JP2006004264A - Portable information terminal and electronic payment method using portable information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable information terminal, and an electronic settlement system capable of promoting proper usage, and capable of improving security. <P>SOLUTION: A user precedently registers positional information or a store name of a store allowing electronic settlement, and a usage limit amount per each store in a store information storing part 120. When carrying out settlement, a present position of the portable information terminal 1 is acquired by a positional information acquiring part 130. A payment propriety determining part 160 determines whether the present position matches with the precedently registered position of the store, and it determines whether the settlement is within a range not exceeding the usage limit amount of the store. If the positional information matches, and the range is within the usage limit amount, the settlement is allowed, and a settlement control part 140 carries out electronic settlement with a register terminal 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable information terminal and an electronic payment method using the portable information terminal.

  With the spread of mobile phones and the progress of communication technology, electronic payment using a mobile communication network has been realized as known as so-called mobile commerce. In the case of performing electronic payment using a mobile phone, a technique has been proposed for controlling the availability of electronic payment in consideration of the location information of the purchase place from the viewpoint of ensuring safety.

  In the first prior art, shopping is possible by making a credit card and a mobile phone cooperate with each other (Patent Document 1). In this prior art, the user can set a card usage limit such as a usage limit or a one-time settlement upper limit before shopping. At the time of settlement, the mobile phone and the credit card company exchange information on the payment amount and the limit amount, determine whether the amount is within the usage limit range, and make a settlement. A warning can also be given to the user when approaching a preset limit.

In the second conventional technique, a mobile phone is provided with a debit card function and a GPS (Global Positioning System) function (Patent Document 2). In the settlement by the debit card, since the user's deposit balance becomes the upper limit that can be used, the settlement exceeding the deposit balance is not performed. In addition, the user can register in advance a store capable of electronic payment in a mobile phone. When performing electronic payment using a mobile phone, the current position is specified by the GPS function, and it is determined whether or not the location is registered in advance. If the location is registered, the settlement is permitted, and if the location is not registered, the settlement is rejected. As a result, even if the mobile phone is lost or stolen, unauthorized use by a third party can be suppressed.
JP 2001-338249 A JP2003-242428A

  In the first prior art, the usage limit and the maximum settlement amount can be set, so there is no worry that the credit card is used excessively. However, in the unlikely event that it is lost, only the usage limit is set and it can be used everywhere, so there is a risk of being misused by a third party.

  On the other hand, in the second prior art, a shop capable of shopping can be registered in advance in the mobile phone. Therefore, even if the user loses his / her mobile phone, it cannot be used outside the registered store, so that unauthorized use by a third party can be suppressed. However, with this prior art, it is possible to purchase goods and services up to the upper limit of the deposit balance at each store registered in advance. Therefore, the user may use electronic payment too much, and it is difficult to perform planned use.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable information terminal and an electronic payment method using the portable information terminal that can improve the safety and usability of the electronic payment. The further objective of this invention will become clear from description of embodiment mentioned later.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the portable information terminal according to the present invention stores store information that stores store location information that indicates the location of a store where payment can be made and usage limit amount information that indicates a usage limit amount at the store in association with each other. Storage means, position information acquisition means for acquiring current position information relating to the current position, payment amount receiving means for receiving payment amounts, payment information storage means for storing payment information necessary for payment, and store position information And a payment control means for controlling payment at the store based on the current position information, the payment amount and the usage restriction amount, and the payment information. The payment control means includes the store position information and current position information. When it is determined that the payment is within the usage limit range, settlement at the store is permitted.

  As the “portable information terminal”, for example, a terminal equipped with an external communication function and a data processing function, such as a mobile phone, a personal information terminal (PDA), an electronic notebook, and a portable personal computer. Can be used. The “settlementable store” means, for example, a store capable of electronic settlement using a portable information terminal. The “restricted use amount at a store” means, for example, an upper limit amount that can be used at the store. “Current position information” is information indicating the current position of the portable information terminal. “Payment amount” means, for example, a charge amount received from a register terminal of a store. Alternatively, for example, a case where a small storage medium called a so-called IC tag is provided for each product may be considered. In this case, the payment amount can also be calculated by acquiring information such as a product name, a product code, and an amount of money from a small storage medium and accumulating the amount of money in the portable information terminal. “Payment information” means information necessary for electronic payment. For example, in the case of credit card payment, a credit card type, a card number, an expiration date, a user name, and the like are applicable. In the case of so-called electronic money settlement, information relating to the balance of electronic money is applicable. In addition, a bank name, an account type, an account number, etc. can also be used as payment information.

  The settlement control means compares the current position information with the store position information and determines whether or not they match. That is, when it can be considered that the registered location information of the store and the current location information of the portable information terminal match or match, it is determined that both match. Further, the settlement control means compares the payment amount (billed amount) requested from the store with a preset usage restriction amount, and determines whether or not the payment amount is within the usage restriction amount range. If the pre-registered store location matches the current location of the portable information terminal and the payment amount is within the usage restriction amount, the settlement control means permits the settlement. In addition, the settlement control means determines whether or not settlement is possible in consideration of settlement information, such as whether it is a credit card that can be used at the store or has electronic money greater than the payment amount. Can do.

  The store position information and the usage limit amount can be set in advance by the user. For example, the user can set in advance in which store the product or service is purchased and the amount of money that can be used in each store.

  Here, the payment condition setting person who sets the payment conditions such as the available store and the usage limit amount and the end user who uses the electronic payment by the portable information terminal may be different persons. For example, a guardian as a settlement condition setting person registers in advance a store where electronic settlement can be made and a usage limit amount in a portable information terminal of a guardian (child or his / her parent) as an end user. A person other than the settlement condition setter having predetermined condition setting authority (user name, password, etc.) cannot set conditions for electronic settlement. Therefore, the end user can use the electronic payment only within the range set by the payment condition setting person. As a result, it is possible to prevent the protected person from using the electronic payment without planning.

  A time management unit may be provided so that the usage limit amount can be managed in units of a predetermined period. For example, up to 10,000 yen per month can be managed by associating the usage limit amount with temporal information so that it can be used only on Wednesdays.

  Furthermore, reserve amount information that can be used without being limited to the location of the store is stored in advance, and the settlement control unit may permit settlement within the range of the reserve amount information in a predetermined case.

  The “reserve amount information” is information relating to the reserve amount, and is information indicating an amount that can be used without being limited to the location of the store. The “predetermined case” includes, for example, a case where an electronic payment is to be used at a store not stored in the store information storage means, or a case where payment exceeding the usage limit at the store is to be made. be able to. In other words, the reserve amount can be used at both registered and unregistered stores. The reserve amount information can be stored in the store information storage means or can be stored in another storage means.

  The store information storage means can acquire store information from an external device. Examples of the “external device” include a server, a personal computer, and other portable information terminals. That is, it is possible to acquire information related to a store using electronic payment from an external device such as a server, a personal computer, or another portable information terminal, and store it in the store information storage means.

  The position information acquisition means can acquire the current position information by receiving information related to the position from the outside.

  For example, by receiving radio waves transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite or a GPS base station, the position information acquisition means can acquire current position information. Alternatively, for example, based on the communication level with the base station of the mobile communication network, the position information acquisition unit can specify and acquire the current position. Alternatively, for example, when a device for transmitting location information of the store is provided in the store, the current location information can be acquired from the location information transmitting device.

  The settlement information storage means can be configured as a removable storage medium. The information for settlement may be information necessary for credit card settlement or electronic money information. Payment information can be stored in a local memory or a local disk in the portable information terminal, or can be stored in a removable storage medium such as an IC card or a memory card. In addition, the removable storage medium may be provided with a communication function for performing data communication with a register terminal installed in a store, for example, by electromagnetic induction or short-range wireless communication.

  All or some of the functions, means, and steps of the present invention may be configured as, for example, a computer program executed by a microcomputer. The computer program can be fixed and distributed on a storage medium such as a hard disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the computer program can be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as will be described below, location information of available stores is registered in advance, and the usage limit amount at each store can be managed individually.

  1 to 7 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic payment system using a portable information terminal 1. The portable information terminal 1 can be configured to include a control unit 10 that controls the entire portable information terminal, a keypad 20 as an example of an input unit, and a display 30 as an example of a display unit.

  As will be described later, the control unit 10 includes a communication control unit 110, a store information storage unit 120, a location information acquisition unit 130, a settlement control unit 140, a user information storage unit 150, and a payment acceptability determination unit 160. The date acquisition unit 170, the paid amount storage unit 180, and the card information storage unit 190 can be configured.

  The communication control unit 110 is for performing data communication with the register terminal (hereinafter referred to as “cash register terminal”) 2. The communication control unit 110 can be configured by a wireless communication circuit and a control program such as a wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Or it is good also as a structure which performs data communication by optical signals, such as infrared rays, and an ultrasonic signal.

  The store information storage unit 120 stores location information of a store that can be used by a user (end user) and an amount of money that can be used at the store (a usage limit amount) in association with each other. The store location information can be acquired from, for example, the server 3 that distributes information about the location of each store in the country or region. In addition, the usage limit amount for each store can be input via the keypad 20. The store information storage unit 120 can be configured using, for example, a RAM 13 described later with reference to FIG.

  The position information acquisition unit 130 acquires the current position information of the portable information terminal 1 from the GPS base station 4. Not only the GPS base station 4 but also a configuration for receiving radio waves from GPS satellites orbiting the satellite orbit may be used. In addition to GPS, for example, an autonomous position specifying function using a gyro sensor or the like can be provided.

  The payment control unit 140 executes electronic payment by the portable information terminal 1. The settlement control unit 140 controls the execution of the settlement process based on an instruction from the payment permission / non-permission determination unit 160. When “payment is possible” is instructed from the payment possibility determination unit 160, the payment control unit 140 causes the cashier terminal 2 to transmit information necessary for payment. The settlement control unit 140 and the payment possibility determination unit 160 correspond to an example of “settlement control unit”.

  The user information storage unit 150 is for storing user authentication information. As authentication information, a user name, a password, etc. can be mentioned, for example. Alternatively, biometric information such as fingerprint information, voiceprint information, or iris information can be used in addition to the user name. When setting the conditions for electronic payment in the portable information terminal 1, when performing electronic payment using the portable information terminal 1, user authentication is performed.

  Here, if the condition setter who sets the conditions for electronic payment is different from the end user who uses electronic payment, user authentication for setting electronic payment conditions and user authentication at the time of electronic payment are separate. Executed. When different user authentications are performed, authentication information is prepared for each user authentication.

  The payment permission determination unit 160 determines whether or not to permit the electronic payment, and notifies the payment control unit 140 of the determination result. The payment permission / non-permission determination unit 160 may be configured to include, for example, a position information determination unit 161 and a payment amount determination unit 162. The position information determination unit 161 determines whether or not the current position of the user (current position of the portable information terminal 1) matches the position of the store registered in the store information storage unit 120 when the end user performs shopping. It is for judging. The payment amount determination unit 162 is for determining whether or not the payment amount (billed amount) received from the cashier terminal 2 is within the range of the usage restriction amount associated with the store.

  The date acquisition unit 170 is for acquiring date information (or may be called time information). The date acquisition unit 170 can acquire time information from, for example, a built-in timer or a time server (both not shown). A history of electronic payment by the portable information terminal 1 is stored in association with date information. Therefore, the settlement control unit 140 can manage the usage limit amount in units of a predetermined period set in advance, for example. For example, it is possible to control the payment by associating the usage limit amount with a predetermined period so that it can be used up to 10,000 yen every month or can be used up to 30,000 yen on a specific date or day of the week. The user (settlement condition setting person) can freely set whether or not to allow the unused balance to be carried over to the next month.

  The paid amount storage unit 180 is a means for storing a history of electronic payment by the portable information terminal 1. It can also be called a settlement history storage unit. The payment amount storage unit 180 can store, for example, a store name, a store position, a product name, a purchase amount, and the like in which payment has been made in association with each other.

  The card information storage unit 190 stores payment information necessary for electronic payment. The payment information differs depending on the type of payment. For example, in the case of credit card payment, the credit card type, expiration date, card number, user name, etc. are stored as payment information. Or a bank name, an account number, etc. can also be used as payment information.

  For example, information stored in the user information storage unit 150, the card information storage unit 190, or the like is encrypted and stored from the viewpoint of ensuring security.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration explanatory diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of the portable information terminal 1. The portable information terminal 1 can be configured to include a control unit 10, a keypad 20, a display 30, a communication circuit 40, a GPS reception circuit 50, a wireless communication unit 60, and an external memory 70.

  For example, the control unit 10 can include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and a bus 14. Various control programs and data are stored in the ROM 12, and the CPU 11 implements predetermined functions by reading and executing the control programs and the like. A working area or the like used by the CPU 11 is secured in the RAM 13. Further, using either the ROM 12 or the RAM 13, authentication information used for user authentication, electronic payment history information, store information, and the like can be stored. As a memory for storing these pieces of information, for example, a memory that can be rewritten or additionally written and does not require a memory holding operation can be used. The various functions described in FIG. 1 (payment control unit 140, payment availability determination unit 160, etc.) can be realized by the CPU 11 executing a predetermined control program.

  The keypad 20 is configured as an information input device including, for example, numeric keys 0 to 9 and a cross key. The display 30 is configured as an information output device including a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electronic Luminescent) display, and the like. The information input device is not limited to the keypad 20, and other devices such as a voice input device using a microphone or a touch panel may be used. In addition, the information output device is not limited to the display 30, and a synthesized voice output device or the like can also be used.

  The communication circuit 40 is a circuit that performs communication using a mobile communication network. The communication circuit 40 communicates with the base station of the mobile communication network via the antenna 41. Thereby, the portable information terminal 1 can perform a voice call and data communication via the mobile communication network.

  The GPS receiving circuit 50 is a circuit for receiving radio waves from the GPS base station 4 and GPS satellites via the GPS antenna 51. Based on the radio signal received by the GPS receiving circuit 50, the portable information terminal 1 can specify the current position.

  The wireless communication circuit 60 is a circuit for performing wireless data communication at a relatively short distance such as a wireless LAN or a wireless USB. The wireless communication unit 60 receives information on the payment amount from the cash register terminal 2 or transmits payment information such as a card number to the cash register terminal 2.

  The external memory 70 is configured as a removable storage medium known as, for example, a flash memory, an IC card, a memory card, or the like. The external memory 70 can store, for example, all or part of information used for user authentication, balance information of electronic money used in examples described later, and the like. The external memory 70 does not need to be composed of a semiconductor memory device, and can be composed of, for example, a small optical disk device, a small magneto-optical disk device, a small hard disk device, or the like.

  Next, a data storage structure will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows an example of the table T1 stored in the store information storage unit 120. This table T1 can be configured, for example, by associating store names, store location information, and usage limit amounts for each month. Further, as shown as “total”, an upper limit value (total limit amount) of the amount that can be used every month is also calculated in advance. The monthly usage limit amount at each store can be changed monthly. In addition, after setting the total monthly limit for each month, you can also set the monthly usage limit for each store, or after setting the monthly usage limit for each store, You can also calculate the total limit for each month. Like the former, if the monthly total limit is set first and the usage limit for each store is set within the range of this total limit, it will be planned systematically within the fixed amount every month. Products and services can be purchased and spending can be managed appropriately.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the table T <b> 2 stored in the paid amount storage unit 180. This table T2 can be configured, for example, by associating store names, store location information, and paid amounts for each month. The table T2 includes “unregistered” as the store name. This “unregistered” is information provided for permitting settlement at stores other than stores registered in advance. As will be described later, when a product or the like is purchased at an unregistered store, settlement is permitted within a range not exceeding the total limit for the month.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 5 shows a payment condition setting process for setting electronic payment conditions in advance in the portable information terminal 1. The settlement conditions can be set by the end user, or can be set by the guardian of the end user. By setting a payment condition by a guardian other than the end user, for example, excessive use of electronic payment by an elderly person or a child who is difficult to use systematically can be prevented.

  First, user authentication is performed (S101). The user authentication is performed, for example, by checking a user name, a password, or the like. The user name or the like input from the keypad 20 by the user is collated with the user name or the like stored in advance in the user information storage unit 150, and it is determined whether or not the user has the authority to set the settlement conditions.

  If the user authentication is performed normally, the payment information is set (S102). When using credit card payment, the credit card type, card number, user name and expiration date are registered.

  Next, one or a plurality of stores capable of electronic payment are set (S103). In this embodiment, a store that can be electronically settled is specified by the location information of the store. That is, by registering the location information of one or a plurality of stores in the portable information terminal 1, electronic payment at the store is permitted. Various methods can be adopted as a method of registering the store location information. As one method, the latitude and longitude of the store can be directly input from the keypad 20. As another method, it is also possible to access the server 3 having the map database and specify a store on the server 3. In this case, the server 3 transmits the location information of the designated store, the store name, and the like to the portable information terminal 1. These pieces of information are stored in the store information storage unit 120. As another method, a desired store can be set by providing a map database in the portable information terminal 1 and searching the local map database.

  When a store that uses electronic payment is set, an upper limit (usage limit amount) of the amount that can be used at the store is set (S104). For example, a time limit can be added to the usage limit amount, such as up to 10,000 yen per month.

  As described above, by setting the location of the store where electronic payment is possible and the usage limit, preparation for electronic payment using the portable information terminal 1 is completed. After registering all the stores that use electronic payment, you may set a usage limit for each store, or set a usage limit for each store each time you register one store. May be.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of electronic payment. First, the user activates an electronic payment application program installed in the portable information terminal 1. Thereby, the process of FIG. 4 starts.

  The user can select payment by credit card on the payment method selection screen (S110). If there is no choice but to pay only by credit card, this S110 can be omitted.

  Next, the payment amount for shopping is input (S111). Various methods can be employed as the payment amount input method (acquisition method). For example, as one method, the user can manually enter the amount via the keypad 20. As another method, the payment amount can be transmitted from the cash register terminal 2 to the portable information terminal 1. As another method, information on the product price can be acquired from the product itself stored in the shopping basket. By providing a product with a wireless tag that stores product information such as a product name, product code, and product price in advance, and transmitting the product information from the wireless tag to the portable information terminal 1 in response to an external request or voluntarily The total amount of purchased products can be calculated in the portable information terminal 1. Any method may be adopted.

  Next, the position information acquisition unit 130 measures the current position information of the portable information terminal 1 from the GPS base station 4 (S112). And the portable information terminal 1 acquires the name data of the store from the cash register terminal 2 by performing data communication with the cash register terminal 2 (S113).

  The portable information terminal 1 (more precisely, the electronic payment application program) determines whether or not the current position information and the store name are stored in the store information storage unit 120, and both the position information and the store name are stored in the table T1. If it is registered, the electronic payment is determined to be possible at the store (S114: YES). Then, the portable information terminal 1 reads the usage limit amount of the store from the table T1 (S115), and acquires the paid amount from the table T2.

  The portable information terminal 1 determines whether or not the sum of the paid amount settled in the store in the past and the current paid amount exceeds the usage limit amount (S117). Then, when the total value of the current payment amount and the past paid total amount does not exceed the usage limit amount (S117: YES), the portable information terminal 1 displays on the display 30 that payment is possible (S118). .

  Next, the settlement control unit 140 acquires credit card information from the card information storage unit 190 (S119) and transmits it to the cashier terminal 2 (S120). The cash register terminal 2 transmits the credit card information received from the portable information terminal 1 and the current payment amount to the settlement server 5 and inquires whether settlement by the credit card is possible. If the credit card is valid and the credit balance is equal to or greater than the current payment amount, a settlement process is performed (S123).

  The result of the electronic payment is stored in both the payment server 5 and the portable information terminal 1. When the payment is normally performed, the portable information terminal 1 updates the paid amount in the table T2 (S123), and displays on the display 30 that the payment is completed (S124).

  On the other hand, if the current location of the portable information terminal 1 and the location of the store do not match in S114, or if the location information matches but the store name is different (S114: NO), the store registered in advance This is a case where payment other than that is requested.

  Therefore, the portable information terminal 1 acquires the total limit amount from the table T1 (S125), and acquires the total paid amount from the paid amount storage unit 180 (S126). Then, the mobile information terminal 1 determines whether or not the sum of the total paid amount and the current payment amount is less than the total limit amount (S127). If the total amount is less than the total limit amount (S127: YES), S118 Then, the display 30 displays that the payment is possible.

  If the sum of the total paid amount and the paid amount exceeds the total limit amount (S127: NO), the mobile information terminal 1 cannot display on the display 30 because the current month cannot be settled. It is displayed (S128).

  7 to 9 are explanatory diagrams showing a part of a screen displayed on the display 30 when the application program for payment is started.

  FIG. 7 shows a state in which store location information and usage limit amounts are set. That is, FIG. 7 is an example of a screen when setting the electronic payment condition executed by the payment application program. The server 3 can be used for setting electronic settlement conditions.

  On the upper side of FIG. 7, a state where Y city is selected by area selection is shown. And C store and D store are selected from the some store which exists in Y city. In the lower part of FIG. 7, the usage limit amount of the C store and the D store is input via the keypad 20. The usage restriction amount set for store C is 30,000 yen, and the usage restriction amount for store D is not entered.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a screen showing how electronic payment is established. FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed in S <b> 124 in FIG. 6, and payment information when this payment is established is stored in the portable information terminal 1.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a screen showing a state in the case where payment is not established. This corresponds to the screen displayed in S128 in FIG. Here, the information when payment is not established can be stored in the portable information terminal 1 as a part of the payment history, for example. Thereby, based on the payment history, the setter (guardian) of the electronic payment conditions can confirm and analyze the purchase behavior of the end user after the fact. It is also possible to find traces of unauthorized use by third parties.

  Since this embodiment is configured as described above, electronic payment using the portable information terminal 1 can be performed safely and easily. In this embodiment, the usage limit amount for each store is set in advance and can be settled within the range of the usage limit amount, so that security can be improved and planned electronic payment can be performed. . In this example, even for unregistered stores that do not specify a store, in order to allow payment within a range that does not exceed the total limit, for example, electronic payments can be made even at travel destinations, etc., while preventing overuse, Convenience can be improved.

  In this embodiment, user authentication when the condition setter sets the conditions for electronic payment and user authentication when the electronic payment user (end user) makes electronic payment using the portable information terminal 1 are performed. It was set as the structure performed separately separately. Therefore, for example, when the condition setter of electronic payment and the user of electronic payment are different persons, such as a guardian and a guardian, excessive use of electronic payment can be prevented and appropriate use can be prevented. Can be achieved.

  10 to 12 show a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to a modification of the first embodiment, and includes many of the configurations described in the first embodiment. A feature of the present embodiment is that electronic money settlement is applied instead of credit card settlement.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 10, the portable information terminal 1 of this embodiment includes an electronic money management unit 191 instead of the card information storage unit 190 in FIG. The electronic money management unit 191 encrypts electronic money information and stores it in the electronic money storage unit 192. When electronic money is deposited or withdrawn, the electronic money management unit 191 updates the balance of the electronic money according to the deposit and withdrawal operation. The electronic money storage unit 192 can be provided in the external memory 70, for example.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart showing a deposit process (storage process) for storing electronic money in the electronic money storage unit 192. First, user authentication is performed to determine whether or not the person has authority to deposit electronic money (S201). If the person has a depositing authority, a desired amount is set as electronic money (S202). The deposited electronic money is encrypted and stored in the electronic money storage unit 192.

  As a method for storing the electronic money in the portable information terminal 1, for example, it is conceivable to use a dedicated electronic money storage device installed in a financial institution or various stores.

  When electronic money is stored in the electronic money storage unit 192, user authentication (S201) can be omitted. However, it may be possible to improve security by determining whether or not the person has a depositing authority at the time of depositing electronic money. For example, if the balance of electronic money is configured to allow settlement at an unregistered store, if the guardian can deposit a large amount of electronic money that is not authorized by the guardian, As a result, there is a possibility that an inappropriate electronic settlement is performed. On the other hand, in this embodiment, user authentication is required when depositing electronic money, so that security can be improved. Also, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, at unregistered stores, settlement is permitted within the range not exceeding the total limit for the current month, so the limit by this total limit and user authentication at the time of depositing electronic money And can be further improved in security.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of an electronic payment process using electronic money by the portable information terminal 1. S210 to S218 in FIG. 12 correspond to S110 to S118 in FIG. 6, respectively. Further, S225 to S228 in FIG. 12 correspond to S125 to S128 in FIG. 6, respectively. In order to reduce redundant descriptions, explanations of corresponding steps are omitted, and explanation will be focused on the steps characteristic of this embodiment.

  If it is determined that payment at the store is possible (S217: YES), the display 30 indicates that payment is possible (S218). Information on the payment amount, that is, the amount of money to be transferred to the cash register terminal 2 is transmitted to the electronic money management unit 191 (S219).

  Next, the electronic money management unit 191 refers to the balance stored in the electronic money storage unit 192 and determines whether payment is possible (S220). In the first payment determination (S217, S227), it is determined whether or not a preset electronic settlement condition is satisfied. In the second payment determination (S220), it is determined whether or not the actual electronic money balance is equal to or greater than the payment amount.

  When the electronic money balance is equal to or greater than the payment amount (S220: YES), the electronic money of the same amount as the payment amount is sent to the cash register terminal 2 and a settlement process is performed (S221). The portable information terminal 1 updates the paid amount (S222) and updates the balance of electronic money (S223). The paid amount increases by the amount paid, and the balance of electronic money decreases by the amount paid. Then, the fact that payment has been completed is displayed on the display 30 (S224).

  FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment. In this embodiment, when the portable information terminal 1 (user) is located in a store registered in the store information storage unit 120, the shopping usage limit at that store is automatically calculated and displayed on the display 30. This is an example.

  The portable information terminal 1 acquires current position information at predetermined intervals by communicating with the GPS base station 4 as needed via the GPS antenna 51 (S301). The portable information terminal 1 determines whether or not the current location information matches the location information of the registered store (S302). If the respective position information does not match (S302: NO), the process returns to S401 again and continues to acquire the current position information.

  When the position information of the portable information terminal 1 matches the position information of the registered store (S302: YES), the portable information terminal 1 acquires the usage restriction amount at the store from the store information storage unit 120 (S303). . Also, the portable information terminal 1 acquires payment at the store from the paid amount storage unit 180 (S304).

  Next, the portable information terminal 1 compares the usage limit amount at the store with the paid amount (S305), and if the paid amount has not reached the usage limit amount (S305: YES) The difference from the paid amount is calculated (S306), and the calculation result is displayed on the display 30 (S307). That is, the amount of money that can be used at the store is displayed on the display 30. On the other hand, if the usage restriction amount has already reached the paid amount (S305: NO), the portable information terminal 1 displays on the display 30 that shopping at the store is not permitted (S308).

  As a result, the user does not have to wait until the settlement time to determine whether or not the store can be purchased, and when entering the store, the user knows whether or not the store can be purchased and how much can be purchased. Can improve usability.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. A person skilled in the art can add, delete, or change the configuration within the scope of the present invention. For example, the flowchart shown in the drawing is merely a simple flow of processing so as not to impair understanding and implementation of the invention, and those skilled in the art can easily replace, delete, and change steps. be able to.

  The condition setter for electronic payment does not need to be a guardian of the user of electronic payment, and the provider of the product or service may be able to set conditions for electronic payment. For example, in the case of a theme park, large-scale sales store, etc., the user pays a predetermined amount in advance at the reception, You can have information on usage limit amount set. Thereby, the user can perform an electronic payment within the usage restriction amount in a store registered in advance. Such a configuration can be used, for example, as an electronic one-day ticket at a theme park or as a restaurant use ticket at a university or the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole outline | summary of the electronic payment system using the portable information terminal by 1st Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the hardware constitutions of a portable information terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory content memorize | stored in a shop information storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory content memorize | stored in the paid amount memory | storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the process which sets the conditions of electronic payment. It is a flowchart which shows an electronic payment process. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically a terminal screen in the case of setting electronic payment conditions. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically a terminal screen when electronic payment is completed normally. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically a terminal screen when electronic payment cannot be performed. It is a whole block diagram of the electronic payment system which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the money_receiving | payment process which memorize | stores electronic money in a portable information terminal. It is a flowchart of an electronic payment process. It is a flowchart of the payment possibility notification process which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention and notifies a user in advance whether the payment is possible in the shop.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable information terminal, 2 ... Register terminal, 3 ... Server, 4 ... GPS base station, 5 ... Payment server, 10 ... Control part, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Bus, 20 ... Key Pad, 30 ... Display, 40 ... Communication circuit, 41 ... Antenna, 50 ... GPS receiving circuit, 51 ... GPS antenna, 60 ... Wireless communication circuit, 70 ... External memory, 110 ... Communication control unit, 120 ... Store information storage unit , 130 ... position information acquisition unit, 140 ... settlement control unit, 150 ... user information storage unit, 160 ... payment acceptability determination unit, 161 ... position information determination unit, 162 ... payment amount determination unit, 170 ... date acquisition unit, 180 ... Payment amount storage unit, 190 ... card information storage unit, 191 ... electronic money management unit, 192 ... electronic money storage unit

Claims (10)

Store information storage means for storing store position information indicating the position of a store where payment can be made and use limit amount information indicating a use limit amount in the store in association with each other;
Position information acquisition means for acquiring current position information regarding the current position;
A payment amount receiving means for receiving the payment amount;
Payment information storage means for storing payment information necessary for payment;
Payment control means for controlling payment at the store based on the store position information and the current position information, the payment amount and the usage limit, and the payment information;
The portable information that permits payment at the store when the payment control means determines that the store location information and the current location information are compatible and the payment amount is within the usage limit amount range. Terminal.   The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the store location information and the usage restriction amount are set in advance by a user.   The portable information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a time management unit, wherein the usage restriction amount can be managed in a predetermined period unit. Furthermore, reserve amount information that can be used without being limited to the location of the store is stored in advance,
The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the payment control means permits payment within the range of the reserve amount information in a predetermined case.   The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the store information storage unit acquires store information from an external device.   The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the position information acquisition unit acquires the current position information by receiving information related to the position from the outside.   The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the settlement information storage unit is configured as a removable storage medium.   The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the payment information is information necessary for a credit card payment.   The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the payment information includes electronic money information. An electronic payment method using a portable information terminal,
A first step of registering store location information indicating the location of the store in association with the usage limit amount at the store;
A second step of receiving the payment amount;
A third step of obtaining current position information indicating the current position;
A fourth step of determining whether the current position information matches the store position information;
A fifth step of determining whether the payment amount is within the usage limit amount;
When the current location information matches the store location information and the payment amount is within the usage restriction amount, the payment amount is allowed to be settled and payment information necessary for the settlement is transmitted to the outside. And a sixth step
An electronic payment method using a portable information terminal.

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