WO2001093131A1

WO2001093131A1 - Purchase price settlement method

Info

Publication number: WO2001093131A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/003311
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takashi Fujimoto; Shigeru Fujimoto; Makoto Fujimoto
Original assignee: Takashi Fujimoto; Shigeru Fujimoto; Makoto Fujimoto
Priority date: 2000-05-29
Filing date: 2001-04-18
Publication date: 2001-12-06
Also published as: JP2002056338A; AU4877801A

Abstract

An affiliated shop (4) provides information concerning a commodity to a purchaser through a network (5). The purchaser inputs the provided commodity information and personal identification data into a portable phone (1). Under a prerequisite condition that the personal identification data agrees, the commodity information is transmitted to a speech management computer (2) through a leased line (6). The speech management computer (2) identifies the account of the purchaser, the purchase price, and the payment account and sends a transfer notification to a settlement computer (3) through a leased lint (7). The settlement computer (3) judges the feasibility of the settlement and, if possible, conducts settlement. The settlement computer (3) report the completion of the settlement to the affiliated shop (4) through a leased line (8).

Description

Details ^: Purchase amount settlement method Technical field

The present invention relates to a method of settlement of a purchase amount of a product (this product also includes a service), and more particularly, to a method of settlement of a purchase amount that does not require a cash transfer at a member store. Background art

When a buyer purchases a product, a credit card or a debit card is sometimes used as a means to settle the purchase amount without having to transfer cash at the store.

When a credit card is used, when purchasing a product, the customer presents at the store a credit card that magnetically records data identifying itself (such as data identifying a bank account that settles the purchase amount). The clerk reads the magnetic data of the credit card using a card reader, and inputs the purchase amount using a keyboard attached to the card reader. In addition, the clerk checks the signature given by the user against the signature already given on the credit card. After these processes are performed, the computer system including the computer of the credit company and the computer of the bank connected via a card reader and a public telephone line issues a transfer instruction of the purchase amount and the like. In this case, the processing at the store and the payment of the actual purchase price are performed on different days.

When a debit card is used, when purchasing a product, the buyer identifies himself / herself · (Data identifying the bank account that settles the purchase amount, etc. ) Is magnetically recorded and presented at the store. The clerk reads the magnetic data of the debit card using a card reader, and inputs the purchase amount using a keyboard attached to the card reader '. Then, the purchaser inputs a password using the above-mentioned keyboard or the like. After these processes are performed, the purchase amount is confirmed and the purchase amount is paid immediately by a bank computer connected to the force reader via a public telephone line. Disclosure of the invention

When a credit card is used, since data for identifying an individual is magnetically recorded on the credit card, it is easy for a third party to know this data. In addition, signature verification at stores may not be performed reliably, and even when verification is performed, verification errors may occur due to verification performed by clerks who do not have specialized knowledge of verification. There is. Furthermore, the security of the card reader is not sufficient. Therefore, the security of the buyer is not sufficiently secured, and the credit card is forged or illegally used, which may cause unexpected damage. · Even when a debit card is used, the data identifying the individual is magnetically recorded on the debit card, so that it is easy for a third party to know this data. Also, it is easy for a third party to know this password when entering the password at the store. Furthermore, the security of the card reader is not sufficient. Therefore, forgery or fraudulent use of the debit card may occur, which may also cause unexpected damage. Especially when a debit card is used, the purchase price is settled immediately, so once forged or misused, It is almost impossible to prevent the occurrence of damages based on this. The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a purchase amount settlement method and a purchase amount settlement system with sufficiently secured security.

The invention made to achieve the above-mentioned object is a purchase price settlement method including the following steps A to D.

A. The step of having the buyer who owns the account and the mobile phone input the information provided by the merchant into the mobile phone, the information relating to the products sold by the merchant;

B. transmitting the buyer's personal information and the information on the goods entered in step A to the mobile phone company through a line connecting the buyer's mobile phone and the mobile phone company;

C. The computer determines whether the purchase amount can be paid from the buyer's account identified based on the information transmitted in Step B.

as well as

D. Step in which the purchase amount is transferred to the merchant if this payment is possible.

Also, another invention made to achieve the above object is:

A computing means and a storage means, wherein the computing means

(1) A function to check the personal information of the buyer transmitted through the line connecting the mobile phone owned by the buyer who purchases the product and the mobile phone company with the data stored in the storage means.

Influence

(2) Based on the information about the product transmitted through the above line, the buyer A purchase amount settlement system having a function of determining whether the purchase amount can be paid from the account of

It is. The calculation means is

(3) If it is possible to pay the purchase price from the buyer's account, a function to instruct the transfer of the purchase price from this account to the member store that provides the product may be further provided. This computing means may be distributed to two or more computers connected by a line.

According to the present invention, information provided by a member regarding a product (for example, a merchant code or a product code) is input to a purchaser's mobile phone, and this information is transmitted through a line connecting the mobile phone and the mobile phone company. Sent to the mobile phone company for settlement. Therefore, it is extremely unlikely that the personal information of the buyer will be leaked. Also, since mobile phones are used by consumers (ie, buyers) on a daily basis, even if the buyer loses the mobile phone, it is often noticed in a relatively short time. Therefore, unlike a credit card or a debit card, the user does not notice the loss for a long time, and the damage caused by abuse during that time does not increase. From the viewpoint of confidentiality, the line connecting the mobile phone and the mobile phone company is preferably a dedicated line, and particularly preferably a packet communication line.

Payment of the purchase amount from the buyer to the merchant is made through a credit company (a company that pays the purchase amount on behalf of the purchaser by providing credit and is a company that provides credit card services). You may. In this case, the credit company computer connected to the mobile phone company via the line makes the determination in step C above. Step D includes the following steps D1 and D2.

D 1. Steps in which the purchase amount is paid from the credit company to the merchant and D-2. Step in which the purchase amount is paid from the buyer's account to the credit company

Preferably, the buyer's account is set up for automatic payment of telephone or utility charges. Then, the purchase price is collected from the buyer in connection with the automatic payment system for telephone charges or utility charges (step E). In this method, a new collection system does not need to be built because the purchase price is collected in relation to the existing automatic payment system. All or part of the merchant fees collected from merchants may be used to discount buyers' telephone or utility charges.

Preferably, step B comprises the following steps: B1 to B3.

B 1. A step of allowing the purchaser to input personal identification data to the mobile phone. B 2. Whether the personal identification data entered in step B 1 matches the personal identification data stored in the storage means of the mobile telephone. Step for mobile phone to determine whether or not

Influence

B3. Step in which the personal information of the buyer and the information on the product are transmitted to the mobile phone company when the password data matches in step B2. In the purchase amount settlement method including steps B1 to B3 above, The agreement between the purchaser who intends to settle the purchase price using the mobile phone and the owner of the mobile phone is authenticated, and the abuse of the mobile phone by others is prevented. In other words, the mobile phone functions as an authentication computer, eliminating the need for a mobile phone company or bank to authenticate. Of course, mobile telephone companies and banks may do more.

Preferably, the personal information transmitted to the mobile telephone company in step B is a telephone number stored in the storage means of the mobile telephone. This saves the buyer from having to enter personal information. 'Preferably, a notification of the completion of the transfer of the purchase amount is transmitted to the mobile telephone through a line connecting the mobile telephone of the purchaser and the mobile telephone company (Step F). This allows the buyer to quickly know that the transfer has been made, which is convenient and prevents double settlement.

The information on the product provided in step A may be provided to the buyer as a product code described in a product catalog distributed by the merchant. As a result, the purchase amount is settled smoothly without communication between the buyer and the member store.

Information about the product provided in step A may be transmitted to the mobile phone through a line connecting the mobile phone and the mobile phone company. This simplifies the work of the purchaser who operates the mobile phone and suppresses input errors.

Preferably, the mobile telephone is provided with encoded data reading means, and the information on the goods provided in step A is provided from the member store to the buyer by the encoded data. Then, the encoded data is read by the encoded data reading means, whereby information on the product is input to the mobile phone. This simplifies the time and effort required for the purchaser to make an entry on the mobile phone, and prevents entry errors.

The encoded data may be displayed on a vending machine managed by the merchant. In this case, the vending machine is configured so that the goods are unloaded only when it is determined in step C that the purchase amount can be paid from the buyer's account.

A merchant may have a facility with an entrance and an exit. In this case, information about the product is provided to the buyer both when the buyer passes through the entrance and when the buyer passes through the exit. And, according to the distance between the entrance and the exit, or the time from the entrance passage to the exit passage The purchase amount is charged to the buyer according to. Preferably, the information provided to the buyer is transmitted to the mobile telephone by radio waves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a purchase price settlement method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the purchase price settlement method of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a purchase amount settlement method according to

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a purchase price settlement method according to still another embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a purchase price settlement method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a mobile phone 1 as a mobile phone, a call management computer 2 of a mobile phone company, a payment processing computer 3 of a bank, and a franchise 4 are shown. The owner of mobile phone 1 is the buyer. Of course, instead of the mobile phone 1, a PHS, a car phone or the like may be used.

The mobile phone 1 has a communication function, a display unit including a liquid crystal display device, an input unit for inputting numbers, characters, function information, and the like, and a storage unit. It has. The mobile phone 1 also has a button for on-push transmission, which will be described in detail later. The buyer also has a computer (not shown) connected to a network 5 such as the Internet. ' The bank has a buyer's savings account. In addition, the payment processing computer 3 of the bank holds the charging instruction for the deposit account, determines whether or not the payment corresponding to the charging instruction is possible, and reports the payment availability to the charging instruction source. Mobile phone companies provide a telephone line service, and buyers use this service through contracts with mobile phone companies. The storage means (hard disk, etc.) of the call management computer 2 of the mobile phone company stores the telephone number of the buyer and the deposit established at the bank based on the contents of the automatic payment request form created at the time of the contract with the buyer. Stores a database that corresponds to accounts. The calculation means of the call management computer 2

(CPU, etc.) also has a function of calculating the telephone charge by integrating the outgoing calls of the mobile phone 1 and periodically transmitting the telephone charge to the payment processing computer 3 of the bank. In other words, the buyer's telephone charge to be paid to the mobile phone company is automatically paid from the bank's savings account.

Merchant 4 offers products to customers. This member store 4 includes not only those who sell tangible goods, but also those who provide services. The merchant 4 joins the system by paying a franchise fee. The member store 4 has a computer (not shown) connected to a network 5 such as the Internet. Merchant 4 also has a courier service, as will be explained in more detail below.

The mobile phone 1 and the call management computer 2 are connected by a highly confidential leased line 6. An example of the leased line 6 is a packet communication line (so-called i-mode) of NTT DoCoMo. The call management computer 2 and the payment processing computer 3 are connected via a wired or wireless dedicated line 7. The settlement processing computer 3 and the member store 4 are also connected via a wired or wireless line 8 (preferably a dedicated line). The connection between the payment processing computer 3 and the member store 4 is This may be done through the bank 4 of the affiliated store 4 (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the purchase price settlement method. In this purchase amount settlement method, first, a purchaser places an order for a product to a member store 4 through a network 5 such as the Internet by using a computer owned by the customer (SP 1). The merchant 4 receiving the order provides the information on the product to the buyer through the network 5 such as the Internet (SP 2). The information provided may be displayed on a monitor or printed on a printer. This information includes, for example, information for identifying the product, information for identifying the selling price of the product, information for identifying the merchant 4, and information for identifying the account of the merchant 4. ing. Of course, not all of this information need be provided. Such information is provided to the buyer in the form of, for example, an order code. '

The purchaser inputs the received order code and personal identification data to the mobile phone 1 using the input unit (SP 3). The arithmetic means of the mobile phone 1 compares the input authentication data with the password data stored in the storage means in advance (SP 4). If the password data does not match, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 1, and the user is prompted to re-enter the password (SP5). Note that the mobile phone 1 may be configured such that, when the erroneous input of the password data reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, three times), the subsequent input is blocked. The collation of the password data prevents the non-owner of the mobile phone 1 from being misused. Further, when the purchaser inputs the personal identification data, it is preferable that only the number of digits of the input data is displayed by, for example, a symbol such as ask risk from the viewpoint of preventing personal identification data from being leaked. . Of course, the password data input by the purchaser may be transmitted to the call management computer 2, and the mobile phone company or the bank may collate the password data based on the transmitted data.

After the password data is properly entered, the mobile phone 1 The call is sent to the call management computer 2 of the mobile phone company through the line 6 (SP 6). At this time, the personal information (for example, telephone number) of the purchaser stored in the storage means of the mobile phone 1 is also transmitted. The transmission is preferably performed by a one-push button function mounted on the mobile phone 1. When this one push button is pressed, the input data (order code etc.) and personal information (telephone number etc.) are transmitted to the call management computer 2 integrally. Of course, personal information such as a telephone number may be input by the buyer each time. Further, the order code may not include information for specifying the selling price of the product, and the selling price may be configured to be input by the buyer. Further, information such as a sales price may be displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 1 before transmission, and the purchaser may confirm this and transmit by one push button.

The calculation means of the call management computer 2 of the mobile phone company that has received the telephone number, the order code, and the like specifies the transfer data based on the database stored in the storage means (SP 7). The transfer data includes the buyer's deposit account (bank name, branch name, account number, etc.), the payment account of the franchise 4, and the transfer amount (that is, the price of the product). Then, the call management computer 2 transmits the transfer data to the payment processing computer 3 of the bank through the dedicated line 7, and makes a transfer request. (SP8). Note that, instead of the call management computer 2 of the mobile phone company, the payment account of the buyer, the payment account of the franchise 4, and the transfer amount may be specified in the settlement processing computer 3 of the bank. In this case, a database is prepared in the storage means of the payment processing computer 3 instead of the call management computer 2.

The calculation means of the settlement processing computer 3 of the bank that has received the transfer request checks the balance of the buyer's deposit account and determines whether or not the transfer is possible based on the confirmation (SP 9). And when transfer is impossible due to lack of balance etc. The payment processing computer 3 notifies the purchaser's mobile phone 1 through the leased line 7, the call management computer 2 and the leased line 6 (SP10). If the transfer is possible, the settlement processing computer 3 instructs the transfer to the member store 4 via the line 8, and the transfer is performed (SP11).

After the transfer is completed, the settlement processing computer 3 immediately sends a transfer completion notification to the mobile phone 1 through the dedicated line 7, the call management computer 2 and the dedicated line 6 (SP12). As a result, the buyer can immediately recognize the fact that the transfer has been completed and prevent double settlement.

After confirming the transfer, the member store 4 outsources the goods to the purchaser, for example, by outsourcing to a courier service (SP 13). The delivery may be to a destination that has been previously associated with a telephone number, or may be a destination specified by the purchaser at the stage of ordering the product (SP1).

In this purchase amount settlement method, the call management computer 2 and the settlement processing computer 3 are connected in advance to pay the telephone charges of the buyer. Therefore, it is not necessary to develop new infrastructure for settlement. In addition, since settlement is performed by the mobile phone 1 with high security and the dedicated lines 6 and 7, transactions can be performed safely. Therefore, there is little need for information encryption, for example, as in the case of electronic settlement using the Internet. Furthermore, since personal identification is performed using a telephone number stored in advance in the storage means of the mobile phone 1, the trouble of the purchaser inputting an account number or the like is eliminated.

Collection of the purchase price from the buyer may be performed in connection with an automatic telephone payment system. That is, when the telephone fee is charged, for example, on a monthly basis, the purchase price may be added to this monthly fee. According to this, there is no need to construct a new system for collecting the purchase price from the buyer. The merits of the merchant 4 in this purchase amount settlement method are as follows:

(1) Expansion of business opportunities by joining this system,

(2) Omission of facilities such as stores,

(3) Credit act is not required

And the like. Therefore, for example, a mobile phone company can collect a franchise fee corresponding to this advantage from the franchise 4. This membership fee may be credited to the mobile phone company and all or part of it may be used to discount the buyer's telephone bill. Discounts are usually made according to the frequency of use of the mobile phone 1 and the frequency of use of the purchase price settlement system. A reduction in call charges due to discounts is preferable because it contributes to the spread of mobile phones to low-income and elderly people and helps to improve welfare.

One advantage that mobile phone companies receive in this purchase price settlement method is that the added value of mobile phone services can be improved. Combining purchase price settlement methods with mobile phone services is expected to increase mobile phone subscribers.

The benefits that buyers receive in this purchase amount settlement method include:

(1) Product purchases are made safer by improving security;

(2) Eliminates the need for cash transfer at stores

(3) Discount on telephone charges

And the like.

The procedure of this purchase price settlement method is not limited to those shown in Figs. For example, after the settlement processing computer 3 determines that settlement is possible, only that information may be transmitted to the member store 4 via the line 8. In this case, the transfer from the buyer's account to the merchant 4 will be performed after the goods are provided.

In addition, the buyer went to the merchant 4 where it was provided by the merchant 4. The product information may be input to the mobile phone 1. After entry, the merchant 4 can confirm the transfer in a relatively short time, so that the merchandise can be handed over to the buyer on the spot. Further, the buyer may be provided with the product information in the product catalog distributed by the member store 4, for example, in the form of a product number.

In addition, information on products provided by the member store 4 may be transmitted to the mobile phone 1 as so-called digital content through a dedicated line 6 connecting the mobile phone 1 and a mobile phone company. As a result, even if the purchaser does not have a computer (computer other than a mobile phone) connected to the network 5 such as the Internet, product information from the member store 4 can be received online. In addition, since the mobile phone 1 that receives information about the product and the mobile phone 1 that transmits the information to the mobile phone company are the same, erroneous input during data transfer is suppressed.

In addition, information on the product may be provided from the member store to the purchaser in the form of encoded data. In this case, the encoded data is read by the encoded data reading means built in the mobile phone 1. Examples of the encoded data include barcode data, two-dimensional code data obtained by expanding a barcode in two dimensions (for example, Japanese Patent No. 2533439, Japanese Patent No. 25399744). Gazettes and patent data disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 25399745), and code data to which color information is added. Examples of means for reading encoded data include a bar code reader and an identification code reading device (eg, Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-16915, Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-16916, Japanese Patent Publication No. Disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 10554). By using the encoded data, the trouble of the purchaser to input the product information to the mobile phone 1 is eliminated, and the input error is also prevented. The encoded data may be displayed on a vending machine managed by the member store 4. In this case, the encoded data corresponding to the product selected by the buyer is It is read by the encoded data reading means of story 1. Then, information on the product and the purchaser's personal information are transmitted to the mobile phone company. After the payment processing computer 3 determines that the purchase amount can be paid, an instruction to carry out the product is transmitted to the vending machine through a line connecting the payment processing computer 3 and the vending machine. Prior to reading the encoded data, or after reading the encoded data, the purchaser presses an order button provided on the vending machine, and the goods are unloaded from the vending machine. This vending machine has a function of transmitting information to the call management computer 2 through a line (preferably a dedicated line such as a bucket communication) connecting the call management computer 2 and the vending machine. preferable. For example, when excessive vibration or door opening occurs in the vending machine, the vending machine detects this and sends it to the call management computer 2 by the calling function. As a result, a security network is achieved. The transmission function can also be applied to product inventory management. More specifically, the vending machine detects the stock amount of the product, and when the stock amount falls below a predetermined amount, the fact is transmitted to the call management computer 2 by a calling function. As a result, products are replenished at the appropriate time. Furthermore, if this vending machine can also use coins, the sending function can be used to manage the amount of change in stock. Since the transaction amount of the 'vending machine' is usually small, the password data inputted by the buyer may be simple password data (for example, one digit, two digits, etc.). This simple password data is associated with regular password data (for example, 6 digits or more). Correspondence between the regular password data and the simplified password data is performed by the arithmetic means of the mobile phone 1. In order to reduce the amount of damage caused by abuse, it is preferable that the amount that can be settled with simple PIN data be set lower than the amount that can be settled with regular PIN data.

In addition, courier companies also subscribe to this system, and Information for home delivery (eg, delivery destination) may be provided to the courier using the network. In this case, a member fee is also collected from the courier service, and this is used to discount telephone charges.

Also, the mobile phone company and the bank may be integrated. In this case, the buyer's savings account is opened at the integrated company, that is, a mobile phone company with a banking function.

Further, a system center having a function of controlling logistics and finance may be established. This system center obtains financial information from banks, information such as telephone numbers from mobile phone companies, and product information from franchisees4. This system center is preferred because it improves the efficiency of payment settlement and increases economic rationality. If a system center is established, the fee will be notified to buyers from the system center. Further, the mobile phone usage statement periodically issued from the mobile phone company to the purchaser may include the usage statement of the purchase price settlement method of the present invention. In this case, the statement of use may include a notice of a discount on telephone charges and a notice of the balance of the deposit account. Further, the mobile phone company may periodically issue a sales notice to the member store 4.

In addition, the buyer's deposit account may be one in which automatic payment of public utilities such as electricity, gas, and water is set. In this case, too, utility bills can be discounted, which is an advantage for buyers.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a purchase price settlement method according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a mobile phone 1 as a mobile phone, a call management computer 2 of a mobile phone company, a credit management computer 9 of a credit company, a payment processing computer 3 of a bank, and a member store 4 are shown. ing. The mobile phone 1 and the call management computer 2 are connected by a dedicated line 6. The call management computer 2 and the credit sales computer 9 are both Line 10 is connected. Also, the credit sales management computer 9 and the settlement processing computer 3 are connected by a dedicated line 11. Further, the credit management computer 9 and the member store 4 are connected by a line 12 (preferably a dedicated line). This conceptual diagram is obtained by adding a credit sales management computer 9 and three lines 10, 11, and 12 to the conceptual diagram of FIG. 1. The configuration and functions of the elements except the computer 9 and the three lines 10, 11, and 12 are almost the same as those shown in FIG. Purchasers also subscribe to credit card services provided by credit companies.

The call management computer that receives personal information and product information from the mobile phone 1 identifies the purchaser's credit card information (credit company, credit card number, etc.). This credit card information is transmitted to the credit management computer 9 through the dedicated line 10 together with information on the product. The computing means of the credit sales management computer 9 checks the database (which holds data on credit card use results, etc.) stored in the storage means and determines whether it is possible to provide credit to the buyer (ie, And whether the purchase amount can be paid from the buyer's account). If it is determined that credit provision is not possible, the credit management computer 9 notifies the purchaser's mobile phone 1 via the dedicated line 10, the call management computer 2 and the dedicated line 6 to that effect. On the other hand, if it is determined that credit can be provided, the credit management computer 9 pays (transfers) the purchase amount to the member store 4 through the line 12. As a result, the merchandise store 4 provides the product to the buyer. The credit sales management computer 9 debits the purchase amount from the purchaser's account via the dedicated line 11 and transmits the fact to the call management computer 2 via the dedicated line 10. Subsequent processing is almost the same as the purchase price settlement method shown in FIG. In this purchase amount settlement method, a highly confidential leased line 6, 10, 0, 1 1 Since data is transmitted through the Internet, secure margin transactions are performed. In addition, the purchaser can receive credit card service without presenting the credit card. Therefore, the data recorded on the credit card will not be stolen by a third party. Credit companies can enjoy the advantage of limiting losses due to abuse of credit strength.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a purchase price settlement method according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a mobile phone 1 as a mobile phone, a call management computer 2 of a mobile phone company, a payment processing computer 3 of a bank, and a franchise 13 are shown. The mobile phone 1 and the call management computer 2 are connected by a dedicated line 6. The call management computer 2 and the settlement computer 3 are also connected by a dedicated line 7. Further, the settlement computer ₃ and the member store 13 are connected by a line 8 (preferably a dedicated line). In this conceptual diagram, the configuration and functions of the elements except for the franchise stores 13 are almost the same as those shown in FIG. Merchant 13 has transmitters 14 and 15 at the entrance and exit.

When the buyer passes through the entrance and the exit, radio waves 16 are transmitted from the transmitters 14 and 15 to the mobile phone 1. The radio waves 16 provide the buyer with information on the product (in this case, in particular, the service). This information includes, for example, the locations of entrances and exits, the transit times of entrances and exits, and the codes of franchisees 13. This information is transmitted from the mobile phone 1 to the call management computer 2 via the leased line 6.

If the member store 13 is a railway transportation or toll road, the call management computer 2 calculates the fare and toll based on the location information of the entrance and exit. When the member store 13 is a game arcade or the like, the call management computer 2 calculates the usage time and usage fee based on the transit time at the entrance and the exit. In each case, the charge is settled through the dedicated line 7 Sent to Computer 3 for payment. The merchant 13 confirming the completion of the payment through the line 8 permits the buyer to leave the exit. A charge notification (transfer completion notification) is sent to the mobile phone 1.

Hereinafter, a case where this purchase price settlement method is used for a toll road will be described in detail. When approaching the entrance, the purchaser in a car, for example, performs slow driving within a range of about 10 meters before the entrance. During this slow operation, the vehicle type (for example, large or small) is measured. At the entrance, transmitter 14 emits weak radio waves. This weak radio wave has a frequency range equivalent to that of the mobile phone 1. There are usually several gates at the entrance. The buyer who arrives at the gate presses the number of the gate through which he / she passes on the mobile phone 1. The same weak signal arrives at the car passing through any of the gates, but since the flag is set and assigned to each gate, information corresponding to the gate number pressed by the buyer (location of the entrance) , Vehicle type, member store code, etc.) are input to the mobile phone 1. The purchaser further enters authentication data. When the password data matches the password data stored in the storage means of the mobile phone 1 in advance, the information input by the transmitter 14 is transmitted to the call management computer 2 through the dedicated line 6. At the exit, information is similarly input and transmitted. Then, the toll is calculated by the call management computer 2 from the location of the entrance, the location of the exit, and the vehicle type. When the payment of this toll is completed, the exit will open.

From the viewpoint of reducing traffic congestion at the entrance and exit, it is preferable that the password data input by the purchaser be simple password data (for example, one-digit or two-digit data). This simplified password data is associated with regular password data (for example, 6 digits or more). Correspondence between the normal password data and the simplified password data is performed by the arithmetic means of the mobile phone 1 '. In addition, the amount of damage due to abuse In order to suppress this, it is preferable that the amount that can be settled with simple PIN data be set lower than the amount that can be settled with regular PIN data.

If this purchase price settlement method is used on toll roads, there is no need to transfer cash or settle tolls using highway cards at the gate. Therefore, the stop time of the vehicle at the gate is extremely short, and congestion on the toll road is eased.

In this example, the toll is settled by the purchaser operating the mobile phone 1, but the mobile phone 1 is connected to an ETC (toll road automatic toll collection system) terminal in ITS (advanced information and transportation system). It is preferable to make it work as a buyer because the different tasks of the buyer are automated. The transmission of a weak radio wave and the reception of the weak radio wave by the mobile phone 1 refer to the use of the mobile phone 1 (including other mobile phones such as PHS) to guide the elderly and the physically handicapped, and to store goods at stores. There is also a way to use it for explanations and tourist guides at tourist spots (so-called pedestrian ITS).

As described above, according to the purchase price settlement method of the present invention, sufficient security is ensured. Moreover, this method of settlement of the purchase amount can be achieved by the existing network, and therefore, the cost is low. Industrial applicability

As explained above, the method of settlement of the purchase amount of the present invention is useful for online settlement.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. Step A, in which the mobile phone 5 inputs information provided by the merchant to the purchaser who owns the account and the mobile phone, which is information on the goods sold by the merchant.

Step B of transmitting the buyer's personal information and the information on the goods entered in Step A to the mobile phone company through a line connecting the buyer's mobile phone and the mobile phone company.

The computer determines whether it is possible to pay the purchase amount from the buyer's account identified based on the information sent in step B10, step C

as well as

Step D where the purchase amount is transferred to the merchant if this payment is possible

Purchase amount settlement method including 5.

-

2. The determination in step C above is made by a credit company computer connected to the mobile phone company via a line,

Step D above

Step D10 in which the purchase amount is paid to the merchant from this credit company and

2. The method according to claim 1, including step D2 in which the purchase amount is paid from the buyer's account to the credit company.

3. The buyer's account is set up for automatic payment of telephone charges or utility charges, and collection of the purchase price from the buyer is linked to the automatic payment system of telephone charges or utility charges. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step E to be performed.

4. The purchase amount settlement method described in Claim 3 in which all or a part of the franchise fee paid by the above-mentioned merchant is applied to the discount of the buyer's telephone charge or public utility charge.

5. Step B above

Step B1 in which the purchaser inputs the password data to the mobile phone, the mobile phone determines whether or not the password data entered in step B1 matches the password data stored in the storage means of the mobile phone. Step B 2 Determined by Phone

as well as

If the password data matches in step B2, the buyer's personal information and information on the product are sent to the mobile phone company Step B3

The method for paying the purchase amount according to claim 1, including the method.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the personal information transmitted in step B is a telephone number stored in a storage means of the mobile phone.

7. The claim according to claim 1, further comprising a step F in which a notice of completion of the transfer of the purchase price is transmitted to the mobile phone through a line connecting the buyer's mobile phone and the mobile phone company. Purchase amount settlement method.

8. The purchase price stated in claim 1 in which the information on the product provided in step A above is provided to the purchaser as the product code written in the product catalog distributed by the merchant. Payment Method.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the information on the product provided in step A is transmitted to the mobile phone through a line connecting the mobile phone and the mobile phone company.

10. Information about the product provided in step A above is provided from the member store to the purchaser in the form of encoded data, and the encoded data is read by encoded data reading means provided in the mobile phone. To be read 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein information about the product is input to the mobile phone.

1 1. The above coded data is displayed on the vending machine managed by the franchisee, so that if the purchase amount can be paid from the buyer's account, the product will be unloaded. 10. The purchase amount settlement method according to claim 10, wherein the vending machine is configured.

1 2. The above merchant has a facility with an entrance and an exit, and information about the product is provided to the buyer both when the customer passes through the entrance and when the customer passes through the exit. The purchase price according to claim 1, wherein the purchase price is configured so that the purchase price is charged to the purchaser according to the distance between the entrance and the exit, or according to the time from the entrance to the exit. Payment Method.

13 3. The purchase price as set forth in paragraph 12 of the claim, wherein the information provided to the buyer when the buyer passes through the entrance and the exit is transmitted to the mobile phone by radio waves. Payment Method.

1 4. It has arithmetic means and storage means, and this arithmetic means

as well as

(2) A purchase price settlement system having a function of determining whether or not a purchase price can be paid from a purchaser's account based on information on a product transmitted through the above line.

1 5. The calculation means

(3) Claims claim 14 further provided with a function to instruct the transfer of the purchase price from the account to the merchant that provides the product when the purchase price can be paid from the buyer's account The purchase amount settlement system described in.