October 30, 2017

GMO Internet Launches Pay@Table For Autonomous At-The-Table Bill Payment, The 6th Phase Of The GMO Blockchain Open Source Software Project

  • GMO Internet, Inc.

 Tokyo, Japan - October 30, 2017 - GMO Internet (https://www.gmo.jp/en/ ), as part of the GMO Blockchain Open Source Software Project (GMO Blockchain OSS), releases programs using blockchain technology(*1) as open source (freely available and modifiable). For the sixth phase, GMO Internet has released today open source Pay@Table.

 Open source Pay@Table is a program to achieve table payments without the assistance of shop staff when paying at restaurants. If implemented, the user (e.g. a customer at a restaurant) can read the QR code displayed on the slip with a smartphone or the like and only pay the displayed amount (token quantity). The shop side can also confirm the payment by reading the QR code as the customer (user) leaves, leading to lower operating costs and a frictionless user experience.

 GMO Blockchain OSS, in collaboration with GMO MAKESHOP, is currently utilizing open source Pay@Table and Region Token(*2) to develop the digital regional currency/omni-channel platform, which enables payment with local currency (token) at physical or online shops.

(*1) Blockchain technology records and holds data distributed on multiple computers, and makes data fraud extremely unlikely.
(*2) “GMO Internet Launches Region Token That Issues and Operates Regional Points, The 3rd Phase of GMO Blockchain Open Source Software Project” published on August 31, 2017 (https://www.gmo.jp/en/news/article/?id=749 ).



【What can be achieved with Pay@Table】

 Pay@Table is a program that can complete the processing of payments from users on the blockchain using a QR code containing the store ID, slip ID and usage fee information.
 For example, in the case of a user who visits a restaurant, payment can be made by reading the QR code displayed on the payment slip placed on the table, so the bill can be settled at any time on demand without the assistance of shop staff. The store side can receive the payment slip from the user as he/she leaves and read the QR code to check the payment status on the blockchain, eliminating the need to shuttle between the table and checkout at the time of payment, reducing operation costs.
 Also, since payment records are recorded on the blockchain, it is possible to verify payment by the user and receipt of payment by the store without the need for a third-party organization.
 Although the program has a strong affinity with eating and drinking establishments as described above, it can also be used to pay fees to other types of shops and web services.

<Payment flow when using Pay@Table at a store(*3)>

Store (eating and drinking establishment, etc.) registers on the blockchain, and sets the tokens to be handled and the exchange rate with the legal currency.
The user installs the application supporting Pay@Table and deposits the payment token on the blockchain.
③ When receiving the order, the store generates the QR code, which includes the store ID, slip ID, and usage amount (token quantity) information, and displays it on the payment slip to show it to the user.
The user reads the QR code displayed on the payment slip on the table and confirms the slip ID and payment amount.
⑤ If the payment amount is correct, the user permits payment with the token. As a result, the processing of payment to the store is automatically performed with the tokens deposited on the blockchain.
⑥ When the user exits from the store, the store receives the payment slip, and reads the displayed QR code, which includes the store ID and slip ID.
The store confirms on the blockchain that the payment from the user is completed based on store ID and slip ID.

(*3) The above is an example of operation when Pay@Table is applied to existing food service industry. It is necessary to prepare applications for users and install terminal readers in stores, etc. with reference to the source of the demonstration applications in order to provide the above functions as a service.

【Features of Pay@Table】

1) All tokens conforming to token standard specification ERC20 can be handled
 Pay@Table complies with the token standard specification ERC20 advocated by Ethereum(*4). Therefore, if a token is based on ERC20, all stores can handle it. A user can use the token for payment if it is handled by the shop.
 Since the existing Region Token program of GMO Blockchain OSS also conforms to ERC20, tokens issued in Region Token can also be used for payment using Pay@Table.
(*4) Ethereum is a blockchain platform, which has features such as realizing smart contracts (contracts) and building distributed applications.

2) Handling additional orders/refunds etc.
 Pay@Table also implements contracts for additional payment processing and refund processing.
 For example, when an additional order is made at a restaurant, it is possible to create and display a new QR code based on the new amount charged (token quantity). If a payment has already been made before the additional order, a user may pay through the newly generated QR code, and payment processing for the shortfall will be done automatically. Since it is unnecessary to check whether the shop has already been accredited and calculate the amount of the difference, operating cost can be reduced.
 Also, in the case where there is a request for refund of the fee from the user, since all payment from the user (address) has been recorded on the blockchain, the store can refund the accurate amount to the user (address), and the processing of the refund can be done easily.

3) Easy to introduce
 Since Pay@Table is a program that operates autonomously in a blockchain, store and token registration can be done freely, facilitating easy introduction of the system.
In addition, by preparing a mechanism that displays the QR code on the payment slip etc., and a QR code reading terminal for user's payment confirmation, Pay@Table can be easily operated at the store.

4) It is unnecessary for the users to hold cryptocurrency (Ether)
 In the blockchain, payment of expenses by cryptocurrency (Ether) is required every time some processing (recording) is done on the blockchain. However, it is not yet common for users and merchants to own and manage cryptocurrencies.
 Since the service provider can prepay the cost of recording on the blockchain collectively in Japanese yen, Pay@Table is available for users and shops without having to pay each time in cryptocurrency.

【Toward Practical Application】

■Developed by GMO MAKESHOP using digital regional currency/omni-channel platform
 GMO Blockchain OSS, in collaboration with GMO MAKESHOP, which provides the net shop construction service MakeShop, is currently developing digital regional currency/omni-channel platform by utilizing the Pay@Table and Region Token.
 Digital regional currency/omni-channel platform is a service that allows local governments and regional banks to act as digital regional currency issuers and operators, enabling payment with regional currency at physical or online shops. Achieving this will improve user retention at online shops through convenient, everyday use of digital regional currencies. Both parties will cooperate toward realization of this platform to support the revitalization of the regional economy and e-commerce industry of Japan using digital regional currency.

【About GMO Blockchain OSS】

 At GMO Internet, we are taking advantage of know-how garnered through working in Internet infrastructure services for more than 20 years. We are currently developing new blockchain based technologies. As part of this, in December 2016 we began offering beta versions of Z.com Cloud Blockchain and ConoHa blockchain services. These can be easily used to build distributed blockchain applications. Such as the Z.com Cloud Blockchain based Home Delivery Box, which has already been developed.
 Based on the knowledge gained through such work, in July 2017, GMO Internet launched GMO Blockchain OSS, an open-source project enabling real service deployments. Our aim is to foster and disseminate new services based on blockchain technology.
 Under GMO Blockchain OSS, we will be continually sharing open source programs that meet various needs in the future.

GMO Internet Group

 GMO Internet Group is an Internet services industry leader, developing and operating Japan’s most widely used domain, hosting & cloud, ecommerce, security, and payment solutions. The Group also includes the world’s largest online FX trading platform, as well as online advertising, Internet media, and mobile entertainment products. GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE: 9449) is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit http://www.gmo.jp/en/ .

  • Press Inquiries

    GMO Internet Group
    Group Public / Investor Relations
    TEL: +81-3-5456-2695
    Email: pr@gmo.jp

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