terminal 3 queries the settlement server 2 to determine whether specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use crypto assets, but this is not the only example. For example, the inquiry unit 362 may also function as a determination unit to determine whether specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use crypto assets. For example, the storage unit 35 stores information (e.g., an permission list) indicating user sources who are permitted to use crypto assets, and the inquiry unit 362 refers to the permission list stored in the storage unit 35 to determine whether specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use crypto assets.

[0061] The inquiry unit 362 further queries the cryptocurrency management system 1 to determine whether the user meets the payment conditions by sending the user ID of the user to the cryptocurrency management system 1. When the cryptocurrency management system 1 obtains the user ID of the user from the user terminal 3, it determines whether a cryptocurrency account associated with the user ID exists and sends the determination result to the user terminal 3. If the cryptocurrency management system 1 determines that a cryptocurrency account associated with the user ID exists, it may send the balance of the cryptocurrency account to the user terminal 3 as the determination result.

[0062] The display control unit 363 of the user terminal 3 displays the input screen on the display unit 33 when it is determined that the specific information identified by the code information satisfies the conditions for permission to use the cryptocurrency, and when it is determined that the user satisfies the payment conditions. Specifically, the display control unit 363 displays the input screen on the display unit 33 when the inquiry unit 362 obtains a determination result from the settlement server 2 indicating that the specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use the cryptocurrency, and the inquiry unit 362 obtains a determination result from the cryptocurrency management system 1 indicating that the user satisfies the payment conditions.

[0063] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an example of an input screen. In the example shown in Figure 5, the input screen displays input fields for entering the balance of crypto assets (coins held) held by the user and the amount of crypto assets to be used for payment. As shown in Figure 5, the display control unit 363 may also display the balance of crypto assets held by the user on the input screen. In this way, the user can recognize how much crypto assets are available to use for payment to the recipient user.

[0064] The display control unit 363 may, on the input screen, display the types of crypto assets for which the specific information identified by the code information is determined to satisfy the usage permission conditions, and for which the user is determined to satisfy the payment conditions. For example, first, the inquiry unit 362 queries whether the specific information identified by the code information satisfies the usage permission conditions for each type of crypto asset, and whether the user is determined to satisfy the payment conditions. Then, the display control unit 363 displays on the display unit 33 the types of crypto assets for which the specific information satisfies the usage permission conditions and for which the user is determined to satisfy the payment conditions.

[0065] For example, if only one type of cryptocurrency is determined to satisfy the above conditions, the display control unit 363 displays an input screen on the display unit 33 for entering the amount of that type of cryptocurrency to be used. If there are two or more types of cryptocurrency that are determined to satisfy the above conditions, the display control unit 363 displays an input screen on the display unit 33 for entering the amount of at least one of the multiple types of cryptocurrency to be used. In this way, even if a user holds multiple cryptocurrencies, they can recognize which cryptocurrency can be used for payment to the receiving user.

[0066] If the display control unit 363 determines that the specific information identified by the code information does not meet the conditions for permission to use the cryptocurrency, or if it determines that the user does not meet the payment conditions, it may display an input screen on the display unit 33 for settlement using a predetermined currency held by the user. The predetermined currency is, for example, electronic currency, and the settlement server 2 manages the electronic currency charged by the user. If the user terminal 3 determines that the specific information identified by the code information does not meet the conditions for permission to use the cryptocurrency, or if it determines that the user does not meet the payment conditions, it may proceed to the settlement unit 235 (described later) to settle the transaction without displaying an input screen.

[0067] [Explanation of payment processing] Next, the configuration for the information processing system S to execute a settlement process using cryptocurrency will be described below. In the settlement server 2, the input amount acquisition unit 234 acquires a settlement request that includes the input amount entered by the source user on the input screen. The settlement request is a request to the cryptocurrency management system 1 to transfer the input amount from the cryptocurrency account (user account) associated with the source user to the cryptocurrency account (store account) associated with the destination user, and includes, for example, the source user's ID, the destination user's ID, and the input amount entered by the source user on the input screen.

[0068] Specifically, first, at the user terminal 3, the operation reception unit 365 receives input from the user on the input screen displayed on the display unit 33 regarding the amount of cryptocurrency to be used. Then, the transmission unit 366 sends a settlement request using cryptocurrency to the settlement server 2. At the settlement server 2, the input amount acquisition unit 234 acquires the settlement request from the user terminal 3.

[0069] When the input amount acquisition unit 234 acquires a settlement request, the settlement unit 235 settles the payment based on the input amount included in the settlement request. Specifically, the settlement unit 235 settles the payment by notifying the crypto asset management system 1 of a transfer request to transfer the settlement amount (input amount) from the crypto asset account associated with the source user (source user account) to the crypto asset account associated with the destination user (destination user account).

[0070] The settlement unit 235 notifies the crypto asset management system 1 of a transfer request if the currency used for settlement in the settlement request includes at least crypto assets. On the other hand, if the currency used for settlement in the settlement request does not include crypto assets, the settlement unit 235 settles the transaction using a predetermined currency held by the user.

[0071] When the crypto asset management system 1 receives a transfer request from the settlement server 2, it transfers the crypto assets corresponding to the settlement amount indicated by the input amount included in the transfer request from the source user's crypto asset account to the destination user's crypto asset account. If the crypto asset management system 1 manages crypto assets using a blockchain, for example, it adds a block to the blockchain indicating that the holder of the coins corresponding to the settlement amount has been changed from the source user to the destination user. Alternatively, if the crypto asset management system 1 manages crypto assets using a database, for example, it may subtract the coins corresponding to the settlement amount from the source user's crypto asset account and add the coins corresponding to the settlement amount to the destination user's crypto asset account in the database.

[0072] If the input amount is less than the price, the settlement unit 235 may settle the difference between the price and the input amount using a predetermined currency held by the user. The information indicating the price may be included in the code information acquired by the information acquisition unit 231, entered by the user on the input screen, or acquired from the destination user terminal 4. Specifically, first, the settlement unit 235 determines whether the input amount included in the settlement request is less than the price. If the settlement unit 235 determines that the input amount included in the settlement request is not less than the price, it settles the price based on the input amount. On the other hand, if the settlement unit 235 determines that the input amount included in the settlement request is less than the price, it settles the price using the input amount and the electronic currency equivalent to the difference between the price and the input amount. Furthermore, if the balance of the electronic currency held by the user is less than the difference between the price and the input amount, the settlement unit 235 may charge the insufficient amount and settle the payment. In this way, the settlement server 2 can allow the user to use multiple assets (crypto assets and electronic currency, etc.).

[0073] The settlement unit 235 may settle a payment request using crypto assets and a predetermined currency. Specifically, first, at the user terminal 3, if the input amount is less than the payment amount, the transmission unit 366 sends a settlement request that further includes the amount of the predetermined currency held by the user that corresponds to the difference between the payment amount and the input amount. Then, at the settlement server 2, the settlement unit 235 settles the payment request using the input amount of crypto assets and the amount of the predetermined currency. In this way, the user terminal 3 can allow the user to use multiple assets.

[0074] The input screen is provided with a first input field for entering the amount of cryptocurrency to be used and a second input field for entering the amount of electronic currency to be used. The transmission unit 366 may transmit a settlement request that includes the amount of cryptocurrency entered by the user in the first input field and the amount of electronic currency entered by the user in the second input field.

[0075] The payment server 2 may grant rewards to the user based on the frequency of the cryptocurrency transaction used by the user. Rewards may include, for example, points usable at services provided by the cryptocurrency provider. Specifically, the granting unit 236 grants rewards to the user based on the amount used by the user after the input amount of cryptocurrency has been transferred to the user's cryptocurrency account and the user uses the input amount of cryptocurrency at another user (store).

[0076] For example, if the cryptocurrency is managed using a blockchain, the granting unit 236 first refers to the block of the cryptocurrency used by the recipient user and identifies the user who held the cryptocurrency immediately before the recipient user. Then, the granting unit 236 grants rewards to the identified user in proportion to the amount used by the recipient user. If the cryptocurrency management system 1 manages the history of cryptocurrency transfers, the granting unit 236 refers to the history of cryptocurrency transfers and identifies the user who held the cryptocurrency immediately before the recipient user. The granting unit 236 grants more points, for example, the more the recipient user spends. In this way, the payment server 2 can encourage the use of cryptocurrency.

[0077] [Sequence of information processing methods] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of an exemplary information processing method executed by the information processing system S according to this embodiment. Note that the processes S3 and S4 shown in Figure 6 may be executed after the processes S5 and S6. This process starts when the code information acquisition unit 361 of the user terminal 3 acquires code information by having the code image capturing unit 31 read the code image (S1). The inquiry unit 362 transmits the code information acquired by the code information acquisition unit 361 to the settlement server 2 (S2).

[0078] In the payment server 2, when the code information acquisition unit 361 acquires the code information and the user ID from the user terminal 3, the determination unit 232 determines whether the specific store identified by the user ID included in the code information is located in an area where the use of crypto assets is permitted (S3). The transmission unit 233 transmits the determination result determined by the determination unit 232 to the user terminal 3 (S4).

[0079] On the user terminal 3, the inquiry unit 362 transmits the user ID to the cryptocurrency management system 1 (S5). When the cryptocurrency management system 1 obtains the user ID from the user terminal 3, it determines whether or not a cryptocurrency account associated with that user ID exists, and transmits the determination result to the user terminal 3 (S6, S7).

[0080] On the user terminal 3, the display control unit 363 displays the input screen on the display unit 33 when the inquiry unit 362 obtains a determination result from the settlement server 2 indicating that the specific information satisfies the conditions for permission to use the crypto asset, and the inquiry unit 362 obtains a determination result from the crypto asset management system 1 indicating that the user satisfies the payment conditions. The operation reception unit 365 accepts input of the amount to be used for at least one of the crypto asset and a predetermined currency on the input screen (S8). The transmission unit 366 sends a settlement request including the input amount entered by the user to the settlement server 2 (S9).

[0081] The settlement unit 235 determines whether the currency to be used for settlement in the settlement request includes at least crypto assets (S10). If the settlement unit 235 determines that the currency to be used for settlement in the settlement request does not include crypto assets (NO in S10), it settles the transaction using a predetermined currency held by the user (S11).

[0082] On the other hand, if the settlement unit 235 determines that the currency to be used for settlement in the settlement request includes crypto assets (YES in S10), it notifies the crypto asset management system 1 of the transfer request (S12). The crypto asset management system 1 then transfers the crypto assets corresponding to the settlement amount indicated by the input amount included in the transfer request from the source user's crypto asset account to the destination user's crypto asset account (S13).

[0083] <Variation> In the above, an example was described in which the information processing system S controls the use of crypto assets based on code information, but it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing system S may control the use of crypto assets based on the location of the user terminal 3.

[0084] For example, the user terminal 3 further includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver (not shown), and when the user terminal 3 reads the code image, the input screen is displayed on the display unit 33 depending on whether the location of the user terminal 3, which is determined based on the information received by the GPS receiver, is included in the area where the cryptocurrency is available.

[0085] For example, if cryptocurrency is usable in any region, and payment server 2 awards points in accordance with the use of cryptocurrency, it may award points depending on whether the location of the user terminal 3 when the user terminal 3 reads the code image is included in a predetermined region. For example, payment server 2 may award more points if the location of the user terminal 3 is included in a predetermined region than if the location of the user terminal 3 is not included in a predetermined region.

[0086] The designated region is predetermined by the payment server 2 and may be changed to a different region at predetermined intervals. In this case, for example, the payment server 2 may display on the map the region where more points will be awarded. Also, for example, the payment server 2 may further display on the map the region that is scheduled to be changed after the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0087] [Effects of this embodiment] As explained above, the information processing system S presents an input screen to the user depending on whether or not the user can use cryptocurrency to settle the payment to the recipient user, and settles the payment based on the amount entered by the user on the presented input screen. In this way, even if the information processing system S does not know whether or not the user's cryptocurrency is usable at the time of settlement, or if the user has forgotten that they have usable cryptocurrency to pay the recipient user, the system S can present the usable cryptocurrency to the recipient user on the input screen, making it easy for the user to use the cryptocurrency.

[0088] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0089] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1. Crypto Asset Management System 2 Payment Server 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Control Unit 231 Information Acquisition Department 232 Judgment section 233 Transmitter 234 Input Amount Acquisition Unit 235 Payment Department 236 Assignment section 3. User terminal 31 Imaging Unit 32 Communications Department 33 Display section 34 Control section 35 Storage section 36 Control Unit 361 Code Information Acquisition Unit 362 Inquiry Department 363 Display Control Unit 364 Asset Information Acquisition Department 365 Operation Reception Unit 366 Transmitter 4. User terminal S Information Processing System

Claims

1. Computers, A code information acquisition unit that acquires code information by reading a code image presented by a store where a user pays, which includes store identification information for identifying the store. If the code information acquisition unit determines that a specific store identified by the store identification information included in the code information is included in the permitted list of stores that are permitted to use crypto assets, the display control unit will display an input screen on the display unit for paying the price with the crypto assets at the store, and if the display control unit determines that the specific store is not included in the permitted list, the display control unit will not display the input screen on the display unit. A transmission unit that transmits a settlement request to pay with the cryptocurrency corresponding to the input amount entered by the user on the input screen displayed on the display unit. A program designed to function as such.

2. The aforementioned computer is further configured to function as a query unit that queries the payment server for settling payments to determine whether the specific store is included in the permission list. The display control unit, when the inquiry unit obtains an inquiry result indicating that the specific store is included in the permission list, displays the input screen. The transmission unit transmits the settlement request to the settlement server. The program according to claim 1.

3. The computer further functions as a determination unit that refers to the permission list stored in the storage unit and determines whether the specific store is included in the permission list, The display control unit displays the input screen when the determination unit determines that the specific store is included in the permission list. The program according to claim 1.

4. The computer is further configured to function as an inquiry unit that queries a management system that manages the cryptocurrency account to determine whether the user meets the payment conditions for paying the price with the cryptocurrency. The display control unit further displays the input screen when the inquiry unit obtains an inquiry result indicating that the user meets the payment conditions. The program according to claim 1.

5. The transmitting unit transmits the settlement request to the management system that manages the cryptocurrency account, causing it to transfer the input amount from the user account associated with the user to the store account associated with the store. The program according to claim 1.

6. The code information acquisition unit further acquires user identification information for identifying the user, The display control unit further determines that the user identified by the user identification information meets the payment conditions for paying the price with the cryptocurrency, and displays the input screen. The program according to claim 1.

7. The display control unit displays the type of crypto asset that is permitted for use at the specified store from among the multiple types of crypto assets. The program according to claim 1.

8. The display control unit displays the balance of the crypto assets held by the user on the input screen. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned computer is further configured to function as a query unit that queries a management system for managing cryptocurrency accounts to determine whether an account exists for the user, and, if an account exists for the user, retrieves the balance of the user's cryptocurrency holdings. The display control unit displays the balance of the cryptocurrency acquired by the inquiry unit. The program according to claim 8.

10. If the input amount is less than the price, the transmission unit transmits a settlement request that further includes a predetermined currency held by the user, which corresponds to the difference between the price and the input amount. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. The display control unit displays the input screen for inputting the amount used for the crypto asset and the amount used for a predetermined currency different from the crypto asset. The transmission unit transmits the settlement request on the input screen, which includes the input amount of the crypto asset entered by the user and the input amount of the predetermined currency entered by the user. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. A code information acquisition unit acquires code information by reading a code image that is presented by a store where a user pays, and which includes store identification information for identifying the store. If it is determined that a specific store identified by the store identification information is included in the permission list of stores that are permitted to use crypto assets, the display control unit will display an input screen on the display unit for paying the price with the crypto assets at the store, and if it is determined that the specific store is not included in the permission list, the display control unit will not display the input screen on the display unit. A transmission unit transmits a settlement request to pay with the cryptocurrency corresponding to the input amount entered by the user on the input screen displayed on the display unit. An information processing terminal having [a certain feature].

13. A computer executes The steps include obtaining code information by reading a code image presented by a store where a user pays, which includes store identification information for identifying the store, If it is determined that a specific store identified by the store identification information contained in the acquired code information is included in the allowed list of stores that are permitted to use crypto assets, the input screen for paying the price with the crypto assets at the store is displayed on the display unit; if it is determined that the specific store is not included in the allowed list, the input screen is not displayed on the display unit. The steps include sending a settlement request to pay with the cryptocurrency corresponding to the input amount entered by the user on the input screen displayed on the display unit, An information processing method having

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