Personal electronic settlement system, its terminal, and management apparatus

Abstract

According to the present invention provided is a settlement means that is superior in safety and usability. The settlement means comprises: payment means 100 including a plurality of systems of communication means; charging means 101 including a plurality of systems of communication means; and settlement means 102 including a plurality of systems of communication means. Since the payment means and the settlement means exchange transaction data by communicating with each other, it is possible to prevent the assessment of an illegal charge by the charging means. In addition, since a signature (a digital signature) and an accounting statement are exchanged by communication between the payment means and the charging means, the efficiency of the sale can be improved.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A personal electronic settlement system comprising:

payment means including a plurality of systems of communication means;

charging means including a plurality of systems of communication means; and

settlement means including a plurality of systems of communication means,

wherein communication among said payment means, said charging means and said settlement means is performed by employing different systems of communication means.

2. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said payment means includes battery capacity detection means for detecting the capacity of a battery used by said payment means; wherein, when said battery capacity is equal to or less than Q (Q>0), said central processing unit of said payment means transmits to said settlement means data stored in said second storage means of said payment means wherein data processed by said central processing unit are stored; and wherein said settlement means stores the received data in said first storage means of said settlement means wherein data concerning said payment means are stored.

3. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said payment means provides the digital signature of said owner of said payment means in a message that is to be transmitted to said charging means or to said settlement means.

4. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said charging means includes in a message that is to be transmitted to said payment means or to said settlement means the digital signature of said owner of said charging means.

5. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said settlement means includes in a message to be transmitted to said payment means or said charging means the digital signature of said owner of said settlement means.

6. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said payment means includes:

audio input means;

audio output means; and

audio data processing means, for converting audio data input by said audio input means into data to be transmitted by said communication means, and for converting data received by said communication means into audio data to be output by said audio output means.

7. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said charging means includes:

audio input means;

audio output means; and

audio data processing means, for converting audio data input by said audio input means into data to be transmitted by said communication means, and for converting data received by said communication means into audio data to be output by said audio output means.

8. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said payment means includes:

cryptography processing means, for encrypting messages to be transmitted and for decrypting encrypted messages that are received; and

audio cryptography processing means, for encrypting audio data to be transmitted and for decrypting encrypted audio data that is received.

9. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said payment means adds the digital signature of said owner of said payment means to data for a message to said settlement means, and encapsulates and addresses said data message to said person in charge of said settlement means.

10. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said charging means adds the digital signature of said person in charge of said charging means to data for a message to be transmitted to said settlement means, and encapsulates and addresses said data message to said person in charge of said settlement means.

11. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said settlement means adds the digital signature of said person in charge of said settlement means to data for a message to be transmitted to said payment means, and encapsulates and addresses said data message to said owner of said payment means; and wherein said settlement means also adds the digital signature of said person in charge of said settlement means to data for a message to be transmitted to said charging means, and encapsulates and addresses said data message to said person in charge of said charging means.

12. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein a ferroelectric memory is provided as an storage means for said payment means.

13. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said settlement means includes:

first storage means, for storing data concerning said payment means;

second storage means, for storing data concerning said charging means; and

a computer system, for processing data for a transaction.

14. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 13, wherein said settlement means, in said second storage means thereof, in which information concerning said charging means is stored, stores message data that are transmitted to said charging means to indicate the completion of a settlement, and in said first storage means thereof, in which information concerning said payment means is stored, stores message data that are transmitted to said payment means to indicate the completion of a payment.

15. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said central processing unit of said payment means employs a message to transmit data indicating that a payment has been completed to generate and transmit to said settlement means a message requesting a payment processing be canceled; wherein said central processing unit of said charging means employs message data indicating completion of a settlement to generate and transmit to said settlement means a message requesting the settlement processing be canceled; and wherein said settlement means performs a cancellation of settlement processing by comparing said message data received from said payment means with said message data from said charging means, transmits to said payment means a message indicating the cancellation of the payment is completed, and also transmits to said charging means message data indicating cancellation of the transaction is completed.

16. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 15, wherein said settlement means, or said service providing means, adds identification information for a settlement processing to said message containing data indicating a transaction has been completed and to said message containing data indicating payment has been completed; wherein said central processing units of said payment means and said charging means add identification information for said settlement processing to respective messages containing data requesting the cancellation of a payment process and of a settlement processing; and wherein said settlement means, or said service providing means, compares both said identification information additions to said settlement processing in order to compare said messages containing data that are respectively received from said payment means and said charging means requesting cancellation of said payment process and said settlement processing.

17. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said charging means includes:

cryptography processing means, for encrypting messages to be transmitted and for decrypting encrypted messages that are received; and

audio cryptography processing means, for encrypting audio data to be transmitted and for decrypting encrypted audio data that are received.

18. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 17, wherein said payment means and said charging means are connected to each other via a communication line by said settlement means, or said service providing means, and exchange encryption keys to enable transmission of encrypted audio data.

19. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said charging means includes:

optical communication means, for communicating with said payment means;

communication means, for communicating with said settlement means;

input means, for entering a money amount to charge;

a central processing unit, for generating data to be transmitted by said optical communication means and said communication means, and for processing data received by said optical communication means and said communication means;

first storage means, for storing a control program for controlling all operations performed by said central processing unit;

display means for visually presenting results obtained by the data processing performed by said central processing unit; and

second storage means, for storing data processed by said central processing unit.

20. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 19, wherein said central processing unit of said charging means generates and transmits to said payment means message data requesting a money payment that corresponds to an amount input by said input means of said charging means, generates and transmits to said settlement means message data requesting a transaction by employing said message data received from said payment means to offering payment and said message data requesting payment, processes message data that is received from said settlement means that indicates the completion of said transaction, and outputs the resultant data to said display means of said charging means while also storing said resultant data in said second storage means of said charging means.

21. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 19, wherein said central processing unit of said charging means generates and transmits to said payment means message data requesting a payment; wherein said central processing unit of said payment means generates and transmits to said settlement means message data requesting a payment processing by employing said message data offering a payment and said message data received from said charging means requesting a payment; and wherein said settlement means performs a settlement by comparing a message data received from said charging means requesting a settlement processing with said message data received from said payment means requesting a payment processing, generates and transmits to said charging means message data indicating that a settlement has been completed, and generates and transmits to said payment means message data indicating that a payment has been completed.

22. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 21, wherein said central processing unit in said payment means inserts valid time period information into data for a message that offers payment and into data for a message that requests payment processing; wherein said central processing unit in said charging means inserts valid time period information into data for a message that requests a payment processing and into data for a message that requests a settlement processing; and wherein said settlement means or said service providing means examines said valid time period information when comparing said data for said message requesting a payment processing with said data for a message requesting a settlement processing.

23. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said settlement means generates for said person in charge of said charging means valid identification data for said owner of said payment means, adds said identification data to said message data indicating said transaction has been completed, and transmits said message data to said charging means.

24. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 23, wherein said central processing unit of said payment means employs said data that are received from said settlement means and that indicate a payment has been completed, and generates and transmits to said settlement means a message requesting a connection for communicating with said charging means; wherein said settlement means generates and transmits to said charging means a message including said identification data for said owner of said payment means, which was contained in said message indicating a transaction had been completed, notifying said charging means a connection will be established with said payment means along a communication line, and thereafter connects said payment means to said charging means; and wherein, upon receiving said message, said central processing unit of said charging means displays on said display means of said charging means said identification data for said owner of said payment means and the state of the connection with said payment means.

25. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 23, wherein said central processing unit of said charging means employs identification data for said owner of said payment means, which are included in said message that is received from said settlement means and which indicate a transaction has been completed, to generate and transmit to said settlement means a message requesting a connection for communicating with said payment means; wherein said settlement means generates and transmits to said payment means identified by said identification data a message that a connection will be established for communication between said payment means and said charging means, and then establishes said connection across a communication line; wherein, upon receiving said message from said settlement means, said central processing unit of said payment means displays on said display means of said payment means said identification data for said owner of said charging means, and a notification that a connection has been established with said charging means across said communication line.

26. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 25, wherein, before connecting said payment means to said charging means across said communication line, said settlement means refers to access control data that are established by said owner of said payment means and are stored in said first storage means of said settlement means; and wherein, when an access by said charging means is inhibited, said settlement means does not connect said charging means to said payment means.

27. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 25, wherein said payment means and said charging means are connected to each other via a communication line by said settlement means, or said service providing means, and exchange audio data.

28. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said settlement means is constituted by a plurality of settlement means that are separately located and are mutually connected via communication lines.

29. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 28, wherein said plurality of settlement means for areas or for organizations are located separately.

30. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 28 or 29, wherein information concerning said payment means and said owner thereof is stored in said first storage means of said settlement means that has a same attribute as said payment means or said owner thereof; wherein information concerning said charging means and said owner thereof is stored in said second storage means of said settlement means that has a same attribute as said charging means or said owner thereof; wherein identification information for all of said payment means that are permitted to communicate with corresponding settlement means is stored in said first storage means of all of said settlement means, along with location information that designates a location where said information concerning said payment means and said owner thereof is stored; and wherein identification information for all of said charging means that are permitted to communicate with corresponding settlement means is stored in said second storage means of all of said settlement means, and location information that designates a location where said information concerning said charging means and said owner thereof is stored.

31. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 30, wherein said attribute is an "organization."

32. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 30, wherein said attribute is an "area."

33. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said payment means comprises different systems of wireless communication means that are used for communications conducted between said charging means and said settlement means.

34. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 33, wherein, as wireless communication means for communications between said payment means and said charging means, a type of wireless communication means is selected whose effective communication distance is shorter and whose directivity is higher than are those of said radio communication means used for communications conducted between said payment means and said settlement means.

35. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 33, wherein said payment means includes optical communication means to be used for wireless communications conducted with said charging means, and radio communication means to be used for wireless communications conducted with said charging means.

36. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 35, wherein said payment means includes:

optical communication means and radio communication means;

input means, for entering a money amount to be paid;

a central processing unit, for generating data to be transmitted by said optical communication means and said radio communication means, and for processing data received by said optical communication means and said radio communication means;

first storage means, for storing a control program for controlling operations performed by said central processing unit;

display means, for visually presenting the results obtained by the data processing performed by said central processing unit; and

second storage means, for storing data processed by said central processing unit.

37. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 36, wherein said central processing unit of said payment means generates and transmits to said charging means message data offering a money payment that corresponds to an amount input by said input means of said payment means.

38. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 36, wherein said central processing unit of said payment means generates and transmits to said settlement means message data requesting the performance of a money transaction for an amount that corresponds to a value input by said input means of said payment means, processes and outputs to said display means message data received from said settlement means indicating the completion of a payment, and stores the processed data in said second storage means of said payment means.

39. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 38, wherein said central processing unit of said payment means adds, to message data offering a payment to said charging means, identification data for identifying said message data, and, to message data that is to be transmitted to said settlement means requesting a payment, identification data for message data offering a payment, identification data for said payment means, and identification data for message data requesting a payment; wherein said central processing unit of said charging means adds, to message data requesting a payment from said payment means, identification data for identifying said message data, and, to message data that is to be transmitted to said settlement means requesting a transaction, identification data for message data requesting a payment, identification data for said charging means and identification data for message data offering a payment; and wherein said settlement means compares said identification data for said message data offering a payment, which are included in said message data requesting a payment and in said message data requesting a transaction, with said identification data for said message data requesting a payment.

40. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 38, wherein identification data for a plurality of payment methods are stored in said second storage means of said payment means, and said central processing unit of said payment means adds, to said message data offering a payment and said message data requesting a payment, identification data for a payment method that is selected by said input means of said payment means.

41. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 36, wherein data processed by said central processing unit of said charging means are stored either in said second storage means of said charging means, or in said second storage means of said settlement means, in which data concerning said charging means are stored; wherein said data are managed by entering, in said second storage means of said charging means, identification data for said data and an address in the pertinent storage means, in which said data are stored; wherein, to process said address data in said second storage means of said settlement means, said central processing unit of said charging means generates and transmits to said settlement means a message requesting said address data; wherein, upon receiving said message, said settlement means generates and transmits to said charging means a message in which are included said requested data; and wherein said central processing unit in said charging means extracts said requested data from said message received from said settlement means.

42. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 41, wherein, when said settlement means receives from said charging means a message in which are included data stored in said second storage means of said charging means, said settlement means extracts from said message said data that are stored in said second storage means of said charging means and compares them with said data stored in said second storage means of said settlement means in which data concerning said charging means are stored; and wherein, when an illegal alteration is found, said settlement means transmits to said charging means a message to halt a function that is being performed by said charging means.

43. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 41, wherein, if the capacity when empty of said second storage means of said charging means is smaller than AM (AM>0), said central processing unit of said charging means generates and transmits to said settlement means, or to said service providing means, data stored in said second storage means of said charging means; wherein upon receipt of said data said settlement means or said service providing means generates and transmits to said charging means data that include update data for said second storage means of said charging means; and wherein said central processing unit of said charging means extracts, from said data received from said settlement means, or from said service providing means, updated data with which to update said data stored in said second storage means.

44. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 41, wherein, upon receiving from said charging means said message containing data in which are included data that are stored in said second storage means thereof, said settlement means, or said service providing means, generates and transmits to said charging means a message containing data that include updated data, for said second storage means of said charging means, and a new control program for a central processing unit of said charging means; and wherein, upon receiving said data message data, said central processing unit of said charging means stores, in said first or said second storage means thereof, said new control program for said central processing unit of said charging means, and thereafter executes said control program.

45. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 41, wherein, at a time designated by said settlement means, said central processing unit of said charging means generates and transmits to said settlement means a message in which are included data that are stored in said second storage means of said charging means; wherein, upon receiving said message, said settlement means generates and transmits to said charging means a message in which are included data for updating said second storage means of said charging means; wherein said central processing unit of said charging means extracts said updating data from said message received from said settlement means, and updates said data stored in said second storage means of said charging means.

46. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 45, wherein, when said settlement means receives from said charging means a message in which are included data stored in said second storage means of said charging means, in order to generate data for updating said second storage means of said charging means, said settlement means compares the times at which all the data concerned were generated, and allots to data that were generated at a later time an address in said second storage means of said charging means, while allotting to data that were generated at an earlier time an address in said second storage means of said settlement means in which data concerning said charging means are stored.

47. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 36, wherein data processed by said central processing unit of said payment means are stored either in said second storage means of said payment means, or in said first storage means of said settlement means, in which data concerning said payment means are stored; wherein said data are managed by entering identification data in said data in said second storage means of said payment means, and an address in the pertinent storage means, in which said data are stored; wherein, to process address data in said first storage means of said settlement means, said central processing unit of said payment means generates and transmits to said settlement means a message requesting said address data; wherein, upon receipt of said message, said settlement means generates and transmits to said payment means a message in which are included the address data that are requested; and wherein said central processing unit in said payment means extracts said requested data from said message received from said settlement means.

48. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 47, wherein, when said settlement means receives from said payment means a message that includes data stored in said second storage means of said payment means, said settlement means extracts from said message said data that are stored in said second storage means of said payment means and compares them with said data stored in said first storage means of said settlement means in which data concerning said payment means are stored; and wherein, when an illegal alteration is found, said settlement means transmits to said payment means a message to halt a function that is being performed by said payment means.

49. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 47, wherein, if the capacity when empty of said second storage means of said payment means is smaller than AU (AU>0), said central processing unit of said payment means generates and transmits to said settlement means, or to said service providing means, data stored in said second storage means of said payment means; wherein upon receipt of said data said settlement means or said service providing means generates and transmits to said payment means data that include update data for said second storage means of said payment means; and wherein said central processing unit of said payment means extracts, from said data received from said settlement means, or from said service providing means, updated data with which to update said data stored in said second storage means.

50. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 47, wherein, upon receiving from said payment means said message containing data in which are included data stored in said second storage means thereof, said settlement means, or said service providing means, generates and transmits to said payment means a message containing data that include updated data, for said second storage means of said payment means, and a new control program for a central processing unit of said payment means; and wherein, upon receiving said data contained in said message, said central processing unit of said payment means stores, in said first or said second storage means thereof, said new control program for said central processing unit of said payment means, and thereafter executes said control program.

51. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 47, wherein, when said settlement means or said service providing means generates data for a message requesting the updating of data stored in said second storage means of said payment means or said charging means, and transmits said message data to said payment means or said charging means, said central processing unit of said payment or said charging means generates data for a message, which includes data stored in said second storage means, and transmits said data in said message to said settlement means or said service providing means; wherein, upon receiving said data in said message, said settlement means or said service providing means generates data for a message, which includes update data in said second storage means of said payment means or said charging means, and transmits said data in said message to said payment means or said charging means; and wherein said central processing unit of said payment means or said charging means extracts said update data from said data in said message to update the data stored in said storage means.

52. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 47, wherein, at a time designated by said settlement means, said central processing unit of said payment means generates and transmits to said settlement means a message in which are included data that are stored in said second storage means of said payment means; wherein, upon receiving said message data, said settlement means generates and transmits to said payment means a message in which are included data for updating said second storage means of said payment means; and wherein said central processing unit of said payment means extracts said updating data from said message data received from said settlement means, and updates said data stored in said second storage means of said payment means.

53. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 52, wherein, when said settlement means receives from said payment means a message in which are included data stored in said second storage means of said payment means, in order to generate data for updating said second storage means of said payment means, said settlement means compares the times at which all data concerned were generated, and allots to data that were generated at a later time an address in said second storage means of said payment means, while allotting to data that were generated at an earlier time an address in said first storage means of said settlement means in which data concerning said payment means are stored.

54. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 52, wherein, when said settlement means receives from said payment means a message in which are included data stored in said second storage means of said payment means, in order to generate data for updating said second storage means of said payment means, said settlement means compares the times at which all the data concerned were accessed by said owner of said payment means, and allots to data that were accessed at a later time an address in said second storage means of said payment means, while allotting to data that were accessed at an earlier time an address in said first storage means of said settlement means in which data concerning said payment means are stored.

55. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said settlement means includes:

service providing means, for providing an electronic settlement service to said owner of said payment means and said person in charge of said charging means via said communication means of said payment means and said communication means of said charging means; and

settlement means, connected to said service providing means via communication means, for performing transactions involving said owner of said payment means and said person in charge of said charging means.

56. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 55, wherein said settlement means includes:

first storage means for storing information concerning a transaction contract involving said owner of said payment means;

second storage means for storing information concerning a transaction contract involving said person in charge of said charging means; and

a computer system for executing program data for the transaction.

57. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 55, wherein said service providing means compares data in a message transmitted by said charging means requesting a settlement processing with data in a message transmitted by said payment means requesting a payment process, and generates and transmits a message containing data requesting a settlement processing; wherein said settlement means that performs said settlement processing generates and transmits to said service providing means a message containing data reporting that said settlement processing has been completed; and wherein said service providing means employs said data in said message reporting the completion of the transaction to generate data for a message reporting that the transaction has been completed and data for a message reporting that payment has been completed, and transmits said data in said messages to said charging means and said payment means respectively.

58. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 55, wherein said service providing means is constituted by a plurality of service providing means that are separately located and are mutually connected via communication lines.

59. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 58, wherein said plurality of service providing means for areas or for organizations are located separately.

60. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 58, wherein information concerning said payment means and said owner thereof is stored in said first storage means of said service providing means that has the same attribute as said payment means or said owner thereof; wherein information concerning said charging means and said person in charge thereof is stored in said second storage means of said service providing means that has the same attribute as said charging means or said person in charge thereof; wherein identification information for all of said payment means that are permitted to communicate with corresponding service providing means is stored in said first storage means of all of said service providing means, along with location information that designates a location whereat said information concerning said payment means and said owner thereof is stored; and wherein identification information for all of said charging means that are permitted to communicate with corresponding service providing means is stored in said second storage means of all of said service providing means, along with location information that designates a location whereat said information concerning said charging means and said person in charge thereof is stored.

61. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 60, wherein said payment means is connected via a communication line to a second service providing means; wherein a service manager information processing means for said second service providing means, when said second service providing means differs from a first service providing means that stores said information concerning said payment means and said owner thereof, specifies said first service providing means by employing said identification information for said payment means, which is stored in said first storage means of said second service providing means, and said location information, which designates a location at which is stored said information for said payment means and said owner thereof, and requests that a service manager information processing means for said first service providing means generate a home user information processing means that corresponds to said payment means; wherein said service manager information processing means of said second service providing means generates a mobile user information processing means that corresponds to said payment means when said service manager information processing means of said first service providing means generates said home user information processing means; and wherein said mobile user information processing means and said home user information means interact to communicate with said payment means and to process information concerning said payment means and said owner thereof.

62. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 60, wherein said payment means is connected to a user information processing means of said second service providing means via a communication line and requests cancellation of a payment process; wherein a service manager information processing means for said second service providing means, when said second service providing means differs from said first service providing means that stores information concerning said charging means that is associated with said payment and said person in charge of said charging means, specifies said first service providing means by employing said identification information, for said charging means, that is stored in said second storage means of said second service providing means, along with said location information that designates a location at which is stored said information for said charging means and said person in charge thereof, and transmits, to said service manager information processing means of said first service providing means, a message received from said user information processing means requesting cancellation of the payment; and wherein said service manager information processing means of said first service providing means compares a message received from a merchant information processing means of said first service providing means with a message received from said service manager information processing means of said second service providing means requesting a cancellation process be performed for the payment, and generates a service director information processing means for said first service providing means in order to define an information processing means group that is composed of said service director information processing means, said merchant information processing means, and said user information processing means of said second service providing means.

63. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 60, wherein said charging means transmits a "message requesting communication be established with said payment means" to said merchant information processing means of said second service providing means; wherein said service manager information processing means, of said second service providing means, that received said "message requesting communication be established with said payment means" from said merchant information processing means, when said second service providing means differs from said first service providing means for storing said information concerning said payment means and said owner thereof, generates a service director information processing means for said second service providing means, and defines an information processing means group that is composed of said merchant information processing means and said service director information processing means; wherein said service director information processing means specifies which payment means the request applies to, and an owner thereof, and transmits a request to said service manager information processing means to add to said group a user information processing means that corresponds to the specified payment means; wherein said service manager information processing means, upon receiving said request, specifies said first service providing means by employing said identification information, for said payment means, that is stored in said first storage means of said second service providing means, along with said location information that designates a location at which is stored said information for said payment means and said owner thereof, and requests that said service manager information processing means of said first service providing means generate a user information processing means that corresponds to said payment means; and wherein said user information means is added to said information processing means group when said user information processing means that corresponds to said payment means is generated for said first service providing means.

64. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 60, wherein said payment means transmits "message requesting communication be established with said charging means" to said user information processing means of said second service providing means; wherein said service manager information processing means, of said second service providing means, that received said "message requesting communication be established with said charging means" from said user information processing means, when said second service providing means differs from said first service providing means for storing said information concerning said charging means and said person in charge thereof, specifies said first service providing means by employing said identification information, for said charging means, that is stored in said second storage means of said second service providing means, along with said location information that designates a location at which is stored said information for said charging means and said person in charge thereof, and transmits said "message requesting communication be established with said charging means" that was received from said user information processing means; wherein said service manager information processing means of said first service providing means, upon receiving said message, generates a service director information processing means for said first service providing means, and defines an information processing means group that is composed of said service director information processing means and said user information processing means of said second service providing means; wherein said service manager information processing means transmits a request that said service manager information processing means of said first service providing means add to said group a merchant information processing means that corresponds to the requested charging means; and wherein said merchant information means is added to said information processing means group when following the receipt of said request said merchant information processing means that corresponds to said charging means is generated for said first service providing means.

65. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 55, wherein said service providing means includes:

first storage means for storing information concerning said payment means and said owner of said payment means;

second storage means for storing information concerning said charging means and said person in charge of said charging means; and

a computer system for executing program data for providing an electronic settlement service.

66. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 65, wherein information concerning a contract for a transaction involving said owner of said payment means and information attributed to said owner of said payment means is included in said information, concerning said owner of said payment means, that is stored in said first storage means of said service providing means; and wherein information concerning a contract for a transaction involving said person in charge of said charging means and information attributed to said person in charge of said charging means is included in said information, concerning said owner of said charging means, that is stored in said second storage means of said service providing means.

67. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 65, wherein information stored in said first storage means of said service providing means is managed for each owner of a payment means; and wherein information stored in said second storage means of said service providing means is managed for each person in charge of a charging means.

68. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 65, wherein, before generating data for a message requesting a settlement processing, said central processing unit of said charging means generates and transmits to said service providing means a message containing data requesting an inquiry processing be performed for said owner of said payment means; wherein said service providing means compares said data in said message requesting a payment processing with said data in said message requesting an inquiry processing, and employs information concerning said owner of said payment means, which is stored in said first storage means of said service providing means, to generate and transmit to said charging means a message containing data conveying the results of an inquiry processing performed for said owner; and wherein said central processing unit of said charging means processes data in said message and transmits the resultant data to said display means of said charging means.

69. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 68, wherein photo and age information for said owner of said payment means are included in said data, concerning said owner of said payment means, that are stored in said first storage means of said service providing means; and wherein said service providing means adds said photo and said age information for said owner of said payment means to data supplied in said message that conveys the results of the inquiry processing performed for said owner.

70. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 65, wherein said service providing means, in said second storage means thereof, stores data in messages that are transmitted to said charging means to report that transaction have been completed, and in said first storage means thereof, stores data in messages that are transmitted to said payment means to report that payments have been completed.

71. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 70, wherein, in order to compare said message data that are respectively received from said payment means and said charging means requesting cancellation of a payment process and of a settlement processing, said service providing means compares the data in said message requesting the cancellation of the payment process with the data in said message stored in said first storage means of said service providing means that indicates the payment has been completed, and also compares data in said message requesting cancellation of the settlement processing with data in said message stored in said second storage means of said service providing means that indicates the transaction has been completed.

72. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 70, wherein said service providing means stores, in said second storage means thereof, the data in said message transmitted to said charging means indicating that the cancellation of a settlement processing has been completed, and stores, in said first storage means thereof, the data in said message transmitted to said payment means indicating that the cancellation of a payment process has been completed.

73. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 65, wherein said settlement means is composed of a plurality of settlement means that each handle a different settlement processing; and wherein a third storage means for storing information concerning said settlement means is provided for said service providing means.

74. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 73, wherein said service providing means employs the result of a comparison of the data in a message requesting a settlement processing with the data in a message requesting a payment process to select one of said plurality of settlement means to transmit a message containing the data requesting a settlement processing.

75. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 73, wherein said service providing means, in said third storage means thereof, stores data in a message that is received from said settlement means to report the completion of a settlement processing.

76. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 73, wherein said computer system of said service providing means includes:

user information processing means, for communicating with said payment means and for processing information stored in said first storage means of said service providing means;

merchant information processing means, for communicating with said charging means and for processing information stored in said second storage means of said service providing means;

settlement processing house information processing means, for communicating with said settlement means and for processing information stored in said third storage means of said service providing means; and

service director information processing means, for interacting with said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means and said settlement processing house information processing means to process data for a service providing process.

77. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 76, wherein said computer system of said service providing means includes: service manager information processing means, for generating and deleting said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means, said settlement processing house information processing means, and said service director information processing means, so that said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means, said settlement processing house information processing means, and said service director information processing means are generated or deleted as needed by said service manager information processing means.

78. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 77, wherein, when generating said service director information processing means said service manager information processing means defines a group of information processing means, including said service director processing means, with which to interact; and wherein, after being generated said service director information processing means communicates only with an information processing means that belongs to said group, interacting with said information processing means of said group to process data employed for providing a service.

79. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 78, wherein, when, before processing data for providing a service, said service director information processing means must interact with an information processing means that does not belong to the same group, said service director information processing means transmits, to said service manager information processing means, a message requesting said required information processing means be added to said group; and wherein said service manager information processing means generates said required information processing means, which is added to said group.

80. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 78, wherein said user information processing means communicates only with a corresponding payment means, said service director information processing means of the same group and said service manager information processing means, and processes information that is stored in said first storage means of said service providing means that concerns said payment means and said owner thereof; wherein said merchant information processing means communicates only with a corresponding charging means, said service director information processing means of the same group and said service manager information processing means, and processes information that is stored in said second storage means of said service providing means that concerns said charging means and said person in charge thereof; and wherein said settlement processing house information processing means communicates only with a corresponding settlement means, said service director information processing means of the same group and said service manager information processing means, and processes information that is stored in said third storage means of said service providing means and concerns said settlement means.

81. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 77, wherein said service manager information processing means generates said user information processing means for a payment means in order to communicate with said payment means; generates said merchant information processing means for a charging means in order to communicate with said charging means; generates said settlement processing house information processing means for a settlement means in order to communicate with said settlement means; and generates said service director information processing means for a combination composed of the several information processing means in order to individually interact with said user information processing means, said merchant settlement means, or said settlement processing house information processing means.

82. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 81, wherein, before said payment means is connected with said service providing means via a communication line, said payment means and a corresponding user information processing means perform mutual authentication processes; and wherein, before said charging means is connected with said service providing means via a communication line, said charging means and a corresponding merchant information processing means perform mutual authentication processes.

83. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 81, wherein said payment means, said charging means and said settlement means provide the digital signatures of said holders of the respective means for the transmission of data in messages to said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means, or said settlement processing house information processing means that corresponds to said service providing means; wherein said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means and said settlement processing house information processing means provide a digital signature of said holders of said service providing means for transmission of data in messages to said payment means, said charging means, or said settlement means; and wherein, upon receiving said messages in which data is accompanied by said digital signatures, said payment means, said charging means and said settlement means, and said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means and said settlement processing house information processing means, three of which are included in said service providing means, individually authenticate said digital signatures.

84. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 81, wherein, upon receiving from said charging means said message containing data requesting a settlement processing, said merchant information processing means generates a message requesting a settlement processing and transmits said message to said service manager information processing means; wherein, upon receiving from said payment means said message containing data requesting a payment process, said user information processing means generates a message requesting a payment process and transmits said message to said service manager information processing means; wherein said service manager information means employs identification information included in said message to compare the received messages, and generates said service director information processing means to define an information processing means group that is composed of said merchant information processing means, said user information processing means and said service director information processing means; wherein said service director information processing means selects a settlement means to perform a settlement processing by comparing said message requesting a settlement processing with said message requesting a payment process, and requests that said service manager information processing means add to said group an settlement processing house information processing means that corresponds to the selected settlement means; wherein said service manager information processing means generates and adds to said group the requested settlement processing house information processing means; wherein said service director information means generates a message requesting a settlement processing and transmits said message to said settlement processing house information processing means; wherein, upon receiving said message, said settlement processing house information processing means generates data for a message requesting settlement processing and transmits said message containing said data to said settlement means; wherein, when a message containing data that indicate the settlement processing has been completed is returned from said settlement means, said settlement processing house information processing means generates a message reporting the completion of the settlement processing and transmits said message to said service director information processing means, and also stores data for said message in said third storage means of said service providing means; wherein, upon receiving said message that reports the completion of the settlement processing, said service director information processing means generates a message reporting the completion of the transaction and a message reporting the completion of the payment, and transmits said respective messages to said merchant information processing means and said user information processing means; wherein, upon receiving said message, said merchant information processing means generates data for a message indicating the transaction has been completed and transmits said message to said charging means, and also stores said data for said message in said second storage means of said service providing means; and wherein said payment means employs said received message to generate and transmit to said payment means a message containing data indicating that the payment has been completed, and stores said data for said message in said first storage means of said service providing means.

85. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 81, wherein, upon receiving from said charging means said message containing data requesting cancellation of a settlement processing, said merchant information processing means generates a message requesting cancellation of a settlement processing and transmits said message to said service manager information processing means; wherein, upon receiving said data in said message from said payment means requesting cancellation of a payment process, said user information processing means generates a message requesting cancellation of a payment process and transmits said message to said service manager information processing means; wherein said service manager information means employs identification information included in said message to compare the received messages, and generates said service director information processing means to define an information processing means group that is composed of said merchant information processing means, said user information processing means and said service director information processing means; wherein said service director information processing means specifies a settlement means that has performed the settlement processing by comparing said message that requests cancellation of the settlement processing with said message that requests cancellation of the payment process, and requests said service manager information processing means to add to said group an settlement processing house information processing means that corresponds to the selected settlement means; wherein said service manager information processing means generates and adds to said group the requested settlement processing house information processing means; wherein said service director information means generates a message requesting cancellation of the settlement processing and transmits said message to said settlement processing house information processing means; wherein, upon receiving said message, said settlement processing house information processing means generates data for a message that requests cancellation of the settlement processing, and transmits said message data to said settlement means; wherein, when data in a message that indicate the cancellation of settlement has been completed are returned from said settlement means, said settlement processing house information processing means generates a message reporting the completion of cancellation of the settlement and transmits said message to said service director information processing means, and also stores data for said message in said third storage means of said service providing means; wherein, upon receiving said message reporting the cancellation of settlement has been completed, said service director information processing means generates a message reporting the completion of cancellation of the settlement and a message reporting the completion of the cancellation of the payment, and transmits said respective messages to said merchant information processing means and said user information processing means; wherein, upon receiving said message, said merchant information processing means generates data for a message indicate the cancellation of settlement has been completed and transmits said message to said charging means, and also stores said data in said message in said second storage means of said service providing means; and wherein said payment means employs said received message to generate and transmit to said payment means a message containing data indicating the cancellation of payment has been completed and stores said data for said message in said first storage means of said service providing means.

86. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 81, wherein said charging means employs identification information for said owner of said payment means, which is included with data in said message indicating the completion of a transaction, to generate for a message data requesting communication be established with said payment means, and transmits said message containing said data to said merchant information processing means; wherein, upon receiving said message, said merchant information processing means generates a message requesting that communication be established with said payment means, and transmits said message to said service manager information processing means; wherein, upon receiving said message, said service manager information processing means generates said service director information processing means to define an information processing means group that is composed of said merchant information processing means and said service director information processing means; wherein said service director information processing means specifies said payment means and said owner thereof that correspond to said identification information of said owner of said payment means included in said message, and requests said service manager information processing means add to said group a user information processing means that corresponds to the specified payment means; wherein said service manager information processing means generates and adds to said group the requested user information processing means; wherein said service director information processing means refers to access control information that is established by said owner of said payment means and is stored in said first storage means of said service providing means; wherein said service director information processing means, when access from said charging means is not inhibited, generates a message reporting that the connection with said charging means has been established via a communication line, and transmits said message to said user information processing means; and wherein said user information processing means employs the received message to generate and transmit to said payment means a message reporting that the connection has been established with said charging means via the communication line.

87. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 81, wherein said payment means employs for a message data indicating the completion of a settlement processing to generate message data requesting communication be established with said charging means, and transmits said message containing said data to said user information processing means; wherein, upon receiving said data in said message, said user information processing means generates a message that requests communication be established with said charging means and transmits said message to said service manager information processing means; wherein, upon receiving said message, said service manager information processing means generates said service director information processing means to define an information processing means group that is composed of said user information processing means and said service director information processing means; wherein said service director information processing means requests that said service manager information processing means add to said group a merchant information processing means that corresponds to said charging means; wherein said service manager information processing means generates and adds to said group the requested merchant information processing means; wherein said service director information processing means generates a message reporting that the connection with said payment means has been established via a communication line, and transmits said message to said merchant information processing means; and wherein said merchant information processing means employs the received message to generate and to transmit to said charging means a message reporting that a connection with said payment means has been established via the communication line.

88. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 81, wherein said payment means, said charging means and said settlement means perform an enveloping processing for data in messages that are to be transmitted to said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means, or said settlement processing house information processing means, which corresponds to said service providing means, so that data in said message are addressed to said person in charge of said service providing means; wherein said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means and said settlement processing house information processing means perform an enveloping processing for messages containing data that are to be transmitted to said payment means, said charging means, or said settlement means, so that data in said messages are addressed to said person in charge of said payment, said charging means, or said settlement means; and wherein said payment means, said charging means and said settlement means, and said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means and said settlement processing house information processing means of said service providing means individually decrypt the encrypted data in the enveloped messages.

89. A personal electronic settlement system according to claim 88, wherein said payment means, said charging means and said settlement means, and said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means and said settlement processing house information processing means of said service providing means provide digital signatures for data in message to be transmitted and envelope said messages containing data; and wherein, upon receipt of said message data, said payment means, said charging means and said settlement means, and said user information processing means, said merchant information processing means and said settlement processing house information means of said service providing means decrypt said encrypted data in said message data that are enveloped, and authenticate said digital signatures.

90. A personal electronic settlement system comprising:

a first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means;

a second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means; and

a management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means,

wherein communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means.

91. A first terminal for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: said first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means; a second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means; and a management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means,

wherein said first terminal serves as said payment means that comprises different systems of wireless communication means that are used for communications conducted between said charging means and said settlement means.

92. A first terminal according to claim 91, for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: said first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means; a second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means; and a management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means,

wherein as wireless communication means for communications between said payment means and said charging means, a type of wireless communication means is selected whose effective communication distance is shorter and whose directivity is higher than are those of said wireless communication means used for communications conducted between said payment means and said settlement means.

93. A first terminal according to claim 91, wherein identification data for a plurality of payment methods are stored in said second storage means of said payment means, and said central processing unit of said payment means adds, to said message data offering a payment and said message data requesting a payment, identification data for a payment method that is selected by said input means of said payment means.

94. A first terminal according to claim 91, for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: said first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means; a second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means; and a management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means,

wherein optical communication means is used for wireless communications conducted with said charging means, and radio communication means is used for wireless communications conducted with said charging means.

95. A first terminal according to claim 94, for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: said first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means, a second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means, and a management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means, said first terminal including,

optical communication means and radio communication means;

input means, for entering a money amount to be paid;

a central processing unit, for generating data to be transmitted by said optical communication means and said radio communication means, and for processing data received by said optical communication means and said radio communication means;

first storage means, for storing a control program for controlling operations performed by said central processing unit;

display means, for visually presenting the results obtained by the data processing performed by said central processing unit; and

second storage means, for storing data processed by said central processing unit.

96. A first terminal according to claim 95, wherein said central processing unit of said payment means generates and transmits to said settlement means message data requesting the performance of a money transaction for an amount that corresponds to a value input by said input means of said payment means, processes and outputs to said display means message data received from said settlement means indicating the completion of a payment, and stores the processed data in said second storage means of said payment means.

97. A first terminal according to claim 95, wherein said central processing unit of said payment means generates and transmits to said charging means message data offering a money payment that corresponds to an amount input by said input means of said payment means.

98. A first terminal according to claim 95, wherein said central processing unit of said payment means adds, to message data offering a payment to said charging means, identification data for identifying said message data, and, to message data that is to be transmitted to said settlement means requesting a payment processing, identification data for message data offering a payment, identification data for said payment means, and identification data for message data requesting a payment.

99. A second terminal for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: a first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means; said second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means; and a management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means,

wherein said second terminal serves as said charging means that comprises different systems of communication means that are used for communications conducted between said payment means and said settlement means.

100. A second terminal according to claim 99, for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: a first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means; said second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means; and a management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means,

wherein as wireless communication means for communications between said payment means and said charging means, a type of wireless communication means is selected whose effective communication distance is shorter and whose directivity is higher than are those of said wireless communication means used for communications conducted between said payment means and said settlement means.

101. A second terminal according to claim 99, for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: a first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means; said second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means; and a management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means,

wherein optical communication means is used for wireless communications conducted with said payment means.

102. A management device for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: a first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means; a second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means; and said management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means,

wherein said management device serves as said settlement means that comprises different systems of communication means that are used for communications conducted between said payment means and said charging means.

103. A second terminal for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: a first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means, said second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means, and a management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means, said second terminal including,

optical communication means, for communicating with said payment means;

communication means, for communicating with said settlement means;

input means, for entering a money amount to be paid;

a central processing unit, for generating data to be transmitted by said optical communication means and said communication means, and for processing data received by said optical communication means and said communication means;

first storage means, for storing a control program for controlling all operations performed by said central processing unit;

display means for visually presenting results obtained by the data processing performed by said central processing unit; and

second storage means, for storing data processed by said central processing unit.

104. A second terminal according to claim 103, wherein said central processing unit of said charging means generates and transmits to said payment means message data requesting a money payment that corresponds to an amount input by said input means of said charging means, generates and transmits to said settlement means message data requesting a transaction by employing said message data received from said payment means to offering payment and said message data requesting payment, processes message data that is received from said settlement means that indicates the completion of said transaction, and outputs the resultant data to said display means of said charging means while also storing said resultant data in said second storage means of said charging means.

105. A second terminal according to claim 103, wherein said central processing unit of said charging means generates and transmits to said payment means message data requesting a payment; said central processing unit of said payment means generates and transmits to said settlement means message data requesting a transaction by employing said message data offering a payment and said message data received from said charging means requesting a payment; and said settlement means performs a settlement by comparing said message data received from said charging means requesting a settlement with said message data received from said payment means requesting a payment, generates and transmits to said charging means message data indicating that a settlement has been completed, and generates and transmits to said payment means message data indicating that a payment has been completed.

106. A second terminal according to claim 103, wherein said central processing unit of said charging means adds, to message data requesting a payment, identification data for identifying said message data, and, to message data that is to be transmitted to said settlement means requesting a transaction, identification data for message data requesting a payment, identification data for said charging means and identification data for message data offering a payment.

107. A management device for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: a first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means, a second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means, and said management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means, said settlement means including,

first storage means, for storing data concerning said payment means;

second storage means, for storing data concerning said charging means; and

a computer system, for processing data for a transaction.

108. A management device according to claim 107, wherein said settlement means compares said identification data for said message data offering a payment with said identification data for said message data requesting a payment, which are included in said message data requesting a payment and in said message data requesting a transaction.

109. A management device for a personal electronic settlement system, which comprises: a first terminal as payment means including at least two systems of communication means, a second terminal as charging means including at least two systems of communication means, and said management device as settlement means including at least two systems of communication means, so that communication of said payment means, said charging means or said settlement means with the other two means is performed by employing different systems of communication means, said management device including,

means for generating for said person in charge of said charging means valid identification data for said owner of said payment means; and

means for adding said identification data to said message data indicating said transaction has been completed, and for transmitting said message data to said charging means.

110. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using payment means of a personal electronic settlement system to generate and transmit, to settlement means of said personal electronic settlement system, message data requesting the performance of a money transaction for an amount that corresponds to a value input by input means of said payment means;

using said payment means to process and output, to display means of said payment means, message data received from said settlement means indicating the completion of a payment; and

using said payment means to store the processed data in storage means of said payment means.

111. The computer-usable medium of claim 110, said method further comprising:

using, said payment means to generate and transmit, to charging means of said personal electronic settlement system, message data offering a money payment that corresponds to an amount input by said input means of said payment means.

112. The computer-usable medium of claim 110, said method further comprising:

using said payment means to add, to message data offering a payment to charging means of said personal electronic settlement system, identification data for identifying said message data;

using said payment means to add, to message data that is to be transmitted to said settlement means requesting a payment, identification data for message data offering a payment, identification data for said payment means, and identification data for message data requesting a payment;

using said charging means to add, to message data requesting a payment from said payment means, identification data for identifying said message data;

using said charging means to add, to message data that is to be transmitted to said settlement means requesting a transaction, identification data for message data requesting a payment, identification data for said charging means and identification data for message data offering a payment; and

using said settlement means to compare said identification data for said message data offering a payment, which are included in said message data requesting a payment and in said message data requesting a transaction, with said identification data for said message data requesting a payment.

113. The computer-usable medium of claim 110, said method further comprising:

storing identification data for a plurality of payment methods in said storage means of said payment means; and

using said payment means to add, to message data offering a payment and message data requesting a payment, identification data for a payment method that is selected by said input means of said payment means.

114. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using charging means of a personal electronic settlement to generate and transmit, to payment means of said personal electronic settlement system, message data requesting a money payment that corresponds to an amount input by input means of said charging means;

using said charging means to generate and transmit, to settlement means of said personal electronic settlement system, message data requesting a transaction by employing message data received from said payment means offering payment and said message data requesting payment;

using said charging means to process message data that is received from said settlement means that indicates the completion of said transaction;

using said charging means to output resultant data to display means of said charging means; and

using said charging means to store said resultant data in storage means of said charging means.

115. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using charging means of a personal electronic settlement system to generate and transmit, to payment means of said personal electronic settlement system, message data requesting a payment;

using said payment means to generate and transmit, to settlement means of said personal electronic settlement system, message data from said payment means requesting a payment processing by employing message data offering a payment and message data received from said charging means requesting a payment;

using said settlement means to perform a settlement by comparing message data received from said charging means requesting a settlement processing with said message data received from said payment means requesting a payment processing;

using said settlement means to generate and transmit to said charging means message data indicating that a settlement has been completed; and

using said settlement means to generate and transmit to said payment means message data indicating that a payment has been completed.

116. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using settlement means of a personal electronic settlement system to generate, for a person in charge of charging means in said personal electronic settlement system, valid identification data for an owner of payment means in said personal electronic settlement system;

using said settlement means to add said identification data to message data indicating that a transaction has been completed; and

using said settlement means to transmit said message data to said charging means.

117. The computer-usable medium of claim 116, said method further comprising:

using said payment means to employ said data that are received from said settlement means and that indicate a payment has been completed and generate and transmit to said settlement means a message requesting a connection for communicating with said charging means;

using said settlement means to generate and transmit to said charging means a message including said identification data for said owner of said payment means, which was contained in said message indicating a transaction had been completed, notifying said charging means a connection will be established with said payment means along a communication line; and

using said settlement means to connect said payment means to said charging means;

wherein upon receiving said message indicating a transaction had been completed, said charging means displays on display means of said charging means said identification data for said owner of said payment means and the state of the connection with said payment means.

118. The computer-usable medium of claim 116, said method further comprising:

using said charging means to employ identification data for said owner of said payment means, said identification data being included in said message that is received from said settlement means and which indicate a transaction has been completed, to generate and transmit to said settlement means a message requesting a connection for communicating with said payment means;

using said settlement means to generate and transmit to said payment means identified by said identification data a message that a connection will be established for communication between said payment means and said charging means; and

using said settlement means to establish said connection across a communication line;

wherein, upon receiving said message from said settlement means, said payment means displays on display means of said payment means said identification data for an owner of said charging means, and a notification that a connection has been established with said charging means across said communication line.

119. The computer-usable medium of claim 118, said method further comprising:

using said settlement means to refer to access control data that are established by said owner of said payment means and are stored in first storage means of said settlement means, before connecting said payment means to said charging means across said communication line;

wherein when an access by said charging means is inhibited, said settlement means does not connect said charging means to said payment means.

120. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using payment means of a personal electronic settlement system to process and store data, either in storage means of said payment means, or in storage means of settlement means of said personal electronic settlement system, in which data concerning said payment means are stored; and wherein said data are managed by entering identification data in said data in said storage means of said payment means, and an address in the pertinent storage means, in which said data are stored; and

processing address data in said storage means of said settlement means by using said payment means to generate and transmit to said settlement means a message requesting address data;

wherein, upon receipt of said message, said settlement means generates and transmits to said payment means a message in which are included the address data that are requested; and

wherein said payment means extracts said requested data from said message received from said settlement means.

121. The computer-usable medium of claim 120, said method further comprising:

upon receiving from said payment means said message containing data in which are included data stored in said storage means thereof, using said settlement means, or service providing means of said personal electronic settlement system, to generate and transmit to said payment means a message containing data that include updated data, for said storage means of said payment means, and a new control program for a central processing unit of said payment means; and

upon receiving said data contained in said message, using said central processing unit of said payment means to store, in said storage means thereof, said new control program for said central processing unit of said payment means, and thereafter execute said control program.

122. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

storing data processed by charging means of a personal electronic settlement system are stored either in storage means of said charging means, or in storage means of settlement means of said personal electronic settlement system, in which data concerning said charging means are stored;

managing said data by entering, in said storage means of said charging means, identification data for said data and an address in the pertinent storage means, in which said data are stored; and

processing address data in said storage means of said settlement means by using said charging means to generate and transmit to said settlement means a message requesting said address data;

wherein, upon receiving said message, said settlement means generates and transmits to said charging means a message in which are included said requested data; and

wherein said charging means extracts said requested data from said message received from said settlement means.

123. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using payment means in a personal electronic settlement system to employ a message to transmit data indicating that a payment has been completed to generate and transmit, to settlement means in said personal electronic settlement system, a message requesting a payment processing be canceled;

using charging means in said personal electronic settlement system to employ message data indicating completion of a settlement to generate and transmit, to said settlement means, a message requesting the settlement processing be canceled; and

using said settlement means to perform a cancellation of settlement processing by comparing said message data received from said payment means with said message data from said charging means, transmit to said payment means a message indicating the cancellation of the payment is completed, and also transmit to said charging means message data indicating cancellation of the transaction is completed.

124. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using service providing means in a personal electronic settlement system to compare data in a message transmitted by charging means in said personal electronic settlement system requesting a settlement processing, with data in a message transmitted by payment means in said personal electronic settlement system requesting a payment process;

using said service providing means to generate and transmit a message containing data requesting a settlement processing;

using said settlement means that performs said settlement processing to generate and transmit to said service providing means a message containing data reporting that said settlement processing has been completed; and

using said service providing means to employ said data in said message reporting the completion of the transaction to generate data for a message reporting that the transaction has been completed and data for a message reporting that payment has been completed; and

using said service providing means to transmit said data in said messages to said charging means and said payment means respectively.

125. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using service providing means in a personal electronic settlement system to store data in messages that are transmitted to charging means in said personal electronic settlement system to report that transactions have been completed; and

using said service providing means to store data in messages that are transmitted to payment means in said personal electronic settlement system to report that payments have been completed.

126. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using service providing means in a personal electronic settlement system to employ the result of a comparison of data in a message requesting a settlement processing with data in a message requesting a payment process to select one of a plurality of settlement means to transmit a message containing the data requesting a settlement processing.

127. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

using payment means in a personal electronic settlement system to insert valid time period information into data for a message that offers payment and into data for a message that requests payment processing;

using charging means in said personal electronic settlement system to insert valid time period information into data for a message that requests a payment processing and into data for a message that requests a settlement processing; and

using settlement means of said personal electronic settlement system, or service providing means of said personal electronic settlement system, to examine said valid time period information when comparing said data for said message requesting a payment processing with said data for a message requesting a settlement processing.

128. A computer-usable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said instructions when executed implementing a method comprising:

before generating data for a message requesting a settlement processing, using charging means of a personal electronic settlement system to generate and transmit, to service providing means of said personal electronic settlement system, a message containing data requesting an inquiry processing be performed for an owner of said payment means;

using said service providing means to compare said data in said message requesting a payment processing with said data in said message requesting an inquiry processing, and employ information concerning said owner of said payment means, which is stored in first storage means of said service providing means, to generate and transmit to said charging means a message containing data conveying the results of an inquiry processing performed for said owner; and

using said charging means to process data in said message and transmit the resultant data to display means of said charging means.

129. The computer-usable medium of claim 128, said method further comprising:

including photo and age information for said owner of said payment means in said data, concerning said owner of said payment means, that are stored in said first storage means of said service providing means;

using said service providing means to add said photo and said age information for said owner of said payment means to data supplied in said message that conveys the results of the inquiry processing performed for said owner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic settling or settlement system that provides a settling function for retail sales transactions involving the use of credit cards (bank cards), and a terminal and a control apparatus or management device therefor. In particular, the present invention pertains to an electronic settlement, transaction or clearing system that provides ensured protection for sales transactions, while further ensuring the uncomplicated execution of such settlement or transactions.

BACKGROUND ART

As the employment of bank cards, such as credit cards, has spread, retail sales transactions involving the use of credit cards have become quite common. Concurrently, however, in consonance with the growing popularity of credit card use, there has been a corresponding increase in such criminal activities as the counterfeiting of credit cards, the theft and the illegal use of credit cards by unauthorized persons, and the illegal assessment of charges by shops, so that a need exists for means by which to improve the safety of transactions handled by settlement systems. Recently, as a countermeasure to prevent credit card forgery, an IC credit card has been introduced.

A description will now be given of a settlement system for which conventional credit cards, to include IC credit cards, are used.

As is disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. Hei 3-32100, for transactions involving the use of bank cards, such as credit cards, many settlement systems have been proposed and are now employed that permit the exchange of authorization and credit clearance data by terminals at shops and at control centers.

In FIG. 42 is shown the general structure of such a conventional settlement system.

In FIG. 42, a credit settlement terminal 4201 is installed at a shop for the performance of various credit transactions. The credit settlement terminal 4201 is connected to a remote settlement system 4202 via a telephone line 4204, a public network 4203, and a communication line 4205. The credit settlement terminal 4201 includes a card reader for reading information stored on a credit card 4200, a modem for connecting to the public network 4203, and a printer for printing a statement of accounts.

The settlement system 4202 is an information processing system for handling credit settlements or transactions, and for managing manage consumer credit information and account information under the terms of credit service contracts entered into by consumers.

On credit cards bearing the signatures of card holders, ID information is electronically recorded that corresponds to raised impressions of the names of the card holders and their assigned account numbers. The credit cards 4200 that are currently being used in this manner are magnetic credit cards and IC credit cards, the differences between them being that they require different external interfaces and that card readers used for reading their internally stored data must be those that correspond to the specific cards that are employed. Incidentally, in addition to the aforementioned ID data, on some types of credit cards various other personal data items can be stored.

The thus structured settlement system performs credit transactions using the following process.

First, when requesting the initiation of a credit transaction, a consumer hands a credit card 4200 to a shop clerk. The shop clerk then uses the card reader of the credit settlement terminal 4201 to read the credit card 4200, and proceeds to process the credit transaction.

When the card reader has read the ID data from the credit card 4200, the credit settlement terminal 4201 transmits to the settlement system 4202, via a modem connected to a data communication network, a message that includes the ID data, and a request for credit inquiry or reference data and for the initiation of a credit settlement or transaction. Thereafter, the settlement system 4202 employs the ID data, and price data, which is also included in the message, to perform an inquiry processing and other procedures required for the credit transaction, and then transmits a transaction completion message to the credit settlement terminal 4201. Upon receiving this message, the credit settlement terminal 4201 uses the printer to prepare a statement of account.

Finally, the shop clerk asks the consumer to sign the statement of account and confirms the consumer's signature by comparing it with the signature on the credit card 4200, and completes the credit transaction by returning the credit card 4200 to the customer with a copy of the statement of account.

When such a conventional settlement system is employed, however, since the credit card 4200 is physically transferred to the shop clerk and possession of the credit card 4200 number is thus acquired by the shop, the possibility exists that the number could be illegally used by the shop.

In addition, since according to the conventional credit system the shop is the dominant party in the credit process, in the course of a credit transaction the shop could cheat the consumer by charging a higher than actual price.

Furthermore, since according to the conventional settlement system a credit card 4200 is loaded directly into a credit settlement terminal that is installed in a shop and is thus susceptible to tampering by the shop, the shop could alter data recorded on the card, or illegally read personal data, other than ID data, stored on the card.

And then, with the conventional settlement system, a consumer is inconvenienced by having to carry a large number of credit cards, one for each credit service for which a contract has been entered into with a credit company.

Moreover, since with the conventional settlement system a physical card, i.e., a credit card, must be used as an authentication means, if a consumer desires to cancel a transaction for which the credit card was used, he or she must return to the location at which that transaction was concluded.

Also, with a conventional settlement system an account statement must be printed out on paper, and the time required for the printing constitutes an interruption that detracts from the efficiency with which the system handles a sale. Further, since a credit settlement terminal must be equipped with a printer, this adversely affects efforts to reduce the size and the cost of a credit settlement terminal.

In addition, since according to a conventional settlement system the signature of a consumer is required on an account statement, the time required for a clerk to request that a consumer sign a statement and for the consumer to actually sign it occupies the major portion of the credit transaction time, and further detracts from the efficiency of such a sale.

To resolve the above problems encountered with a conventional settlement system, one objective of the present invention is to provide settlement means for which superior safety and convenience are ensured.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, therefore, provided is a personal electronic settlement system that comprises: payment means including a plurality of systems of communication means; charging means including a plurality of systems of communication means; and settlement means including a plurality of systems of communication means (or service providing means including a plurality of systems of communication means, and settlement means connected by a communication line to the service providing means). The payment means, the charging means, and the settlement means (or the service providing means and the settlement means) communicate with each other using different systems of communication means.

Since the payment means and the settlement means (or the service providing means) exchange transaction data by communicating with each other, it is possible to prevent the assessment of an illegal charge by the charging means, and to also prevent the leakage of individual data from the payment means, or personal data for the owner of the payment means, to a person in charge of the charging means. In addition, since necessary data are exchanged by communication between the payment means and the charging means, the efficiency of the sale can be improved.

The invention according to claims 1 and 95 comprises:

payment means including a plurality of systems of communication means;

charging means including a plurality of systems of communication means; and

settlement means including a plurality of systems of communication means,

wherein communication among the payment means, the charging means and the settlement means is performed by employing different systems of communication means. Since transaction data are exchanged by communications conducted between the payment means and the settlement means, an illegal charge assessment by the charging means can be prevented, and since identification data for payment data, money to be paid, transaction identification data, and signatures (digital signatures) are exchanged, the efficiency of the sales process can be enhanced.

In the invention according to claims 2 and 96 to 98, the payment means comprises different systems of wireless communication means that are used for communications conducted between the charging means and the settlement means. Therefore, its employment in a mobile environment is more convenient.

In the invention according to claims 3, 99 and 100, as wireless communication means for communications between the payment means and the charging means, a type of wireless communication means is selected whose effective communication distance is shorter and whose directivity is higher than are those of the radio communication means used for communications conducted between the payment means and the settlement means. Since the distance between the payment means and the charging means is at most 1 to 2 meters, the selection of such a wireless communication means can provide a system having a form that is appropriate for the environment in which it is employed.

In the invention according to claims 4, 101 and 102, the payment means includes optical communication means to be used for wireless communications conducted with the charging means, and radio communication means to be used for wireless communications conducted with the charging means. The optical communication means, such as infrared ray radiation, is employed for short distance communications conducted between the payment means and the charging means, and the radio communication means is employed for long distance communications conducted between the payment means and the settlement means, so that a system can be provided that has a form that is appropriate for the environment in which it is employed.

In the invention according to claims 5 and 103, the payment means includes:

optical communication means and radio communication means;

input means, for entering a money amount to be paid;

a central processing unit, for generating data to be transmitted by the optical communication means and the radio communication means, and for processing data received by the optical communication means and the radio communication means;

first storage means, for storing a control program for controlling operations performed by the central processing unit;

display means, for visually presenting the results obtained by the data processing performed by the central processing unit; and

second storage means, for storing data processed by the central processing unit. As a result, the operation of the payment means can be performed by the owner of the payment means, and data stored in the payment means can be displayed for the owner, so that the employment of the payment means is more convenient.

In the invention according to claims 6 and 104, the charging means includes:

optical communication means, for communicating with the payment means;

radio communication means, for communicating with the settlement means;

input means, for entering a money amount to be paid;

a central processing unit, for generating data to be transmitted by the optical communication means and the radio communication means, and for processing data received by the optical communication means and the radio communication means;

first storage means, for storing a control program for controlling all operations performed by the central processing unit;

display means for visually presenting results obtained by the data processing performed by the central processing unit; and

second storage means, for storing data processed by the central processing unit. As a result, the operation of the charging means can be performed by the person in charge, and data stored in the charging means can be displayed for to the person in charge, so that the employment of the charging means is more convenient.

In the invention according to claims 7 and 105, the settlement means includes:

first storage means, for storing data concerning the payment means;

second storage means, for storing data concerning the charging means; and

a computer system, for processing data for a transaction. The performance of the settlement processing is based on data received from the payment means and the charging means.

In the invention according to claims 8 and 106, the central processing unit of the payment means generates and transmits to the settlement means message data requesting the performance of a money transaction for an amount that corresponds to a value input by the input means of the payment means, processes and outputs to the display means message data received from the settlement means indicating the completion of a payment, and stores the processed data in the second storage means of the payment means. The owner of the payment means can send a transaction request directly to the settlement means while designating an money amount to be paid so that the assessment of an illegal charge by the charging means can be prevented, and so that the owner of the payment means can manage the history of his or her payments (transaction data).

In the invention according to claims 9 and 107, the central processing unit of the payment means generates and transmits to the charging means message data offering a money payment that corresponds to an amount input by the input means of the payment means. For the transaction, the owner of the payment means can designate an amount to be paid directly to the charging means and notify the settlement means, so that the assessment of an illegal charge by the charging means can be prevented.

In the invention according to claims 10 and 108, the central processing unit of the charging means generates and transmits to the payment means message data requesting a money payment that corresponds to an amount input by the input means of the charging means, generates and transmits to the settlement means message data requesting a transaction by employing the message data received from the payment means to offering payment and the message data requesting payment, processes message data that is received from the settlement means that indicates the completion of the transaction, and outputs the resultant data to the display means of the charging means while also storing the resultant data in the second storage means of the charging means. Since the message requesting a transaction can not be transmitted to the settlement means by only the charging means, an illegal charge instituted by the charging means can be prevented, and the owner of the payment means can manage the history of the transactions (transaction data).

In the invention according to claims 11 and 109, the central processing unit of the charging means generates and transmits to the payment means message data requesting a payment; the central processing unit of the payment means generates and transmits to the settlement means message data requesting a transaction by employing the message data offering a payment and the message data received from the charging means requesting a payment; and the settlement means performs a settlement by comparing the message data received from the charging means requesting a payment with the message data received from the payment means requesting a transaction, generates and transmits to the charging means message data indicating that a payment has been completed, and generates and transmits to the payment means message data indicating that a transaction has been completed. The illegal assessment of a charge by the charging means and the submission of a false payment statement by the payment means can be prevented.

In the invention according to claims 12 and 110 to 112, the central processing unit of the payment means adds, to message data offering a payment to the charging means, identification data for identifying the message data, and, to message data that is to be transmitted to the settlement means requesting a payment, identification data for message data offering a payment, identification data for the payment means, and identification data for message data requesting a payment; the central processing unit of the charging means adds, to message data requesting a payment from the payment means, identification data for identifying the message data, and, to message data that is to be transmitted to the settlement means requesting a transaction, identification data for message data requesting a payment, identification data for the charging means and identification data for message data offering a payment; and the settlement means compares the identification data for the message data offering a payment, which are included in the message data requesting a payment and in the message data requesting a transaction, with the identification data for the message data requesting a payment. The transaction can be performed without informing the charging means of either the identification data for the payment means or the public identification data for the owner of the payment means, and the leaking of identification data, which correspond to a credit card number, can be prevented.

In the invention according to claims 13 and 113, identification data for a plurality of payment methods are stored in the second storage means of the payment means, and the central processing unit of the payment means adds, to the message data offering a payment and the message data requesting a payment, identification data for a payment method that is selected by the input means of the payment means. Since a single payment means can be employed to select an appropriate payment method from among a number of payment methods, the owner of the payment means need not carry multiple credit cards, and the convenience of use for the owner is enhanced.

In the invention according to claims 14 and 114, the settlement means generates for the person in charge of the charging means valid identification data for the owner of the payment means, adds the identification data to the message data indicating the transaction has been completed, and transmits the message data to the charging means. Not all the identification data for the payment means and the public identification data for the owner are transmitted to the charging means; the only identification data for the owner of the payment means that are transmitted are those that are generated by the settlement means while taking into consideration their usefulness for the processing that is to be performed later by the charging means.

In the invention according to claim 15, the payment means includes battery capacity detection means for detecting the capacity of a battery used by the payment means. When the battery capacity is equal to or less than Q (Q>0), the central processing unit of the payment means transmits to the settlement means data stored in the second storage means of the payment means wherein data processed by the central processing unit are stored, and the settlement means stores the received data in the first storage means of the settlement means wherein data concerning the payment means are stored. Therefore, the loss of data stored in the payment means due to a lack of battery power can be prevented.

In the invention according to claim 16, data processed by the central processing unit of the payment means are stored either in the second storage means of the payment means, or in the first storage means of the settlement means, wherein data concerning the payment means are stored. The data are managed by entering identification data in the data in the second storage means of the payment means, and an address in the pertinent storage means, wherein the data are stored. To process address data in the first storage means of the settlement means, the central processing unit of the payment means generates and transmits to the settlement means a message requesting the address data. Upon receipt of the message, the settlement means generates and transmits to the payment means a message in which are included the address data that are requested. Then, the central processing unit in the payment means extracts the requested data from the message received from the settlement means. Even when the second storage means of the payment means has a small capacity, a large quantity of transaction data can be managed, and the size and the cost of the payment means can be reduced.

In the invention according to claim 17, data processed by the central processing unit of the charging means are stored either in the second storage means of the charging means, or in the second storage means of the settlement means, wherein data concerning the charging means are stored. The data are managed by entering, in the second storage means of the charging means, identification data for the data and an address in the pertinent storage means, wherein the data are stored. To process the address data in the second storage means of the settlement means, the central processing unit of the charging means generates and transmits to the settlement means a message requesting the address data. Upon receiving the message, the settlement means generates and transmits to the charging means a message in which are included the requested data. Then, the central processing unit in the charging means extracts the requested data from the message received from the settlement means. Thus, even when the second storage means of the charging means has a small capacity, a large quantity of transaction data can be managed, and the size and the cost of the charging means can be reduced.

In the invention according to claim 18, at a time designated by the settlement means, the central processing unit of the payment means generates and transmits to the settlement means a message in which are included data that are stored in the second storage means of the payment means. Upon receiving the message data, the settlement means generates and transmits to the payment means a message in which are included data for updating the second storage means of the payment means. Then, the central processing unit of the payment means extracts the updating data from the message data received from the settlement means, and updates the data stored in the second storage means of the payment means. Since the data stored in the payment means are automatically updated, the owner of the payment means does not need to perform any maintenance for data stored in the payment means, and the convenience of use afforded by the payment means can be improved. Further, the consistency of data stored in the charging means and the data stored in the settlement means can be maintained, and the reliability of the system enhanced.

In the invention according to claim 19, at a time designated by the settlement means, the c