Application program, information provision method and information provision device

Abstract

To provide an application program, information provision method and information provision device capable of improving convenience for users.SOLUTION: An application program causes a computer to: when starting an application program for executing electronic settlement, cause a display part to display a first home screen; when receiving an operation to set the home screen to a second home screen instead of the first home screen, set the home screen to the second home screen; and when starting a next application program, cause the display part to display the second home screen instead of the first home screen, where information included in the second home screen is simpler than information of the first home screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an application program, an information providing method, and an information providing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a user pays for goods sold or services provided to a store, a settlement server invention that receives a payment settlement request from a user terminal or a store terminal in the store, and performs a process for settling the payment by a selected electronic payment means in response to the settlement request has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above conventional invention, the convenience of users may not be fully considered.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and one of the objects is to provide an application program, an information providing method, and an information providing apparatus that can improve the convenience for users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an application program that causes a computer to display a first home screen on its display unit when an application program for performing electronic payment is started, and when it receives an operation to set the home screen to a second home screen instead of the first home screen, it sets the home screen to the second home screen, and the next time the application program is started, it displays the second home screen on its display unit instead of the first home screen, wherein the information contained in the second home screen is simpler than the information contained in the first home screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, one objective is to provide an application program, an information provision method, and an information provision device that can further improve convenience for users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of a configuration for implementing an electronic payment service. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the general flow of electronic payments. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a function implemented by the payment application 20. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the configuration of payment server 100. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the contents of store information 220. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the contents of user information 210. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of the first home screen IM1. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of configuration content. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the second home screen, IM2. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the differences between the first home screen and the second home screen. [Figure 11]It is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow executed by the payment application 20. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a first predetermined condition. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of recommendation information. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow executed by the payment application 20. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of recommendation information for cancellation. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration included in the user terminal device 10. [Figure 17] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process flow executed by the payment application 20 and the operating system 30. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of the second home screen IM3. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen IM4. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen IM5.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, embodiments of the application program, information providing method, and information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described. The application program of the present embodiment causes a computer to display a first home screen on a display unit when starting an application program for executing electronic payment, and when receiving an operation to set the home screen to a second home screen instead of the first home screen, causes the home screen to be set to the second home screen, and when starting the application program next time, causes the second home screen to be displayed on the display unit instead of the first home screen, and the information included in the second home screen is simpler than the information of the first home screen. Hereinafter, the above details will be described.

[0010] <First Embodiment> [Electronic Payment Service] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing an electronic payment service. The electronic payment service is realized centering around a user terminal device 10 (payment application 20) and a payment server 100. The payment server 100 communicates with, for example, one or more user terminal devices 10 and one or more store terminal devices 50 via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless base station, a provider device, and the like.

[0011] The user terminal device 10 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The user terminal device 10 is a computer device having at least an optical reading function, a communication function, a display function, an input reception function, a program execution function, a position measurement device (GPS), and the like. In the following description, the configurations for realizing these functions are respectively referred to as a camera (optical reading function), a communication device, a touch panel, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like. In the user terminal device 10, the payment application 20 is executed by a processor such as a CPU, and thus operates to provide an electronic payment service to the user in cooperation with the payment server 100. The payment application 20 controls the camera, the communication device, the touch panel, and the like.

[0012] The store terminal device 50 is installed in a store, for example. The store terminal device 50 is a computer device having at least a product price acquisition function, an optical reading function, a program execution function, and a communication function. The store terminal device 50 includes a so-called POS (Point of Sale) device, and the product price acquisition function and the optical reading function may be realized by the POS device. The store code image 60 is placed in the store and is a code image such as a QR code (registered trademark) printed on a paper or plastic medium. Note that the store code image 60 may be displayed by a display placed in the store.

[0013] The payment server 100 implements electronic payment based on payment information received from the user terminal device 10 or the store terminal device 50. The payment server 100 performs electronic payment, for example, by increasing or decreasing balance information managed in association with the user ID (in other words, depositing or withdrawing electronic money). Electronic payment may include methods such as revolving credit or credit payments that allow purchases exceeding the balance information at the time of purchase.

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates the general flow of electronic payment. There may be two patterns for electronic payment: Pattern 1 and Pattern 2. In Pattern 1, the payment application 20 is first launched on the user terminal device 10 and displays a code image (code information) such as a QR code or barcode. The user holds the display surface of the user terminal device 10 over the store terminal device 50 (presents it). The store terminal device 50 decodes the code image using its optical reading function and obtains information such as the user ID. The store terminal device 50 then generates payment information including the user ID, payment amount, store ID, etc., and sends it to the payment server 100. The payment amount information is obtained in advance by barcode reading or manual input. The payment server 100 processes the payment based on the received information.

[0015] In Pattern 2, the user terminal device 10, with the payment application 20 running, decodes the store code image 60 using its optical reading function. The store code image 60 contains information such as the store name. The user enters the payment amount into the user terminal device 10 on the screen displaying the store name, etc. The user terminal device 10 then generates payment information including the user ID, payment amount, store ID, etc., and sends it to the payment server 100. The payment server 100 processes the payment based on the received information. Note that electronic payment may be performed using only one of the above patterns.

[0016] Once the electronic payment is complete, a completion notification is sent from the payment server 100 to the user terminal device 10. The user terminal device 10 displays a payment completion screen in response to the received completion notification. The completion notification is, for example, in the form of a web page. The payment completion screen displays information such as the store where the payment was made, the payment amount, and points (rewards) awarded to the user as a result of the payment.

[0017] [Payment app] Figure 3 shows an example of a functional unit realized by the payment application 20. For example, when the CPU or other processor of the user terminal device 10 executes the payment application 20, the information management unit 22, information processing unit 24, reception unit 26, and setting unit 28 are realized.

[0018] The information management unit 22 transmits information to the payment server 100 using the communication unit of the user terminal device 10, and retrieves information transmitted from the payment server 100. The information processing unit 24 works in cooperation with the payment server 100 to display various content on the display unit of the user terminal device 10. The information processing unit 24 displays content provided by the payment server 100 on the display unit of the user terminal device 10.

[0019] The reception unit 26 receives user input. For example, if a button included in the content is operated by the user, the reception unit 26 receives that input. The setting unit 28 performs various settings (for example, setting the easy mode) according to the input received by the reception unit 26. Details of these will be described later.

[0020] [Payment Server] Figure 4 is a diagram of the configuration of the payment server 100. The payment server 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, a payment processing unit 120, a content provision unit 130, and a storage unit 200. The payment processing unit 120 and the content provision unit 130 are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or by the cooperation of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory (a storage device equipped with a non-transient storage medium), or it may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM (a non-transient storage medium) and installed in the storage device when the storage medium is mounted on a drive device.

[0021] The storage unit 200 can be an HDD, flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 200 may also be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that can be accessed by the payment server 100 via a network NW. The storage unit 200 stores information such as user information 210, store information 220, and content information 230.

[0022] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for connecting to a network NW. The communication unit 110 is, for example, a network card.

[0023] The payment processing unit 120 performs payment processing based on payment information transmitted by the user terminal device 10 or the store terminal device 50. The payment processing unit 120 performs payment processing while referring to the user information 210 and store information described later.

[0024] The content provision unit 130, for example, has the functionality of a web server and provides information (content) for displaying various screens of the electronic payment service to the user terminal device 10. The provision unit 136 reads the necessary content from the content stored in the storage unit 200 as appropriate and provides it to the user terminal device 10. The user terminal device 10 receives various inputs from the user while the content is being played by the payment application 20 and transmits the aforementioned payment information, etc., to the payment server 100.

[0025] Store information is managed as store information 220. Figure 5 shows an example of the contents of store information 220. Store information 220 associates store ID with information such as store category, location, and payment pattern. Store category may be single-level information or information with a hierarchical structure of two or more levels. For example, information such as "Japanese food," "restaurant," or "eating establishment" may be assigned as higher-level concepts to the illustrated "sushi." Location may be represented as hierarchical information. Payment pattern is information that indicates whether payment is possible using pattern 1 or pattern 2 (or both).

[0026] Figure 6 shows an example of the contents of user information 210. User information 210 is information such as contact information, balance information, payment method, and payment history information associated with the user ID. Contact information is information entered when the user subscribes to the electronic payment service. Balance information is information that shows the balance of electronic money set by the user beforehand by transferring money from a bank account, etc., to the electronic payment service. Note that balance information may also be automatically added by auto-charge associated with payment processing. Payment method is the set payment method such as payment from the charged electronic money balance, payment by credit card, or deferred payment. Payment history information is information that shows the details of the payment made by the user (date and time, store ID of the store where the purchase was made, payment amount, etc.) for each payment.

[0027] [First Home Screen] The payment application 20 displays the first home screen on the display unit when the application program that performs electronic payment is launched. Figure 7 shows an example of the first home screen IM1. The first home screen IM1 includes, for example, a barcode C1, a QR code, information indicating the payment method (payment from the charged balance), buttons for various services, and an account button B1 (an example of a "third button for displaying setting content on the display unit"). The barcode and QR code are information for the store terminal device 50 to read during payment processing. The information indicating the payment method is the payment method used in the configured payment processing. Various services include, for example, coupon issuance services, shopping services, flea market services, taxi dispatch services, and various other services.

[0028] The first home screen includes a display button B1A for displaying a code image on a separate screen. When button B1A is pressed, the code image is enlarged and displayed on the separate screen. The first home screen also includes a button B1B for activating the camera to scan QR codes in stores. When button B1B is pressed, the camera is activated.

[0029] When the account button B1 is pressed, settings content for various settings is displayed. Figure 8 shows an example of the settings content. The settings content includes buttons for changing the font size displayed on the screen, buttons for setting the output volume, and button B2 for setting to easy mode. When easy mode B2 is pressed, the payment app 20 sets the current mode (e.g., normal mode) to easy mode.

[0030] When set to Easy Mode, the payment app 20 displays a second home screen, which is appropriate for Easy Mode, instead of the first home screen. The payment app 20 displays the second home screen when the user returns to the home screen or when an application program is launched.

[0031] Figure 9 shows an example of the second home screen IM2. The second home screen IM2 includes, for example, a barcode C2, a QR code, buttons related to a predetermined service, and an account button B3 (an example of a "fourth button for displaying setting content on the display unit"). The predetermined service is a service for sending electronic money to a predetermined user or receiving electronic money from a predetermined user, or a service that provides advantageous information to users such as campaigns.

[0032] The information contained in the second home screen (IM2) is simpler than the information contained in the first home screen (IM1). Simplicity means that there is less information, or fewer pieces of information. A smaller number of pieces of information means, for example, fewer pieces of information (buttons, icons, etc.) indicating services displayed on the home screen.

[0033] Furthermore, a small amount of information or a small number of pieces of information may also refer to a small amount or number of advertisements or notifications provided by the payment server 100. Furthermore, a small amount of information or a small number of pieces of information may also mean a small number of links on the home screen that allow users to transition to other screens. Alternatively, a small amount of information may mean a small number of colors used in the images that make up the screen. For example, the image on the first home screen may consist of tens to hundreds of colors, while the image on the second home screen may consist of only a few colors or black and white.

[0034] As described above, the second home screen is simpler than the first home screen, but information indicating basic functions and information that is expected to be used relatively frequently is displayed on the second home screen. This information including basic functions and information that is expected to be used relatively frequently includes, for example, a start button to activate the function for making electronic payments, a charge button to charge electronic money, a history display button to view payment history, an account button B3 to display settings content for making various settings, and information showing the balance of available electronic money.

[0035] The activation buttons include, for example, button B2A for displaying barcodes or QR codes used in payment processing on the display unit, and button B2B for activating the camera to read QR codes at the store. Information indicating basic functions and information that is expected to be used relatively frequently may include information different from the above, or some or all of the above information may be omitted. Note that the mode is changed from easy mode to normal mode when the account button B3 in Figure 9 is operated.

[0036] Furthermore, even when set to easy mode, the functions available in normal mode are still available. In other words, the payment app 20 has the function of "executing functions equivalent to those executed in response to user operations on the first home screen, in response to user operations on the second home screen, without restricting the functions provided to the user, even when the first home screen is set to the second home screen." For example, although the amount or number of information is simplified on the second home screen, by performing a predetermined operation on the second home screen (such as an operation to transition screens or an operation on a lower-level screen of the second home screen), the functions available for operation on the first home screen are realized.

[0037] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the differences between the first home screen and the second home screen. (Difference 1) The amount of information displayed on the second home screen is less than that displayed on the first home screen. (Difference 2) The number of links on the second home screen is less than the number of links on the first home screen. (Difference 3) The number of colors that make up the image of the second home screen is less than the number of colors that make up the image of the first home screen. (Difference 4) The number of ads on the second home screen is less than the number of ads on the first home screen.

[0038] For example, as described later, recommendation information to be set on the second home screen is provided to users who meet the first predetermined conditions. The second home screen is set to be displayed based on the user's actions in accordance with the recommendation information.

[0039] [Flowchart (Part 1)] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the payment application 20. This process can be started at any time. This process may also be performed by the payment server 100. First, the payment application 20 determines whether the user information satisfies a first predetermined condition (S10). If the user information satisfies the first predetermined condition, the payment application 20 displays the recommendation information on the display unit of the user terminal device 10 (S12). This completes the processing shown in this flowchart.

[0040] Figure 12 shows an example of a first predetermined condition. The first predetermined condition is, for example, that the user's age is a predetermined age. The predetermined age is, for example, being 1 year or older (being elderly) or 2 years or younger (being a child), etc. Alternatively, the first predetermined condition may be that the user's attributes are predetermined attributes. For example, the user's attributes may be arbitrarily set, such as being 1 year or older and male.

[0041] The first predetermined condition may be, for example, that the frequency of use of payment processing during a predetermined period is below a first threshold. The first predetermined condition may be, for example, that the number of times payment processing is used during a predetermined period is below a second threshold. The first predetermined condition may be, for example, that the amount of payment processing used during a predetermined period is below a third threshold. As described above, the first predetermined condition may be, for example, that the user is a dormant user whose usage frequency, number of uses, and amount of use are below a predetermined level. The first predetermined condition may also be that the payment application 20 has not been launched for a predetermined period. Information such as age, user attribute information, usage frequency, number of uses, and amount of use may be registered in user information 210 and obtained from user information 210, or obtained by other methods.

[0042] Furthermore, the above-mentioned age information and user attribute information may also be obtained from service servers that are linked to the payment server 100. Linked service servers are service servers that can be accessed using the same login ID as the electronic payment service login ID. Service servers that can be accessed using the same login ID include service servers operated by linked mobile phone companies and service servers of linked portal sites. The payment server 100 may, for example, obtain the user's age (or date of birth) and attribute information from other service servers using the user's login ID with the user's consent.

[0043] When the first predetermined condition is met, the payment app 20 displays recommendation information on its display unit, recommending that the user switch to easy mode. Figure 13 shows an example of recommendation information. When the button for switching to easy mode included in the recommendation information is pressed, the payment app 20 switches from normal mode to easy mode. As a result, the second home screen will be displayed as the home screen instead of the first home screen.

[0044] Furthermore, the first predetermined condition may be derived from statistical information. For example, based on statistical information, the condition that a user is expected to actively use electronic payment services if the second home screen is set may be set as the first predetermined condition. For example, if a marketing survey or statistical survey yields results indicating that men aged 1 or older will actively use electronic payment services if the second home screen is set, recommendation information may be provided to such users.

[0045] For example, some users may find the information on the first home screen overwhelming and hesitate to use the electronic payment service. This can result in inactive users who have low usage of the electronic payment service. Therefore, in this embodiment, providing inactive users with a more user-friendly second home screen can encourage them to use the electronic payment service.

[0046] In the example above, it was explained that the easy mode is set based on recommendation information. However, in addition to this (or instead), the staff at the store selling the user terminal device 10 may set the easy mode. For example, when a user purchases the user terminal device 10, the staff may suggest setting the easy mode to the user, taking into account the user's level of proficiency in operation. If the user accepts the suggestion, the staff may set the easy mode.

[0047] [Flowchart (Part 2)] The payment app 20 may recommend switching from easy mode to normal mode. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the payment app 20. This process is performed at a predetermined timing after easy mode has been set. This process may be performed by the payment server 100.

[0048] First, the payment app 20 determines whether the user information satisfies the second predetermined condition (S20). If the user information satisfies the second predetermined condition, the payment app 20 displays the cancellation recommendation information on the display unit of the user terminal device 10 (S22). This completes the processing of this flowchart.

[0049] When the second predetermined condition is met, the payment app 20 displays recommendation information (recommendation information for deactivation) on its display unit, recommending that the user switch to normal mode. Figure 15 shows an example of recommendation information for deactivation. When the button for switching to normal mode included in the recommendation information for deactivation is pressed, the payment app 20 switches from easy mode to normal mode. As a result, the first home screen is displayed as the home screen instead of the second home screen.

[0050] The second predetermined condition is met when the user information no longer meets the first predetermined condition. For example, the user's age no longer meets the first predetermined condition, or the degree of use no longer meets the first predetermined condition. The second predetermined condition may also be met when, for example, the user has become accustomed to using the payment app 20, or it is estimated that the user's operational proficiency has reached a predetermined level. The second predetermined condition may also be met when, for example, the frequency of payment processing usage during a predetermined period exceeds the fourth threshold, the number of payment processing usages during a predetermined period exceeds the fifth threshold, or the amount of payment processing usage during a predetermined period exceeds the sixth threshold. Furthermore, the second predetermined condition may also be met when, for example, the degree of use of the payment app 20 reaches a predetermined level or higher. For example, the time the payment app 20 has been running exceeds a predetermined time.

[0051] As described above, when it is estimated that a user has become familiar with the operation of the payment app 20, the system recommends that the first home screen, which contains more information, be displayed. This ensures that when a user switches from easy mode to normal mode, they are provided with content containing more useful information. For example, if a user is not recommended to switch to normal mode after being set to easy mode, they may continue to use the second home screen, which contains less information, and despite becoming familiar with the operation, the user experience may not be sufficiently convenient. In contrast, in this embodiment, users who have become familiar with the operation are recommended to switch to normal mode, thereby promoting the use of the payment app 20 in normal mode. This is expected to improve user convenience.

[0052] According to the embodiments described above, the payment application 20 can contribute to improving user convenience by providing the user with recommendation information for setting up easy mode or recommendation information for setting up normal mode, thereby promoting the setting of a home screen that suits the user.

[0053] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will now be described. In the first embodiment, the decision of whether or not to provide recommendation information to the user was made based on information from the payment application 20 or the payment server 100. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the decision of whether or not to provide recommendation information to the user was made based on information obtained from the operating system (OS) of the user terminal device 10. The following will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0054] Figure 16 shows an example of the functional configuration included in the user terminal device 10. The user terminal device 10 includes a functional unit realized by the payment application 20 and an operating system 30. The operating system 30 is software that manages or controls the basic functions and equipment of the user terminal device 10. The information management unit 22 receives information from the operating system 30 and manages the provided information.

[0055] [Sequence Diagram] Figure 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow performed by the payment application 20 and the operating system 30. First, the payment application 20 communicates with the operating system 30 and obtains determination information (described later) from the operating system 30 (S30). Based on the determination information, the payment application 20 determines whether or not the third predetermined condition is met (S32). If the third predetermined condition is met, the payment application 20 displays recommendation information on the display unit suggesting setting to easy mode (S34).

[0056] The determination information is information indicating the size of the characters or icons that the operating system displays on the display unit. The third predetermined condition is, for example, that the size of the characters or icons is set to a size greater than or equal to a predetermined size.

[0057] The determination information indicates whether the home screen provided by the operating system is set to a simpler home screen than the default home screen. The third predetermined condition is, for example, that the home screen is set to a simpler home screen.

[0058] As described above, if it is assumed that the user is not familiar with operating the user terminal device 10 or the operating system 30, the payment app 20 displays recommendation information on its display unit suggesting that the user set it to easy mode. This encourages the user to set it to easy mode, and if the user sets it to easy mode, user convenience is improved.

[0059] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned third predetermined condition is no longer met, recommendation information suggesting that the easy mode be deactivated will be displayed on the display unit, similar to the first embodiment. This encourages the user to set the device to normal mode, and if the user sets the device to normal mode, user convenience will be improved.

[0060] According to the second embodiment described above, the payment application 20 can contribute to improving user convenience by providing the user with recommendation information for setting up easy mode or recommendation information for setting up normal mode, thereby promoting the setting of a home screen that suits the user.

[0061] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will be described below. In the third embodiment, it is determined whether or not to provide recommendation information to the user based on the communication status or the type and status of the user terminal device 10. The differences from the first and second embodiments will be described below.

[0062] The payment app 20 displays recommendation information suggesting that the user switch to easy mode if, for example, the following conditions are met.

[0063] (Condition 1) The communication speed of the user terminal device 10 is below a predetermined speed. The payment application 20 obtains the communication speed of the user terminal device 10 from the operating system 30, for example, and displays recommendation information on the display unit if the obtained communication speed is below a threshold. For example, if the degree (number of times or frequency) of the state in which the communication speed is below a predetermined speed is above a threshold, recommendation information is displayed on the display unit.

[0064] (Condition 2) It takes a predetermined amount of time or more to start up the payment application 20 on the user terminal device 10 (or the degree to which it takes time (frequency, number of times, etc.) is greater than or equal to a predetermined degree). The payment application 20, for example, obtains the startup time after an operation to start the payment application 20 is performed, and if the frequency of the obtained startup time being greater than or equal to a threshold is greater than or equal to a threshold, it displays recommendation information on the display unit. Startup time is the time it takes for the user to be able to use the payment app 20 as expected by the app administrator. A startup time exceeding a predetermined time includes, for example, the payment app 20 failing to launch.

[0065] (Condition 3) The model of the user terminal device 10 and the version and type of the operating system 30 are of a specified version and type. The payment app 20 obtains the above version and type information from, for example, the operating system 30, user operations, or a linked server device, and if the obtained version and type are of a specified version and type, it displays recommendation information on the display unit.

[0066] Furthermore, if the above conditions (1)-(3) are no longer met, recommendation information suggesting that the user disable the easy mode will be displayed on the display unit, similar to the first embodiment. This encourages the user to switch to normal mode, and if the user switches to normal mode, user convenience will be improved.

[0067] According to the third embodiment described above, the payment application 20 can contribute to improving user convenience by providing the user with recommendation information for setting up easy mode or recommendation information for setting up normal mode, thereby promoting the setting of a home screen that suits the user.

[0068] <Other Embodiments (Part 1)> Regarding the use of electronic payment services, recommendation information regarding the setting of Easy Mode may be provided to users who meet certain conditions. These conditions include, for example, information that suggests the user is below a certain age. Other conditions include, for example, that the stores where the electronic payment service can be used are limited (e.g., restrictions on usable stores set by a guardian), that the user is listed as a whitelisted store (e.g., a store where the user's use is not problematic), or that the store has age restrictions. Furthermore, recommendation information regarding the setting of Easy Mode may also be provided if the user's account is subordinate to or associated with another user's account.

[0069] For example, if payment app 20 has information indicating that a store is on a whitelist (for example, if a parent has set up the app to provide the above information), it is presumed that the user of payment app 20 is under a certain age. For example, if payment app 20 has information indicating that a store has an age restriction for use or that a store does not have an age restriction for use (for example, if a parent has set up the app to provide the above information), it is presumed that the user of payment app 20 is under a certain age. If the user's account is a sub-account of a parent's main account, it is presumed that the user is under a certain age. As described above, the Easy Mode setting may be recommended to users under a certain age.

[0070] For users below a certain age, access to certain services within the electronic payment service may be restricted. For example, access to financial services or lottery services (such as lotteries and raffles) may be restricted. For example, if a user below a certain age (or a user presumed to be below a certain age) sets the system to Easy Mode, it will be set to Specific Easy Mode. The difference between Specific Easy Mode and Easy Mode is that in Specific Easy Mode, access to the aforementioned services is restricted. In this way, Specific Easy Mode is set according to the user's attributes.

[0071] <Other Embodiments (Part 2)> The payment app 20 (or payment server 100) may offer promotions to users who have set up Easy Mode. For example, the payment app 20 may offer coupons or increase the rate at which points are awarded based on usage to users who have set up Easy Mode, in order to encourage them to use the electronic payment service more. In addition, different promotions may be offered depending on the attributes of the user who has set up Easy Mode. For example, different promotions may be offered to children who have set up Easy Mode and to adults who have set up Easy Mode.

[0072] Furthermore, the payment app 20 may offer different promotions to users who have the same attributes but are set to "easy mode" compared to users who have the same attributes but are set to "normal mode". For example, if, based on the results of an experimental promotion, it is discovered that ad A (or coupon A) is effective for users with attribute A and set to easy mode, and ad B (or coupon B) is effective for users with attribute A and set to normal mode, then based on this discovery, ads will be delivered to users with the same attribute according to their set mode.

[0073] As described above, it is expected that more effective promotions will be conducted by taking into account the mode set by the user.

[0074] <Other Embodiments (Part 3)> The payment app 20 (or payment server 100) may send a push notification recommending that users who meet certain conditions switch to easy mode. Users who meet certain conditions are those who have not launched the payment app 20 for a certain period of time, or those who have not used the payment app 20 to a certain degree or more (for example, users whose usage frequency, number of uses, or amount of use does not meet the criteria).

[0075] As described above, the payment app 20 or payment server 100 can encourage the use of the payment app 20 by recommending the setting of the easy mode to dormant users who have a low usage rate of the payment app 20. Furthermore, by using the easy mode, users can use the app more easily and improve convenience.

[0076] <Other Embodiments (Part 4)> The payment app 20 may display the second home screen IM3 on its display unit. Figure 18 shows an example of the second home screen IM3. The second home screen IM3 includes information for selecting a payment method. For example, it includes a button B4 for selecting to pay with an electronic money balance and a button B5 for selecting to pay with a credit card.

[0077] When button B4 is pressed, screen IM4 is displayed. Figure 19 shows an example of screen IM4. Screen IM4 includes explanations about the electronic money balance and buttons for setting the charging method when topping up electronic money.

[0078] When button B5 is pressed, screen IM5 is displayed. Figure 20 shows an example of screen IM5. Screen IM5 includes explanations about credit card payments and buttons for setting up credit card payments.

[0079] As described above, the second home screen IM3 includes buttons for selecting a payment method. When these buttons are pressed, a screen is displayed containing explanations and settings related to using the payment method corresponding to the pressed button. This allows users who have set up the second home screen to gain a deeper understanding of how to use the payment app 20, thereby promoting its use.

[0080] Furthermore, buttons B4 and B5 mentioned above may also be set on the first home screen, and when buttons B4 and B5 are operated on the first home screen, screens IM4 and IM5 may be displayed.

[0081] According to the embodiments described above, the payment application 20 can improve user convenience by displaying a simplified second home screen on the display unit in place of the first home screen, in response to user operations.

[0082] Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described as having the function of displaying the first home screen and the second home screen on the display unit from the outset, alternatively (in addition to this), the function of setting the second home screen, the function of displaying the second home screen, the function of recommending setting the second home screen, etc., may be realized by installing an update application program provided by a predetermined server device (payment server 100 or application provision server) on the user terminal device 10. The payment application 20 in this embodiment may be an update application program for the application program that displays the first home screen on the display unit when the application program that performs electronic payment is started. When this update application program receives an operation from the computer to set the home screen to the second home screen instead of the first home screen, it sets the home screen to the second home screen and displays the second home screen on the display unit instead of the first home screen when the application program is started next time.

[0083] Furthermore, some or all of the above processes and embodiments may be executed in combination. In addition, some or all of the processes executed in the payment application 20 may be executed by the payment server 100 or by other devices. Some or all of the processes executed in the payment server 100 may be executed by the payment application 20 or by other devices. For example, some or all of the functional configuration of the payment application 20 or the payment server 100 may be distributed among multiple devices. Furthermore, the information stored in the storage unit 200 of the payment server 100 may also be stored in the user terminal device 10.

[0084] Although embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above using examples, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10. User terminal device 20 Payment Apps 50 Store Terminal Devices 60 Store Code Images 100 Payment Servers 120 Payment Processing Unit 130 Content Provision Department 210 User information 230 Content Information

Claims

1. An application program for executing electronic payment of an electronic payment service, On the computer, displaying, on a display unit, a first home screen for performing the electronic payment based on the first mode when the first mode is set; when an operation of setting a second mode in which a home screen is set to a second home screen instead of the first home screen is accepted, the first mode is cancelled, the second mode is set, and the second home screen is set for performing the electronic payment based on the second mode; displaying the second home screen on the display unit based on the second mode set after the next startup of the application program; A content of the second home screen in the second mode is simpler than a content of the first home screen in the first mode. Application program.

2. the first home screen and the second home screen include code information used in the electronic payment; 2. The application program according to claim 1.

3. On the computer, execute a process of displaying, on the display unit, recommendation information recommending setting the second mode when information about a user who uses the application program satisfies a first predetermined condition; The first predetermined condition is that the frequency of use of the electronic payment using the code information by the user using the application program is equal to or less than a first threshold, the number of times that the electronic payment using the code information by the user using the application program is equal to or less than a second threshold, or the amount of use of the electronic payment using the code information by the user using the application program is equal to or less than a third threshold.

3. The application program according to claim 1.

4. execute a process of displaying, on the display unit, recommendation information recommending setting the second mode when information about a user who uses the application program satisfies a second predetermined condition; The second predetermined condition is the following (1), (2), or (3), (1) The stores where electronic payment services are available to users of the application program are limited, (2) Information indicating that the user can use the store without any problem is added to the identification information of the store where the electronic payment service is available, which is stored in the storage device; (3) The account of the user of the application program is an account subordinate to or associated with another user; 4. The application program according to claim 1.

5. an amount of information indicating the service related to the electronic payment included in the second home screen is less than an amount of information indicating the service related to the electronic payment included in the first home screen; 5. The application program according to claim 1.

6. a number of links included in the second home screen for transitioning to another screen is smaller than a number of links included in the first home screen for transitioning to another screen; 6. The application program according to claim 1.

7. the first home screen includes a third button for causing the display unit to display setting content for setting the home screen from the first home screen to the second home screen; the second home screen includes a fourth button for causing the display unit to display setting content for setting the home screen from the second home screen to the first home screen; 7. The application program according to claim 1.

8. On the computer, Even when the home screen is set to the second home screen, functions provided to the user are not limited, executes a function equivalent to a function executed in response to a user's operation performed on the first home screen in response to a user's operation performed on the second home screen; 8. The application program according to claim 1.

9. On the computer, execute a process of displaying, on the display unit, recommendation information recommending setting a home screen as the second home screen, when information about a user who uses the application program satisfies a first predetermined condition; 9. The application program according to claim 1.

10. The first predetermined condition is that the user's age is a first age or more, or that the user's age is a second age or less.

10. The application program according to claim 9.

11. On the computer, when the home screen is set to the second home screen and the first predetermined condition is no longer satisfied, execute a process of displaying, on the display unit, recommendation information recommending returning the home screen to the first home screen; 11. The application program according to claim 9 or 10.

12. On the computer, execute a process of displaying, on a display unit, recommendation information recommending setting a home screen as the second home screen, when information of an operating system mounted on the terminal device in which the application program is installed satisfies a second predetermined condition; 9. The application program according to claim 1.

13. The second predetermined condition is that the size of characters or icons displayed on the display unit by the operation system is set to a predetermined size or larger.

13. The application program according to claim 12.

14. The second predetermined condition is that a home screen provided by the operation system is set to a home screen that is simpler than a default home screen in the operation system.

13. The application program according to claim 12.

15. On the computer, when the home screen is set to the second home screen and the second predetermined condition is no longer satisfied, executing a process of displaying, on the display unit, recommendation information recommending returning the home screen to the first home screen; 15. An application program according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. On the computer, When a third predetermined condition is satisfied, a process of displaying, on a display unit, recommendation information recommending setting the home screen as the second home screen is executed; The third predetermined condition is that the startup speed of the application program is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed, that the application program does not start even when an attempt is made to start the application program, or that the communication speed of the terminal device in which the application program is installed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed.

9. The application program according to claim 1.

17. On the computer, when the home screen is set to the second home screen and the third predetermined condition is no longer satisfied, execute a process of displaying, on the display unit, recommendation information recommending returning the home screen to the first home screen.

17. The application program according to claim 16.

18. An application program for executing electronic payment of an electronic payment service, On the computer, displaying, on a display unit, a first home screen for performing the electronic payment based on the first mode when the first mode is set; when an operation of setting a second mode in which a home screen is set to a second home screen instead of the first home screen is accepted, the first mode is cancelled, the second mode is set, and the second home screen is set for performing the electronic payment based on the second mode; displaying the second home screen on the display unit based on the second mode set after the next startup of the application program; A content of the second home screen in the second mode is simpler than a content of the first home screen in the first mode. Update application program.

19. A computer that cooperates with an application program that executes electronic payment of an electronic payment service, displaying, on a display unit, a first home screen for performing the electronic payment based on the first mode when a first mode is set; when an operation of setting a second mode in which a home screen is set to a second home screen instead of the first home screen is accepted, the first mode is cancelled, the second mode is set, and the second home screen is set for performing the electronic payment based on the second mode; displaying the second home screen on the display unit based on the second mode set after the next startup of the application program; A content of the second home screen in the second mode is simpler than a content of the first home screen in the first mode. Information provision method.

20. An information providing device that cooperates with an application program that executes electronic payment of an electronic payment service, displaying, on a display unit, a first home screen for performing the electronic payment based on the first mode when a first mode is set; when an operation of setting a second mode in which a home screen is set to a second home screen instead of the first home screen is accepted, the first mode is cancelled, the second mode is set, and the second home screen is set for performing the electronic payment based on the second mode; displaying the second home screen on the display unit based on the second mode set after the next startup of the application program; A content of the second home screen in the second mode is simpler than a content of the first home screen in the first mode. Information providing device.

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