JP5330679B2 - Settlement method, settlement program, and settlement apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate handling of small changes even in a cash transaction. <P>SOLUTION: When a determination part 304 determines that a reloaded amount acquired by a reading part 301 is less than a fraction amount determined by a decision part 303, a paid amount calculation part 305 calculates an amount to be reloaded to a credit card by subtracting the fraction amount determined by the decision part 303 from an upper limit amount acquired by the reading part 301, a depositing/dispensing part 310 adds the amount calculated by the paid amount calculation part 305 to the credit card. On the other hand, when the determination part 304 determines that the reloaded amount acquired by the reading part 301 is not less than the fraction amount determined by the decision part 303, the depositing/dispensing part 310 withdraws the fraction amount determined by the decision part 303 from the credit card 110. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a settlement method, a settlement program, and a settlement apparatus that settle a transaction amount of a commercial transaction by a customer.

  Conventionally, when a customer purchases a product or performs a commercial transaction such as using a paid service, a transaction using cash is generally used. However, in the case of such a cash transaction, either a customer, a seller, or a service provider However, the troublesome handling of small change was a problem. In particular, since it is difficult for customers to carry or use the coins that have been handed over as change, there are many cases where these coins are made latent.

  Therefore, in recent years, a credit card system that allows customers to use services without having cash has been introduced in many stores (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). With such a credit card system, each party can settle a transaction without handling troublesome change.

JP-A-8-305934

  However, many customers prefer to use cash because of the high risk of credit card theft, loss, misuse, abuse, etc. As a result, there has been a problem in the convenience of cash transactions and the possibility of changing coins that are stored without being used.

  In addition, since the coins in each country's currency generated when traveling abroad can hardly be redeemed, they are often brought home as they are, but since there is no use for them, most of them are wasted without being used. was there.

  In order to solve the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology, the present invention can eliminate the troublesomeness of handling small coins even in the case of cash-based business transactions. It is an object of the present invention to provide a settlement method, a settlement program, and a settlement apparatus that can be effectively used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the settlement method according to the present invention is based on charge amount information charged to a recording medium from a recording medium carried by a customer who can deposit less than a predetermined upper limit amount. A determination step for determining a remainder obtained as a result of dividing a transaction amount relating to a commercial transaction with the customer by the upper limit amount as a fractional amount, and a charge relating to the charge amount information read by the reading step If the determination step determines whether the amount is less than the fractional amount determined by the determination step, and the determination step determines that the charge amount is less than the fractional amount, the fractional amount from the upper limit amount A deposit amount calculating step for calculating a charge amount to the recording medium by subtracting an amount, and the deposit amount calculating step Accordingly, it characterized in the charge amount that has been calculated that it contained, and withdrawal steps of charging into the recording medium.

  Further, the settlement method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, further includes a printing step of printing a charge amount charged in the recording medium on the outer surface of the recording medium.

  Further, the settlement method according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein an input step for receiving an instruction from the customer, which is executed on the recording medium, and a currency for which the charge amount is received by the input step. A currency conversion step for converting into an amount of money and a display step for displaying the currency converted by the currency conversion step as a charge amount in the currency are included.

  In the invention described above, the settlement method according to the present invention is acquired by a current location acquisition step of acquiring information relating to a current location of the recording medium and the current location acquisition step, which are executed on the recording medium. Based on the information, a determination step of determining a currency circulating at the location, a currency conversion step of converting the charge amount into an amount determined by the currency determined by the determination step, and conversion by the currency conversion step A display step of displaying the currency as a charge amount in the currency.

  The payment method according to the present invention further includes a conversion rate acquisition step for acquiring information relating to the conversion rate in the above-described invention, wherein the currency conversion step is acquired by the conversion rate acquisition step. Based on the above, the charge amount is converted.

  Further, in the settlement method according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, when the depositing / withdrawing step determines that the charge amount is not less than the fractional amount by the determining step, the fractional amount is recorded in the recording method. It is characterized by being withdrawn from the medium.

  Further, in the settlement method according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, when it is determined by the determination step that the charge amount is less than the fractional amount, the transaction amount is rounded up to the upper limit unit. The method further includes a payment amount calculation step of calculating the payment amount of the customer.

  Further, in the payment method according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, when the payment amount calculation step determines that the charge amount is not less than the fractional amount by the determination step, the transaction amount is set to the upper limit. A monetary amount rounded down to a monetary unit is calculated as the payment amount of the customer.

  Further, in the settlement method according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the upper limit amount is calculated by subtracting the payment amount calculated by the payment amount calculation step from the amount of the upper limit amount unit paid by the customer. The method further includes a change amount calculation step of calculating a change amount of the unit.

  The settlement method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the upper limit amount is the same as the amount of money having a larger amount than the minimum unit coin.

  The settlement method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the upper limit amount is the same as the amount of a bill having a larger amount than a maximum unit coin.

  Moreover, the settlement method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the upper limit amount is the same as the amount of the smallest unit bill among the bills having a larger amount than the largest unit coin. .

  Further, the settlement program according to the present invention includes a reading step of reading charge amount information charged in a recording medium from a recording medium carried by a customer capable of depositing less than a predetermined upper limit amount, and a commercial transaction with the customer A determination step of determining a remainder obtained as a result of dividing the transaction amount by the upper limit amount as a fractional amount, and a fractional amount in which the charge amount related to the charge amount information read by the reading step is determined by the determination step A determination step for determining whether or not the charge amount is less than the fractional amount, and when the determination step determines that the charge amount is less than the fractional amount, the fractional amount is subtracted from the upper limit amount to the recording medium. Deposit amount calculation step for calculating the charge amount of the charge, and the charge amount calculated by the deposit amount calculation step Characterized in that to execute a withdrawal step of charging to the recording medium, to the computer.

  The payment device according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, reads from the recording medium carried by the customer capable of depositing less than a predetermined upper limit amount the reading amount information charged in the recording medium. Determining means for determining the remainder obtained as a result of dividing the transaction amount related to the commercial transaction with the customer by the upper limit amount as a fractional amount, and determining the charge amount for the charge amount information read by the reading unit Determining means for determining whether the amount of money is less than the fractional amount determined by the means, and subtracting the fractional amount from the upper limit amount when the determining means determines that the charge amount is less than the fractional amount The deposit amount calculating means for calculating the charge amount to the recording medium and the deposit amount calculating means Charge Amounts characterized in that and a withdrawal means for charging to the recording medium.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the troublesome handling of coins even in the case of a commercial transaction with cash, and as a result, a settlement method capable of improving convenience in cash transactions and effectively utilizing the coins, The settlement program and the settlement apparatus can be obtained.

  Exemplary embodiments of a settlement method, a settlement program, and a settlement apparatus according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
(Outline of payment system)
First, an outline of the payment system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the settlement system according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a payment system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a credit card 110 owned by a customer and a payment device 120 provided in a member store of the credit card 110.

  The credit card 110 is issued to a customer by a credit card company or a service company that provides the payment system 100, and incorporates an IC chip. This IC chip is an integrated circuit for recording and calculating information, in which card information, charge amount information, and the like are recorded. Further, if a CPU or coprocessor is incorporated in the credit card 110, information processing can be performed inside the card.

  This card information is read / written by a reader / writer provided in the settlement apparatus 120. In the card information, the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 and the charge amount charged in the credit card 110 are recorded in association with a “card ID” for uniquely identifying the credit card 110.

  Here, the upper limit amount of the credit card is “5 yen” (the same amount as the amount of money larger than the minimum unit coin), “10 yen”, “50 yen”, “100 yen”, “500 yen” ”,“ 1000 yen ”(the same amount as that of the smallest unit of banknotes having a larger amount than the largest unit coin),“ 2000 yen ”,“ 5000 yen ”,“ 10000 yen ”, and the like. For example, “1000 yen” is set when no change is desired.

  In the present embodiment, the credit card 110 is used as an example of a portable product having an IC chip on which card information is recorded. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a charge-only card with a built-in IC chip, Alternatively, it may be a mobile phone with a built-in IC chip. In addition, the portable product on which the card information is recorded is not limited to a built-in IC chip, and is, for example, a magnetic card that can magnetically read / write the card information on a magnetic recording medium. May be.

  The settlement apparatus 120 is an information processing apparatus such as a POS terminal that is provided in a card company member store and has a user interface such as a display and operation buttons, and performs settlement processing for commercial transactions with customers. The settlement apparatus 120 includes a reader / writer, and reads / writes card information to / from the credit card 110 by the reader / writer.

  In the payment system 100 configured as described above, (1) when a customer purchases a product from a store, (2) the customer presents the credit card 110 to the store. (3) In the store, the charge amount charged from the credit card 110 to the credit card 110 and the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 by tampering / inserting / scanning the credit card 110 with a reader / writer Is read by the settlement apparatus 120.

  (4) Based on the information read from the credit card 110 and the transaction amount, the settlement apparatus 120 determines the amount that the customer should pay in cash (hereinafter referred to as “payment amount”) and the debit amount from the credit card 110. Then, (5) the determined payment amount and the debit amount from the credit card 110 are presented to the customer. At this time, the settlement apparatus 120 determines the payment amount and the debit amount from the credit card 110 so that no change amount less than the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 is generated.

  (6) The customer pays the store more than the presented payment amount and the maximum amount of credit card 110 in cash. (7) Then, at the store, the amount of cash paid is input to the settlement apparatus 120, and the transaction amount is calculated based on the amount of cash input and the amount deducted from the credit card 110 determined in (4) above. Will be settled.

  (8) Furthermore, the settlement apparatus 120 determines the amount of cash change in the upper limit amount unit and the amount of charge charged to the credit card 110 based on the amount of payment and the amount of cash paid by the customer. .

  (9) In addition, the settlement apparatus 120 uses the credit card 110 based on the debit amount from the credit card 110 determined in the above (4) and the charge amount charged in the credit card 110 determined in the above (8). Update the charge amount charged to. At the same time, the settlement apparatus 120 prints the updated charge amount on the surface of the credit card 110.

  (10) Finally, the credit card 110 and the cash change in the upper limit unit determined in (8) above are returned to the customer from the store, and the series of transactions is completed.

(Hardware configuration of payment apparatus 120)
Next, a hardware configuration of the settlement apparatus 120 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the settlement apparatus 120 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, a settlement apparatus 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 204, and an HD (Hard Disc). 205, FDD (Flexible Disc Drive) 206, FD (Flexible Disc) 207, display 208, I / F (interface) 209, keyboard 210, mouse 211, printer 212, reader / writer 213, The above-described components are connected by a bus 220 or the like.

  The CPU 201 governs overall control of the settlement apparatus 120. The ROM 202 records various control programs and the like. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The HDD 204 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the HD 205 according to the control command of the CPU 201. The HD 205 records data written under the control of the HDD 204. The FDD 206 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the FD 207 in accordance with a control command of the CPU 201.

  The FD 207 is a removable recording medium that records data written under the control of the FDD 206. In addition to the FD 207, the removable recording medium may be a CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), memory card, or the like.

  The display 208 displays various information such as text data and image data. Display 208 may be, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, or the like.

  The I / F 209 is connected to the network 230 via a communication line, and is connected to another information processing apparatus via the network 230. The I / F 209 controls an interface between the network 230 and the inside of the apparatus, and controls data input / output with other information processing apparatuses. The I / F 209 is, for example, a modem or a LAN adapter. The I / F 209 can also be used as an external input / output such as a USB.

  The keyboard 210 and the mouse 211 are used for inputting / setting various data. The printer 212 is used for printing various information. As the printer 212, for example, a laser printer or an ink jet printer can be used.

  The reader / writer 213 reads / writes information to / from the recording medium according to the type of the recording medium built in the customer's portable product. For example, when the portable product is an IC card or an information processing device (for example, a portable information terminal device), the reader / writer 213 reads / writes information by contact / non-contact communication. Further, the reader / writer 213 magnetically reads / writes information when the portable product is a magnetic card.

(Functional configuration of settlement apparatus 120)
Next, a functional configuration of the settlement apparatus 120 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the settlement apparatus 120 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, the settlement apparatus 120 includes a reading unit 301, a transaction amount input unit 302, a determination unit 303, a determination unit 304, a deposit amount calculation unit 305, a payment amount calculation unit 306, a display unit 307, A payment amount input unit 308, a change amount calculation unit 309, a deposit / withdrawal unit 310, and a printing unit 311 are included.

  The reading unit 301 acquires the charge amount charged to the credit card 110 and the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 by reading the card information of the credit card 110 from the customer's credit card 110. Specifically, the card information of the credit card 110 is read from the customer's credit card 110 by the reader / writer 213 (see FIG. 2).

  The transaction amount input unit 302 receives an input of a transaction amount relating to a commercial transaction with a customer. Specifically, the transaction amount is acquired based on the operation of the keyboard 210 and the mouse 211 (see FIG. 2) performed by the user. When identification information such as a barcode or QR code is printed or affixed to the product, this identification information may be read, and the transaction amount may be acquired from the database based on the read identification information. In addition, when an IC chip in which the transaction amount is recorded is attached to a product, the transaction amount may be read from the IC chip.

  The determination unit 303 determines the remainder obtained as a result of dividing the transaction amount acquired by the transaction amount input unit 302 by the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 acquired by the reading unit 301 as a fractional amount. For example, when the transaction amount is “2500 yen” and the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 is “1000 yen”, the determination unit 303 determines “500 yen” as the fractional amount.

  The determination unit 304 determines whether the charge amount acquired by the reading unit 301 is less than the fractional amount determined by the determination unit 303.

  The deposit amount calculation unit 305 determines from the upper limit amount acquired by the reading unit 301 when the determination unit 304 determines that the charge amount acquired by the reading unit 301 is less than the fractional amount determined by the determination unit 303. The charge amount charged to the credit card 110 is calculated by subtracting the fractional amount determined by the unit 303.

  For example, the deposit amount calculation unit 305 has the charge amount acquired by the reading unit 301 of “300 yen”, the upper limit amount acquired by the reading unit 301 is “1000 yen”, and is determined by the determination unit 303. When the fractional amount is “500 yen”, “500 yen” is calculated as the charge amount charged to the credit card 110.

  The payment amount calculation unit 306 determines the transaction amount acquired by the transaction amount input unit 302 when the determination unit 304 determines that the charge amount acquired by the reading unit 301 is less than the fractional amount determined by the determination unit 303. Is rounded up to the upper limit unit of money acquired by the reading unit 301 to calculate the customer's payment amount.

  For example, the payment amount calculation unit 306 has the charge amount acquired by the reading unit 301 of “300 yen”, the upper limit amount acquired by the reading unit 301 is “1000 yen”, and is acquired by the transaction amount input unit 302. When the transaction amount is “2500 yen”, “3000 yen” is calculated as the customer's payment amount.

  On the other hand, the payment amount calculation unit 306 is acquired by the transaction amount input unit 302 when the determination unit 304 determines that the charge amount acquired by the reading unit 301 is not less than the fractional amount determined by the determination unit 303. The payment amount of the customer is calculated by rounding down the transaction amount to the upper limit amount unit acquired by the reading unit 301.

  For example, the payment amount calculation unit 306 has the charge amount acquired by the reading unit 301 of “600 yen”, the upper limit amount acquired by the reading unit 301 is “1000 yen”, and is acquired by the transaction amount input unit 302. If the transaction amount is “2500 yen”, “2000 yen” is calculated as the customer's payment amount.

  The display unit 307 displays the payment amount calculated by the payment amount calculation unit 306. Specifically, the payment amount is displayed on the screen of the display 208 (see FIG. 2). At this time, the charge amount and the upper limit amount acquired by the reading unit 301, the transaction amount acquired by the transaction amount input unit 302, and the like may be displayed at the same time.

  The payment amount input unit 308 receives an input of the amount of cash paid by the customer. Here, the amount of money received by the payment amount input unit 308 is equal to or greater than the payment amount calculated by the payment amount calculation unit 306 and the upper limit amount unit acquired by the reading unit 301. For example, when the upper limit amount acquired by the reading unit 301 is “1000 yen” and the payment amount calculated by the payment amount calculation unit 306 is “3000 yen”, “3000 yen”, “5000 yen”, “10000” Accepts the input of an amount such as “yen”. Specifically, the payment amount input unit 308 acquires the amount of cash paid by the customer based on the operation of the keyboard 210 and the mouse 211 (see FIG. 2) performed by the user. If the payment device 120 includes a detection device that automatically detects the amount of cash paid by the customer, the amount of cash paid by the customer may be acquired from the detection device.

  The change amount calculation unit 309 calculates the change amount by subtracting the payment amount calculated by the payment amount calculation unit 306 from the amount input by the payment amount input unit 308.

  The deposit / withdrawal unit 310 charges the credit card 110 with the charge amount calculated by the deposit amount calculation unit 305. Specifically, the charge amount recorded on the credit card 110 is obtained by adding the charge amount recorded on the credit card 110 and the charge amount calculated by the deposit amount calculation unit 305 by the reader / writer 213 (see FIG. 2). Update to amount.

  In addition, when the determination unit 304 determines that the charge amount acquired by the reading unit 301 is not less than the fractional amount determined by the determination unit 303, the deposit / withdrawal unit 310 uses the fractional amount determined by the determination unit 303. Withdraw from credit card 110. Specifically, the charge amount recorded on the credit card 110 is updated by the reader / writer 213 (see FIG. 2) to the amount obtained by subtracting the fractional amount determined by the determination unit 303 from the charge amount. To do.

  The printing unit 311 prints the charge amount charged on the credit card 110 on the outer surface of the credit card 110. Specifically, the charge amount charged in the credit card 110 is printed on the outer surface of the credit card 110 by the printer 212 (see FIG. 2). When the credit card 110 has a display screen, the charge amount charged in the credit card 110 may be displayed on the display screen.

  Of the above functional components, the determination unit 303, the determination unit 304, the deposit amount calculation unit 305, the payment amount calculation unit 306, and the change amount calculation unit 309, specifically, for example, the ROM 202 shown in FIG. The CPU 201 executes the program stored in the RAM 203, HD 205, and FD 207, thereby realizing its function.

(Payment processing procedure by payment device 120)
Next, an example of the procedure of the payment process by the payment apparatus 120 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the payment process by the payment apparatus 120.

  First, the reading unit 301 reads the card information of the credit card 110 from the customer's credit card 110, thereby acquiring the charge amount charged in the credit card 110 and the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 (step S401). .

  Next, the transaction amount input unit 302 accepts input of a transaction amount relating to a commercial transaction with the customer (step S402).

  Next, the determining unit 303 determines the remainder obtained as a result of dividing the transaction amount acquired in step S402 by the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 acquired in step S401 as a fractional amount (step S403).

  Next, the determination unit 304 determines whether or not the charge amount acquired in step S401 is less than the fractional amount determined in step S403 (step S404).

  If it is determined in step S404 that the charge amount acquired in step S401 is less than the fractional amount determined in step S403 (step S404: Yes), the upper limit acquired in step S401 by the deposit amount calculation unit 305. A charge amount charged to the credit card 110 is calculated by subtracting the fractional amount determined in step S403 from the amount (step S405).

  The payment amount calculation unit 306 calculates the customer's payment amount by rounding up the transaction amount acquired in step S402 to the upper limit amount unit acquired in step S401 (step S406), and the display unit 307 The payment amount calculated in step S406 is displayed (step S407).

  Subsequently, the payment amount input unit 308 receives an input of the amount of cash paid by the customer (step S408), and the change amount calculation unit 309 calculates the payment calculated in step S406 from the amount input in step S408. The change amount is calculated by subtracting the amount (step S409).

  Further, the charge amount calculated by the deposit amount calculation unit 305 is charged to the credit card 110 by the deposit / withdrawal unit 310 (step S410), and finally, the credit card 110 is placed on the outer surface of the credit card 110 by the printing unit 311. The charge amount charged in 110 is printed (step S411), and the series of processes is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the charge amount acquired in step S401 is not less than the fractional amount determined in step S403 (step S404: No), the payment amount calculation unit 306 acquires the charge amount in step S402. The customer's payment amount is calculated by rounding down the transaction amount to the upper limit amount unit acquired in step S401 (step S412), and the payment amount calculated in step S412 is displayed by the display unit 307 (step S412). S413).

  Subsequently, the payment amount input unit 308 accepts the input of the cash amount paid by the customer (step S414), and the change amount calculation unit 309 calculates the payment calculated in step S412 from the amount input in step S414. The change amount is calculated by subtracting the amount (step S415).

  Further, the deposit / withdrawal unit 310 deducts the fractional amount determined in step S403 from the credit card 110 (step S416). Finally, the printing unit 311 charges the credit card 110 on the outer surface of the credit card 110. The charged amount is printed (step S417), and the series of processes is terminated.

(Example of specific payment processing)
Next, an example of specific settlement processing by the settlement apparatus 120 will be described. 5-8 is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the concrete payment process by the payment apparatus 120. FIG.

  For example, FIG. 5 shows a case where the charge amount charged to the credit card 110 is “0 yen”, the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 is “1000 yen”, and the transaction amount is “1100 yen”. The specific payment process by the payment apparatus 120 is shown.

  In FIG. 5, the settlement apparatus 120 reads the charge amount “0 yen” and the upper limit amount “1000 yen” charged in the credit card 110 read from the credit card 110 and the transaction amount “1100 yen” input by the user. Based on the above, the payment amount is determined to be “1100 yen”, and the withdrawal amount from the credit card 110 is determined to be “0 yen”. Then, the settlement apparatus 120 displays the determined payment amount and the debit amount from the credit card 110 on the screen of the display 208.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when “2000 yen” is input by the user as the amount of cash paid by the customer, the settlement apparatus 120 sets the upper limit amount “1000 yen” of the credit card 110 and the payment amount “1100 yen”. ”And the amount of cash paid by the customer“ 2000 yen ”, the change amount is determined as“ 0 yen ”, and the charge amount charged to the credit card 110 is determined as“ 900 yen ”. The settlement apparatus 120 then charges the credit card 110 based on the charge amount “0 yen” charged to the credit card 110 and the charge amount “900 yen” charged to the credit card 110. Is updated to “900 yen”.

  FIG. 6 shows a case where the charge amount charged to the credit card 110 is “900 yen”, the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 is “1000 yen”, and the transaction amount is “200 yen”. The specific payment process by the payment apparatus 120 is shown.

  In FIG. 6, the settlement apparatus 120 reads the charge amount “900 yen” and the upper limit amount “1000 yen” charged in the credit card 110 read from the credit card 110 and the transaction amount “200 yen” input by the user. Based on the above, the payment amount is determined to be “0 yen”, and the withdrawal amount from the credit card 110 is determined to be “200 yen”. Then, the settlement apparatus 120 displays the determined payment amount and the debit amount from the credit card 110 on the screen of the display 208. Further, the settlement apparatus 120 calculates the charge amount charged in the credit card 110 based on the charge amount “900 yen” charged in the credit card 110 and the debit amount “200 yen” from the credit card 110. Update to "700 yen".

  FIG. 7 shows a case where the charge amount charged to the credit card 110 is “700 yen”, the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 is “1000 yen”, and the transaction amount is “1500 yen”. The specific payment process by the payment apparatus 120 is shown.

  In FIG. 7, the settlement apparatus 120 reads the charge amount “700 yen” and the upper limit amount “1000 yen” charged in the credit card 110 read from the credit card 110 and the transaction amount “1500 yen” input by the user. Based on the above, the payment amount is determined to be “1000 yen”, and the withdrawal amount from the credit card 110 is determined to be “500 yen”. Then, the settlement apparatus 120 displays the determined payment amount and the debit amount from the credit card 110 on the screen of the display 208.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when “5000 yen” is input as the amount of cash paid by the customer, the settlement apparatus 120 sets the upper limit amount “1000 yen” of the credit card 110 and the payment amount “1000 yen”. ”And the cash amount“ 5000 yen ”paid by the customer, the change amount is determined to be“ 4000 yen ”, and the charge amount charged to the credit card 110 is determined to be“ 0 yen ”. Then, the settlement apparatus 120 calculates the charge amount charged in the credit card 110 based on the charge amount “700 yen” charged in the credit card 110 and the debit amount “500 yen” from the credit card 110. Update to "200 yen".

  FIG. 8 shows a case where the charge amount charged to the credit card 110 is “200 yen”, the upper limit amount of the credit card 110 is “1000 yen”, and the transaction amount is “1500 yen”. The specific payment process by the payment apparatus 120 is shown.

  In FIG. 8, the settlement apparatus 120 reads the charge amount “200 yen” and the upper limit amount “1000 yen” charged in the credit card 110 read from the credit card 110 and the transaction amount “1500 yen” input by the user. Based on the above, the payment amount is determined to be “1500 yen”, and the withdrawal amount from the credit card 110 is determined to be “0 yen”. Then, the settlement apparatus 120 displays the determined payment amount and the debit amount from the credit card 110 on the screen of the display 208.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the user inputs “2000 yen” as the amount of cash paid by the customer, the settlement apparatus 120 uses the upper limit amount “1000 yen” of the credit card 110 and the payment amount “1500 yen. ”And the cash amount“ 2000 yen ”paid by the customer, the change amount is determined as“ 0 yen ”, and the charge amount charged to the credit card 110 is determined as“ 500 yen ”. The settlement apparatus 120 then charges the credit card 110 based on the charge amount “200 yen” charged to the credit card 110 and the charge amount “500 yen” charged to the credit card 110. Is updated to “700 yen”.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in any of the cases shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, cash less than the upper limit “1000 yen” of the credit card 110 is withdrawn / charged from the credit card 110. The customer does not pay cash less than the upper limit “1000 yen” of the credit card 110, or is not returned to the customer.

(Example of card information printed on credit card 110)
Next, an example of card information printed on the credit card 110 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of card information printed on the credit card 110.

  For example, on the credit card 110 shown in FIG. 9, the card ID “0001”, the upper limit amount “1000 yen”, and the charge amount “700 yen” of the credit card 110 are printed. Thus, by printing the card information, for example, the customer can easily grasp the charge amount charged in the credit card 110 regardless of the place. In the present embodiment, since the updated charge amount is printed each time the charge amount charged in the credit card 110 is updated, for example, the customer always has the latest charge amount, Can be easily grasped regardless of location.

(An example of card information displayed on the portable information terminal device)
Next, an example of information (for example, card information) displayed on the portable information terminal device will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on the portable information terminal device.

  In FIG. 10, a portable information terminal device 1000 includes an IC chip (1104 shown in FIG. 11 described later) for recording card information and shows an example of a recording medium having a function as a credit card. . Specifically, the portable information terminal device 1000 is a device that can be generally carried by a customer, such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or a personal computer. The portable information terminal device 1000 includes a display screen (display 1107 shown in FIG. 11 described later) for displaying various information.

  On the display screen of the mobile phone 1000 shown in FIG. 10, for example, the card ID “0002”, the upper limit amount “10 yen”, and the charge amount “3 yen” of the credit card that the mobile phone 1000 functions are displayed. Yes. Thus, by displaying the card information, for example, the customer can easily grasp the charge amount of the credit card functioning for the portable information terminal device 1000 regardless of the place.

(Hardware configuration of portable information terminal device 1000)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the portable information terminal device 1000 as a recording medium according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 11, a portable information terminal device 1000 includes a CPU 1101, a ROM 1102, a RAM 1103, an IC chip 1104, a communication I / F 1105, a keyboard 1106, a display 1107, and a GPS 1108. Each is connected.

  In addition, when the portable information terminal device 1000 is a mobile phone, the mobile information terminal device 1000 has a call function as a general telephone, an e-mail transmission / reception function, an Internet connection function, and the like. It has an information processing function. In addition, a printer (for example, a thermal printer) that prints on a recording sheet and outputs it may be provided.

  The CPU 1101 governs overall control of the portable information terminal device 1000. The ROM 1102 records various control programs. The RAM 1103 is used as a work area for the CPU 1101. Card information is recorded in the IC chip 1104.

  Since the IC chip 1104 has been described above, the details are omitted. The IC chip is connected to the reader / writer 213 shown in FIG. 2 by contact / non-contact type communication. Further, the communication I / F 1105 may be used for connection by short-range wireless communication such as infrared communication.

  The communication I / F 1105 is connected to a network 230 (not shown) shown in FIG. 2 through a communication line via a wireless relay station (not shown), and is connected to another information processing apparatus via the network 230. The The communication I / F 1105 serves as an interface between the network 230 and the inside of the apparatus, and controls data input / output with other information processing apparatuses. The communication I / F 1105 is, for example, a modem or a LAN adapter. The communication I / F 1105 can also be used as an external input / output such as a USB. Further, the communication I / F 1105 may use near field communication such as infrared communication.

  A keyboard 1106 is used for inputting / setting various data. Specifically, a numeric keypad, a cross key, a touch panel and the like are included. A display 1107 displays various information such as text data and image data. The display 1107 is a portable small-sized TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a projection display that projects onto a wall, etc., and the display content can be confirmed by a customer or a store employee. I just need it.

  A GPS (Global Positioning Systems) 1108 is a global positioning system that receives radio waves from GPS satellites and obtains a geometric position with respect to the GPS satellites, and can be measured anywhere on the earth. If radio waves from at least three GPS satellites can be received, two-dimensional (latitude / longitude) position measurement can be performed. The radio wave is generated using an L1 radio wave carrying a C / A (Coarse and Access) code and a navigation message with a carrier wave of 1.575.42 MHz. The C / A code has a bit rate of 1.023 Mbps, and the code length is 1023 bits = 1 ms. The navigation message has a bit rate of 50 bps, the code length is 300 bits = 6 s for a subframe, 1500 bits = 30 s for a main frame, 5 main frames are 1 main frame, and 25 main frames are 1 master. It is a frame.

(Functional configuration of portable information terminal device 1000)
Next, an example of a functional configuration of the portable information terminal device 1000 as a recording medium according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the portable information terminal device 1000 as a recording medium according to the present embodiment.

  12, the portable information terminal device 1000 includes a currency switching instruction input unit 1201, a current location information acquisition unit 1202, a currency information storage unit 1203, a currency switching control unit 1204, a conversion rate information acquisition unit 1205, a conversion rate. The information storage unit 1206, a charge amount storage unit 1207, a charge amount determination unit 1208, and a display unit 1209 are configured.

  The currency switching instruction input unit 1201 receives a currency switching instruction from a customer. Specifically, for example, in FIG. 13 to be described later, this is an instruction to switch from the currently displayed currency (Japanese yen) to another currency (US dollars, etc.). Specifically, the currency switching instruction input unit 1201 realizes its function by using, for example, the keyboard 1106 shown in FIG.

  The current location information acquisition unit 1202 acquires information (latitude / longitude information) on the current location of the portable information terminal device 1000 that is a recording medium, and converts the information into information on at least which country or city. To do. The current location information acquisition unit 1202 may acquire information at predetermined time intervals or may acquire information based on a request instruction from a customer. Specifically, the current location information acquisition unit 1202 realizes its function by, for example, the GPS 1108 shown in FIG.

  The currency information storage unit 1203 stores the exchange rate distributed in each country, the type of currency, information on the upper limit amount for each customer, and the like. Specifically, the currency information storage unit 1203 realizes its function by, for example, the ROM 1102 and the RAM 1103 shown in FIG.

  The currency switching control unit 1204 extracts predetermined information from the currency information storage unit 1203, and performs currency switching based on an instruction received by the currency switching instruction input unit 1201 using the extracted information. Specifically, the currency switching control unit 1204 realizes its function by the CPU 1101 shown in FIG. 11 executing a program stored in the ROM 1102 or the RAM 1103, for example. For example, when the Japanese yen is displayed and the currency switching instruction input unit 1201 instructs the currency switching control unit 1204 to switch to the US dollar, the currency switching control unit 1204 causes the currency to change to the US dollar according to the instruction. Switch to the state where the US dollar is displayed.

  Further, the currency switching control unit 1204 determines the currency circulating at the current position based on the current location information (which country or which city) is acquired by the current location information acquisition unit 1202, and determines the currency to the determined currency. Switch over. For example, when the current location information acquired by the current location information acquisition unit 1202 is the United States or New York in a state where the Japanese yen is displayed (for this purpose, the customer carrying the mobile information terminal device 1000 moves to New York. According to the instruction, the currency is set to the US dollar and the state is switched to the state in which the US dollar is displayed. Therefore, the customer does not need to specify the currency, and the currency is switched to the optimal currency simply by moving.

  The conversion rate information acquisition unit 1205 acquires information related to the conversion rate. A predetermined site existing on the network or a conversion rate is acquired periodically or based on a request instruction from a customer. Specifically, the conversion rate information acquisition unit 1205 realizes its function by, for example, the communication I / F 1105 shown in FIG.

  The conversion rate information storage unit 1206 stores information regarding the conversion rate acquired by the conversion rate information acquisition unit 1205. When new information is acquired by the conversion rate information acquisition unit 1205, the information already stored is updated. Specifically, the conversion rate information storage unit 1206 realizes its function by, for example, the ROM 1102 and the RAM 1103 shown in FIG.

  The charge amount storage unit 1207 stores information related to the charged amount. Information on the amount stored in the charge amount storage unit 1207 is changed each time charging is performed. Specifically, the charge amount storage unit 1207 realizes its function by, for example, the IC chip 1104 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the function may be realized by the ROM 1102 and the RAM 1103.

  The charge amount determination unit 1208 converts the charge amount stored in the charge amount storage unit 1207 into an amount in the currency switched by the currency switching control unit 1204. Specifically, for example, the charge amount in the original currency is multiplied by the conversion rate acquired by the conversion rate information acquisition unit 1205 and stored in the conversion rate information storage unit 1206 to obtain the charge amount of the switching destination. Specifically, for example, the charge amount determination unit 1208 realizes its function by the CPU 1101 shown in FIG. 11 executing a program stored in the ROM 1102 or the RAM 1103.

  The display unit 1209 displays the currency switched by the currency switching control unit 1204 and the charge amount in the currency determined by the charge amount determination unit 1208. Specifically, the display unit 1209 realizes its function by, for example, the display 1107 shown in FIG.

  Next, an example of information displayed on the portable information terminal device 1000 will be described. 13 to 17 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of card information displayed on the portable information terminal device according to the present embodiment. 13 to 17, a plurality of currency switching tabs 1301 (1301a to 1301e) are displayed in the display area of the portable information terminal device 1000. When the customer designates the currency switching tab 1301 with a cursor or a touch panel, an input of a switching instruction to the currency described in the tab is accepted, and display switching is executed.

In FIG. 13, the currency switching tab 1301a of “(Japan) Yen” is designated, and information about the currency of Japanese Yen is displayed accordingly. Specifically, the upper limit amount display field 1302 displays “1000 yen”, which is the upper limit amount in Japanese yen. Similarly, the charge amount display field 1303 displays “555 yen”, which is the charge amount in Japanese yen.

  Furthermore, the current location information display field 1304 acquired by the current location information acquisition unit displays “Tokyo” as the current location. Only the country name may be displayed here instead of the city name. Below that, an “OK” button 1305 for accepting a customer confirmation instruction is displayed.

  Next, FIG. 14 shows a state in which the customer carrying the portable information terminal device 1000 in the state of FIG. 13 has moved from Tokyo, Japan to New York, the United States. In FIG. 14, the display is switched to the “dollar” currency switching tab 1301 b, and the current location “New York” is displayed in the current location information display column 1404. In addition, the upper limit amount display field 1402 in US dollars displays “10 dollars” that is a preset upper limit amount in US dollars.

  The charge amount display field 1403 displays “US $ 4.82 cents”, which is the amount of US dollars converted from the charge amount in Japanese yen using the conversion rate ($ 1 = ¥ 115). Further, on the right side, the charge amount (555 yen) in the currency (Japanese yen) before conversion is displayed for reference. Further, the conversion rate (“1 dollar = 115 yen”) and the date of the conversion rate (“2007.5.1”) are also displayed in the vicinity. In this display state, when the “OK” button 1305 is pressed by the customer, this conversion is in a fixed state. Trading in US dollars (charging) is possible.

  FIG. 15 shows a state in which a transaction (charge) is performed in New York. In FIG. 15, the charge amount display field 1503 displays the remaining “$ 1 32 cents” paid for $ 3,50 cents from “$ 4,82 cents” shown in the charge amount display field 1403 of FIG. 14. ing.

  Next, FIG. 16 shows a state in which the customer carrying the portable information terminal device 1000 in the state of FIG. 15 has moved from New York, USA to Paris, France. In FIG. 16, the display is switched to the currency switching tab 1301 c of “Euro”, and “Paris” which is the current location is displayed in the current location information display field 1604. In the upper limit amount display field 1602 in euro, “10 euro” which is a preset upper limit amount in euro is displayed.

  The charge amount display field 1603 displays “0.91 euro”, which is the amount of euro converted from the charge amount in US dollars at the conversion rate (1 euro = 1.45 dollars). Further, on the right side, the charge amount ($ 1.32) in the currency (US dollar) before conversion is displayed for reference. Further, the conversion rate (“1 euro = 1.45 dollars”) and the date of the conversion rate (“2007.5.10”) are also displayed in the vicinity. In this display state, when the “OK” button 1305 is pressed by the customer, this conversion is in a fixed state. Transactions (charges) in euros are possible.

  Next, FIG. 17 shows a state in which the customer carrying the portable information terminal device 1000 in the state of FIG. 16 has moved from Paris, France to Osaka, Japan. In FIG. 17, the display is switched to the currency switching tab 1301 a of “Yen”, and “Osaka” as the current location is displayed in the current location information display field 1704. In the upper limit amount display field 1702 in Japanese yen, “1000 yen”, which is the upper limit amount in Japanese yen, is displayed as in FIG.

  The charge amount display field 1703 displays “151 yen”, which is the amount of Japanese yen converted from the charge amount in euros at the conversion rate (1 yen = 0.006 euro). Further, on the right side, the charge amount (0.31 euro) in the currency (euro) before conversion is displayed for reference. Further, the conversion rate (“1 yen = 0.006 euro”) and the date of the conversion rate (“2007.5.25”) are also displayed in the vicinity. In this display state, when the “OK” button 1305 is pressed by the customer, this conversion is in a fixed state. And it becomes possible to trade (charge) in Japanese yen again.

(Procedure of currency switching process by portable information terminal device 1000)
Next, an example of the procedure of currency switching processing by the portable information terminal device 1000 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of currency switching processing by the portable information terminal device 1000.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 18, the portable information terminal device 1000 acquires information on the current location (current location information) by the current location information acquisition unit 1202 (step S1801). And it is judged whether it is a country different from the country concerning the currency currently displayed (step S1802).

  Here, if they are the same country (step S1802: No), nothing is done if the cities are the same, and if the cities are different, only the current location column is changed (not shown), and the process proceeds to step S1804. On the other hand, if the countries are different (step S1802: Yes), it is next determined whether the currencies are different (step S1803). This is because the currency may be common even if the countries are different, such as the euro. If the currency is the same in step S1803 (step S1803: No), only the country name or city name is changed, and the process proceeds to step S1804. On the other hand, if the currencies are different (step S1803: YES), the process proceeds to step S1805.

  Next, in step S1804, it is determined whether or not a customer has instructed currency switching (step S1804). If there is no currency switching instruction (step S1804: No), the process returns to step S1801, and steps S1801 to S1804 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when there is a currency switching instruction (step S1804: Yes), the currency to be switched is determined using the information stored in the currency information storage unit 1203 (step S1805).

  Further, the conversion rate information acquisition unit 1205 acquires the conversion rate between the switching destination currency from the switching source (step S1806), and determines the charge amount in the switching destination currency using the acquired conversion rate (step S1807). . Then, currency switching display including the determined charge amount is performed (step S1808), and the process returns to step S1801. Although not shown, the charge amount may be confirmed by pressing an OK button 1305.

  As described above, according to the settlement method, the settlement program, and the settlement apparatus according to the present embodiment, no change or payment less than a predetermined upper limit amount is generated even in the case of a transaction by cash, so that bothering to handle small changes You can free up customers. Further, it is possible to charge or debit the credit card 110 with a change of less than a predetermined upper limit without causing the customer to spend time and effort. As a result, it is possible to easily perform cash settlement without handling cash less than the predetermined upper limit, thereby improving the customer's willingness to use cash. It is possible to improve the performance and effectively use change.

  In addition, since the credit card 110 has an upper limit, loss due to card loss / theft can be minimized. For this reason, even customers such as children and elderly people who tend to avoid using credit cards can use / use with confidence. As a result, potential card users can be found efficiently, and as a result, the card industry and economy can be activated.

  In addition, since existing credit card systems can be used, services can be provided while system construction costs and maintenance costs are kept down, so the return on investment on the service provider side can be improved. .

  In addition, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of small coins that are difficult to process when traveling abroad, and to prevent the latent of small coins in a foreign currency.

  If a CPU or coprocessor is incorporated in the credit card 110, information processing can be performed inside the card. Therefore, the processing performed by the payment device according to the present embodiment can be executed inside the card. In that case, the card itself performs all or part of the processing instead of the payment device, and the rest is settled. The device may do this.

  Further, the settlement method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a RAM, a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the settlement method, the settlement program, and the settlement apparatus according to the present invention can be used for any business that has a problem of actively providing services to customers who do not have a credit card. In particular, it is useful as a service to promote consumption of children and elderly people who tend to refrain from using credit cards and to revitalize the economy.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the payment system concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the payment apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the payment apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the payment process by a payment apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the concrete payment process by a payment apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the concrete payment process by a payment apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the concrete payment process by a payment apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the concrete payment process by a payment apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the card information printed on the credit card as a recording medium concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information displayed on the portable information terminal device as a recording medium concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the portable information terminal device as a recording medium concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the portable information terminal device as a recording medium concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the card information displayed on the portable information terminal device. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the card information displayed on the portable information terminal device. It is explanatory drawing (the 3) which shows an example of the card information displayed on the portable information terminal device. It is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of the card information displayed on the portable information terminal device. It is explanatory drawing (the 5) which shows an example of the card information displayed on the portable information terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the currency switching process by a portable information terminal device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Payment system 110 Credit card 120 Payment apparatus 301 Reading part 302 Transaction amount input part 303 Determination part 304 Judgment part 305 Deposit amount calculation part 306 Payment amount calculation part 307 Display part 308 Payment amount input part 309 Change amount calculation part 310 Deposit / withdrawal part 311 Printing unit 1000 Portable information terminal device 1201 Currency switching instruction input unit 1202 Current location information acquisition unit 1203 Currency information storage unit 1204 Currency switching control unit 1205 Conversion rate information acquisition unit 1206 Conversion rate information storage unit 1207 Charge amount storage unit 1208 Charge amount determination Part 1209 Display part 1301 (1301a, 1301b, 1301c, 1301d, 1301e) Currency switching tab

Claims (14)

Computer
A current location acquisition step of acquiring information on the current location of a recording medium carried by a customer capable of depositing less than a predetermined upper limit ;
Based on the information acquired by the current location acquisition step, a currency determination step of determining the currency distributed at the location,
An upper limit amount determination step for determining the predetermined upper limit amount corresponding to the currency determined by the currency determination step;
A reading step of reading charge amount information charged in the recording medium from the recording medium;
A currency conversion step of converting the charge amount according to the charge amount information read by the reading step into a charge amount in the currency determined by the currency determination step;
A determination step of determining a remainder obtained as a result of dividing a transaction amount related to a commercial transaction with the customer by an upper limit amount determined by the upper limit amount determination step as a fractional amount;
A determination step of determining whether or not the charge amount converted by the currency conversion step is less than the fractional amount determined by the determination step;
A deposit amount calculating step of calculating a charge amount to the recording medium by subtracting the fractional amount from the upper limit amount when the determination step determines that the charge amount is less than the fractional amount;
A deposit / withdrawal step of charging the recording medium with the charge amount calculated by the deposit amount calculation step;
A settlement method characterized by executing The computer
The settlement method according to claim 1, wherein said the exterior surface of the recording medium, and executes the printing process for printing by entering-dispensing process the charge amount that has been charged into the recording medium further. The settlement method according to claim 1 wherein the computer, characterized in that to perform display step further for displaying the currency is converted by the pre-Symbol currency conversion process as the charge amount in the currency. The computer
Further executing an input step of receiving instructions from the customer;
In the currency conversion step, the charge amount is converted into an amount in the currency for which an instruction has been received by the input step,
Wherein the display step, the method of payment according to claim 3, wherein the benzalkonium displays the currency is converted by the currency conversion process as the charge amount in the currency. The computer further executes a conversion rate acquisition step of acquiring information on the conversion rate,
The settlement method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the currency conversion step converts the charge amount based on the conversion rate information acquired by the conversion rate acquisition step. The deposit / withdrawal process includes:
The settlement method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the charge amount is not less than the fractional amount, the fractional amount is deducted from the recording medium when it is determined by the determination step. Payment amount calculation step of calculating the payment amount of the customer by rounding up the transaction amount to the upper limit amount unit when the computer determines that the charge amount is less than the fractional amount. further, the method of the payment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that to perform. The payment amount calculation step includes:
8. When the determination step determines that the charge amount is not less than the fractional amount, an amount obtained by rounding down the transaction amount to the upper limit amount unit is calculated as the payment amount of the customer. The payment method described in. The computer, from the amount of the said maximum amount units paid by the customer, by subtracting the payment amount calculated by the payment amount calculating step, further exact change amount calculation step of calculating an exact change amount of the maximum amount units The settlement method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the settlement method is executed .   The settlement method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper limit amount is the same as an amount of money that is larger than a minimum unit coin. The settlement method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the upper limit amount is the same as an amount of a bill having a larger amount than a maximum unit coin.   12. The settlement method according to claim 11, wherein the upper limit amount is the same as the amount of the smallest unit of banknotes having a larger amount than the largest unit of coins. A current location acquisition step of acquiring information on the current location of a recording medium carried by a customer capable of depositing less than a predetermined upper limit ;
Based on the information acquired by the current location acquisition step, a currency determination step of determining the currency distributed at the location,
An upper limit amount determination step for determining the predetermined upper limit amount corresponding to the currency determined by the currency determination step;
A reading step of reading charge amount information charged in the recording medium from the recording medium;
A currency conversion step of converting the charge amount according to the charge amount information read by the reading step into a charge amount in the currency determined by the currency determination step;
A determination step of determining a remainder obtained as a result of dividing a transaction amount related to a commercial transaction with the customer by an upper limit amount determined by the upper limit amount determination step as a fractional amount;
A determination step of determining whether or not the charge amount converted by the currency conversion step is less than the fractional amount determined by the determination step;
A deposit amount calculating step of calculating a charge amount to the recording medium by subtracting the fractional amount from the upper limit amount when the determination step determines that the charge amount is less than the fractional amount;
A deposit / withdrawal step of charging the recording medium with the charge amount calculated by the deposit amount calculation step;
A settlement program for causing a computer to execute. Current location acquisition means for acquiring information on the current location of a recording medium carried by a customer who can deposit less than a predetermined upper limit ;
Based on the information acquired by the current location acquisition means, currency determination means for determining the currency circulated at the location,
Upper limit amount determining means for determining the predetermined upper limit amount corresponding to the currency determined by the currency determining means;
Reading means for reading charge amount information charged in the recording medium from the recording medium;
Currency conversion means for converting the charge amount of the charge amount information read by the reading means into a charge amount in the currency determined by the currency determination means;
Determining means for determining the remainder obtained as a result of dividing the transaction amount relating to the commercial transaction with the customer by the upper limit amount determined by the upper limit amount determining means as a fractional amount;
Determining means for determining whether or not the charge amount converted by the currency converting means is less than the fractional amount determined by the determining means;
A deposit amount calculating means for calculating a charge amount to the recording medium by subtracting the fractional amount from the upper limit amount when the determination unit determines that the charge amount is less than the fractional amount;
Deposit / withdrawal means for charging the recording medium with the charge amount calculated by the deposit amount calculation means;
A settlement apparatus characterized by comprising:

Images