User terminal, processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique that enables users to appropriately select means of settlement that can be used at shops without hesitation and promotes the use of electronic settlements.SOLUTION: An electronic settlement use support device 100 includes: a selection unit 102 configured to select means of settlement that can be used at a shop where a user is currently located from among a plurality of means of settlement that can be used by the user; a ranking unit 104 configured to prioritize the selected means of settlement according to predetermined rules; and a presentation unit 106 configured to present, to the user, the means of settlement with the priority determined by the ranking unit 104.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic payment utilization support device, an electronic payment utilization support method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various payment methods for cashless payment processing using a user's mobile terminal, and many new payment methods have appeared in recent years. With various payment methods available, it is inconvenient and unreasonable for users to not know which payment method is the most advantageous to use at the time of use. Patent document 1 describes a card payment system that suggests to customers the most suitable card for payment based on the place of purchase, purchase date and time, purchase amount, and priorities set by the customer, without the customer having to carry multiple cards. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-130092 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a store handles a payment method, it incurs the cost of installing the equipment and system required to use that payment method, as well as usage fees. For this reason, stores rarely accept all payment methods. As a result, the payment methods that can be used vary from store to store, which creates a problem for users, as it is difficult to know which payment methods can be used at which stores.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide technology that allows users to easily and appropriately select payment methods available at stores, thereby promoting the use of electronic payments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, each aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0007] The first aspect relates to a program installed in a user terminal used by a user. The first aspect of the program is: A process of acquiring information on a payment method used by the user; A process of displaying a map based on the location of the user terminal on the user terminal; A process of displaying information about stores on the map; When a store displayed on the map is selected, a process of displaying on the user terminal payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user in accordance with a predetermined rule; causing the user terminal to execute a process of activating a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment means displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; The process of displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules includes a process of displaying at the top payment methods with high return rates at the selected store.

[0008] The second aspect relates to the processing method. The processing method according to the second aspect comprises the steps of: Obtain information on the payment method used by the user, displaying a map based on the location of the user terminal on the user terminal; Displaying information about stores on the map; When a store displayed on the map is selected, displaying on the user terminal the payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user in accordance with a predetermined rule; launching a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment means displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; When displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules, payment methods with a high return rate at the selected store are displayed at the top. The third aspect relates to a user terminal used by a user. A user terminal according to a third aspect includes: A means for acquiring information on a payment method used by the user; means for causing a user terminal to display a map based on the location of the user terminal; A means for displaying information about stores on the map; a means for displaying, when a store displayed on the map is selected, payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user on the user terminal in accordance with a predetermined rule; means for starting a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment means displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; The means for displaying on the user terminal according to the predetermined rules displays payment methods with a high return rate at the top of the selected store.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention may be a program for causing at least one computer to execute the processing method according to the second aspect, or a computer-readable recording medium having such a program recorded thereon. The recording medium includes a non-transitory tangible medium. The computer program comprises computer program code which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out the process method on a user terminal.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, and any transformation of the present invention into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

[0011] Furthermore, the various components of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent entities, but may be formed as a single member by multiple components, one component may be formed from multiple components, one component may be a part of another component, or part of one component may overlap with part of another component, etc.

[0012] In addition, although the method and computer program of the present invention describe a number of steps in a sequential order, the order does not limit the order in which the steps are executed. Therefore, when implementing the method and computer program of the present invention, the order of the steps can be changed as long as it does not affect the content.

[0013] Furthermore, the steps of the method and computer program of the present invention are not limited to being executed at different timings, and therefore a step may occur while another step is being executed, or the execution timing of a step may overlap partially or entirely with the execution timing of another step, etc. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to each of the above aspects, it is possible to provide a technology that allows users to appropriately select a payment method available at a store without hesitation, thereby promoting the use of electronic payments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of an electronic payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of an electronic payment utilization support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3]3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the electronic payment utilization support device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a program that realizes the electronic payment utilization support device. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment utilization support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a store-specific payment method table. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of priority order rule setting information. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of various information by payment method. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the recommendation screen of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment utilization support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of user information. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the electronic payment utilization support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of credit limit information for each payment method. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment utilization support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of an electronic payment support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment utilization support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a category-specific store payment method table. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a map information screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an electronic payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of an electronic payment support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 26] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a data structure of a forwarding table. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of information regarding the use of a user's payment method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following drawings, the configuration of the parts that are not related to the essence of the present invention is omitted and is not shown.

[0017] In the embodiment, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: a device goes to retrieve data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and inputs data or information output from another device to the device (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or inquiry to another device and receiving a reply, and accessing and reading information from another device or storage medium. Examples of passive acquisition include receiving information that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.). Furthermore, "acquisition" may mean selecting and acquiring data or information from received data or information, or selecting and receiving distributed data or information.

[0018] (First embodiment) <System Overview> 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing an example of the configuration of an electronic payment system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic payment system 1 is a system that allows a user U to electronically pay for goods at a store. The electronic payment system 1 includes a server 10, a user terminal 20, and a store terminal 30. The server 10 manages information relating to various payment methods that are the subject of support for the use of electronic payment by the electronic payment support device of this embodiment, which will be described later.

[0019] The user terminal 20 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The store terminal 30 is a terminal that has at least a function for performing settlement processing of the price for the products and services purchased by the user U. The store terminal 30 may be a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal including a product registration function, or may be a terminal dedicated to settlement processing. The user U can use the user terminal 20 to pay the price, that is, to carry out the so-called electronic payment procedure.

[0020] Payment methods of electronic payment means using the user terminal 20 are classified as follows, for example, but are not limited to these. (a1) This is called two-dimensional code payment (the two-dimensional code is a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) or a barcode, etc.), in which a two-dimensional code containing payment information is presented at the user terminal 20 or at the store, and the other party reads it, thereby transmitting and receiving the payment information and carrying out the payment process. (a2) Communication is performed between a contactless communication reader such as the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip such as an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) chip in the user terminal 20, and payment information is sent and received to perform payment processing.

[0021] The payment method of each payment method may be, for example, a prepayment method, a deferred payment method, or an immediate payment method. In the prepaid system, the price is paid with cash, or with electronic money that is charged manually or automatically (so-called auto-charge) from a credit card, debit card, or a financial institution account. In the postpaid model, payment is made using a credit card or from a financial institution account. With the immediate payment method, the payment is made from a financial institution's account using a debit card. Furthermore, points awarded and accumulated by each company can be used to pay at least a part of the price.

[0022] <Example of functional configuration> 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 comprises a selection unit 102, a ranking unit 104, and a presentation unit 106.

[0023] The selection unit 102 selects a payment method that can be used in the store where the user is currently located from among a plurality of payment methods that can be used by the user. The ranking unit 104 determines the order of priority for the selected payment methods according to predetermined rules. The presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods to the user with the priority order determined by the ranking unit 104. The presentation unit 106, for example, causes the display device 120 of the user terminal 20 (FIG. 1) to display various screens.

[0024] In this embodiment, the payment means are two-dimensional code payment provided by the above-mentioned companies, electronic money provided by each company, credit cards provided by each company, debit cards provided by each company, etc. The payment means available to the user are, for example, those in which an application for using the payment means is installed on the user terminal 20 of the user.

[0025] Furthermore, electronic payment use support apparatus 100 includes a storage device 110 that stores various information used by electronic payment use support apparatus 100. Storage device 110 may be provided inside or outside electronic payment use support apparatus 100. Storage device 110 may physically be multiple storage devices.

[0026] <Hardware configuration example> Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 1000 that realizes the electronic payment use support apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 2. The computer 1000 has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0027] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to a bus connection.

[0028] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0029] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0030] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the computer 1000. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules onto the memory 1030 and executes them to realize each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 also stores each piece of information stored in the storage device 110.

[0031] The program module may be recorded in a recording medium. The recording medium for recording the program module may include a non-transitory tangible medium usable by the computer 1000, and the program code readable by the computer 1000 (processor 1020) may be embedded in the medium.

[0032] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to various input / output devices.

[0033] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to a communication network. This communication network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method for connecting the network interface 1060 to the communication network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0034] The computer 1000 is connected to necessary devices (for example, a display device such as a touch panel, an input device, an imaging camera, a microphone, and a speaker) via an input / output interface 1050 or a network interface 1060.

[0035] Electronic payment utilization support device 100 is realized by a combination of server 10 and user terminal 20, and is therefore realized by a plurality of computers 1000 constituting server 10 and user terminal 20, respectively. User terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. For example, electronic payment utilization support device 100 is realized by installing a program for realizing electronic payment utilization support device 100 (electronic payment utilization support program 50 in FIG. 4) in user terminal 20 and running it. The program installed in user terminal 20 allows connection to server 10 via communication network 3 and acquisition of information on each company's payment methods, stores, etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, an electronic payment utilization support program 50 and at least two payment processing applications 52 (shown in the figure as Company A Pay application 52a, Company B Pay application 52b, and Company C Pay application 52c) of each company registered for use by user U are installed. Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as payment processing applications 52.

[0037] The electronic payment utilization support program 50 realizes functions such as managing the use of each company's payment methods (payment processing applications 52) on the user terminal 20, and providing user U with information on payment methods (payment processing applications 52) that have not yet been registered for use.

[0038] In another example, a specific browser may be started on user terminal 20, and a web page providing the services of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 may be accessed via communication network 3 such as the Internet, thereby providing user U with the functions of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100. This web page is a so-called portal site that becomes available once user U has previously registered to use the services of this system, registered user information, and obtained authentication information. In this configuration, electronic payment utilization support program 50 runs on server 10. This configuration will be described in detail in a sixth embodiment described later.

[0039] In yet another example, computer 1000 may be a server device of a system such as SaaS (Software as a Service) that provides the service of electronic payment usage support device 100. User terminal 20 may access server 10 via communication network 3 such as the Internet, and electronic payment usage support device 100 may be realized by a program running on server 10.

[0040] Each component of electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is realized by any combination of hardware and software of computer 1000 of Fig. 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are various variations in the implementation method and device. The functional block diagrams showing electronic payment utilization support device 100 of each embodiment described below show logical functional blocks rather than a hardware-based configuration.

[0041] <Example of operation> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. First, the selection unit 102 selects a payment method that can be used in the store where the user is currently located from among a plurality of payment methods that can be used by the user (step S101).

[0042] The method of identifying the store where the user is currently located is exemplified below, but is not limited to this. (b1) Using a function such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) of the user terminal 20, current location information is acquired, and the store in the current location is identified from map information. (b2) The map of (b1) is displayed on the user terminal 20, and the store that the user U is visiting is selected from among the stores on the map. (b3) The user terminal 20 is touched to a terminal for confirming entry to the store provided in the store to perform short-distance communication, and the user terminal 20 receives store information from the store terminal.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the store-specific payment method table 130. The store-specific payment method table 130 stores available payment methods in association with each store. In this example, available payment methods are associated with a circle. This is just one example, and identification information for available payment methods may be stored in association with each store, or available payment methods may be stored with a "1" and unavailable payment methods may be stored with a "0" or "NULL".

[0044] The selection unit 102 selects a payment method corresponding to the identified store from among the payment methods for which an application has been installed in the user terminal 20. For example, when it is determined that user U has entered store Sa, the store-specific payment method table 130 determines that the payment methods available at store Sa are two-dimensional code payment by companies A and C.

[0045] The selection unit 102 selects a payment method identified as usable at the store Sa from among the payment methods corresponding to the payment processing application 52 installed in the user terminal 20. Since the payment processing applications 52 for companies A, B, and C are already installed in the user terminal 20, the selection unit 102 selects the two-dimensional code payments for companies A and C.

[0046] Returning to FIG. 5, the ranking unit 104 determines the order of priority for the selected payment methods in accordance with a predetermined rule (step S103). The predetermined rules specify at least one of the following conditions for prioritizing: the rebate rate and point award rate for using the payment method, and the presence or absence of a campaign for the payment method and the details of such campaign (spending limit, availability of coupons, special offers), or which of these conditions will be prioritized.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the priority assignment rule setting information 140. As shown in FIG. Priority of conditions to be prioritized when determining the priority is set in the priority rule setting information 140. In this example, the first priority is the presence or absence of a campaign, the second priority is the return rate, and the third priority is the point allocation rate.

[0048] Electronic payment usage support apparatus 100 may further include a setting unit (not shown) that sets the predetermined rules using input from user U. The setting unit may be able to accept input for setting the predetermined rules, for example, in a program of electronic payment usage support apparatus 100 or in a setting screen (not shown) of a website dedicated to user U. In this case, the predetermined rules are set for each user U. The rules set by the setting unit are registered in prioritization rule setting information 140.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of various information by payment means. FIG. 8(a) shows an example of the data structure of payment means information 152, and FIG. 8(b) shows an example of the data structure of campaign information 154. The payment means information 152 stores the return rate and campaign identification information by payment means. In this example, campaigns currently being implemented are associated with campaign identification information. Campaigns not being implemented are not associated with campaign identification information. The campaign information 154 stores detailed contents of campaigns by campaign identification information (indicated as campaign ID in the figure) in FIG. 8(a). The campaign information 154 includes, for example, the implementation period (or implementation date and time) of the campaign, specific contents, usage restrictions, point allocation rate, information on coupons to be granted, and other additional information.

[0050] The information on payment methods in Figure 8 is obtained from information provided by each company that provides the payment methods. Methods for obtaining information from each company are exemplified below, but are not limited to these. (c1) A form for inputting information is displayed on a dedicated web page for business operators provided by electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100, and the business operator is prompted to input information. (c2) The administrator inputs the information of each company provided by the business operator or user U, or collected by the administrator of electronic payment utilization support device 100 from a website or the like, into electronic payment utilization support device 100. However, when obtaining and using information from a source other than the business operator, this must be done lawfully.

[0051] In this embodiment, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority order according to the rule that the first priority is given to the presence or absence of a campaign, followed by the return rate. From the payment method information 152 in Fig. 8(a), since company C has no campaign information and company A has campaign information, company A is determined to have the first priority order. Although company C has a higher return rate than company A, its priority order is determined to be second.

[0052] Returning to Fig. 5, the presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods to the user with the priorities determined by the ranking unit 104 in step S103 (step S105). Possible methods for presenting the payment methods with priorities may include displaying them in order of priority, displaying the payment methods with priorities assigned, displaying only the payment methods with the highest (or highest) priorities, highlighting the payment methods with the highest (or highest) priorities, etc. Furthermore, the application for the payment method with the highest priority may be automatically launched to allow for a smooth payment procedure.

[0053] The presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods to the user by, for example, displaying a recommendation screen 160 on the display device 120 of the user terminal 20.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen 160 presented by the presentation unit 106. As shown in FIG. The recommendation screen 160 displays, in order of priority, a ranking 162 for at least two payment methods selected by the selection unit 102, a logo mark 164 for the payment method, and a name display unit 166 for the payment method. The logo mark 164 and the name display unit 166 may function as an operation button that accepts an operation to start the payment processing application 52 for that payment method. Alternatively, they may include a link to a website for the service that uses that payment method, and have a function to display that website when pressed.

[0055] The payment method with the first ranking 162 may be highlighted with a star or other highlighting 168. The highlighting method is not limited to this, and various methods such as highlighting, blinking, color change, animation, and 3D display may be used. In this example, the payment methods are displayed in a list format, but they may also be displayed using other GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces). For example, the payment methods may be displayed in order of priority using a drum roll or list pull-down menu. In this case, an operation button for using the payment method selected in the pull-down menu may be further provided. When the operation button is pressed, the payment processing application 52 for the payment method may be started, or a website for the service using the payment method may be displayed.

[0056] Furthermore, screen 160 may include a campaign information display field 170 that displays information on payment methods currently in a campaign. Campaign information display field 170 displays information on payment methods for which campaign identification information is registered in payment method-specific information 152 in FIG. 8(a). In this example, a logo mark of the payment method for which a campaign is being implemented is displayed, and the logo mark of the payment method may include a link to a web page of the campaign information. By selecting the logo mark, the web page of the campaign information can be opened, and user U can view details of the campaign information. Various information including the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the payment method's web page, the logo mark, etc. may be stored in storage device 110 as master data of the payment method (not shown).

[0057] Furthermore, the presentation method by the presentation unit 106 may be to present to the user U by normal screen display, pop-up (push) display, delivery of a message (SNS (Social Networking Service), email, etc.), or posting on a web page dedicated to the user U on the website.

[0058] The user U can refer to the payment methods presented by the presentation unit 106 and decide which payment method to use at the store.

[0059] In another example, the recommendation screen 160 may display only the top-level payment method, as shown in Fig. 10. In this example, only the logo mark 164 of the payment method is displayed, but the name display section 166 of the payment method may be displayed, or both the logo mark 164 and the name display section 166 of the payment method may be displayed.

[0060] As described above, according to the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of an embodiment of the present invention, the selection unit 102 selects payment methods that can be used in the store where the user U is currently located, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority of the selected payment methods, and the presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods to the user U with their priority.

[0061] With this configuration, user U can know which payment methods are available at the store where he / she is currently located and which payment method is the most advantageous to use from among the payment methods available to him / her. He / she does not have to worry about which payment method to use when paying for the item, and can carry out the settlement process smoothly. Even if the store does not accept all payment methods, it does not cause inconvenience to user U. This promotes the use of electronic payments for both stores and users.

[0062] (Second embodiment) The electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment is similar to the above embodiment, except that it is configured to present another payment method to the user U when, for example, the available balance of the highest priority payment method is insufficient to cover the payment amount.

[0063] <Example of functional configuration> The electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the above embodiment shown in Fig. 2, and therefore this embodiment will also be described using Fig. 2. The presentation unit 106 presents to the user U payment means other than the highest-ranked payment means in accordance with payment conditions indicating conditions related to the payment of the highest-ranked payment means.

[0064] Examples of payment terms include, but are not limited to, the following: (d1) The payment amount exceeds the currently available amount of the payment instrument (d2) Exceeding the amount specified by user U for each payment method (d3) The cashback rate exceeds the applicable upper limit of the usage amount.

[0065] If the highest-ranked payment method satisfies the above payment conditions, the presentation unit 106 presents other payment methods that do not satisfy the above payment conditions to the user U. At this time, the other payment methods may be determined to satisfy the payment conditions in the order of priority determined by the ranking unit 104.

[0066] In another example, electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 may further include a determination unit (not shown) that determines whether the above payment conditions are satisfied. In this case, the determination unit may make a determination for each payment method selected by selection unit 102, and ranking unit 104 may rank the payment methods that are determined not to satisfy the payment conditions.

[0067] Examples of timing for presenting an alternative payment method to user U include, but are not limited to, the following: (e1) When the recommendation screen 160 of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 is displayed, if the available amount of the highest-ranked payment method under the condition of (d1) above is 0 yen (or 0 points), (e2) When the payment processing application 52 for the highest level payment means is launched, the payment processing proceeds, and any one of the above conditions (d1) to (d3) is satisfied.

[0068] <Example 1> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The presentation unit 106 refers to the user information 142 in Fig. 12 and determines whether the available balance of the highest-ranked payment method determined by the ranking unit 104 is sufficient (step S111). If the available balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount (NO in step S111), a message or the like is presented to the user U urging him or her to also use another payment method (step S113).

[0069] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of user information 142 that stores information related to payments by the payment means of user U. The user information 142 includes, but is not limited to, the available amount (balance) for each payment means of user U, campaign upper limit balance, etc. The user information 142 is stored in the storage device 110 of at least one of the user terminal 20 of user U and the server 10.

[0070] Examples of ways to present alternative payment instruments include, but are not limited to, the following: (f1) The balance of the highest level payment method and the balance of another payment method are displayed, and a message is displayed prompting the user to select which payment method to use. In addition, at least one of the payment amount and the balance of the deficit may be displayed. (f2) Display at least two payment methods in a prioritized order, and display a message notifying the customer that the balance of the highest-level payment method is insufficient. (f3) The highest level payment method is not presented, or the GUI of the highest level payment method (e.g., logo mark 164 or name display section 166 in FIG. 9) is displayed in an inactive state and does not accept operations, and the GUI of another payment method is displayed in an active state and does accept operations. (f4) When the top-level payment method is selected, display a message notifying the user that there is insufficient balance. (f5) Display a message encouraging the user to pay the shortfall in the top-level payment method by allocating it to another payment method. (f6) A GUI is displayed that allows user U to input the allocation amount of the payment to the highest level payment method and other payment methods.

[0071] <Example 2> FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. Figure 13 is the same as the flowchart in Figure 11 except for the judgment condition in step S111. The presentation unit 106 refers to the usage limit information 144 by payment method of user U in Figure 14 and judges whether the available balance of the highest-ranked payment method determined by the ranking unit 104 is sufficient (step S121). If the available balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount (NO in step S121), a message or the like is presented to encourage user U to use another payment method as well (step S113).

[0072] 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of spending limit information 144 for each payment means of user U. The spending limit information 144 stores the spending limit set by user U for each payment means. Settings by user U can be accepted through the payment processing application 52 for each payment means or a setting screen (not shown) on a web page dedicated to user U for each payment means. The spending limit information 144 is stored in the storage device 110 of at least one of user terminal 20 of user U and server 10.

[0073] As described above, according to the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment, the presentation unit 106 can present to the user U a payment method other than the highest priority payment method in accordance with the payment conditions. With this configuration, the user U can allocate the payment amount to another payment method when the balance of the highest priority payment method is insufficient or exceeds a preset usage limit.

[0074] (Third embodiment) The electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment is the same as at least one of the above embodiments, except that it has a configuration that prioritizes and presents payment methods that can be used at the store where the user U is currently visiting, including payment methods that the user U has not registered for use. Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment can be combined with at least one of the embodiments, including other embodiments described below, to the extent that there is no contradiction. The electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the electronic payment utilization support device 100 in Figure 2, so it will be described using Figure 2.

[0075] <Example of functional configuration> In this embodiment of electronic payment support device 100, selection unit 102 further selects all payment methods available in the store where user U is currently located. Ranking unit 104 determines the priority order for the selected payment methods. Presentation unit 106 presents those payment methods that user U cannot use together with information indicating that they are not available.

[0076] The payment methods available at the store where user U is currently located include not only the payment methods available to user U, but also payment methods for which user U has not registered (contracted) to use, and payment methods for which the payment processing application 52 has not been installed on the user terminal 20.

[0077] Furthermore, if the payment method determined to have the highest priority by the ranking unit 104 is not available on the user U's user terminal 20, for example, if the payment processing application 52 is not installed, the presentation unit 106 may present information prompting the user U to register for use of the highest-ranked payment method.

[0078] <Example of operation> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 15 includes steps S201 and S205, and also includes steps S103 and S105 similar to those in the flowchart in FIG.

[0079] In this embodiment, the selection unit 102 selects all payment methods available in the store where the user U is currently located (step S201). The ranking unit 104 determines the priority order of the payment methods selected in step S201 according to a predetermined rule (step S103). The presentation unit 106 then presents the prioritized payment methods to the user U (step S105), and presents any payment methods that the user U cannot use together with information indicating that they are not available (step S205).

[0080] An example of the recommendation screen 160 presented by the presentation unit 106 in step S105 is shown in Fig. 16. The recommendation screen 160 in Fig. 16 differs from the recommendation screen 160 in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 in that it also presents payment methods that have not been registered for use (payment processing application 52 has not been installed) on the user terminal 20 of the user U.

[0081] The recommendation screen 160 in Figures 9 and 10 does not present payment methods from Company B that are not available to user U, but the recommendation screen 160 in Figure 16 presents payment methods from Company B that are not available to user U in a prioritized order.

[0082] The recommendation screen 160 further includes usage registration status display sections 172a and 172b that indicate whether or not a payment method is available for use. The usage registration status display section 172a displays characters such as "Available" for payment methods that are available to the user U, which is information indicating that the payment method is available. Furthermore, the usage registration status display section 172b displays characters such as "Not contracted" for payment methods that are not available to the user U, which is information indicating that the payment method is not registered for use.

[0083] In the example of Fig. 16, the logo mark 164 and name display area 166 of the payment means for which "Available" is displayed in the usage registration status display area 172a may have the function of an operation button that accepts an operation to start the payment processing application 52 of that payment means, as in Fig. 9. Alternatively, they may have the function of including a link to a website for the service available for that payment means, and displaying that website when pressed.

[0084] 16, the logo mark 164 and name display area 166 of the payment means for which "Not Contracted" is displayed in the usage registration status display area 172b may have a function as an operation button that accepts an operation to install the payment processing application 52 of that payment means, or may have a function of including a link to a website that accepts usage registration of that payment means and displaying that website when pressed.

[0085] Furthermore, the payment means registration status display section 172b displaying "Not Contracted" may be displayed in a more eye-catching manner than the payment means registration status display section 172a displaying "Available".

[0086] As described above, according to the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment, the selection unit 102 selects all payment methods available in the store where the user U is currently located, including payment methods that the user U has not registered to use, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority of the selected payment methods, and the presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods with the priority order, and any payment methods that the user U has not registered to use are presented together with information indicating that fact.

[0087] In recent years, many new payment methods have appeared, but it has been difficult for users U to recognize the difference between the new payment methods and existing payment methods. It is also difficult to convey the benefits of the new payment methods to users U enough to motivate them to start using them, and acquiring new users has been a challenge for each business operator.

[0088] According to this configuration, payment methods that the user U has not registered for use are also presented with a priority order, allowing the user U to become aware of the payment methods that he or she has not registered for use. If the payment method has a high priority order, the user U can be effectively encouraged to register the payment method for use. In addition, the user U can proceed to the registration procedure for an unsubscribed payment method by simply operating the operation button in the name display section 166 from the recommendation screen 160, which is highly convenient for the user U.

[0089] (Fourth embodiment) <Example of functional configuration> FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the logical configuration of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment is similar to any of the above embodiments, except that it is configured to identify multiple nearby stores from the location information of the user U and reflect the identification information of each store in the prioritization. Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment can be combined with at least one of the embodiments, including other embodiments described below, to the extent that there is no contradiction.

[0090] Electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 further includes a specification unit 108 in addition to the components shown in FIG. The identification unit 108 identifies nearby stores from the location information of the user U. The selection unit 102 selects a payment method that can be used at one of the identified stores from among multiple payment methods available to the user U. The ranking unit 104 determines the priority order of the selected payment methods based on the special offer information of each store as a predetermined rule. The presentation unit 106 presents stores that can use the payment method with the highest priority.

[0091] The presentation unit 106 may present the payment methods in order of priority, and may present stores in which the payment method with the highest priority can be used.

[0092] The storage device 110 stores the location information of each store. The identification unit 108 identifies stores within a predetermined range from the location information of the user U based on the location information of each store.

[0093] The special offer information for each store is, for example, information about campaigns, special offers, etc., related to the store, the products handled at the store, and the payment methods available at the store. Furthermore, the ranking unit 104 may determine the priority order based on information such as the distance from the user U's current location to the store and the walking time. For example, the ranking unit 104 may determine that the shorter the distance or time to the store, the higher the priority order of the store. The predetermined rules indicating what information is used to determine the priority order may be set by the user U or the administrator of the electronic payment utilization support device 100, as in the above embodiment.

[0094] <Example of operation> FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment. First, the identification unit 108 identifies nearby stores from the location information of the user U (step S301). Then, the selection unit 102 selects a payment method that can be used at any of the stores identified in step S301 from among multiple payment methods available to the user (step S303). Then, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority order for the selected payment methods based on the identification information of each store (step S305). Then, the presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods to the user U in order of priority (step S105). Furthermore, the presentation unit 106 presents to the user U stores that can use the payment method with the highest priority (step S307).

[0095] In step S305, if the payment method of company A is determined to be the highest priority, in step S307, stores that can use the payment method of company A are presented. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the recommendation screen 160 of this embodiment. In this example, the recommendation screen 160 of FIG. 10 further includes a store information display unit 180 of stores that can use the payment method of company A, which has the highest priority. The store information display unit 180 displays the name of the store that can use the payment method of company A, which has the highest priority. Furthermore, the store information display unit 180 may include a function of an operation button that shifts to a screen that displays information including at least one of information such as an address, a telephone number, map information, and access information of the store, or a link to the website of the store. These various store information may be stored in the storage device 110 as store master data.

[0096] Furthermore, the presentation unit 106 may further display map information including the location information of the multiple stores identified in step S301, and may highlight stores where the highest level payment method presented in step S307 can be used.

[0097] As described above, according to this embodiment, the identification unit 108 identifies multiple stores in the vicinity of the user U, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority order of payment methods based on the benefit information of each store, and the presentation unit 106 presents to the user U stores that offer the highest priority payment method. With this configuration, the user U can know which stores in the vicinity offer the highest priority payment method. Then, if the user U goes to the store, he or she can use the highest priority payment method.

[0098] (Fifth embodiment) Electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment is similar to the above embodiment, except that it has a configuration in which the priority order of payment means is determined using history information showing the usage history of payment means by user U. Electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment has the same configuration as electronic payment utilization support device 100 in Fig. 2, so will be described using Fig. 2.

[0099] The ranking unit 104 determines the priority order of payment methods using history information indicating the usage history of the user U's payment methods.

[0100] The history information indicating the usage history of the payment information includes at least one of the date of use, the store used, and the amount used for each payment method of the user U. For example, the ranking unit 104 can give a higher priority to a payment method that is used frequently or frequently by the user U. Alternatively, the ranking unit 104 may give a higher priority to a payment method that is used frequently or can be used at a store that the user U uses frequently.

[0101] For example, among payment methods that have the same priority as determined by the ranking unit 104 in the above embodiment, the presentation unit 106 may give a higher priority to a payment method that can be used by user U at a store that he or she uses frequently or frequently.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority order of payment methods using history information indicating the usage history of the payment methods by the user U. Therefore, it is possible to give a high priority order to payment methods that the user U uses frequently, so that the recommendation screen 160 can make suggestions that match the user's preferences and behavioral patterns. For example, even if the user U is collecting points for the payment method, the payment method is conveniently ranked at the top of the recommendation screen 160. In this way, it is possible to make suggestions that are convenient and comfortable for the user.

[0103] (Sixth embodiment) <System Overview> Fig. 24 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the electronic payment system 1 according to this embodiment. In the above-mentioned embodiment, a payment processing application 52 for the payment means of each payment company is installed in the user terminal 20, but in this embodiment, the payment means of each payment company can be used on the user terminal 20 without installing a payment processing application 52 for the payment means of each payment company in the user terminal 20, which is different. The electronic payment utilization support device 100 (server 10 in Fig. 24) of the electronic payment system 1 of this embodiment includes the same configuration as any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0104] <Example of functional configuration> Fig. 25 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the logical configuration of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. In addition to the configuration of Fig. 2, electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 further includes a transmission unit 112. The transmission unit 112 transmits payment information 128 of the payment method of the payment company used by user U at the store to the payment company that performs the payment by the payment method selected by user U to be used.

[0105] The operation of electronic payment system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the electronic payment system 1 of FIG. 24, the server 10 (corresponding to the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of FIG. 25) functions as a gateway between the user terminal 20 of the user U and the computers 40 of each payment company (in the figure, the computers of the payment companies A, B, and C are shown as 40A, 40B, and 40C, respectively. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish them, they will be simply referred to as the computers 40 of the payment companies). The server 10 provides the user terminal 20 with a portal site that enables the use of multiple payment methods. The user terminal 20 can access the portal site of the electronic payment utilization support device 100 using a browser. When an application is used, it is sufficient that only the electronic payment utilization support program 50 of FIG. 4 in the above embodiment is installed in the user terminal 20, and the payment processing application 52 of each company is not required.

[0106] <Example of operation> In this embodiment, the case where the payment method is two-dimensional code payment will be described, but the payment method is not limited to this. As in the above embodiment, the presentation unit 106 of the electronic payment utilization support device 100 displays a recommendation screen 160 on the user terminal 20 of the user U, proposes the most suitable payment method from among multiple payment methods, and allows the user U to select the payment method to be used. Here, assuming that the payment method of company B is selected by the user U (step S401), the presentation unit 106 displays a two-dimensional code display screen 190 on the user terminal 20 for payment processing of the payment amount.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the two-dimensional code display screen 190 displays a two-dimensional code including information for Company B payment generated by the payment processing application 52b of the payment company B. In this embodiment, when the user U selects a payment method from among a plurality of payment companies on the portal site, the presentation unit 106 of the server 10 causes the display device 120 of the user terminal 20 to display a two-dimensional code including payment information generated on behalf of the Company B Pay application 52b for the Company B payment on the two-dimensional code display screen 190. Here, a two-dimensional code including payment information for the Company B Pay payment is generated and displayed. Specifically, the two-dimensional code includes the user information of the user U and information indicating that the Company B Pay payment is to be used as the payment method.

[0108] There are two main methods for exchanging information for payment between the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 via a two-dimensional code: the CPM (Consumer Presented Mode) method and the MPM (Merchant Presented Mode) method. In the CPM method, a two-dimensional code containing information for payment is displayed on the user terminal 20 and read by the store terminal 30. The MPM method has two further methods. One is a method in which a two-dimensional code containing information such as the payment amount is displayed on the store terminal 30 and read by the user terminal 20. The other is a method in which a store-specific two-dimensional code presented at the store is read by the user terminal 20.

[0109] Here, a case where the CPM method is used will be described. A two-dimensional code including the user information of the user U and information indicating that the payment method will be B Company Pay payment is displayed on the two-dimensional code display screen 190 of the user terminal 20 by the presentation unit 106. This two-dimensional code is read by a barcode reader (not shown) in the store, and a payment operation is performed by the store terminal 30 (step S403).

[0110] Then, the store terminal 30 adds payment identification information for identifying the payment, the payment amount, and store information to the user information of user U and information indicating that Company B Pay payment will be used as the payment method, which are contained in the two-dimensional code read from the user terminal 20, and transmits the result to the server 10 (step S404).

[0111] Then, based on the received information indicating that Company B Pay payment is to be used, the sending unit 112 refers to the forwarding table 70, identifies the computer 40B of the payment company B, and sends payment information including the payment identification information, the user information of user U, the payment amount, and the store information to the computer 40B of the payment company (step S409). Payment processing using Company B Pay payment can be performed by at least steps S401, S403, S404, and S409.

[0112] The example of FIG. 24 further includes processes for the user U to confirm the payment details (steps S403, S405, and S407). This process can be omitted. Specifically, the presenter 106 displays a payment confirmation screen 192 on the display device 120 of the user terminal 20 of the user U (step S405). The payment confirmation screen 192 includes a payment information display section 194 showing the payment amount and information on the payment method, and a send button 196 for accepting an operation to confirm the payment information. The payment amount may be obtained by the server 10 from the store terminal 30, or may be transmitted from the store terminal 30 to the user terminal 20 when the two-dimensional code is read (step S403).

[0113] When the user U presses the send button 196 on the payment confirmation screen 192, the transmission unit 112 causes the user terminal 20 to transmit payment information to the server 10 (step S407). The information transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 10 includes at least the payment identification information, the user information of the user U, and the selected payment method. It may further include the payment amount, store information, etc.

[0114] When user U confirms the payment details, if information necessary for payment (e.g., payment identification information, user information of user U, selected payment method, payment amount, store information) is sent from the user terminal 20 to the server 10, the process of sending the information necessary for payment from the store terminal 30 to the server 10 in step S404 may or may not be performed.

[0115] When information is transmitted from both the store terminal 30 and the user terminal 20 to the server 10, the server 10 may be configured to check the consistency of the information received from the store terminal 30 and the information received from the user terminal 20. If the two pieces of information match, the transmission unit 112 transmits the payment information to the computer 40 of the corresponding payment company. On the other hand, if the two pieces of information do not match, the transmission unit 112 does not transmit the payment information. The server 10 may further include a notification unit (not shown) that notifies at least one of the store terminal 30 and the user terminal 20 that the two pieces of information do not match when the two pieces of information do not match.

[0116] 26 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the forwarding table 70. In the forwarding table 70, information on the destination of the payment information is associated with each payment method. Specifically, the identification information of the payment method (payment method ID) is associated with, for example, the IP address of the payment company's computer 40. The sending unit 112 can read out the destination information corresponding to the identification information of the payment method of the payment company selected by the user U from the forwarding table 70, and send the payment information to the payment company's computer 40 of the payment company.

[0117] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of information related to the use of a payment method by user U. The payment information 122 in FIG. 27(a) is information related to the use of a payment method by which the user terminal 20 made a payment at a store, and is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 10. The payment information 122 includes, for example, payment identification information (shown as "payment ID" in the figure), a personal ID, the date and time of payment, the store ID, payment amount information, and payment method information. The personal ID is not particularly limited as long as it is identification information that can identify user U. The personal ID may be, for example, any one of identification information assigned at the time of registration for use of the electronic payment system 1, a user ID specified at the time of user registration, and identification information of the user terminal 20.

[0118] The store ID is not particularly limited as long as it is identification information that can identify the store where the user U made the payment. The payment method information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the payment method. Here, the payment method information is assumed to be identification information of the payment method (hereinafter referred to as the payment method ID).

[0119] The payment information 122 of each user U is stored in the storage device 110 by the electronic payment support device 100 and can be used as the history information in the fifth embodiment.

[0120] 27(b) is information transferred from electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 to payment company computer 40. Payment information 128 includes, for example, a payment ID, a personal ID, a payment date and time, a store ID, and payment amount information. In this example, usage payment information 122 and payment information 128 have different data structures, but are not limited to this, and usage payment information 122 and payment information 128 may have the same data structure.

[0121] The above describes the case where the CPM method is used. When the MPM method is used, the process is basically the same, but the process of transmitting payment information from the store terminal 30 to the server 10 in step S404 in Fig. 24 is not performed. When Company B Pay payment is selected in step S401, the user terminal 20 reads the two-dimensional code (including the payment amount) displayed on the store terminal 30, or the two-dimensional code (excluding the payment amount) posted in the store.

[0122] In the former case (displaying a two-dimensional code on the store terminal 30), the user terminal 20 acquires the payment amount and store information from the two-dimensional code (step S403), and displays the payment confirmation screen 192 on the display device 120 (step S405). Then, upon receiving a press of the send button 196 as a user confirmation operation, the payment information is transmitted to the server 10 (step S407). In the server 10, based on the payment information transmitted from the user terminal 20, the transmission unit 112 transmits the payment information to the computer 40B of the payment company B as payment processing (step S409).

[0123] In the latter case (a two-dimensional code is posted in the store), the user terminal 20 acquires store information from the two-dimensional code (step S403). Then, the presenting unit 106 causes the user terminal 20 to display an input screen (not shown) for the user U to input the payment amount. Then, when the user U inputs the payment amount, the presenting unit 106 causes the user terminal 20 to display a payment confirmation screen 192, and so on.

[0124] Furthermore, as described in the second embodiment above, when multiple payment methods are selected, the presenter 106 displays a two-dimensional code including payment information for performing payment processing using multiple payment methods (payment information indicating that payment processing will be performed using the selected multiple payment methods) on the two-dimensional code display screen 190. That is, in the above embodiment, when multiple payment methods are selected, multiple two-dimensional codes generated by the payment processing applications 52 of each company are displayed, but in this embodiment, even when multiple payment methods are selected, payment can be completed with one two-dimensional code.

[0125] After the payment operation is performed by the store terminal 30, the transmission unit 112 acquires destination information corresponding to each of the selected payment methods. Then, the transmission unit 112 distributes the payment amount corresponding to each payment method to the computer 40 of the payment company of each payment method, and generates and transmits payment information 128. This distribution process can be performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment described above.

[0126] The payment company of each payment method can pay the payment amount to the corresponding store based on the payment information 128 received from the electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100.

[0127] As described above, according to this embodiment, the transmission unit 112 can transmit payment information of the payment method used by the user at the store to the computer 40 of the payment company of that payment method. Furthermore, when multiple payment methods are selected, the presentation unit 106 displays one two-dimensional code on the user terminal 20. Then, the transmission unit 112 can allocate the payment amount and transmit the payment information to the computers 40 of each payment company.

[0128] In this way, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved, and further, since the store side does not need to carry out the payment procedure with the payment company, it is efficient and convenient. Furthermore, when using multiple payment methods, the payment procedure can be completed by only reading one two-dimensional code, so it is also convenient for the user U.

[0129] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted. For example, the predetermined rule in each of the above embodiments may combine each of the conditions. For example, if there is a payment method that provides a privilege when the usage amount exceeds a predetermined amount, the ranking unit 104 determines whether the payment method has reached the predetermined amount, and if so, can lower the priority of the payment method. In other words, the ranking unit 104 determines whether the conditions for obtaining a usage privilege of the payment method are met, and lowers the priority of a payment method that has already met the conditions for obtaining a usage privilege.

[0130] According to this configuration, a payment method suited to the user U's situation can be presented.

[0131] Also, the store-specific payment method table 130 in Fig. 6 may be further divided by store category to provide a store-specific payment method table 132 in Fig. 20, which accepts the selection of a store category by the user U. The store-specific payment method table 132 stores available payment methods in association with each other for each store in each category.

[0132] The selection unit 102 may obtain payment methods available in stores of the category selected by the user U in advance, before using the store, and at any time, by referring to the store payment method table by category 132, and perform a payment method selection process.

[0133] According to this configuration, by selecting in advance the category of stores that the user U frequently visits, payment methods can be recommended at stores that match the preferences of the user U. EXAMPLES

[0134] Example 1 FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the recommendation screen 200 according to the first embodiment. The recommendation screen 200 includes a plurality of payment methods selected by the selection unit 102 in the order of priority determined by the ranking unit 104. In this example, the recommendation screen 200 includes a pull-down menu 202 for selecting a display type, a pull-down menu 204 for selecting a store, a rank display unit 206 for displaying the priority of each payment information, an information display unit 210 for each payment method, a name display unit 214 for each payment method, and usage registration status display units 212, 216 for each payment method. The usage registration status display unit 212 displays "Not contracted" to indicate that the payment method has not been registered for usage, and the usage registration status display unit 216 displays "Available" to indicate that the payment method has been registered for usage.

[0135] The display type selection pull-down menu 202 accepts the selection of the display type, such as whether to display by store, by area around the current location of the user U, or by store category. The store selection pull-down menu 204 accepts the selection of the store to be displayed from among multiple stores corresponding to the display type selected in the display type selection pull-down menu 202. Note that if it is desired to display payment methods available at all of the multiple stores around the user U, it may be possible to select "all" or "not specified," etc.

[0136] The payment method name display section 214 may include an operation button for accepting an operation to install a payment processing application 52 for that payment method, or a link to a website where the use of that payment method can be registered.

[0137] Example 2 22 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen 300 in Example 2. The recommendation screen 300 includes information on payment methods available at a plurality of stores identified by the identification unit 108 based on location information. The recommendation screen 300 includes a location information input unit 302, a search button 304, a store name display unit 310 that displays the names of the identified stores in order of distance, a store name display unit 320 that displays the names of the identified stores in alphabetical order, a payment method display unit 332 that displays logos indicating each payment method available at each store, and an operation button 330 for opening a display screen of map information for each store.

[0138] The default setting for the location information input unit 302 is "current location." When the search button 304 is pressed while "current location" is displayed, the identification unit 108 identifies multiple stores in the vicinity of the current location information. The selection unit 102 selects payment methods that can be used at each store, and logo marks indicating the corresponding payment methods are displayed in the payment method display unit 332. At this time, the logo marks of payment methods that user U can use are highlighted, and logo marks of payment methods that user U has not registered for use may be displayed normally or in a lighter color.

[0139] The location information input unit 302 may further receive keywords such as at least a part of an address, a store name, a place name, etc., arbitrarily input by the user U. When the search button 304 is pressed, a location is identified based on the information input to the location information input unit 302, and stores in the vicinity of the identified location are identified.

[0140] Each store name display unit 310, 320 may include an operation reception unit (link) that receives an operation to display the payment method recommendation screen 200 for each store in FIG.

[0141] When the operation button 330 is pressed, the map information screen 400 of Fig. 23 is displayed. The map information screen 400 includes an explanation field 402 indicating that the map displays the nearest store, a map display section 410, and a distance information display section 420 to each store. Furthermore, the map display section 410 displays map information of the vicinity of the position information, an icon 412 indicating a reference position (for example, the current position), and an icon 414 indicating the position of each store.

[0142] Also, the icon 414 indicating the location of store X, which has the highest priority, may be displayed in an highlighted manner, and the icons 414 of the other stores may be displayed normally.

[0143] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and examples. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. In addition, when information about users and businesses is acquired and / or used in the present invention, this shall be done lawfully.

[0144] Below, examples of reference forms are given. 1. A selection means for selecting a payment method available at the store where the user is currently located from among a plurality of payment methods available to the user; A ranking means for prioritizing the selected payment means in accordance with a predetermined rule; a presentation means for presenting the payment means to the user with the priorities determined by the ranking means; An electronic payment utilization support device comprising: 2. In the electronic payment support device described in 1., The presentation means presents to the user payment means other than the highest priority payment means in accordance with payment conditions indicating conditions related to payment for the highest priority payment means. 3. In the electronic payment support device according to 1. or 2., The selection means selects all payment methods available in the store where the user is currently located, The ranking means determines the priority order for the selected payment means; The presentation means presents, among the payment means, those which cannot be used by the user, together with information indicating that the payment means is unavailable. 4. In the electronic payment support device according to any one of 1. to 3., Further, a specifying means for specifying a surrounding store based on the location information of the user is provided, The selection means selects a payment means available at any one of the identified stores from among a plurality of payment means available to the user, The ranking means determines the priority order for the selected payment means based on the benefit information of each store, The presentation means presents to the user stores which accept the payment method with the highest priority. 5. In the electronic payment support device according to any one of 1. to 4., The electronic payment support device further comprises a setting means for setting the predetermined rules using an input from the user. 6. In the electronic payment support device according to any one of 1. to 5., The ranking means determines the priority order of the payment means using history information indicating the user's usage history of the payment means. 7. In the electronic payment support device according to any one of 1. to 6., The electronic payment utilization support device further includes a transmission means for transmitting payment information of the payment means used by the user at the store to a payment company that performs payment using the payment means selected for use. 8. In the electronic payment support device described in 7., the presentation means, when accepting a selection by the user of the use of a plurality of the payment means, presents a two-dimensional code including payment information for performing a payment process using the selected plurality of payment means; The transmission means distributes a payment amount to the plurality of payment means, generates payment information, and transmits the information to the payment company corresponding to each of the payment means.

[0145] 9. The electronic payment support device: Select a payment method that is available at the store where the user is currently located from among multiple payment methods available to the user, determining a priority order for the selected payment means in accordance with a predetermined rule; and presenting the payment methods to the user with the determined priority order. 10. In the electronic payment utilization support method described in 9., The electronic payment utilization support device, A method for supporting use of electronic payment, which presents to the user payment means other than the payment means having the highest priority in accordance with payment conditions indicating conditions relating to payment for the payment means having the highest priority. 11. In the electronic payment utilization support method described in 9. or 10., The electronic payment utilization support device, Select all payment methods available at the store where the user is currently located, determining the priority order for the selected payment methods; A method for supporting electronic payment utilization, comprising the steps of: presenting, among the payment means, any payment means that cannot be used by the user together with information indicating that the payment means is unavailable. 12. In the electronic payment support method according to any one of 9. to 11., The electronic payment utilization support device further comprises: Identifying nearby stores based on the user's location information; Select a payment method available at any one of the identified stores from among a plurality of payment methods available to the user; determining the priority order for the selected payment means based on the benefit information of each store; The electronic payment support method includes presenting to the user stores that accept the payment method with the highest priority. 13. In the electronic payment support method according to any one of 9. to 12., The electronic payment utilization support device further comprises: The method of supporting electronic payment utilization further comprises setting the predetermined rule using an input from the user. 14. In the electronic payment support method according to any one of 9. to 13., The electronic payment utilization support device, A method for supporting electronic payment utilization, comprising determining the priority order of the payment methods using history information indicating the user's usage history of the payment methods. 15. In the electronic payment support method according to any one of 9. to 14., The electronic payment utilization support device further comprises: A method for supporting the use of electronic payment, comprising transmitting payment information of the payment method used by the user at the store to a payment company that performs payment using the payment method selected for use. 16. In the electronic payment utilization support method described in 15., The electronic payment utilization support device, when the user selects one of the payment methods, the user presents a two-dimensional code including payment information for performing a payment process using the selected one of the payment methods; The electronic payment utilization support method further comprises allocating a payment amount to the plurality of payment methods, generating payment information, and transmitting the information to the payment company corresponding to each of the payment methods.

[0146] 17. To the computer: A step of selecting a payment method available at the store where the user is currently located from among a plurality of payment methods available to the user; determining a priority order for the selected payment methods in accordance with a predetermined rule; and presenting the payment methods to the user with the determined priorities. 18. In the program according to 17., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for presenting to the user payment methods other than the highest-priority payment method in accordance with payment conditions indicating conditions related to payment for the highest-priority payment method. 19. In the program according to 17. or 18., A step of selecting all payment methods available at the store where the user is currently located; determining a priority order for the selected payment methods; A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for presenting, among the payment methods, any payment methods that cannot be used by the user along with information indicating that the payment methods are unavailable. 20. In the program according to any one of 17. to 19., A step of identifying nearby stores based on the user's location information; A step of selecting a payment method available at any one of the identified stores from among a plurality of payment methods available to the user; determining the priority order for the selected payment means based on benefit information of each of the stores; A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for presenting to the user stores where the highest priority payment method can be used. 21. In the program according to any one of 17. to 20., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for setting the predetermined rule using the input from the user. 22. In the program according to any one of 17. to 21., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for determining the priority order of the payment methods using history information indicating the user's usage history of the payment methods. 23. In the program according to any one of 17. to 22., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for transmitting payment information of the payment method used by the user at the store to a payment company that will make the payment using the payment method selected for use. 24. In the program according to 23., a step of presenting, when a selection of the use of a plurality of the payment means by the user is accepted, a two-dimensional code including payment information for performing a payment process using the selected plurality of payment means; A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure of allocating a payment amount to the plurality of payment methods, generating payment information, and transmitting the information to the payment company corresponding to each of the payment methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1. Electronic payment systems 3. Communication Network 10 Server 20 User terminal 30 Store terminals 40, 40A, 40B, 40C Payment companies 50 Electronic Payment Utilization Support Program 52 Payment Processing Applications 52a Company A Pay app 52b B Company Pay App 52c C Company Pay App 70 Forwarding Table 100 Electronic payment support device 102 Selection section 104 Ranking Division 106 Presentation section 108 Specific section 110 Storage device 112 Transmitter 120 Display device 122 Payment information 128 Payment Information 130 Payment Method Table by Store 132 Store payment method table by category 140 Prioritization rule setting information 142 User Information 144 Usage limit information 152 Payment Method Information 154 Campaign Information 160 Recommendation Screen 162 Ranking 164 Logo mark 166 Name display section 168 Highlight 170 Campaign information display column 172a User registration status display section 172b User registration status display section 180 Store information display section 190 2D code display screen 192 Payment confirmation screen 194 Payment information display section 196 Send button 200 Recommendation Screen 202 Display type selection pull-down menu 204 Store selection pull-down menu 206 Ranking display section 210 Information display section 212 User registration status display section 214 Name display section 216 User registration status display section 300 Recommendation Screen 302 Location information input section 304 Search button 310 Store name display section 320 Store name display section 330 Operation button 332 Payment method display section 400 Map information screen 402 Description 410 Map display section 412, 414 Icon 420 Distance information display section 1000 Computers 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage Device 1050 Input / Output Interface 1060 Network Interface

Claims

1. A program to be installed on a user terminal used by a user, The program is A process of acquiring information on a payment method used by the user; A process of displaying a map based on the location of the user terminal on the user terminal; A process of displaying information about stores on the map; When a store displayed on the map is selected, a process of displaying on the user terminal payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user in accordance with a predetermined rule; causing the user terminal to execute a process of activating a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment means displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; The program, wherein the process of displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the specified rules includes a process of displaying payment methods with high cashback rates at the selected store at the top.

2. The program according to claim 1, The process of displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules includes a process of displaying the ranking and the name of the payment method on the user terminal.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, The program further includes a process of displaying, on the user terminal, a payment method linked to campaign identification information including a campaign implementation period.

4. The program according to claim 3, A program, wherein the campaign identification information includes information regarding a redemption rate.

5. The program according to claim 3 or 4, The program further comprises a process of displaying a logo mark representing the payment method linked to the campaign identification information.

6. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The program, wherein the information about the store includes an icon indicating a store to which information about available payment methods is linked.

7. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The program, wherein the payment method used by the user includes at least one of payment by two-dimensional code, payment by electronic money, payment by credit card, and payment by debit card.

8. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A program, wherein the process of obtaining information on the payment method used by the user includes a process of obtaining information on the payment method used by the user based on information on a payment processing application installed on the user terminal.

9. Obtain information on the payment method used by the user, displaying a map based on the location of the user terminal on the user terminal; Displaying information about stores on the map; When a store displayed on the map is selected, displaying on the user terminal the payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user in accordance with a predetermined rule; launching a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment means displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; A processing method, in which, when displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules, payment methods with a high return rate at the selected store are displayed at the top.

10. A user terminal used by a user, A means for acquiring information on a payment method used by the user; means for causing a user terminal to display a map based on the location of the user terminal; A means for displaying information about stores on the map; a means for displaying, when a store displayed on the map is selected, payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user on the user terminal in accordance with a predetermined rule; means for starting a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment means displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; The means for displaying on the user terminal according to the predetermined rule displays payment methods with a high return rate at the top of the selected store.

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