JP6375046B2 - Electronic currency management apparatus, electronic currency management method, and electronic currency management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic currency management apparatus, an electronic currency management method, and an electronic currency management system for transferring electronic currency such as points owned by users between users.

  Conventionally, point services that give points with product purchases have been widely used. In addition to the so-called closed-loop point service that does not allow the transfer of points between users, a so-called open-loop point service that permits the transfer of points between users is known.

  As an open loop type point service, Patent Document 1 discloses a point management system for transferring points by receiving an answer input for a confirmation item using a point receiving page specified by a URL attached to an e-mail. ing.

JP 2009-104354 A

  In the point management system of Patent Document 1, when the assignee correctly inputs an answer set by the assigner, the assigning of the point is executed, so that it is possible to prevent the assigning of the point to an incorrect user. . However, the answer must be shared between the transferor and the transferee, which is cumbersome and inconvenient for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides an electronic currency management device, an electronic currency management method, and an electronic currency management system capable of easily transferring electronic currency between users. Objective.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the storage unit stores the balance information of the electronic currency in association with the identification information of the user who uses the service, and the communication terminal used by the first user of the electronic currency transfer source. A transfer acceptance unit for receiving a transfer request for the electronic currency, including information for specifying a second user to whom the electronic currency is transferred, and the information specified based on the information included in the transfer request When the billing destination of the service fee for the second user is the same as the billing destination of the service fee for the first user, at least a part of the electronic currency owned by the first user is given to the second user. There is provided an electronic currency management device comprising: a transfer execution unit to be transferred to the second user.

  The transfer acceptance unit may receive the transfer request including information for specifying a second user of a communication terminal that has performed short-range wireless communication with a communication terminal used by the first user.

  In addition, the transfer execution unit may obtain at least a part of the electronic currency owned by the first user when the second user is a user who has performed short-range wireless communication with a communication terminal used by the first user. You may move to the second user.

  In addition, the transfer execution unit receives the permission notification indicating that the second user has permitted transfer of a part of the electronic currency from the communication terminal of the second user of the transfer destination. At least part of the electronic currency owned by one user may be transferred to the second user.

  In addition, the transfer executing unit specifies information for specifying the first user and the second user included in the transfer request, and specifies the first user and the second user included in the permission notification. If the information matches, at least part of the electronic currency owned by the first user may be transferred to the second user. The electronic currency is, for example, any one of credits, points, and coupons.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, a communication terminal used by a first user, executed by an electronic currency management apparatus that includes a storage unit that stores electronic currency balance information in association with identification information of a user who uses a service. Receiving the electronic currency transfer request including information for specifying the second user to whom the electronic currency is to be transferred, and the first specified based on the information included in the transfer request When the billing destination of the service fee for the two users is the same as the billing destination of the service fee for the first user, at least a part of the electronic currency owned by the first user is given to the second user. And a step of transferring to a second user.

  In the third aspect of the present invention, the balance information of the electronic currency is associated with the communication terminal used by the first user, the communication terminal used by the second user, and the identification information of the first user and the second user. An electronic currency management system comprising: an electronic currency management system for managing a communication terminal used by the first user for specifying a second user to whom an electronic currency owned by the first user is transferred A transfer request including information is transmitted to the electronic currency management device, the electronic currency management device stores balance information of electronic currency in association with identification information of a user who uses the service, and the electronic currency A transfer acceptance unit that receives the transfer request received from the communication terminal used by the first user of the transfer source, and the second user specified based on the information included in the transfer request When the billing destination of the service fee is the same as the billing destination of the service fee for the first user, the second user receives at least a part of the electronic currency owned by the first user with respect to the second user. An electronic currency management system comprising a transfer execution unit that transfers to

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily transfer electronic money between users.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of an electronic currency management system. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of an electronic currency management system. It is a figure which shows the information managed by each server which comprises an electronic currency management system. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of a user terminal. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of card | curd issuing. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process at the time of card | curd issuing. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of charging a card | curd. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of purchasing goods using a card | curd. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of giving a point with respect to a user. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of providing a user specific service with respect to a user. It is a figure which shows the function structure of an electronic currency management apparatus. It is a figure which shows the various information memorize | stored in an electronic currency management apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen at the time of transferring a point. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of transferring a point. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of the electronic currency management apparatus which concerns on another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of transferring a point. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of transferring a point.

[Outline of Electronic Currency Management System S]
First, an outline of the electronic currency management system S will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic currency management system S is a system that manages the balance of electronic currency that can be used by the user using the card 11 and enables the management of the card 11 from the user's mobile phone (hereinafter referred to as user terminal 12). . An electronic currency is an intangible currency having a monetary value, such as credits, points, and coupons. The card is, for example, a credit card or a prepaid card that can be used when purchasing goods or services using electronic currency.

  The user can use the electronic currency stored in the account using the card 11 when the electronic currency is stored in an account associated with the card 11 in advance and purchase of goods or services. In the electronic currency management system S, the user terminal 12 is used by linking the card 11 and the user terminal 12 in the electronic currency management apparatus 10 that can be accessed via, for example, a base station of a mobile phone network. Card management is realized. Specifically, in the electronic currency management system S, the user terminal 12 is used to implement charging (payment) to a prepaid card, confirmation of a card balance, points given, usage history, and the like.

The user can store electronic currency in various ways. For example, the user can save electronic money by transferring and charging cash to an account designated by a card number set in the card 11. The user can also store electronic currency by shopping at a physical store or online store using the card 11 and receiving points according to the purchase amount. Since the user can confirm the balance of the electronic currency associated with the card 11 from the user terminal 12, the user's willingness to accumulate electronic currency and use it for various purposes is increased.
Hereinafter, an example of a specific configuration for realizing the electronic currency management system S will be described.

[System configuration of electronic currency management system S]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the electronic currency management system S. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic currency management system S includes a user device 1 and an electronic currency management device 10 accessible by the user device 1. The electronic currency management apparatus 10 includes a card management server 2, a carrier server 3, and a point management server 4.

  The user device 1 is a device used by each user who uses a service provided by the electronic currency management system S, and includes a card 11 and a user terminal 12.

The card 11 is a card that makes payment using the international brand payment NW50, and is a prepaid card that can make payment of the usage amount based on the amount charged in advance. In addition, it is good also as using the postpay card | curd which replaces with a prepaid card as a card | curd 11 or postpays the amount of charge postpaid instead of a prepaid card | curd or the amount of charge.
The user terminal 12 is a communication device that performs communication (call) via a communication NW provided by a communication carrier, and is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like. A predetermined application program is installed in the user terminal 12, and the card 11 can be managed from the user terminal 12 through an application executed based on the program.

The card management server 2 is a server that manages the usage history of the card 11 for each user, and stores information related to the card 11. Here, FIG. 3A shows an example of various information stored in the card management server 2. As shown in FIG. 3A, the card management server 2 stores various information such as a prepaid card number (hereinafter simply referred to as “card number”), a balance, and a usage history in association with the management number.
The card number is a number consisting of approximately 16 digits of alphanumeric characters set in the card 11 and is identification information for identifying the card 11. The management number is a number uniquely corresponding to the card number, and is used to identify the card 11 instead of the card number when linking with another server. The balance is information indicating the balance of the amount charged in the account designated by the card number set in the card 11. The use history is a history of shopping using the card 11 and includes purchase date and time, products / services to be purchased, purchase price, purchase place (store name), and the like.

  The carrier server 3 is a server used by a communication carrier, and manages the usage history of the user terminal 12 of the service provided by the communication carrier for each user. The carrier server 3 calculates the amount charged to the user based on the usage history. Further, the carrier server 3 functions as an entrance (portal) for providing the service provided by the communication carrier to the user terminal 12. For example, in response to a request from the user terminal 12, the carrier server 3 acquires the balance of the electronic currency stored in the account corresponding to the card number associated with the user ID from the point management server 4, and sends it to the user terminal 12. The balance of electronic currency can be notified. The carrier server 3 may acquire points associated with the user ID from the point management server 4 and notify the user terminal 12 of the point balance.

Here, an example of various information managed in the carrier server 3 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3B, the carrier server 3 stores various information such as the telephone number of the user terminal 12, the billing amount, the contract ID, and the contractor name in association with the user ID.
The user ID is identification information for identifying the user terminal 12 or a user who uses the user terminal 12. The telephone number is a telephone number set for the user terminal 12 that is a communication terminal. The charged amount is an amount charged to the user when the user terminal 12 is used, and includes, for example, a communication fee and a usage fee for the content used on the user terminal 12. Depending on the communication carrier, not only a mobile phone but also a complex service such as a fixed telephone or cable TV may be provided to the user. Therefore, the billed amount is provided to the user indicated by the user ID. You may include charges for the services you have. The contract ID is identification information for identifying a contract made with a communication carrier, and is information indicating that the contractor has made the contract. Communication carriers sometimes charge communication charges collectively within the same person or family. The contract ID and the contractor name are information for discriminating a range in which charges for communication charges are collected and a target for charging the collected communication charges.

  Although not shown, the carrier server 3 has paid information related to the contract such as the contract deadline and contract date and time of the user terminal 12 and the amount charged according to the use of the user terminal 12 in association with the user ID. Information on payment of communication charges such as being delayed may be stored.

The point management server 4 obtains points according to use of the card 11 (for example, shopping using the card) and points according to use of the service provided to the user indicated by the user terminal 12 or the user ID. A server that is integrated and managed. Here, examples of various information managed in the point management server 4 are shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3C, the point management server 4 stores various information such as a management number, points, and detailed information in association with the user ID. The user ID is identification information for identifying a user who uses the user terminal 12, and is used when linking with the carrier server 3. The management number is a number uniquely corresponding to the card number, and is used when linking with the card management server 2. The point is information indicating the number of points given to the corresponding user according to the charge amount acquired from the carrier server 3 and the purchase amount acquired from the card management server 2 (that is, the settlement amount of the purchased product). It is. The detail information is information including the card 11 and the point usage history, and indicates the history of shopping using the card 11 and the history of points given to the user.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3D, the point management server 4 stores a point grant rate for calculating points to be granted based on the purchase amount and the charge amount in association with the usage form. As a usage form, the use of the card 11 or the user terminal 12 can be considered, but besides these, depending on whether the store using the card 11 is a normal store or a point preferential store, the rate It is good also as making it differ. Information indicating a store using the card 11 can be acquired by receiving a use history from the card management server 2.

  The point management server 4 may store the balance of the electronic currency managed by the card management server 2 in association with the card number in association with the user ID. In this case, the point management server 4 updates the stored electronic currency balance in synchronization with the update timing of the electronic currency balance in the card management server 2. In response to a request from the user terminal 12, the point management server 4 reads the balance of the electronic currency stored in association with the user ID corresponding to the user terminal 12 from the storage unit, and via the carrier server 3, The balance can be notified to the user terminal 12. The point management server 4 acquires the balance of the electronic currency associated with the card number corresponding to the user ID from the card management server 2 at the timing when the balance of the electronic currency is requested from the user terminal 12, and the acquired balance May be notified to the user terminal 12.

  As described above, in the electronic currency management system S, the card management server 2, the carrier server 3, and the point management server 4 cooperate to manage the card number and the user ID in association with each other. That is, the electronic currency management system S associates and manages card identification information and user identification information for identifying a user who uses the user terminal. Specifically, in the electronic currency management system S, the point management server 4 associates the card number with the user ID via the management number associated with both the card number and the user ID.

  And the electronic currency management system S manages the balance of the electronic currency which can be settled with a card in the card management server 2 in association with the card number. In response to a request from the user terminal 12, the carrier server 3 acquires the balance of the electronic currency stored in the account corresponding to the card number associated with the user ID from the card management server 2 via the point management server 4. Then, the balance of the electronic currency can be notified to the user terminal 12. By doing in this way, in the electronic currency management system S, it is as if the user manages the electronic currency in association with the user terminal 12 without inputting information on the electronic currency account to the user terminal 12. It is possible to grasp the balance of electronic currency with a sense.

  In the electronic currency management system S having the above configuration, the point management server 4 integrates the usage status of the card 11 managed by the card management server 2 and the usage status of the user terminal 12 managed by the carrier server 3. And achieve point integration. Specifically, the point management server 4 integrates the usage status of the card 11 and the usage status of the user terminal 12 by linking the management number and the user ID.

Since the point management server 4 manages the integrated information in association with the user ID, the usage status of the card 11 and the usage status of the user terminal 12 of the corresponding user can be acquired using the user ID as a key.
Therefore, in the electronic currency management system S, when a user using the user terminal 12 designates a user ID and makes a request, the user can grasp various information managed by the point management server 4. Specifically, when the user terminal 12 transmits predetermined information including a user ID to the carrier server 3, the carrier server 3 acquires various pieces of related information from the point management server 4 using the user ID as a key, and the user Provided to the terminal 12. Note that the point management server 4 and the carrier server 3 may provide the user terminal 12 with difference information with respect to the information provided at the previous request.

[Display screen example of user terminal 12]
Here, an example of the display screen displayed on the user terminal 12 based on various information provided from the carrier server 3 is shown in FIG. FIG. 4A is a display screen 200 showing an example of a top screen displayed during execution of the above-described application, and FIG. 4B is a display showing an example of a menu screen displayed during execution of the application. This is a screen 210.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the display screen 200 includes a card balance display 201, a point number display 202, a charge button 203, and a menu button 204.
The card balance display 201 is a display showing the balance of the prepaid card 11, and the point number display 202 is a display showing the number of points given to the user. The display contents of the card balance display 201 and the point number display 202 are controlled based on the balance and the number of points of the card 11 acquired from the point management server 4 using the user ID as a key.

The charge button 203 is used when the user charges the card 11 with a desired amount. When the charge button 203 is operated and the user performs a predetermined charging operation, a charge request is made to the card management server 2 in cooperation with the user ID and the management number.
The menu button 204 is used when calling up menu screens of various services provided by the carrier server 3. When the menu button 204 is operated, a display screen 210 shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the user terminal 12.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the display screen 210 includes a point menu 211, a shopping menu 212, and a card menu 213.
The point menu 211 includes a menu that prompts the user to use points, such as “Purchase a product using points” and “Get a privilege (coupon) using points”. Thereby, since various services that can use the points are provided to the user, the user can use the given points in various scenes.

The shopping menu 212 includes a menu that prompts the user to use the card 11 such as “Introduction of point preferential stores” and “Introducing stores that can shop using the card 11”. When the card 11 is used, points according to the purchase amount are given in the point management server 4, and by providing such a menu, it is possible to increase the opportunities for giving points.
The card menu 213 includes a menu for confirming the usage details of the card 11. By selecting this menu, the user can check the usage history of the card 11.

[Operation of Electronic Currency Management System S]
The configuration of the electronic currency management system S has been described above. Next, the operation of the electronic currency management system S will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Operation when issuing a card]
First, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the operation at the time of card issuance will be described. In the electronic currency management system S, the card 11 is issued in a locked state so that it cannot be used, and the card 11 and the user terminal 12 are linked to release the lock of the card 11. The locked state is, for example, a state in which a request for payment or charge is disabled on the card management server 2 side.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the card 11 is provided with an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip 111 that can be read by the user terminal 12, and the card can be read by the user terminal 12 by reading the IC chip 111. 11 is unlocked and the card 11 becomes usable. In the present embodiment, an IC chip 111 corresponding to NFC (Near Field Communication) is provided in the card 11, and the user terminal 12 reads the IC chip 111 using its own NFC communication function.

Here, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of processing at the time of card issuance will be described.
First, in step S <b> 1, the card issuer (card management server 2) stores information usable for unlocking in the IC chip 111, and sets the information on the card 11. Note that the information stored in the IC chip 111 is arbitrary information. In this embodiment, for example, a user ID for identifying the user terminal 12 is used. When information usable for unlocking is set in the card 11, the card management server 2 issues the card 11 to the user in step S2.

  When the card 11 issued from the card management server 2 arrives, the user reads the IC chip 111 of the card 11 using the user terminal 12 in step S3. That is, when the user brings the user terminal 12 into contact with the card 11, the NFC function of the user terminal 12 is exhibited, and information usable for unlocking stored in the IC chip 111 is read from the card 11. Subsequently, in step S4, the user terminal 12 determines whether or not the information held by itself matches the read information. If both pieces of information (user ID) match at this time, the user terminal 12 makes a use permission request in step S5, and the card management server 2 releases the lock of the issued card 11 in step S6. , Allow use. On the other hand, if the two pieces of information do not match in step S4, the user terminal 12 performs predetermined error processing in step S7.

In the foregoing, an example of processing at the time of issuing a card has been described. Information that can be used for unlocking the card 11 may be encrypted by a predetermined method. In this case, it is determined whether or not both pieces of information match in the user terminal 12 by holding information obtained by encrypting the user ID of the user terminal 12 or storing encryption key information. be able to.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the user terminal 12 performs determination for unlocking. In this regard, the determination may be performed not by the user terminal 12 but by any of the card management server 2, the carrier server 3, and the point management server 4.

  When the user terminal 12 reads the IC chip 111 provided on the card 11 after unlocking the card 11, a display screen (for example, the display screen shown in FIG. 4A) displayed during the execution of the application described above. 200) may be automatically displayed on the user terminal 12. That is, when the user terminal 12 reads the IC chip 111, the user terminal 12 requests various information from the carrier server 3, and displays the information acquired in response to the request.

[Operation when charging]
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an operation when charging the money to the card 11 will be described. FIG. 7A shows a display screen 220 showing a charge menu screen displayed when the charge button 203 is operated on the display screen 200 showing the top screen (see FIG. 4A).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the electronic currency management system S of the present embodiment includes at least a charging method 221 and a charging method 222 as a method of charging the amount of money to the card 11. The charging method 221 is a charging method in which an amount of money is charged to the card 11 using at least a part of the given points, and charging is performed by converting the points into money at a predetermined rate. The charging method 222 is a charging method for charging using carrier settlement. Carrier payment is to make a payment together with the communication fee of the user terminal 12. In this charging method 222, the charged amount is added to the amount charged by the user terminal 12 and charged. In the present embodiment, only the charging methods 221 and 222 will be described, but the charging method to the card 11 is not limited to these, and may be realized by other methods. For example, a bank account used by the user may be set in advance, and the card 11 may be charged via this bank account.

  FIG. 7B shows a flow of operations of the charging method 221 and the charging method 222. As shown in FIG. 7B, in step S11, the user terminal 12 makes a charge request to the carrier server 3. In this charge request, the user terminal 12 notifies the carrier server 3 of the charge method and the charge amount together with the user ID.

  Upon receiving the charge request, the carrier server 3 notifies the point management server 4 that the charge request has been received from the user terminal 12 in step S12. Specifically, the carrier server 3 notifies the point management server 4 using the user ID that identifies the user terminal 12 that has received the charge request.

  In step S13, the point management server 4 specifies a management number corresponding to the user ID, and the card associated with the card number set in the card 11 corresponding to the management number with respect to the card management server 2. To charge the requested amount. Upon receiving this notification, the card management server 2 deposits the amount notified to the account corresponding to the card number set in the card 11 of the card number corresponding to the management number. In detail, the process of step S13 is performed after the processes of steps S14A and B are performed.

Step S14A is a process executed when the charge method 221 is selected, and step S14B is a process executed when the charge method 222 is selected.
In step S14A, the point management server 4 subtracts a point corresponding to the charge amount from the point associated with the user ID.

In step S14B, the carrier server 3 adds an amount corresponding to the charge amount to the charge amount associated with the user ID, and charges the user at a predetermined timing.
In carrier payment, a payment available frame may be set according to the contents of a contract with a communication carrier. As an example, there may be a case where a settlement frame is set according to the number of months of subscription to a service provided by a communication carrier. For example, a settlement frame of “5000 yen” for a user with a subscription month of “12 months” For a user with a subscription month of “36 months”, a settlement available frame “10,000 yen” is set. In such a case, in the process of step S14B, the carrier server 3 determines whether or not the sum of the charge amount of the current month is within the settleable frame, and only when the carrier server 3 is within the settleable frame. You may enable payment.

[Operation when purchasing a product]
Next, an operation when purchasing a product using the card 11 will be described with reference to FIG. The card 11 can be used in an actual store or a virtual store on the Internet.
When purchasing a product in an actual store, as shown in step S21A, by reading the card 11 through a card reader, the card number of the card 11 and information related to the product purchase are notified to the settlement NW50 provided by the international brand. The Note that the information related to product purchase is, for example, information such as the purchase price, purchased product, purchased store, and the like. Also, as shown in step S21B, when purchasing a product at a virtual store, the user terminal 12 notifies the settlement NW 50 of the card number of the card 11 and information related to the product purchase.

  When a predetermined payment process is performed in the payment NW 50, in step S22, the payment NW 50 notifies the card management server 2 of the card number and information related to product purchase. Upon receiving this information, the card management server 2 updates the usage history by subtracting the purchase amount from the balance corresponding to the card number, and notifies the settlement NW 50 that the subtraction process has been completed.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 23, the card management server 2 notifies the point management server 4 of information related to product purchase together with a management number corresponding to the card number. The point management server 4 updates the points associated with the user ID corresponding to the management number based on the acquired information related to product purchase.

[Operation when points are given]
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an operation when giving points to the user will be described. As described above, in the electronic currency management system S of the present embodiment, points are given according to the purchase of a product using the card 11, and points are also given according to the use of the user terminal 12.

In the case where points are given according to the purchase of the product, the point management server 4 acquires information related to the product purchase from the card management server 2 together with the management number in step S31. Then, in step S32, the point management server 4 specifies a rate according to the store where the product is purchased, and calculates a point according to the purchase amount based on the rate. Note that the processes in steps S31 and S32 are performed each time the user purchases a product using the card 11.
When the points corresponding to the purchase amount are calculated, in step S35, the point management server 4 adds the calculated points to the points stored in association with the user ID corresponding to the management number.

In step S <b> 33, the point management server 4 acquires the billed amount from the carrier server 3 together with the user ID. Then, in step S34, the point management server 4 calculates points according to the billed amount based on a predetermined rate. Note that the processing of step S33 and step S34 is performed at the timing when the amount charged is determined.
When the point corresponding to the amount charged is calculated, in step S35, the point management server 4 adds the calculated point to the point stored in association with the user ID.

[Operations when providing services to users]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an operation at the time of providing a user-specific service to a user who uses the electronic currency management system S will be described.

In step S41, when the user terminal 12 accesses the carrier server 3 with the user ID, the carrier server 3 notifies the point management server 4 of the user ID in step S42. In step S43, the point management server 4 acquires information related to the service corresponding to the notified user ID, and notifies the carrier server 3 of the information. In step S44, the service is provided from the carrier server 3 to the user terminal 12. Is done.
The point management server 4 manages the access history for each user ID, and based on this access history, the difference information from the previous access (use amount, charge amount, increase / decrease of points), the current balance and Get the current number of points. Then, the acquired information is provided to the user terminal 12 via the carrier server 3, so that the user terminal 12 displays a difference from the previous time, the current balance, the number of points, and the like.

The service corresponding to the user ID is, for example, a service that makes it possible to confirm the balance of the card 11 owned by the user and the points given, and introduces a product that matches the user's attributes (recommendation). Service.
As an example, the point management server 4 can purchase a product that can be purchased with the balance or points based on the balance or points associated with the user ID, or a little more than the balance or points that can be purchased. Providing services that introduce Further, the point management server 4 provides a service for introducing a product preferred by the user based on a user attribute (gender, age, date of birth, hobby preference) associated with the user ID. Such services can also be provided that have been updated since the previous access.

  Further, the point management server 4 may change the point management server 4 to a state where the points cannot be used when the contract with the service provider using the user terminal 12 is canceled. For example, it is assumed that a communication carrier provides a communication service using the user terminal 12 and gives a point corresponding to the communication fee to the user of the user terminal 12. In this case, when the point management server 4 acquires information from the carrier server 3 that the user of the user terminal 12 has canceled the contract with the communication carrier, the point management server 4 deletes the points stored in association with the user terminal 12. When the point management server 4 acquires information that the user of the user terminal 12 has canceled the contract with the communication carrier, the point management server 4 may store the point balance with a flag indicating that points cannot be used. When the point management server 4 receives a notification from the carrier server 3 that the user has resumed the contract with the communication carrier within a predetermined period after canceling the contract, the point management server 4 You may make it usable.

[First Embodiment]
The electronic currency management device of the present invention is preferably used in the electronic currency management system S described above. Hereinafter, the electronic money management apparatus of the present invention will be described.

[Functional Configuration of Electronic Currency Management Device 5]
First, the configuration of the electronic currency management apparatus 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electronic currency management apparatus 5 of the present invention. The electronic money management device 5 may be realized by any one of the above-described card management server 2, carrier server 3, and point management server 4. Also, the card management server 2, carrier server 3 and the point management server 4 may be realized by cooperation. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the electronic currency management apparatus 5 is realized by the cooperation of the carrier server 3 and the point management server 4.

As shown in FIG. 11, the electronic currency management device 5 includes a control unit 51 and a storage unit 52.
The storage unit 52 is a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, or a storage medium such as a hard disk. The storage unit 52 stores a program for operating the control unit 51 and data generated when the control unit 51 operates. Further, the storage unit 52 stores data for realizing transfer of points between users.

An example of data stored in the storage unit 52 is shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the storage unit 52 associates the user ID associated with the user who uses the service with the telephone number of the user terminal 12, the point balance information, the contract ID, and the contractor used by the user. Stores various information such as names.
In the present embodiment, since the electronic currency management device 5 is realized by the carrier server 3 and the point management server 4, the data illustrated in FIG. 12 is the carrier in FIGS. 3B and 3C. This corresponds to the data described as being stored in the server 3 and the point management server 4.

  Returning to FIG. 11, the control unit 51 is, for example, a CPU, and functions as a transfer acceptance unit 511, a transfer destination specifying unit 512, a determination unit 513, and a transfer execution unit 514 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 52. To do.

The transfer acceptance unit 511 receives a point transfer request from the user terminal 12 used by a user who transfers points. This transfer request includes information for specifying the number of points to be transferred and the transfer destination user. Here, in the present embodiment, the telephone number of the user terminal 12 used by the transfer destination user is used as the information for specifying the transfer destination user. That is, when transferring points to another user, the user designates the telephone number of the other user and makes a transfer request.
The transfer acceptance unit 511 may accept not only the transfer destination user's phone number but also the transfer destination user's name or a part of the name, and the transfer source user's user terminal 12 phone number. Good. The transfer source user's telephone number can be received by any method, for example, based on an input from the transfer source user, or based on the user ID of the transfer source user. It is good also as accepting by acquiring from the memory | storage part 52. FIG.

  The transfer destination specifying unit 512 specifies the transfer destination user based on the transfer destination user's telephone number received by the transfer receiving unit 511 from the transfer source user. Specifically, the transfer destination specifying unit 512 acquires the user ID corresponding to the received telephone number from the storage unit 52, thereby specifying the transfer destination user.

The transfer execution unit 514 transfers some of the points owned by the transfer source user to the transfer destination user specified by the transfer destination specifying unit 512. That is, the transfer execution unit 514 subtracts the number of points to be transferred received as a transfer request from the number of points owned by the transfer source user, and adds the subtracted points to the number of points owned by the transfer destination user. By doing so, points are transferred.
Note that the transfer execution unit 514 may transfer points only when the determination unit 513 determines that transfer is possible.

  The determination unit 513 determines whether transfer based on the transfer request is possible based on the relationship between the transfer destination user specified by the transfer destination specifying unit 512 and the transfer source user who made the transfer request. The determination by the determination unit 513 can be performed by any method, and an example of the determination method will be described below. Note that the determination methods shown below are merely examples, and the determination methods are not limited thereto, and the determination methods may be used singly or in appropriate combination.

<Decision 1 based on phone number>
The determination unit 513 determines whether transfer is possible based on whether the telephone number of the transfer destination user included in the transfer request is included in the address book of the user terminal 12 used by the transfer source user.
Here, if the telephone number of the transfer destination user is erroneously input in the transfer request, points may be transferred to a user who is not familiar with the transfer source user. Since such transfer is not preferable for the transfer source user, the determination unit 513 determines that transfer is possible when the transfer destination user's telephone number is included in the transfer source user's address book. If it is not included in the user's address book, it is determined that transfer is not possible. Thereby, it is possible to prevent points from being transferred to a user who is not familiar with the transfer source user.

  The determination as to whether or not the telephone number specified in the transfer request is included in the address book of the transfer source user terminal 12 can be realized by any method. As an example, the electronic currency management device 5 can make the determination by managing each user's address book. Moreover, the said determination can be performed by receiving the information about whether it is contained in the address book from the user terminal 12 of the transfer origin. Alternatively, the determination may be made by controlling the user terminal 12 as the transfer source so that only a telephone number included in the address book can be input.

<Decision 2 based on phone number>
The determination unit 513 determines whether transfer is possible based on whether the transfer source user's telephone number included in the transfer request is included in the address book of the user terminal 12 used by the transfer destination user. Specifically, the determination unit 513 determines that the transfer is possible when the transfer source user's telephone number is included in the transfer destination user's address book, and the determination unit 513 includes the transfer destination user's address book. If not, it is determined that transfer is not possible. As a result, it is possible to prevent points from being transferred from an unacquainted partner, which is also preferable for a transfer destination user.

  The determination as to whether or not the transfer source user's telephone number is included in the address book of the transfer destination user terminal 12 can be realized by any method. As an example, the electronic currency management device 5 can make the determination by managing each user's address book. When a transfer request is received from the transfer source user terminal 12, the telephone number of the user terminal 12 is notified to the transfer destination user terminal 12, and whether or not the transfer destination user terminal 12 is included in the address book. The determination may be performed by receiving information.

<Decision based on the billing range for communication charges>
Further, the determination unit 513 determines whether or not the transfer is allowed depending on whether the communication fee of the user terminal 12 used by the transfer source user and the billing destination of the communication charge of the user terminal 12 used by the transfer destination user are the same user. It is good also as performing determination of. Specifically, the determination unit 513 determines that transfer is possible when the billing destination of the communication fee is the same user, and determines that transfer is not possible when the billing destination of the communication fee is a different user.
Since points can be used as a virtual currency, it is preferable that the transferable range falls within a certain range. In this regard, by associating the billing range of the communication fee with the range in which the points can be transferred, the transfer of the points can be limited to users having a certain relationship, for example, limited to families, Is preferred.

  Note that whether or not the communication fee is billed to the same user can be determined based on the contract ID stored in the storage unit 52. As an example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the user with the user ID “TARO97” and the user with the user ID “HANAKO78” have the same contract ID, and thus it is understood that the billing destination of the communication fee is the same.

[Display screen example when transferring points]
Subsequently, a display screen displayed on the user terminal 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the user terminal 12 when points are transferred between users, and the display screen 250 is a display screen displayed on the user terminal 12 of the transfer source user. An example is shown, and the display screen 260 shows an example of a display screen displayed on the user terminal 12 of the transfer destination user.

As shown in FIG. 13, the display screen 250 has an input field 251 for inputting the telephone number of the transfer destination user, an input field 252 for inputting the number of points to be transferred, and a transfer for making a transfer request based on the input information. A button 253 and a cancel button 254 for canceling the transfer of points.
When the user to whom points are transferred inputs the telephone number of the transfer destination user in the input field 251, inputs the number of points to be transferred in the input field 252, and operates the transfer button 253, the electronic currency management device is operated from the user terminal 12. 5 is notified of the transfer request.

Note that when the transfer destination user terminal 12 is input with the transfer destination user's telephone number in the input field 251, a message 255 indicating the transfer destination user name corresponding to the telephone number may be displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 13, since the telephone number input in the input field 251 is the telephone number of the user terminal 12 owned by “Mr. Hanako”, a message 255 “I will transfer to Mr. Hanako” is displayed. .
Such a message can be realized by cooperating with the address book of the transfer source user terminal 12. In other words, in the transfer source user terminal 12, when the telephone number of the transfer destination user is input in the input field 251, the user name set for the input telephone number is read from the address book and "[user name ] Is displayed as a message 255. Thereby, since the user of the transfer source can grasp the user corresponding to the telephone number input in the input field 251, erroneous input to the input field 251 can be suppressed.

  Note that the input in the input field 251 may be performed using an address book. That is, an operation button “input from the address book” (not shown) is provided on the display screen 250, and when this operation button is operated, the address book is read out so that the transfer source user can select it. Then, the telephone number selected by the user from the read address book may be entered in the input field 251.

Subsequently, the display screen 260 includes a message 261, a permission button 262, and a non-permission button 263. The message 261 is a message notifying the transfer destination user that there has been a point transfer request from the transfer source user. This message 261 includes the telephone number of the transfer source user or the user name obtained by converting the telephone number based on the address book of the transfer destination user terminal 12 and the number of points to be transferred.
When receiving the transfer notified by the message 261, the transfer destination user operates the permission button 262. With this operation, a permission notice is transmitted from the transfer destination user terminal 12 to the electronic currency management apparatus 5, and points are transferred in the electronic currency management apparatus 5. Further, when the transfer is not received, the transfer destination user operates the non-permission button 263. As a result of this operation, a notification of disapproval is notified from the transfer destination user terminal 12 to the electronic currency management apparatus 5, and predetermined error processing (for example, transfer to the transfer source user terminal 12 is performed in the electronic currency management apparatus 5 Notification of failure).

[Processing of Electronic Currency Management Device 5]
Next, the flow of processing when the electronic money management apparatus 5 transfers points from the transfer source user to the transfer destination user will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in step S101, the transfer acceptance unit 511 of the electronic money management apparatus 5 receives a transfer request from the user terminal 12 of the transfer source user. This transfer request includes at least the telephone number of the transfer destination user and the number of points to be transferred, and may include the telephone number of the transfer source user as necessary.

  Subsequently, in step S102, the transfer destination specifying unit 512 of the electronic currency management apparatus 5 specifies the transfer destination user from the telephone number of the transfer destination user included in the transfer request. Subsequently, in step S103, the determination unit 513 of the electronic currency management apparatus 5 executes a transfer determination process. In this process, the determination unit 513 identifies the relationship between the transfer source user and the transfer destination user, and determines whether points can be transferred based on the relationship (step S104).

  As a result of determination by the determination unit 513, if transfer is possible, in step S105, the transfer execution unit 514 of the electronic money management apparatus 5 notifies the user terminal 12 of the transfer destination user that there has been a transfer request. Notice. Thereafter, the electronic money management apparatus 5 stands by until a transfer permission / non-permission notification is received from the transfer destination user terminal 12 (step S106). As a result, when a transfer permission notification is received, the transfer execution unit 514 Transfers the points that were transferred in the transfer request from the transfer source user to the transfer destination user, thereby transferring the points (step S107) and ending the process.

  On the other hand, if the determination unit 513 determines that transfer is not possible in step S104, or if a transfer non-permission notification is received from the transfer destination user terminal 12 in step S106, the electronic currency management apparatus 5 determines that the transfer source user A predetermined error process such as notifying the terminal 12 that points cannot be transferred is executed (step S108), and the process ends.

[Effect of electronic currency management device 5]
The example of the embodiment of the electronic currency management apparatus 5 according to the present invention has been described above. In the electronic money management apparatus 5 of the present invention, the transfer source user can transfer points only by specifying the transfer destination user's telephone number, and therefore, the transfer of points between users can be performed in a simple manner. Can do.

In the electronic money management apparatus 5 of the present invention, since points are prevented from being erroneously transferred based on the address book of the transfer source or the address book of the transfer destination, the transfer of points can be easily realized. However, highly secure point transfer can be realized.
Moreover, since the point transferable range is the billing range of the communication fee of the user terminal 12, the point transfer can be limited to between families, etc., so the user can use the service related to point transfer with peace of mind. can do.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the electronic money management apparatus 5 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. In the electronic currency management apparatus 5 of the second embodiment, points are transferred between users using the user terminal 12 that has performed short-range wireless communication such as NFC.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of point transfer by the electronic currency management apparatus 5 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 15, display screens 270 and 280 are examples of the display screen displayed on the user terminal 12 used by the user who performs the point transfer, and the display screen 270 shows the display screen of the user terminal 12 that is the transfer source. A screen 280 shows a display screen of the transfer destination user terminal 12.

The display screen 270 is displayed on the transfer source user terminal 12 when the transfer source user terminal 12 and the transfer destination user terminal 12 perform short-distance wireless communication, and an input field 271 for inputting the number of points to be transferred. , A transfer button 272 and a cancel button 273.
The display screen 280 is displayed on the transfer-destination user terminal 12 that has performed short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 12 when the transfer button 272 is operated on the transfer-source user terminal 12, and is displayed from the transfer-source user terminal 12. A message 281 for notifying that there has been a point transfer request, a permission button 282, and a non-permission button 283 are included.

  When the transfer button 272 is operated on the display screen 270, a transfer request is transmitted from the transfer source user terminal 12 to the electronic currency management apparatus 5. This transfer request includes information for identifying the user of the transfer source user terminal 12 and information for identifying the user of the user terminal 12 that has performed short-range wireless communication with the transfer source user terminal 12. The transfer acceptance unit 511 of the electronic currency management apparatus 5 identifies the transfer source user and the transfer destination user based on the transfer request received from the transfer source user terminal 12.

  Further, when the permission button 282 is operated on the display screen 280, a permission notice is transmitted from the transfer destination user terminal 12 to the electronic currency management apparatus 5. This permission notification includes information for identifying the user of the transfer destination user terminal 12 and information for identifying the user of the user terminal 12 that has performed short-range wireless communication with the transfer destination user terminal 12. The transfer acceptance unit 511 of the electronic currency management apparatus 5 identifies the transfer source user and the transfer destination user based on the permission notification received from the transfer destination user terminal 12.

  Then, the determination unit 513 determines that transfer is possible when the transfer destination user is a user of the user terminal 12 that has performed near field communication with the user terminal 12 used by the transfer source user. That is, the determination unit 513 matches the information identifying the transfer source user and the transfer destination user included in the transfer request with the information identifying the transfer source user and the transfer destination user included in the permission notification. If it does not match, it is determined that transfer is not possible.

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, a processing flow when the electronic currency management apparatus 5 of the second embodiment executes point transfer will be described.
In step S111, when the transfer source user terminal 12 and the transfer destination user terminal 12 perform near field communication, the display screen 270 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit of the transfer source user terminal 12. . Subsequently, in step S112, the transfer source user designates the number of points to be transferred via the display screen 270. Thereafter, when the transfer source user operates the transfer button 272 on the display screen 270, a transfer request is transmitted from the transfer source user terminal 12 to the transfer destination user terminal 12 and the electronic currency management apparatus 5 in step S113. The

  When the transfer request is received from the transfer source user terminal 12, the transfer destination user terminal 12 displays the display screen 280 shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the transfer destination user operates the permission button 282 on the display screen 280, a permission notification is transmitted from the transfer destination user terminal 12 to the electronic currency management apparatus 5 in step S114.

  When the electronic money management apparatus 5 receives the transfer request and permission notification, it determines in step S115 whether the transfer is possible. That is, the determination unit 513 of the electronic money management apparatus 5 identifies information for identifying the transfer source user and the transfer destination user included in the transfer request, and identifies the transfer source user and the transfer destination user included in the permission notification. When the information matches, it is determined that transfer is possible, and when the information does not match, it is determined that transfer is not possible. In addition, the determination unit 513, based on the transfer source address book and the transfer destination address book, and / or depending on whether the billing destination of the communication fee is the same user, as in the first embodiment. The determination in step S115 may be performed.

  As a result of the determination in step S115, if the transfer is possible, in step S116, the transfer execution unit 514 of the electronic money management apparatus 5 transfers the point that was transferred in the transfer request from the transfer source user to the transfer destination user. By transferring, points are transferred and the process is terminated. If the result of determination in step S115 is that transfer is not possible, in step S117, the electronic currency management apparatus 5 executes a predetermined error process and ends the process.

  The electronic currency management device 5 according to the second embodiment has been described above. In the electronic money management apparatus 5 according to the second embodiment, since points are transferred between users using the user terminal 12 connected by short-range wireless communication, the user does not need complicated operations. Can be transferred. In addition, since the transfer destination user and the transfer source user are specified by short-range wireless communication between the user terminals 12, the possibility that points are transferred to an incorrect user can be reduced, You can use services related to transfer.

[Third Embodiment]
Subsequently, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the method for transferring points between users has been described using the electronic currency management device 5 realized by the card management server 2, the carrier server 3, and the point management server 4. In this regard, in the third embodiment, a point transfer method between users will be described by clearly showing the operation of each server.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in step S131, the user terminal 12 makes a transfer request to the point management server 4 that manages the points given to the user. This transfer request includes the telephone number of the user terminal 12 used by the point transfer destination user, the number of points to be transferred, and the user ID of the transfer source user.

  When the point management server 4 receives a transfer request from the user terminal 12, the point management server 4 inquires of the carrier server 3 that manages the telephone number of the user terminal 12 about the transfer destination user in step S132. That is, the point management server 4 notifies the carrier server 3 of the telephone number of the transfer destination user included in the transfer request, and acquires the user ID of the user corresponding to this telephone number.

  When the user ID of the transfer destination user is acquired in this manner, the point management server 4 executes the transfer of points in step S133 and ends the process. That is, the point management server 4 sends the transfer destination user inquired from the carrier server 3 for the number of points to be transferred included in the transfer request among the points given to the transfer source user ID included in the transfer request. By transferring to the point assigned to the ID, the point is transferred.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. In particular, the specific embodiments of the distribution / integration of the devices are not limited to those illustrated above, and all or a part thereof may be added in arbitrary units according to various additions or according to functional loads. It can be configured functionally or physically distributed and integrated.

In the above embodiment, the electronic currency management device 5 makes it possible to transfer points given to users between users, but the transfer target is not limited to points, and may include other electronic currencies. As an example, the electronic currency management device 5 may make it possible to transfer the balance of the amount charged in the card 11 owned by the user between the users.
For example, in the transfer execution process (step S133) in FIG. 17, the transfer of the charge amount is notified from the point management server 4 to the card management server 2, and the card management server 2 receives the notification and transfers the balance. This can be achieved by performing migration.

Further, the electronic currency management device 5 may transfer the points (electronic currency) at different rates. The rate may be less than 1 or 1 or more. That is, when the point “10” owned by the transfer source user is transferred, “9” may be added to the transfer destination user point, or “11” may be added.
Moreover, it is good also as changing a rate according to the relationship between the users to transfer. As an example, when the transfer destination user is registered in the transfer source user's address book, points may be transferred at a higher rate than when the transfer destination user is not registered. When the transfer source user is registered in the book, the points may be transferred at a higher rate than when the transfer source user is not registered. Further, when the billing destination of the communication fee of the user terminal 12 is the same user, the points may be transferred at a higher rate than when the billing destination is a different user.

  Further, in the electronic money management apparatus 5, the points are transferred when there is a permission from the transfer destination user. However, the permission of the transfer destination user is not necessarily required when transferring the points.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS S ... Electronic currency management system, 1 ... User equipment, 11 ... Card, 12 ... User terminal, 10 ... Electronic currency management apparatus, 2 ... Card management server, 3 ... Carrier server, 4... Point management server, 5... Electronic currency management device, 51... Control unit, 511... Transfer acceptance unit, 512. 514 ... Transfer execution unit, 52 ... Storage unit, 50 ... Settlement NW

Claims (8)

A storage unit that stores balance information of electronic currency in association with identification information of a user who uses the service;
A transfer acceptance unit that receives the transfer request of the electronic currency, including information for specifying the second user of the transfer destination of the electronic currency from the communication terminal used by the first user of the transfer source of the electronic currency;
When the billing destination of the service fee for the second user specified based on the information included in the transfer request is the same as the billing destination of the service fee for the first user, the second user is notified. On the other hand, a transfer execution unit that transfers at least part of the electronic currency owned by the first user to the second user;
An electronic currency management device comprising: The transfer acceptance unit receives the transfer request including information for specifying a second user of a communication terminal that has performed short-range wireless communication with a communication terminal used by the first user.
The electronic currency management apparatus according to claim 1. When the second user is a user who has performed short-distance wireless communication with a communication terminal used by the first user, the transfer execution unit obtains at least a part of the electronic currency owned by the first user. To two users,
The electronic currency management apparatus according to claim 2. The transfer execution unit receives the permission notice indicating that the second user has permitted transfer of a part of the electronic currency from the communication terminal of the second user of the transfer destination. Transferring at least part of the electronic currency owned by the second user,
The electronic money management apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The transfer execution unit includes information for specifying the first user and the second user included in the transfer request, and information for specifying the first user and the second user included in the permission notification. If the two match, at least a part of the electronic currency owned by the first user is transferred to the second user.
The electronic currency management apparatus according to claim 4. The electronic currency is one of credits, points and coupons,
The electronic currency management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An electronic currency management apparatus including a storage unit that stores balance information of electronic currency in association with identification information of a user who uses the service is executed.
Receiving from the communication terminal used by the first user a request for transferring the electronic currency, including information for specifying a second user to whom the electronic currency is transferred;
When the billing destination of the service fee for the second user specified based on the information included in the transfer request is the same as the billing destination of the service fee for the first user, the second user is notified. On the other hand, transferring at least part of the electronic currency owned by the first user to the second user;
Including electronic currency management method. A communication terminal used by the first user, a communication terminal used by the second user, and an electronic currency management device that manages balance information of the electronic currency in association with the identification information of the first user and the second user. An electronic currency management system comprising:
The communication terminal used by the first user transmits a transfer request including information for specifying a second user to whom the electronic currency owned by the first user is transferred, to the electronic currency management apparatus,
The electronic currency management device includes:
A storage unit that stores balance information of electronic currency in association with identification information of a user who uses the service;
A transfer acceptance unit that receives the transfer request received from the communication terminal used by the first user of the electronic currency transfer source;
When the billing destination of the service fee for the second user specified based on the information included in the transfer request is the same as the billing destination of the service fee for the first user, the second user is notified. On the other hand, a transfer execution unit that transfers at least part of the electronic currency owned by the first user to the second user;
An electronic currency management system.

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