Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention achieves both immediate sales confirmation and avoidance of advances.　An advance payment control unit 51 controls the execution of payment processing or securing of credit for the total amount of the consideration for the settlement method of an advance user. A split payment control unit 52 controls the execution of payment processing or securing of credit for the share amount of a splitting user with respect to the settlement method of the splitting user. A monetary sum reduction control unit 53 controls reduction of the monetary sum of payment processing or of securing of credit of the advance user in accordance with completion of the payment processing or the securing of credit for the splitting user. In this way, the seller side obtains 100% confirmation of the sale, and the advance user realizes substantial advance avoidance.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Program

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technique for dividing the payment of consideration among a plurality of users (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-276061

[0004] However, in recent years, there has been a demand for the possibility of achieving both sales assurance and avoidance of advances in split settlements. However, in the conventional techniques including the technique of Patent Document 1, such a demand cannot be sufficiently met.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to achieve both immediate determination of sales and avoidance of advances.

[0006] To achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that divides the payment of consideration among a plurality of users, and includes: an advance payment control unit that controls execution of payment processing or credit assurance for the full amount of the consideration with respect to the payment method of an advance user; a split payment control unit that controls execution of payment processing or credit assurance for the amount borne by the split user with respect to the payment method of the split user; and an amount reduction control unit that controls reduction of the amount of payment processing or credit assurance of the advance user in response to completion of the payment processing or credit assurance of the split user.

[0007] Each of an information processing method and a program according to one aspect of the present invention is a method and a program corresponding to the information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0008] According to the present invention, an object is to achieve both immediate determination of sales and avoidance of advances.

[0009] This is a diagram of Phase 1 showing an overview of the service that can be realized by an information processing system to which a server according to one embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied. This is a diagram of Phase 2 showing an overview of the service that can be realized by an information processing system to which a server according to one embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied. This is a diagram of Phase 3 showing an overview of the service that can be realized by an information processing system to which a server according to one embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied. This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system to which a server according to one embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server in the information processing system of Figure 2. This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server in Figure 3 that constitutes the information processing system of Figure 2. This is a detailed flowchart of the reimbursement and installment payment settlement system in the information processing system of Figure 2.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] First, with reference to Figures 1A to 1C, an overview of the service (hereinafter referred to as "the Service") that can be realized by an information processing system (see Figure 2, described later) to which a server according to one embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied will be explained. Figures 1A to 1C are diagrams showing an overview of the Service that can be realized by an information processing system to which a server according to one embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied.

[0012] This service is designed to ensure both revenue generation and avoid the need for advance payments when customers choose installment payments.

[0013] Specifically, in Figure 1A, for example, Mr. Tanaka is illustrated as an example of a user who makes advance payments, and Mr. Suzuki and Mr. Sato are illustrated as examples of users who make payments in installments. In Phase 1, the advance payment settlement and various settings show that Mr. Tanaka purchases three tickets (worth 30,000 yen) using the advance payment user terminal 2, and the server 1 executes the full advance payment settlement (credit authorization). At this point, the store has 100 percent of its sales confirmed, and the risk of uncertain sales that occurred with conventional individual accounting is resolved. In step S1 of Figure 1A, Mr. Tanaka applies to the ticket sales store to purchase three tickets. Subsequently, in step S2, Mr. Tanaka executes credit authorization for full advance payment settlement to the server 1 through the advance payment user terminal 2. At this point, the ticket sales store has secured 30,000 yen in sales. Traditional systems had the problem that sales were not finalized until all parties involved had completed their payments. However, with this service, the user making the advance payment secures full credit upfront, so from the seller's perspective, sales are 100% guaranteed.

[0014] Server 1 enables flexible burden allocation through its individual burden amount setting function, such as setting Tanaka at 10,000 yen, Sato at 8,000 yen, and Suzuki at 12,000 yen. Furthermore, it manages the payment deadline by setting a settlement period of up to one week later. This frees users from the constraints of traditional equal distribution and allows for flexible pricing structures such as student discounts. As shown in Figure 1A, the individual burden amount setting allows for specific amounts such as "Tanaka 10,000 yen, Sato 8,000 yen, Suzuki 12,000 yen," clearly demonstrating that it is not necessary for everyone to receive the same amount. In addition, the specific deadline setting of "up to one week later" enables automation through system control.

[0015] In Phase 2 of Figure 1B, which involves split payments and gradual reductions, a gradual reduction mechanism is implemented through amount reduction control by Server 1. When Mr. Sato pays 8,000 yen, the advance payment is reduced to 22,000 yen, and when Mr. Suzuki pays 12,000 yen, it is reduced to 10,000 yen. This service makes it possible to simultaneously achieve "sales securing" and "avoidance of advance payments," which was previously impossible. In step S3, a split payment URL is distributed and sent to split payment users with their individual burden amounts already set. Subsequently, in step S4-1, when Mr. Sato pays 8,000 yen, the advance payment is reduced to 22,000 yen. Furthermore, in step S4-2, when Mr. Suzuki pays 12,000 yen, the advance payment is reduced to 10,000 yen. Specifically, this gradual reduction is dynamically applied, "from 30,000 yen to 22,000 yen, and then to 10,000 yen," allowing the dynamic reduction mechanism of the payment amount to be executed in real time. Furthermore, the user-initiated change function allows Mr. Suzuki to pay an additional 2,000 yen, providing flexible support according to the participants' needs. Figure 1B clearly states "Example of user-initiated change: Mr. Suzuki can pay an additional 2,000 yen," indicating that the payer can make multiple payments, and additional payments can be made in cases where a minimum amount is set.

[0016] In Phase 3 of Figure 1B, during settlement confirmation and effect realization, Server 1 controls the transition from credit authorization to settlement confirmation upon reaching the deadline, and issues receipts for each settlement amount using the individual receipt issuance function. This makes it possible to obtain qualified receipts individually, simplifying expense processing. In Step S5, the transition from credit authorization to settlement confirmation is executed upon reaching the deadline. In Step S6, individual receipts are issued for each settlement amount. In Step 7, reward granting is performed according to each settlement amount, ensuring a fair distribution of burdens and rewards. This resolves the problem of points being concentrated in the hands of the previous advance payment users, i.e., the unfair situation where "it's as if the advance payment user bought the points, and others benefit." Through Phases 1 to 3 shown in Figures 1A to 1C, ultimately, Mr. Tanaka's final burden becomes 10,000 yen, effectively avoiding advance payment, and the store sales are confirmed at 30,000 yen, resulting in zero collection risk. For example, the final effect would be "Mr. Tanaka's final burden is 10,000 yen (effectively avoiding advance payment)" and "Store sales confirmed at 30,000 yen (zero recovery risk)."

[0017] Here, this service controls the issuance of receipts to users who make advance payments and those who make installment payments, according to their respective payment amounts. This avoids the problem of users who make advance payments but are not qualified consumption tax businesses, and ensures that all participants receive qualified receipts. Previously, if a user making an advance payment was not a qualified consumption tax business, other payers would not be able to receive qualified receipts. However, with this service, since each payment is made separately, each receipt is issued, thus resolving this problem. Specifically, for example, even if multiple companies hold a dinner party, each company can obtain an individual receipt, significantly simplifying expense processing.

[0018] Furthermore, this service will grant points and other benefits to both the person making the advance payment and the person making the installment payment, respectively, according to the amount of their payment. This will prevent situations where the person making the advance payment appears to have bought points, and will eliminate the unfair situation where 6,000 points are awarded only to the person making the advance payment, while others benefit. Previously, for example, in a point system with a 10 percent return, if 6,000 points were awarded for a payment of 60,000 yen, when the person making the advance payment recovered 50,000 yen (10,000 yen each from five people), the person making the advance payment would have received 6,000 points, but would have effectively ended up bearing an extra 6,000 yen, resulting in a situation where the person making the advance payment appeared to have bought points. This service achieves fairness by awarding 10 percent of the points according to the amount of the payment to each party.

[0019] Furthermore, this service allows users to individually set the amount each user pays in installments. This enables flexible cost distribution, such as lowering the cost for students, and allows for dynamic cost splitting, such as different rates for men and women. It frees users from the constraint of the traditional "equal pay for everyone" rule and allows for appropriate cost distribution according to the attributes and circumstances of each participant. Figure 1A shows individual settings of "Tanaka 10,000 yen, Sato 8,000 yen, Suzuki 12,000 yen," demonstrating that different amounts can be set for each participant.

[0020] Furthermore, this service allows users to set a period for accepting payment processing or credit confirmation from installment payment users. This ensures that any payments not completed by the specified period are finalized as sales, thereby avoiding long-term unpaid transactions and guaranteeing sales confirmation for sellers. In addition, as shown in Figure 1A as "Setting a settlement period: up to one week later," this service has a period management function that allows users to set a deadline for accepting payments from installment payment users and automatically finalizes the payment when the deadline is reached.

[0021] In addition, this service's amount reduction control gradually reduces the amount paid by the user making the advance payment as payment processing or credit assurance for multiple users is completed. This enables a gradual reduction of the advance payment burden and ensures transparency through real-time reflection of settlement status. In Figure 1B, this service visually represents the gradual reduction control as "Sato's 8,000 yen payment reduces the advance payment amount by 22,000 yen" and "Suzuki's 12,000 yen payment reduces the advance payment amount by 10,000 yen." Specifically, it has a period management function that gradually reduces the advance payment amount of 30,000 yen to 22,000 yen after Sato's payment and to 10,000 yen after Suzuki's payment.

[0022] Furthermore, this service's advance payment control ensures credit is secured, and after the set period has elapsed, the settlement of the finalized amount is controlled. The actual amount debited is the last finalized amount, thus achieving true avoidance of advance payments. By utilizing the credit limit mechanism, it is possible to maintain a state where funds are not debited unless settlement is carried out. Figure 1C clearly shows the transition from "credit to settlement confirmation," illustrating the mechanism that achieves true avoidance of advance payments, where "the actual amount debited is the last finalized amount."

[0023] Furthermore, this service allows users to change their payment amount. This enables payers to make multiple payments, and additional payments can be made if there is a minimum payment amount. For example, if a couple attends a class reunion together, the husband can pay for both of them, providing a more flexible payment experience. Also, as shown in Figure 1C, this service allows payers to make multiple payments, as indicated by "user-initiated amount change support." In addition, if there is a minimum payment amount, additional payments can be made flexibly.

[0024] In Figures 1A to 1C, the technical core and final effects clearly position the "dynamic reduction mechanism for payment amounts" of this service as the technical core. A multi-layered effect is systematically organized and displayed, including the simultaneous realization of "sales securing" and "avoidance of advance payments," which was previously impossible; support for qualified receipts through the issuance of individual receipts; support for student discounts, etc., through flexible burden amount settings; system control through automated period management; real-time reflection through gradual reduction control; support for user-initiated amount changes; realization of true avoidance of advance payments through the transition from credit securing to payment confirmation; and proportional distribution of payment amounts through fair benefit provision. All of these effects are derived from the "dynamic reduction mechanism for payment amounts," which is the technical core of the present invention, and provide an innovative service experience that was impossible to achieve with conventional technology.

[0025] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the configuration of an information processing system to which a server according to one embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied will be described.

[0026] The information processing system shown in Figure 2 is configured to include a server 1, a payment user terminal 2, split user terminals 3-1 to 3-n, a store terminal 4, and a payment system 5. Server 1, payment user terminal 2, split user terminals 3-1 to 3-n, store terminal 4, and payment system 5 are interconnected via a network N such as the Internet. When it is not necessary to distinguish between split user terminals 3-1 to 3-n individually, they are collectively referred to as "split user terminal 3".

[0027] Server 1 is an information processing device managed by the service provider of this service (Figures 1A to 1C). Server 1 performs various processes to realize this service while communicating as appropriate with the advance payment user terminal 2, the split payment user terminal 3, the store terminal 4, and the payment system 5. The advance payment user terminal 2 is an information processing device operated by the advance payment user and consists of a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc. The advance payment user terminal 2 functions as the terminal used by Mr. Tanaka in Figures 1A to 1C and performs operations such as purchasing tickets, setting the amount to be paid, and setting the payment period. The split payment user terminal 3 is an information processing device operated by the split payment user and consists of a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc. The split payment user terminal 3 functions as the terminal used by Mr. Sato and Mr. Suzuki in Figures 1A to 1C and accesses the split payment URL to make individual payments. The store terminal 4 is an information processing device operated by the store and consists of a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc. The store terminal 4 functions as the terminal used by the ticket sales store in Figures 1A to 1C and performs operations such as checking sales and monitoring payment status. The payment system 5 is one or more information processing devices that process payments such as credit cards. The payment system 5 processes payment requests from users who make advance payments or installment payments, and is responsible for securing credit and executing payments.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the server hardware configuration in the information processing system shown in Figure 2.

[0029] Server 1 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0030] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the program loaded into the RAM 13 from the storage unit 18. The RAM 13 also stores data and other information necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0031] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is connected to an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0032] The input unit 16 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, and takes in various types of information. The output unit 17 is composed of, for example, a display such as an LCD or a speaker, and outputs various types of information as images or sounds. The storage unit 18 is composed of, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and stores various types of data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (for example, the advance payment user terminal 2, the installment payment user terminal 3, the store terminal 4, and the payment system 5 in Figure 2) via a network N including the Internet.

[0033] A removable media 31, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted on the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 31 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 31 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18, just like the storage unit 18.

[0034] Although not shown in the diagram, the user terminal 2, the installment payment terminal 3, the store terminal 4, and the payment system 5 in Figure 2 can also have a configuration that is basically the same as the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the explanation of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 2, the installment payment terminal 3, the store terminal 4, and the payment system 5 will be omitted.

[0035] Through the cooperation of various hardware and software constituting the information processing system in Figure 2, including the server 1 in Figure 3, various processes for providing the service shown in Figures 1A to 1C can be executed.

[0036] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server in Figure 3 within the information processing system shown in Figure 2.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the CPU 11 of server 1 functions as follows: advance payment control unit 51, installment payment control unit 52, amount reduction control unit 53, receipt issuance control unit 54, benefit granting unit 55, burden amount setting unit 56, period setting unit 57, and user-initiated change unit 58. In addition, one area of ​​the storage unit 18 of server 1 is provided with a settlement information DB 71, a user information DB 72, a burden amount setting DB 73, a receipt information DB 74, and a benefit information DB 75.

[0038] The advance payment control unit 51 controls the execution of payment processing or credit authorization for the full amount of the consideration (for example, 30,000 yen in Figure 1A) for the advance payment user (for example, Mr. Tanaka in Figure 1A) using their payment method. When the advance payment control unit 51 receives an advance payment request from the advance payment user terminal 2, it works in cooperation with the payment system 5 to execute credit authorization or payment processing and stores the result in the payment information DB 71. The advance payment control unit 51 also extracts existing payment information from the payment information DB 71 and executes amount change processing. As a result, the seller can be assured that the sales are 100% confirmed, and the risk of uncertain sales that occurred with conventional individual accounting is resolved.

[0039] The installment payment control unit 52 controls the execution of payment processing or credit assurance for the amount borne by each installment user (for example, Mr. Sato and Mr. Suzuki in Figure 1B) based on their respective payment methods. When the installment payment control unit 52 receives an individual payment request from the installment user terminal 3, it extracts the corresponding amount information from the amount setting DB 73, works in cooperation with the payment system 5 to execute payment processing or credit assurance, and stores the result in the payment information DB 71. The installment payment control unit 52 also extracts information on installment users from the user information DB 72 and uses it for individual payment processing. This ensures that each installment user can reliably make payments using their own payment method, creating a foundation for gradually reducing the financial burden on the advance payment user.

[0040] The amount reduction control unit 53 controls the reduction of the payment processing or credit securing amount for the advance payment user in accordance with the completion of the payment processing or credit securing for the installment user. The amount reduction control unit 53 extracts the payment completion information of the installment user from the payment information DB 71, executes a process to gradually reduce the payment amount for the advance payment user, and stores the updated payment information in the payment information DB 71. For example, as shown in Figure 1B, in the case of purchasing three tickets (30,000 yen), the advance payment amount is gradually reduced to 22,000 yen with Mr. Sato's payment of 8,000 yen, and to 10,000 yen with Mr. Suzuki's payment of 12,000 yen. In this way, the dynamic reduction mechanism of the payment amount of the present invention can be flexibly applied regardless of the transaction amount or the number of participants, and it becomes possible to achieve both sales securing and avoidance of advance payments, which was previously impossible.

[0041] The receipt issuance control unit 54 controls the issuance of receipts to users who make advance payments and users who make installment payments, according to their respective payment amounts. The receipt issuance control unit 54 extracts the final payment amount for each user from the payment information DB 71 and generates and stores receipt data in the receipt information DB 74. The receipt issuance control unit 54 also extracts detailed user information from the user information DB 72 and uses it to create individual receipts. This makes it possible to obtain qualified receipts individually, solving the problem that other payers can obtain qualified receipts even if the user making the advance payment is not a qualified consumption tax business, and significantly simplifying expense processing.

[0042] The reward granting unit 55 grants rewards to the advance payment user and the installment payment user according to their respective payment amounts. The reward granting unit 55 extracts each user's payment amount from the payment information DB 71 and stores the reward granting information in the reward information DB 75. The reward granting unit 55 also extracts the user's account information from the user information DB 72 and uses it for individual reward granting processing. This prevents situations where advance payment users appear to have bought points, ensures that points are distributed fairly according to the payment amount, and resolves the unfair situation where all points are concentrated only on the advance payment user.

[0043] The burden amount setting unit 56 enables the advance user to individually set the burden amounts of the sub - users. When the burden amount setting unit 56 receives a burden amount setting request from the advance user terminal 2, it stores the burden amounts of each sub - user in the burden amount setting DB 73. Also, the burden amount setting unit 56 extracts the attribute information of the sub - users from the user information DB 72 and utilizes it to support appropriate burden amount setting. As a result, flexible burden distribution such as making it cheaper for students like Tanaka 10,000 yen, Sato 8,000 yen, and Suzuki 12,000 yen shown in FIG. 1B becomes possible, dynamic cost sharing is realized, and it is liberated from the constraint of the conventional equal sharing for all members.

[0044] The period setting unit 57 sets the period for accepting payment processing or credit securing by the sub - users. When the period setting unit 57 receives a period setting request from the advance user terminal 2, it stores the settlement acceptance period in the settlement information DB 71. Also, the period setting unit 57 extracts the existing period setting information from the settlement information DB 71 and utilizes it for period management processing. As a result, with a specific deadline such as until one week later shown in FIG. 1A, for those that are not completed by the specified period, the sales are finalized there, avoiding a long - term unsettled state and ensuring the sales settlement of the seller.

[0045] The user - led change unit 58 enables the sub - users to change the burden amount. When the user - led change unit 58 receives a burden amount change request from the sub - user terminal 3, it updates the information in the burden amount setting DB 73 and stores the change history in the settlement information DB 71. Also, the user - led change unit 58 extracts the change authority information from the user information DB 72 and utilizes it for appropriate change control. As a result, payers such as the additional 2,000 yen settlement for Mr. Suzuki shown in FIG. 1B can make multiple payments, and when a couple participates in a reunion, it is also possible for the husband to pay for two people, providing a more flexible settlement experience.

[0046] Figure 5 is a detailed diagram of the settlement flow in the information processing system shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 shows in detail the complex settlement process performed between the store terminal 4, the advance payment user terminal 2 (Mr. Tanaka), the split payment user terminal 3-1 (Mr. Sato), the split payment user terminal 3-2 (Mr. Suzuki), and the server 1. First, in step S1, a settlement request is sent from the store terminal 4 to the advance payment user terminal 2. At this stage, the advance payment control unit 51 in Figure 4 operates and controls the execution of payment processing or credit authorization for the full amount of the consideration (30,000 yen) for the payment method of the advance payment user (Mr. Tanaka). The advance payment control unit 51 stores the full settlement information in the settlement information DB 71 and sends a sales confirmation notice to the store. This realizes a state where the sales are 100% confirmed from the seller's perspective, completely resolving the risk of unconfirmed sales in conventional individual accounting. In step S2, credit authorization (30,000 yen) is performed from the advance payment user terminal 2 to the server 1. Next, in step S3, Server 1 sends payment splitting instructions to split user terminals 3-1 and 3-2. During this process, the burden amount setting unit 56 in Figure 4 extracts the burden amount information for each split user (Mr. Sato: 8,000 yen, Mr. Suzuki: 12,000 yen) from the burden amount setting DB 73 and generates individual payment instructions. The period setting unit 57 also extracts the set payment acceptance period (1 week) from the payment information DB 71 and sends it as a payment instruction with a deadline. In step S3, when split user terminal 3-1 (Mr. Sato) makes a payment of 8,000 yen to Server 1, the split payment control unit 52 in Figure 4 operates, extracts Mr. Sato's burden amount information from the burden amount setting DB 73, executes the payment process, and stores the result in the payment information DB 71. Simultaneously, the amount reduction control unit 53 extracts the payment information of the advance payment user from the payment information DB 71, reduces the amount from 30,000 yen by 8,000 yen to 22,000 yen, and stores the updated information in the payment information DB 71. This gradual reduction process reduces the actual burden on the advance payment user. In the following step S4, when a payment of 12,000 yen is made to the server 1 from the installment payment user terminal 3-2 (Mr. Suzuki), the installment payment control unit 52 and the amount reduction control unit 53 work in cooperation to further reduce the advance payment user's payment amount from 22,000 yen to 10,000 yen.This process concretely realizes the gradual reduction shown in Figure 1: "a reduction from 30,000 yen to 22,000 yen, and then to 10,000 yen." In step S5, Server 1 sends a payment amount reduction notification to the user terminal 2. Subsequently, in step S6, Server 1 executes a confirmation process from credit authorization to actual settlement to the settlement system 5. After settlement is completed, the receipt issuance control unit 54 in Figure 4 operates, extracts the final settlement amount for each user from the settlement information DB 71, and generates and stores individual receipt data in the receipt information DB 74. A receipt for 10,000 yen is issued to the user (Tanaka), a receipt for 8,000 yen to Sato, and a receipt for 12,000 yen to Suzuki. This realizes the individual acquisition of eligible receipts and achieves the important effect of simplifying expense processing. Furthermore, the reward granting unit 55 extracts the payment amount for each user from the payment information DB 71 and stores reward granting information proportional to the payment amount in the reward information DB 75. For example, in the case of a 10 percent cashback, Mr. Tanaka will be individually awarded 1,000 yen worth of points, Mr. Sato 800 yen worth of points, and Mr. Suzuki 1,200 yen worth of points. This resolves the unfair situation where points are concentrated in the hands of the previous advance payment users. The most important feature of the payment flow shown in Figure 5 is the flow of fund recovery. In the conventional advance payment method, the advance payment user had to individually recover funds from other participants, but in this system, each installment user makes a payment directly to the store, completely eliminating the burden of fund recovery on the advance payment user. At the same time, since the store's sales are confirmed by the advance payment user's initial payment, it does not bear the risk of payment delays or non-payments by installment users. Thus, the payment flow shown in Figure 5 specifically illustrates how each element of the present invention described in Figures 1A to 1C to 4 works in conjunction with each other in actual payment processing.

[0047] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are considered to be included in the present invention.

[0048] Also, the system configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the hardware configuration of server 1 shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention and are not particularly limited.

[0049] Further, the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing system of FIG. 2 has a function capable of executing the various processes described above as a whole, and the functional blocks and databases used for realizing this function are not particularly limited to the example of FIG. 4.

[0050] Also, the location where the functional blocks and databases are present is not limited to FIG. 4 and may be arbitrary. For example, at least a part of the functional blocks and databases arranged on the server 1 side may be configured to be provided on the advance user terminal 2 side, the divided user terminal 3 side, the store terminal 4 side, or another information processing apparatus not shown.

[0051] Also, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or by software. Also, one functional block may be constituted by hardware alone, by software alone, or by a combination thereof.

[0052] When the series of processes are executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Also, the computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose smartphone or a personal computer in addition to a server.

[0053] The recording medium including such a program is not only constituted by a removable medium not shown distributed separately from the apparatus main body for providing the program to the user, but also constituted by a recording medium or the like provided to the user in a state pre-installed in the apparatus main body.

[0054] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually.

[0055] In summary, the information processing device to which the present invention applies only needs to have the following configuration, and can take various forms. In other words, the information processing device to which the present invention applies (for example, Server 1 in Figures 2 to 4) is "an information processing device that divides the payment of consideration among multiple users, comprising: advance payment control means (for example, advance payment control unit 51 in Figure 4) that controls the execution of payment processing or credit securing for the entire amount of the consideration (for example, 30,000 yen in Figure 1B, payment flow in Figure 5) for the settlement method of the advance payment user (for example, Mr. Tanaka in Figure 1B, advance payment user terminal 2 in Figure 5); installment payment control means (for example, installment payment control unit 52 in Figure 4) that controls the execution of payment processing or credit securing for the amount borne by the installment payment user (for example, Mr. Sato, Mr. Suzuki in Figure 1B, installment payment user terminals 3-1, 3-2 in Figure 5) for the settlement method of the installment payment user; and amount reduction control means (for example, amount reduction control unit 53 in Figure 4, stepwise reduction processing in Figure 5) that controls the reduction of the amount of payment processing or credit securing for the advance payment user in accordance with the completion of payment processing or credit securing for the installment payment user." Having that will suffice.

[0056] In this way, it becomes possible to simultaneously achieve immediate sales confirmation and avoid advance payments.

[0057] Furthermore, the system may also include receipt issuance control means (for example, the receipt issuance control unit 54 in Figure 4 and the receipt issuance process in Figure 5) that controls the issuance of receipts corresponding to the respective settlement amounts for the advance payment user and the installment payment user.

[0058] This will enable the individual acquisition of qualified receipts and simplify expense processing.

[0059] Furthermore, the system may include a means for granting benefits to the advance payment user and the installment payment user in accordance with their respective payment amounts (for example, the benefit granting unit 55 in Figure 4 and the benefit granting process in Figure 5).

[0060] This will enable the resolution of the point distribution problem and the realization of fairness.

[0061] Furthermore, the system may include a means for setting the amount of the payment to be borne by each user of the installment plan, which can be individually set by the user who is making the advance payment (for example, the payment amount setting unit 56 in Figure 4, and the individual payment amount setting in Figure 1A).

[0062] This enables flexible cost distribution and dynamic bill splitting tailored to the attributes and circumstances of each participant.

[0063] Furthermore, the system may also include a period setting means (for example, the period setting unit 57 in Figure 4, the settlement period setting in Figure 1A) for setting a period for accepting payment processing or credit assurance by the installment user.

[0064] This makes it possible to control the timing of settlement confirmation and avoid prolonged periods of unsettled transactions.

[0065] Furthermore, the amount reduction control means can gradually reduce the amount for the advance payment user in accordance with the completion of payment processing or credit assurance for multiple installment users (for example, the amount reduction control unit 53 in Figure 4, the gradual reduction in Figure 1B, and the gradual reduction process in Figure 5).

[0066] This will enable a gradual reduction in the burden of advance payments and real-time reflection of payment status.

[0067] Furthermore, the advance payment control means can perform credit assurance and, after the period set by the period setting means has elapsed, control the execution of settlement at the confirmed amount (for example, the advance payment control unit 51 in Figure 4, the transition from credit assurance state to settlement confirmation in Figure 1C, and the settlement confirmation process in Figure 5).

[0068] This will enable the realization of avoiding actual advance payments and the effective use of credit lines.

[0069] Furthermore, the system may be further equipped with user-initiated modification means that allows the user to change the amount of the shared payment (for example, the user-initiated modification unit 58 in Figure 4, and the user-initiated modification example in Figure 1A).

[0070] This will enable users to adjust their payments independently and provide a more flexible payment experience.

[0071] 1...Server, 2...Advance Payment User Terminal, 3...Installment Payment User Terminal, 4...Store Terminal, 5...Payment System, 11...CPU, 12...ROM, 13...RAM, 14...Bus, 15...Input / Output Interface, 16...Input Unit, 17...Output Unit, 18...Storage Unit, 19...Communication Unit, 20...Drive, 31...Removable Media, 51...Advance Payment Control Unit, 52...Installment Payment Control Unit, 53...Amount Reduction Control Unit, 54...Receipt Issuance Control Unit, 55...Benefit Granting Unit, 56...Burden Amount Setting Unit, 57...Period Setting Unit, 58...User-Initiated Change Unit, 71...Payment Information DB, 72...User Information DB, 73...Burden Amount Setting DB, 74...Receipt Information DB, 75...Benefit Information DB

Claims

1. An information processing device for splitting the payment of consideration among multiple users, comprising: advance payment control means that controls the execution of payment processing or credit securing for the full amount of consideration with respect to the settlement method of the advance payment user; installment payment control means that controls the execution of payment processing or credit securing for the amount borne by the installment payment user with respect to the settlement method of the installment payment user; and amount reduction control means that controls the reduction of the amount of payment processing or credit securing for the advance payment user in accordance with the completion of payment processing or credit securing for the installment payment user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a receipt issuance control means for controlling the issuance of receipts to the advance payment user and the installment payment user according to their respective settlement amounts.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a means for granting benefits to the advance payment user and the installment payment user, in accordance with their respective settlement amounts.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a burden amount setting means that allows the user who made the advance payment to individually set the amount to be borne by the user who made the advance payment.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a period setting means for setting a period for accepting payment processing or credit securing by the installment user.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the amount reduction control means reduces the amount for the advance payment user in stages according to the completion of payment processing or credit assurance for a plurality of the advance payment users.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the advance payment control means performs credit assurance and controls the execution of settlement at a fixed amount after the period set by the period setting means has elapsed.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a user-initiated modification means that allows the divided user to change the amount of the burden.

9. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that divides the payment of consideration among multiple users, comprising: an advance payment control step that controls the execution of payment processing or credit securing for the full amount of the consideration with respect to the settlement method of the advance payment user; an installment payment control step that controls the execution of payment processing or credit securing for the amount borne by the installment payment user with respect to the settlement method of the installment payment user; and an amount reduction control step that controls the reduction of the amount of payment processing or credit securing for the advance payment user in accordance with the completion of payment processing or credit securing for the installment payment user.

10. A program that causes a computer that divides the payment of consideration among multiple users to execute a control process including: an advance payment control step that controls the execution of payment processing or credit securing for the full amount of the consideration for the payment method of the advance user; an installment payment control step that controls the execution of payment processing or credit securing for the amount borne by the installment user for the payment method of the installment user; and an amount reduction control step that controls the reduction of the amount of payment processing or credit securing for the advance user in response to the completion of payment processing or credit securing for the installment user.

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