Processing device, processing method, and processing program

Abstract

In the present invention, a user terminal (20) includes: a balance display unit (231) that uses images of bills and coins to display a user's electronic settlement balance on a screen; a settlement start reception unit (232) for receiving selection, from the displayed images of bills and images of coins, of money to be used for settlement; and a connection unit (234) that connects to a settlement server performing electronic settlement to a payment destination, via a two-dimensional code capable of electronic settlement.

Description

Processing device, processing method, and processing program

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, a processing method, and a processing program.

[0002] In recent years, electronic payments using two-dimensional codes and IC (Integrated Circuit) cards have become increasingly common. In electronic payments, for example, a two-dimensional code is displayed on a user's smartphone terminal at the time of payment, and the payment is made by reading the code with a two-dimensional code reader.

[0003] Masahiro Hara, "Development and Spread of QR Code (Registered Trademark) - Code Development for Ease of Reading and Market Creation through Open Strategy -", Synthesiology, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 19-27, 2019

[0004] One issue with electronic payments is that they lack a sense of ease of use. With electronic payments, payment is completed simply by presenting (or scanning) a two-dimensional code. This leaves users with little sense of actually paying the specified amount.

[0005] As a result, users may end up spending more than they intended, which can lead to financial troubles. In particular, minors often make payments without understanding the meaning of electronic payments, leading to the problem of purchasing large amounts of digital content without realizing that they are spending money (the "gacha" problem), which is becoming a social problem.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide a processing device, a processing method, and a processing program that can reproduce the cash payment process in an electronic payment environment.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the processing device of the present invention is characterized by having a balance display unit that displays the user's electronic payment balance on a screen using images of banknotes and coins, an acceptance unit that accepts the selection of currency to be used for payment based on the payment amount from the displayed images of banknotes and coins, and a connection unit that connects to a payment server that makes electronic payments to the payee via a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payment.

[0008] The present invention replicates the cash payment process in electronic payments.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps of a processing method according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing another processing step of a processing method according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the processing flow of an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a computer in which a payment server and a user terminal are realized by executing a program.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0011] [Embodiment] In this embodiment, the balance display for electronic payments is expressed using images of actual banknotes and coins, and the user is asked to select the currency to use for payment based on the payment amount from the images of banknotes and coins. After payment is completed, the user's balance, including the "change," is displayed using images of banknotes and coins. This makes it possible to reproduce on the terminal the series of steps involved in making a cash payment: "taking money out of a wallet," "making a payment," and "receiving change."

[0012] [Processing System] First, a processing system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing system according to an embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the payment system 1 according to the embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 20 of a user who is a purchaser, and a store terminal 30 (a terminal device at the payment destination) of a store that sells goods or services.

[0014] The payment server 10 executes payment processing requested by the user terminal 20 or the store terminal 30. The payment processing is an electronic payment processing in which money (payment amount) for a product or service is paid to a store (payee) from electronic money charged by a user (payment source). Payment to the store is executed by depositing money into the store's financial institution account, etc.

[0015] The user terminal 20 is a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet used by a user who purchases a product or service, and is a mobile terminal device that can communicate with the payment server 10 via a wireless communication network, etc. The user terminal 20 may also be an information processing device such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer).

[0016] The user terminal 20 connects to a payment server that performs electronic payments to the payee via a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payments. A payment application is installed on the user terminal 20. The payment application is provided by a payment service provider that operates the payment system 1. The user terminal 20 connects to the payment server 10 that performs electronic payments to the payee via the payment application. The user terminal 20 reads a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payments and is installed in a store, and transmits payment information to the payment server 10. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 generates a two-dimensional code (payment interface) that can be used for electronic payments according to the payment amount and displays it on the screen.

[0017] At this time, the user terminal 20 displays the balance of the electronic payment using images of actual banknotes and coins, and accepts the user's selection of the currency to be used for payment from the images of banknotes and coins according to the payment amount. After the payment is completed, the user terminal 20 displays the user's balance, including the "change," using images of banknotes and coins.

[0018] When a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payment is generated on the screen of the user terminal 20, the store terminal 30 reads the two-dimensional code and transmits payment information to the payment server 10.

[0019] When the user terminal 20 connects to the payment server 10 or when payment information is received from the store terminal 30, the payment server 10 executes electronic payment processing to pay the payment amount to the store from the user's electronic money.

[0020] [User Terminal] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 20 shown in Fig. 1. The user terminal 20 has a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, an input / output unit 24, and an imaging unit 25.

[0021] The communication unit 21 controls communication related to various information. For example, the communication unit 21 controls communication with the payment server 10. The communication unit 21 communicates with the payment server 10 for electronic payment. The communication unit 21 receives a payment result sent from the payment server 10.

[0022] The input / output unit 24 outputs various information and receives input from the user. The input / output unit 24 includes, for example, an LCD screen, a touch panel, a speaker, a microphone, etc. The input / output unit 24 displays payment screens on the payment application, such as a balance screen that displays the user's charge balance using images of banknotes and coins, and a selection screen for selecting images of coins and banknotes to be used for payment. The input / output unit 24 also accepts the selection of images of coins and banknotes to be used for payment in response to an operation by the user.

[0023] The imaging unit 25 generates an image by processing a photoelectric conversion signal output from a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging unit 25 acquires a two-dimensional image in three colors, for example, R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The imaging unit 25 captures an image of a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payment and is installed in a store using a payment application.

[0024] The memory unit 22 stores data and programs necessary for various processes by the control unit 23. For example, the memory unit 22 is a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The memory unit 22 has user information 221 including identification information of the user who uses the user terminal 20 and the type and amount of electronic money charged by the user, payment information 222 including various information related to payments and a payment history using a payment application, and currency image information 223 including images of banknotes and coins.

[0025] The control unit 23 has an internal memory for storing programs that define various processing procedures and necessary data, and executes various processes using these. Here, the control unit 23 is an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0026] The control unit 23 has a balance display unit 231, a payment start acceptance unit 232, a payment currency selection unit 233 (acceptance unit), a connection unit 234, and a balance calculation unit 236. Each of these functional units executes each process under the control of the payment application.

[0027] The balance display unit 231 displays the user's electronic payment balance on the screen using images of banknotes and coins. In other words, the balance display unit 231 converts the user's electronic payment balance into an image of currency and displays it. The displayed currency corresponds to actual currency (Japanese yen, etc.). In other words, the balance display unit 231 does not display currency that does not actually exist, such as a 3,000 yen bill. However, it is possible, within the scope of the law, to display banknotes with original designs created in collaboration with specific characters or companies as alternative designs to actual banknotes. Furthermore, any design may be adopted as the method of displaying currency.

[0028] Figures 3 to 5 are diagrams showing examples of screens of the user terminal 20 shown in Figure 1. First, when a payment application is started by a user operation, the balance display unit 231 displays one of screens M1, M21, or M22 shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0029] For example, the balance display unit 231 may display a mixture of banknotes and coins on one screen (screen M1) as shown in Fig. 3. Thereafter, as banknote images, for example, a 10,000 yen note image G11, and 1,000 yen note images G12-1 and G12-2 are displayed. As coin images, a 500 yen image G21, 100 yen images G22-1 and G22-2, a 50 yen image G23, a 10 yen image G24, a 5 yen image G25, and a 1 yen image G26 are displayed.

[0030] Furthermore, the balance display unit 231 may display bills and coins separately on separate screens, like an actual wallet (screen M21 in FIG. 4 and screen M22 in FIG. 5). For example, when the user selects the bill button B21, screen M21 appears, displaying an image of a bill, and when the user selects the coin button B22, screen M22 appears, displaying an image of a coin. Furthermore, the user may be able to move the displayed currency to any location by swiping or dragging and dropping.

[0031] The payment initiation reception unit 232 receives a user operation to initiate electronic payment. The processing here is the same as that of a normal electronic payment.

[0032] For example, in a typical electronic payment using a two-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code for payment displayed in a store is read by the camera on a smartphone terminal, and then the user enters the payment amount to complete the payment.

[0033] In this embodiment, after accepting the start of payment, the payment is not made immediately, but the next process, which is specific to this embodiment, for inputting the amount is carried out.

[0034] Specifically, when the user selects the "Read 2D Code" button B11 (FIGS. 3 to 5), the payment initiation acceptance unit 232 uses the image capture unit 25 to read the 2D code information posted in the store and obtains information indicating the store (payment destination). The user then inputs the payment amount. The payment initiation acceptance unit 232 determines the payment amount by accepting the payment amount input by the user. The screen then proceeds to the next screen M3 (FIG. 6), where the payment currency selection process is executed.

[0035] Another method of two-dimensional code payment is to display a two-dimensional code on the user terminal and read it with a two-dimensional code reader on the store terminal 30 to make the payment. In this case, the user terminal 20 does not display the two-dimensional code at the start of the payment. The user selects the "Start payment" button B12 (FIGS. 3 to 5) and then enters the payment amount. The payment start acceptance unit 232 determines the payment amount based on the payment amount entered by the user. The screen then proceeds to the next screen M3 (FIG. 6), where the payment currency selection process is executed.

[0036] The payment currency selection unit 233 performs a payment currency selection process that accepts the selection of currency to be used for payment based on the displayed images of banknotes and coins, in accordance with the payment amount.

[0037] The payment currency selection unit 233 is a processing unit that accepts the user's selection of the currency to be used for payment when making a payment. In this embodiment, the payment currency selection unit 233 is assumed to be a touch device such as a smartphone or a device that allows selection operations such as a mouse on a PC. When the user selects the currency they want to use for payment by tapping or clicking, the payment currency selection unit 233 accepts the selection of the currency to be used for payment.

[0038] Fig. 6 is an example of a screen of the user terminal 20 shown in Fig. 1. A frame W31 of the screen M3 displays the payment amount and the selected amount.

[0039] As shown on screen M31, the payment currency selection unit 233 visually indicates that the currency selected by the user (for example, 1,000 yen note images G12-1, G12-2, 100 yen note image G22-1) has been selected by highlighting, etc. If the user taps (clicks) the image again, the selection of this currency is cancelled.

[0040] In the payment currency selection process, the user needs to select a currency that exceeds the payment amount determined by the payment start acceptance unit 232. For this reason, the difference between the payment amount and the selected amount, such as "80 yen remaining," may be displayed as judgment information for selecting a currency (frame W31).

[0041] When the total amount of the selected currencies exceeds the payment amount, the payment currency selection unit 233 allows the user to tap (click) the "Pay" button B3 on the screen M32. By tapping the "Pay" button B3, the user can proceed to the next phase.

[0042] The payment currency selection unit 233 may use any design and wording for the "Pay" button B3. The payment currency selection unit 233 may also use a shortcut mode in which the payment currency selection unit 233 automatically proceeds to the next phase when the total amount of the selected currencies exceeds the payment amount.

[0043] Alternatively, the payment currency selection unit 233 may be configured to skip accepting the banknote selection and perform a normal payment. For example, a "skip selection" button or an "automatic selection" button may be provided, and touching these buttons may automatically select a combination of currencies according to the payment amount. At this time, the user may be able to select and / or set policies for which currencies to use, such as "minimize the amount of currency used," "select a currency that is as close to the payment amount as possible," or "receive a larger amount of change."

[0044] The connection unit 234 connects to the payment server 10, which performs electronic payment to the payee, via a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payment. The two-dimensional code is, for example, a two-dimensional code for payment posted in a store. Alternatively, this two-dimensional code may be generated by the user terminal 20. The connection unit 234 performs electronic payment based on the processing up to this point. An existing electronic payment service may be used for the electronic payment here. In this embodiment, from the perspective of the electronic payment service, payment can be made using the same operations as a normal electronic payment, so no modifications to the electronic payment side are required. The connection unit 234 has a payment interface generation unit 235.

[0045] The payment interface generation unit 235 generates a payment interface in accordance with the payment amount selected by the payment currency selection unit 233. The payment interface is a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payment.

[0046] When the user terminal 20 reads the store's two-dimensional code information to make a payment, the payment interface generation unit 235 does not perform the payment interface generation process. Only when the store terminal 30 on the store side reads the code with a two-dimensional code reader, the payment interface generation unit 235 generates the two-dimensional code that serves as the payment interface. Furthermore, when IC card payment is made, the payment interface generation unit 235 performs a process to virtually change the balance to be paid with the IC card to the selected amount.

[0047] The balance calculation unit 236 calculates the post-payment balance based on the payment amount paid by the settlement unit 237. In conventional electronic payments, the post-payment balance is the total balance minus the payment amount. In contrast, in this embodiment, payment is made based on the selected amount accepted by the payment currency selection unit 233, so the post-payment balance is expressed by equation (1).

[0048]

[0049] Here, "(selected amount - payment amount)" corresponds to the "change" portion. The number of coins in this change portion is minimized. For example, if the change is 553 yen, it will be displayed as one 500 yen coin, one 50 yen coin, and three 1 yen coins.

[0050] The balance calculation unit 326 calculates the change as the difference between the amount of the currency used for payment accepted by the payment currency selection unit 233 and the payment amount.

[0051] The balance display unit 231 displays the balance reflecting this change on the screen of the user terminal 20. In other words, the balance display unit 231 takes the difference between the amount of currency used for the payment accepted by the payment currency selection unit 233 and the payment amount as change from the user's electronic payment balance, and displays the balance reflecting images of the banknotes and / or currency corresponding to the change.

[0052] Fig. 7 is an example of a screen of the user terminal 20 shown in Fig. 1. The balance display unit 231 deletes the 1,000 yen note images G12-1 and G12-2 and the 100 yen note images G22-1 and G22-2 used for the payment from screen M3. Then, the balance display unit 231 reflects the 20 yen change and displays new 10 yen note images G24-5 and G24-6 on screen M4 (frame W4 in Fig. 7).

[0053] [Processing Method] Next, a processing method according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of the processing method according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow of the embodiment. Figs. 8 and 9 explain a case where the user terminal 20 reads a two-dimensional code posted in a store and connects to the payment server 10.

[0054] When the payment application is started by a user (step S1 in FIG. 8), the user terminal 20 displays the user's electronic payment balance on the screen using images of bills and coins (step S2 in FIG. 8).

[0055] The user terminal 20 accepts the start of electronic payment through user operation (step S3 in FIG. 8). At this time, the user selects the "2D code reading button" B11 ((1) in FIG. 9), reads the in-store 2D code, and inputs the payment amount ((2) in FIG. 9).

[0056] The user selects an image of a currency equal to or greater than the payment amount from the images of banknotes and coins displayed on screen M3 ((3) in FIG. 9). In response to the user's operation, the user terminal 20 performs a payment currency selection process to accept the selection of the currency to be used for payment from the displayed images of banknotes and coins (step S4 in FIG. 8).

[0057] When the user selects the "Pay" button B3, the user terminal 20 accepts the payment request (step S5 in FIG. 8), and then transmits payment information to the payment server 10 for executing electronic payment to the payee (step S6 in FIG. 8). This executes electronic payment according to the payment amount ((4) in FIG. 9). Note that if the selected amount is less than the payment amount, the process is the same as the conventional error processing for insufficient balance in electronic payment.

[0058] Next, the user terminal 20 receives the payment result from the payment server 10 (step S7 in FIG. 8). The user terminal 20 calculates the balance after payment based on the payment amount (step S8 in FIG. 8), and displays the balance reflecting the amount of currency used for payment and the change, which is the difference between the payment amount and the payment amount, on the screen M4 of the user terminal 20 (step S9 in FIG. 8, (5) in FIG. 9).

[0059] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing another processing procedure of the processing method according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the processing flow of the embodiment. Figs. 10 and 11 explain a case where the store terminal 30 reads the two-dimensional code generated by the user terminal 20 and transmits payment information to the payment server 10.

[0060] When the payment application is started by the user (step S11 in FIG. 10), the user terminal 20 displays the user's electronic payment balance on the screen using images of banknotes and coins (step S12 in FIG. 10).

[0061] The user terminal 20 accepts the start of electronic payment through a user operation (step S13 in FIG. 10). At this time, the user selects the "Start payment" button B12 ((1) in FIG. 11).

[0062] The user selects an image of a currency equal to or greater than the payment amount from the images of banknotes and coins displayed on the screen ((2) in FIG. 11). In response to the user's operation, the user terminal 20 performs a payment currency selection process that accepts the selection of the currency to be used for payment from the displayed images of banknotes and coins (step S14 in FIG. 10).

[0063] When the user selects the "Pay" button B3, the user terminal 20 accepts the payment request (step S15 in FIG. 10) and generates a two-dimensional code (payment interface) according to the payment amount (step S16 in FIG. 10, (3) in FIG. 11). If the selected amount is less than the payment amount, the process will be the same as the error processing for insufficient balance in conventional electronic payments.

[0064] At the store, the store terminal 30 reads the two-dimensional code (step S17 in FIG. 10, (4) in FIG. 11) and transmits payment information to the payment server 10 (step S18 in FIG. 10). As a result, electronic payment is carried out by the payment server 10.

[0065] Next, the user terminal 20 receives the payment result from the payment server 10 (step S19 in FIG. 10). The user terminal 20 calculates the balance after payment based on the payment amount (step S20 in FIG. 10), and displays the balance including the change on the screen of the user terminal 20 (step S21 in FIG. 10, (5) in FIG. 11).

[0066] Since the embodiment can be linked to an electronic payment service, it is also possible to process remittances from other terminals. In this case, images of currency corresponding to the remittance amount from the other party are displayed on the screen of the user terminal 20. For example, if 6,500 yen is remitted, images of one 5,000 yen bill, one 1,000 yen bill, and one 500 yen coin will be additionally displayed when the balance is displayed.

[0067] In addition, in the embodiment, since currency is displayed virtually digitally, it is possible to perform a currency exchange process by tapping, for example, selecting ten 10-yen coins will result in one 100-yen coin being selected.

[0068] [Advantages of the embodiment] In this way, in the embodiment, the user terminal 20 displays the user's electronic payment balance on the screen using images of banknotes and coins. The user terminal 20 accepts the selection of the currency to be used for payment from the displayed images of banknotes and coins. In the embodiment, the user terminal 20 then requests connection to the payment server 10, which performs electronic payment to the payee, via a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payment.

[0069] Therefore, the user terminal 20 displays the balance of electronic payments using images of actual banknotes and coins, rather than the conventional digital (numeric) display. In this embodiment, when making a payment, the user selects the currency to be used for the payment from the displayed currency images, thereby recreating the process of "actually withdrawing money from a wallet" on the terminal. Then, in this embodiment, the user makes the electronic payment via a two-dimensional code that allows payment of the selected amount.

[0070] The user terminal 20 then calculates the user's electronic balance after payment based on the payment amount, and displays the calculated balance using images of banknotes and / or coins. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user can recreate the process of "making a payment" on the terminal. Depending on the amount selected, "change" may be given, and in this embodiment, the balance is redisplayed including the "change."

[0071] Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to reproduce the series of processes that occur when paying with cash, such as "taking out money (from a wallet)," "making a payment," and "receiving change," in electronic payment, thereby reducing the lack of user experience when paying with electronic payment.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be expected.

[0073] For example, let us consider the case where the user is a minor such as a child. For minors, electronic payment is effective in that it can recreate the sensation of actually using money.

[0074] With electronic payments, the balance is displayed as a digital number, but this lacks the feeling of actually using money, making it difficult to get the sense that you are actually using money.

[0075] In contrast, in this embodiment, when payment is made, the displayed bills and coins disappear (become hidden), giving the user the feeling that they have actually used money.

[0076] Additionally, by displaying images of analog bills and coins, users can experience how to actually use money. For example, if your balance is 2,130 yen (two 1,000-yen bills, one 100-yen coin, and three 10-yen coins), when making a purchase of 880 yen, you can either pay with just one 1,000-yen bill, or you can choose to pay with one 1,000-yen bill and three 10-yen coins. In both cases, the remaining balance is 1,250 yen, but in the former case, you will receive one 100-yen coin and two 10-yen coins in change, while in the latter case, you will run out of 10-yen coins and instead receive one 100-yen coin and one 50-yen coin. This reduces the number of coins in your wallet, making it lighter.

[0077] This type of operation is often seen in physical payments, but could not be reproduced in electronic payments.

[0078] However, by applying this embodiment, it is possible to reproduce the actual payment experience even in electronic payments. In other words, by making it possible to carry out the series of processes of "selecting money (from a wallet)," "paying," and "receiving change" in electronic payments, it can be used as a form of financial education for young people based on the experience of using money.

[0079] Furthermore, in order to allow young people to experience cash payments, they need to carry cash with them, but this poses safety risks and also poses the problem of not knowing what the money is actually being used for.

[0080] In contrast, electronic payments make it easier for parents to understand how to manage money and they can also set restrictions on deposits and withdrawals, making them safer than letting children carry cash.

[0081] On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, electronic payments do not give the feeling of actually using money, and from a child's perspective, they may think that they can buy anything by showing their card or smartphone, which has been pointed out as leading to social problems such as excessive use of electronic content.

[0082] This embodiment combines electronic payment and cash payment in a hybrid manner, thereby achieving both the security and convenience of electronic payment and the real feeling of using money that comes with cash payment, and is therefore expected to be useful for financial literacy education for young people.

[0083] Next, a case will be described in which the user is an elderly person. It is believed that this embodiment is also effective for elderly people who are not familiar with electronic payments.

[0084] The method of this embodiment, in which payment is made by selecting analog currency rather than inputting digital numbers, is familiar to elderly people who have traditionally relied on cash for payment, and by introducing it into smartphones for elderly people, it is expected that electronic payment will become a seamless experience.

[0085] In addition, the process of actually selecting currency takes more time than inputting digital numbers, and it gives users the feeling of actually using money, so we believe that this could also be effective in preventing special frauds involving electronic payments.

[0086] In addition, for example, by offering this service to foreign tourists, it will be possible to make electronic payments that give the same feeling as using actual local banknotes, which is expected to add value to tourism.

[0087] [System Configuration of the Embodiment] The payment server 10 and the user terminal 20 are conceptual functional entities and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of the functions of the payment server 10 and the user terminal 20 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0088] Furthermore, all or any part of the processes performed in the payment server 10 and the user terminal 20 may be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU and the GPU. Furthermore, each process performed in the payment server 10 and the user terminal 20 may be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0089] Furthermore, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually. Alternatively, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters described above and illustrated can be changed as appropriate unless otherwise specified.

[0090] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a computer in which the payment server 10 and the user terminal 20 are realized by executing a program. The computer 1000 has, for example, a memory 1010 and a CPU 1020. The computer 1000 also has a hard disk drive interface 1030, a disk drive interface 1040, a serial port interface 1050, a video adapter 1060, and a network interface 1070. These components are connected by a bus 1080.

[0091] The memory 1010 includes a ROM 1011 and a RAM 1012. The ROM 1011 stores a boot program such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to a hard disk drive 1090. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to a disk drive 1100. A removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or optical disk is inserted into the disk drive 1100. The serial port interface 1050 is connected to a mouse 1110 and a keyboard 1120, for example. The video adapter 1060 is connected to a display 1130, for example.

[0092] The hard disk drive 1090 stores, for example, an OS (Operating System) 1091, an application program 1092, a program module 1093, and program data 1094. That is, the programs that define the processes of the payment server 10 and the user terminal 20 are implemented as program modules 1093 in which code executable by the computer 1000 is written. The program modules 1093 are stored, for example, in the hard disk drive 1090. For example, the program modules 1093 for executing processes similar to the functional configurations of the payment server 10 and the user terminal 20 are stored in the hard disk drive 1090. The hard disk drive 1090 may be replaced by an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0093] Furthermore, setting data used in the processing of the above-described embodiment is stored as program data 1094, for example, in memory 1010 or hard disk drive 1090. Then, CPU 1020 reads out program module 1093 or program data 1094 stored in memory 1010 or hard disk drive 1090 into RAM 1012 as necessary and executes them.

[0094] The program module 1093 and program data 1094 may not necessarily be stored in the hard disk drive 1090, but may also be stored in a removable storage medium and read by the CPU 1020 via the disk drive 1100 or the like. Alternatively, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 may be stored in another computer connected via a network (such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)). The program module 1093 and program data 1094 may then be read by the CPU 1020 from the other computer via the network interface 1070.

[0095] Although the present invention has been described above as an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the descriptions and drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention. In other words, other embodiments, examples, and operational techniques that can be made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all included in the scope of the present invention.

[0096] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Payment system 10 Payment server 20 User terminal 21 Communication unit 22 Storage unit 23 Control unit 24 Input / output unit 25 Imaging unit 30 Store terminal 221 User information 222 Payment information 223 Currency image information 231 Balance display unit 232 Payment start acceptance unit 233 Payment currency selection unit 234 Connection unit 235 Payment interface generation unit 236 Balance calculation unit

Claims

1. A processing device comprising: a balance display unit that displays a user's electronic payment balance on a screen using images of banknotes and coins; an acceptance unit that accepts the selection of currency to be used for payment based on the payment amount from the displayed images of said banknotes and coins; and a connection unit that connects to a payment server that makes electronic payments to the payee via a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payment.

2. The processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the balance display unit calculates the user's electronic payment balance after payment based on the payment amount, and displays the calculated balance on the screen using images of the banknotes and / or images of the coins.

3. The processing device according to claim 2, further comprising a balance calculation unit that calculates the balance after payment based on the payment amount paid by the payment server, and wherein the balance display unit treats the difference between the amount of currency used for the payment accepted by the acceptance unit and the payment amount as change, and displays the balance reflecting an image of the banknote and / or currency corresponding to the change.

4. A processing method executed by a processing device, comprising the steps of: displaying the user's electronic payment balance on a screen using images of banknotes and coins; accepting the selection of the currency to be used for payment from the displayed images of the banknotes and coins according to the payment amount; and connecting to a payment server that makes electronic payments to the payee via a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payments.

5. A processing program for causing a computer to execute the steps of: displaying the user's electronic payment balance on a screen using images of banknotes and coins; accepting the selection of the currency to be used for payment based on the payment amount from the displayed images of said banknotes and coins; and connecting to a payment server that makes electronic payments to the payee via a two-dimensional code that can be used for electronic payments.

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