JP2003076851A - Original electronic money system. transaction method by original electronic money, recording medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to issue electronic money for which each website or its user has own currency unit or image information, and to provide original electronic money that can energize electronic commercial transaction by using the electronic money. SOLUTION: This invented original electronic money system is constituted such that the system has a currency rate/currency unit setting means that sets the currency rate of a conversion ratio for converting the currency unit of a basic electronic money having a usual currency unit into a unique currency unit, an electronic money issuing part for issuing the original electronic money having the above currency rate and the unique currency unit, and electronic money information including identification information for identifying the original electronic money, and the system issues the original electronic money having a currency rate that can be set arbitrarily and the unique currency unit to conduct commercial transactions on a website.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to electronic money used in electronic commerce, and more particularly to an original electronic money system, a transaction method using the original electronic money, and a recording medium that have a high sales promotion effect when electronic commerce is performed on the Internet. And the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Currently, various forms of electronic money have appeared with the spread of the Internet. Payments on the network are traditionally done by credit card, IC
There were electronic money systems using cards and electronic money systems of network type. There have also been electronic money systems such as WEBMONEY (registered trademark of WebMoney Co., Ltd.) using prepaid cards.

That is, conventionally, like WEBMONEY,
There has been an electronic money system in which a user purchases a prepaid card at a convenience store or the like and carries out a commercial transaction such as a product purchase on a commercial transaction website on the Internet. In addition, existing electronic currency units such as ordinary yen are used for conventional electronic money settlements, and depending on the website, the currency unit may be omitted and the price may be displayed only as a numerical value. I couldn't say that the commerce itself was interesting.

Further, conventionally, it has been practiced to purchase a virtual currency (a currency for use in a virtual space, not an existing currency) with a credit card or the like, and use it in a network game. Further, in recent years, many websites have also provided a point service that allows points to be generated according to the transaction amount and used for the next transaction.

[0005]

Since the conventional electronic commerce using electronic money is performed as described above, there are the following problems. That is, like WEBMONEY, the electronic money prepared in advance could be settled on each website by contracting with the issuing manager, but the website could not issue the electronic money independently. In addition, the electronic money used on each website is only electronic money in the currency prepared by the operator of the electronic money in advance, and the currency unit is predetermined, and the user or website operator can Even if you wanted to issue an electronic currency, it could not be easily realized.

[0006] Further, the points given at the time of shopping on the website are managed and operated for each website, and cannot be commonly used by a plurality of websites. In addition, although a number of websites that carry out commercial transactions on the Internet have been created, it cannot be said that electronic commerce is actively carried out due to insufficient differentiation.

The present invention enables each website and user of the Internet to issue unique electronic money,
By mutually using those electronic money,
Original electronic money system and original electronic money system that makes electronic money easy to familiarize by activating electronic commerce and associating electronic money with image information, and aiming for sound spread of electronic money system to a wide range of users The purpose is to provide a transaction method, a recording medium, and a program by money.

[0008]

The original electronic money system of the present invention is a currency for setting a currency rate, which is a conversion rate for changing a currency unit of a standard electronic money having a normal currency unit into an original currency unit. A rate / currency unit setting means, an electronic money issuing unit for issuing original electronic money having the currency rate and a unique currency unit, and electronic money information including identification information for identifying the original electronic money, This is a configuration in which original electronic money having a freely settable currency rate and a unique currency unit can be issued to carry out commercial transactions on the website.

Further, a predetermined royalty is collected when the original electronic money is issued.

Further, an electronic money image display unit for displaying image information for displaying the original electronic money on a website is further provided, and a pattern representing the original electronic money displayed by the electronic money image display unit is arbitrarily set. It is a configuration that can be set.

Further, in order to exchange a plurality of original electronic moneys having different currency rates, an electronic money exchange unit for converting the different currency units and exchanging the original electronic money is further provided, and the exchange of the currency rates is performed. It is a configuration that enables exchange of different original electronic money.

[0012] The electronic money information is configured to include information on websites that can use the original electronic money.

Further, the electronic money information is configured to include information for specifying a product that can be purchased with the original electronic money.

[0014] Further, the present invention further comprises currency rate changing means for changing a multiplication rate by which the currency rate is multiplied based on the balance between the demand and the supply of the original electronic money.

In the currency rate / currency unit setting means, the currency rate or the currency unit can be changed after the original electronic money is issued.

Further, the electronic money information includes use period information in which the original electronic money can be used, and the original electronic money after the use period has been disabled.

[0017] Further, it is a constitution further comprising a usable deadline notification means for notifying a user of the deadline a predetermined number of days before the last day of the usage period.

Further, the electronic money having a plurality of different currency units can be simultaneously used to settle a commercial transaction.

Further, the original electronic money can be confirmed on the website, and the electronic commercial transaction can be visually settled by using the pattern representing the original electronic money.

Further, the purchase record of the user can be automatically recorded, and the purchase record can be confirmed as electronic household account book information.

Further, the marketing information for analyzing the purchasing tendency is generated based on the electronic household account information.

Further, it is a configuration that can be used on an internet game.

Further, the mini game is played at the time of payment on the website, and the price of the product to be purchased is discounted when the user obtains the acceptance judgment.

Further, when the user collects a plurality of original electronic moneys based on a predetermined combination, bonus electronic money is given.

Further, the transaction method using the original electronic money of the present invention comprises the step of setting a currency rate which is a conversion rate for changing the currency unit of the standard electronic money having a normal currency unit into a unique currency unit, A configuration comprising the step of issuing original electronic money having the currency rate and the original currency unit, and performing the commercial transaction on the website by issuing the original electronic money having the freely settable currency rate and the original currency unit Is.

Further, the computer-readable recording medium recording the program for issuing the original electronic money of the present invention and causing it to function so as to be able to conduct commercial transactions on the website is a standard having a normal currency unit. A currency rate / currency unit setting means for setting a currency rate, which is a conversion rate for changing the currency unit of electronic money to a unique currency unit, and issuing an original electronic money having the currency rate and a unique currency unit. The original electronic money including the electronic money issuing unit and the electronic money information including the identification information for identifying the original electronic money has a currency rate that can be arbitrarily set and a unique currency unit.

Further, the commercial transaction program using the original electronic money of the present invention for causing the original electronic money to function so as to perform the commercial transaction on the website is a standard electronic money having a normal currency unit. Currency rate / currency unit setting means for setting a currency rate, which is a conversion rate for changing the currency unit of the above currency unit to its own currency unit, and an electronic device for issuing original electronic money having the currency rate and its own currency unit. With the original electronic money including the money issuing unit and the electronic money information including the identification information for identifying the original electronic money, the currency rate and the unique currency unit can be arbitrarily set.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the method for issuing original electronic money according to the present invention will be described below.
The original electronic money in the present embodiment can be commonly used among a plurality of websites like a gift certificate that can be used in an unspecified number of shops, and
This original electronic money is characterized in that it can be issued on each website.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the original electronic money of the present invention. In FIG.
Reference numeral 1 is an electronic money issuance management unit that issues the original electronic money of the present invention. This electronic money issuance management unit 1 includes an electronic money issuing unit 1A, a currency rate / currency unit setting means 1B, and electronic money. Payment section 1C, electronic money conversion section 1D, electronic money exchange section 1E, currency rate change section 1F, electronic money authentication section 1G, electronic money image display section 1H, electronic money image database 1I, electronic money database 1J and electronic money information database. Equipped with.

The electronic money issuance management unit 1 is an electronic commerce website 3 which is a website where the original electronic money of the present invention can be used through the Internet line 2, an electronic money user communication terminal 4 and a bank host 5. It is connected to the.

The electronic money issuing unit 1A has a credit granting unit (not shown) which is a security means such as an electronic key used when generating electronic money, and serves as a base for the issued original electronic money. It is means for issuing standard electronic money using a currency unit such as ordinary yen, and original electronic money that can be independently issued by a website having the standard electronic money as a base.

The original electronic money is electronic money derived from the reference electronic money, and is created by adding information for issuing the original electronic money to the reference electronic money from which it is derived.
Using the original electronic money of the present invention means using the reference electronic money via the currency rate described later. That is, the user's communication terminal 4 sees the electronic money information of the electronic money issue management unit 1 via the electronic commerce website 3.

The currency rate / currency unit setting means 1B is means for setting the currency rate and currency unit of the original electronic money of the present invention. This currency rate and currency unit can be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the e-commerce website or the person who requests the issuance of original electronic money, and it is also possible to set the currency rate once and then reset it again. It is possible. Details will be described later.

The electronic money settlement unit 1C cooperates with a bank host 5 described later to comprehensively perform settlement such as payment for payment between the electronic commerce website 3 and the user's communication terminal 4 using the currency rate. Has a role to manage. After the expiration date of the electronic money, the electronic money settlement unit 1C amortizes the original electronic money and makes final settlement (return of balance, etc.).

The electronic money conversion unit 1D is means for converting the reference electronic money into the original electronic money based on the currency rate. The electronic money exchange unit 1E is means for exchanging original electronic money with each other. When the currency units of the original electronic moneys to be exchanged are different, the electronic money exchange unit 1E converts the different currency units to exchange the original electronic moneys.

The currency rate changing unit 1F changes the currency rate according to the degree of popularity due to the demand and supply of each original electronic money. The electronic money authenticating unit 1G is means for determining whether the electronic money is valid. This decision is
It may be performed by checking the electronic money information database described later, or may be determined based on the electronic money image database 1I described later.

The electronic money image display unit 1H displays electronic money image data for each original electronic money, and the electronic money image database 1I includes
It may be included in the electronic money image display unit 1H and is image data for visually symbolizing the original electronic money of the present invention.

The electronic money database 1J is composed of an electronic money user database, an electronic money issuer database and an electronic money information database. The electronic money user database is information about users who use electronic money, and this electronic money user database may be managed by either the electronic money issuing unit 1A or the electronic commerce website 3. However, if anonymity is important, it may not be provided.

The electronic money issuer database is
It is information about the electronic commerce website 3 that issued the original electronic money, and is composed of, for example, the identification number of the website operator.

Further, the electronic money information database is
It is a database composed of electronic money information. This electronic money information is information stored and held for each original electronic money, and is composed of issued electronic money information and original electronic money information. The issued electronic money information includes, for example, an identification number (issued number), an original electronic money number, an issued website number (issuer number), an issue date, an effective date, a user number, usable website information, and use. It is composed of information for identifying each original electronic money such as available product information, balance, distribution period, availability flag and currency rate.

Of these issued electronic money information, the issue date can be omitted if prepared in association with the identification number, and the effective date is not always necessary, either. By using this, it is possible to issue, for example, original electronic money whose expiration date is set. As will be described later, the balance of original electronic money is also data stored in the electronic money information database as issued electronic money information.

The original electronic money information includes the original electronic money number, used image number (image number for illustrating electronic money), issuing website, usable website information, usable product information, currency rate,
It is composed of supply and demand data. For example, the information set for each original electronic money such as one or NOBU as shown in FIG. 2 is stored.

The original electronic money information and the issued electronic money information are duplicated in the issued website, usable website information and usable product information. These three pieces of information are basically What is stored as issued electronic money information is used when using the original electronic money. It is possible to issue it on a website other than the electronic commerce website that issued the original electronic money, and This is because the information is stored as the original electronic money information so that the information of the electronic commerce website that can be used when issuing the electronic money can be set.

The electronic commerce website 3 has electronic money information input means 3A for inputting an electronic money information database into the electronic money issue management unit 1 and electronic money information processing for writing electronic money information in the electronic money information database. Means 3B and electronic money information input means 3A
The electronic money issuance requesting unit 3C for requesting the electronic money issuance management unit 1 to issue electronic money based on the electronic money information input by. The electronic money information input means 3A, the electronic money information processing means 3B, and the electronic money issue request means 3C may be provided on the electronic money issue management unit 1 side.

The bank host 5 is a computer for operating and managing banking operations, and is provided with an account database for storing account information of each user, and is connected to the user's communication terminal 4 and the electronic commerce website 3. It is a means to transfer funds to and from an account.

The original electronic money of the present invention is
By cooperating with other electronic money systems, it is possible to cover all kinds of electronic money and make it unique electronic money. That is, the original electronic money of the present invention can change the currency rate of completely different kinds of electronic money (including general well-known electronic money other than the original electronic money of the present invention) and the design of image information on the web. It can be created by.

Next, when it is desired to issue electronic money unique to the shop on the electronic commerce website "GAMECITY" in which a commercial transaction is carried out, "GAMECIT"
A case where the operator of “Y” issues the unique currency “One” to the electronic money issuance management unit 1 will be described as an example.

GAME which is the electronic commerce website 3
When issuing the original electronic money "One" with CITY, first, the operator of GAMECITY makes an issuance contract of the original electronic money with the electronic money issuance management unit. However, if the issue amount is small, it may be possible to pay with a credit card or the like.

The operator of GAMECITY determines the currency unit, currency rate, and pattern of the original electronic money to be issued, and requests the electronic money issuance management unit 1 to issue the original electronic money. The pattern may be determined by the user of the original electronic money.
It is assumed that the operator of GAMECITY exemplified here has determined that the currency unit is “one” and the currency rate is 1 yen. It is assumed that the dog (one) shown in FIG. 2 has been selected as the pattern of the original electronic money used in GAMECITY.

Specifically, the operator of GAMECITY sets the currency unit that can be arbitrarily set in the electronic money information input means to "one" and sets the currency rate to "1 yen". A currency unit and a currency rate are set by the currency rate / currency unit setting means 1B based on the information input by the electronic money information input means.

The currency unit and the currency rate of electronic money once registered in this way are stored in the electronic money database, and from the next time onward, the issued electronic money will be issued without inputting the currency unit and the currency rate. Is possible. Since the currency unit and the currency rate can be arbitrarily set in this way, it is possible to activate the commercial transaction by the original electronic money. The currency rate can be set to "1 yen", and in such a case, a commercial transaction at a fine price of 1 yen or less is also possible.

Further, the picture pattern is composed of image image data such as a bit map image, and this image image data is included in the electronic money information database itself as long as it is about an icon. It's good, but if the image data is large, it depends on the image number set in the electronic money information database,
The image of the electronic money image database 1I may be transmitted to the communication terminal of the user and displayed.

Transactions between the electronic commerce website 3 such as GAMECITY and the electronic money issuance management unit 1 are collectively performed by the electronic money issuance management unit 1 on the electronic commerce website 3 in a predetermined period such as monthly. The payment is requested, or the electronic money issuance management unit 1 sequentially requests the payment through the electronic commerce website 3 for each transaction, and the electronic money settlement is performed based on the payment request signal from the electronic commerce website 3. It is assumed that the department 1C accesses the bank host 5 and makes a payment from the user's account using transfer or the like. The electronic commerce website 3 allows the electronic money issuance management unit 1 to request the original electronic money used by the user to purchase the original electronic money.

The electronic money issuance management unit 1 uses GAMECI
Upon receiving the issuance request from TY, the credit data in the electronic money issuer database is checked, and if the issue is possible, the original electronic money "One" is issued. The electronic money issuance management unit 1 provides the consideration and royalty of the issued original electronic money to GAME which is an electronic commerce website.
Claim to CITY. It should be noted that the consideration and the royalties may be specifically configured to be claimed by the electronic money issuing unit 1A or the electronic money settlement unit 1C in the electronic money issuance management unit 1.

In this case, the charge amount is N: amount of one unit of electronic money at the time of actual settlement (currency unit), and R: royalty (% unit), charge amount = number of purchases × N × (100 + R) / It can be represented as 100.

Therefore, if the operator of GAMECITY sets the currency rate of the original currency "One" to 1000 yen, and issues the original electronic money for 10000 yen, 10 one × 1000 yen + royalty 3% ( Three
It is necessary to pay 10300 yen in total to the issuance management department. In this way, even in the payment of the price generated when the original electronic money is issued, the electronic money payment unit 1C cooperates with the bank host 5 to make the payment.

That is, the original electronic money of the present invention is
It may be possible to purchase it on the net with a credit card or the like, or to issue the original electronic money when payment is confirmed by postal transfer or the like. After first registering the use of the original electronic money, the original electronic money can be issued.

Next, the transaction between the website user and the commercial transaction website will be described. Generally, payment of the price by electronic money is performed by a method such as a prepaid method (prepayment method), a debit method (immediate payment method), a credit method (postpaid method), etc.
In the case of the original electronic money of the present invention, the prepaid method is adopted between the user's communication terminal 4 and the electronic commerce website 3, and the original electronic money purchased by the user through the communication terminal 4 or the electronic money It can be used only within the amount of the original electronic money obtained by the user by being given (like a prize) from the commercial transaction website 3 or the like.

Specifically, first, an original electronic money issuing form is prepared in the electronic commerce website 3 so that the user's communication terminal 4 can visit the electronic commerce website 3 and purchase the original electronic money. ing. When a user who wishes to purchase original electronic money inputs a name, an e-mail address and a password into an issuance form, the entered name, e-mail address and password are sent to the electronic money issuance management unit 1 and further electronic money is issued. It is registered in the electronic money user database in the money database 1J, and the user number is transmitted to the registered electronic mail address.

The user's communication terminal 4 purchases electronic money by inputting the registration number, password, and credit number given to the original electronic money issuing form and inputting the purchase unit of the original electronic money. The content entered in the form is sent to the electronic money issuance management unit 1, and the unit of the original electronic money issued to the electronic money user database in the electronic money database 1J, the issuing website, the issuing date and time, etc. are stored. To be done.

The user can check the balance information of the issued electronic money on the electronic commerce website 3 or the website of the electronic money issue management unit 1.
The balance confirmation on the commercial transaction website can also be displayed by calling the balance data from the electronic money issuance management unit. Note that the user cannot basically convert the original electronic money into cash.

Next, a method of using the original electronic money will be described. First, a user selects an item for sale on a commercial transaction website. When the user inputs the identification number of the original electronic money and the password of the user and presses the purchase button, the electronic money information is transmitted to the electronic money issuance management unit 1.

The electronic money issuance management unit 1 compares the transmitted identification number and password of the electronic money with the electronic money database and the user database, recognizes that the electronic money is valid, and calculates the conversion rate of the electronic money. First, the balance is checked to determine whether the product can be purchased, and if so, the purchaseable information is transmitted to the commerce website.

When the electronic commerce website 3 receives the information indicating that the product can be purchased, the product is delivered.
The used information is given to the original electronic money used for purchasing the product. That is, the original electronic money held by the user's communication terminal 4 is reduced by the amount of the purchased product. As described above, according to the original electronic money of the present invention, each website can purchase the electronic money from the electronic money issuing institution and use the original electronic money using the unique currency unit for the users of the website. .

As shown in FIG. 2, if the value of 1 unit of electronic money "One" is 1000 yen, it is set on the electronic commerce website that PS2 game software "Gitalman" (registered trademark) is 5 one. If it does so, it is substantially 5000 yen, but rather than simply displaying it as 5000 yen, it is possible to make the purchaser feel more fun and to promote the purchase will. In addition, the issuance management unit can obtain royalties when issuing electronic money, and the shop can attract customers by preparing its own currency.

Further, when the website operator requests the electronic money issuance management section to issue its own electronic money, the electronic money is given a unique design, so that the user can like the electronic money of various designs. Since various electronic money can be selected, further distribution of the original electronic money of the present invention can be expected.

Further, the electronic money issuance management unit 1 may be a bank or another creditworthy institution,
An organization other than a financial institution such as a bank may play the same role as the bank host without providing the bank host 5, and the electronic money issuing unit 1 may operate an organization other than the bank host 5 or the financial institution such as the bank. It can also be included.

Not only the website operator can request the issuance of the original electronic money, but the user may be able to request the original electronic money. It should be noted that what is issued is nothing more than a symbol of original electronic money, and is not something that would change to conventional banknotes and coins.

Also, the type of electronic commerce website 3 that can be used can be limited depending on the available site information and available product information of the issued electronic money information of the original electronic money. For example, parents can give their children electronic money to buy only stationery.

As described above, in the present invention, the user can freely issue his or her own original electronic money. The original electronic money is a currency unit or a visual image on the web. By being unique, even if the types of original electronic money are different, since the same electronic money is used internally, it can be converted into cash.

In the electronic money information input means, an image corresponding to electronic money can be selected or input. A picture (image) that symbolizes the original electronic money can be set. This image can be selected from the patterns prepared in advance in the electronic money image database of the electronic money issuance management unit 1 through the image selecting means, or the image previously created by the user through the electronic money image inputting means can be selected. It can be input and used, or can be created on the web of the electronic money issue management unit 1 through the electronic money image input means.

The input / selected image information is stored in the electronic money database in the same manner as the currency unit and the currency rate. As described above, since the pattern of the original electronic money can be freely selected, it is possible to create the original electronic money having a high use promoting effect.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the electronic money issuance management unit 1 includes a plurality of electronic commerce websites 3a and 3a.
The original electronic money can be issued based on the issuance request from b, 3c. At this time, if the contents of the issuance request of the respective electronic commerce websites 3a to 3c are different, the original electronic money A, B, C having different currency units and currency rates according to the respective issuance requests.
Can be issued.

The different original electronic moneys A, B and C issued in this way are normally used respectively in the electronic commerce websites 3a, 3b and 3c. B and C can also be used in an electronic commerce website different from the electronic commerce website originally used. That is, the original electronic money of the present invention is exchangeable, and for example, the original electronic money A can be used in the electronic commerce website 3b or 3c.

In this way, the electronic money exchange unit 1E changes the currency rates of the original electronic money A, B, and C having different currency units and currency rates using the same system of the electronic money issue management unit 1. By having compatibility so that each original electronic money can be exchanged,
Even if original electronic money with different apparent currency units and currency rates is issued from a plurality of electronic commerce websites 3a to 3c, the base electronic money is common (identifiable by the identification number), It can also be used on electronic commerce websites that use original electronic money.

In the present invention, it is assumed that the original electronic money is mainly issued from the electronic commerce websites 3a to 3c. However, not only these electronic commerce websites 3a to 3c but other internets are also available. The original electronic money of the present invention may be issued on a website (a website other than the website that can use the original electronic money of the present invention).

Further, the electronic money information may include information on Internet websites where the original electronic money can be used. In this way, by including the website information that can be used for each original electronic money in the electronic money information, the original electronic money of the present invention can be restricted so that it cannot be used at a specific website.

Further, an electronic money use check unit is provided on the electronic commerce website 3 side, and the electronic money issuance management unit 1
It is also possible to check the available website information of the electronic money information from to determine whether or not the website can be used. As described above, according to the present invention, the available electronic commerce websites are collectively set for each original electronic money, whereby the original electronic money for a specific website can be issued.
It is possible to prevent electronic money given to children by parents or guardians from being used for unintended purposes. For example, by issuing toy money for a toy sales website, book money for a book sales website, or the like, it is possible to issue original electronic money with high utility value while limiting its use.

Further, the commodities that can be purchased for each original electronic money may be specified according to the electronic money information. This is e-commerce website 3
A commodity purchase approval / disapproval determination unit is provided on the side to limit the specific commodity that can be purchased for each original electronic money. The product purchase approval / disapproval judging unit judges the purchase approval / disapproval based on the electronic money information from the issuance management unit.

As described above, the attributes of commodities that can be purchased can be restricted in the same manner as the restriction of websites where electronic money can be used. For example, it is possible to issue original electronic money that allows you to purchase only toys, original electronic money that allows you to purchase only books, or CDs, and as a result, a user service that focuses on specific products. Is possible.

Therefore, for example, according to the present invention, it is possible to issue electronic money such as "panda money" and "kuma-san money" for children instead of electronic money converted into yen. Also, in the case of an electronic virtual store with a game theme, it is possible to purchase game goods and the like in units of money during the game.

If a product or shop that can only be purchased with a specific original electronic money is prepared, the user can search for the homepage issuing the currency as if collecting the trading card. And can facilitate currency collection.

When exchanging currency rates between different types of original electronic money, the apparent currency rate may be changed depending on the balance between the demand and supply of the original electronic money. This is provided with a currency rate changing unit (not shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1) in the currency rate changing unit 1F of the electronic money issuance management unit 1, and the currency rate changing unit is popular or supply / demand for each original electronic money. Based on the above, it can be realized by changing the multiplication rate by which the currency rate is multiplied when exchanging the original electronic money to make the apparent currency rate variable.

Here, the supply and demand status of each original electronic money is stored in the electronic money information database of the electronic money issue management unit 1 as electronic money supply and demand information based on the supply and demand of each original electronic money. By changing the multiplication rate of the currency rate based on this electronic money supply and demand information, the actual currency rate is changed. As described above, by apparently fluctuating the currency rate at the time of exchange based on the popularity of each original electronic money, it is possible to activate the competition due to competition between websites that issue the original electronic money.

For example, since the original electronic money "One" issued by GAMECITY has a cute design, it becomes a topic among Internet users, and when the number of people who want it increases, the electronic money of the same design and currency is GAME.
Those who want the original electronic money "One" can only be issued with CITY, so those who want the original electronic money "One" need to exchange their original electronic money for "One" in order to shop at GAMECITY. "
Can be expected to be sold at GAMECITY.

Further, GAMECITY may not only issue “One” as a shopping service, but may also re-sell the issued “One” to the users of the website. When reselling in this way, you may sell the currency to the user without including the royalty as at the time of issuance, or you may sell it with the royalty included. If you want to promote distribution, you may discount it and sell it than when it is normally issued.

A website for exchanging original electronic money between users is operated by the electronic money issue management unit 1. There, the rate changes depending on the popularity of the currency, and if the original electronic money “NOBU” (see FIG. 2) that is different from “One” is overwhelmed by the excessive number of issuances and there are many desires to sell, the original rate is 1 Even if yen and 1 NOBU = 100 yen, an exchange rate such as 1 NOBU may occur. This is the original electronic money "SA
The same applies to "RU" and "GM" (see FIG. 2). Also,
The exchange rate is the rate obtained by multiplying the currency rate of the original electronic money by the multiplication rate set by the currency rate changing means. In the above example, the NOBU multiplication rate is 10/11. Become. Note that the original electronic money of the present invention and cash are not basically exchanged.

The currency rates of the original electronic money issued from the Internet website and the real money (which means a real currency such as yen) are the original electronic money issued by the original electronic money issued. The person may be able to change it. Such currency rate change is performed by the currency rate change section 1F when the issuer accesses the electronic money issue management section 1 through the electronic commerce website 3.

Such a change in the currency rate can be performed by, for example,
Only in the case of electronic money issued by the electronic commerce website 3 as a user service free of charge, the rate can be changed to a rate advantageous to the user. That is, one
The rate of electronic money issued at 000 yen is 1 = 11
It can be set at ¥ 00, and it can be expected that the purchasing power of existing electronic money users will be improved by improving the customer attraction rate. The currency rate changed in this way may be basically stored as electronic money information.
A currency rate storage unit is provided in the electronic money issuance management unit 1,
You may make it memorize | store in this currency rate storage part.

Also, if the value of currency is changed to a currency unit such as "One", "Apple" or "Orange" instead of the ordinary yen, the user will enjoy paying money. You can feel it and promote the use of the shop. Also, if the value of the original currency can be changed arbitrarily by the shop, it is possible to change the price of Apple without changing the price of each item, so it is possible to raise the price reduction at once, so it is the main attraction of users In addition, there is less concern that simple price competition will occur.

Also, expiration date information may be included in the electronic money information. Allows the user to enter the last date (expiration date) of the usage period in the expiry date setting input section provided on each electronic commerce website 3, and checks the expiry date in the expiry time check section in the electronic money issuance management section 1 at the time of use. However, electronic money that has passed the expiration date is made unusable so that it is forcibly amortized at the expiration date. The depreciation is performed in the electronic money settlement unit in the electronic money issue management unit 1.

For example, in the case of electronic money that is issued free of charge as a service to users, such as a limited-time user return sale, the usable period (use period) can be limited to one month or the like. , Effective when using original electronic money for a limited time sale.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing electronic money information of original electronic money of the present invention. The above electronic money information has an issue number of 0001 and an issue date of 2001/7
On the 1st of the month, the issued website is GAMECITY, the usable website information is open (any website can be used), the usable product information is toys and game software, and the expiration date 20011231 is December 31, 2001 Means that is the expiration date. The availability flag is a flag indicating whether the original electronic money can be used at the present time.

That is, after December 31, 2001, the usability flag of the electronic money information becomes unusable and cannot be used. However, electronic money that can no longer be used can be checked for image data and can be collected, so it retains the same collection value as used telephone cards. Such expiration date can be effectively utilized mainly in the case of electronic money issued as a point service.

Further, the electronic money issuance management unit 1 may be provided with an expiration date notifying means for notifying the user of the original electronic money of the expiration date based on the expiration date information. The expiration date notifying means monitors the expiration date of each original electronic money, and is set to notify the user when the expiration date of the electronic money approaches.

This function is carried out in order to prevent the original electronic money held by the user from becoming invalid due to the expiration of its use without noticing,
Let us know by email or let users know when they visit your website. For example, it suffices to notify the user of a combination of display such as one month before the deadline, one week before, three days before, and the date and time of the last date of the usage period.

An original electronic money user who wants to use this notification service registers an e-mail address in advance in the electronic money issuance management unit 1 side and sets the expiration date of the electronic money currently owned by the electronic money. The issue management unit 1 side may perform a check, and may be configured to perform mail transmission by the automatic mail transmission function. By notifying the expiration date in this way, it is possible to prevent the original electronic money with the expiration date from being wasted. As a result, it is possible to give the user the impression that it is a conscientious service, and electronic commerce on the electronic commerce website is activated.

Further, the electronic money held by the user may be visually confirmed for each virtual banknote and virtual coin of electronic money on the website. This is to display the image data stored in the electronic money image database 1I graphically on the web by the electronic money image display unit 1H based on the identification number of the user's original electronic money. The pleasure of collecting money is born and e-commerce is activated.

When making a payment using the original electronic money, not only one type, but also "NOBU" and "SA"
A plurality of types of original electronic money such as “RU” may be combined to enable payment. The original electronic money of the present invention is derived from the standard electronic money and has exchangeability between different types of original electronic money, and therefore, it is based on the currency rate of each original electronic money at the time of settlement. Since the amount converted into the currency rate of the standard electronic money can be calculated, there is no problem even if a plurality of original electronic moneys are used at the same time.

Since the original electronic money in a plurality of currency units can be used at the same time, it is possible to use the electronic money in the electronic commerce site in a manner similar to shopping in a general society using a plurality of banknotes and coins. As a result, it becomes possible to further promote electronic commerce.

If the amount of image data of the original electronic money held by the user is displayed on the website for each type, the balance of the original electronic money can be visually confirmed. As in conventional electronic money, users can visually check how much electronic money remains as if they could check the coins in their wallet instead of just checking the balance by numbers. You will be able to confirm.

Furthermore, by using a program such as JAVA (registered trademark), the image data of the original electronic money displayed on the screen can be clicked with the mouse and dragged to the cashier displayed on the website. For example, it is possible to visually inform the user that the original electronic money has been used.

Further, the issued original electronic money may be purchased by the electronic money issuance management unit 1. In this system, the electronic commerce website 3 requests the electronic money settlement section of the electronic money issue management section 1 to purchase the original electronic money which is no longer needed.

The image data displayed in association with the original electronic money is image data composed of a plurality of series, and can be used as electronic money by attaching an identification number to the trading card. That is,
Electronic money is entered by entering the type of trading card and identification number. Alternatively, an electronic trading card on the Internet is used as electronic money.

The electronic money issuance management unit 1 is provided with a trading card database and a special card check unit, and the image display unit 8 displays the images of athletes and celebrities stored in the trading card database.
By displaying the trading card on the web via, it is possible to issue the original electronic money to which the trading card collecting element is added.

Trading cards that have become popular in some parts in recent years (dozens of types of cards such as baseball players and idols are issued in each series to collect all types or many cards. About 10 cards in 1 pack) It is sold by putting in, but you can not know which card is contained without opening it, so improve the usage rate of original electronic money by associating trading <exchange> or collect it) with original electronic money Can be made.

The original electronic money in the trading card format may be such that the image cannot be understood unless it is clicked on the screen, and an identification number is printed on an ordinary card type trading card. Then, this may be used as original electronic money.

Further, a purchase history storage unit for storing the history of the movement of the original electronic money on the server may be provided. That is,
The purchase history automatically stored in the user purchase history database can be confirmed in the electronic household account book of the original electronic money user, and the data to be stored in the user purchase history database in the electronic money issuance management unit 1 can be stored. By dividing each user and storing all the purchase history in cooperation with each electronic commerce website 3, the user of electronic money grasps the purchase memory across a plurality of electronic commerce websites 3. Therefore, the electronic commerce on the electronic commerce website 3 where the original electronic money system of the present invention can be used is activated.

Further, the marketing information for analyzing the purchasing tendency may be generated based on the information that can be confirmed in the electronic household account book (hereinafter referred to as the electronic household account book information). The electronic household account book information is the electronic money information database and the user purchase history database, and the marketing information is the electronic household account book in the marketing information analysis unit in the electronic money issue management unit 1. It is a result of analyzing which e-commerce website 3 the user of which age group purchased what kind of product based on the information. This marketing information is stored in the marketing information storage unit, can be output from the marketing information output unit, and can be determined by the marketing information determination unit.

Here, the result of analysis using the electronic money information database and the user purchase history database as the electronic household account information is treated as the marketing information, but this marketing information is not necessarily the electronic money information database and the user. It is not necessary to analyze based on both the purchase history database, and it is also possible to use either the electronic money information database or the user purchase history database as electronic household account book information and analyze based on this.

For example, based on the statistically aggregated data of which e-commerce websites, users of what age groups and what commodities were purchased, the purchase class as intended by the electronic commerce websites. To determine whether the user is using the product and whether the product composition of the e-commerce website is appropriate. By generating the marketing information in this way, it is possible to grasp the usage trend of the original electronic money, and it can be useful for examining the product lineup of the electronic commerce website.

The original electronic money may be used in an internet game. For example, virtual money in a network game and the original electronic money of the present invention can be linked to each other to activate electronic commerce by synergistic action with the game on the Internet. In the same way as online shopping can be enjoyed using the original electronic money of the present invention on the electronic commerce website 3, items and weapons used in the game can be displayed in a virtual shop in the game on the Internet game. It may be made available for purchase.

When the original electronic money is used, the mini game is executed by the mini game executing section provided on the commercial transaction website 3 side, and if the user obtains the pass judgment, the mini game pass judgment is made. The product discount processing execution unit may discount the purchase target product price based on the acceptance determination signal from the department.

The mini game referred to here is picture matching, 1
A simple game that can be played in a short time, such as a 5-piece puzzle, when using original electronic money to purchase products on the e-commerce website 3 (at the time of payment)
First, a simple mini game is prepared, and if the correct answer is given, the product price is reduced by, for example, 5%. As described above, by adding the enjoyment of the mini game when using the original electronic money, the electronic commerce can be activated.

In addition, when a combination table of a plurality of original electronic money is prepared in the electronic money possessed data of the user and the combination of the original electronic money in the electronic money possessed data and the contents of the combination table match, You may make it give a bonus electronic money to a user.

The bonus electronic money is specially added when electronic money of a specific combination is collected from a plurality of original electronic money. When the original electronic money is displayed on the web, A special combination of electronic money is given specially.

For example, in the original electronic money shown in FIG. 2, NOBU is electronic money having the motif of Sengoku warlord Nobunaga Oda, and SARU is electronic money having Hideyoshi Hashiba as a motif. For electronic money held by users,
If you collect 5 kinds of original electronic money by collecting original electronic money with other Sengoku military commanders as a motif, the electronic money collection of the Sengoku military commander series is completed.
This is a process for the benefit of the user, such as U3 units being granted.

Whether or not the electronic money collection is completed is determined by the electronic money display determination unit based on the electronic money combination data, and when it is determined that the collection is completed, the electronic money bonus grant unit determines the bonus electronic money. May be added. Also,
The bonus electronic money may be given by a combination of a plurality of original electronic money used at the time of settlement using the original electronic money without being limited to the combination in the electronic money holding data.

By giving bonus electronic money in this way, the user's willingness to purchase is increased, and electronic commerce using the original electronic money of the present invention is actively carried out. In addition, such a collection is also
Besides the one, bonus electronic money may be specially given when electronic money of the animal series is collected.

Further, the original electronic money system according to this embodiment can be realized by using a general computer system instead of a dedicated system. By installing the program from a medium (CD-ROM or the like) in which a program for executing the above operation is recorded in a computer, an original electronic money system that executes the above processing can be configured. Further, the program may be distributed and installed through a communication network.

[0121]

According to the original electronic money of the present invention, it is possible to issue the original electronic money having its own currency unit. Therefore, by activating the electronic commerce and associating the electronic money with the image information, it can be widely used. It is possible to promote the sound spread of the electronic money system to persons.
In addition, since the unique currency acquired in the virtual space of the Internet can be used as electronic money in the actual trading society, in addition to the fun of simply using electronic money, the web can be enjoyed while enjoying the unique enjoyment of unique currency units. You can conduct electronic commerce on the site.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of original electronic money of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram exemplifying a pattern of original electronic money of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a usage environment of the original electronic money of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing electronic money information of original electronic money of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Electronic Money Issue Management Department 1A Electronic Money Issue Department 1B Currency rate / currency unit setting means 1C Electronic Money Settlement Department 1D electronic money conversion unit 1E Electronic Money Exchange Department 1F Currency rate change section 1G Electronic Money Authentication Department 1H Electronic money image display 1I Electronic Money Image Database 1J Electronic Money Database 2 Internet line 3, 3a, 3b, 3c e-commerce website 3A Electronic money information input means 3B Electronic money information processing means 3C electronic money issuance requesting means Communication terminal of 4 users 5 Bank host

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A currency rate / currency unit setting means for setting a currency rate which is a conversion rate for changing a currency unit of a standard electronic money having a normal currency unit to an original currency unit, and the currency rate and an original The electronic money issuing unit that issues the original electronic money having the currency unit and the electronic money information including the identification information for identifying the original electronic money are provided. An original electronic money system characterized by being able to issue an original electronic money to own and carry out a commercial transaction on a website. 2. When the original electronic money is issued,
The original electronic money system according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined royalty is collected. 3. An electronic money image display unit for displaying image information for displaying the original electronic money on a website, and optionally a pattern representing the original electronic money displayed by the electronic money image display unit. The original electronic money system according to claim 1, wherein the original electronic money system can be set. 4. In order to exchange a plurality of original electronic moneys having different currency rates, an electronic money exchanging unit for converting different currency units and exchanging original electronic money is further provided, and the exchange of the currency rates is performed. The original electronic money system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein different original electronic money can be exchanged with each other. 5. The electronic money information includes information on a website that can use the original electronic money, according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The original electronic money system described in paragraph. 6. The original electronic money system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electronic money information includes information specifying a product that can be purchased with the original electronic money. 7. The currency rate changing means for changing the multiplication rate by which the currency rate is multiplied based on the balance between the supply and demand of the original electronic money, further comprising currency rate changing means. The original electronic money system described in. 8. The currency rate / currency unit setting means is capable of changing the currency rate or the currency unit after issuing the original electronic money, according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The original electronic money system described. 9. The electronic money information includes usage period information in which the original electronic money can be used, and the original electronic money whose usage period has passed is disabled. The original electronic money system according to any one of items. 10. The original electronic money system according to claim 9, further comprising a usable deadline notification means for notifying a user of the deadline a predetermined number of days before the last date of the usage period. 11. The original electronic money system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein electronic money having a plurality of different currency units can be simultaneously used to settle a commercial transaction. 12. The electronic money transaction can be visually confirmed by using the picture representing the original electronic money while the original electronic money can be confirmed on the website. The original electronic money system according to any one of items. 13. The original electronic money system according to claim 1, wherein the purchase record of the user is automatically recorded and the purchase record can be confirmed as electronic household account book information. . 14. The original electronic money system according to claim 13, wherein marketing information for analyzing a purchasing tendency is generated based on the electronic household account book information. 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the game can be used on an internet game.
The original electronic money system described in paragraph. 16. The mini-game is played at the time of payment on the website, and when the user obtains the acceptance judgment, the price of the product to be purchased is discounted. The original electronic money system described. 17. The bonus electronic money is granted when the user collects a plurality of original electronic money based on a predetermined combination.
The original electronic money system according to any one of 6 above. 18. A step of setting a currency rate which is a conversion rate for changing a currency unit of standard electronic money having a normal currency unit to an original currency unit, and an original having the currency rate and an original currency unit. Transaction with original electronic money, characterized by comprising the step of issuing electronic money, and issuing original electronic money having a freely settable currency rate and unique currency unit to conduct commercial transactions on the website. Method. 19. A currency rate / currency unit setting means for setting a currency rate which is a conversion rate for changing a currency unit of a standard electronic money having a normal currency unit to an original currency unit, and the currency rate. And an original electronic money including an electronic money issuing unit that issues original electronic money having its own currency unit, and electronic money information including identification information for identifying the original electronic money And a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for issuing original electronic money having its own currency unit and causing it to perform business transactions on a website is recorded. 20. Currency rate / currency unit setting means for setting a currency rate, which is a conversion rate for changing a currency unit of a standard electronic money having a normal currency unit to an original currency unit, and the currency rate. And an original electronic money including an electronic money issuing unit that issues original electronic money having its own currency unit, and electronic money information including identification information for identifying the original electronic money A commercial transaction program that uses original electronic money to issue original electronic money with its own currency unit and make it function so that you can conduct commercial transactions on the website.