TWI847871B - Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Topic] Solve the inconvenience caused by the failure of adding points to electronic currency. [Solution] The information processing system receives a request for adding points from a user's terminal device. The information processing system instructs the point system to deduct the amount of added points from the amount of points that can be used by the user. The information processing system sends a storage request indicating a request to store the added amount information indicating the added amount to the electronic currency system. When the addition based on the stored added amount information is successful, the information processing system instructs the point system to determine the deduction of the amount of points that can be used. When the top-up based on the stored top-up amount information fails, the information processing system sends a termination request to the electronic currency system indicating the termination of the storage of the top-up amount information, and instructs the point system to cancel the deduction of the usable points.

Description

Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

The present invention relates to a method for using points to top up electronic currency.

In recent years, the use of electronic money used in contactless payment (Mobile Payment) has become popular. In one form of electronic money, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip that supports NFC (Near field communication) is installed in a portable terminal or card such as a smartphone. The balance of electronic money is stored in the IC chip. By communicating with the IC chip and a dedicated reader installed in the store, the balance stored in the IC chip is updated and the payment is executed. Compared with cash payment, payment by electronic money requires less effort on both the consumer and the store.

Users who wish to use a portable terminal to pay with electronic currency first install the electronic currency application on the portable terminal and then perform initial settings. Afterwards, the user tops up the electronic currency.

There are several methods for adding value to electronic currency. For example, there is a system that allows adding value to electronic currency using a credit card. In addition, a system that allows adding value to electronic currency using points held by the user in a predetermined point program is also known (e.g., Patent Document 1). When using a credit card or points, the user can add value to the electronic currency by simply operating a portable terminal. [Prior Technical Document] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-008716

[The problem that the invention wants to solve]

However, when adding points to electronic currency, the addition may fail. As a result, the points that have been used are not exchanged for electronic currency, so it is better to return the points to the user.

The present invention is developed in view of the above problems. One example of the subject is to provide an information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program that can solve the inconvenience caused by the failure of adding points to electronic currency. [Means for solving the subject]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is characterized by comprising: a recharge request receiving means for receiving a recharge request indicating a user's request for recharge of electronic currency from a terminal device used by the above-mentioned user, wherein the recharge request includes: information indicating at least one of the recharge amount of recharge points indicating the amount of points used in the above-mentioned recharge and the recharge amount corresponding to the recharge points; and The deduction control means is used to make the point system that stores the usable point amount indicating the amount of points that the user of the previous record can use perform a deduction process, which is to deduct the previous record value-added point amount that has been specified based on the value-added request that has been received from the previous record from the usable point amount that has been stored in the previous record; and the custody request sending means is used to send a custody request indicating the custody request of the previous record value-added amount information to the electronic currency system, wherein the electronic currency system The system stores the value-added amount information which is indicated by the value-added amount of the previous record based on the value-added request received by the previous record, and makes the previous record terminal device perform the previous record value-added based on the value-added amount information which has been stored; and determines the control means, which is used to make the previous record point system perform the previous record utilization caused by the previous record deduction processing when the previous record value-added based on the previous record value-added amount information which has been stored in response to the storage request which has been sent by the previous record is successful. A confirmation process for confirming the deduction of the possible point amount; and a cancellation control means for sending a termination request indicating the termination of the custody of the previous record top-up amount information to the previous record electronic currency system when the previous record top-up based on the previous record top-up amount information that has been kept in response to the custody request that has been sent for the previous record fails, and instructing the previous record point system to execute a cancellation process for canceling the deduction of the possible point amount of the previous record caused by the previous record deduction process.

According to this invention, the amount of top-up points will be deducted from the user's available points in response to the top-up request. In this way, the points to be used for top-up can be ensured. At this point, it is possible to cancel the deduction of the user's available points. In addition, the top-up amount information indicating the top-up amount corresponding to the amount of top-up points is kept by the electronic currency system. Based on the kept top-up amount information, the electronic currency system causes the processing required to add the top-up amount to the user's remaining electronic currency to be executed by the user's terminal device as the top-up of the electronic currency. When the top-up is successful, the deduction of the available points will be determined. On the other hand, when the top-up fails, the storage of the top-up amount information by the electronic currency system ends. Therefore, the top-up of the electronic currency is canceled. Furthermore, the deduction of the usable points is canceled. Thereby, the points scheduled to be used for the top-up are released. Therefore, the usable points will increase. Therefore, the storage status of the top-up amount information and the usable points will match. In addition, the points scheduled to be used for the top-up of the electronic currency will be returned to the user. Therefore, the inconvenience caused by the failure of the top-up of the electronic currency using the points can be solved.

The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that the pre-record cancellation control means causes the pre-record point system to execute the pre-record cancellation processing when the storage of the pre-record top-up amount information is terminated in response to the sending of the pre-record termination request; and also comprises: restriction means for restricting the new top-up of the pre-record electronic currency based on the pre-record top-up request newly received from the pre-record terminal device until the pre-record top-up based on the top-up amount information is successfully performed even if the pre-record termination request has been sent by the pre-record cancellation control means but the storage of the pre-record top-up amount information continues.

According to this invention, even if the end of the storage of the added amount information is requested in response to the failure of the addition of electronic currency, if the storage of the added amount information is still continued due to the occurrence of some abnormality, new additions will be restricted. During this period, it is possible to try to add value based on the added amount information currently being stored. After the addition fails, if the remaining balance of the electronic currency decreases, the addition becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the added amount information from being left behind.

The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that it also comprises: a collection request receiving means for receiving a collection request indicating that the user of the previous record is required to collect the deposit of the previous record top-up amount indicated by the top-up amount information by means of the previous record electronic currency, even if the previous record termination request has been sent by the previous record cancellation control means but the custody of the previous record top-up amount information is still continued, from the previous record terminal device; and a collection request sending means for sending the previous record collection request indicating that the previous record has been received to the previous record electronic currency system, so that the top-up of the previous record electronic currency is executed.

According to this invention, the recharge of electronic currency based on the remaining recharge amount information can be implemented in response to the request from the user.

The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that it further comprises: a record information transmission means for transmitting the value-added record information to the previous terminal device, wherein the value-added record information can represent the value-added record of the previous user of the electronic currency in a manner that can identify whether the collection of the deposit of the previous electronic currency is completed; the previous terminal device displays the value-added record information that has been sent, and at the same time, when the previous user adds the value-added record information to the electronic currency, the previous terminal device displays the value-added record information that has been sent to the previous user of the electronic currency. Among the additions to the previous record electronic currency included in the previous record record represented by the value history information, for the additions for which the collection of the previous record deposit has not yet been completed, the record corresponding operation elements that can be operated by the previous record user in order to collect the previous record deposit are displayed; the previous record collection request received by the previous record collection request receiving means is sent from the previous record terminal device in response to the fact that the previous record record corresponding operation element displayed by the previous record terminal device has been operated.

According to this invention, the terminal device will display the history of the top-up of electronic currency. In the history, it can be identified whether the collection of deposits by electronic currency is completed. In the history of top-up, the terminal device will display an operation element for the top-up for which the collection of deposits has not been completed. By the user operating the operation element, the top-up of electronic currency based on the remaining top-up amount information will be implemented. Therefore, the user can confirm from the history that the collection of deposits has not been completed, and make the request required to collect the deposit.

The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that the pre-recorded terminal device stores the electronic currency identification information for identifying the electronic currency of the pre-recorded user and the balance of the pre-recorded electronic currency; the pre-recorded terminal device is capable of executing: a first application required for pre-recorded top-up by updating the pre-recorded stored balance, and a first application for accepting pre-recorded top-up amount information. The second application program is used to input the value-added amount information and send the previously recorded value-added request containing the input value-added amount information to the required second application program; the previously recorded terminal device is used to send the previously recorded electronic currency identified by the previously recorded electronic currency identification information to the previously recorded information according to the previously recorded second application program when the previously recorded second application program and the previously recorded electronic currency identified by the previously recorded electronic currency identification information are in a linked state. The management system sends a pre-recorded top-up request, thereby updating the pre-recorded stored balance in accordance with the pre-recorded first application program in response to the request from the pre-recorded electronic currency system; the pre-recorded terminal device, when detecting the operation required to release the linkage between the pre-recorded second application program and the pre-recorded electronic currency, displays a corresponding release operation element that allows the pre-recorded user to operate in order to collect the pre-recorded deposit, corresponding to the fact that the storage of the stored top-up amount information of the pre-recorded continues; the pre-recorded collection request received by the pre-recorded collection request receiving means is sent from the pre-recorded terminal device in response to the fact that the pre-recorded release operation element displayed by the pre-recorded terminal device has been operated.

According to the present invention, in the second application, the user inputs the added value amount information. The terminal device sends a value-added request including the added value amount information to the information processing system according to the second application. The information processing system that receives the added value amount information instructs the electronic currency system to keep the added value amount information. The electronic currency system requests the terminal device that stores the electronic currency identification information of the electronic currency linked to the second application to add electronic currency based on the added value amount information. The terminal device updates the balance according to the first application to perform the addition. When the user performs the operation to cancel the linkage between the second application and the electronic currency, the terminal device displays the operation element while the top-up amount information is still left. When the user operates the operation element, the top-up of the electronic currency based on the left top-up amount information is implemented. Therefore, the user can make the request required to receive the deposit when canceling the linkage.

The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that a pre-recorded point system sends point history information indicating the utilization history of pre-recorded points by a pre-recorded user to a pre-recorded terminal device, wherein the point history information is: regarding the utilization of the points added to the pre-recorded electronic currency that has been subjected to a pre-recorded deduction process, it indicates that the exchange of the pre-recorded points and the pre-recorded electronic currency is being applied for; regarding the utilization of the points added to the pre-recorded electronic currency that has been subjected to a pre-recorded confirmation process, it indicates that the pre-recorded exchange has been completed.

According to this invention, the terminal device displays the use history of the points sent from the point system. In the history, when the points of the added points are in a guaranteed state, the exchange of points and electronic currency is in the process of application. When the addition of electronic currency is in a successful state, the exchange is completed. Therefore, the user can confirm whether the addition of electronic currency using the points is completed from the use history of the points.

The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that the point history information sent in the previous record is about the use of the points added to the electronic currency before the previous record cancellation process has been executed, indicating that the previous record exchange has been cancelled.

According to this invention, if the recharge of electronic currency is in a failed state in the point utilization history, it means that the exchange of points and electronic currency has been cancelled. Therefore, the user can confirm whether the recharge of electronic currency using the points has failed from the point utilization history.

The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that a pre-recorded terminal device is provided with: a balance storage means for storing the balance of pre-recorded electronic currency; the pre-recorded terminal device obtains the pre-recorded stored value-added amount information from the pre-recorded electronic currency system, adds the pre-recorded value-added amount contained in the obtained value-added amount information to the pre-recorded balance, and updates the pre-recorded balance stored in the pre-recorded balance storage means to perform pre-recorded value-added; when the sum of the pre-recorded balance before the update and the pre-recorded value-added amount exceeds the upper limit of the pre-recorded balance, the pre-recorded value-added is deemed to have failed.

The invention described in claim 9 is characterized in that the previous electronic currency system terminates the custody of the previously stored value-added amount information when the previous value-added is successful; and further comprises: a value-added amount collection request sending means, which is used to send a collection request to the previous electronic currency system to enable the previous terminal device to perform the value-added of the previous electronic currency, wherein the collection request indicates that the previous user is required to collect, by means of the previous electronic currency: the previously stored value-added amount that has been stored in response to the previously sent custody request The deposit of the pre-record top-up amount represented by the amount information; and the custody status acquisition means, which is used to acquire the custody status of the pre-record top-up amount information that has been kept from the pre-record electronic currency system after the pre-record collection request is sent through the pre-record top-up amount collection request sending means; and the determination means, which is used to determine whether the pre-record top-up is successful based on the custody status of the pre-record that has been obtained; according to the determination result made by the pre-record determination means, either the pre-record confirmation control means or the pre-record cancellation control means will be activated.

According to the present invention, if the top-up of electronic currency is successful, the storage of the top-up amount information is terminated. If the top-up of electronic currency is unsuccessful, the storage of the top-up amount information will continue. After sending a collection request to the electronic currency system, the storage status of the top-up amount information is obtained from the electronic currency system. If the storage status indicates that the storage of the top-up amount information has been terminated, the point system performs confirmation processing. If the storage status indicates that the storage of the top-up amount information is still continuing, a termination request is sent to the electronic currency system, and the point system performs cancellation processing. According to this invention, even if the electronic currency system does not directly notify the information processing system of the success or failure of the top-up, the success or failure of the top-up can still be determined based on the storage status of the top-up amount information.

The invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that, in the previous record deduction processing, the previous record point system deducts the previous record added point amount from the previous record usable point amount, and allows the cancellation possible information indicating that the cancellation of the previous record deduction is possible to be stored in the cancellation possible information storage means; in the previous record confirmation processing, the previous record point system deletes the previous record cancellation possible information that has been stored from the previous record cancellation possible information storage means; in the previous record cancellation processing, the previous record point system adds the previous record added point amount to the previous record usable point amount after the previous record deduction, and deletes the previous record cancellation possible information that has been stored from the previous record cancellation possible information storage means.

According to this invention, when the deduction of the amount of usable points is being carried out, the cancelability information is stored. During the period when the cancelability information is stored, the deduction of the amount of usable points can be canceled. When the top-up of the electronic currency is successful, the cancelability information is deleted. After the cancellation information is deleted, the deduction of the amount of usable points cannot be canceled. When the top-up of the electronic currency is failed, the deduction of the amount of usable points is canceled by increasing the amount of usable points. Since the cancelability information is no longer needed, the cancelability information is deleted. Therefore, whether the deduction of the amount of usable points is in a cancelable state can be appropriately managed.

The invention described in claim 11 is an information processing method executed by a computer, characterized in that it comprises: a top-up request receiving step, in which a top-up request indicating a user's request for top-up of electronic currency is received from a terminal device used by the user in the preceding record, wherein the top-up request includes: a top-up point amount indicating the amount of points used in the preceding record top-up and a top-up amount corresponding to the top-up point amount, indicating at least one of the above; The electronic currency system is provided with a storage request signaling step, which sends a storage request for storage of the storage amount information of the previous record to the electronic currency system, wherein the electronic currency system receives the storage request of the previous record, and the storage request signaling step is used to send the storage request of the previous record to the electronic currency system. The coin system stores the value-added amount information represented by the specific previous value-added amount based on the value-added request received by the previous record, and based on the value-added amount information stored in the previous record, the previous record terminal device is made to perform the previous record value-added; and the control step is determined, that is, when the previous record value-added based on the previous record value-added amount information stored in response to the storage request sent by the previous record is successful, the previous record point system is made to execute the previous record profit caused by the previous record deduction processing. A confirmation process for confirming the deduction of the possible points amount; and a cancellation control step, in which, when the previous record top-up based on the previous record top-up amount information that has been kept in response to the custody request that has been sent for the previous record fails, a termination request indicating the termination of the custody of the previous record top-up amount information is sent to the previous record electronic currency system, and the previous record point system is instructed to execute a cancellation process for canceling the deduction of the possible points amount of the previous record caused by the previous record deduction process.

The invention described in claim 12 is characterized in that a computer is used to function as: a value-added request receiving means for receiving a value-added request indicating a user's request for value-added of electronic currency from a terminal device used by the aforementioned user, wherein the value-added request includes: value-added amount information indicating at least one of the value-added point amount indicating the amount of points used in the aforementioned value-added and the value-added amount corresponding to the value-added point amount; and a deduction control means for causing a point system that memorizes the amount of usable points that indicates the amount of points that a user of a previous record can use to perform a deduction process, which is to deduct the amount of previous record value-added points that has been specified based on the value-added request that has been received from the previous record from the memorized amount of usable points; and a custody request sending means for sending a custody request indicating a request for custody of the previous record value-added amount information to the electronic currency system, wherein the electronic currency system The system stores the value-added amount information which is indicated by the value-added amount of the previous record based on the value-added request received by the previous record, and makes the previous record terminal device execute the previous record value-added based on the value-added amount information which has been stored; and determines the control means, which is used to make the previous record point system execute the previous record utilization amount resulting from the previous record deduction processing when the previous record value-added based on the previous record value-added amount information which has been stored in response to the storage request which has been sent by the previous record is successful. A confirmation process for confirming the deduction of the amount of points that can be used; and a cancellation control means for sending a termination request indicating the termination of the custody of the previous record value-added amount information to the previous record electronic currency system when the previous record value-added amount information that has been kept in response to the custody request sent for the previous record fails, and instructing the previous record point system to execute a cancellation process for canceling the deduction of the amount of points that can be used in the previous record caused by the previous record deduction process. [Effect of the invention]

According to the present invention, the inconvenience caused by failure in adding value to electronic currency using points can be solved.

[1. Communication system configuration]

Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration and function overview of the communication system S described in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG1. FIG1 is a diagram showing an example of the general configuration of the communication system S described in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG1 , the communication system S is composed of an electronic billing management server 1, a point management server 2, an electronic currency management server 3, and a plurality of user terminals 4. The electronic billing management server 1, the point management server 2, the electronic currency management server 3, and each user terminal 4 are connected to a network NW. The network NW is constructed by, for example, the Internet, a dedicated communication line (such as a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line), a mobile communication network (including base stations, etc.), and a gateway.

The electronic billing management server 1 may be a server device installed by an electronic billing business that operates a predetermined electronic billing service. The electronic billing management server 1 may be a server device that performs processing related to the electronic billing service. The electronic billing management server 1 is an example of an information processing system. The electronic billing management server 1 may be a system actually composed of a plurality of server devices. Examples of billing methods that can be used in the electronic billing service include: application billing, credit card billing, electronic currency billing, etc. In electronic currency billing, the electronic billing management server 1 can also support a variety of electronic currencies. Furthermore, the electronic billing management server 1 can also perform value-adding for a specific electronic currency by, for example, cooperating with the electronic currency management server 3. For example, the electronic billing management server 1 can also perform value-adding using credit cards and points.

The point management server 2 may be a server device installed by a point business that operates a predetermined point program. The point management server 2 may be a server device that executes various processes related to the point program. The point management server 2 is an example of a point system. The point management server 2 may be a system actually composed of a plurality of server devices. In the present embodiment, the information processing system and the point system are independent systems. However, the information processing system may include the point system, or the point system itself may be the information processing system. The point management server 2 may manage the points that can be used by each user of the point program. The so-called usable points may be the points owned by the user. For example, the point management server 2 can also store the amount of points that can be used. The amount of points that can be used indicates the amount of points that the user can use. Users of the aforementioned electronic checkout service can also use the point program. Each user of the point program can also obtain points by, for example, purchasing goods or services on a designated website or a designated physical store. Furthermore, each user can also obtain points, for example, by utilizing the designated website. Furthermore, each user can also obtain points by adding value to electronic currency. Each user can also use the points held by the user to pay part or all of the fees required to purchase goods or services on a designated website or a designated physical store. The exchange rate between points and money can also be predetermined. The exchange rate can be, for example, 1 to 1, or can be other ratios. The following assumes that the exchange rate is 1 to 1.

The point management server 2 sometimes guarantees a predetermined number of points from available points to be used when the user uses the points for a certain purpose. The so-called guarantee of points may also be, for example, to prevent the points from being used for purposes other than the required purposes. Furthermore, the so-called guarantee of points may also be to pre-approve (authorize) the use of points or to reserve them. The point management server 2 may also deduct the predetermined amount of points to be used from the amount of available points as at least a part of the processing of guaranteeing points. In a state where points have been guaranteed, the use of the guaranteed points may be canceled. The cancellation of the use of the guaranteed points may also mean the release of the guaranteed points. The release of points may also mean that the points become usable for purposes other than the required purposes. At this time, the amount of points that were scheduled to be used can also be added to the amount of points that can be used by the user. That is, the points are returned to the user. On the other hand, in response to the satisfaction of certain conditions, the point management server 2 can also determine the use of the points that have been guaranteed. The condition can also be, for example, the fact that the points have been used for the required purpose. The determination of the use of points can also mean, for example, the determination of the deduction of the amount of points that can be used. It is stipulated in the point program that the points that have been determined to be used cannot be returned to the user. The reason may be a business reason or another reason. This point is different from the settlement using a credit card. In the case of a credit card, even after the fee has been settled, the fee can still be returned to the user through a refund process.

The point management server 2 can also provide the electronic checkout management server 1 with an API (Application Programming Interface) required for utilizing the functions of the point program. The electronic checkout management server 1 can obtain the available points of each user or execute processing that enables the addition of electronic currency using the available points of each user by utilizing the API. The electronic checkout operator and the point operator can be the same company or can belong to the same corporate group. Alternatively, the electronic checkout operator and the point operator can be neither the same company nor the same corporate group.

The electronic money management server 3 may also be a server device installed by an electronic money operator that operates an electronic money service that enables payment by a predetermined electronic money (e.g., Suica (registered trademark)). The electronic money management server 3 may also be a server device that performs various processes related to the electronic money service. The electronic money management server 3 is an example of an electronic money system. The electronic money management server 3 may also be a system actually composed of a plurality of server devices.

The electronic currency management server 3 can also provide a value-added escrow function (such as Suica (registered trademark) pocket, etc.) in order to realize the value-added of electronic currency in response to the request from the system different from the electronic currency management server 3. The value-added escrow function can also be a function of temporarily keeping or depositing the value-added or deposited electronic currency. In the value-added escrow function, the electronic currency management server 3 can also issue and store the value-added amount information. The value-added amount information is information indicating the value-added amount. The value-added amount indicates the amount of money deposited. The electronic currency management server 3 can also allow the user terminal 4 to perform the top-up of the electronic currency based on the top-up amount information. The electronic currency management server 3 can also provide the electronic checkout management server 1 with the API required to use the top-up amount information. The electronic checkout management server 1 can perform the processing that enables the top-up of the electronic currency using the credit card or points by using the API. The electronic currency operator and the electronic checkout operator (and the points operator) may not be the same company, nor may they belong to the same corporate group.

Each user terminal 4 may be a terminal device owned by a user who can use the above-mentioned electronic checkout service. Each user terminal 4 may be a mobile phone such as a smart phone. Each user terminal 4 may be a specific phone (such as iPhone (registered trademark)), or not. Each user terminal 4 may have a display and a touch panel. Furthermore, each user terminal 4 may have an IC chip 41. The IC chip 41 is provided in order to realize contactless checkout according to a predetermined payment system (such as Apple Pay (registered trademark)). The IC chip 41 may also comply with specifications such as NFC-A, NFC-B or NFC-F. The IC chip 41 may also include, for example, a non-volatile memory unit and a control unit. The memory unit may also store information such as the balance of the electronic currency and the electronic currency card ID. The electronic currency card ID may also be information for identifying the electronic currency, information for identifying the card of the electronic currency, or information for identifying the account of the user who uses the electronic currency. The control unit may also control access to the information stored in the memory unit.

Each user terminal 4 can also execute an electronic checkout application, a point application, and an electronic currency application. The electronic checkout application can also be an application provided by an electronic checkout operator. The electronic checkout application can also be an electronic checkout application required to enable electronic checkout using the portable terminal 4, or to enable top-up using points or electronic currency using a credit card, etc. The point application can also be an application provided by a point operator. The point application can also be an application required to allow users to accumulate or use points. The electronic currency application can also be an application provided by an electronic currency operator. The electronic currency application may also be an application required to enable the recharge of the electronic currency provided by the electronic currency operator or to display the balance of the electronic currency. The electronic checkout application, the point application and the electronic currency application may also be downloaded from a predetermined application platform and installed on the user terminal 4.

The user terminal 4 can access the balance of electronic money stored in the IC chip 41 from the electronic money application. On the other hand, the user terminal 4 cannot access the balance stored in the IC chip 41 from the electronic checkout application. The reason is that, for example, the information necessary to access the IC chip 41 is kept confidential from anyone other than the electronic money operator. The electronic money operator is a different operator from the electronic checkout operator. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the electronic money operator has obtained the permission required to access the IC chip 41 from the operator in advance by signing a contract with the operator operating the payment system.

Due to this, in order to realize the top-up of electronic currency using points, the user must make settings so that the electronic checkout application is linked with the user's electronic currency (or electronic currency application). For example, the user can also start the electronic checkout application and choose the linkage. In response to the selection, the user terminal 4 can also start the electronic currency application and display a list of electronic currency cards that the user can use. An electronic currency card ID can also be assigned to each card. Alternatively, once the user selects any card, the electronic currency management server 3 will issue a transaction ID. The transaction ID can also be, for example, identification information required to identify the linkage that has been set. The electronic money management server 3 can also bind the electronic money card ID of the card selected by the user and the transaction ID. The electronic money management server 3 can also send the issued transaction ID to the electronic checkout management server 1, and the electronic checkout management server 1 can also send the transaction ID to the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 can also store the transaction ID in the storage area of the user terminal 4 according to the electronic checkout application. In this way, linkage can also be set.

After the linkage is set up, the user starts the electronic checkout application and inputs the amount of top-up points or the amount of top-up. The amount of top-up points indicates the amount of points used when adding value to electronic currency. The amount of top-up indicates the amount to be added to electronic currency. The top-up amount is the amount corresponding to the amount of top-up points. The so-called amount corresponding to the amount of points refers to the amount corresponding to the amount of points and the exchange rate between points and money. When the exchange rate is 1 to 1, the top-up amount is the same number as the amount of top-up points. After inputting the amount of top-up points or the amount of top-up, the user terminal 4 can also request the electronic checkout management server 1 to add value to the electronic currency. The electronic checkout management server 1 can also request the point management server 2 to ensure the amount of points for the added value. Furthermore, the electronic checkout management server 1 can also request the electronic currency management server 3 to issue the added value amount information. The electronic currency management server 3 issues the added value amount information.

The electronic money management server 3 can also request the user terminal 4, whose electronic money card ID is stored in the IC chip 41 and which is linked to the electronic checkout application, to process the deposit corresponding to the recharge amount information automatically by the user using electronic money. The user receiving the deposit can also mean adding the recharge amount shown in the recharge amount information to the electronic money balance of the user stored in the IC chip 41. The user terminal 4 can also start the electronic money application in the background to update the balance stored in the IC chip 41, so that the recharge of the electronic money is completed.

After the electronic billing management server 1 makes a request to the electronic currency management server 3 for the processing required for collecting the deposit corresponding to the added amount information, the added amount will be automatically processed in the electronic currency management server 3 and the user terminal 4. After the request to the electronic billing management server 1, if the addition of electronic currency fails, the added amount information will remain. If the cause of the failure lies in the electronic billing management server 1 or the user terminal 4 that wants to perform the addition, the electronic billing server 1 only needs to, for example, request again the processing required for collecting the deposit corresponding to the left-over added amount information in response to the request from the user. Therefore, the electronic checkout management server 1 can be regarded as confirming the use of the secured points at the time when the top-up amount information is issued or at the time when the processing required for receiving the deposit corresponding to the top-up amount information is requested.

However, in electronic money applications, it is sometimes programmed to prohibit top-ups when the sum of the current balance and the top-up amount exceeds a predetermined upper limit of the balance. The upper limit of the balance may be, for example, 25,000 yen, or may be another amount. In order for top-ups to succeed, it is necessary to refer to the balance stored in the IC chip 41, and to limit the amount of top-up points or the amount of top-up that can be input in such a way that the sum of the balance and the top-up amount does not exceed the upper limit of the balance. However, due to the aforementioned reasons, it is impossible to refer to the balance stored in the IC chip 41 from the electronic checkout application. Therefore, it is difficult to limit the amount of top-up points or the amount of top-up. Due to this, a situation in which top-up failure may occur. In this case, the top-up amount information that has been issued will always be left behind. In addition, the amount of points that can be used is still in a reduced state. As long as the balance of electronic currency has not decreased, even if the electronic checkout management server 1 again requests the processing required for collecting the deposit corresponding to the remaining top-up amount information, the top-up will still fail. Although the points corresponding to the remaining top-up amount information are intended to be returned to the user, once the use of the points has been confirmed, the return becomes impossible. In this way, the top-up failure that can be avoided as long as the balance of electronic currency can be referred to cannot be avoided, thus causing inconvenience. Therefore, the electronic checkout management server 1 and the point management server 2 confirm the use of the guaranteed points after the top-up of the electronic currency is successfully completed, and cancel the use of the guaranteed points if the top-up fails.

[2. Device structure] [2-1. Electronic checkout management server] Next, the structure of the electronic checkout management server 1 is described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of the general structure of the electronic checkout management server 1 described in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic checkout management server 1 includes: a system control unit 11, a system bus 12, an input/output interface 13, a memory unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The system control unit 11 and the input/output interface 13 are connected via the system bus 12.

The system control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c, and the like.

The input/output interface 13 performs interface processing between the memory unit 14 and the communication unit 15 and the system control unit 11.

The memory unit 14 is composed of a hard disk drive, etc. A database such as a value-added history DB14a may also be stored in the memory unit 14. "DB" is an abbreviation for database.

FIG3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the database of the electronic checkout management server 1. The value-added history DB 14a stores the history of value-added of electronic currency. For example, in the value-added history DB 14a, each time a value-added is requested from the user terminal 4, the value-added date and time, the value-added type, the value-added amount, the value-added status, the user ID, the transaction ID, the authorization ID, and the value-added ID, etc., are associated with each other and stored as a value-added log. The value-added date and time indicates the date and time when the value-added is requested. The value-added type indicates whether the requested value-added is a value-added using points or a value-added using a credit card. The value-added type can also be set to, for example, either "points" or "credit card". The top-up amount indicates the amount to be added to the electronic currency. The top-up status indicates the status of the requested top-up. The top-up status can also be set to any one of "Exchange Application in Progress", "Completed" and "Cancelled". "Exchange Application in Progress" means that the top-up request has been accepted, but the top-up has not been completed. "Completed" means that the top-up has been completed. "Cancelled" means that the top-up has been canceled. The user ID is the identification information required to identify the user who requested the top-up in the electronic checkout service. The user ID can also be used to identify the user in the point program. The transaction ID is information sent from the electronic currency management server 3 to the electronic currency management server 1 when the user indicated by the user ID sets up the linkage between the electronic currency application and the electronic currency of the user. The transaction ID may also be, for example, identification information required to identify the linkage. The authorization ID may also be identification information required to identify the points guaranteed by the point management server 2 for the top-up of the electronic currency. Alternatively, the authorization ID may also be identification information required to identify the points that have been confirmed to be usable when the point management server 2 has confirmed that the points are usable in the top-up of the electronic currency using the points. The authorization ID may also be sent from the point management server 2 to the electronic checkout management server 1. The top-up ID is identification information for identifying the top-up amount information issued by the electronic money management server 3 for the top-up that has been requested. The issuance of the top-up amount information may also mean, for example, that the top-up ID is sent by the electronic money management server 3.

The memory unit 14 also stores various programs such as an operating system, a DBMS (Database Management System), and an electronic checkout management server program. The electronic checkout management server program is a program that causes the system control unit 11 to execute processes related to electronic checkout or processes related to the addition of electronic currency. The electronic checkout management server program can be obtained from other devices through the network NW, or can be recorded in a recording medium such as a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or a memory card and read through a drive device.

The communication unit 15 is composed of, for example, a network interface card, etc. The communication unit 15 is connected to the point management server 2, the electronic money management server 3, or the user terminal 4 through the network NW, and controls the communication status with the connected devices.

[2-2. Point management server] Next, the structure of the point management server 2 is described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of the general structure of the point management server 2 described in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the point management server 2 includes: a system control unit 21, a system bus 22, an input/output interface 23, a memory unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The system control unit 21 and the input/output interface 23 are connected via the system bus 22.

The system control unit 21 is composed of a CPU 21a, a ROM 21b, a RAM 21c, and the like.

The input/output interface 23 performs interface processing between the memory unit 24 and the communication unit 25 and the system control unit 21.

The memory unit 24 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, etc. The memory unit 24 may also store databases such as a points DB 24a, an authorization DB 24b, and a points history DB 24c.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the database of the point management server 2. Information on points that can be used by users of the point program can also be stored in the point DB 24a. For example, in the point DB 24a, the user ID and the amount of points that can be used can be associated with each other for each user. The amount of points that can be used indicates the amount of points that can be used by the user identified by the user ID. The points indicated by the amount of points that can be used can also be points that can be used for any purpose.

The authorization DB 24b may also store authorization information about the points currently secured for a certain purpose among the points that each user can use. For example, the authorization DB 24b may be used in a case where the points are secured in advance and the use of the previously secured points is confirmed in accordance with the satisfaction of a certain condition, or in a case where the security of the points is cancelled in accordance with the disappearance of the possibility of satisfying the condition. The determination of the condition may also be performed in a system other than the point management server 2 (e.g., the electronic checkout management server 1, etc.). For example, in the authorization DB 24b, the authorization ID, the user ID, and the amount of secured points may be associated with each other as authorization information for each secured point. The authorization ID is identification information for identifying points that have been secured or confirmed to be usable. The user ID indicates for which user the points are secured. The amount of secured points indicates the amount of secured points. When securing points, the point management server 2 can also deduct the secured point amount from the usable point amount recorded in the point DB 24a, and at the same time, cause the authorization information to be recorded in the authorization DB 24b. The fact that the authorization information is recorded in the authorization DB 24b indicates that the points have been secured, and at the same time, indicates that the use of the secured points is in a cancelable state. That is, the authorization information recorded in the authorization DB 24b can also indicate that the cancellation of the deduction of the usable point amount is possible. The point management server 2 may delete the authorization information from the authorization DB 24b when the conditions required for confirming the use of the secured points are satisfied. It may also be stipulated that after the authorization information is deleted, the use of the points cannot be cancelled.

The point history DB24c stores the user's use and acquisition history of points. For example, in the point history DB24c, each time points are used or acquired by a user, the user ID, change date and time, service information, content information, change status, and change amount of points can be associated and stored as a point log. The user ID indicates the user who has used or acquired the points. The change date and time indicates the date and time when the points were used or acquired. The service information indicates the service for which the points were used or acquired. For example, when the points are used to add value to electronic currency, the service information can also be set to "electronic currency." Content information refers to the content that indicates the use or acquisition of points. For example, when points are used to add value to electronic currency, the content information can also be set to "add value to electronic currency." Change status refers to the status of the use or acquisition of points. Generally speaking, the change status can also be set to either "use" or "acquire." "Use" means that the use of points has been confirmed. "Acquire" means that the acquisition of points has been confirmed. When points are used to add value to electronic currency, the change status can also be set to either "exchange application in progress," "use," and "cancellation." "Exchange application in progress" means that the points required for top-up have been secured, but the top-up has not yet been completed. "Using" means that the points have been used and the top-up has been completed. "Cancelled" means that the top-up has been canceled. The change status will be updated from "Exchange application in progress" to either "Using" or "Cancelled". The amount of points changed indicates the amount of points that have been used or obtained. When the change status is set to "Using", the amount of points changed will be subtracted from the amount of points that can be used. When the change status is set to "Obtained", the amount of points changed will be added to the amount of points that can be used. If the points are used for e-money top-up, the change point amount will be subtracted from the available points amount when the change status is set to "Exchange Application". After that, even if the change status is updated to "Use", the available points amount will not change. On the other hand, once the change status is updated to "Cancel", the change point amount will be added to the available points amount.

The memory unit 24 also stores various programs such as the operating system, DBMS, and point management server program. The point management server program is a program that causes the system control unit 21 to execute point program-related processing. The point management server program can be obtained from other devices through the network NW, for example, or can be recorded in a recording medium such as a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or a memory card and then read through a drive device.

The communication unit 25 is composed of, for example, a network interface card, etc. The communication unit 25 is connected to the electronic checkout management server 1 or the user terminal 4 through the network NW, and controls the communication status with the connected device.

[2-3. Electronic Currency Management Server] Next, the structure of the electronic currency management server 3 is explained with reference to FIG6. The electronic currency management server 3 has a system control unit composed of a CPU, ROM, and RAM, a non-volatile memory unit, and a communication unit required to control communication through the network NW. The memory unit of the electronic currency management server 3 can also store databases such as the linkage DB31 and the added value amount information DB32.

FIG6 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the database of the electronic money management server 3. The linkage status of the electronic checkout application and the electronic money may also be stored in the linkage DB 31. For example, in the linkage DB 31, the transaction ID and the electronic money card ID may be associated with each other and stored according to each combination of the linked electronic checkout application and the electronic money. The transaction ID may also be identification information required to identify the linkage. The transaction ID identical to the transaction ID is also stored in the user terminal 4 according to the electronic checkout application. The electronic money card ID is identification information used to identify the electronic money card that has been linked to the electronic checkout application.

The value-added amount information DB32 stores the value-added amount information. For example, the value-added amount information DB32 can store the value-added ID, transaction ID, and value-added amount in association with each other according to each currently valid value-added amount information. The value-added ID is identification information required to identify the value-added amount information. The transaction ID indicates for which linkage the value-added amount information is issued. The value-added amount indicates the amount to be added to the electronic currency.

[3. Functional Overview] [3-1. Electronic Checkout Management Server] Next, the functional overview of the system control unit 11 in the electronic checkout management server 1 is described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 13. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 in the electronic checkout management server 1. The system control unit 11 can also read and execute various program codes contained in the electronic checkout management server program through the CPU 11a, and as shown in FIG7, it functions as a value-added request receiving unit 111, a point deduction control unit 112, a value-added amount information issuance request sending unit 113, a value-added amount collection request receiving unit 114, a value-added amount collection request sending unit 115, a value-added amount information storage status acquisition unit 116, a value-added amount collection determination unit 117, a point deduction determination control unit 118, a value-added cancellation control unit 119, a value-added history management unit 121, etc.

[3-1-1. Control of top-up using points] The top-up request receiving unit 111 can also receive a top-up request from the user terminal 4. The top-up request can also indicate a request for top-up of electronic currency by the user using the user terminal 4. The top-up request can also include top-up amount information. The top-up amount information indicates at least one of the top-up point amount and the top-up amount mentioned above. For example, either the top-up point amount or the top-up amount can also be input by the user.

FIG8 is an example of an electronic currency main screen of an electronic checkout application. The electronic currency main screen may be, for example, a screen displayed when a user selects a specific electronic currency in the electronic checkout application. As shown in FIG8 , the electronic currency main screen 100 may also include, for example, a setting small icon 110, a card recharge button 120, a point recharge button 130, a balance confirmation button 140, a recharge history button 150, etc. The setting small icon 110 is a small icon that allows the user to operate in order to display the setting screen. In the setting screen, the user can make various settings related to the electronic checkout application. The card top-up button 120 is a button that allows the user to operate in order to display the card top-up screen. The card top-up screen is a screen required for top-up of electronic currency using a credit card. The point top-up button 130 is a button that allows the user to operate in order to display the point top-up screen. The point top-up screen is a screen required for top-up of electronic currency using points. The balance confirmation button 140 is a button that allows the user to operate in order to display the screen of the electronic currency application. On the screen of the electronic currency application, the balance of electronic currency is displayed. The recharge history button 150 is a button that allows the user to operate in order to display the recharge history screen. In the recharge history screen, the recharge history of the electronic currency is displayed.

FIG9 is an illustration of a display example of a point top-up screen. For example, once the user presses the point top-up button 130 in the electronic currency main screen 100, the point top-up screen 200 shown in FIG9 is displayed. The point top-up screen 200 may also include, for example, a message 210, a possible top-up point amount 220, a top-up amount input field 230, a balance confirmation link 240, a top-up button 250, etc. The message 210 is a message indicating that the balance after top-up cannot exceed the balance limit. The balance limit may be, for example, 25,000 yen. The possible top-up point amount 220 indicates the upper limit of the point amount that can be used for top-up of the electronic currency. The amount of points that can be added 220 may be, for example, the smaller amount of points between the amount of points corresponding to the upper limit of the balance and the amount of points that the user can use. The amount-added amount input column 230 is a field required to input the amount of added value. In this embodiment, the amount of added value and the amount of added points are the same number. The balance confirmation link 240 is a link that allows the user to operate in order to display the screen of the electronic currency application. In the screen of the electronic currency application, the balance of the electronic currency is displayed. The add-on button 250 is a button that can be operated to allow the user terminal 4 to send a request for adding value. If the value-added amount inputted in the value-added amount input column 230 is zero or exceeds the value-added possible points 220, the value-added button 250 may also become inoperable. In the point value-added screen 200, the user inputs the value-added amount in the value-added amount input column 230, and then presses the value-added button 250, and the user terminal 4 will send a value-added request. The value-added request may also contain the value-added amount inputted as the value-added amount information. In addition, the value-added request may also contain the user ID of the user. Even more, the value-added request may also contain the transaction ID that the user terminal 4 is storing.

The point deduction control unit 112 may also instruct the point management server 2 to execute point deduction processing. The point deduction processing may also be a process of deducting the amount of added-value points specified based on the added-value request received by the added-value request receiving unit 111 from the amount of points available for use of the user of the user terminal 4 that has sent the added-value request, for example. For example, the point deduction control unit 112 may also send an authorization request to the point management server 2. The authorization request may indicate a request for securing points, or may indicate approval of the use of points, or may indicate a request for deduction of the amount of points available for use. The authorization request may also include, for example, the amount of secured points. The amount of secured points may also be the amount of added-value points. In the case where the top-up request includes the amount of top-up points, the point deduction control unit 112 may include the amount of top-up points itself in the authorization request. In the case where the top-up request includes the top-up amount, the point deduction control unit 112 may convert the top-up amount into the amount of top-up points using the exchange rate between points and money. In this embodiment, the top-up amount and the amount of top-up points are the same number. The authorization request may also include: the user ID of the user of the user terminal 4 that sent the top-up request. The point management server 2 that has executed the point deduction process may also send the authorization ID corresponding to the secured points to the electronic checkout management server 1.

The value-added amount information issuance request sending unit 113 can also send a value-added amount information issuance request to the electronic currency management server 3. The value-added amount information issuance request can also indicate a request for the safekeeping of the value-added amount information indicated by the specific value-added amount based on the value-added request received by the value-added request receiving unit 111. That is, the value-added amount information issuance request can also indicate a request for the issuance of the value-added amount information, and can also indicate a request for the safekeeping of the value-added amount information. The value-added amount information issuance request sending unit 113 can also send the value-added amount information issuance request after the point deduction processing caused by the point management server 2 is completed. The value-added amount information issuance request can also contain the value-added amount. Furthermore, the request for issuing the value-added amount information may also include the transaction ID. The electronic currency management server 3 that receives the request for issuing the value-added amount information may also generate the value-added amount information including the value-added amount, and store the value-added amount information in the value-added amount information DB 32. In this way, the value-added amount information may also be stored. Furthermore, the electronic currency management server 3 may also generate a value-added ID for the value-added amount information that has been issued. The electronic currency management server 3 may also send the generated value-added ID to the electronic checkout management server 1.

The value-added amount collection request receiving unit 114 can also receive a value-added amount collection request from the user terminal 4. The value-added amount collection request can also indicate a request for the user to collect the value-added amount indicated by the value-added amount information stored in the point management server 2 with electronic currency by sending the value-added amount information issuance request by the value-added amount information issuance request sending unit 113. The value-added amount collection request can also include the value-added ID of the issued value-added amount information.

The value-added amount collection request sending unit 115 can also send the value-added amount collection request received by the value-added amount collection request receiving unit 114 to the electronic currency management server 3. Once the electronic currency management server 3 receives the value-added amount collection request, it can also instruct the user terminal 4 to perform the value-added of the electronic currency. When the value-added of the electronic currency is successful, the electronic currency management server 3 can also terminate the storage of the value-added amount information being stored. The so-called termination of the storage of the value-added amount information can also be to delete the value-added amount information from the value-added amount information DB32. In the case where the recharge of the electronic currency fails, the electronic currency management server 3 may continue to store the recharge amount information being stored. That is, the recharge amount information may also be retained.

The value-added amount information storage status acquisition unit 116 can also acquire the storage status of the value-added amount information already stored in the electronic currency management server 3 from the electronic currency management server 3 after sending the value-added amount collection request through the value-added amount collection request sending unit 115. For example, the value-added amount information storage status acquisition unit 116 can also send a value-added amount information request to the electronic currency management server 3. The value-added amount information request can also indicate a request for the storage status of the value-added amount information. The value-added amount information request can also contain, for example, a transaction ID or a value-added ID. The electronic currency management server 3 that receives the value-added amount information request can also send the storage status information to the electronic checkout management server 1. The storage status information may also indicate the storage status of the value-added amount information. For example, when the value-added amount information request includes a transaction ID, the electronic checkout management server 1 may also determine whether the value-added amount information is associated with the transaction ID and stored in the value-added amount information DB 32. If the value-added amount information is stored, the electronic checkout management server 1 may also send the value-added ID of the value-added amount information as the storage status information. If the value-added amount information is not stored, the electronic checkout management server 1 may also send "no value-added amount information" as the storage status information. When the value-added amount information request includes the value-added ID, the electronic checkout management server 1 can also determine whether the value-added amount information is associated with the value-added ID and stored in the value-added amount information DB 32. When the value-added amount information is stored, the electronic checkout management server 1 can also send "value-added amount information is stored" as the storage status information. When the value-added amount information is not stored, the electronic checkout management server 1 can also send "no value-added amount information" as the storage status information.

The added amount collection determination unit 117 can also determine whether the collection of the added amount information corresponding to the added amount collection request sent by the added amount collection request sending unit 115 is successful. That is, the added amount collection determination unit 117 can also determine whether the addition of electronic currency by the user terminal 4 is successful. For example, the added amount collection determination unit 117 can also determine whether the addition is successful based on the storage status information obtained by the added amount information storage status acquisition unit 116. As mentioned above, if the addition is successful, the storage of the added amount information ends, and if the addition fails, the storage of the added amount information continues. Therefore, whether the top-up is successful can be determined based on the storage status of the top-up amount information.

The recharge of electronic money may take time. Therefore, if the storage status of the recharge amount information is obtained immediately after the recharge amount collection request is sent to the electronic money management server 3, it may be impossible to properly determine whether the recharge is successful. Therefore, the recharge amount information storage status acquisition unit 116 can also obtain the storage status at a predetermined period (e.g., 1 second period, 2 second period, 5 second period, etc.) from the time the recharge amount collection request is sent. Then, the top-up amount collection determination unit 117 may determine that the top-up is successful if the top-up amount information is not stored within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) from when the top-up amount collection request is sent. On the other hand, the top-up amount collection determination unit 117 may determine that the top-up is unsuccessful if the top-up amount information is still stored even after the predetermined time has passed.

The point deduction determination control unit 118 may also instruct the point management server 2 to execute a point deduction determination process when the recharge based on the recharge amount information stored in response to the recharge amount information issuance request sent by the recharge amount information issuance request sending unit 113 is successful. The point deduction determination process may also be a process for determining the deduction of the usable point amount due to the point deduction process. For example, the point deduction determination control unit 118 may also send a point deduction determination request to the point management server 2. The point deduction determination request may also indicate a request for determining the deduction of the usable point amount. The point deduction confirmation request may also include, for example, the user ID of the user who will use the user terminal 4 that sent the value-added request. In addition, the point deduction confirmation request may also include the authorization ID corresponding to the points that have been guaranteed. Furthermore, the point deduction confirmation request may also include the confirmed point amount. The confirmed point amount may also indicate the amount of points whose utilization is confirmed among the points that have been guaranteed. The confirmed point amount in the value-added of the electronic currency may also be the value-added point amount. That is, in this embodiment, all utilization of the guaranteed points is confirmed. The utilization of more points than the guaranteed points cannot be confirmed.

The recharge cancellation control unit 119 may also send a recharge amount information cancellation request to the electronic currency management server 3 and instruct the point management server 2 to execute the point deduction cancellation process when the recharge based on the recharge amount information stored in response to the recharge amount information issuance request sent by the recharge amount information issuance request sending unit 113 fails. The recharge amount information cancellation request may also indicate a request to cancel the recharge of the electronic currency. Alternatively, the recharge amount information cancellation request may also indicate a request to terminate the storage of the stored recharge amount information. The recharge amount information cancellation request may also contain, for example, the recharge ID of the issued recharge amount information. The electronic currency management server 3 that receives the request to cancel the added value amount information may also delete the added value amount information being stored. The point deduction cancellation process may also be a process for canceling the deduction of the amount of points that can be used due to the point deduction process. That is, the point deduction cancellation process may also represent a process for releasing the points that have been secured, or a process for returning the points that have been secured to the user. For example, the added value cancellation control unit 119 may also send a point deduction cancellation request to the point management server 2. The point deduction cancellation request may also be a request for canceling the deduction of the amount of points that can be used. The point deduction cancellation request may also contain, for example, the user ID of the user who will use the user terminal 4 that sent the added value request. Furthermore, the request to cancel the point deduction may also include the authorization ID corresponding to the secured points. Furthermore, the request to cancel the point deduction may also include the amount of points to be released. The amount of points to be released may also represent the amount of points to be released among the secured points. The amount of points to be released in the top-up of the electronic currency may also be the amount of top-up points. That is, in this embodiment, all the secured points are released. It is not possible to release more points than the secured points.

Either the point deduction determination control unit 118 or the top-up cancellation control unit 119 may be activated in response to the determination result of the top-up amount collection determination unit 117. For example, when the top-up amount collection determination unit 117 determines that the top-up is successful, the point deduction determination control unit 118 may be activated. Alternatively, when the top-up amount collection determination unit 117 determines that the top-up is unsuccessful, the top-up cancellation control unit 119 may be activated.

[3-1-2. Case where the added amount information is not deleted in response to a request to cancel the added amount information] As mentioned above, when the addition of electronic currency fails, the added amount cancellation control unit 119 sends a request to cancel the added amount information to the electronic currency management server 3. The electronic currency management server 3 terminates the storage of the added amount information being stored. However, sometimes, even if the added amount cancellation control unit 119 has sent a request to cancel the added amount information, the storage of the added amount information will continue. That is, the added amount information that the user has not received will be retained. For example, if the cancellation request of the top-up amount information is not delivered to the electronic currency management server 3 for some reason, the storage of the top-up amount information will continue. For example, if a communication failure occurs between the electronic checkout management server 1 and the electronic currency management server 3, the cancellation request of the top-up amount information will not be delivered to the electronic currency management server 3.

When the recharge of electronic currency fails, the point management server 2 executes the point deduction cancellation process. Even if the point deduction cancellation process has been executed, if the recharge amount information is still stored, there will be information mismatch between the point management server 2 and the electronic currency management server 3. Therefore, after the storage of the recharge amount information is completed, the recharge cancellation control unit 119 may be activated in such a way that the point management server 2 executes the point deduction cancellation process. For example, once the electronic currency management server 3 deletes the recharge amount information from the recharge amount information DB 32, it may notify the electronic checkout management server 1 of the end of storage. The top-up cancellation control unit 119 may send a point deduction cancellation request to the point management server 2 only when receiving the notification. Alternatively, after the top-up amount information cancellation request has been sent, the top-up amount information storage status acquisition unit 116 may acquire the storage status of the top-up amount information from the electronic money management server 3 as described above, thereby allowing the top-up amount collection determination unit 117 to determine whether the top-up amount information is being stored. The top-up cancellation control unit 119 may send a point deduction cancellation request to the point management server 2 when the top-up amount information is not being stored.

Even if the request for canceling the value-added amount information has been sent, it may be better to deal with the value-added amount information when the storage of the value-added amount information being stored is still continued. Therefore, the point deduction control unit 112 and the value-added amount information issuance request transmission unit 113 can also limit the new value-added to the electronic currency based on the newly received value-added request from the user terminal 4 until the value-added based on the value-added amount information is successfully stored when the storage of the value-added amount information is still continued. For example, the point deduction control unit 112 can also not allow the point management server 2 to execute the point deduction process. For another example, the value-added amount information issuance request sending unit 113 may not send the value-added amount information issuance request to the electronic currency management server 3.

Furthermore, the electronic checkout application can also be programmed to prohibit the sending of new value-added request signals from the user terminal 4 when the value-added amount information is in a state of being stored. For example, the user terminal 4 can also obtain the storage status of the value-added amount information from the electronic money management server 3 through the electronic checkout management server 1 while displaying a predetermined screen in the electronic checkout application. The user terminal 4 can also determine whether to allow the sending of the value-added request signal based on the storage status that has been obtained.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic money main screen of an electronic checkout application when the top-up amount information is still left. The electronic money main screen 100 shown in FIG. 10 may include, for example, a setting small icon 110, a card top-up button 120, a point top-up button 130, a balance confirmation button 140, and a top-up history button 150, and may also include a collection button 160. The collection button 160 may also include a message indicating that the top-up amount information is still left. Furthermore, the collection button 160 may also be a button that allows the user to operate in order to collect the deposit for the top-up amount information that is still left. In FIG. 10 , even if the user operates the card top-up button 120 , the card top-up screen cannot be displayed. Also, even if the user operates the point top-up button 130 , the point top-up button screen cannot be displayed. Therefore, it is impossible to send a top-up request.

The top-up amount collection request receiving unit 114 can receive the top-up amount collection request from the user terminal 4 while the storage of the top-up amount information is still in a state where the top-up amount information is still kept even if the top-up cancellation control unit 119 has sent the top-up amount information cancellation request. Then, the top-up amount collection request sending unit 115 can also send the top-up amount collection request received by the top-up amount collection request receiving unit 114 to the electronic currency management server 3. Through these processes, it is expected that the top-up of the electronic currency based on the top-up amount information will be successful. However, there is a possibility that the top-up failure will occur because the total of the balance at the time of the last top-up request and the top-up amount exceeds the upper limit of the balance. Therefore, if the user executes the collection of the deposit corresponding to the remaining top-up amount information before the balance is reduced, there is a possibility of collection failure, which must be noted.

The user terminal 4 can also send a request for receiving the top-up amount in response to the user operating the receiving button 160 displayed in the electronic currency main screen 100.

Furthermore, the user terminal 4 can also send a request to collect the top-up amount while the top-up history screen of the electronic checkout application is being displayed. In the top-up history screen, the top-up history of the electronic currency is displayed.

The top-up record management unit 121 can also send the top-up record to the user terminal 4. The top-up record can also indicate whether the deposit corresponding to the top-up amount information made by the user has been completed. For example, the top-up log included in the top-up record can also contain the top-up status. When the top-up status is set to "Exchange application in progress", the deposit collection is incomplete. When the top-up status is set to "Complete", the deposit collection is completed. The user terminal 4 can also display the top-up log whose top-up status has been set to "Cancel" or not.

The user terminal 4 can also display the top-up history in the top-up history screen, and at the same time, establish a correlation with the top-up for which the deposit corresponding to the top-up amount information has not been completed, among the top-ups represented by the top-up log included in the top-up history, and display a predetermined operation element. The operation element can also be an element that the user can operate in order to collect the deposit corresponding to the top-up amount information. As examples of the operation element, buttons, small icons, links, menus, etc. can be cited. Then, the user terminal 4 can also send a top-up amount collection request in response to the operation element being operated.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a value-added history screen. For example, once the user presses the value-added history button 150 in the electronic currency main screen 100, the value-added history screen 300 shown in FIG. 11 may also be displayed. As shown in FIG. 11, the value-added history screen 300 may also contain one or more value-added information 310. The value-added information 310 is information equivalent to a value-added log. In FIG. 11, value-added information 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, and 310-4 are displayed as the value-added information 310. Each value-added information 310 may also contain, for example, a value-added date 311, a value-added type 312, and a value-added amount 313. The value-added date 311 indicates the date on which the value-added of the electronic currency is executed. The top-up type 312 indicates whether the top-up requested is a top-up using points or a top-up using a credit card. The top-up information 310-1 and 310-3 are information about top-ups using points. The top-up information 310 for top-up where the deposit corresponding to the top-up amount information has not yet been completed may also include a message 320 and a collection button 330. The message 320 may also indicate that the deposit corresponding to the top-up amount information has not yet been completed. The collection button 330 may also be equivalent to the aforementioned operation element. The user terminal 4 may also send a top-up amount collection request once the user presses the collection button 330.

The user terminal 4 may also display the same operation elements as those mentioned above in response to the fact that the custody of the stored value-added amount information continues, when the operation required to release the linkage between the electronic checkout application and the user's electronic currency has been performed by the user.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example of a setting screen of the electronic checkout application. For example, once the user presses the setting small icon 110 in the electronic currency main screen 100, the setting screen 400 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 12, the setting screen 400 may also include a linkage release button 410. The linkage release button 410 may also be a button that the user can operate in order to display the linkage release screen. The linkage release screen may also be a screen required for the user to choose whether to release the linkage between the electronic checkout application and the electronic currency. In the linkage release screen, once the user chooses to release the linkage, the linkage will be actually released. When the top-up amount information is still left, once the user operates the linkage release button 410 in the setting screen 400, the uncollected balance collection confirmation screen will be displayed. The uncollected balance collection confirmation screen is a screen required for the user to choose whether to collect the deposit corresponding to the remaining top-up amount information.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example of an uncollected balance collection confirmation screen of an electronic checkout application. As shown in FIG. 13 , the uncollected balance collection confirmation screen 500 may also include: a message 510, a collection button 520, a close button 530, a linkage release button 540, etc. The message 510 may also indicate that the user has not yet collected the top-up amount information that is still retained. The collection button 520 may also be equivalent to the aforementioned operation element. The close button 530 may also be a button required to delete the uncollected balance collection confirmation screen 500 and display the setting screen 400. The linkage release button 540 may also be a button required to display the linkage release screen. The user terminal 4 may also send a request for collecting the top-up amount once the user presses the collect button 520.

[3-2. Points management server] Next, referring to Figures 14 and 15, the functional overview of the system control unit 21 in the point management server 2 is described. Figure 14 is a diagram of an example of the functional block of the system control unit 21 in the point management server 2. The system control unit 21 can also read and execute various program codes contained in the point management server program through the CPU 21a, and as shown in Figure 14, it becomes a point deduction unit 211, a point deduction determination unit 212, a point deduction cancellation unit 213, and a point history management unit 214 to function.

The point deduction unit 211 may also perform point deduction processing based on the control performed by the electronic checkout management server 1. For example, the point deduction unit 211 may also perform point deduction processing according to the authorization request sent from the electronic checkout management server 1. The authorization request may also contain a user ID and a guaranteed point amount. The guaranteed point amount is set as a value-added point amount. In the point deduction processing, the point deduction unit 211 may also update the usable point amount by deducting the guaranteed point amount from the usable point amount that is associated with the user ID and stored in the point DB 24a. Furthermore, the point deduction unit 211 may also cause the authorization DB 24b to store the authorization information. Authorization information indicates the fact that points have been guaranteed. The guaranteed point amount contained in the authorization information indicates not only the guaranteed point amount, but also how much the available points have been reduced. The guaranteed point amount may also be information used to cancel or invalidate the reduction of the available points in the point reduction process. While the authorization information is being stored in the authorization DB24b, the point reduction process corresponding to the authorization information is in a cancelable state. In other words, the reduction of the available points can be canceled. After the authorization information is deleted from the authorization DB24b, the reduction of the available points is in a confirmed state or a canceled state. Once the authorization information is stored, the point deduction unit 211 may send the authorization ID of the authorization information to the electronic checkout management server 1.

The point deduction determination unit 212 may also perform point deduction determination processing based on the control of the electronic checkout management server 1. The point deduction determination processing may also be processing for determining the deduction of the usable point amount in the point deduction processing executed by the point deduction unit 211. For example, the point deduction determination unit 212 may also perform point deduction determination processing according to a point deduction determination request sent from the electronic checkout management server 1. The point deduction determination request may also include a user ID and an authorization ID. In the point deduction confirmation process, the point deduction confirmation unit 212 may delete the authorization information associated with the authorization ID from the authorization DB 24b. The point deduction confirmation unit 212 may actually delete the authorization information. Alternatively, the point deduction confirmation unit 212 may actually delete the authorization information by rewriting the authorization information to information indicating that the deduction has been confirmed. After the authorization information is deleted, the deduction of the usable point amount cannot be canceled.

The point deduction cancellation unit 213 may also perform point deduction cancellation processing based on the control performed by the electronic checkout management server 1. The point deduction cancellation processing may also be processing for canceling the deduction of the usable point amount in the point deduction processing that has been performed by the point deduction unit 211. For example, the point deduction cancellation unit 213 may also perform point deduction cancellation processing according to a point deduction cancellation request sent from the electronic checkout management server 1. The point deduction cancellation request may also include a user ID and an authorization ID. In the point deduction cancellation processing, the point deduction cancellation unit 213 may also determine whether authorization information is associated with the authorization ID and stored in the authorization DB 24b. If the authorization information is stored, the point deduction canceling unit 213 may update the usable points by adding the guaranteed points included in the authorization information to the usable points stored in the points DB 24a in association with the user ID. Furthermore, the point deduction canceling unit 213 may delete the authorization information from the authorization DB 24b.

The point record management unit 214 may also send the point record stored in the point record DB 24c to the user terminal 4. For example, in the screen of the point application, in response to the user performing the operation required to display the point performance screen, the user terminal 4 may also send a point record request to the point management server 2. The point performance screen may also be a screen that displays the record of point acquisition and use as performance. The point record request may also include the user ID of the user. The point record management unit 214 may also obtain one or more point logs stored in the point record DB 24c in association with the user ID, and send these point logs to the user terminal 4 as point records.

The point record sent to the user terminal 4 may at least include a record of the use of points by the user. The point record may also include a record of the acquisition of points by the user. The point record may also indicate the status of the exchange of points and electronic currency with respect to the use of points added to electronic currency. For example, the point record may indicate that the exchange of points and electronic currency is being applied for, with respect to the use of points that have been subjected to point deduction processing by the point deduction unit 211. More specifically, the point record may indicate that the exchange is being applied for, with respect to the use of points for which point deduction confirmation processing has been executed, but point deduction confirmation processing and point deduction cancellation processing have not yet been executed. Furthermore, the point history may also indicate that the exchange of points and electronic currency has been completed regarding the use of points that have been processed for point deduction confirmation by the point deduction confirmation unit 212. Furthermore, the point history may also indicate that the exchange of points and electronic currency has been canceled regarding the use of points that have been processed for point deduction cancellation by the point deduction cancellation unit 213. Each point log included in the point history contains a change status. The change status of the point log related to the top-up of electronic currency is set to any one of "exchange application in progress", "use", and "cancellation". This change status may also indicate the status of the exchange of points and electronic currency.

The user terminal 4 that receives the point history from the point management server 2 can also display the point history in the point performance screen. FIG. 15 is an illustration of an example of a point performance screen of the point application. As shown in FIG. 15 , the point performance screen 600 can also contain one or more performance information 610. Each performance information can also correspond to the point log. In FIG. 15 , as the performance information 610, performance information 610-1, 610-2, 610-3, 610-4, and 610-5 are displayed. Each performance information 610 can also contain: change date 611, service information 612, content information 613, change point amount 614, and change status 615. The change date 611 indicates the date when the points are used or obtained. The service information 612 indicates for which service the points are used or obtained. When the points are used to add value to electronic currency, the service information 612 may also indicate "electronic currency". The content information 613 indicates the content of the use or acquisition of points. When the points are used to add value to electronic currency, the content information 613 may also indicate "add value to electronic currency". The change point amount 614 indicates the amount of points that have been used or obtained. The change status 615 indicates the status of the use or acquisition of points. When points are used for adding value to electronic currency, any one of "exchange application in progress", "in use", and "cancelled" may be displayed as the change status 615. Performance information 610-1, 610-3, and 610-5 respectively indicate the use of points for adding value to electronic currency. As the change point amount 614 and the change status 615 included in the performance information 610-1, "400" and "exchange application in progress" are displayed. Therefore, the points of 400 points are being applied for exchange to electronic currency. As the change point amount 614 and the change status 615 included in the performance information 610-3, "100" and "in use" are displayed. Therefore, the exchange of 100 points for electronic currency has been completed. The changed point amount 614 and the changed status 615 included in the performance information 610-3 are displayed as "0" and "cancelled". Therefore, although the exchange of several points for electronic currency has been applied, the exchange has been canceled.

[4. Operation of the communication system] Next, the operation of the communication system S will be described using Figures 16 to 19. Figure 16 is a sequence diagram of an example of the processing of the communication system S when top-up using electronic currency with points is requested.

The user operates the electronic checkout application, and the point recharge screen 200 is displayed on the user terminal 4. Then, as shown in FIG. 16 , the user enters the recharge amount in the recharge amount input column 230 (step S101), and presses the recharge button 250 (step S102). In response to this operation, the user terminal 4 sends a recharge request to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S103). The recharge request contains: the user ID of the user, the recharge amount, and the transaction ID stored in the user terminal 4.

The added value amount information storage status acquisition unit 116 of the electronic checkout management server 1 that receives the added value request sends a added value information request to the electronic currency management server 3 (step S104). The added value information request may also contain a transaction ID included in the added value request. The electronic currency management server 3 that receives the added value information request determines whether the added value information associated with the transaction ID included in the added value information request is stored in the added value information DB32. It is assumed here that the added value information is not stored. Based on the determination result, the electronic currency management server 3 sends "no added value information" to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S105). In addition, when the value-added amount information is stored, the electronic currency management server 3 can also send the value-added ID of the value-added amount information to the electronic checkout management server 1.

The point deduction control unit 112 of the electronic checkout management server 1 that receives the "no value-added amount information" sends an authorization request to the point management server 2 (step S106). The authorization request includes the user ID included in the value-added request. Furthermore, the authorization request includes the value-added amount included in the value-added request as a guaranteed point amount. In addition, when the value-added ID is received from the electronic currency management server 3, the electronic currency management server 3 may also send an error message to the user terminal 4 without executing the relevant processing of the value-added of the electronic currency.

The point deduction unit 211 of the point management server 2 that receives the authorization request generates authorization information (step S107). For example, the point deduction unit 211 generates a new authorization ID. Furthermore, the point deduction unit 211 generates authorization information that includes the user ID and the amount of guaranteed points included in the authorization request, and the generated authorization ID. The point deduction unit 211 causes the generated authorization information to be stored in the authorization DB 24b.

Next, the point deduction unit 211 updates the usable point amount by deducting the guaranteed point amount from the usable point amount stored in the point DB 24a in association with the user ID included in the authorization request (step S108).

Next, the point history management unit 214 causes the point log to be recorded in the point history DB 24c (step S109). For example, the point history management unit 214 generates a point log including: the user ID included in the authorization request, the service information set to "electronic currency", the content information set to "add value to electronic currency", the change status set to "exchange application in progress", and the changed point amount set to the guaranteed point amount. The point history management unit 214 causes the generated point log to be recorded in the point history DB 24c.

Next, the point deduction unit 211 sends an authorization success response to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S110). In addition, if the guaranteed point amount is greater than the usable point amount, the point deduction unit 211 does not execute the processing of steps S107 to S109, but sends an authorization failure response to the electronic checkout management server 1.

The value-added amount information issuance request sending unit 113 of the electronic checkout management server 1 that receives the authorization success response sends a value-added amount information issuance request to the electronic money management server 3 (step S111). The value-added amount information issuance request includes the transaction ID and the value-added amount included in the value-added request.

The electronic currency management server 3 that receives the request for issuing the value-added amount information generates the value-added amount information (step S112). For example, the electronic currency management server 3 generates a new value-added ID. Furthermore, the electronic currency management server 3 generates the value-added amount information that contains: the transaction ID and the value-added amount contained in the request for issuing the value-added amount information, and the generated value-added ID. The electronic currency management server 3 causes the generated value-added amount information to be stored in the value-added amount information DB32. Next, the electronic currency management server 3 sends a successful response to the issuance of the value-added amount information to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S113). The successful response to the issuance of the value-added amount information contains the generated value-added ID.

The value-added history management unit 121 of the electronic checkout management server 1 that receives the value-added amount information issuance success response causes the value-added log to be recorded in the value-added history DB 14a (step S114). For example, the value-added history management unit 121 generates a value-added log including: the value-added type set to "points", the value-added amount, the value-added status set to "exchange application in progress", the user ID and transaction ID included in the value-added request, the authorization ID included in the authorization success response, and the value-added ID included in the value-added amount information issuance success response. The value-added history management unit 121 causes the generated value-added log to be recorded in the value-added history DB 14a.

Next, the value-added amount information issuance request sending unit 113 sends the value-added amount information issuance success response received from the electronic currency management server 3 to the user terminal 4 (step S115). The user terminal 4 that has received the value-added amount information issuance success response sends a value-added amount collection request to the electronic currency management server 1 in accordance with the electronic checkout application (step S116). The value-added amount collection request contains the value-added ID contained in the value-added amount information issuance success response. The value-added amount collection request sending unit 115 of the electronic checkout management server 1 that has received the value-added amount collection request sends the value-added amount collection request to the electronic currency management server 3 (step S117).

The electronic currency management server 3 that receives the top-up amount collection request sends the top-up request to the user terminal 4 (step S118). For example, the electronic currency management server 3 can also obtain the transaction ID and the top-up amount from the top-up amount information that is associated with the top-up ID contained in the top-up amount collection request and is stored in the top-up amount information DB32. The electronic currency management server 3 can also obtain the electronic currency card ID associated with the acquired transaction ID from the linkage DB31. The electronic currency management server 3 can also send the top-up request to the user terminal 4 that stores the acquired electronic currency card ID in the IC chip 41. For example, the electronic money management server 3 associates the electronic money card ID with the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the user terminal 4 that stores the electronic money card ID for each electronic money card ID. The electronic money management server 3 can also send a top-up request according to the IP address. The top-up request can also contain the top-up amount obtained and the electronic money card ID.

The user terminal 4 that receives the top-up request obtains the balance of the electronic currency from the IC chip 41 according to the electronic currency application (step S119). Next, the user terminal 4 calculates the total of the obtained balance and the top-up amount included in the top-up request. Then, the user terminal 4 determines whether the total exceeds the upper limit of the balance (step S120).

FIG17 is a sequence diagram of a processing example of the communication system S when the recharge of the electronic currency is successful. Assume that the result of step S120 is as shown in FIG17, and the user terminal 4 determines that the total does not exceed the upper limit of the balance (step S201). In this case, the user terminal 4 updates the balance stored in the IC chip 41 with the calculated total (step S202). Next, the user terminal 4 sends a recharge success response to the electronic currency management server 3 (step S203). The electronic money management server 3 that receives the top-up success response deletes the top-up amount information associated with the top-up ID included in the top-up amount collection request from the top-up amount information DB 32 (step S204).

On the other hand, the value-added amount information storage status acquisition unit 116 of the electronic currency management server 3 that has sent the value-added amount collection request periodically sends the value-added amount information request to the electronic currency management server 3 (steps S205, S207). The electronic currency management server 3 that has received the value-added amount information request determines whether the value-added amount information associated with the transaction ID included in the value-added amount information request is stored in the value-added amount information DB32. The electronic currency management server 3 sends the value-added ID or "no value-added amount information" to the electronic checkout management server 1 according to the determination result (steps S206, S208). After the recharge amount information is deleted, in step S207, a recharge amount information request is sent. Therefore, the electronic money management server 3 sends "no recharge amount information" to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S208).

The value-added record management unit 121 of the electronic checkout management server 1, which receives the "no value-added amount information", updates the value-added log stored in step S114 (step S209). For example, the value-added record management unit 121 changes the value-added status to "completed". Next, the value-added amount collection request receiving unit 114 sends a value-added amount collection success response to the user terminal 4 (step S210). The user terminal 4, which receives the value-added amount collection success response, displays the value-added completion screen in accordance with the electronic checkout application (step S211). The value-added completion screen is a screen indicating that the value-added of the electronic currency has been successfully completed.

After the top-up amount collection success response is sent, the point deduction confirmation control unit 118 sends a point deduction confirmation request to the point management server 2 (step S212). The point deduction confirmation request includes: the user ID included in the top-up request and the authorization ID included in the authorization success response.

The point deduction confirmation unit 212 of the point management server 2 that receives the point deduction confirmation request deletes the authorization information associated with the authorization ID included in the point deduction confirmation request from the authorization DB 24b (step S213). Next, the point history management unit 214 updates the point log recorded in the point history DB 24c in step S109 (step S214). For example, the point history management unit 214 changes the change status to "use". Next, the point deduction confirmation unit 212 sends a point deduction confirmation success response to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S215).

FIG18 is a sequence diagram of a processing example of the communication system S when the recharge of electronic currency fails. Assume that the result of the determination of step S120 is, as shown in FIG18, that the user terminal 4 determines that the total exceeds the upper limit of the balance (step S301). In this case, the user terminal 4 may do nothing. Alternatively, the user terminal 4 may notify the electronic currency management server 3 of the recharge failure. In either case, the recharge amount information will not be deleted.

The added value information storage status acquisition unit 116 of the electronic money management server 3 that has sent the added value collection request periodically sends the added value information request to the electronic money management server 3 (steps S302, S304). The electronic money management server 3 that has received the added value information request sends the added value ID to the electronic checkout management server 1 (steps S303, S305) because the added value information has been stored in the added value information DB32. Even if the predetermined time has passed since the sending of the request for receiving the added value, and the added value ID is sent from the electronic money management server 3, the added value record management unit 121 of the electronic checkout management server 1 updates the added value log stored in step S114 (step S306). For example, the added value record management unit 121 changes the added value status to "cancel". In addition, the added value record management unit 121 changes the added value to zero. Next, the added value collection request receiving unit 114 sends a response of failed collection of the added value to the user terminal 4 (step S307). The user terminal 4 that receives the top-up amount collection failure response displays a top-up failure screen according to the electronic checkout application (step S308). The top-up failure screen is a screen indicating that the top-up of the electronic currency has failed.

After sending the added amount collection failure response, the point deduction cancellation unit 213 sends a request to cancel the added amount information to the electronic currency management server 3 (step S309). The request to cancel the added amount information contains the added amount ID contained in the added amount information issuance success response. The electronic currency management server 3 that receives the request to cancel the added amount information deletes the added amount information associated with the added amount ID contained in the added amount information cancellation request from the added amount information DB32 (step S310). Next, the electronic currency management server 3 sends a successful response to cancel the added amount information to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S311).

The top-up cancellation control unit 119 of the electronic checkout management server 1 that receives the top-up amount information cancellation success response sends a point deduction cancellation request to the point management server 2 (step S312). The point deduction cancellation request includes: the user ID included in the top-up request and the authorization ID included in the authorization success response.

The point deduction canceling unit 213 of the electronic money management server 3 that receives the point deduction canceling request deletes the authorization information associated with the authorization ID included in the point deduction canceling request from the authorization DB 24b (step S313). Next, the point deduction canceling unit 213 updates the usable point amount by adding the same point amount as the guaranteed point amount included in the deleted authorization information to the usable point amount that is associated with the user ID included in the point deduction canceling request and stored in the point DB 24a (step S314). Next, the point history management unit 214 updates the point log stored in the point history DB 24c in step S109 (step S315). For example, the point history management unit 214 changes the change status to "cancel". Also, the point history management unit 214 changes the change point amount to zero. Next, the point deduction cancellation unit 213 sends a point deduction cancellation success response to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S316).

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram of a processing example of the communication system S when the added amount information is not deleted even though the added amount information cancellation request has been sent. For example, assume that in S309 of FIG. 18 , the electronic checkout management server has sent a request to cancel the added amount information, but the request to cancel the added amount information has not been sent to the electronic money management server 3. In this case, the added amount information will not be deleted from the added amount information DB 32. Therefore, steps S310 to S316 will not be executed.

Then, as shown in FIG19 , it is assumed that the balance stored in the IC chip 41 has been reduced because the user's electronic currency has been used for some purpose (step S401). The total of the reduced balance and the added value does not exceed the balance limit.

Thereafter, the user performs the operation required to display the electronic currency main screen 100, the value-added history screen 300, or the linkage release screen in the electronic checkout application (step S402). In response to the operation, the user terminal 4 may also send a value-added amount information request to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S403). The value-added amount information request includes the transaction ID stored in the user terminal 4. The value-added amount information storage status acquisition unit 116 of the electronic checkout management server 1 that receives the value-added amount information request sends the value-added amount information request to the electronic currency management server 3 (step S404). The electronic money management server 3 sends the added value ID of the added value information associated with the transaction ID included in the added value information request from the added value information DB 32 to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S405). The added value collection request receiving unit 114 of the electronic checkout management server 1 that receives the added value ID sends the added value ID to the user terminal 4 (step S406). When the user performs the operation required to display the added value history screen 300, the added value collection request receiving unit 114 sends the added value ID and the added value history associated with the user ID of the user and stored in the added value history DB 14a to the user terminal 4.

The user terminal 4 that receives the top-up ID displays the screen corresponding to the user's operation (step S407). When the top-up history screen 300 is displayed, the user terminal 4 displays each performance information 610 based on the top-up log. When the operation required to display the linkage release screen is performed, the user terminal 4 does not display the linkage release screen, but displays the uncollected balance collection confirmation screen 500. In addition, the user terminal 4 displays the collection button (step S408). When the electronic currency main screen 100 is displayed, the user terminal 4 displays the collection button 160. When the top-up history screen 300 is displayed, the user terminal 4 displays a collect button 330. For example, the user terminal 4 may also display the collect button 330 in the performance information 610 corresponding to the top-up log whose top-up status is set to "exchange application in progress". When the uncollected balance collection confirmation screen 500 is displayed, the user terminal 4 displays a collect button 520.

Once the user presses the displayed collection button (step S409), the user terminal 4 sends a request for collecting the added value to the electronic checkout management server 1 (step S410). The request for collecting the added value includes the added value ID received in step S406. The added value collection request sending unit 115 of the electronic checkout management server 1 that receives the request for collecting the added value sends the request for collecting the added value to the electronic currency management server 3 (step S411). Thereafter, the same processing as the processing of steps S118 to S120 shown in FIG. 16 and the processing shown in FIG. 17 may be performed. Here, in the process corresponding to step S211 of FIG. 17 , the user terminal 4 may display a screen showing completion of top-up amount collection instead of a top-up completion screen. The top-up amount collection completion screen is a screen showing that the collection of the deposit corresponding to the top-up amount information has been completed. Thereafter, the user terminal 4 may also display the electronic currency main screen 100, the top-up history screen 300, or the linkage release screen.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the electronic checkout management server 1 receives a top-up request from the user terminal 4. Furthermore, the electronic checkout management server 1 instructs the point management server 2 to execute a point deduction process of deducting the top-up point amount from the usable point amount. Furthermore, the electronic checkout management server 1 sends a top-up amount information issuance request to the electronic currency management server 3. Furthermore, when the top-up based on the top-up amount information stored in response to the sent top-up amount information issuance request is successful, the electronic checkout management server 1 instructs the point management server 2 to execute a point deduction confirmation process. Furthermore, when the recharge based on the recharge amount information stored in response to the recharge amount information issuance request that has been sent fails, the electronic checkout management server 1 sends a recharge amount information cancellation request to the electronic currency management server 3, and instructs the point management server 2 to execute the point deduction cancellation process. Therefore, the inconvenience caused by the failure of the recharge of electronic currency using points can be solved.

Here, the electronic checkout management server 1 may also instruct the point management server 2 to execute the point deduction cancellation process when the storage of the added amount information has been terminated in response to the transmission of the added amount information cancellation request. Furthermore, the electronic checkout management server 1 may also restrict the new addition of electronic currency based on the newly received addition request from the user terminal 4 until the addition based on the added amount information is successfully stored even if the added amount information cancellation request has been transmitted. In this case, the added amount information can be prevented from being left behind.

Here, the electronic billing management server 1 can receive a request for receiving the added amount information from the user terminal 4 even if the request for canceling the added amount information has been sent but the storage of the added amount information is still continued. Furthermore, the electronic billing management server 1 can also send the received request for receiving the added amount to the electronic currency management server 3 to execute the addition of electronic currency. In this case, the addition of electronic currency based on the remaining added amount information can be implemented in accordance with the request from the user.

Here, the electronic checkout management server 1 can also send the user's top-up history to the user terminal 4. In addition, the user terminal 4 can also display the top-up history, and at the same time, among the top-ups of electronic currency included in the top-up history, display a collection button for the top-ups for which the deposit collection has not yet been completed. In addition, the user terminal 4 can also send a top-up amount collection request in response to the operation of the collection button. In this case, the user can confirm from the top-up history that the deposit collection has not yet been completed, and make the request required to collect the deposit.

Furthermore, when the user terminal 4 detects the operation required to disconnect the electronic checkout application from the user's electronic currency, it can display a collection button corresponding to the fact that the storage of the top-up amount information stored in the electronic currency management server 3 is still continuing. Furthermore, the user terminal 4 can also send a top-up amount collection request in response to the operation of the collection button. In this case, the user can make the request required to collect the deposit when disconnecting.

In addition, the point management server 2 may also send the point history to the user terminal 4. In addition, the user terminal 4 may also display the point history received from the point management server 2. In this case, the user can confirm from the point history whether the recharge of the electronic currency using the points is completed. In addition, the user can confirm whether the recharge of the electronic currency using the points has failed.

Furthermore, the electronic money management server 3 may also terminate the storage of the stored value-added amount information when the value-added is successful. Furthermore, the electronic checkout management server 1 may also send a value-added amount collection request to the electronic money management server 3. Furthermore, the electronic checkout management server 1 may also obtain the storage status of the stored value-added amount information from the electronic money management server 3 after sending the value-added amount collection request. Furthermore, the electronic checkout management server 1 may also determine whether the value-added is successful based on the obtained storage status. In this case, even if the electronic money management server 3 is not directly notified to the electronic checkout management server 1 of the success of the value-added, the success of the value-added can still be determined.

Furthermore, in the point deduction process, the point management server 2 may deduct the amount of added points from the amount of usable points and store the authorization information indicating that the deduction can be canceled. Furthermore, in the point deduction confirmation process, the point management server 2 may delete the stored authorization information. Furthermore, in the point deduction cancellation process, the point management server 2 may add the amount of added points to the deducted amount of usable points and delete the stored authorization information. In this case, it is possible to appropriately manage whether the deduction of the amount of usable points is in a cancelable state.

(Supplementary Note 1) An information processing system characterized by comprising: a top-up request receiving means for receiving a top-up request indicating a user's request for top-up of electronic currency from a terminal device used by a user of the preceding record, wherein the top-up request includes: information indicating at least one of the top-up amount of top-up points indicating the amount of points used in the preceding record top-up and the top-up amount corresponding to the top-up points; and a deduction control means. means for causing a point system that memorizes the amount of usable points that indicates the amount of points that a user of a previous record can use to perform a deduction process, which is to deduct the amount of previously recorded top-up points that has been specified based on the top-up request that has been received from the previously recorded top-up points; and a custody request sending means for sending a custody request indicating a request for custody of the previously recorded top-up amount information to the electronic currency system, wherein the electronic currency system is the custody system. The method comprises: determining the value-added amount information represented by the value-added amount of the previous record based on the value-added request received by the previous record, and based on the value-added amount information of the previous record that has been kept, so as to make the previous record terminal device execute the previous record value-added; and determining the control means, which is used to make the previous record point system execute the previous record utilization possible due to the previous record deduction processing when the previous record value-added based on the previous record value-added amount information kept in response to the storage request sent by the previous record is successful. A confirmation process for confirming the deduction of the point amount; and a cancellation control means for sending a termination request indicating the termination of the custody of the previous record top-up amount information to the previous record electronic currency system when the previous record top-up based on the previous record top-up amount information that has been kept in response to the custody request that has been sent for the previous record fails, and instructing the previous record point system to execute a cancellation process for canceling the deduction of the previous record's usable point amount caused by the previous record deduction process.

(Note 2) The information processing system as described in Note 1 is characterized in that the pre-record cancellation control means causes the pre-record point system to execute the pre-record cancellation processing when the storage of the pre-record top-up amount information is terminated in response to the sending of the pre-record termination request; and also has: restriction means is used to limit the new top-up of the pre-record electronic currency based on the pre-record top-up request newly received from the pre-record terminal device until the pre-record top-up based on the top-up amount information is successfully stored even if the pre-record termination request has been sent by the pre-record cancellation control means.

(Note 3) The information processing system as described in Note 2 is characterized in that it also has: a collection request receiving means for receiving a collection request indicating that the user of the previous record is required to collect the deposit of the previous record top-up amount indicated by the top-up amount information by means of the previous record electronic currency, even if the previous record termination request has been sent by the previous record cancellation control means but the custody of the previous record top-up amount information is still continued, from the previous record terminal device; and a collection request sending means for sending the previous record collection request to the previous record electronic currency system to execute the top-up of the previous record electronic currency.

(Note 4) The information processing system as described in Note 3 is characterized in that it also has: a history information transmission means for transmitting the value-added history information to the pre-recorded terminal device, wherein the value-added history information can represent the value-added history of the pre-recorded user of the electronic currency in a manner that can identify whether the collection of the deposit of the pre-recorded electronic currency has been completed; the pre-recorded terminal device displays the pre-recorded value-added history information that has been transmitted, and at the same time, Among the additions to the previous record electronic currency included in the previous record represented by the previous record addition record information, for the additions for which the collection of the previous record deposit has not yet been completed, the record corresponding operation elements that can be operated by the previous record user in order to collect the previous record deposit are displayed; the previous record collection request received by the previous record collection request receiving means is sent from the previous record terminal device in response to the fact that the previous record record corresponding operation element displayed by the previous record terminal device has been operated.

(Note 5) The information processing system described in Note 3 or 4 is characterized in that the pre-recorded terminal device stores the electronic currency identification information used to identify the electronic currency of the pre-recorded user and the balance of the pre-recorded electronic currency; the pre-recorded terminal device is capable of executing: the first application required for pre-recorded top-up by updating the pre-recorded stored balance, and the receiving The second application program is used to process the input of the previously recorded value-added amount information and send the previously recorded value-added request containing the inputted value-added amount information; the previously recorded terminal device is used in accordance with the previously recorded second application program when the previously recorded second application program and the previously recorded electronic currency identified by the previously recorded electronic currency identification information are in a linked state. A previous record top-up request is sent to the previous record information processing system, thereby updating the previous record stored balance in accordance with the previous record first application program in response to the request from the previous record electronic currency system; the previous record terminal device, when detecting the operation required to release the linkage between the previous record second application program and the previous record electronic currency, displays a release operation element that allows the previous record user to operate in order to collect the previous record deposit, corresponding to the fact that the storage of the top-up amount information stored in the previous record is still continuing; the previous record collection request received by the previous record collection request receiving means is sent from the previous record terminal device in response to the fact that the previous record release operation element displayed by the previous record terminal device has been operated.

(Note 6) The information processing system described in any one of Notes 1 to 5 is characterized in that the pre-record point system sends point history information indicating the record of the use of pre-record points by the pre-record user to the pre-record terminal device, wherein the point history information is: regarding the use of the points added to the pre-record electronic currency that has been subjected to the pre-record deduction processing, it indicates that the exchange of the pre-record points and the pre-record electronic currency is being applied; regarding the use of the points added to the pre-record electronic currency that has been subjected to the pre-record confirmation processing, it indicates that the pre-record exchange has been completed.

(Supplementary Note 7) The information processing system described in Supplementary Note 6 is characterized in that the point history information sent in the previous record is about the use of the points added to the electronic currency before the previous record cancellation process has been executed, indicating that the previous record exchange has been cancelled.

(Appendix 8) The information processing system as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 7 is characterized in that the pre-recorded terminal device is equipped with: a balance storage means for storing the pre-recorded electronic currency balance; the pre-recorded terminal device obtains the pre-recorded added amount information that has been kept from the pre-recorded electronic currency system, adds the pre-recorded added amount contained in the obtained added amount information to the pre-recorded balance, and updates the previous balance stored in the pre-recorded balance storage means to perform pre-recorded added value; when the total of the pre-recorded balance before the update and the pre-recorded added amount exceeds the upper limit of the pre-recorded balance, the pre-recorded added value is considered to have failed.

(Note 9) An information processing system as described in any one of Notes 1 to 8, characterized in that the previous electronic currency system terminates the storage of the previously stored value-added amount information when the previous value-added is successful; and further comprises: a value-added amount collection request sending means, which is used to send a collection request to the previous electronic currency system to cause the previous terminal device to perform the value-added of the previous electronic currency, wherein the collection request indicates that the previous user is required to collect the previous electronic currency by using the previous electronic currency: A deposit of the previous record top-up amount represented by the previous record top-up amount information being kept; and a means for obtaining the storage status, after sending the previous record collection request through the previous record top-up amount collection request sending means, to obtain the storage status of the previous record top-up amount information that has been kept from the previous record electronic currency system; and a determination means, which is used to determine whether the previous record top-up is successful based on the storage status that has been obtained from the previous record; depending on the determination result made by the previous record determination means, either the previous record confirmation control means or the previous record cancellation control means will be activated.

(Note 10) An information processing system as described in any one of Notes 1 to 9, characterized in that, in the previous record deduction processing, the previous record point system deducts the previous record added point amount from the previous record usable point amount, and causes the cancellation possible information indicating that the cancellation of the previous record deduction is possible to be stored in the cancellation possible information storage means; in the previous record confirmation processing, the previous record point system deletes the previous record cancellation possible information that has been stored from the previous record cancellation possible information storage means; in the previous record cancellation processing, the previous record point system adds the previous record added point amount to the previous record usable point amount after the previous record deduction, and deletes the previous record cancellation possible information that has been stored from the previous record cancellation possible information storage means.

(Note 11) An information processing method is an information processing method executed by a computer, characterized in that it includes: a top-up request receiving step, in which a top-up request indicating a user's request for top-up of electronic currency is received from a terminal device used by the user in the previous record, and the top-up request includes: at least one of the top-up points indicating the amount of points used in the previous top-up and the top-up amount corresponding to the top-up points The method comprises the steps of: receiving the value-added amount information of the party; and a deduction control step, which causes the point system that stores the available points amount representing the amount of points that the user of the previous record can use to perform a deduction process, which deducts the previous value-added points amount that has been specified based on the value-added request that has been received from the previous record from the available points amount that has been stored in the previous record; and a custody request sending step, which sends a custody request representing the custody request of the previous value-added amount information to the electronic currency system, wherein the electronic currency system The money system stores the value-added amount information represented by the specific previous value-added amount based on the value-added request received by the previous record, and based on the value-added amount information stored in the previous record, the previous record terminal device is instructed to perform the previous record value-added; and the control step is determined to be that if the previous record value-added based on the previous record value-added amount information stored in response to the storage request sent by the previous record is successful, the previous record point system is instructed to perform the previous record value-added caused by the previous record deduction processing. A confirmation process for confirming the deduction of the amount of points that can be utilized; and a cancellation control step, in which, when the previous record top-up based on the previous record top-up amount information that has been kept in response to the custody request that has been sent for the previous record fails, a termination request indicating the termination of the custody of the previous record top-up amount information is sent to the previous record electronic currency system, and the previous record point system is instructed to execute a cancellation process for canceling the deduction of the amount of points that can be utilized in the previous record caused by the previous record deduction process.

(Note 12) An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to function as: a value-added request receiving means for receiving a value-added request indicating a user's request for value-added of electronic currency from a terminal device used by a preceding user, wherein the value-added request includes: value-added amount information indicating at least one of the value-added points amount indicating the amount of points used in the preceding value-added and the value-added amount corresponding to the value-added points amount ; and a deduction control means for causing a point system that memorizes the amount of usable points that indicates the amount of points that a user of a previous record can use to perform a deduction process, which is to deduct the amount of previous record value-added points that has been specified based on the value-added request that has been received from the previous record from the amount of usable points that has been memorized in the previous record; and a custody request sending means for sending a custody request indicating a request for custody of the previous record value-added amount information to the electronic currency system, wherein the electronic currency system The system stores the value-added amount information represented by the previous value-added amount specified based on the value-added request received by the previous record, and based on the value-added amount information stored in the previous record, the previous record terminal device executes the previous record value-added; and the control means is used to determine that when the previous record value-added based on the previous record value-added amount information stored in response to the storage request sent by the previous record is successful, the previous record point system executes the previous record utilization caused by the previous record deduction processing. A confirmation process for confirming the deduction of the possible point amount; and a cancellation control means for sending a termination request indicating the termination of the custody of the previous record top-up amount information to the previous record electronic currency system when the previous record top-up based on the previous record top-up amount information that has been kept in response to the custody request that has been sent for the previous record fails, and instructing the previous record point system to execute a cancellation process for canceling the deduction of the possible point amount of the previous record caused by the previous record deduction process.

1: Electronic checkout management server 2: Points management server 3: Electronic currency management server 4: User terminal 11: System control unit 11a: CPU 11b: ROM 11c: RAM 12: System bus 13: Input/output interface 14: Memory unit 14a: Added value history DB 15: Communication unit 21: System control unit 21a: CPU 21b: ROM 21c: RAM 22: System bus 23: Input/output interface 24: Memory unit 24a: Points DB 24b: Authorization DB 24c: Points history DB 25: Communication unit 31: Linkage DB 32: Added value amount information DB 41: IC chip 111: Value-added request receiving unit 112: Point deduction control unit 113: Value-added amount information issuance request sending unit 114: Value-added amount collection request receiving unit 115: Value-added amount collection request sending unit 116: Value-added amount information storage status acquisition unit 117: Value-added amount collection determination unit 118: Point deduction determination control unit 119: Value-added cancellation control unit 121: Value-added history management unit 211: Point deduction unit 212: Point deduction determination unit 213: Point deduction cancellation unit 214: Point history management unit NW: Network 100: Electronic currency main screen 110: Settings icon 120: Card recharge button 130: Point recharge button 140: Balance confirmation button 150: Recharge history button 200: Point recharge screen 210: Message 220: Possible recharge points 230: Recharge amount input field 240: Balance confirmation link 250: Recharge button 300: Recharge history screen 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, 310-4: Recharge information 311: Recharge date 312: Recharge type 313: Recharge amount 320: Message 330: Receive button 400: Settings screen 410: Link release button 500: Uncollected balance collection confirmation screen 510: Message 520: Collection button 530: Close button 540: Link release button 600: Points performance screen 610-1, 610-2, 610-3, 610-4, 610-5: Performance information 611: Change date 612: Service information 613: Content information 614: Change points 615: Change status

[Figure 1] An example of a schematic configuration of a communication system S according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram of an example of a schematic configuration of an electronic checkout management server 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] An example of information stored in a database of the electronic checkout management server 1. [Figure 4] A block diagram of an example of a schematic configuration of a point management server 2 according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] An example of information stored in a database of the point management server 2. [Figure 6] An example of information stored in a database of the electronic currency management server 3. [Figure 7] An example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 in the electronic checkout management server 1. [Figure 8] An example of an electronic money main screen of an electronic checkout application. [Figure 9] An example of a display example of a point top-up screen. [Figure 10] An example of an electronic money main screen of an electronic checkout application with top-up amount information remaining. [Figure 11] An example of a top-up history screen. [Figure 12] An example of a setting screen of an electronic checkout application. [Figure 13] An example of an uncollected balance collection confirmation screen of an electronic checkout application. [Figure 14] An example of a functional block of the system control unit 21 in the point management server 2. [Figure 15] An example of a point performance screen of a point application. [Figure 16] A sequence diagram of a processing example of the communication system S when the top-up of electronic currency using points is requested. [Figure 17] A sequence diagram of a processing example of the communication system S when the top-up of electronic currency is successful. [Figure 18] A sequence diagram of a processing example of the communication system S when the top-up of electronic currency fails. [Figure 19] A sequence diagram of a processing example of the communication system S when the top-up amount information is not deleted even if a request to cancel the top-up amount information has been sent.

1: Electronic checkout management server 2: Points management server 3: Electronic currency management server 4: User terminal 41: IC chip NW: Network

Claims (12)

An information processing system, characterized by having: Add-on request receiving means, which is used to receive a request for adding value to an electronic currency from a terminal device used by a previous user, wherein the request for adding value includes: information on the amount of added value indicating the amount of points used in the previous addition and the amount of added value corresponding to the amount of added value points, at least one of which is indicated; and Deduction control means, which is used to make a point system that memorizes the amount of available points indicating the amount of points that can be used by the previous user perform a deduction process, which is to deduct the amount of previous added value points that has been specified based on the previous received request for adding value from the amount of available points that has been memorized; and The custody request signaling means is used to send a custody request indicating the custody of the previous record value-added amount information to the electronic currency system, wherein the electronic currency system is storing the value-added amount information indicating the previous record value-added amount based on the previous record value-added request that has been received, and based on the previous record value-added amount information that has been stored, the previous record terminal device is caused to perform the previous record value-added; and The determination control means is used to, when the previous record value-added based on the previous record value-added amount information stored in response to the custody request that has been sent is successful, the previous record point system is caused to perform the determination processing to determine the deduction of the previous record utilization possible points amount caused by the previous record deduction processing; and The cancellation control means is used to send a termination request indicating the termination of the custody of the previous record value-added amount information to the previous record electronic currency system when the previous record value-added amount information stored in response to the custody request sent in the previous record fails, and to make the previous record point system execute the cancellation process to cancel the deduction of the previous record usable point amount caused by the previous record deduction process. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein: The pre-record cancellation control means is to make the pre-record point system execute the pre-record cancellation processing when the storage of the pre-record top-up amount information is terminated in response to the sending of the pre-record termination request; It also has: a restriction means is used to restrict the new top-up of the pre-record electronic currency based on the pre-record top-up request newly received from the pre-record terminal device until the pre-record top-up based on the top-up amount information is successfully received even if the pre-record termination request has been sent by the pre-record cancellation control means but the storage of the pre-record top-up amount information continues. The information processing system as described in claim 2, further comprising: Collection request receiving means, which is used to receive a collection request from a previous record terminal device, which requires the previous record user to collect the deposit of the previous record top-up amount indicated by the top-up amount information by means of the previous record electronic currency, even if the previous record end request has been sent by the previous record cancellation control means, but the storage of the previous record top-up amount information continues; and Collection request sending means, which is used to send the previous record collection request to the previous record electronic currency system to execute the top-up of the previous record electronic currency. The information processing system as described in claim 3, wherein, also has: a record information transmission means for transmitting the added value record information to the previous record terminal device, wherein the added value record information can represent the added value record of the previous record user to the electronic currency in a manner that can identify whether the collection of the previous record electronic currency deposit is completed; The previous record terminal device displays the previous record added value record information that has been sent, and at the same time, among the added value of the previous record electronic currency included in the previous record represented by the previous record added value record information, for the added value of the previous record deposit that has not been collected, the record corresponding operation element that allows the previous record user to operate in order to collect the previous record deposit is displayed; The previous record collection request received by the previous record collection request receiving means is sent from the previous record terminal device in response to the fact that the operation element corresponding to the previous record history displayed by the previous record terminal device has been operated. An information processing system as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein: The pre-recorded terminal device stores electronic currency identification information for identifying the electronic currency of the pre-recorded user and the balance of the pre-recorded electronic currency; The pre-recorded terminal device can execute: a first application required for pre-recorded top-up by updating the pre-recorded stored balance, and a second application required for accepting input of pre-recorded top-up amount information and sending a pre-recorded top-up request containing the input top-up amount information; The pre-recorded terminal device sends a pre-recorded top-up request to the pre-recorded information processing system according to the pre-recorded second application when the pre-recorded electronic currency identified by the pre-recorded electronic currency identification information is set to be linked, thereby updating the pre-recorded balance according to the pre-recorded first application in response to the request from the pre-recorded electronic currency system; The previous record terminal device, when detecting an operation required to decouple the previous record second application from the previous record electronic currency, displays a decoupling operation element that allows the previous record user to operate in order to collect the previous record deposit, corresponding to the fact that the storage of the previously stored value-added amount information is still continuing; The previous record collection request received by the previous record collection request receiving means is sent from the previous record terminal device in response to the fact that the previous record decoupling operation element displayed by the previous record terminal device has been operated. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-record point system sends point history information indicating the history of the use of pre-record points by the pre-record user to the pre-record terminal device, wherein the point history information is: regarding the use of the points added to the pre-record electronic currency that has been subjected to the pre-record deduction processing, it indicates that the exchange of the pre-record points and the pre-record electronic currency is being applied; regarding the use of the points added to the pre-record electronic currency that has been subjected to the pre-record confirmation processing, it indicates that the pre-record exchange has been completed. As described in claim 6, the point history information sent by the previous record is about the use of the points added by the electronic currency before the previous record cancellation processing has been executed, indicating that the previous record exchange has been cancelled. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pre-recorded terminal device is provided with: a balance storage means for storing the pre-recorded electronic currency balance; The pre-recorded terminal device obtains the pre-recorded stored value-added amount information from the pre-recorded electronic currency system, adds the pre-recorded value-added amount contained in the obtained value-added amount information to the pre-recorded balance, and updates the pre-recorded balance stored in the pre-recorded balance storage means to perform pre-recorded value-added; If the sum of the pre-recorded balance before the update and the pre-recorded value-added amount exceeds the upper limit of the pre-recorded balance, the pre-recorded value-added is considered to have failed. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, the previous record electronic currency system terminates the custody of the previous record's stored value-added amount information when the previous record's value-added is successful; also comprising: a value-added amount collection request sending means, which is used to send a collection request to the previous record electronic currency system to enable the previous record terminal device to perform the value-added of the previous record electronic currency, wherein the collection request indicates that the previous record user is required to collect, by means of the previous record electronic currency: a deposit of the previous record's value-added amount represented by the previous record's value-added amount information stored in response to the previous record's sent custody request; and The custody status acquisition means is used to acquire the custody status of the stored value-added amount information of the previous record from the previous record electronic currency system after the previous record collection request is sent through the previous record collection request sending means; and The determination means is used to determine whether the previous record value-added is successful based on the obtained custody status of the previous record; According to the determination result made by the previous record determination means, either the previous record confirmation control means or the previous record cancellation control means will be activated. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the previous record deduction processing, the previous record point system deducts the previous record added point amount from the previous record usable point amount, and makes the cancellation possible information indicating that the cancellation of the previous record deduction is possible be stored in the cancellation possible information storage means; In the previous record confirmation processing, the previous record point system deletes the previous record cancellation possible information stored in the previous record from the previous record cancellation possible information storage means; In the previous record cancellation processing, the previous record point system adds the previous record added point amount to the previous record usable point amount after the previous record deduction, and deletes the previous record cancellation possible information stored in the previous record from the previous record cancellation possible information storage means. An information processing method is an information processing method executed by a computer, characterized in that it comprises: A top-up request receiving step, in which a top-up request indicating a user's top-up request for electronic currency is received from a terminal device used by a previous user, wherein the top-up request includes: top-up amount information indicating at least one of the top-up points indicating the amount of points used in the previous top-up and the top-up amount corresponding to the top-up points; and A subtraction control step, in which a point system that stores the amount of available points indicating the amount of points that the previous user can use performs subtraction processing, in which the previous top-up points specified based on the previous top-up request received are subtracted from the previously stored available points; and The custody request sending step is to send a custody request indicating the custody of the previous record value-added amount information to the electronic currency system, wherein the electronic currency system is to keep the value-added amount information indicating the previous record value-added amount based on the previous record value-added request that has been received, and based on the previous record value-added amount information that has been kept, the previous record terminal device is to perform the previous record value-added; and The determination control step is to make the previous record point system perform the determination processing to determine the deduction of the previous record utilization possible points amount caused by the previous record deduction processing when the previous record value-added based on the previous record value-added amount information that has been kept in response to the custody request that has been sent is successful; and The cancellation control step is to send a termination request indicating the termination of the custody of the previous record value-added amount information to the previous record electronic currency system when the previous record value-added amount information stored in response to the custody request sent in the previous record fails, and to instruct the previous record point system to execute a cancellation process to cancel the deduction of the previous record usable point amount caused by the previous record deduction process. An information processing program, characterized in that it causes a computer to function as follows: A value-added request receiving means is used to receive a value-added request indicating a user's value-added request for electronic currency from a terminal device used by a previous user, wherein the value-added request includes: value-added amount information indicating at least one of the value-added points indicating the amount of points used in the previous value-added and the value-added amount corresponding to the value-added points; and A deduction control means is used to cause a point system that memorizes the amount of available points indicating the amount of points that the previous user can use to perform deduction processing, which is to deduct the previous value-added points that are specified based on the previous value-added request that has been received from the previously recorded available points; and The custody request signaling means is used to send a custody request indicating the custody of the previous record value-added amount information to the electronic currency system, wherein the electronic currency system is storing the value-added amount information indicating the previous record value-added amount based on the previous record value-added request that has been received, and based on the previous record value-added amount information that has been stored, the previous record terminal device is caused to perform the previous record value-added; and The determination control means is used to, when the previous record value-added based on the previous record value-added amount information stored in response to the custody request that has been sent is successful, the previous record point system is caused to perform the determination processing to determine the deduction of the previous record utilization possible points amount caused by the previous record deduction processing; and The cancellation control means is used to send a termination request indicating the termination of the custody of the previous record value-added amount information to the previous record electronic currency system when the previous record value-added amount information stored in response to the custody request sent in the previous record fails, and to make the previous record point system execute the cancellation process to cancel the deduction of the previous record usable point amount caused by the previous record deduction process.

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