Payment system, payment method, and electronic apparatus

Abstract

The present technology relates to a payment system, a payment method, and an electronic apparatus which enable a payment means for which usage conditions are set to be used only when the conditions are satisfied. A payment system according to the present technology includes: an electronic apparatus including a memory unit having a limited area for storing conditional values for which usage conditions are set, among values handled as data equivalent to money, and a normal area for storing normal values for which usage conditions are not set; and an information processing device including a payment processing unit which deducts a payment amount from at least one of the balance of the conditional values stored in the limited area and the balance of the normal values stored in the normal area. The present technology is applicable, for example, to payment systems that provide electronic money services.

Description

Payment systems, payment methods, and electronic devices

[0001] The present technology relates to a payment system, a payment method, and an electronic device, and in particular to a payment system, a payment method, and an electronic device that enable a payment means having set conditions for use to be used only when those conditions are met.

[0002] Local governments and other organizations have issued local currencies, which can only be used within a specific region. These currencies are issued to stimulate the local economy and are expected to be widely used for payments within that region.

[0003] Conventionally, techniques have been developed to improve the usability of local currencies. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a technique for making payments by combining local currencies and ordinary electronic currencies.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-74019

[0005] In order to allow the use of local currencies at stores and public transport, it is necessary to install payment terminals that support payments in the local currency at the stores and to make the fare collection terminals of public transport compatible with the local currency, which is costly for the operators of the stores and public transport. As a result, the number of services that can be paid for with the local currency does not increase, and the uses of the local currency are limited.

[0006] If it were possible to charge the value of payment methods such as electronic money services that can already be used in various stores and transportation facilities with local currency, it would be possible to use the local currency at various stores and transportation facilities. However, electronic money services generally do not limit the areas in which payments can be made, so the value charged with the local currency could be used outside the area where the local currency can be used, which defeats the purpose of revitalizing the region.

[0007] The present technology was developed in light of these circumstances, and allows payment methods with set conditions for use to be used only when those conditions are met.

[0008] A payment system according to a first aspect of the present technology includes an electronic device having a memory unit having a limited area in which conditional value, which is treated as data equivalent to money, and which stores conditions for its use, and a normal area in which normal value, which is not set with conditions for its use, is stored, and an information processing device having a payment processing unit that deducts a payment amount from at least one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area and the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area.

[0009] A payment method according to a second aspect of the present technology includes storing, among values ​​treated as data equivalent to money, conditional values ​​for which conditions for use are set in a limited area, and storing normal values ​​for which conditions for use are not set in a normal area, and subtracting a payment amount from at least one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area and the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area.

[0010] An electronic device according to a third aspect of the present technology includes a memory unit having a limited area in which conditional values, among values ​​treated as data equivalent to money, whose usage conditions are set, are stored, and a normal area in which normal values, whose usage conditions are not set, are stored.

[0011] In the first and second aspects of the present technology, among values ​​treated as data equivalent to money, conditional values ​​for which conditions for use are set are stored in a limited area, and normal values ​​for which conditions for use are not set are stored in a normal area, and the payment amount is deducted from at least one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area and the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area.

[0012] In a third aspect of the present technology, an electronic device having a memory unit with a limited area and a normal area stores, among values ​​treated as data equivalent to money, conditional values ​​for which conditions for use are set in the limited area, and normal values ​​for which conditions for use are not set in the normal area.

[0013] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a payment system according to an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a reader / writer terminal. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an IC card. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application included in a secure chip. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a secure memory unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of access control information. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method by which a reader / writer terminal accesses each area of ​​a secure memory unit. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by a reader / writer terminal when value is charged. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by a reader / writer terminal when payment is made using value. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating limited payment processing performed in step S22 of FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating normal payment processing performed in step S23 of FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electronic device in which value is stored. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating payment for services provided across regions. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for storing conditional value with an expiration date set. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a payment system in which local products can be purchased with value charged with local currency.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described in the following order: 1. Configuration of payment system 2. Operation of payment system 3. Modification

[0015] 1. Configuration of Payment System FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a payment system 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0016] The payment system 1 in Fig. 1 is a system that provides a prepaid electronic money service in which a user purchases value using a predetermined payment method prior to use and stores (charges) the purchased value in an electronic device such as a card. In the electronic money service, value is treated as data equivalent to money.

[0017] 1, a payment system 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a reader / writer terminal 11, a network 12, a backend server 13, and an IC card 14. The reader / writer terminal 11 and the backend server 13 are connected via the network 12. The network 12 may include, for example, the Internet, but the type of network 12 is not limited.

[0018] The reader / writer terminal 11 is an information processing device that is installed in a payment terminal installed in a store, a ticket gate (entrance / exit gate) installed in a station or event facility, a fare box installed inside a bus, or the like.

[0019] When the user holds the IC card 14 over the reader / writer terminal 11, near-field wireless communication is performed between the reader / writer terminal 11 and the IC card 14, and value equivalent to the payment amount is deducted from the IC card 14. When the user pays the desired amount using a predetermined payment method and holds the IC card 14 over the reader / writer terminal 11, near-field wireless communication is performed between the reader / writer terminal 11 and the IC card 14, and value equivalent to the amount paid using the payment method from which the charge was made is charged to the IC card 14.

[0020] The reader / writer terminal 11 supplies information to the back-end server 13 as needed.

[0021] The back-end server 13 is configured by a computer or the like, and performs various processes based on information supplied from the reader / writer terminal 11. For example, the back-end server 13 calculates the amount (payment amount) to be deducted from the IC card 14 by the reader / writer terminal 11.

[0022] The IC (Integrated Circuit) card 14 is an electronic device having a secure memory unit in which value is securely stored.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reader / writer terminal 11. As shown in FIG.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the reader / writer terminal 11 is composed of an operation unit 31, a memory unit 32, a clock generation unit 33, a display unit 34, an encryption processing unit 35, a payment communication unit 36, a network communication unit 37, a control unit 38, and a power supply unit 39.

[0025] The operation unit 31 is configured with a touch panel or the like superimposed on the display unit 34. The operation unit 31 accepts operations by a user or a store clerk, and supplies operation information indicating the content of the operation to the control unit 38.

[0026] The storage unit 32 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 32 is controlled by the control unit 38, and writes and reads various data and programs.

[0027] The clock generating unit 33 generates, for example, a clock signal of a predetermined frequency and supplies it to the control unit 38 .

[0028] The display unit 34 displays a predetermined screen under the control of the control unit 38 .

[0029] The cryptographic processing unit 35 is configured by a SAM (Secure Application Module) or the like, and supplies the control unit 28 with access control information, which is information for accessing the secure memory unit in the IC card 14 where the value is stored.

[0030] The payment communication unit 36 ​​communicates with electronic devices used for payment, such as the IC card 14. The payment communication unit 36 ​​is configured with at least one of a contactless communication unit 51, a contact communication unit 52, and a reading unit 53.

[0031] The contactless communication unit 51 communicates with the IC card 14 by contactless communication such as near field communication. The contact communication unit 52 communicates by directly connecting to an IC chip or the like provided on the IC card 14. The reading unit 53 reads a two-dimensional code or the like and communicates with an electronic money server or the like based on the information indicated by the two-dimensional code. The electronic money server is a server that manages (stores) value for each user.

[0032] The payment communication unit 36 ​​functions as a payment processing unit that subtracts the payment amount from the balance of the value stored in the secure memory unit of the IC card 14 .

[0033] The network communication unit 37 communicates with external devices such as the back-end server 13 via the network 12 .

[0034] The control unit 38 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls each component of the reader / writer terminal 11. For example, the control unit 38 obtains access control information to be transmitted to the IC card 14 from the encryption processing unit 35 and supplies the information to the payment communication unit 36.

[0035] The power supply unit 39 supplies power to each component of the reader / writer terminal 11 .

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the IC card 14. As shown in FIG.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the IC card 14 is composed of a secure chip 71 and an antenna 72 .

[0038] The secure chip 71 is an IC chip that includes, for example, a processor configured with an arithmetic circuit such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a secure memory unit that securely stores various data, etc. The secure chip 71 acquires data by demodulating a modulated wave supplied from an antenna 72.

[0039] The antenna 72 receives the modulated wave transmitted from the reader / writer terminal 11 as a radio wave and supplies it to the secure chip 71 .

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an application included in the secure chip 71. As shown in FIG.

[0041] The secure chip 71 has an application 92 that runs on an OS (Operating System) 91. As shown in Fig. 4, the application 92 is made up of an application program 101 for executing various processes of the application 92 and a secure memory unit 102 for storing values.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the secure memory unit 102.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the secure memory unit 102 has, for example, a normal area 111, a restricted area 112, and a restricted area 113.

[0044] The normal area 111 is an area where normal value, which is value for which no conditions for use are set, is stored. Value that is charged using a normal payment method for which no conditions for use are set, is stored as normal value in the normal area 111. For example, value charged using cash, a credit card, etc. is stored in the normal area 111.

[0045] The limited areas 112 and 113 are areas for storing conditional values, which are values ​​for which conditions for use are set. Values ​​that are charged using payment methods (e.g., local currencies) for which conditions for use are set are stored as conditional values ​​in the limited areas 112 and 113.

[0046] The conditions for using conditional value are set to be the same as the conditions for using the payment method from which the value is charged. For example, if the conditional value is charged with a local currency that can only be used in a certain region, the value can only be used in the region where the local currency can be used.

[0047] Conditional values ​​that are charged from different payment methods are stored in restricted area 112 and restricted area 113. In other words, secure memory unit 102 stores the conditional values ​​in separate areas for each payment method that is the charge source.

[0048] In addition, in secure memory unit 102, a payment method identification ID (identification), which is information for identifying an electronic money service, is linked to normal area 111 and limited areas 112 and 113. If IC card 14 supports multiple electronic money services, a normal area and a limited area are formed for each electronic money service in secure memory unit 102, and a payment method identification ID is linked to the normal area and limited area for each electronic money service.

[0049] Access control information for the reader / writer terminal 11 to access each area is set in each area of ​​the secure memory unit 102. The reader / writer terminal 11 accesses the normal area 111 using, for example, access control information 111A. The reader / writer terminal 11 also accesses the restricted area 112 using, for example, access control information 112A, and accesses the restricted area 113 using access control information 113A.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of access control information.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the access control information includes, for example, an area identification number, a read key, a subtraction key, and an addition key.

[0052] The area identification number is information for identifying each area of ​​the secure memory unit 102, and the read key is information for reading the amount of value stored in each area of ​​the secure memory unit 102. The subtraction key is information for decreasing the amount of value stored in each area of ​​the secure memory unit 102, and the addition key is information for increasing the amount of value stored in each area of ​​the secure memory unit 102.

[0053] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method by which the reader / writer terminal 11 accesses each area of ​​the secure memory unit 102. For ease of explanation, the secure memory unit 102 is hereinafter assumed to have two areas: a normal area 111 and a restricted area 112.

[0054] As shown on the left side of FIG. 7, the encryption processing unit 35 of the reader / writer terminal 11 has access control information 111A for accessing the normal area 111 and access control information 112A for accessing the restricted area 112.

[0055] First, as indicated by arrow #1 in Fig. 7, the reader / writer terminal 11 polls the IC card 14. Specifically, the reader / writer terminal 11 issues a polling signal including a payment method identification ID.

[0056] When the IC card 14 is held over the reader / writer terminal 11, the IC card 14 receives a polling signal emitted from the reader / writer terminal 11 and, as indicated by arrow #2, transmits a response to the polling to the reader / writer terminal 11. In this way, the reader / writer terminal 11 captures the IC card 14 by polling.

[0057] Next, as indicated by arrow #3, the reader / writer terminal 11 transmits the area identification number and read key to the IC card 14. The IC card 14 receives the area identification number and read key transmitted from the reader / writer terminal 11, and as indicated by arrow #4, transmits information indicating the amount (balance) of value stored in the area identified by the area identification number to the reader / writer terminal 11. In this way, the reader / writer terminal 11 reads the balance of value stored in the secure memory unit 102 by using the area identification number and read key.

[0058] Next, as indicated by arrow #5, the reader / writer terminal 11 transmits the area identification number, the subtraction key, and a subtraction command to the IC card 14. The subtraction command indicates the amount to be subtracted from the balance of the value stored in the secure memory unit 102.

[0059] The IC card 14 receives the area identification number, subtraction key, and subtraction command transmitted from the reader / writer terminal 11, and subtracts the amount indicated in the subtraction command from the balance of the value stored in the area identified by the area identification number. The IC card 14 transmits a processing result indicating that the value balance has been reduced in response to the subtraction command to the reader / writer terminal 11, as indicated by arrow #6. In this way, the reader / writer terminal 11 subtracts the payment amount from the balance of the value stored in the secure memory unit 102 by using the area identification number, subtraction key, and subtraction command.

[0060] As described above, in this technology, of the value in the electronic money service, the conditional value, which is charged to a payment means for which usability conditions are set, is stored in a limited area by the secure memory unit 102 of the IC card 14, and the normal value, which is charged to a payment means for which usability conditions are not set, is stored in a normal area. In addition, the reader / writer terminal 11 deducts the payment amount from at least one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area and the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area.

[0061] As a result, the payment system 1 of the present technology can realize an electronic money service in which a conditional value, for which a condition for use is set, can be used only when the condition is satisfied.

[0062] For example, by making conditional value that is charged with local currency usable only in areas where the local currency can be used, it becomes possible to use the local currency to charge value in electronic money services, which are general-purpose payment methods, while maintaining the purpose of the local currency. This allows users to pay for goods and services using the local currency even if payment terminals or fare collection terminals (such as ticket gates or bus fare boxes) that support payments in local currency are not installed. As the number of services that can use the local currency increases, it is expected that users' motivation to use the local currency will increase and the use of the local currency will be promoted.

[0063] 2. Operation of the Payment System The process performed by the reader / writer terminal 11 when value is charged will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. The process in Fig. 8 starts, for example, when the user holds the IC card 14 over the reader / writer terminal 11.

[0064] In step S1, the operation unit 31 accepts the selection of a payment method to be used as a source of charging value.

[0065] In step S2, the operation unit 31 accepts the designation of the charge amount.

[0066] In step S3, the payment communication unit 36 ​​settles the charge amount designated in step S2. Here, the user pays the charge amount using the payment method selected in step S1.

[0067] In step S4, the control unit 38 determines whether the payment method to be charged is a local currency.

[0068] If it is determined in step S4 that the payment method to be charged is a local currency, in step S5, the control unit 38 adds the charge amount of the conditional value to the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area of ​​the secure memory unit 102 of the IC card 14. Specifically, the control unit 38 transmits the area identification number corresponding to the limited area, the addition key for the limited area, and an addition command to the IC card 14 via the payment communication unit 36.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the payment method to be charged is not a local currency, then in step S6 the control unit 38 adds the normal value equivalent to the charge amount to the normal value stored in the normal area of ​​the secure memory unit 102 of the IC card 14. Specifically, the control unit 38 transmits the area identification number corresponding to the normal area, the addition key for the normal area, and an addition command to the IC card 14 via the payment communication unit 36.

[0070] Next, the process performed by the reader / writer terminal 11 when payment is made using value will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. The process in Fig. 9 is started, for example, when the user holds the IC card 14 over the reader / writer terminal 11.

[0071] In step S21, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the conditions set for the conditional value are satisfied. For example, if the payment method used to charge the conditional value is a local currency, the control unit 28 determines whether or not the location (e.g., a store) where the reader / writer terminal 11 is installed is included in an area where the local currency can be used.

[0072] If it is determined in step S21 that the condition set for the conditional value is satisfied, the reader / writer terminal 11 performs a limited payment process in step S22. The limited payment process deducts at least a portion of the payment amount from the balance of the conditional value stored in the IC card 14. Details of the limited payment process will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the condition set for the conditional value is not satisfied, the reader / writer terminal 11 performs a normal payment process in step S23. In the normal payment process, the payment amount is deducted only from the balance of the normal value stored in the IC card 14. Details of the normal payment process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0074] Next, the limited payment process performed in step S22 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0075] In step S41, the control unit 38 determines whether the payment amount is equal to or less than the balance of the conditional value stored in the IC card 14.

[0076] If it is determined in step S41 that the payment amount is equal to or less than the balance of the conditional value, then in step S42, the control unit 38 subtracts the conditional value equivalent to the payment amount from the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area of ​​the secure memory unit 102 of the IC card 14. Specifically, the control unit 38 transmits an area identification number corresponding to the limited area, a subtraction key for the limited area, and a subtraction command to the IC card 14 via the payment communication unit 36.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S41 that the payment amount exceeds the balance of the conditional value, the control unit 38 determines in step S43 whether or not normal value has been stored (charged) in the IC card 14.

[0078] If it is determined in step S43 that the IC card 14 has been charged with normal value, then in step S44 the control unit 38 calculates the difference α between the payment amount and the balance of the conditional value.

[0079] In step S45, the control unit 38 determines whether the difference α is equal to or less than the balance of the normal value stored in the IC card 14.

[0080] If it is determined in step S45 that the difference α is equal to or less than the balance of the normal value, the control unit 38 subtracts the entire amount from the balance of the conditional value in step S46. Specifically, the control unit 38 transmits the area identification number corresponding to the limited area, the subtraction key for the limited area, and the subtraction command to the IC card 14 via the payment communication unit 36.

[0081] In step S47, the control unit 38 subtracts the difference α of the normal value from the balance of the normal value. Specifically, the control unit 38 transmits the area identification number corresponding to the normal area, the subtraction key for the normal area, and the subtraction command to the IC card 14 via the payment communication unit 36.

[0082] In step S42 or step S47, the value equivalent to the payment amount is subtracted from at least one of the balance of the conditional value and the balance of the normal value, and then the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, the display unit 34 notifies the user that the payment has been completed.

[0083] If it is determined in step S43 that the IC card 14 has not been charged with normal value, or if it is determined in step S45 that the difference α exceeds the balance of normal value, the process proceeds to step S49. In step S49, the display unit 34 notifies the user of an error that the payment has failed.

[0084] After the user is notified of the completion of the settlement in step S48, or after the user is notified of an error in step S49, the process returns to step S22 in FIG. 9, and the subsequent processes are carried out.

[0085] Next, the normal settlement process performed in step S23 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0086] In step S61, the control unit 38 determines whether the payment amount is equal to or less than the balance of the normal value stored in the IC card 14.

[0087] If it is determined in step S61 that the payment amount is equal to or less than the balance of the normal value, then in step S62, the control unit 38 subtracts the normal value equivalent to the payment amount from the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area of ​​the IC card 14. Specifically, the control unit 38 transmits an area identification number corresponding to the normal area, a subtraction key for the normal area, and a subtraction command to the IC card 14 via the payment communication unit 36.

[0088] In step S63, the display unit 34 notifies the user that the payment has been completed.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S61 that the payment amount exceeds the balance of the normal value, then in step S64 the display unit 34 notifies the user of an error that the payment has failed.

[0090] After the user is notified of the completion of the settlement in step S63, or after the user is notified of an error in step S64, the process returns to step S23 in FIG. 9, and the subsequent processes are carried out.

[0091] As described above, when the conditions set for the conditional value are satisfied, the reader / writer terminal 11 of the present technology can access both the normal area and the limited area, but preferentially deducts the payment amount from the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area. If the payment amount exceeds the balance of the conditional value, the reader / writer terminal 11 deducts the shortfall (difference α) from the balance of the normal value.

[0092] Therefore, if a user charges the card with normal value, the user can use the local currency to make payments of amounts greater than the amount of the local currency they possess, simply by holding the IC card 14 over the reader / writer terminal 11. Since the payment amount is only deducted from the balance of the conditional value when making a payment within an area where the local currency can be used, the electronic money service realized by the payment system 1 of the present technology can be said to be a payment method that is in line with the purpose of the local currency.

[0093] <3. Modifications> Other Examples of Electronic Devices for Storing Values ​​In the above, an example in which the value is stored in the IC card 14 has been described, but the value may also be stored in an electronic device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or a card-type IoT (Internet of Things) device.

[0094] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device 151 in which a value is stored.

[0095] As shown in Figure 12, the electronic device 151 is composed of an operation unit 161, a memory unit 162, a clock generation unit 163, a display unit 164, a location information acquisition unit 165, a secure memory unit 166, a payment communication unit 167, a communication unit 168, a control unit 169, and a power supply unit 170.

[0096] The operation unit 161 is configured with a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 164, etc. The operation unit 161 accepts operations by the user, etc., and supplies operation information indicating the content of the operation to the control unit 169.

[0097] The storage unit 162 is configured with an HDD, an SSD, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 162 is controlled by the control unit 169, and writes and reads various data and programs.

[0098] The clock generating unit 163 generates, for example, a clock signal of a predetermined frequency and supplies it to the control unit 169 .

[0099] The display unit 164 displays a predetermined screen under the control of the control unit 169 .

[0100] The location information acquisition unit 165 receives, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signal from a GNSS satellite, acquires location information of the electronic device 151 , and supplies the information to the control unit 169 .

[0101] The secure memory unit 166 corresponds to the secure memory unit 102 of the IC card 14 and stores value in the electronic money service. Similar to the secure memory unit 102 of the IC card 14, the secure memory unit 166 has, for example, a normal area and a limited area.

[0102] The payment communication unit 167 communicates with the reader / writer terminal 11 etc. The payment communication unit 167 is configured with at least one of a contactless communication unit 181, a contact communication unit 182, and a code generation unit 183.

[0103] The contactless communication unit 181 communicates with the reader / writer terminal 11 by contactless communication such as near field communication. The contact communication unit 182 is directly connected to a terminal or the like provided on the reader / writer terminal 11 and communicates with the reader / writer terminal 11. The code generation unit 183 generates a two-dimensional code or the like including information for communicating with the electronic money server, and causes the display unit 164 to display the two-dimensional code, for example.

[0104] The communication unit 168 communicates with external devices such as electronic money servers via a network such as the Internet.

[0105] The control unit 169 is configured with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and controls each component of the electronic device 151 .

[0106] The power supply unit 170 supplies power to each component of the electronic device 151 .

[0107] For example, when a user holds the electronic device 151 over the reader / writer terminal 11, near-field communication is performed between the reader / writer terminal 11 and the electronic device 151, and value equivalent to the payment amount is deducted from the electronic device 151. Also, when a user pays a desired amount using a predetermined payment method and holds the electronic device 151 over the reader / writer terminal 11, near-field communication is performed between the reader / writer terminal 11 and the electronic device 151, and value equivalent to the amount paid using the payment method of the charge source is charged to the electronic device 151.

[0108] It should be noted that payment may be made by the user activating an electronic money application installed in the electronic device 151, instead of holding the electronic device 151 over the reader / writer terminal 11. In this case, the reader / writer terminal 11 accesses each area of ​​the secure memory unit 166 via the control unit 169 of the electronic device 151.

[0109] The electronic money server may store the conditional value in a limited area and the normal value in a normal area, similar to the IC card 14 and the electronic device 151, and manage them.

[0110] Example of a secure memory unit having multiple limited areas As described with reference to Fig. 5, the secure memory unit 102 may have multiple limited areas. In this case, for example, a conditional value that is charged with a different local currency is stored in each area. For example, the limited area 112 (Fig. 5) stores a conditional value that is charged with a local currency issued by a certain prefecture (first local currency), and the limited area 113 stores a conditional value that is charged with a local currency issued by a certain city, ward, town, or village within that prefecture (second local currency).

[0111] When a plurality of conditional values, the charge sources of which are different local currencies, are stored in the secure memory part 102, the reader / writer terminal 11 determines the area in which each of the conditional values ​​can be used, and subtracts the payment amount from the balance of the conditional value for the area where the payment is made.

[0112] When the areas in which the conditional values ​​can be used partially overlap, the reader / writer terminal 11 (control unit 38) controls which conditional value's balance the payment amount will be preferentially deducted from, according to settings input by the user, a store clerk, etc. For example, the user, a store clerk, etc. may specify the conditional value that is to be preferentially used at the time of payment, or the user may specify in advance the conditional value that is to be preferentially used.

[0113] In addition, when some of the areas in which each conditional value can be used overlap, for example, limited area 112 stores a conditional value that is charged with a local currency issued by a certain prefecture, and limited area 113 stores a conditional value that is charged with a local currency issued by a certain city, town, or village within that prefecture.

[0114] - Payment for services provided across regions When the payment system 1 of the present technology is applied to payment for services provided across regions, the fee for services provided in regions where local currency can be used is deducted from the balance of the conditional value, and the fee for services provided in regions where local currency cannot be used is deducted from the balance of the regular value.

[0115] 13A illustrates a case where the IC card 14 is, for example, a transportation IC card, and the area from the boarding station to an intermediate station (regional boundary) is included in the area where the local currency can be used, and the area from the regional boundary station to the disembarking station is included in an area other than the area where the local currency can be used. In this case, when the user holds the IC card 14 over the ticket gate, the fare A from the boarding station to the regional boundary station is deducted from the balance of the conditional value, and the fare B from the regional boundary station to the disembarking station is deducted from the balance of the normal value.

[0116] 13B illustrates a case where the IC card 14 is, for example, a transportation IC card, and the area from the boarding station to an intermediate station (regional boundary) is included in an area different from the area in which the local currency can be used, and the area from the regional boundary station to the disembarking station is included in the area in which the local currency can be used. In this case, when the user holds the IC card 14 over the ticket gate, the fare B from the boarding station to the regional boundary station is deducted from the balance of the regular value, and the fare A from the regional boundary station to the disembarking station is deducted from the balance of the conditional value.

[0117] In addition to the first local currency that can be used in the section of fare A, there may be a case where a second local currency that can be used in the section of fare B is issued. In this case, the fare A may be deducted from the balance of the conditional value that is charged with the first local currency, and the fare B may be deducted from the balance of the conditional value that is charged with the second local currency.

[0118] Whether the fee is deducted from the regular value or the conditional value balance is determined by the system design or user settings.

[0119] Examples of community currencies with set expiration dates Some community currencies have set expiration dates to encourage consumption. Generally, when a community currency with a set expiration date expires, the amount that can be used is reduced or the community currency becomes completely unusable. In the payment system 1 of the present technology, too, it is desirable to set the same expiration date as the expiration date set for the community currency that is the source of charge for a conditional value that is a community currency with a set expiration date.

[0120] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a method for storing a conditional value with a set expiration date.

[0121] 14, for example, conditional values ​​are sorted by expiration date and stored in one limited area 112. Information indicating the expiration date is associated with each conditional value and stored.

[0122] After capturing the IC card 14, the reader / writer terminal 11 checks the expiration date set for each conditional value and performs a process to change the balance of the conditional value whose expiration date has passed to 0 before starting the charging of value or payment process (normal payment process or limited payment process). After performing the process to change the balance of the conditional value whose expiration date has passed to 0, the reader / writer terminal 11 performs the charging of value or payment process.

[0123] If a plurality of conditional values ​​with different expiration dates are stored in one limited area 112 and the expiration dates of the conditional values ​​have not yet passed, the reader / writer terminal 11 will deduct the conditional value with the closest expiration date first. If the payment amount exceeds the balance of a conditional value with a certain expiration date, the reader / writer terminal 11 will deduct the payment amount from the balance of the conditional value with a certain expiration date and the balance of the conditional value with other expiration dates.

[0124] - Example of purchasing local products Regional revitalization can be achieved not only by promoting consumption in the region, but also by promoting the sale of so-called local products manufactured or produced in the region. Conditional value charged with a local currency may be made usable only for purchasing products manufactured or produced in the region where the local currency can be used.

[0125] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a payment system 1 that allows local products to be purchased with value charged into local currency.

[0126] The payment system 1 in FIG. 15 is made up of a reader / writer terminal 11, an IC card 14, a POS (Point Of Sale) register 201, and a barcode reader 202.

[0127] The POS register 201 is, for example, a cash register device installed in a store (location) located in an area other than an area where the local currency can be used. A whitelist L1 indicating products that are permitted to be purchased with the local currency is registered in the POS register 201. The whitelist L1 is written using product identification information, such as a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, that can identify products regardless of the area or store, and is created, for example, by the issuer of the local currency.

[0128] The barcode reader 202 reads the barcode attached to the product that the user is attempting to purchase, obtains the product identification number of the product, and supplies it to the POS register 201. The POS register 201 references the product identification number obtained by the barcode reader 202 from the whitelist L1, and determines whether the product that the user is attempting to purchase is a product listed on the whitelist L1 (hereinafter also referred to as a specific region product) or a product that is not listed on the whitelist L1 (hereinafter also referred to as a regular product).

[0129] The POS register 201 calculates the fee for the specific regional product separately from the fee for the regular product, and subtracts the fee for the specific regional product from the balance of the conditional value, which is charged with the local currency stored in the IC card 14, via the reader / writer terminal 11. The POS register 201 also subtracts the fee for the regular product from the balance of the regular value stored in the IC card 14 via the reader / writer terminal 11.

[0130] If the cost of the specific regional product exceeds the balance of the conditional value, whether the reader / writer terminal 11 (POS register 201) deducts the cost from the balance of the conditional value and the normal value, or notifies the user of the insufficient balance, depends on the design of the payment system 1. When purchasing a specific regional product, the user can also select whether to deduct the conditional value or only the normal value.

[0131] Examples of conditions under which a conditional value can be used Conditions under which a conditional value can be used include not only region-related conditions but also time-related conditions, for example.

[0132] In general, in urban areas, public transport is often congested during rush hour, and staggered commuting times are recommended to alleviate congestion. For example, railway companies are selling off-peak commuter passes that offer discounts for travel outside of weekday morning hours, and are introducing point services that award points for travelling outside of rush hour.

[0133] While these efforts will help alleviate congestion caused by multiple passengers regularly traveling the same route at the same time, they are unlikely to alleviate congestion that occurs when sporting matches or other events are held.

[0134] In the payment system 1 of the present technology, it is possible to set a time period during which the fare collection terminal (reader / writer terminal 11) of a transportation facility can access the conditional value. If the current time is within a time period during which the conditional value can be accessed, the fare collection terminal will deduct the fare from the balance of the conditional value first. Furthermore, if the current time is outside of a time period during which the conditional value can be accessed, the fare collection terminal will deduct the fare from the balance of the normal value.

[0135] In this way, for example, if the current time is within a predetermined time period, by making the conditional value available, it is possible to prevent the use of the service from concentrating during time periods other than the predetermined time period.

[0136] When charging value, the user selects whether to charge conditional value or regular value. For example, a railway company may provide a system in which the conditional value is charged to the IC card 14 in an amount greater than the amount paid with the payment method used as the charging source, thereby motivating users to charge the conditional value (in other words, to avoid crowded times). Furthermore, in order to alleviate congestion, local governments or stadium operators may provide currency that can only be used to charge conditional value to residents living near stadiums where sporting matches or events are held, or to annual pass holders of the stadium.

[0137] Note that a condition for enabling use of the conditional value may be set based on a user's behavior, or other conditions may be set. For example, the conditional value becomes available when the user's daily number of steps or walking distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The reader / writer terminal 11 may determine whether the user's daily number of steps or walking distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on information collected by a smartphone or wearable device carried by the user. Alternatively, the user may declare that the user's daily number of steps or walking distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value by operating a predetermined screen, for example.

[0138] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer.

[0139] The program to be installed is provided by being stored on a removable medium such as an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.) or semiconductor memory. It may also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting. The program can be pre-installed in a ROM or memory unit.

[0140] The program executed by the computer may be a program that processes in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be a program that processes in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0141] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all of the components are housed in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0142] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0143] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present technology.

[0144] Furthermore, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by a plurality of devices.

[0145] Furthermore, when one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that one step can be executed by one device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0146] <Examples of Combinations of Configurations> The present technology can also have the following configurations.

[0147] (1) A payment system comprising: an electronic device including a memory unit having a limited area in which a conditional value, of value treated as data equivalent to money, for which a usability condition is set, is stored, and a normal area in which a normal value, of which no usability condition is set, is stored; and an information processing device including a payment processing unit that deducts a payment amount from at least one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area and the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area. (2) The memory unit stores, in the limited area as the conditional value, a value that is charged by a payment means for which a usability condition is set, and stores, in the normal area as the normal value, a value that is charged by a payment means for which a usability condition is not set. (3) The payment system described in (2) above, wherein the condition under which the conditional value can be used is the same as the condition under which the payment means that is the charge source can be used. (4) The payment system described in (2) or (3), wherein the payment processing unit deducts at least a portion of the payment amount from the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area if the condition set for the conditional value is satisfied. (5) The payment system according to (4), wherein, if the payment amount exceeds the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area, the payment processing unit subtracts the difference between the payment amount and the balance of the conditional value from the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area. (6) The payment system according to (4) or (5), wherein, if a condition set for the conditional value is not satisfied, the payment processing unit subtracts the payment amount only from the balance of the conditional value stored in the normal area. (7) The payment system according to any of (4) to (6), wherein the memory unit stores value charged with a local currency in the limited area as the conditional value.(8) The payment system described in (7), wherein the memory unit has a first limited area in which the conditional value charged with a first local currency is stored, and a second limited area in which the conditional value charged with a second local currency different from the first local currency is stored. (9) The payment system described in (8), wherein the payment processing unit deducts at least a portion of the payment amount from the balance of the conditional value charged with the local currency that can be used in an area including a location where the information processing device is installed, out of the balance of the conditional value stored in the first limited area and the balance of the conditional value stored in the second limited area. (10) The payment system described in (9), wherein, when an area in which the first local currency can be used and an area in which the second local currency can be used partially overlap, the payment processing unit deducts at least a portion of the payment amount preferentially from one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the first limited area and the balance of the conditional value stored in the second limited area, in accordance with a predetermined setting. (11) The payment system according to any of (7) to (10), wherein the payment amount is a fee for a service provided across regions, and the payment processing unit deducts at least a portion of the fee for the service provided in a region where the local currency can be used from the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area, and deducts the fee for the service provided in a region where the local currency cannot be used from the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area. (12) The payment system according to any of (7) to (11), wherein the payment processing unit deducts at least a portion of the fee for a product listed in a list of products permitted for purchase with the local currency from the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area. (13) The payment system according to any of (1) to (12), wherein the memory unit stores the conditional value divided by expiration date. (14) The payment system according to (13), wherein the expiration date of the conditional value is the same as the expiration date of the payment means from which the conditional value is charged.(15) The payment system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the condition for using the conditional value is a condition related to time or user behavior. (16) A payment method comprising: storing, of value treated as data equivalent to money, a conditional value for which a condition for use is set in a limited area, and storing a normal value for which no condition for use is set in a normal area; and deducting a payment amount from at least one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area and the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area. (17) An electronic device comprising: a memory unit having, of value treated as data equivalent to money, a limited area for storing a conditional value for which a condition for use is set, and a normal area for storing a normal value for which no condition for use is set.

[0148] 1 Payment system, 11 Reader / writer terminal, 12 Network, 13 Back-end server, 14 IC card, 31 Operation unit, 32 Memory unit, 33 Clock generation unit, 34 Display unit, 35 Encryption processing unit, 36 Payment communication unit, 37 Network communication unit, 38 Control unit, 39 Power supply unit, 51 Contactless communication unit, 52 Contact communication unit, 53 Reading unit, 71 Secure chip, 72 Antenna, 101 Application program, 102 Secure memory unit, 111 Normal area, 112, 113 Limited area, 161 Operation unit, 162 Memory unit, 163 Clock generation unit, 164 Display unit, 165 Location information acquisition unit, 166 Secure memory unit, 167 Payment communication unit, 168 Communication unit, 169 Control unit, 170 power supply unit, 181 non-contact communication unit, 182 contact communication unit, 183 code generation unit

Claims

1. A settlement system having an electronic device including a memory unit having a restricted area in which a conditional value with usage conditions set thereon is stored among values treated as data equivalent to money, and a normal area in which a normal value without usage conditions set thereon is stored, and an information processing device including a settlement processing unit configured to subtract a settlement amount from at least one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the restricted area and the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area.

2. The settlement system according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit stores, as the conditional value, a value for which a settlement means with usage conditions set thereon is a charge source, in the restricted area, and stores, as the normal value, a value for which a settlement means without usage conditions set thereon is a charge source, in the normal area.

3. The settlement system according to claim 2, wherein the conditions for using the conditional value are the same as the conditions for using the settlement means that is the charge source.

4. The settlement system according to claim 2, wherein when conditions set for the conditional value are satisfied, the settlement processing unit subtracts at least a part of the settlement amount from the balance of the conditional value stored in the restricted area.

5. The settlement system according to claim 4, wherein when the settlement amount exceeds the balance of the conditional value stored in the restricted area, the settlement processing unit subtracts the difference between the settlement amount and the balance of the conditional value from the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area.

6. The settlement system according to claim 4, wherein when conditions set for the conditional value are not satisfied, the settlement processing unit subtracts the settlement amount only from the balance of the conditional value stored in the normal area.

7. The settlement system according to claim 4, wherein the memory unit stores, as the conditional value, a value for which a local currency is a charge source, in the restricted area.

8. The settlement system according to claim 7, wherein the memory unit has a first restricted area in which the conditional value for which the first local currency is a charge source is stored, and a second restricted area in which the conditional value for which a second local currency different from the first local currency is a charge source is stored.

9. The settlement processing unit subtracts at least part of the settlement amount from the balance of the conditional value stored in the first limited area and the balance of the conditional value stored in the second limited area, which is the balance of the conditional value for which the local currency used in the area including the location where the information processing device is installed is the charging source. The settlement system according to claim 8.

10. When a part of the area where the first local currency can be used overlaps with the area where the second local currency can be used, the settlement processing unit preferentially subtracts at least part of the settlement amount from one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the first limited area and the balance of the conditional value stored in the second limited area according to a predetermined setting. The settlement system according to claim 9.

11. The settlement amount is the fee for a service provided across regions. The settlement processing unit subtracts at least part of the fee for the service provided in the area where the local currency can be used from the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area, and subtracts the fee for the service provided in the area where the local currency cannot be used from the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area. The settlement system according to claim 7.

12. The settlement processing unit subtracts at least part of the fee for the products listed in the list indicating the products for which purchases in the local currency are permitted from the balance of the conditional value stored in the limited area. The settlement system according to claim 7.

13. The memory unit stores the conditional values separately for each expiration date. The settlement system according to claim 1.

14. The expiration date of the conditional value is the same as the expiration date of the settlement means that is the charging source of the conditional value. The settlement system according to claim 13.

15. The conditions under which the conditional value can be used are conditions related to time or the user's actions. The settlement system according to claim 1.

16. A settlement method including storing a conditional value with usage conditions set among values treated as data equivalent to money in a restricted area, storing a normal value without usage conditions set in a normal area, and subtracting a settlement amount from at least one of the balance of the conditional value stored in the restricted area and the balance of the normal value stored in the normal area.

17. An electronic device including a memory unit having a restricted area in which a conditional value with usage conditions set among values treated as data equivalent to money is stored, and a normal area in which a normal value without usage conditions set is stored.

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