TWI890007B - Checkout system, method of using checkout means, and program product - Google Patents

Abstract

[Topic] Improving the convenience of users who use a settlement means that can add value using multiple value-added methods. [Solution] The value-added processing execution unit (102) of the settlement system (S) executes the value-added processing of the user's settlement means based on the value-added method selected from the multiple value-added methods. The specifying unit (103) specifies the priority associated with each of the multiple value-added methods. The utilization processing execution unit (104) executes the utilization processing of the utilization of the settlement means based on the priority.

Description

Checkout system, method of using checkout means, and program product

This disclosure relates to a checkout system, methods of utilizing the checkout means, and program products.

Previously, a checkout system that performs value-added processing on a settlement means such as electronic currency has been known. Patent Document 1 describes a system that can add value to electronic currency stored in a user's IC card based on a plurality of value-added methods, and a technology for adding value to the electronic currency in the IC card based on each of the plurality of value-added methods.     [Prior Technical Document]  [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-73973

[The problem that the invention aims to solve]

As described in Patent Document 1, when multiple value-adding methods can be used to add value to a payment method, it is believed that setting a priority for using the balance of the payment method would improve user convenience. However, in the prior art, value-adding methods are generally used in order from the earliest value-adding date and time, and there is no way to set a priority for the value-adding methods, thus failing to improve user convenience.

One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to improve the convenience of users who use a checkout method that allows for adding value using multiple methods.

The settlement system disclosed herein comprises: a value-added processing execution unit that executes a value-added processing on a user's settlement means based on a value-added method selected from a plurality of value-added methods; a specifying unit that specifies a priority associated with each of the plurality of value-added methods; and a utilization processing execution unit that executes a utilization processing on the utilization of the settlement means based on the priorities.     [Effects of the Invention]

According to the present disclosure, the convenience of users who use a checkout means capable of adding value in a plurality of ways can be improved.

[1. The overall structure of the checkout system] An example of an implementation form of the checkout system described in the present disclosure is described. Figure 1 is a diagram of an example of the overall structure of the checkout system. The checkout system S includes a checkout server 10 and a user terminal 20. These can be connected to a network N such as the Internet. The checkout system S only needs to include at least one computer and is not limited to the example in Figure 1.

The checkout server 10 is a server computer. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The memory unit 12 includes volatile memory such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as a hard drive. The communication unit 13 includes at least one of a communication interface for wired communication and a communication interface for wireless communication.

User terminal 20 is a user's computer. For example, user terminal 20 is a smartphone, tablet, wearable terminal, or personal computer. The physical configuration of control unit 21, memory unit 22, and communication unit 23 can be the same as control unit 11, memory unit 12, and communication unit 13, respectively. Operation unit 24 is an input device such as a touch panel. Display unit 25 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

Furthermore, programs stored in the billing server 10 and the user terminal 20 can also be supplied via the network N. Furthermore, programs stored in an information storage medium can also be supplied via a reading unit for reading computer-readable information storage media (e.g., a CD drive or memory card slot), or an input/output unit for inputting and outputting data with an external device (e.g., a USB port).

[2. Overview of the checkout system] In this embodiment, the case where a user utilizes the checkout service from a checkout application is taken as an example. The checkout application is an application provided by the provider of the checkout service. The checkout application is installed on the user terminal 20. The checkout means that can be used in the checkout service can be of any type. For example, electronic money, points, credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, electronic wallets, or virtual currencies can be used as checkout means. Checkout means are sometimes also referred to as payment means. Codes such as barcodes or QR codes are sometimes also equivalent to checkout means. Checkout means are any means used in electronic checkout.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate examples of screens displayed on the user terminal 20. For example, once the checkout application on the user terminal 20 is activated, the login process required for the user to log in to the checkout service is executed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user has already registered to use the checkout service. For example, the user enters their user ID and password for the checkout service. Once the login process is successful, the checkout application's main screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 25.

The main screen G1 displays a code C10 containing a code ID that can be used to identify the user in the checkout service. The code ID is information different from the user ID. The checkout server 10 issues the code ID so that it does not overlap with other users' code IDs. The code ID can be updated at any time. For example, the code ID is updated when the checkout application is activated, when the main screen G1 is displayed, when the code ID's validity period has expired, or when the user performs a specified operation.

In the example of Figure 2, both the barcode and the QR code are displayed as code C10. However, code C10 itself can be any code. For example, only the barcode or the QR code can be displayed as code C10. For example, when code C10 is read by a terminal at the store the user visits, checkout processing is performed based on the payment method set by the user as the payment source.

This embodiment uses an electronic currency as an example. In the example shown in Figure 2, the online electronic currency "AAA e-Cash," which can be used with the "AAA Payment" checkout service, has been set as the payment source. For example, if code C10 is read by a store terminal, the electronic currency balance is reduced by the specified amount, completing the checkout. Code C10 can be read by any terminal, not just a store terminal, but also a vending machine.

Furthermore, the checkout methods available to users from the checkout application are not limited to the method using code C10. For example, any of the following methods can be used: a method in which user terminal 20 reads a code displayed at a store, a method in which user terminal 20 reads a code displayed at a store terminal, a method in which checkout is completed solely by operating user terminal 20, or a method in which user terminal 20 is brought close to a terminal capable of wireless communication.

For example, if the user selects button B11, the electronic currency menu M13 is displayed on the display unit 25. In menu M13, various operations related to electronic currency can be performed. For example, if the user selects button B14, they can transfer all or part of their electronic currency balance to another user. If the user selects button B15, they can withdraw all or part of their electronic currency balance. If the user selects button B16, they can add value to their electronic currency.

In this embodiment, multiple top-up methods are provided. A top-up method is a method used to top up an electronic currency. For example, a top-up method refers to the type of payment method used for top-up. For example, assuming that top-up can be performed using credit cards, debit cards, points, and bank accounts, there are at least four top-up methods. If a user has multiple credit cards, a top-up method refers to the type of credit card. If multiple points are available for top-up to an electronic currency, a top-up method refers to the type of points.

For example, if the user selects button B16, the top-up screen G2 is displayed on display unit 25. For example, the user enters the top-up amount on input form F20. On top-up screen G2, button B21 is displayed, indicating the top-up methods the user can choose. By selecting button B21, the user selects one of multiple top-up methods. In the example of Figure 2, the user has registered two credit cards, "Credit Card X" and "Credit Card Y," with the checkout application. The user can use either of these two credit cards to top up the electronic currency.

For example, users can choose to top up their account using sales from a flea market service that collaborates with the checkout service, or using virtual currency purchased through a financial service that collaborates with the checkout service. Hereinafter, these top-up methods will be referred to as card top-up, sales top-up, and virtual currency top-up, respectively.

For example, if the user selects button B21 indicating the top-up method using "Credit Card X," a confirmation screen G3, required for final confirmation of the top-up, is displayed on display unit 25. Confirmation screen G3 displays the card number of "Credit Card X" selected by the user, the top-up amount entered by the user, and the change in the electronic money balance. If the user selects button B30, the top-up using "Credit Card X" is completed.

Once top-up is complete, the balance of the electronic currency will increase, as shown in the main screen G1 in Figure 3. Card top-up can be performed not only using the spending credit, but also using the cash advance credit. There are two methods for card top-up: using the spending credit and using the cash advance credit.

In this embodiment, users can select any of a number of top-up methods. Each top-up method is associated with a priority order based on the user's use of electronic currency. If the top-up amounts from multiple top-up methods are mixed within the remaining balance of electronic currency, the top-up amount from the top-up method with the higher priority within the remaining balance of electronic currency will be used first.

For example, suppose the balance in the electronic currency is 10,000 won. Assume that within this 10,000 won balance, the amounts added from card top-up, sales top-up, and virtual currency top-up are 7,000 won, 1,000 won, and 2,000 won, respectively. Furthermore, assume that sales top-up has the highest priority, virtual currency top-up has the second highest priority, and card top-up has the lowest priority.

In the example above, let's assume the user uses 5,000 yen out of a 10,000 yen balance. In this case, the entire 1,000 yen value added from the highest-priority Sales Value Added card will be used. Since the 5,000 yen usage amount would be insufficient based solely on the Sales Value Added card, the 2,000 yen value added from the second-highest-priority Virtual Currency Value Added card will be used. Even with the Virtual Currency Value Added card, the 5,000 yen usage amount would still be insufficient, so the remaining 2,000 yen would be used from the lowest-priority Card Value Added card.

In the example above, if the user's balance is 1,000 won or less, the amount of top-up from sales alone is sufficient, so the amount of top-up from virtual currency and card value will not be used. If the user's balance is 3,000 won or less, the amount of top-up from sales and virtual currency is sufficient, so the amount of top-up from card value will not be used. If the user's balance is 3,000 won or more, the amount of top-up from sales and virtual currency will be used in full, and all or part of the amount of top-up from card value will be used.

In this embodiment, users can specify a priority for each purpose of using electronic money. For example, the balance of electronic money can be used for the following purposes: using it for payment in stores, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the payment purpose), transferring part or all of the balance to other users (hereinafter referred to as the transfer purpose), and withdrawing it as cash (hereinafter referred to as the withdrawal purpose). Electronic money can be used for any purpose, not limited to these three purposes. For example, any two of these purposes can be used. For example, other purposes such as adding value to other electronic currencies or converting them into points can also be used.

For example, if the user selects small icon I12 on the main screen G1 and performs the required operation to specify the priority of the payment purpose, the designation screen G4A for accepting the designation of the priority is displayed. The user enters the priority of each of multiple top-up methods into the input form F40. The user can also specify the same priority as other usage purposes, or a different priority as the priority of the payment purpose. If the user uses electronic money for the payment purpose, the electronic money is used based on the priority entered in the designation screen G4A.

Designation screen G4B is used to designate a priority for remittance purposes. Designation screen G4C is used to designate a priority for withdrawal purposes. The structures of designation screens G4B and G4C are the same as those of designation screen G4A. Users can designate any priority from each of designation screens G4B and G4C. When a user uses electronic money for remittance purposes or withdrawal purposes, the electronic money is used based on the priority entered on designation screens G4B and G4C. Below, when there is no need to distinguish between designation screens G4A-G4C, they will be simply referred to as designation screen G4.

As described above, in the checkout system S of this embodiment, each of the multiple top-up methods is associated with a priority level specified by the user. When a user wishes to use their remaining balance in electronic currency, the electronic currency is used based on the priority level associated with each top-up method. This improves user convenience when using electronic currency that can be topped up using multiple top-up methods. The following describes the details of the checkout system S.

[3. Functions implemented in the checkout system] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of an example of the functions implemented in the checkout system.

[3-1. Functions implemented in the checkout server] The data storage unit 100 is implemented mainly by the storage unit 12. The designated acceptance unit 101, the value-added processing execution unit 102, the specific unit 103, and the utilization processing execution unit 104 are implemented mainly by the control unit 11.

[Data Memory Unit] The data memory unit 100 stores the data required to provide checkout services to users. For example, the data memory unit 100 stores the checkout database DB.

Figure 5 illustrates an example of a checkout database DB. As shown in Figure 5, the checkout database DB stores information related to users of the checkout service. For example, the checkout database DB stores user ID, password, name, code ID, expiration date, payment source information, card information, electronic currency information, bank account information, usage history information, and top-up history information. The information stored in the checkout database DB can be any user-related information and is not limited to the example shown in Figure 5.

A user ID is an example of user identification information that can identify a user. User identification information can be any information, including information called a user account, an email address, or a phone number. For example, user identification information can be text, numbers, other symbols, or a combination of these. A user ID and password are used to log in to the checkout service.

In this embodiment, not only the user ID but also the code ID can be used to identify the user, and therefore the code ID is equivalent to user identification information. Code C10 only needs to contain certain user identification information. Code C10 may also include other user identification information, such as the user ID, in addition to the code ID. The expiration date is the time after a specified period of time from the issuance of the code ID. The expiration date can be of any length, for example, from one minute to one hour, or from several hours to several days. A code ID does not need to have an expiration date.

Payment source information is information that identifies the payment method that has been set as the payment source. For example, if electronic currency has been set as the payment source, the payment source information may be the electronic currency ID that identifies the electronic currency. For example, if a credit card has been set as the payment source, the payment source information may be the credit card number. Card information is information about the user's credit card. For example, card information includes the card number, expiration date, and the name of the creditor. Users can register multiple credit cards.

E-currency information is information about a user's e-currency. For example, e-currency information includes information indicating the balance of the e-currency. In this embodiment, the e-currency information includes information indicating the details of the balance. The details are information about the amount of added value that constitutes the balance. For example, the e-currency information includes the date and time of the addition, information about the method of adding value, and the unused portion of the added value. If the balance of the e-currency only includes the amount of added value at a particular addition, the details of the balance indicate the amount of added value at that particular addition. If the balance of the electronic currency includes the amount of each top-up, the details of the balance will show the amount of each top-up. For card top-ups, the card information of the credit card used for the top-up may also be included in the details.

For example, for user "Yamada Taro" in Figure 5, the balance of 6,000 yen in e-money is calculated as follows: a card top-up of 3,000 yen at 11:23:50 on November 1, 2021; a sales top-up of 1,000 yen at 19:25:42 on November 5, 2021; and a virtual currency top-up of 2,000 yen at 10:56:11 on November 12, 2021. In this state, if a card top-up of 4,000 yen is performed at 13:20:58 on November 25, 2021, the balance of e-money will become 10,000 yen. As a breakdown of the remaining balance of 10,000 yen, an additional 4,000 yen will be added to the card top-up performed at 13:20:58 on November 25, 2021.

Priority information is information indicating the priority of each of a plurality of value-added methods. In this embodiment, since a priority is specified for each purpose of use, the priority information indicates the priority of each of a plurality of value-added methods according to each purpose of use. When a certain value-added method is used for multiple value-added operations, it is assumed that the value-added amounts of the multiple value-added operations for that value-added method will be used in order from the earliest value-added date and time. Once the user specifies the priority on the designation screen G4, the priority information is updated. If the user does not specify the priority, the priority information indicates the default priority.

Bank account information refers to information about a user-specified bank account. For example, bank account information includes the financial institution name, branch name, account number, and nominee. This bank account is the destination for transferring electronic currency balances when using them for withdrawal purposes. Electronic currency balances can also be withdrawn to accounts at financial institutions other than banks. For example, withdrawals can be made through ATM withdrawals rather than from a bank account. Furthermore, top-up amounts on credit card spending limits are not withdrawn.

Usage history information is information about a user's usage history of the Billing Service. Usage history information includes information related to the purpose of the Billing Service. For example, if the purpose is payment, the usage history information includes the date and time of use, the store used, and the amount used. If the purpose is transfer, the usage history information includes the date and time of use, the user to whom the transfer was made, and the amount used. If the purpose is withdrawal, the usage history information includes the date and time of use, the bank account from which the withdrawal was made, and the amount used. The user's usage history information is updated each time the user uses the Billing Service.

The payment application of this embodiment can utilize payment methods other than electronic currency. Therefore, when other payment methods are used, usage history information is also updated. In this case, information that can identify the payment method used is also included in the usage history information. When electronic currency is used, information that can identify which portion of the electronic currency balance is used can also be included in the usage history information. In other words, information indicating which value-added method was used and how much value-added was used can also be included in the usage history information. Therefore, the usage history information can also include value-added method information.

The top-up history information is information about the history of top-ups to electronic currency. For example, the top-up history information includes: the date and time of the top-up of the electronic currency, the top-up method, and the top-up amount. Every time a user tops up the electronic currency, the user's top-up history information is updated. Information has been stored in the top-up history information. For any top-up amount remaining, the information is stored as a detail of the electronic currency information. In the case of a card top-up, the card information of the credit card used when the card is topped up can also be included in the top-up history information. The information stored in the checkout database DB is not limited to the example in Figure 5 and can be any information. For example, if a bank account or points can be used as a payment method, information about the bank account or points will be stored in the payment database DB.

[Designation Acceptance Unit] The designation acceptance unit 101 accepts the priority designation made by the user. In this embodiment, although the case where the priority is designated by the designation screen G4 is described, the screen used to designate the priority can be any other screen. For example, the designation acceptance unit 101 accepts the priority designation by receiving data representing the priority designated in the designation screen G4 from the user terminal 20. In this embodiment, although the case where the priority is designated by inputting a number representing the priority into the input form F40 is described, the priority can be designated by any operation. For example, the priority can be designated by using other user interfaces such as a drop-down menu, an option button, or a check box.

[Value-added processing execution unit] The value-added processing execution unit 102 executes the value-added processing of the user's electronic currency based on the value-added method selected from a plurality of value-added methods. The value-added processing is the processing required to add value to the electronic currency. For example, the value-added processing is the processing of increasing the balance of the electronic currency. The value-added processing itself can utilize various processing. In this embodiment, the processing of increasing the balance of the electronic currency stored in the checkout database DB is equivalent to the value-added processing. The value-added processing may also include other processing. For example, the value-added processing may also include the processing of updating the details of the balance of the electronic currency.

In this embodiment, electronic currency is described as an example of a settlement means for a value-added object. Therefore, where electronic currency is recorded, it can be replaced with a settlement means. The settlement means for a value-added object can be of any type and is not limited to electronic currency. The settlement means for a value-added object can be any settlement means as long as it has the concept of a balance. For example, if points can be added, then points can also be equivalent to a settlement means. For example, if a settlement service using a code can be added, then the code can also be equivalent to a settlement means. In this embodiment, although an electronic currency such as "AAA electronic cash" that does not contain the word "currency" is used as an example, the settlement means can be called by any name.

Furthermore, the top-up method itself can be any top-up method and is not limited to the examples in this embodiment. For example, if top-up using a credit card spending limit or cash advance is possible, the top-up processing execution unit 102 can also execute top-up processing using the spending limit or cash advance. For example, the top-up processing execution unit 102 can also execute top-up processing based on other top-up methods such as sales top-up, virtual currency top-up, top-up using a points balance, or top-up using a bank account.

[Specifying unit] The specifying unit 103 specifies the priority associated with each of the plurality of value-added methods. In this embodiment, since the user specifies the priority himself, the specifying unit 103 specifies the priority specified by the user. For example, since the priority information is already stored in the checkout database DB, the specifying unit 103 specifies the priority by obtaining the priority information stored in the checkout database DB. The priority may not be specified in advance, but may be specified on the spot when the user uses electronic money. In this case, the specifying unit 103 may specify the priority by acquiring priority information indicating the priority designated by the user when using the electronic currency from the user terminal 20.

In this embodiment, electronic money can be used for multiple purposes. For each purpose of use, a priority is associated. The specifying unit 103 specifies the priority associated with the purpose of use of the electronic money. For example, when electronic money is used for three purposes of payment, remittance, and withdrawal, the user specifies three priorities. The specifying unit 103 specifies the priority corresponding to the purpose of use when the electronic money is used. For example, the specifying unit 103 specifies the priority associated with the purpose of use by obtaining priority information stored in the checkout database DB in association with the purpose of use.

[Utilization Processing Execution Unit] The utilization processing execution unit 104 executes utilization processing regarding the utilization of electronic money based on priority. Utilization processing is processing required for utilizing electronic money. For example, utilization processing is processing for reducing the balance of electronic money. Utilization processing itself can utilize various processing. In this embodiment, the processing of reducing the balance of electronic money stored in the checkout database DB is equivalent to utilization processing. Utilization processing may also include other processing. For example, utilization processing may also include processing for updating the details of the balance of electronic money.

The utilization processing execution unit 104 executes the utilization processing so that the added value of a value-added method with a relatively higher priority is prioritized for utilization. A value-added method with a relatively higher priority means that there are other value-added methods with a lower priority. Prioritized utilization of the added value means that the utilization amount itself is higher or the ratio of the utilization amount to the total value-added amount is higher. The utilization processing execution unit 104 executes the utilization processing so that the added value of a value-added method with a higher priority is prioritized for utilization.

For example, suppose the balance in the electronic currency account is 3,000 won, the amount added through card top-up is 1,000 won, and the amount added through sales top-up is 2,000 won. Furthermore, suppose card top-up has a higher priority than sales top-up. In this example, if the usage amount is 500 won, the entire 500 won will be deducted from the amount added through card top-up. This means that the amount added through sales top-up is not utilized, and thus the amount added through the higher priority top-up method is prioritized. Even if the card top-up amount and sales top-up amount are used together, if the card top-up amount is used for 400 yen and the sales top-up amount is used for 100 yen, the card top-up amount is used more, so the top-up amount of the higher priority top-up method is still used first.

In the example above, if the usage amount is 2500 yen, and the card top-up amount of 1000 yen is used, and the sales top-up amount of 1500 yen is used, then if we only look at the usage amount, the sales top-up amount is larger. However, the usage amount relative to the total top-up amount is larger for the card top-up amount, so the top-up amount of the higher priority top-up method is prioritized. In other words, the card top-up amount of 1000 yen is used in full (100%), while the sales top-up amount of 2000 yen is only used for 1500 yen (75%), so the top-up amount of the higher priority top-up method is prioritized.

In this embodiment, the utilization processing execution unit 104 executes the withdrawal processing related to withdrawing funds from electronic currency as utilization processing based on priority. The withdrawal processing is the process of withdrawing the remaining balance of electronic currency. Withdrawal can also be said to be cashing out. The withdrawal processing itself can utilize publicly known processes. For example, the withdrawal processing is the process of reducing the balance of electronic currency and transferring the reduced amount to the user's bank account. For example, the withdrawal processing is the process of reducing the balance of electronic currency and withdrawing cash from a terminal such as an ATM.

For example, if the remaining balance in the electronic currency is insufficient due to the amount added using a relatively higher priority top-up method, the processing execution unit 104 executes a withdrawal process so that the amount added using a relatively lower priority top-up method is utilized. Assume that user "Yamada Taro" in Figure 5 has requested a withdrawal of 3,000 yen. In this case, for the purpose of withdrawal, sales top-up has the highest priority, virtual currency top-up has the second highest priority, and card top-up has the lowest priority. In this case, the processing execution unit 104 executes the withdrawal process so that the amount of virtual currency added is used to increase the amount of 2,000 yen, because the amount of sales added alone is insufficient, which is 1,000 yen. The amount of card added is not used in the withdrawal process.

In this embodiment, the utilization processing execution unit 104 treats payment processing involving electronic currency as utilization processing based on priority. Payment processing is the process of making payments using the remaining balance of electronic currency. The payment processing itself can utilize known processes. For example, payment processing involves reducing the remaining balance of electronic currency and having the store collect the amount corresponding to the reduction. Payment processing is sometimes also referred to as checkout processing.

For example, if the remaining balance in the electronic currency is insufficient due to the amount added using a relatively higher priority value-adding method, the processing execution unit 104 executes payment processing so that the amount added using a relatively lower priority value-adding method is utilized. Assume that the user "Yamada Taro" in Figure 5 makes a payment of 5,000 yen. In this case, for the purpose of payment, card value-adding has the highest priority, sales value-adding has the second highest priority, and virtual currency value-adding has the lowest priority. In this case, the processing execution unit 104 performs payment processing in such a way that the amount of virtual currency added is used in an amount of 1000 yen because even if the card added amount, i.e., 3000 yen, is added to the sales added amount, i.e., 1000 yen, it is still insufficient.

In this embodiment, the utilization processing execution unit 104 executes the remittance processing required for remittance of electronic currency as utilization processing based on priority. Remittance processing is the process of remitting all or part of the balance of electronic currency to other users. Remittance processing is the process of reducing the balance of electronic currency of a certain user and increasing the balance of electronic currency of other users. Remittance processing is sometimes also called remittance processing, but strictly speaking, no cash money is received or sent, so it is recorded as remittance processing. The remittance processing itself can use publicly known processing.

For example, if the remaining balance of electronic money is insufficient due to the amount added using a relatively higher priority value-adding method, the processing execution unit 104 executes a transfer process so that the amount added using a relatively lower priority value-adding method is utilized. Assume that user "Taro Yamada" in Figure 5 transfers 3,500 yen to another user. In this case, for the purpose of the transfer, virtual currency value-adding has the highest priority, card value-adding has the second highest priority, and sales value-adding has the lowest priority. In this case, the processing execution unit 104 executes the transfer process so that the card value added amount is only 1500 yen, because the virtual currency value added amount is insufficient, which is 2000 yen. The sales value added amount is not used in the withdrawal process.

As described above, the utilization processing execution unit 104 executes the utilization processing for any one of the plurality of utilization purposes based on the priority associated with the utilization purpose. The user specifies which of the plurality of utilization purposes the electronic currency is to be used for. For example, a utilization purpose can be specified by selecting each of buttons B14 to B16. Based on the priority information associated with the utilization purpose specified by the user, the utilization processing execution unit 104 executes the utilization processing for the specified utilization purpose in such a manner that the added value of the added value method with the higher priority is preferentially utilized.

In this embodiment, the utilization processing execution unit 104 executes utilization processing so that the amount added by the relatively lower-priority top-up method is utilized when the remaining balance of the electronic currency is insufficient. This applies to utilization processing other than withdrawal processing, payment processing, and remittance processing. For example, if the amount added by the top-up method with the highest priority exceeds the utilization amount, the utilization processing execution unit 104 executes utilization processing based solely on the amount added. If the added value of the highest-priority value-added method does not meet the utilization quota, the utilization processing execution unit 104 executes the utilization processing in combination with the added value of the second-highest-priority value-added method. Thereafter, the utilization processing execution unit 104 selects the value-added methods one by one in descending order of priority until the total added value reaches the utilization quota, and the utilization processing is executed.

Furthermore, a specific usage process can be designed so that only the value-added amount added using a specific value-added method can be utilized. In this case, it is assumed that the value-added method that can be used is predefined for each usage purpose. When executing a usage process for a specific usage purpose, the usage process execution unit 104 specifies the value-added method that can be used for that usage purpose. The usage process execution unit 104 refers to the details of the electronic currency balance and executes the usage process so that only the value-added amount that should be added using the specified value-added method is utilized.

For example, suppose that the amount added using the credit card spending limit cannot be used for withdrawal purposes, while the amount added using other methods can be used for withdrawal purposes. In this case, when executing the withdrawal purpose utilization process (withdrawal process), the utilization process execution unit 104 refers to the details of the electronic money balance and executes the utilization process so that only the amount added using methods other than the spending limit is utilized. If the amount added using other methods is prioritized for utilization, the remaining balance available for withdrawal purposes will decrease. In this case, you can prioritize top-up methods that reach your spending limit when adding value to your card, so as to maximize the remaining balance available for withdrawals. This applies whether there are restrictions on top-up methods for remittances, payments, or other purposes.

[3-2. Functions implemented in the user terminal] The data storage unit 200 is implemented mainly by the storage unit 22. The display control unit 201 and the operation acceptance unit 202 are implemented mainly by the control unit 21.

[Data Memory] The data memory 200 stores the data required for the user to utilize the billing service and the card service. For example, the data memory 200 stores the billing application and the code ID. The user terminal 20 receives the code ID issued by the billing server 10 and records it in its own data memory 200. If the user terminal 20 also receives the expiration date of the code ID, it also records the expiration date in its own data memory 200.

[Display control unit] The display control unit 201 causes an arbitrary screen to be displayed on the display unit 25. For example, the display control unit 201 causes the screens illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 to be displayed on the display unit 25 based on a checkout application.

[Operation Acceptance Unit] The operation acceptance unit 202 accepts any operation performed by the user. For example, the operation acceptance unit 202 accepts operations on the screens shown in Figures 2 and 3 displayed on the checkout application.

[4. Processing performed in the checkout system] Figure 6 is a flow chart of an example of processing performed in the checkout system S. The processing is performed by the control units 11 and 21 operating according to the programs stored in the memory units 12 and 22, respectively. Figure 6 illustrates the processing performed in the checkout system S, which is mainly related to the priority of the value-added method.

As shown in Figure 6, once the checkout application is activated, the user terminal 20 performs the login process required to log in to the checkout service with the checkout server 10, resulting in the main screen G1 being displayed on the display unit 25 (S1). During the login process in S1, the user may be required to enter their user ID and password for the checkout service. Alternatively, if the user has logged in before, information indicating this fact may be recorded in the user terminal 20, and this information may be used to omit the user ID and password entry. Alternatively, other authentication methods such as biometric authentication may also be used.

With the main screen G1 already displayed on the display unit 25, the user performs any operation using the user terminal 20 (S2). This describes the case where a button B11 is selected, a payment operation (e.g., selecting a store to pay to from the user terminal 20, reading a store code, or having the store terminal read the code C10), or a small icon I12 is selected. Once button B11 is selected (S2: Menu), the user terminal 20 displays a menu M13 on the display unit 25 (S3). The user performs any operation from the menu M13 (S4). This describes the case where a selection operation is performed on any of buttons B14 to B16.

When button B14 is selected (S4: Transfer), the user terminal 20 performs a transfer process with the billing server 10 based on the priority associated with the transfer purpose (S5). When button B15 is selected (S4: Withdraw), the user terminal 20 performs a withdrawal process with the billing server 10 based on the priority associated with the withdrawal purpose (S6). When button B16 is selected (S4: Add Value), the user terminal 20 performs an add value process with the billing server 10 (S7).

In S2, once the payment operation is read (S2: Payment), the checkout server 10 executes payment processing based on the priority associated with the payment purpose, in communication with at least one of the user terminal 20 and the store terminal (S8). Once the thumbnail I12 is selected (S2: Priority), the user terminal 20 displays a designation screen G4 on the display unit 25, accepts the user's priority designation, and transmits the designation result to the checkout server 10 (S9). Upon receiving the priority designation result (S10), the checkout server 10 updates the priority information stored in the checkout database DB (S11).

According to the checkout system S of this embodiment, the use of electronic money is processed based on the priority associated with each of the multiple value-adding methods. This allows electronic money to be used according to the priority of the value-adding method, thereby improving the convenience of users who use electronic money that can be added using multiple value-adding methods. For example, as previously described, if electronic money is used sequentially starting with the earlier value-adding date, the value-added amount of a value-adding method that the user does not want to use may be used first. By assigning priorities to the value-adding methods, the value-added amount of the value-adding method that the user wants to use can be used first, thereby improving user convenience. For example, if the top-up amount used to top up a credit card's cash advance limit is used, it may become eligible for a cash advance refund or accrue interest. Therefore, by lowering the priority of this top-up amount, it is less likely that a cash advance refund or interest will be incurred. For example, if there is a restriction that only the top-up amount of a specific top-up method can be used for withdrawal purposes, by lowering the priority of the top-up method that can be used for withdrawal purposes and raising the priority of the top-up method that cannot be used for withdrawal purposes, it is possible to minimize the use of the top-up amount of the top-up method that can be used for withdrawal purposes.

Furthermore, the settlement system S treats withdrawals from electronic money as utilization processes based on the priorities associated with each of the multiple top-up methods. This allows electronic money to be withdrawn according to the priority of the top-up methods, thereby improving user convenience during withdrawals. For example, even if the top-up amount from a top-up method that utilizes a cash advance limit is withdrawn, it may become eligible for a cash advance refund or incur interest. However, by lowering the priority of this top-up amount, the cash advance refund or interest accrual is less likely to occur. For example, although the top-up amount of multiple top-up methods can be used for withdrawal purposes, if only some of the top-up methods can be used for other purposes, by raising the priority of the top-up methods that cannot be used for other purposes and prioritizing them, the top-up amount that can be used for other purposes can be retained as much as possible.

Furthermore, the checkout system S treats payment processing involving electronic money as utilization processing based on the priorities associated with each of the multiple top-up methods. This allows electronic money to be paid according to the priority of the top-up method, thereby improving user convenience when withdrawing funds. For example, even if the top-up amount of a top-up method that utilizes a cash advance limit is used for payment, it may become subject to a cash advance refund or accrue interest. However, by lowering the priority of this top-up amount, the cash advance refund or interest accrual is less likely to occur. For example, if the added value from multiple value-added methods can be used for payment purposes, but only some of them can be used for other purposes, by prioritizing the value-added methods that cannot be used for other purposes, the added value that can be used for other purposes can be preserved as much as possible.

Furthermore, the settlement system S treats the remittance processing required to transfer electronic money as utilization processing based on the priorities associated with each of the multiple top-up methods. This allows electronic money to be paid out according to the priority of the top-up method, thereby improving user convenience when withdrawing funds. For example, even if the top-up amount of a top-up method that has utilized a cash advance limit is used for payment, it may become subject to a cash advance refund or accrue interest. However, by lowering the priority of this top-up amount, the cash advance refund or interest accrual is less likely to occur. For example, if the value-added amount from multiple value-added methods can be used for the transfer purpose, but only some of them can be used for other purposes, by prioritizing the value-added methods that cannot be used for other purposes, the value-added amount that can be used for other purposes can be preserved as much as possible.

Furthermore, the checkout system S performs withdrawal and other usage processing based on the priority associated with each purpose of electronic money usage. This allows for setting different priorities for each purpose of use, thereby improving user convenience.

Furthermore, the checkout system S prioritizes items designated by the user. This allows users to specify their preferred priorities, thereby improving user convenience. For example, suppose that when using electronic money on a specific website, the amount of top-up using a specific top-up method increases the amount of rewards earned. In this case, by prioritizing top-up methods that earn more rewards on websites frequently used by users, user convenience can be improved. More specifically, let's say that on a shopping mall website, using top-up credits from a participating credit card will earn you more gifts, while on an online flea market website, using top-up credits from sales will earn you more gifts. In this case, frequent shopping mall users can prioritize top-up credits to earn more gifts, while frequent online flea market users can prioritize top-up credits from sales to earn more gifts. Simply specify the priority based on your preferences.

Furthermore, if the balance of the electronic currency is insufficient due to the amount added using a relatively higher priority value-adding method alone, the checkout system S performs a utilization process so that the amount added using a relatively lower priority value-adding method is utilized. This maximizes the amount added using the relatively higher priority value-adding method, thereby improving user convenience.

[5. Variations] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Appropriate changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

7 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks in a modified example. The value-added history information acquisition unit 105, the first determination unit 106, the second determination unit 107, and the display control unit 108 are realized mainly by the control unit 11.

[5-1. Modification 1] For example, in the embodiment, although the user is described as specifying the priority of the value-added method, the method for determining the priority of the value-added method is not limited to the example of the embodiment. In modification 1, the priority is described as being determined based on the user's past history of using the value-added method. The checkout system S of modification 1 includes a value-added history information acquisition unit 105 and a first determination unit 106.

The value-added history information acquisition unit 105 acquires value-added history information related to the history of value-added processing. For example, the value-added history information acquisition unit 105 acquires the value-added history information stored in the checkout database DB. The value-added history information may also be stored in other databases. The value-added history information acquisition unit 105 acquires the value-added history information when the priority determination time has arrived. The priority determination time can be any time. For example, priority can be determined when a predetermined date and time has arrived, when a user has logged in, when a certain access is made to the billing server 10 from the user terminal 20, when the number of top-ups has reached a predetermined number or more, or when the total top-up amount has reached a predetermined amount or more.

The first decision unit 106 determines the priority based on the top-up history information. For example, the first decision unit 106 may determine the priority such that the more times a top-up method is topped up, the higher the priority of that top-up method. The first decision unit 106 may determine the priority such that the more frequently a top-up method is topped up, the higher the priority of that top-up method. The first decision unit 106 may determine the priority such that the more top-up amount a top-up method has, the higher the priority of that top-up method. This design allows the top-up amount of frequently used top-up methods to be utilized as quickly as possible. The first decision unit 106 updates the priority information based on the priority decision result.

Conversely, the first decision unit 106 may determine the priority of a value-added method such that the fewer times a value-added method is added, the higher the priority of that value-added method. The first decision unit 106 may determine the priority of a value-added method such that the lower the frequency of addition, the higher the priority of that value-added method. The first decision unit 106 may determine the priority of a value-added method such that the smaller the amount added, the higher the priority of that value-added method. With this design, the added amount of a value-added method that is not frequently used can be used as soon as possible.

The specifying unit 103 specifies the priority determined by the first determining unit 106. Although the first determining unit 106 determines the priority, which is different from the embodiment, the specifying unit 103 obtains the priority information to specify the priority, as described in the embodiment.

According to Modification 1, priority is determined based on the added value history information. This allows for a priority that is tailored to the user, improving user convenience. Since users do not need to specify priority themselves, the operational burden on users is reduced.

[5-2. Modification 2] For example, as described in the embodiment, the plurality of value-added methods may also include a value-added method using a credit card. The value-added method using a credit card is a value-added method that uses at least one of the spending limit and the cash advance limit of a credit card. The value-added processing execution unit 102 can perform value-added processing based on each of the plurality of credit cards when the user has a plurality of credit cards. In the example of Figure 2, the user can choose any one of "Credit Card X" and "Credit Card Y" registered in the checkout application to add value to the electronic currency.

In Modification 2, a priority is associated with each credit card. In the example shown in Figure 2, the priority of the top-up method using "Credit Card X" and the priority of the top-up method using "Credit Card Y" are determined separately. As shown in the embodiment, when the user specifies the priority themselves, the user specifies the priority of "Credit Card X" and the priority of "Credit Card Y" separately.

As shown in Modification 1, when priority is determined based on top-up history information, the first determining unit 106 determines the priority of "Credit Card X" and "Credit Card Y" based on the user's top-up history information. For example, if the number of top-ups using "Credit Card X" is greater than the number of top-ups using "Credit Card Y," the priority of "Credit Card X" will be higher than the priority of "Credit Card Y." The same applies if the user can top up their electronic money using three or more credit cards.

The identifying unit 103 identifies the priority associated with each of the plurality of credit cards. Although the fact that a priority is associated with each credit card differs from the embodiment, the identification unit 103 obtains priority information to identify the priority, as described in the embodiment.

The utilization processing execution unit 104 executes utilization processing based on the priority associated with each of the plurality of credit cards. Although the point that a priority is associated with each credit card differs from the embodiment, the point that the utilization processing execution unit 104 executes utilization processing based on the priority is the same as described in the embodiment.

According to variant 2, a priority is associated with each credit card, and utilization processing is performed based on the priority associated with each of the multiple credit cards. This improves the convenience of users who hold multiple credit cards. For example, if it is possible to top up the cash advance limit of a credit card, and interest corresponding to the amount used is incurred, the total amount of interest can be reduced by increasing the priority of the credit card with the lower interest rate. For example, if a promotion is being implemented in which a user is given a gift for using a specific credit card, by increasing the priority of that credit card, the user will be more likely to receive the gift.

[5-3. Modification 3] For example, an electronic currency may include multiple types of balances. Modification 3 describes a case where an electronic currency includes an advanced balance and a basic balance. The electronic currency information includes information indicating the advanced balance and information indicating the basic balance.

The Advanced balance is an example of the first balance. The Basic balance is an example of the second balance. Therefore, any area where the Advanced balance is indicated can be replaced with the first balance. Any area where the Basic balance is indicated can be replaced with the second balance. Electronic money can have three or more balances. While the main screen G1 displays the total of the first and second balances, each balance can also be displayed separately.

The first balance is the balance that increases through the first top-up method, which is part of the multiple top-up methods that the user can select. The first balance can be increased by a single top-up method or by multiple top-up methods. For example, the first balance can be increased by top-up from sales, top-up with virtual currency, or by using a cash advance.

The First Balance can be used for any purpose. For example, it can be used for payments, transfers, and withdrawals. If a user transfers part or all of their First Balance to another user, the other user's First Balance will increase. If the other user does not make the required application to retain their First Balance, the user's Second Balance will increase even if they transfer part or all of their First Balance to the other user. In other words, part or all of a user's First Balance can be converted into the Second Balance before transferring it to another user.

The second balance is the balance increased by a second top-up method other than the first top-up method, among the multiple top-up methods available to the user. For example, the second balance may be increased by a top-up method that utilizes the credit card spending limit. The second balance may also be increased solely by that top-up method or by other top-up methods. For example, the second balance may also be increased by a top-up method that utilizes the user's existing points.

The second balance can be used for any purpose. For example, it can be used for both payment and remittance purposes. However, if a user transfers part or all of the second balance to another user, the second balance, not the other user's first balance, will be added. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the second balance cannot be used for withdrawal purposes. Therefore, other users who receive part or all of a user's second balance cannot use it for withdrawal purposes. This prevents the cashing out of credit card spending limits.

In Modification 3, a priority is determined for each type of electronic currency balance. For example, the priority of the balance of the advanced type and the priority of the balance of the basic type are determined separately. As shown in the embodiment, when the user specifies the priority, the user specifies the priority of the balance of the advanced type and the priority of the balance of the basic type separately. As shown in Modification 1, when the priority is determined based on the top-up history information, the first determination unit 106 determines the priority of the balance of the advanced type based on the top-up history information of the balance of the advanced type. The first determination unit 106 determines the priority of the basic balance based on the value-added history information of the basic balance. The same applies when there are three or more electronic money balances.

The specifying unit 103 specifies the priority associated with the type of balance being utilized among a plurality of balances. While the fact that a priority is associated with each type of balance differs from the embodiment, the fact that the specifying unit 103 obtains priority information to specify the priority is the same as described in the embodiment. The priority of the advanced balance and the basic balance can be pre-assigned or specified by the user. For example, the advanced balance can be prioritized for utilization.

The utilization processing execution unit 104 executes utilization processing for any of the plurality of balances based on the priority of the balance. Although the priority associated with each balance differs from the embodiment, the utilization processing execution unit 104 executes utilization processing based on the priority as described in the embodiment.

According to Modification 3, a priority is determined for each type of electronic currency balance, and the utilization of any of the multiple balances is processed based on the priority of the balance. This improves user convenience when the electronic currency contains multiple balances. For example, by increasing the priority of the top-up method for using a credit card's spending limit, the basic balance can be prioritized for utilization. For example, by lowering the priority of the top-up method for using a credit card's spending limit, interest can be less likely to accrue.

[5-4. Modification 4] For example, when the added amounts of multiple adding methods are mixed in the balance of the electronic currency, the priority can also be determined based on each added amount. For example, if the user "Yamada Taro" in Figure 5 is taken as an example, in the balance of 6,000 yen, the added amount of card adding, the added amount of sales adding, and the added amount of virtual currency adding are 3,000 yen, 1,000 yen, and 2,000 yen, respectively. In this case, the priority of card adding can be made the highest, the priority of virtual currency adding can be made the second, and the priority of sales adding can be made the lowest. The checkout system S of Modification 4 includes a second determination unit 107.

The second decision unit 107 determines the priority based on the amount of value added by each of the plurality of value-added methods within the balance of the electronic currency. For example, the second decision unit 107 may determine the priority such that the greater the value-added amount of a particular value-added method, the higher the priority of that value-added method. The value-added amount of a particular value-added method refers to the total amount of value added by that value-added method within the balance of the electronic currency. In this case, the value-added amount of the value-added method with the greater value-added amount can be used as soon as possible. Alternatively, the second decision unit 107 may determine the priority such that the smaller the value-added amount of a particular value-added method, the higher the priority of that value-added method. In this case, the added value of the added value method with a small added value can be used as soon as possible.

The specifying unit 103 specifies the priority determined by the second determining unit 107. Although the second determining unit 107 determines the priority, which is different from the embodiment, the specifying unit 103 obtains the priority information to specify the priority, which is the same as described in the embodiment.

According to Modification 4, the priority is determined based on the amount of each top-up method added to the balance of the electronic currency. This improves user convenience by providing a priority that corresponds to the amount of each top-up method added. This reduces the operational burden on users by eliminating the need for users to specify the priority themselves.

[5-5. Modification 5] For example, the added amount of each value-added method in the balance of the electronic currency can also be displayed on the checkout application. The checkout system S includes a display control unit 108. The display control unit 108 causes the added amount of each of the plurality of value-added methods in the balance of the electronic currency to be displayed on the display unit 25. In modification 5, since the display control unit 108 is implemented in the checkout server 10, the display control unit 108 causes the added amount to be displayed on the display unit 25 by sending display data of a screen indicating the added amount of each value-added method to the user terminal 20.

FIG8 is an illustration of an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20 in Modification 5. For example, the display control unit 108 specifies the value-added amount for each value-added method by referring to the details of the electronic currency information. The display control unit 108 causes the menu M13 of the main screen G1 to display the value-added amount for each specified value-added method. The display control unit 108 can also cause any other screen, such as the main screen G1, to display the value-added amount for each value-added method. The value-added amount can also be displayed using any image, and can also be displayed using other images such as small icons instead of text representing numbers as shown in FIG8 .

According to Modification 5, the amount of value added to the balance of the electronic currency using multiple value-added methods is displayed on the display unit 25. This allows the user to easily understand the value-added amount of each value-added method. For example, if a promotional event is being held where a gift is given based on the amount of value added using a specific value-added method, the user can easily understand whether the value-added amount using that value-added method is sufficient.

[5-6. Modification 6] For example, in the embodiment, although it is described that the added value of the value-added method with a relatively higher priority is used until it becomes 0, the added value of the value-added method with a relatively higher priority may not be used until it becomes 0. The utilization processing execution unit 104 may also perform utilization processing in a manner such that the added value of the value-added method with a relatively higher priority is used more than the added value of the value-added method with a relatively lower priority in the balance of the electronic currency. That is, instead of utilizing all the added value of the relatively higher priority value-adding method, a small amount may be left over so that the added value of the relatively lower priority value-adding method can be utilized.

For example, for user "Yamada Taro" in Figure 5, out of a balance of 6,000 yen, the amounts added from card top-up, sales top-up, and virtual currency top-up are 3,000 yen, 1,000 yen, and 2,000 yen, respectively. For example, assume that sales top-up has the highest priority, virtual currency top-up has the second highest priority, and card top-up has the lowest priority.

In the example above, let's assume the user uses 5,000 yen out of a 6,000 yen balance. In this case, instead of using the entire 1,000 yen top-up from the sales top-up, which has the highest priority, only a portion of it may be used. For example, only 900 yen of the sales top-up may be used. Of the 5,000 yen used, the remaining 4,100 yen can be used from virtual currency top-up and card top-up. For example, 1,700 yen of virtual currency top-up may be used, and 2,400 yen of card top-up may be used. In this case, the top-up amounts used, in descending order of priority, are 900 yen, 11,700 yen, and 2,400 yen. While the utilization amount itself increases with lower priority, the ratio of utilization amount to added value increases with higher priority. Therefore, the added value of the added value method with a higher priority will be used first.

According to Modification 6, the remaining balance of the electronic currency is processed so that the amount added by a higher-priority value-added method is utilized more than the amount added by a lower-priority value-added method. This maximizes the amount added by the higher-priority value-added method.

[5-7. Other variations] For example, the variations described above can be combined.

For example, although the description above illustrates a case where a user utilizes a payment service from a payment application, the medium providing the payment service can be any medium and is not limited to the payment application. For example, the payment service can also be provided using the browser of the user terminal 20, the IC chip of the user terminal 20, or the IC card in the user's possession. For example, a common priority can be established between multiple usage processes.

For example, functions described as being implemented in the checkout server 10 may also be implemented in other server computers. For example, functions described as being implemented in the checkout server 10 may also be distributed across multiple computers. Each function only needs to be implemented in at least one computer.

S: Checkout System N: Network 10: Checkout Server 11, 21: Control Unit 12, 22: Memory Unit 13, 23: Communication Unit 20: User Terminal 24: Operation Unit 25: Display Unit G1: Main Screen G2: Add-in Screen G3: Confirmation Screen G4, G4A, G4B, G4C: Designation Screen 100: Data Storage Unit 101: Designation Acceptance Unit 102: Add-in Processing Execution Unit 103: Specification Unit 104: Utilization Processing Execution Unit 105: Add-in History Information Acquisition Unit 106: First Decision Unit 107: Second Decision Unit 108: Display Control Unit 200: Data Storage Unit 201: Display Control Unit 202: Operation Acceptance Unit C10: Code DB: Checkout database F20, F40: Input form I12: Small icon M13: Menu B11, B14, B15, B16, B21, B30: Button

[Figure 1] An illustration of an example of the overall structure of the checkout system.   　　[Figure 2] An illustration of an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal.   　　[Figure 3] An illustration of an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal.   　　[Figure 4] A functional block diagram of an example of the functions implemented in the checkout system.   　　[Figure 5] An illustration of an example of a checkout database.   　　[Figure 6] A flow chart of an example of the processing performed in the checkout system.   　　[Figure 7] An illustration of an example of a functional block in a variant.   　　[Figure 8] An illustration of an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal in variant 5.

10: Checkout Server

20: User terminal

100:Data Memory Department

101: Designated Receiving Department

102: Value Added Processing Execution Department

103: Specific Department

104: Utilization Processing Execution Department

200:Data Memory Department

201: Display control unit

202: Operations Reception Department

DB: Checkout database

Claims (15)

A settlement system comprises: a value-added processing execution unit that executes value-added processing regarding a settlement means of a user based on a value-added method selected from a plurality of value-added methods; and a specifying unit that specifies the priority of which value-added amount of the pre-recorded settlement means is to be utilized among the balance of the pre-recorded settlement means in which the value-added amounts of the plurality of pre-recorded value-added methods are mixed; and a utilization processing execution unit that executes utilization processing regarding utilization of the pre-recorded settlement means based on the pre-recorded priority. In the settlement system described in claim 1, the pre-credit utilization processing execution department shall treat the withdrawal processing from the pre-credit settlement means as pre-credit utilization processing based on the pre-credit priority. In the settlement system described in claim 1 or 2, the pre-credit utilization processing execution unit executes payment processing regarding payments utilizing pre-credit settlement means as pre-credit utilization processing based on pre-credit priority. In the settlement system described in claim 1 or 2, the forwarding utilization processing execution department shall execute the transfer processing required for the forwarding settlement means based on the forwarding priority as forwarding utilization processing. As described in claim 1 or 2, the settlement system, wherein: 　　The pre-record settlement means can be used for multiple purposes; 　　A pre-record priority is associated with each pre-record utilization purpose; 　　The pre-record specifying unit specifies the pre-record priority associated with the pre-record utilization purpose of the pre-record settlement means; 　　The pre-record utilization processing execution unit executes the pre-record utilization processing for any of the multiple pre-record utilization purposes based on the pre-record priority associated with the utilization purpose. The settlement system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein: 　　The pre-record settlement system further comprises: an acceptance department for accepting the pre-record priority designation made by the pre-record user; 　　A pre-record specifying department for specifying the pre-record priority designated by the pre-record user. As described in claim 1 or 2, the settlement system of the previous record further includes: a value-added record information acquisition unit, which acquires value-added record information about the record of the previous record value-added processing; and a first determination unit, which determines the previous record priority based on the previous record value-added record information; and a previous record specifying unit, which specifies the previous record priority determined by the first previous record determination unit. As described in claim 1 or 2, the checkout system, wherein: 　　the plurality of pre-recorded value-added methods include value-added methods utilizing a credit card; 　　the pre-recorded value-added processing execution unit is configured to execute pre-recorded value-added processing based on each of the plurality of pre-recorded credit cards when the pre-recorded user holds a plurality of credit cards; 　　a pre-recorded priority is associated with each pre-recorded credit card; 　　the pre-recorded specifying unit specifies the pre-recorded priority associated with each of the plurality of pre-recorded credit cards; 　　the pre-recorded utilization processing execution unit is configured to execute pre-recorded utilization processing based on the pre-recorded priority associated with each of the plurality of pre-recorded credit cards. A settlement system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein: 　　The pre-credit settlement means includes a plurality of types of balances; 　　A pre-credit priority is set for each pre-credit balance; 　　The pre-credit specifying unit specifies, among the plurality of types of pre-credit balances, the pre-credit priority associated with the type of balance utilized in the pre-credit utilization processing; 　　The pre-credit utilization processing execution unit executes the pre-credit utilization processing of any one of the plurality of types of pre-credit balances based on the pre-credit priority of the balance. The settlement system as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein: 　　The pre-credit settlement system further comprises: 　　a second determining section for determining a pre-credit priority based on the amount of value-added of each of the plurality of pre-credit value-added methods within the balance of the pre-credit settlement means; 　　a pre-credit specifying section for specifying the pre-credit priority determined by the second determining section. As described in claim 1 or 2, the pre-credit settlement system further includes: a display control unit that displays the added value of each of the plurality of pre-credit addition methods in the balance of the pre-credit settlement means on the display unit. A settlement system as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-credit utilization processing execution unit performs pre-credit utilization processing in a manner that utilizes the value-added amount of a value-added method having a relatively lower pre-credit priority when the balance of the pre-credit settlement means is insufficient based solely on the value-added amount of a pre-credit value-added method having a relatively higher pre-credit priority. A settlement system as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-credit utilization processing execution unit performs pre-credit utilization processing in such a manner that the amount of value added by a pre-credit value-added method having a relatively higher pre-credit priority is utilized more than the amount of value added by a value-added method having a relatively lower pre-credit priority, among the balance of the pre-credit settlement means. A method for utilizing a settlement means is executed by a computer: a value-added processing execution step of executing a value-added processing regarding a user's settlement means based on a value-added method selected from a plurality of value-added methods; and a specifying step of specifying the priority of which value-added amount of a previously recorded settlement means is to be utilized starting from the balance of the previously recorded settlement means in which the value-added amounts of the plurality of previously recorded value-added methods are mixed; and a utilization processing execution step of executing a utilization processing regarding utilization of the previously recorded settlement means based on the previously recorded priority. A program product is used to enable a computer to function as follows: A value-added processing execution unit executes value-added processing regarding a user's settlement means based on a value-added method selected from a plurality of value-added methods; A specifying unit specifies the priority of which value-added amount of the pre-recorded settlement means is to be utilized, among the balance of the pre-recorded settlement means in which the value-added amounts of the plurality of pre-recorded value-added methods are mixed; A utilization processing execution unit executes utilization processing regarding utilization of the pre-recorded settlement means based on the pre-recorded priority.