Abstract:
A communication system for performing an electronic-card settlement, includes: a communication network; an electronic-card terminal system, coupled to the communication network, for reading an electronic card to send an electronic-card settlement request; a bank account management system, coupled to the communication network, for managing a plurality of accounts including a card-member store account and an agent account; and an electronic-card settlement agent system, coupled to the communication network, for transferring an amount of money from the agent account to the card-member store account in response to the electronic-card settlement request, thereby performing the electronic-card settlement.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a communication system and method for performing an electronic-card settlement through an Internet network.  
         DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
         [0002]    As a credit society has been developed, the use of a card increased. There are many cards issued by a department store and a card issue company, a debit card and a credit card issued by a bank, a transportation card for paying a bus fee, a card having both functions of the credit card and the transportation card, etc. When a customer employs the card to pay goods purchase money in a card-member store, a merchant of the card-member store should submit a card transaction receipt to a card transaction bank. Then, the card transaction bank pays the goods purchase money corresponding to the card transaction receipt to the merchant of the card-member store. It takes several days, e.g., a time period of two days to five days, to pay the goods purchase money to the merchant of the card-member store.  
           [0003]    Where the customer pays in cash after purchasing goods through a Web site related to an electronic home shopping, there is a problem that, in order to transfer the cash from a bank account of the customer to that of the electronic home shopping, the customer should visit a customer transaction bank personally, access the Web site of the customer transaction bank through an Internet network, or employ a phone banking service.  
           [0004]    Further, when a merchant computer system of a card-member store performs a communication sale based on a card settlement through the Internet network, a commission of 2.1% to 4.5% on the communication sale is charged to the card-member store. Because of the commission of 2.1% to 4.5% on the communication sale, there is a problem that the card settlement with respect to the communication sale is avoided by the card-member store. Furthermore, since banks and card issue companies are issuing their respective cards so as to increase the number of card members, there is a problem that the ordinary man should carry a wallet having many cards such as credit cards, debit cards, transportation cards and other cards.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a communication system and method capable of performing an electronic-card settlement service, an electronic-card charging service, a reservation service, a small business transaction service and a money transfer/remittance service through an Internet network.  
           [0006]    It is, therefore, another object of the present invention to provide a communication system and method capable of reducing a time period taken to provide a card-member store with a settlement amount of money by performing an electronic-card settlement through an Internet network.  
           [0007]    In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system for performing an electronic-card settlement, comprising: a communication network; an electronic-card terminal means, coupled to said communication network, for reading an electronic card to send an electronic-card settlement request; a bank account management means, coupled to said communication network, for managing a plurality of accounts including a card-member store account and an agent account; and an electronic-card settlement agent means, coupled to said communication network, for transferring an amount of money from the agent account to the card-member store account in response to the electronic-card settlement request, thereby performing the electronic-card settlement.  
           [0008]    In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method for performing an electronic-card settlement, comprising the steps of: (a) reading an electronic card to send an electronic-card settlement request to an electronic-card settlement agent system through a communication network; (b) authenticating the validity of the electronic card; (c) deducting an amount of money from the electronic card; and (d) transferring the amount of money from an agent account to a card-member store account in response to the electronic-card settlement request, thereby performing the electronic-card settlement.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    The above and other objects and features of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a communication system for performing an electronic-card settlement in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a first type of an electronic-card terminal system contained in a communication system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a second type of an electronic-card terminal system contained in a communication system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2C is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a third type of an electronic-card terminal system contained in a communication system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2D is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a fourth type of an electronic-card terminal system contained in a communication system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an electronic-card reading/charging device contained in an electronic-card terminal system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method performing for an electronic-card settlement between an electronic-card terminal system and an electronic-card settlement agent system through an Internet network in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing an electronic-card charging service between an electronic-card terminal system and an electronic-card settlement agent system through an Internet network in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6A is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing a reservation service between an electronic-card terminal system and an electronic-card settlement agent system through an Internet network in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6B is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for employing an electronic card storing reservation information between an electronic-card terminal system and an electronic-card settlement agent system through an Internet network in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing a small business transaction service between an electronic-card terminal system and an electronic-card settlement agent system through an Internet network in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing an electronic-card settlement service among an electronic-card terminal system, a service provider system and an electronic-card settlement agent system through an Internet network in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing a money transfer/remittance service among an electronic-card terminal system and an electronic-card settlement agent system through an Internet network in accordance with the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary block diagram illustrating a communication system  100  for performing an electronic-card settlement. As shown, the communication system  100  includes electronic cards  110 , electronic-card terminal systems  120 ,  130  and  140  located at a card-member store or an electronic-card charge place, a communication network  150 , an electronic-card settlement agent system  160 , an bank account management system  170  and a service provider system  180 .  
         [0024]    At first, each of the electronic cards  110  is an integrated card having various card functions, respectively. Each of the electronic-card terminal systems  120 ,  130  and  140 , coupled to the communication network  150 , reads and updates information written to the electronic card  110 . Further, The electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  receives a subscriber-input data from a subscriber. The electronic-card settlement agent system  160  is coupled to the communication network  150  and responsive to an electronic-card settlement request outputted from the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  at the card-member store. The electronic-card settlement agent system  160  pays money to the card-member store instead of the subscriber. The bank account management system  170  manages accounts of the subscriber, the card-member store and an agent corresponding to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 . The service provider system  180  provides an electronic commerce service, a tax payment service and a Web site, related to an electronic home shopping, to the subscriber.  
         [0025]    The electronic-card settlement agent system  160  includes an authentication manager  161 , a settlement manager  162 , a charge manager  163 , a reservation manager  164 , a log file manager  165  and a database manager  166 . The authentication manager  161  authenticates the subscriber and the card-member store. The authentication manager  161  further authenticates the validity of the electronic card  110 . The log file manager  165  manages a log file storing a detailed electronic-card transaction history. The log file can be used when a dispute with respect to the transaction history is caused. The database manager  166  stores and manages authentication information, bank account information and service transaction history information related to the subscriber and the card-member store.  
         [0026]    The bank account management system  170  includes an account manager  171  located at a subscriber transaction bank and an account manager  175  located at a card-member store transaction bank. The account manager  171  located at the subscriber transaction bank manages a subscriber account  172  and an agent account  173 . Similarly, the account manager  175  located at the card-member store transaction bank manages a card-member store account  176  and an agent account  177 .  
         [0027]    The electronic card  110  contains a unique card number representing information necessary to authenticate the validity of the electronic card  110 . The electronic card  110  further contains information related to an amount of money available and information related to a reservation confirmation. The electronic-card terminal systems  120 ,  130  and  140  at the card-member store can be configured in various types according to characteristics of the card-member store.  
         [0028]    Referring to FIG. 2A, there is shown an exemplary block diagram illustrating a first type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  contained in the communication system  100  shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the first type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  can be implemented as an electronic reading/charging device  200  appropriate to the card-member store of a small scale. The electronic-card reading/charging device  200  can read electronic-card information written to the electronic card  110 . The electronic-card reading/charging device  200  can further charge the electronic card  110  with a predetermined amount of money.  
         [0029]    Referring to FIG. 2B, there is shown an exemplary block diagram illustrating a second type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  contained in the communication system  100  shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the second type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  includes the electronic-card reading/charging device  200  and a point-of-sale (POS) system  210  such as a lubrication system or a cash register. The second type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  is appropriate to the card-member store of a medium and small scale.  
         [0030]    Referring to FIG. 2C, there is shown an exemplary block diagram illustrating a third type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  contained in the communication system  100  shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the third type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  includes the electronic-card reading/charging device  200  and a computerization/automatization system  220 . The computerization/automatization system  220  can control a reservation and an entrance and exit in a large-sized public performance place. The third type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  is appropriate to the card-member store over the medium and small scale.  
         [0031]    Referring to FIG. 2D, there is shown an exemplary block diagram illustrating a fourth type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  contained in the communication system  100  shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the fourth type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  includes the electronic-card reading/charging device  200  and a personal computer  230 . The subscriber at the personal computer  230  can employ the electronic commerce service, the tax payment service and the Web site, related to the electronic home shopping, provided by the service provider system  180 . Therefore, the subscriber at the personal computer  230  can employ the communication system  100  for the electronic-card settlement at home.  
         [0032]    Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an exemplary block diagram illustrating an electronic-card reading/charging device  300  contained in the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the electronic-card reading/charging device  300  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  310 , an electronic-card interface  320 , a key input device  330 , a display  340 , a printer  350  and a communication interface  360 . The CPU  310  provides a service menu available in the communication system  100 . The CPU  310  processes electronic-card read information and electronic write information. The CPU  310  controls the electronic-card interface  320 , the display  340 , the printer  350  and the communication interface  360 . The electronic-card interface  320  reads and updates the electronic-card information written to the electronic card  110 . The key input device  330  includes numeral keys and function keys so that the subscriber can input a subscriber-input data. The display  340  displays the electronic-card information. The printer  350  prints a service or electronic-card transaction receipt. The communication interface  360  provides a communication interface with an external system such as the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 , the bank account management system  170  or the service provider system  180 .  
         [0033]    For example, in order to employ the electronic-card settlement service, the electronic-card charging service and the reservation service through the electronic card  110 , the subscriber inserts the electronic card  110  into the electronic-card interface  320 . At this time, the electronic-card interface  320  reads the electronic-card information, such as the card number and information related to the amount of money available. The electronic-card interface  320  sends the electronic-card read information to the CPU  310 . The display  340  coupled to the CPU  310  displays the electronic-card read information so that the subscriber can confirm the electronic-card read information. The display  340  displays a service menu available at the communication system  100 . The subscriber can designate a desired service in the service menu displayed on the display  340  by employing the key input device  330 . The subscriber can input a settlement amount of money and request the electronic-card settlement. This electronic-card settlement request is sent to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  via the communication interface  360 . The electronic-card reading/charging device  300  obtains an electronic-card settlement acknowledgment corresponding to the electronic-card settlement request from the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 . After obtaining the electronic-card settlement acknowledgment from the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 , the CPU  310  deducts the settlement amount of money from the amount of money written to the electronic card  110  via the electronic-card interface  320 . Then, the CPU  310  updates a balance of the electronic card  110  via the electronic-card interface  320 . Then, the printer  350  provides an electronic-card transaction receipt to the subscriber. A communication connection between the electronic-card terminal systems  120 ,  130  and  140  and the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  can be accomplished by a public communication network such as the Internet network, a public telephone network, a satellite communication network and a radio communication network.  
         [0034]    Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing the electronic-card settlement service between the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  and the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  through an Internet network. To perform the electronic-card settlement service, the communication system  100  can employ the first, second or fourth type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140 .  
         [0035]    As shown, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  reads, at step S 410 , the card number and the information related to the amount of money available from the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  displays a service menu to the subscriber so that the subscriber at the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  can designate the desired service from the service menu. The service menu includes the electronic-card settlement service, the money transfer/remittance service, the reservation service and the electronic-card charging service, etc. When the subscriber designates the electronic-card settlement service, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  that the subscriber has designated the electronic-card settlement service. Simultaneously, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  sends the authentication information necessary to authenticate the validity of the electronic card  110 , e.g., the card number, to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 .  
         [0036]    Hereinafter, at step S 411 , the authentication manager  161  contained in the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  determines whether the electronic card  110  is valid. Then, the account manager  171  at the subscriber transaction bank confirms the subscriber account  172  corresponding to the electronic card  110 . Then, the account manager  171  provides a confirmation result to the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140 .  
         [0037]    Hereinafter, if the electronic card  110  is valid, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  receives, at step S 420 , the information related to the settlement amount of money from the subscriber through the key input device  330 . Further, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  receives the electronic-card settlement request from the subscriber. At step S 421 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  determines whether the settlement amount of money is less than or the same as the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 . If the settlement amount of money is not less than or the same as the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 , at step S 422 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  determines whether the subscriber wants a credit-card settlement. If the subscriber wants the credit card settlement, at step S 424 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  makes and outputs a credit-card transaction receipt. Otherwise, if the subscriber does not want the credit card settlement, at step S 423 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  displays a settlement impossibility indication to the subscriber through the display  340 .  
         [0038]    Otherwise, if the settlement amount of money is less than or the same as the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 , at step S 430 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  deducts the settlement amount of money from the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 . The electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  writes the balance to the electronic card  110  after the deduction. The electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  that the settlement amount of money has been deducted from the electronic card  110 .  
         [0039]    Hereinafter, the settlement manager  162  contained in the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  sends, at step S 440 , the settlement amount of money from the agent account  177  of the account manager  175  to the card-member store account  176  of the account manager  175 . At this time, a predetermined commission is deducted from the settlement amount of money. The log file manager  165  contained in the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  makes, at step S 441 , a log file of an electronic-card transaction history containing a subscriber name, a card-member store name, a settlement date, the settlement amount of money, etc. A database contained in the database manager  166  stores the log file of the electronic-card transaction history. The electronic-card settlement agent system  160  informs the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  that the money transfer has been completed. At step S 442 , the printer  350  contained in the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  prints an electronic-card transaction receipt to the subscriber.  
         [0040]    Hereinafter, at step S 450 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  determines whether there is a refund request from the subscriber. If there is not the refund request from the subscriber, the electronic-card settlement is completed. Otherwise, if there is the refund request from the subscriber, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  sends the refund request from the subscriber to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 . At step S 452 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  transfers a refund from the card-member store account  176  of the account manager  175  to the agent account  177  of the account manager  175 . At step S 453 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  transfers the refund from the agent account  173  of the account manager  171  to the subscriber account  172  of the account manager  171 . At step S 454 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  makes the log file related to a refund process. Then, the database contained in the database manager  166  stores the log file related to the refund process. Then, at step S 455 , the printer  350  contained in the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  prints a refund process result to the subscriber.  
         [0041]    Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing the electronic-card charging service between the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  and the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  through the Internet network. As shown, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  reads, at step S 510 , the card number and the information related to the amount of money available from the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  displays the service menu to the subscriber so that the subscriber at the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  can designate the desired service from the service menu. The service menu includes the electronic-card settlement service, the money transfer/remittance service, the reservation service and the electronic-card charging service, etc. When the subscriber designates the electronic-card charging service, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  that the subscriber has designated the electronic-card charging service. Simultaneously, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  sends the authentication information necessary to authenticate the validity of the electronic card  110 , e.g., the card number, to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 .  
         [0042]    Hereinafter, at step S 511 , the authentication manager  161  contained in the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  determines whether the electronic card  110  is valid. Then, the account manager  171  at the subscriber transaction bank confirms the subscriber account  172  corresponding to the electronic card  110 . Then, the account manager  171  provides a confirmation result to the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140 .  
         [0043]    Hereinafter, if the electronic card  110  is valid, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  receives, at step S 520 , information related to a charge amount of money from the subscriber through the key input device  330 . Further, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  receives the electronic-card charge request from the subscriber. Then, at step S 521 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  determines whether the electronic-card charge request can be accepted. Then, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  sends a determination result to the electronic card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140 .  
         [0044]    Hereinafter, at step S 532 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  determines whether the charge amount of money is less than or the same as a balance of the subscriber account  172  of the subscriber transaction bank. If the charge amount of money is not less than or the same as the balance of the subscriber account  172 , at step S 523 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  displays a charge impossibility indication to the subscriber through the display  340 . Otherwise, if the charge amount of money is less than or the same as the balance of the subscriber account  172 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  charges, at step S 530 , the electronic card  110  with the charge amount of money. Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  that the electronic-card charge has been completed.  
         [0045]    Hereinafter, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  transfers, at step S 540 , the charge amount of money from the subscriber account  172  to the agent account  173 . Then, the log file manager  165  makes the log file of an electronic-card charge history containing the subscriber name, the card-member store name, an electronic-card charge date, the charge amount of money, etc. The database contained in the database manager  166  stores the log file of the electronic-card charge history. At step S 541 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  informs the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  that the money transfer has been completed. At step S 542 , the printer  350  contained in the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  prints an electronic-card charge transaction receipt to the subscriber.  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 6A, there is shown an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing the reservation service between the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  and the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  through the Internet network. To perform the reservation service, the communication system  100  can employ the first or fourth type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140 .  
         [0047]    As shown, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  reads, at step S 610 , the card number and the information related to the amount of money available from the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  displays the service menu to the subscriber so that the subscriber at the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  can designate the desired service from the service menu. The service menu includes the electronic-card settlement service, the money transfer/remittance service, the reservation service and the electronic-card charging service, etc. When the subscriber designates the reservation service, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  that the subscriber has designated the reservation service. Simultaneously, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  sends the authentication information necessary to authenticate the validity of the electronic card  110 , e.g. , the card number, to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 .  
         [0048]    Hereinafter, at step S 611 , the authentication manager  161  contained in the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  determines whether the electronic card  110  is valid. If the electronic card  110  is valid, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  requests, at step S 620 , a reservation service menu to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 .  
         [0049]    Hereinafter, the reservation manager  164  contained in the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  provides, at step S 621 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  with the reservation service menu containing service fees. Then, the subscriber designates, at step S 622 , a desired reservation service from the reservation service menu. Then, at step S 623 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  determines whether a service fee corresponding to the desired reservation service is less than or the same as the amount of money available from the electronic card  110 . If the service fee is not less than or the same as the amount of money available from the electronic card  110 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs, at step S 624 , the subscriber that the desired reservation service is not available. Otherwise, if the service fee is less than or the same as the amount of money available, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  deducts the service fee from the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 . After the deduction, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  writes a balance to the electronic card  110 . Then, at step S 630 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  that the service fee has been deducted from the electronic card  110 .  
         [0050]    Hereinafter, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  issues, at step S 640 , a reservation confirmation containing an encrypted password to the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140 , wherein the encrypted password can be decrypted by the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  at a specific card-member store. Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  stores, at step S 641 , the reservation confirmation in the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  that the reservation confirmation has been stored in the electronic card  110 . Then, to prevent a dispute with respect to the transaction contents, the log file manager  165  of the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  makes, at step S 642 , a log file containing a reservation service history such as a subscriber name, a card-member store name, a reservation service date, the service fee, the reservation confirmation, etc. The log file is stored in the database contained in the database manager  166 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  provides, at step S 643 , the electronic-card transaction receipt to the subscriber.  
         [0051]    Referring to FIG. 6B, there is shown an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for employing the electronic card  110  storing reservation information between the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  and the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  through the Internet network. As shown, the electronic-card reading/charging device  200  contained in the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  reads, at step S 650 , the reservation confirmation written to the electronic card  110  to send the reservation confirmation to the computerization/automatization system  220  contained in the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140 . Then, the computerization/automatization system  220  decrypts, at step S 651 , the reservation confirmation so as to determine the validity of the reservation confirmation. Then, the computerization/automatization system  220  stores the reservation confirmation. Then, the computerization/automatization system  220  issues, at step S 652 , an admission ticket to the subscriber.  
         [0052]    Hereinafter, the computerization/automatization system  220  sends, at step S 660 , the reservation confirmation, the card-member store number and the electronic-card settlement request to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 . Then, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  authenticates, at step S 661 , the card-member store. Then, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  transfers the service fee from the agent account  177  to the card-member store account  176 . At this time, a predetermined commission is deducted from the service fee. Then, to prevent a dispute with respect to the transaction contents, the log file manager  165  of the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  makes, at step S 663 , a log file containing a service settlement history. The log file is stored in the database contained in the database manager  166 . Then, at step S 664 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  informs the computerization/automatization system  220  that the service fee has been transferred from the agent account  177  to the card-member store account  176 .  
         [0053]    Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing the small business transaction service between the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  and the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  through the Internet network. For the small business transaction, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  needs the electronic-card reading/charging device  200  and the POS system  210  shown in FIG. 2B. Further, the electronic-card reading/charging device  200  needs a storage device, which can store an accumulated transaction amount of money.  
         [0054]    As shown, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  reads, at step S 710 , the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  deducts, at step S 711 , a current transaction amount of money for the small business transaction from the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic card  110  updates, at step S 712 , a balance of the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  adds the current transaction amount of money to a previous transaction amount of money. Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  stores the sum of the current transaction amount of money and the previous transaction amount of money. Then, at step S 720 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  sends its unique number, the settlement amount of money and the electronic-card settlement request to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 . Then, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  authenticates, at step S 721 , the card-member store. If the card-member store is authenticated, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  commands the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  to reset the accumulated transaction amount of money.  
         [0055]    Hereinafter, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  resets, at step S 730 , the accumulated transaction amount of money. Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  that the accumulated transaction amount of money has been reset. Then, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  transfers, at step S 731 , the current settlement amount of money from the agent account  177  to the card-member store account  176 . At this time, a predetermined commission is deducted from the settlement amount of money. Then, to prevent a dispute with respect to the small business transaction contents, the log file manager  165  of the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  makes, at step S 732 , a log file containing a small business transaction history. The log file is stored in the database contained in the database manager  166 . Then, at step S 733 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  informs the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  that the settlement amount of money has been transferred from the agent account  177  to the card-member store account  176 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the subscriber that the money transfer has been completed, by employing the display  340  or the printer  350 .  
         [0056]    Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing the electronic-card settlement service among the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  at the card-member store, the service provider system  180  and the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  through the Internet network. Preferably, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  includes the electronic-card reading/charging device  200  and the personal computer  230 .  
         [0057]    As shown, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  reads, at step S 810 , a card number from the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  sends, at step S 811 , the card number, information of the settlement amount of money related to a service fee and an electronic-card settlement request to the service provider system  180 . Then, the service provider system  180  sends the card number and the information of the settlement amount of money to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 . Then, the service provider system  180  requests, at step S 812 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  to authenticate the electronic card  110 .  
         [0058]    Hereinafter, the authentication manager  161  of the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  determines, at step S 813 , the validity of the electronic card  110  to authenticate the electronic card  110 . Then, if the electronic card  110  is valid, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  determines whether the amount of money available in the electronic card  110  is less than or the same as the settlement amount of money. If the amount of money available in the electronic card  110  is not less than or the same as the settlement amount of money, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  informs the service provider system  180  that the electronic-card settlement cannot be accomplished. Otherwise, if the amount of money available in the electronic card  110  is less than or the same as the settlement amount of money, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  informs the service provider system  180  that the electronic-card settlement can be accomplished. Then, the service provider system  180  commands, at step S 814 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  to withdraw the settlement amount of money from the electronic card  110 .  
         [0059]    Hereinafter, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  deducts, at step S 820 , the settlement amount of money from the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 . After deduction, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  writes the balance to the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the service provider system  180  that the settlement amount of money as the service fee has been deducted from the electronic card  110 . Then, at step S 821 , the service provider system  180  requests the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  to transfer the service fee from the agent account  177  to the card-member store account  176 .  
         [0060]    Hereinafter, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  transfers, at step S 830 , the service fee from the agent account  177  to the card-member store account  176 . At this time, the predetermined commission is deducted from the service fee. Then, to prevent a dispute with respect to the transaction contents, the log file manager  165  of the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  makes, at step S 831 , a log file containing a service fee settlement history. The log file is stored in the database contained in the database manager  166 . Then, at step S 832 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  informs the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  that the service fee has been transferred from the agent account  177  to the card-member store account  176 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  prints, at step S 833 , the electronic-card transaction receipt by employing the printer  350 .  
         [0061]    Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for performing a money transfer/remittance service among the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  and the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  through the Internet network. To perform the money transfer/remittance service, the communication system  100  includes either the first or fourth type of the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140 .  
         [0062]    As shown, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  reads, at step S 910 , the card number and the information related to the amount of money available from the electronic card  110 . Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  displays the service menu to the subscriber so that the subscriber at the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  can designate one service from the service menu. The service menu includes the electronic-card settlement service, the money transfer/remittance service, the reservation service and the electronic-card charging service, etc. When the subscriber designates the money transfer/remittance service, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  that the subscriber has designated the money transfer/remittance service. Simultaneously, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  sends the information, necessary to authenticate the validity of the electronic card  110 , e.g., the card number, to the electronic-card settlement agent system  160 . Then, at step S 911 , the authentication manager  161  contained in the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  determines whether the electronic card  110  is valid.  
         [0063]    Hereinafter, if the electronic card  110  is valid, the subscriber inputs information related to a transfer/remittance amount of money, a money source and a money receiving account through the key input device  330 . Then, at step S 921 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  determines whether the money source is the electronic card  110  or the subscriber account  172 . If the money source is the electronic card  110 , at step S 922 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  determines whether the sum of the transfer/remittance amount of money and a predetermined commission is less than or the same as the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 . If the sum of the transfer/remittance amount of money and the predetermined commission is not less than or the same as the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 , at step S 923 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  displays a service impossibility indication to the subscriber through the display  340 . Otherwise, if the sum of the transfer/remittance amount of money and the predetermined commission is less than or the same as the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 , at step S 930 , the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  deducts the transfer/remittance amount of money and the predetermined commission from the amount of money written to the electronic card  110 . Then, at step S 931 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  transfers the transfer/remittance amount of money from the agent account  177  to a money receiving account, e.g., the card-member store account  176  or another subscriber account.  
         [0064]    Hereinafter, to prevent a dispute with respect to the money transfer/remittance transaction contents, the log file manager  165  of the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  makes, at step S 940 , a log file containing a money transfer/remittance transaction history such as the subscriber name, the subscriber account, the money receiving account, the transaction date and the transfer/remittance amount of money. The log file is stored in the database contained in the database manager  166 . Then, the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  informs the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  that the money transfer has been completed. Then, the electronic-card terminal system  120 ,  130  or  140  informs, at step S 941 , the subscriber that the money transfer has been completed, by employing the display  340  or the printer  350 .  
         [0065]    Otherwise, if the money source is the subscriber account  172 , at step S 950 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  determines whether the money transfer/remittance service can be accepted. Then, at step S 951 , the electronic-card settlement agent system  160  transfers the predetermined commission from the subscriber account  172  to the agent account  173 . Further, the electronic-card settlement agent  160  transfers the transfer/remittance amount of money from the subscriber account  172  to the money receiving account. Then, the steps S 940  and S 941  are repeated.  
         [0066]    As described above, the communication system and method in accordance with the present invention can reduce a time period taken to provide the card-member store with the settlement amount of money by performing the electronic-card settlement through the Internet network and the electronic-card settlement agent system.  
         [0067]    Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.