Computer-implemented method for assisting in account management, computer system, and program

Abstract

This computer-implemented method for assisting in account management comprises: creating a shared account that is shared among a plurality of users in association with accounts respectively owned by the plurality of users; and, in response to the fulfillment of a deposit condition related to a prescribed user among the plurality of users, depositing money into the shared account from an account that is owned by said prescribed user and is associated with the shared account.

Description

Computer-implemented method, computer system, and program for supporting account management

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method, a computer system, and a program for supporting account management.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a server terminal that stores personal accounts and joint accounts as settlement accounts for credit card information. Patent Document 1 also states that transfers are possible to the joint account, but deposits and withdrawals are not possible. In other words, when increasing or decreasing the balance of the joint account, transfers are made from or to the balance of the personal account.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-95456

[0004] Some systems require users to transfer funds from or to individual accounts when increasing or decreasing the balance of a joint account, but adopting such a system makes the operations required for users to operate the joint account cumbersome.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to reduce the complexity of user operations when managing a shared account.

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for assisting in the management of accounts, the method including creating a shared account shared by multiple users in association with accounts held by each of the multiple users, and depositing money into the shared account from an account held by a user associated with the shared account in response to a deposit condition being met for a specific user of the multiple users.

[0007] The deposit condition may be that funds have been withdrawn from the shared account for a specified user. In this case, depositing funds from a user's account to the shared account may include depositing into the shared account an amount corresponding to the amount withdrawn from the shared account for the specified user. Furthermore, depositing funds from a user's account to the shared account may include depositing into the shared account, when funds are withdrawn from the shared account for the specified user, an amount corresponding to the amount withdrawn from the shared account from an account of a user other than the specified user.

[0008] The method of the present invention may further include withdrawing money from the shared account for a specific user of the multiple users in response to satisfaction of a withdrawal condition for that user. In this case, the withdrawal condition may be that the specific user has instructed a withdrawal from the shared account to another account. Alternatively, the withdrawal condition may be that the specific user has made a payment to another account associated with the shared account. Furthermore, withdrawing money from the shared account for the specific user may include withdrawing an amount not exceeding a maximum amount from the shared account to the other account. In this case, the maximum amount may be predetermined for the specific user or by a user other than the specific user. Alternatively, the maximum amount may be predetermined for an item of payment from the shared account or a payee. Furthermore, withdrawing money from the shared account for the specific user may include withdrawing money from the shared account when approval is given by a user other than the specific user. In this case, approval may be given in a predetermined approval manner for the specific user or for an item of payment from the shared account or a payee.

[0009] The joint account may be an account that functions as a bank account.

[0010] The present invention also provides a computer system for supporting account management, comprising one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors, wherein the memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method, the method including creating a shared account shared by multiple users in association with accounts held by each of the multiple users, and depositing money into the shared account from an account held by a user associated with the shared account in response to a deposit condition for a predetermined user of the multiple users being satisfied.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a program for assisting in the operation of an account, the program including program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method, the method including creating a shared account shared by multiple users by associating it with accounts held by each of the multiple users, and depositing money into the shared account from an account held by a user associated with the shared account in response to a deposit condition for a specified user of the multiple users being satisfied.

[0012] According to the present invention, the complexity of user operations when managing a shared account can be reduced.

[0013] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a joint account system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of the processing of the joint account system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a joint account server in the joint account system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of joint account management information stored in the memory of the joint account server according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of upper limit amount setting information stored in the memory of the joint account server according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of approval method setting information stored in the memory of the joint account server according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when opening a joint account in the joint account system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when depositing money into a joint account in the joint account system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a mobile device in relation to the example of operation of FIG. 8. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a mobile device in relation to the example of operation of FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a mobile device in relation to the example of operation of FIG. 17.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [Background and Overview of the Present Embodiment] For example, when multiple people go on a trip, one of the people may have to advance a large amount of money, which can temporarily burden the other person. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a shared account managed by multiple people is created that can be pre-charged by multiple people. This allows cash to be deposited and withdrawn at various locations.

[0016] That is, this embodiment provides a computer system for supporting account management. This computer system creates a shared account shared by multiple users by associating it with each of the multiple users' respective accounts. This computer system also deposits money into the shared account from an account held by a user associated with the shared account when a deposit condition for a specific user of the multiple users is satisfied. Furthermore, this computer system may also withdraw money from the shared account for a specific user of the multiple users when a withdrawal condition for the specific user is satisfied.

[0017] Here, the shared account may be an account held by a financial institution such as a bank. Alternatively, the shared account may be a virtual account linked to, for example, a credit card. However, in the following, the shared account will be described as an account held by a financial institution, particularly a bank. Furthermore, the account associated with the shared account may also be an account held by a financial institution such as a bank. However, in the following, the account associated with the shared account will be described as an account held by a bank.

[0018] [Overall configuration of the shared account system] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a shared account system 1 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the shared account system 1 includes a shared account server 10 and an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) 20. The shared account system 1 further includes deposit source account servers 30a-30c and ATMs 40a-40c. The shared account system 1 further includes withdrawal destination account servers 50a-50c and ATMs 60a-60c. The shared account system 1 further includes a mobile terminal 70, and communication lines 90, 91a-91c, 92a-92c.

[0019] The joint account server 10 is a server computer that manages the joint accounts. The joint account server 10 is provided in the bank S that manages the joint accounts. The joint account server 10 may be realized by a general-purpose computer or the like.

[0020] The ATM 20 is an ATM connected to the shared account server 10. The ATM 20 is also assumed to be installed in the bank S. The ATM 20 is operated, for example, to make deposits and withdrawals to and from the shared account.

[0021] The deposit source account servers 30a-30c are server computers that manage regular accounts. However, for convenience, the server computer that manages the deposit source account designated as the deposit source for the shared account is referred to as the "deposit source account server." The deposit source account servers 30a-30c are assumed to be installed in banks A-C, respectively, that manage the deposit source accounts. The deposit source account servers 30a-30c may be implemented using general-purpose computers, etc. Note that while the figure shows deposit source account servers 30a-30c, when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as the deposit source account server 30. Furthermore, while the figure shows three deposit source account servers 30, the number of deposit source account servers 30 is not limited to this.

[0022] ATMs 40a to 40c are ATMs connected to deposit source account servers 30a to 30c, respectively. ATMs 40a to 40c are also assumed to be installed in banks A to C, respectively. ATMs 40a to 40c are operated, for example, to make deposits and withdrawals to accounts at banks A to C, respectively. Although ATMs 40a to 40c are shown in the figure, they will be referred to as ATM 40 when there is no need to distinguish between them. Furthermore, although only one ATM 40 is shown for one deposit source account server 30 in the figure, the number of ATMs 40 is not limited to this.

[0023] The destination account servers 50a-50c are also server computers that manage regular accounts. However, for convenience, the server computer that manages the destination account designated as the destination of withdrawals from the shared account is referred to as the "destination account server." The destination account servers 50a-50c are assumed to be provided in banks D-F, respectively, that manage the destination accounts. The destination account servers 50a-50c may be implemented using general-purpose computers, etc. Note that while the figure shows the destination account servers 50a-50c, when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as the destination account server 50. Furthermore, although the figure shows three destination account servers 50, the number of destination account servers 50 is not limited to this.

[0024] ATMs 60a to 60c are ATMs connected to withdrawal destination account servers 50a to 50c, respectively. ATMs 60a to 60c are also assumed to be installed in banks D to F, respectively. ATMs 60a to 60c are operated, for example, to make deposits and withdrawals to accounts at banks D to F, respectively. Although ATMs 60a to 60c are shown in the figure, they will be referred to as ATM 60 when there is no need to distinguish between them. Furthermore, although only one ATM 60 is shown for one withdrawal destination account server 50 in the figure, the number of ATMs 60 is not limited to this.

[0025] The mobile terminal 70 is a mobile terminal device carried by a user. The mobile terminal 70 is operated, for example, to open a shared account on the shared account server 10 or to deposit money into the shared account. The mobile terminal 70 may be realized as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0026] The communication line 90 is a line used for data communication between devices. The communication line 90 may be wired or wireless, and a combination of these may be used. The communication line 90 is used, for example, for data communication between the shared account server 10 and the deposit source account server 30. The communication line 90 is used, for example, for data communication between the shared account server 10 and the withdrawal destination account server 50. The communication line 90 is used, for example, for data communication between the shared account server 10 and the mobile terminal 70. The communication line 90 may be realized by the Internet or the like.

[0027] The communication lines 91a to 91c are also lines used for data communication between devices. The communication lines 91a to 91c may be wired or wireless, and a combination of these may be used. The communication line 91a is used, for example, for data communication between the deposit source account server 30a and the ATM 40a. The communication line 91b is used, for example, for data communication between the deposit source account server 30b and the ATM 40b. The communication line 91c is used, for example, for data communication between the deposit source account server 30c and the ATM 40c. The communication lines 91a to 91c may be realized by the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or the like.

[0028] The communication lines 92a to 92c are also lines used for data communication between devices. The communication lines 92a to 92c may be wired or wireless, and a combination of these may be used. The communication line 92a is used, for example, for data communication between the withdrawal destination account server 50a and the ATM 60a. The communication line 92b is used, for example, for data communication between the withdrawal destination account server 50b and the ATM 60b. The communication line 92c is used, for example, for data communication between the withdrawal destination account server 50c and the ATM 60c. The communication lines 92a to 92c may be realized by the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), etc.

[0029] [Specific Example of Processing in the Shared Account System] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing in the shared account system 1 in this embodiment. In the figure, it is assumed that users X to Z have a shared account at bank S. That is, the shared account server 10 manages the shared accounts shared by users X to Z. It is also assumed that user X has account a1 at bank A and account b1 at bank B. That is, the deposit-source account server 30a manages user X's account a1, and the deposit-source account server 30b manages user X's account b1. It is also assumed that user Y has account a2 at bank A. That is, the deposit-source account server 30a manages user Y's account a2. It is also assumed that user Z has accounts c1 and c2 at bank C. That is, the deposit-source account server 30c manages user Z's accounts c1 and c2. These accounts are associated with the shared account as deposit-source accounts for the shared account. As a result, deposits are made from these deposit-source accounts to the shared account.

[0030] Meanwhile, withdrawals are made from the shared account to Bank S's ATM 20. This ATM 20 also allows utility bills and the like to be paid from the shared account by scanning the bill, for example. Furthermore, withdrawals are also made from the shared account through settlement at a store or an e-commerce site, for example. In the figure, Bank D is assumed to manage the settlement account for this store or e-commerce site. That is, withdrawals are also made from the shared account to a settlement account managed by the withdrawal destination account server 50a, with this withdrawal account being used as the withdrawal destination account. Furthermore, withdrawals are also made from the shared account by, for example, bank transfer. In the figure, Bank E is assumed to manage the transfer destination account for this bank transfer. That is, withdrawals are also made from the shared account to a transfer destination account managed by the withdrawal destination account server 50b, with this withdrawal destination account being used as the withdrawal destination account. Furthermore, withdrawals are also made from the shared account to Bank F's ATM 60c.

[0031] In the above description, it was assumed that withdrawals from the shared account are also made to ATM 20 or ATM 60. However, in the following description, withdrawals from the shared account are primarily made to the destination account. Furthermore, the above description does not mention specific methods for depositing money from a source account to a shared account or withdrawing money from a shared account to a destination account. A deposit from a source account to a shared account may be made by any method that reduces the balance of the source account and increases the balance of the shared account by the same amount. Furthermore, a withdrawal from a shared account to a destination account may be made by any method that reduces the balance of the shared account and increases the balance of the destination account by the same amount. One such method is to request a system that comprehensively manages deposits and withdrawals between bank accounts to make the deposits and withdrawals. However, for ease of understanding, the following description will be made assuming that deposits and withdrawals are made by sending and receiving information between banks.

[0032] [Functional Configuration of the Shared Account Server] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the shared account server 10 in the shared account system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the shared account server 10 comprises a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0033] The control unit 11 controls the entire device. Details of the control unit 11 will be described later. The storage unit 12 stores data and the like. The storage unit 12 may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0034] The display unit 13 displays information to be notified to the user. The display unit 13 may be a display device that displays still images, moving images, etc. The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The operation unit 14 accepts input operations from the user. The operation unit 14 may be, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.

[0035] The communication unit 15 communicates with the deposit source account server 30, the withdrawal destination account server 50, and the mobile terminal 70. The communication unit 15 may be a communication interface for connecting with the deposit source account server 30, the withdrawal destination account server 50, and the mobile terminal 70 via wired communication or wireless communication.

[0036] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown). The ROM stores a basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU, various settings, etc. The CPU uses the RAM as a working area and executes application programs read from the ROM or the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 has a receiving unit 111, a reading unit 112, a determining unit 113, a writing unit 114, and a transmitting unit 115.

[0037] When opening a shared account, the receiving unit 111 performs the following operations. First, the receiving unit 111 receives a request to open a shared account from the mobile terminal 70. Here, the request to open a shared account is information for requesting the opening of a shared account. The request to open a shared account includes, for example, the user IDs of multiple users who share the shared account. The request to open a shared account further includes, for example, owner information indicating which user among the multiple users is the owner of the shared account. The request to open a shared account further includes, for example, the account number of the deposit source account, which is the account of the multiple users from which money will be deposited into the shared account. The request to open a shared account further includes, for example, default account information indicating a default deposit source account among the deposit source accounts of each user. The default deposit source account may be a deposit source account of each user that is used when the user does not specify a deposit source account. Alternatively, the default deposit source account may be a deposit source account of each user that is used in processes in which the user cannot specify a deposit source account. An example of a process in which the user cannot specify the deposit source account is an automatic deposit process into a shared account.

[0038] Furthermore, the receiving unit 111 receives confirmation of the deposit source account from the deposit source account server 30. Here, the confirmation of the deposit source account is information indicating that confirmation that the deposit source account is managed by the deposit source account server 30 has been completed.

[0039] When depositing money into a shared account, the receiving unit 111 performs the following operations. First, the receiving unit 111 receives a request to start depositing money into the shared account from the mobile terminal 70. Here, the request to start depositing money into the shared account is information for requesting the start of the deposit process into the shared account. The request to start depositing money into the shared account includes, for example, the account number of the shared account. The request to start depositing money into the shared account further includes, for example, the user ID of the user requesting the start of the deposit process into the shared account.

[0040] Furthermore, the receiving unit 111 receives a request to deposit money into the shared account from the mobile terminal 70. Here, the request to deposit money into the shared account is information for requesting a deposit into the shared account. The request to deposit money into the shared account includes, for example, the account number of the deposit source account from which the money is to be deposited into the shared account. The request to deposit money into the shared account further includes, for example, the amount to be deposited into the shared account.

[0041] Furthermore, the receiving unit 111 receives a notification of completion of withdrawal from the deposit source account from the deposit source account server 30. Here, the notification of completion of withdrawal from the deposit source account is information indicating that withdrawal from the deposit source account managed by the deposit source account server 30 has been completed.

[0042] When withdrawing money from a shared account, the receiving unit 111 performs the following operations. First, the receiving unit 111 receives a withdrawal request from the shared account. Assume that a user requests a withdrawal from the shared account to a destination account using the mobile terminal 70. Then, the receiving unit 111 receives a withdrawal request from the shared account from the mobile terminal 70. Also, assume that a withdrawal from the shared account to the destination account is made by the user purchasing a product at a store or an e-commerce site. Then, the receiving unit 111 receives a withdrawal request from the shared account from the destination account server 50 that manages the destination account. Here, the withdrawal request from the shared account is information for requesting a withdrawal from the shared account. The withdrawal request from the shared account includes, for example, the user ID of the user requesting a withdrawal from the shared account. The withdrawal request from the shared account further includes, for example, the account number of the destination account to which the money is to be withdrawn from the shared account. The withdrawal request from the shared account further includes, for example, the withdrawal amount to be withdrawn from the shared account.

[0043] Furthermore, the receiving unit 111 receives a notification of completion of deposit into the withdrawal destination account from the withdrawal destination account server 50. Here, the completion of deposit into the withdrawal destination account is information indicating that a deposit into the withdrawal destination account managed by the withdrawal destination account server 50 has been completed.

[0044] When depositing money into a shared account, the reading unit 112 performs the following operation: The reading unit 112 reads, from the storage unit 12, information on the deposit source account corresponding to the user ID included in the request to deposit money into the shared account.

[0045] When withdrawing money from a shared account, the reading unit 112 performs the following operations. First, the reading unit 112 reads from the storage unit 12 the upper limit amount that can be withdrawn from the shared account. Specifically, the reading unit 112 identifies the payee or payment item corresponding to the account number of the withdrawal destination account included in the withdrawal request from the shared account. For example, the reading unit 112 may identify the payee based on a predetermined correspondence between the payee and the account number. Alternatively, the reading unit 112 may identify the payment item based on a predetermined correspondence between the payment item and the account number. The reading unit 112 also reads from the storage unit 12 the upper limit amount corresponding to the identified payee or payment item. Furthermore, the reading unit 112 extracts the upper limit amount corresponding to the user ID included in the withdrawal request from the shared account from the read upper limit amounts.

[0046] The reading unit 112 also reads from the storage unit 12 the approval method to be used when approving a withdrawal from the shared account. Specifically, the reading unit 112 identifies the payee or payment item corresponding to the account number of the withdrawal destination account included in the withdrawal request from the shared account. For example, the reading unit 112 may identify the payee based on a predetermined correspondence between the payee and the account number. Alternatively, the reading unit 112 may identify the payment item based on a predetermined correspondence between the payment item and the account number. The reading unit 112 also reads from the storage unit 12 the approval method corresponding to the identified payee or payment item. Furthermore, the reading unit 112 extracts the approval method corresponding to the user ID included in the withdrawal request from the shared account from the read approval methods.

[0047] When depositing money into a shared account, the determination unit 113 performs the following operation: That is, the determination unit 113 determines whether the writing unit 114 has written the withdrawal information from the shared account into the storage unit 12.

[0048] When withdrawing money from a shared account, the determination unit 113 performs the following operations. First, the determination unit 113 determines whether the amount of money to be withdrawn from the shared account is equal to or less than the upper limit read by the reading unit 112. The determination unit 113 also determines whether the withdrawal from the shared account has been approved using the approval method read by the reading unit 112.

[0049] When opening a shared account, the writing unit 114 performs the following operations. First, the writing unit 114 writes shared account information related to the shared account for which opening has been requested into the memory unit 12. Here, the shared account information includes, for example, the account number of the shared account. The shared account information further includes, for example, the user IDs of multiple users who share the shared account. The shared account information further includes, for example, owner information indicating which user among the multiple users is the owner of the shared account. The shared account information further includes, for example, the account number of the deposit source account, which is the account of the multiple users from which money will be deposited into the shared account. The shared account information further includes, for example, default account information indicating the default deposit source account among the deposit source accounts of each user.

[0050] In this case, the process performed by the writing unit 114 is an example of creating a shared account shared by multiple users in association with the accounts that the multiple users each have.

[0051] The writing unit 114 performs the following operation when depositing money into a shared account. Specifically, the writing unit 114 performs the following operation when a deposit condition for a certain user among multiple users is satisfied. Here, the deposit condition for a certain user may be, for example, a condition that the user has requested a deposit. The satisfaction of this condition may be determined by the receiving unit 111 receiving a deposit request for the shared account from the mobile terminal 70. Alternatively, the deposit condition for a certain user may be, for example, a condition that a withdrawal has been made from the shared account for that user. The satisfaction of this condition may be determined by the writing unit 114 writing withdrawal information from the shared account to the storage unit 12. Here, a withdrawal from the shared account for that user may be performed, for example, by the user requesting a withdrawal from ATM 20 or ATM 60. Alternatively, a withdrawal from the shared account for that user may be performed, for example, by the user requesting a withdrawal to a withdrawal destination account.

[0052] First, the writing unit 114 writes the deposit information for the shared account into the storage unit 12. Here, writing the deposit information for the shared account into the storage unit 12 may, for example, mean adding the deposit amount to the balance of the shared account. The balance of the shared account may be calculated based on the account number of the shared account included in the request to start depositing money into the shared account received by the receiving unit 111. When a user requests a deposit into the shared account, the deposit amount may be the amount included in the deposit request for the shared account received by the receiving unit 111. Alternatively, when a withdrawal is made from the shared account for the user, the deposit amount may correspond to the amount of withdrawal from the shared account determined by the writing unit 114. Here, the deposit amount corresponds to the amount of withdrawal from the shared account because the withdrawal amount from the shared account does not necessarily have to be the same as the deposit amount. For example, the deposit amount may be the amount of withdrawal from the shared account rounded up to the nearest 10 pounds.

[0053] In this case, the processing performed by the writing unit 114 is an example of depositing money into the shared account from an account held by a user associated with the shared account in response to a deposit condition for a specific user among the multiple users being satisfied. The deposit condition may be that money has been withdrawn from the shared account for the specific user. Furthermore, the processing performed by the writing unit 114 is an example of depositing money into the shared account in an amount corresponding to the amount withdrawn from the shared account for the specific user.

[0054] The writing unit 114 performs the following operation when withdrawing money from a shared account. Specifically, the writing unit 114 performs the following operation when a withdrawal condition for a certain user among multiple users is satisfied. Here, the withdrawal condition for a certain user may be, for example, a condition that the user has requested a withdrawal to ATM 20 or ATM 60. Satisfaction of this condition may be determined when the receiving unit 111 receives a withdrawal request from the shared account from the withdrawal destination account server 50 connected to ATM 20 or ATM 60. Alternatively, the withdrawal condition for a certain user may be, for example, a condition that the user has requested a withdrawal to a withdrawal destination account. Here, a request for withdrawal to a withdrawal destination account may be made, for example, each time a withdrawal is needed. Alternatively, a request for withdrawal to a withdrawal destination account may be made in advance, for example, by associating the withdrawal destination account with the shared account.

[0055] First, the writing unit 114 writes the withdrawal information from the shared account into the memory unit 12. Here, writing the withdrawal information from the shared account into the memory unit 12 may, for example, involve subtracting the withdrawal amount from the balance of the shared account. The balance of the shared account may be determined based on the account number of the shared account included in the withdrawal request from the shared account received by the receiving unit 111. The withdrawal amount may be the amount included in the withdrawal request from the shared account received by the receiving unit 111.

[0056] Furthermore, the writing of withdrawal information from the shared account to the memory unit 12 may be performed, for example, when the withdrawal amount is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit. Whether the withdrawal amount is equal to or less than the predetermined upper limit may be determined by the determination unit 113. Alternatively, the writing of withdrawal information from the shared account to the memory unit 12 may be performed, for example, when the withdrawal is approved by another user using a predetermined approval method. Whether the withdrawal is approved using the predetermined approval method may be determined by the determination unit 113.

[0057] In this case, the processing performed by the writing unit 114 is an example of withdrawing money from a shared account for a specified user in response to the satisfaction of a withdrawal condition for a specified user among multiple users. The withdrawal condition may be that the specified user has instructed a withdrawal from the shared account to another account. The withdrawal condition may be that the specified user has made a payment to another account associated with the shared account. The processing performed by the writing unit 114 is also an example of withdrawing an amount not exceeding the upper limit amount from the shared account to another account. Furthermore, the processing performed by the writing unit 114 is an example of withdrawing money from a shared account when approval is given by a user other than the specified user.

[0058] When opening a shared account, the transmitting unit 115 performs the following operations: First, the transmitting unit 115 transmits a request to confirm the deposit source account to the deposit source account server 30. Here, the request to confirm the deposit source account is information for requesting confirmation that the deposit source account server 30 is managing the deposit source account.

[0059] Furthermore, the transmission unit 115 transmits information indicating that the shared account has been opened to the mobile terminal 70. Here, the information indicating that the shared account has been opened is information indicating that the shared account has been opened.

[0060] The transmitter 115 performs the following operation when depositing money into a shared account. Specifically, the transmitter 115 performs the following operation when a deposit condition for a certain user among multiple users is satisfied. Here, the deposit condition for a certain user may be, for example, a condition that the user has requested a deposit. The satisfaction of this condition may be determined when the receiver 111 receives a deposit request for the shared account from the mobile terminal 70. Alternatively, the deposit condition for a certain user may be, for example, a condition that a withdrawal has been made from the shared account for the user. The satisfaction of this condition may be determined when the writer 114 writes withdrawal information from the shared account to the memory unit 12. Here, a withdrawal from the shared account for the user may be performed, for example, when the user requests a withdrawal from ATM 20 or ATM 60. Alternatively, a withdrawal from the shared account for the user may be performed, for example, when the user requests a withdrawal to a withdrawal destination account.

[0061] First, the transmitting unit 115 transmits a withdrawal request from the depositing account to the depositing account server 30. Here, the withdrawal request from the depositing account is information for requesting a withdrawal from the depositing account. The withdrawal request from the depositing account includes, for example, the account number of the depositing account. Consider a case where a withdrawal from a shared account to a destination account results in a deposit from the depositing account to the shared account. In this case, it is preferable that the user who owns the depositing account and the user who owns the destination account are the same. In this case, the amount withdrawn by a certain user is replenished by that user. However, a configuration in which the user who owns the depositing account and the user who owns the destination account are not the same may also be adopted. The withdrawal request from the depositing account further includes, for example, the withdrawal amount to be withdrawn from the depositing account. When a user requests a deposit into the shared account, the withdrawal amount may be the deposited amount included in the deposit request to the shared account received by the receiving unit 111. Alternatively, when a withdrawal is made from the shared account for a user, the withdrawal amount may correspond to the amount withdrawn from the shared account determined by the writing unit 114. Here, the reason why the withdrawal amount from the deposit source account corresponds to the amount withdrawn from the shared account is that the withdrawal amount from the deposit source account does not necessarily have to be the same as the amount withdrawn from the shared account. For example, the withdrawal amount from the deposit source account may be the amount withdrawn from the shared account rounded up to the nearest 10 pounds.

[0062] In this case, the processing performed by the transmitting unit 115 is an example of depositing money into the shared account from an account held by a user associated with the shared account in response to a deposit condition for a specific user among the multiple users being satisfied. The deposit condition may be that money has been withdrawn from the shared account for the specific user. The processing performed by the transmitting unit 115 is also an example of depositing, into the shared account, an amount corresponding to the amount withdrawn from the shared account for the specific user. Furthermore, the processing performed by the transmitting unit 115 is an example of depositing, into the shared account, an amount corresponding to the amount withdrawn from the shared account from the account of a user other than the specific user when money is withdrawn from the shared account for the specific user.

[0063] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 115 transmits a notification that the deposit into the shared account has been completed to the mobile terminal 70. Here, the notification that the deposit into the shared account has been completed is information indicating that the deposit into the shared account has been completed.

[0064] The transmitter 115 performs the following operation when withdrawing money from a shared account. Specifically, the transmitter 115 performs the following operation when a withdrawal condition for a certain user among multiple users is satisfied. Here, the withdrawal condition for a certain user may be, for example, a condition that the user has requested a withdrawal to ATM 20 or ATM 60. Satisfaction of this condition may be determined when the receiver 111 receives a withdrawal request from the shared account from the destination account server 50 connected to ATM 20 or ATM 60. Alternatively, the withdrawal condition for a certain user may be, for example, a condition that the user has requested a withdrawal to a destination account. Here, a request for withdrawal to a destination account may be made, for example, each time a withdrawal is needed. Alternatively, a request for withdrawal to a destination account may be made in advance, for example, by associating the destination account with the shared account.

[0065] First, the transmitting unit 115 transmits a request for depositing money into the destination account to the destination account server 50. Here, the request for depositing money into the destination account is information for requesting a deposit into the destination account. The request for depositing money into the destination account includes, for example, the account number of the destination account. The withdrawal request from the deposit source account further includes the deposit amount to be deposited into the destination account. The deposit amount may be the withdrawal amount included in the withdrawal request from the shared account received by the receiving unit 111.

[0066] Furthermore, the sending of a deposit request to the withdrawal destination account may be performed, for example, when the withdrawal amount is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit. Whether the withdrawal amount is equal to or less than the predetermined upper limit may be determined by the determination unit 113. Alternatively, the sending of a deposit request to the withdrawal destination account may be performed, for example, when the withdrawal has been approved by another user using a predetermined approval method. Whether the withdrawal has been approved using the predetermined approval method may be determined by the determination unit 113.

[0067] In this case, the processing performed by the transmitting unit 115 is an example of withdrawing money from a shared account for a specified user among multiple users in response to the satisfaction of a withdrawal condition for that user. The processing performed by the transmitting unit 115 is also an example of withdrawing an amount not exceeding the upper limit from the shared account to another account. Furthermore, the processing performed by the transmitting unit 115 is an example of withdrawing money from a shared account when approval is given by a user other than the specified user.

[0068] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 115 transmits a notification of completion of withdrawal from the joint account to the mobile terminal 70. Here, the notification of completion of withdrawal from the joint account is information indicating that withdrawal from the joint account has been completed.

[0069] [Storage Contents] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of shared account management information stored in the storage unit 12 of the shared account server 10 in this embodiment. Shared account management information is provided for each shared account and is information for managing the shared account. As shown in the figure, the shared account management information associates users, owner information, deposit source accounts, and default account information.

[0070] A user is a customer who shares a certain shared account among the customers who use the shared account system 1. As with the example in Figure 2, users X to Z are shown as users. Here, X to Z are also the user IDs of users X to Z, respectively.

[0071] The owner information is a flag that indicates which user, among users X to Z, is the owner of the shared account. In this example, the owner information corresponding to user X is "ON," so user X is the owner of the shared account.

[0072] The deposit source accounts are accounts from which money is deposited into the shared accounts of each of users X to Z. As with the example in FIG. 2, user X's deposit source accounts are account a1 at bank A and account b1 at bank B. As with the example in FIG. 2, user Y's deposit source account is account a2 at bank A. As with the example in FIG. 2, user Z's deposit source accounts are account c1 and c2 at bank C. Here, A-a1 and B-b1 are also the account numbers for account a1 at bank A and account b1 at bank B, respectively. A-a2 is also the account number for account a2 at bank A. As with the example in FIG. 2, C-c1 and C-c2 are also the account numbers for account c1 and c2 at bank C, respectively.

[0073] The default account information is a flag that indicates the default deposit source account among each user's deposit source accounts. Here, as mentioned above, the default deposit source account is a deposit source account that is used when no deposit source account is specified by the user. For User X's deposit source account, the default account information corresponding to Bank A's account a1 is set to "ON." Therefore, Bank A's account a1 is the default deposit source account. For User Y's deposit source account, Bank A's account a2 is the only deposit source account, and the corresponding default account information is set to "ON." Therefore, Bank A's account a2 is the default deposit source account. Furthermore, for User Z's deposit source account, the default account information corresponding to Bank C's account c1 is set to "ON." Therefore, Bank C's account c1 is the default deposit source account.

[0074] 5 is a diagram showing an example of upper limit setting information stored in the memory unit 12 of the shared account server 10 in this embodiment. The upper limit setting information is information in which an upper limit amount is set for each user and each payee. As shown in the figure, the upper limit setting information associates users with upper limit amounts for each payee.

[0075] As mentioned above, a user is a customer who shares a certain shared account among the customers who use the shared account system 1. As with the example of FIG. 2, users X to Z are shown as users.

[0076] A payee is a store, company, etc. to which payments for goods or services are made from the shared account. In the figure, the cell where a user and a payee intersect indicates the maximum amount that the user can withdraw from the shared account to pay the payee. For example, 50 pounds is set as the maximum amount that user Y can withdraw from the shared account to pay bookstore Q. Similarly, 5 pounds is set as the maximum amount that user Z can withdraw from the shared account to pay supermarket P. Here, the maximum amount may be set in advance for a given user by a user other than that user.

[0077] Although the upper limit amount is set for each payee here, this is not limited to this. It is also possible to set an upper limit amount for each payment item, as shown in Figure 6. In other words, the upper limit amount may be predetermined for each payment item or payee from the joint account.

[0078] 6 is a diagram showing an example of approval method setting information stored in the memory unit 12 of the shared account server 10 in this embodiment. The approval method setting information is information in which the approval method for each payment item is set for each user. As shown in the figure, the approval method setting information associates users with the approval method for each payment item.

[0079] As mentioned above, a user is a customer who shares a certain shared account among the customers who use the shared account system 1. As with the example of FIG. 2, users X to Z are shown as users.

[0080] A payment item is a classification of goods or services for which payment is made from a shared account. In the figure, the cell where a user and a payment item intersect indicates the approval method required for that user to withdraw money from the shared account to pay for that payment item. For example, it is set that owner approval is required when user Y withdraws money from the shared account to pay for groceries. It is also set that all members' approval is required when user Z withdraws money from the shared account to pay for groceries. It is also set that owner approval is required when user Z withdraws money from the shared account to pay for transportation expenses.

[0081] Although the approval method is set for each payment item here, this is not limited to this. The approval method may be set for each payee as shown in Figure 5. In other words, the approval method may be predetermined for a specific user, or for a payment item or payee from a shared account.

[0082] [Operation of the Shared Account System] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation when opening a shared account in the shared account system 1 in this embodiment.

[0083] As shown in the figure, first, the mobile terminal 70 sends a request to open a shared account to the shared account server 10 (step 701). Here, the request to open a shared account includes, for example, the user IDs of the multiple users who share the shared account. The request to open a shared account also includes, for example, owner information indicating which of the multiple users is the owner of the shared account. The request to open a shared account also includes, for example, the account numbers of the deposit source accounts of the multiple users from which money will be deposited into the shared account. The request to open a shared account also includes, for example, default account information indicating the default deposit source account of each user's deposit source accounts.

[0084] As a result, in the shared account server 10, the receiving unit 111 receives the request to open a shared account (step 101). Next, in the shared account server 10, the transmitting unit 115 sends a request to confirm the deposit source account to the deposit source account server 30 (step 102). Here, it is assumed that the transmitting unit 115 sends confirmation requests for multiple deposit source accounts. In this case, the transmitting unit 115 sends a deposit source account confirmation request for each deposit source account to the deposit source account server 30 that manages that deposit source account.

[0085] As a result, the deposit source account server 30 receives a request to confirm the deposit source account (step 301). Next, the deposit source account server 30 confirms that it is managing the deposit source account (step 302). Next, the deposit source account server 30 transmits a confirmation of the deposit source account to the shared account server 10 (step 303).

[0086] As a result, in the shared account server 10, the receiving unit 111 receives a notification that the deposit source account has been confirmed (step 103). Next, in the shared account server 10, the writing unit 114 opens a shared account (step 104). Specifically, the writing unit 114 writes the shared account information to the memory unit 12. Here, the shared account information includes, for example, the account number of the shared account. The shared account information includes, for example, the user IDs of multiple users who share the shared account. The shared account information also includes, for example, owner information indicating which user among the multiple users is the owner of the shared account. The shared account information also includes, for example, the account number of the deposit source account, which is the account of the multiple users from which the deposit will be made to the shared account. The shared account information also includes, for example, default account information indicating the default deposit source account among the deposit source accounts of each user. Next, in the shared account server 10, the transmitting unit 115 transmits a notification that the shared account has been opened to the mobile terminal 70 (step 105).

[0087] As a result, the mobile terminal 70 receives a notification from the shared account server 10 that the shared account has been opened (step 702).

[0088] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation when depositing money into a shared account in shared account system 1 in this embodiment.

[0089] As shown in the figure, first, the mobile terminal 70 transmits a request to start depositing money into the shared account to the shared account server 10 (step 721). Here, the request to start depositing money into the shared account includes, for example, the account number of the shared account. The request to start depositing money into the shared account further includes, for example, the user ID of the user requesting to deposit money among multiple users who share the shared account.

[0090] As a result, in the shared account server 10, the receiving unit 111 receives a request to start depositing money into the shared account from the mobile terminal 70 (step 121). Next, in the shared account server 10, the reading unit 112 reads information about the deposit source account from the storage unit 12 (step 122). Specifically, the reading unit 112 acquires the user ID included in the deposit start request. The reading unit 112 also searches the shared account management information stored in the storage unit 12 based on the acquired user ID. The reading unit 112 then reads at least one deposit source account obtained by this search. Next, in the shared account server 10, the transmitting unit 115 transmits information about at least one deposit source account to the mobile terminal 70 (step 123).

[0091] As a result, the mobile terminal 70 receives information on at least one deposit source account from the shared account server 10 (step 722). Next, the mobile terminal 70 displays information on at least one deposit source account on the screen (step 723). In this state, suppose the user selects one deposit source account from the at least one deposit source account on the screen of the mobile terminal 70 and enters the deposit amount. The mobile terminal 70 then transmits a request to deposit money into the shared account to the shared account server 10 (step 724). Here, the request to deposit money into the shared account includes, for example, the account number of the deposit source account from which the money is to be deposited into the shared account. The request to deposit money into the shared account further includes, for example, the deposit amount to be deposited into the shared account.

[0092] As a result, in the shared account server 10, the receiving unit 111 receives a request to deposit money into the shared account from the mobile terminal 70 (step 124). Next, in the shared account server 10, the transmitting unit 115 transmits a request to withdraw money from the deposit source account to the deposit source account server 30 (step 125). Here, the withdrawal request from the deposit source account includes, for example, the account number of the deposit source account. The withdrawal request from the deposit source account further includes, for example, the withdrawal amount to be withdrawn from the deposit source account.

[0093] As a result, the depositor account server 30 receives a withdrawal request from the depositor account from the shared account server 10 (step 321). Next, the depositor account server 30 withdraws the money from the depositor account (step 322). Next, the depositor account server 30 transmits a notification of completion of the withdrawal from the depositor account to the shared account server 10 (step 323).

[0094] As a result, in the shared account server 10, the receiving unit 111 receives from the deposit source account server 30 a notification that the withdrawal from the deposit source account has been completed (step 126). Next, in the shared account server 10, the writing unit 114 deposits the money into the shared account (step 127). Specifically, the writing unit 114 writes the deposit information into the shared account into the memory unit 12. In other words, the writing unit 114 adds the deposit amount included in the request to deposit money into the shared account to the balance of the shared account. Next, in the shared account server 10, the sending unit 115 sends a notification that the deposit into the shared account has been completed to the mobile terminal 70 (step 128).

[0095] As a result, the mobile terminal 70 receives notification from the shared account server 10 that the deposit into the shared account has been completed (step 725).

[0096] Figures 9A to 9D are diagrams showing example screens displayed on the mobile terminal 70 in relation to the operational example of Figure 8. Prior to the operational example of Figure 8, first, a first transaction selection screen 810 of Figure 9A is displayed on the mobile terminal 70. Suppose the user presses the shared account button 812 on this first transaction selection screen 810. Then, a second transaction selection screen 820 of Figure 9B is displayed on the mobile terminal 70. Suppose the user presses the deposit button 822 on this second transaction selection screen 820. Then, in step 721 of Figure 8, a request to start depositing money into the shared account is sent to the shared account server 10.

[0097] Subsequently, in step 723 of FIG. 8 , the account selection screen 830 of FIG. 9C is displayed on the mobile terminal 70. Assume that the user presses either the account button 831 or 832 on this account selection screen 830. Then, in step 724 of FIG. 8 , the deposit amount input screen 840 of FIG. 9D is displayed on the mobile terminal 70. Assume that the user enters 10 pounds as the deposit amount in the amount input field 841 on this deposit amount input screen 840. Then, assume that the user presses the confirm button 842. Then, in step 724 of FIG. 8 , a request to deposit money into the shared account is sent to the shared account server 10. The request to deposit money into the shared account includes information about the account selected on the account selection screen 830 of FIG. 9C. The request to deposit money into the shared account also includes the deposit amount entered on the deposit amount input screen 840 of FIG. 9D.

[0098] Although not shown in the operational example of FIG. 8, the mobile terminal 70 can also display the balance and transaction history of the shared account.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a first operation example when withdrawing money from a shared account in the shared account system 1 in this embodiment.

[0100] As shown in the figure, first, in the shared account server 10, the receiving unit 111 receives a withdrawal request from the shared account (step 141). For example, suppose a user instructs a withdrawal from the shared account to a destination account. The receiving unit 111 then receives the withdrawal request from the shared account from the destination account server 50, which manages the destination account. Alternatively, if the instruction is given via a mobile terminal 70, the receiving unit 111 may receive the withdrawal request from the shared account from the mobile terminal 70. Here, the withdrawal request from the shared account includes, for example, the user ID of the user requesting withdrawal from the shared account. The withdrawal request from the shared account further includes, for example, the account number of the destination account to which the funds are to be withdrawn from the shared account. The withdrawal request from the shared account further includes, for example, the withdrawal amount to be withdrawn from the shared account. Next, in the shared account server 10, the reading unit 112 reads the upper limit amount (step 142). Specifically, the reading unit 112 identifies the payee or payment item based on the account number of the withdrawal destination account included in the withdrawal request from the shared account. The reading unit 112 then reads the upper limit amount corresponding to the payee or payment item, corresponding to the user ID included in the withdrawal request from the shared account. Next, in the shared account server 10, the determination unit 113 determines whether the withdrawal amount from the shared account is equal to or less than this upper limit amount (step 143). If it is determined that the withdrawal amount from the shared account is not equal to or less than this upper limit amount, the shared account server 10 terminates processing without withdrawing money from the shared account. On the other hand, if it is determined that the withdrawal amount from the shared account is equal to or less than this upper limit amount, the writing unit 114 withdraws money from the shared account (step 144). Specifically, the writing unit 114 writes the withdrawal information from the shared account to the memory unit 12. That is, the writing unit 114 subtracts the withdrawal amount included in the withdrawal request to the shared account from the balance of the shared account. Next, in the shared account server 10, the sending unit 115 sends a request to deposit money into the destination account to the destination account server 50 (step 145). Here, the request to deposit money into the destination account includes, for example, the account number of the destination account. The request to deposit money into the destination account further includes, for example, the deposit amount to be deposited into the destination account.

[0101] As a result, the destination account server 50 receives a request to deposit money into the destination account from the shared account server 10 (step 541). Next, the destination account server 50 deposits money into the destination account (step 542). Next, the destination account server 50 transmits a notification of completion of deposit into the destination account to the shared account server 10 (step 543).

[0102] As a result, in the shared account server 10, the receiving unit 111 receives from the withdrawal destination account server 50 a notification that the deposit to the withdrawal destination account has been completed (step 146). Next, in the shared account server 10, the transmitting unit 115 transmits a notification that the withdrawal from the shared account has been completed to the mobile terminal 70 (step 147).

[0103] As a result, the mobile terminal 70 receives a notification from the shared account server 10 that the withdrawal from the shared account has been completed (step 741).

[0104] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the operation when withdrawing money from a shared account in the shared account system 1 in this embodiment.

[0105] As shown in the figure, first, in the shared account server 10, the receiving unit 111 receives a withdrawal request from the shared account (step 161). The processing of step 161 is the same as the processing of step 141 in FIG. 10 , so detailed description will be omitted. Next, in the shared account server 10, the reading unit 112 reads the approval method (step 162). Specifically, the reading unit 112 identifies the payee or payment item based on the account number of the withdrawal destination account included in the withdrawal request from the shared account. The reading unit 112 then reads the approval method corresponding to the payee or payment item, corresponding to the user ID included in the withdrawal request from the shared account. Next, in the shared account server 10, the determination unit 113 determines whether the withdrawal from the shared account has been approved using this approval method (step 163). As a result, if it is determined that the withdrawal from the shared account has not been approved using this approval method, the shared account server 10 terminates processing without withdrawing the money from the shared account. On the other hand, if it is determined that the withdrawal from the shared account has been approved using this approval method, the writing unit 114 withdraws the money from the shared account (step 164). Specifically, the writing unit 114 writes the withdrawal information from the shared account to the storage unit 12. That is, the writing unit 114 subtracts the withdrawal amount included in the withdrawal request to the shared account from the balance of the shared account. The subsequent processing of steps 165 to 761 is the same as the processing of steps 145 to 741 in Figure 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation after a withdrawal from a shared account in the shared account system 1 in this embodiment. This example of operation is executed continuously after the example of operation in FIG. 10 or 11 has been executed.

[0107] As shown in the figure, in the shared account server 10, the determination unit 113 first determines the deposit source account (step 181). Specifically, the determination unit 113 determines the account number of the deposit source account from which the deposit to the shared account is made. Next, in the shared account server 10, the transmission unit 115 transmits a withdrawal request from the deposit source account to the deposit source account server 30 (step 182). Here, the withdrawal request from the deposit source account includes, for example, the account number of the deposit source account. The withdrawal request from the deposit source account further includes, for example, the withdrawal amount to be withdrawn from the deposit source account. This withdrawal amount may be the same as the withdrawal amount withdrawn from the shared account in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11. Alternatively, this withdrawal amount may be an amount corresponding to the withdrawal amount withdrawn from the shared account in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11.

[0108] As a result, the depositor account server 30 receives a withdrawal request from the depositor account from the shared account server 10 (step 381). Next, the depositor account server 30 withdraws the money from the depositor account (step 382). Next, the depositor account server 30 transmits a notification of completion of the withdrawal from the depositor account to the shared account server 10 (step 383).

[0109] As a result, in the shared account server 10, the receiving unit 111 receives from the deposit source account server 30 a notification that the withdrawal from the deposit source account has been completed (step 183). Next, in the shared account server 10, the writing unit 114 deposits the money into the shared account (step 184). Specifically, the writing unit 114 writes the deposit information into the shared account into the memory unit 12. In other words, the writing unit 114 adds the deposit amount included in the request to deposit money into the shared account to the balance of the shared account. Next, in the shared account server 10, the sending unit 115 sends a notification that the deposit into the shared account has been completed to the mobile terminal 70 (step 185).

[0110] As a result, the mobile terminal 70 receives notification from the shared account server 10 that the deposit into the shared account has been completed (step 781).

[0111] [Summary] In the shared account system 1 of this embodiment, a shared account is created and is directly charged to the shared account from the deposit source account. This reduces the burden of individuals making payments on behalf of others. Furthermore, in the shared account system 1 of this embodiment, usage restrictions are set in advance for the use of the shared account. This makes it possible to prevent a specific individual from using the amount charged to the shared account without limit.

[0112] 1... Shared account system, 10... Shared account server, 20... ATM, 30a to 30c... Deposit source account server, 40a to 40c... ATM, 50a to 50c... Withdrawal destination account server, 60a to 60c... ATM, 70... Mobile terminal

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for facilitating account management, comprising: creating a shared account shared by multiple users in association with accounts held by each of the multiple users; and depositing money into the shared account from an account held by a user associated with the shared account in response to a deposit condition for a specific user of the multiple users being satisfied.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the deposit condition is that funds have been withdrawn from the shared account for the given user.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein depositing money into the shared account from an account held by the user includes depositing money into the shared account in an amount corresponding to the amount withdrawn from the shared account for the specified user.

4. The method described in claim 2, wherein depositing money into the shared account from an account held by the user includes, when money is withdrawn from the shared account for the specified user, depositing an amount corresponding to the amount withdrawn from the shared account from an account of another user other than the specified user into the shared account.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising withdrawing funds from the shared account for a given user of the plurality of users in response to a withdrawal condition for the given user being satisfied.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the withdrawal condition is that the specified user has instructed a withdrawal from the shared account to another account.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the withdrawal condition is that the given user makes a payment to another account associated with the shared account.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein withdrawing funds from the shared account for the given user includes withdrawing an amount from the shared account to another account that does not exceed a maximum amount.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the upper limit amount is predetermined for the predetermined user by a user other than the predetermined user.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the upper limit amount is predetermined for an item or destination of payments from the joint account.

11. The method of claim 5, wherein withdrawing funds from the shared account for the specified user includes withdrawing funds from the shared account upon approval by a user other than the specified user.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the authorization is given to the given user or to an item or payee of payment from the joint account in a predetermined authorization manner.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the joint account is an account that functions as a bank account.

14. A computer system for supporting account management, comprising: one or more processors; and memory coupled to the one or more processors, wherein the memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method, the method comprising: creating a shared account shared by multiple users in association with accounts held by each of the multiple users; and depositing money into the shared account from an account held by a user associated with the shared account in response to a deposit condition for a specific user of the multiple users being satisfied.

15. A program for supporting account management, comprising program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method, the method including: creating a shared account shared by multiple users in association with accounts held by each of the multiple users; and depositing money into the shared account from an account held by a user associated with the shared account in response to a deposit condition for a specific user of the multiple users being satisfied.

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