System, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can enhance user convenience. [Solution] A system Sys according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a decision unit 206 that determines whether the user terminal device 2 will use a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by a first organization or a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by a second organization; a request unit 208 that requests a service from the service provider device 3 via the first interface if the decision unit 206 decides to use the first interface, and requests a service from the user terminal device 2 via the second interface if the decision unit 206 decides to use the second interface; a service information acquisition unit that acquires service information relating to the service request made by the request unit 208 via the second interface; and a transmission unit that sends a notification to the first organization based on the service information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to preventing the use of services unintended by the settler when the settler of the service charge is different.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot sufficiently enhance the convenience for the user. For example, there is room for consideration regarding the case where the user can use a plurality of settlement and / or authentication interfaces. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can enhance the convenience for the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A system according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a decision unit that determines whether a user terminal device will use a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by a first organization or a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by a second organization; a request unit that, if the decision unit determines to use the first interface, requests a service from the user terminal device to a service provider via the first interface, and if the decision unit determines to use the second interface, requests a service from the user terminal device to a service provider via the second interface; a service information acquisition unit that acquires service information relating to the service request made by the request unit via the second interface; and a transmission unit that transmits a notification to the first organization based on the service information.

[0006] An information processing method relating to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the system determining whether a user terminal device will use a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by a first organization or a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by a second organization; if the system decides to use the first interface, the system requests a service from the service provider via the first interface from the user terminal device; if the system decides to use the second interface, the system requests a service from the service provider via the second interface from the user terminal device; the system obtains service information relating to the service request made via the second interface; and the system sends a notification to the first organization based on the service information.

[0007] A program relating to another aspect of the present disclosure causes the system to determine whether a user terminal device will use a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by a first organization or a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by a second organization; if the user terminal device decides to use the first interface, it requests a service from the service provider via the first interface; if the user terminal device decides to use the second interface, it requests a service from the service provider via the second interface; it obtains service information regarding the service request made via the second interface; and it sends a notification to the first organization based on the service information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can enhance user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of the system Sys according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of the system Sys according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal device 2 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the system Sys according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of user terminal device 2. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of user terminal device 2. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of user terminal device 2. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of user terminal device 2. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of each device in the System Sys according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A preferred embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0011] <1. Overview> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the system Sys (hereinafter simply referred to as "System Sys") according to this embodiment. System Sys includes an information processing device 1, a user terminal device 2, a first service provision device 3a, a second service provision device 3b, a first organizational server device Sv1, and a second organizational server device Sv2.

[0012] In one embodiment, the user terminal device 2 runs application software that can switch between multiple payment and / or authentication interfaces. Hereinafter, this application software will be referred to as the "variable interface app." Also, hereafter, when the payment interface and the authentication interface are not specifically distinguished, or when they are referred to collectively, they will simply be referred to as the "interface." In one example, the interface is an image code (e.g., a barcode and a QR code (registered trademark), etc.). In another example, the interface is NFC (Near Field Communication), etc. That is, in one example, the user can switch between an image code and NFC to perform payment and / or authentication by using the variable interface app.

[0013] In one embodiment, in the user terminal device 2, a specific interface is set as the normal interface of the variable interface application. In one example, the user terminal device 2 generally executes settlement and / or authentication using the normal interface, and may exceptionally execute settlement and / or authentication using an interface other than the normal interface. The normal interface can also be referred to as the default interface.

[0014] Steps S11 to S14 in FIG. 1 show an example of the operation of the system Sys when the user performs settlement using the normal interface. In this example, the user terminal device 2 displays an image code which is the normal interface (S11), and executes settlement by having it read by a camera or the like of the first service providing device 3a (S12). The first service providing device 3a is a device used by the first seller who sells goods to the user to receive settlement from the user.

[0015] Settlement information regarding the settlement by the user is transmitted to the first organization server device Sv1 managed by the first organization (S13). The first organization may be an operator that provides a settlement service using an image code. Also, the first organization server device Sv1 can access information (for example, account information, credit card information, and point information, etc.) that is the source of payment for the user's settlement using the image code. The first organization server device Sv1 can debit the amount of the goods sold by the first seller from, for example, the user's account, and transfer the amount obtained by deducting a fee from the said amount to the first seller (S14). Thereby, the user can purchase the goods, and the first seller can obtain the consideration for selling the goods.

[0016] In contrast, steps S21 to S28 in FIG. 1 show an example of the operation of the system Sys when the user performs settlement using an interface other than the normal interface. In this example, the user terminal device 2 activates NFC, which is an interface other than the normal interface (S21), and executes settlement by communicating with the second service providing device 3b (S22). The second service providing device 3b is a device used by the second seller who sells other products to the user to receive settlement from the user.

[0017] The settlement information regarding the settlement by the user is transmitted to the second organization server device Sv2 managed by the second organization (S23). The second organization may be an operator that provides a settlement service using NFC. In this example, it is assumed that the second organization server device Sv2 cannot access the information that is the payment source of the user's settlement using NFC. That is, in this example, the second organization server device Sv2 cannot directly debit the amount of the product sold by the second seller from the user's account or the like.

[0018] Therefore, the second organization server device Sv2 transmits the settlement information to the information processing device 1 (S24). The settlement information transmitted here may include information indicating that the user terminal device 2 has performed NFC-based settlement with the second service providing device 3b. The information indicating that the settlement has been performed may include information regarding the settlement amount.

[0019] The information processing device 1 sends a notification to the first organization server device Sv1 based on the settlement information received from the second organization server device Sv2 (S25). The notification may include billing information regarding the invoice from the second organization. The first organization server device Sv1 makes a payment to the information processing device 1 based on the billing information (S26). The information processing device 1 then makes a payment to the second organization server device Sv2, for example, by deducting a fee from the amount received in step S26 (S27). The second organization server device Sv2 may make a payment to the second seller for the amount received in step S27 (or, for example, the amount minus a fee) (S28). As a result, the user purchases the goods, and the second seller receives payment for selling the goods.

[0020] According to System Sys, user convenience can be enhanced. For example, in Figure 1, users can use image codes for payment (see S11-S12) or NFC (see S21-S22). The first seller who accepts payment via image code can receive payment from the first organization for the sale of goods. The second seller who accepts payment via NFC can receive payment from the first organization for the sale of goods via the second organization and the information processing device 1. In other words, from the user's perspective, payments can be made using multiple interfaces without having to be aware of the source of the payment.

[0021] The types of interfaces used for payment and / or authentication tend to vary by region. For example, NFC is primarily used in Europe, image codes are primarily used in Southeast Asia and China, and both NFC and image codes are used in Japan and Taiwan. However, users may want to use common application software to access payment and / or authentication services across different regions. System Sys can solve the challenges associated with this example.

[0022] The various configurations of the System Sys will be described below with reference to Figures 2-10.

[0023] <2. Functional Configuration> Referring to Figure 2, an example of the functional configuration of System Sys will be described. System Sys includes an information processing device 1, a user terminal device 2, a first service provider device 3a, a second service provider device 3b, a first organizational server device Sv1, a second organizational server device Sv2, and a communication network 4. Hereinafter, when the first service provider device 3a and the second service provider device 3b are not specifically distinguished, or when they are referred to collectively, they will be referred to as "Service Provider Device 3". Similarly, hereafter, when the first organizational server device Sv1 and the second organizational server device Sv2 are not specifically distinguished, or when they are referred to collectively, they will be referred to as "Organizational Server Device Sv".

[0024] [Service provision device 3] The service provider device 3 is a device that performs at least a part of the processing related to the provision of services via the interface of the user terminal device 2. The service provider device 3 includes, for example, an image code reader, an NFC module, a Bluetooth communication module, and a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication module. In one example, the service provider device 3 reads an image code displayed on the screen of the user terminal device 2 and transmits the read information to the organization server device Sv (see S12-S13 in Figure 1). In another example, the service provider device 3 communicates with the NFC module of the user terminal device 2 and transmits the received information to the organization server device Sv (see S22-S23 in Figure 1).

[0025] In one embodiment, the service provider 3 is a payment terminal device. In this case, the service provider 3 may acquire payment information via the interface of the user terminal device 2 and transmit it to the organization server device Sv. For example, the payment information may include information about the source of the user's payment (e.g., account information, credit card information and points information, or information to identify at least one of these).

[0026] In one embodiment, the service provider 3 is an authentication terminal device. In this case, the service provider 3 may acquire authentication information via the interface of the user terminal device 2 and transmit it to the organization server device Sv. In one example, the authentication information may include information for verifying the user's identity (e.g., information related to My Number, information related to a membership card for a specific service, or information to identify at least one of these). In another example, the authentication information may include information related to the registration status of a specific web service, etc.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first service provider 3a can perform at least a portion of the processing related to service provision via the first interface, and the second service provider 3b can perform at least a portion of the processing related to service provision via the second interface. That is, the first service provider 3a and the second service provider 3b may have different interfaces they can accept.

[0028] [Organizational Server Device Sv] The organizational server device Sv is a server device managed by an organization that provides payment and / or authentication services. In one example, if the organizational server device Sv is managed by an organization that provides payment services, the organizational server device Sv can receive payment information from the service provider device 3 and, based on that payment information, modify the account information of the users of the service provider device 3 and the users of the user terminal device 2. In another example, if the organizational server device Sv is managed by an organization that provides authentication services, the organizational server device Sv can receive authentication information from the service provider device 3 and, based on that information, can output information regarding the validity of that authentication information to the users of the service provider device 3 and the users of the user terminal device 2.

[0029] [User terminal device 2] User terminal device 2 is a communication device used by a user (in this disclosure, a person who intends to receive services using a variable interface application). User terminal device 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device. User terminal device 2 includes an input interface, an output interface, and a communication interface.

[0030] The input interface is an interface that allows the user terminal device 2 to receive input from the user. The input interface may be a touch panel, microphone, camera, keyboard, mouse, etc.

[0031] The output interface is an interface for transmitting information to the user through images, sound, etc. The output interface includes a display (which may also function as a touch panel) and speakers.

[0032] The communication interface is an interface for enabling communication with other devices via the communication network 4. The communication interface may be a wireless communication interface or a wired communication interface.

[0033] In one embodiment, the user terminal device 2 can download and install a variable interface application. The user terminal device 2 may download the variable interface application from, for example, an application distribution platform. That is, the variable interface application may be a so-called native application.

[0034] In one embodiment, the user terminal device 2 can execute a variable interface application in the form of a web application using a web browser. The user terminal device 2 may execute the variable interface application by, for example, accessing a web service hosted by the information processing device 1.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal device 2. The user terminal device 2 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 22, a network interface unit 24, and a bus 26. The control unit 20, the storage unit 22, and the network interface unit 24 are electrically connected via the bus 26.

[0036] (Control unit 20) The control unit 20 can function as a reception unit 200, acquisition unit 202, determination unit 204, decision unit 206, and request unit 208 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 22, which will be described later.

[0037] The reception unit 200 receives various inputs from the user. The acquisition unit 202 acquires various information and makes it ready for processing in the control unit 20. The acquisition unit 202 includes a condition information acquisition unit 202a, a location information acquisition unit 202b, and an interface information acquisition unit 202c. The condition information acquisition unit 202a acquires condition information relating to conditions corresponding to at least one of one or more interfaces. The location information acquisition unit 202b acquires location information relating to the location of the user terminal device 2. The interface information acquisition unit 202c acquires interface information relating to the availability of the interface. The determination unit 204 determines whether the information to be determined satisfies predetermined conditions. The decision unit 206 decides to use either the first interface or the second interface. The request unit 208 requests a service from the service provider 3 via the interface. Specific examples of functions that can be realized based on these configurations will be described later.

[0038] (Storage unit 22) The storage unit 22 stores various information necessary for the operation of the user terminal device 2. For example, the storage unit 22 stores various programs executed by the control unit 20. For example, the storage unit 22 stores condition information, location information, interface information, etc.

[0039] (Network interface section 24) The network interface unit 24 enables communication with other devices via the communication network 4.

[0040] [Information Processing Device 1] In one embodiment, the information processing device 1 links the first organization server device Sv1 and the second organization server device Sv2. In this case, the information processing device 1 can be said to form a "variable interface platform," and the first organization and the second organization can be said to belong to this platform.

[0041] In one embodiment, the information processing device 1 is a server device when the organizational server device Sv is the client device. In one embodiment, the information processing device 1 is a cloud server device. The information processing device 1 may be a device that includes, for example, one or more virtual or physical web server devices and one or more virtual or physical database server devices.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 comprises a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, a network interface unit 14, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 12, and the network interface unit 14 are electrically connected via the bus 16.

[0043] (Control Unit 10) The control unit 10 can function as an acquisition unit 100 and a transmission unit 102 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 12, which will be described later.

[0044] The acquisition unit 100 acquires various types of information and prepares it for processing by the control unit 10. The acquisition unit 100 includes a setting information acquisition unit 100a and a service information acquisition unit 100b. The setting information acquisition unit 100a acquires setting information related to the settings of the variable interface application. The service information acquisition unit 100b acquires service information (for example, payment information and authentication information) from the service provider device 3. The transmission unit 102 transmits various types of information to other devices. Specific examples of functions that can be realized based on these configurations will be described later.

[0045] (Storage unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores various information necessary for the operation of the information processing device 1. For example, the storage unit 12 stores various programs to be executed by the control unit 10.

[0046] (Network interface section 14) The network interface unit 14 enables communication with other devices via the communication network 4.

[0047] [Communication Network 4] The communication network 4 facilitates communication between the information processing device 1, the user terminal device 2, the service provision device 3, and the organizational server device Sv. In one example, the communication network 4 facilitates communication based on the TCP / IP protocol.

[0048] In this disclosure, the acquisition of information by the acquisition unit 100 includes making the information available for processing by the control unit 10. That is, the acquisition of information by the acquisition unit 100 may be by receiving the information from another device, reading the information from the storage unit 12, or obtaining the information as a result of a predetermined process. Similarly, the acquisition of information by the acquisition unit 202 of the user terminal device 2 includes making the information available for processing by the control unit 20.

[0049] <3.Operation> [First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a sequence illustrating an example of the operation of the system Sys, and an example of the display screen on the user terminal device 2 will be described.

[0050] (Sequence)

[0051] In the first embodiment, the interface information acquisition unit 202c of the user terminal device 2 acquires interface information regarding the availability of at least one of image codes (an example of a first interface) and NFC (an example of a second interface). In this case, the interface information acquisition unit 202c of the user terminal device 2 may acquire interface information by communicating with the service provision device 3. The interface information may include information regarding interfaces that the service provision device 3 can accept.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the decision unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 determines whether to use an image code corresponding to a first payment means (an example of a first service means) provided by a first organization, or NFC corresponding to a second payment means (an example of a second service means) provided by a second organization. The decision unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 may determine whether to use an image code or NFC based on interface information acquired by the interface information acquisition unit 202c.

[0053] In the first embodiment, if the decision unit 206 decides to use an image code, the request unit 208 of the user terminal device 2 requests payment (an example of a service) from the service provider device 3 via the image code. Requesting payment from the service provider device 3 via an image code may include displaying the image code on the display screen of the user terminal device 2.

[0054] In the first embodiment, if the decision unit 206 decides to use NFC, the request unit 208 of the user terminal device 2 requests payment from the service provider device 3 via NFC. Requesting payment from the service provider device 3 via NFC may include communicating with the service provider device 3 using the NFC module of the user terminal device 2.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the service information acquisition unit 100b of the information processing device 1 acquires payment information (an example of service information) related to a payment request made by the request unit 208 of the user terminal device 2 via NFC. The transmission unit 102 of the information processing device 1 transmits a notification to the first organization server device Sv1 based on the payment information.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the settlement information acquired by the service information acquisition unit 100b of the information processing device 1 includes information regarding the amount paid in the settlement. The notification transmitted by the transmission unit 102 of the information processing device 1 includes billing information relating to a claim from the second organization to the first organization. Here, the billing information is determined based on the settlement amount and the amount of the fee. In other words, the information processing device 1 performs settlement by acquiring settlement information and transmitting the notification.

[0057] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the system Sys according to the first embodiment. First, the information processing device 1 performs processing in cooperation with the first organization and the second organization (S100). As a result, the first organization and the second organization belong to the variable interface platform formed by the information processing device 1. In one embodiment, the information processing device 1 can send a notification to the second organization server device Sv2 when it receives payment information from the first organization server device Sv1, and send a notification to the first organization server device Sv1 when it receives payment information from the second organization server device Sv2.

[0058] Next, the user terminal device 2 transmits configuration information regarding the settings of the variable interface application to the information processing device 1 (S104).

[0059] In one embodiment, the configuration information may include information about one or more interfaces that the user can use. In one embodiment, the configuration information may include information about which of the one or more interfaces the user will set as the normal interface. In the example in Figure 5, the configuration information includes information that the user will use image codes and NFC, and will set the image code as the normal interface.

[0060] In one embodiment, the configuration information may include information about the payer when one or more interfaces are used. In one embodiment, a normal interface is required to be configured with information about the payer when that interface is used, while interfaces other than the normal interface do not need to be configured with information about the payer when that interface is used. In the example in Figure 5, the configuration information includes information about the payer when payment is made using an image code.

[0061] In one embodiment, the configuration information can be entered by the user. In one embodiment, the configuration information is at least temporarily stored in the information processing device 1, and the user terminal device 2 can appropriately retrieve the configuration information stored in the information processing device 1. That is, the configuration information may be synchronized between the information processing device 1 and the user terminal device 2.

[0062] Next, the user terminal device 2 requests the service provider device 3 to transmit interface information (S106). In one embodiment, the user terminal device 2 requests the transmission of interface information via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, UWB, etc.

[0063] Next, the service provider 3 transmits interface information to the user terminal device 2 upon request (S108). The user terminal device 2 determines which interface to use based on the received interface information (S110).

[0064] If the interface information received in S108 includes information indicating that the service provider 3 can accept image codes but cannot accept NFC, the user terminal device 2 decides to use image codes (alt upper section). In this case, the user terminal device 2 displays the image code and allows the service provider 3 to read it (S112). Having read the image code, the service provider 3 transmits settlement information regarding the settlement request made via the image code to the first organization server device Sv1 (S114). The first organization server device Sv1 settles the payment between the user and the seller using the service provider 3. At this time, the first organization server device Sv1 may determine the fee to be received by the first organization. For example, the first organization server device Sv1 may decide that 5% of the sales price of the goods sold by the seller to the user will be the fee received by the first organization, and the remaining 95% will be sent to the seller.

[0065] In response to this, if the interface information received in S108 includes information indicating that the service provider 3 can accept NFC but cannot accept image codes, the user terminal device 2 decides to use NFC (alt lower section). In this case, the user terminal device 2 activates NFC and communicates with the service provider 3 (S116). The service provider 3, having communicated via NFC, transmits payment information regarding the payment request made via NFC to the second organization server device Sv2 (S118). The second organization server device Sv2 relays the payment information to the information processing device 1 (S120). In response, the information processing device 1 sends a notification to the first organization server device Sv1 (S122).

[0066] Information processing device 1 can perform at least part of the process for settlement between the user, the seller, the first organization, and the second organization by sending a notification. For example, information processing device 1 may determine that the seller, the first organization, the second organization, and the operator of the variable interface platform will each receive 95%, 3%, 1%, and 1% of the sales price of the goods sold by the seller to the user. In this case, the notification that information processing device 1 sends to the first organization server device Sv1 (see S122) may include request information that an amount equivalent to the sales price of the goods should be debited from the user's account, etc., and 97% of that amount should be sent to the operator of the variable interface platform. Subsequently, information processing device 1 sends 96% of the sales price of the goods to the second organization server device Sv2 and sends instructions that 95% of the sales price of the goods should be sent to the seller. Upon receiving the instructions, the second organization server device Sv2 sends 95% of the sales price of the goods to the seller. As a result, the seller, the first organization, the second organization, and the operator of the variable interface platform will each receive 95%, 3%, 1%, and 1% of the product's selling price, respectively.

[0067] (Display screen example) Referring to Figure 6-9, an example of the display screen on the user terminal device 2 will be explained.

[0068] Figure 6 shows an example of the display screen of user terminal device 2 just before launching a variable interface application. In the example display screen of Figure 6, the application display area d100 is displayed. Five application icons are displayed in the application display area d100. Of these, icon d102 is the icon corresponding to the variable interface application. The user can launch the variable interface application by pressing icon d102.

[0069] Figure 7 shows an example of the display screen of user terminal device 2 immediately after launching the variable interface application. The example display screen in Figure 7 shows the image code button d200, NFC button d202, setting change button d206, and auto detection button d204.

[0070] The image code button d200 is a button that, when pressed by the user, displays an image code. In the example display screen in Figure 7, the image code button d200 is displayed as a button for using the normal interface. The image code button d200 displays information about the payment source when using the image code.

[0071] The NFC button d202 is a button that, when pressed by the user, initiates NFC communication with the service provider device 3. In the example display screen in Figure 7, the NFC button d202 is displayed as a button for using an interface other than the normal interface. The display screen may also show buttons for using image codes and other interfaces other than NFC (for example, Bluetooth).

[0072] In one embodiment, the reception unit 200 of the user terminal device 2 receives input from the user regarding the selection of an interface in this manner. The decision unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 decides to use image codes if the reception unit 200 receives a press of the image code button d200 (an example of input regarding the selection of a first interface), and decides to use NFC if the reception unit 200 of the user terminal device 2 receives a press of the NFC button d202 (an example of input regarding the selection of a second interface). In other words, the user can manually select the interface to use.

[0073] The automatic detection button d204 is a button that can request the service provider 3 to send interface information. As explained in step S110 of Figure 5, the user terminal device 2 can also determine which interface to use based on the interface information. In other words, the user can also automatically determine which interface to use.

[0074] The settings change button d206 is a button that, when pressed by the user, transitions to a screen where the settings information can be changed.

[0075] Figure 8 shows an example of the display screen of the user terminal device 2 when the user presses the image code button d200, or when the user presses the automatic detection button d204 and it is decided to use an image code based on the received interface information. In the example display screen of Figure 8, the image code d300 is displayed. The user can make a payment by having the camera or other device of the service provider device 3 read the image code d300.

[0076] Figure 9 shows an example of the display screen of the user terminal device 2 when the user presses the NFC button d202, or when the user presses the auto-detection button d204 and it is decided to use NFC based on the received interface information. The example display screen in Figure 9 shows the NFC icon d400 and message d402. The user can make a payment by bringing the user terminal device 2 close to the NFC reader of the service provider device 3 while the NFC icon d400 is displayed. Message d402 displays "Payment will be linked to the payer of the image code." This indicates that when the user makes a payment using NFC, the information processing device 1 sends a notification to the first organization server device Sv1 which provides the image code payment service, and the payment is executed from the user's account etc. that the first organization server device Sv1 can access (see S23~S28 in Figure 1).

[0077] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the user terminal device 2 determines the interface to use manually or automatically based on interface information received from the service provider device 3. In the second embodiment, an example is described in which the user terminal device 2 may determine the interface to use based on whether or not predetermined conditions are met.

[0078] In one embodiment, the condition information acquisition unit 202a of the user terminal device 2 acquires condition information relating to the conditions corresponding to the first interface (hereinafter referred to as "first conditions"). In one example, the condition information may be set by the user. In another example, the condition information may be set by the system Sys.

[0079] The determination unit 204 of the user terminal device 2 determines whether the first condition is met. In one example, if the decision unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 determines that the first condition is met, it decides to use the first interface, and if it determines that the first condition is not met, it decides to use the second interface. In one example, if the first condition is met, the decision unit 206 decides to use the first interface, and if the first condition is not met, the reception unit 200 accepts a selection for either the first interface or the second interface, and the decision unit 206 decides to use the selected interface.

[0080] In one embodiment, the condition information may further include information relating to a condition corresponding to a second interface (hereinafter referred to as the "second condition"). The determination unit 204 of the user terminal device 2 determines whether the first condition and the second condition are met.

[0081] For example, if it is determined that the first condition is met and the second condition is not met, the decision unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 may decide to use the first interface.

[0082] For example, if it is determined that the first condition is not met, and the second condition is met, the decision unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 may decide to use the second interface.

[0083] For example, if it is determined that the first condition is met, the decision unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 may decide to use the first interface, regardless of whether the second condition is met or not.

[0084] For example, if the determination unit 204 of the user terminal device 2 determines that both the first and second conditions are met, or if it determines that neither the first nor second conditions are met, the reception unit 200 accepts the selection of either the first interface or the second interface, and the decision unit 206 may decide to use the selected interface.

[0085] In one embodiment, the first and second conditions each include conditions relating to the type of business in which the user intends to make a payment. Information relating to the type of business in which the user intends to make a payment may be transmitted, for example, from the service provider 3 to the user terminal device 2. For example, the first condition may include that the user intends to make a payment at a restaurant, and the second condition may include that the user intends to make a payment within a train station. The type of business can be set arbitrarily.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first and second conditions each include conditions relating to the period, day of the week, or time of day when the user intends to make a payment. For example, the first condition may include that the time when the user intends to make a payment is between 0:00 and 15:00 (an example of a time period), and the second condition may include that the time when the user intends to make a payment is between 12:00 and 20:00 (an example of a time period). In this case, the interface used in each time period may be determined as follows. (1) 0:00 to 12:00: The first condition is determined to be met, and the second condition is determined to be not met. As a result, user terminal device 2 may decide to use the first interface. (2) Between 12:00 and 15:00: It is determined that both the first and second conditions are met. As a result, the user terminal device 2 can accept a selection from the user for either the first or second interface and decide to use the selected interface. (3) Between 15:00 and 20:00: It is determined that the second condition is met, and the first condition is not met. As a result, user terminal device 2 may decide to use the second interface. (4) Between 8 PM and 12 AM: It is determined that neither the first nor the second condition is met. As a result, the user terminal device 2 may accept a selection from the user for either the first or second interface and decide to use the selected interface.

[0087] [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, the location information acquisition unit 202b of the user terminal device 2 acquires location information relating to the location of the user terminal device 2. The location information may include information acquired by GPS and may include information acquired by Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth. The determination unit 206 determines whether to use the first interface or the second interface based on the location information. The relationship between the location information and the interface determined according to the location information may be set by the user or the system Sys.

[0088] For example, if location information indicates that user terminal device 2 is located in Japan, the determination unit 206 of user terminal device 2 may decide to use the first interface. If location information indicates that user terminal device 2 is located outside of Japan, the determination unit 206 may decide to use the second interface.

[0089] For example, if location information indicates that user terminal device 2 is located in Japan, the decision unit 206 of user terminal device 2 may decide to use the first interface. If location information indicates that user terminal device 2 is located outside of Japan, the reception unit 200 accepts a selection for either the first interface or the second interface, and the decision unit 206 may decide to use the selected interface.

[0090] For example, if location information indicates that user terminal device 2 is located in Japan, the decision unit 206 of user terminal device 2 may decide to use the first interface. If location information indicates that user terminal device 2 is located in the United States, the decision unit 206 may decide to use the second interface. Otherwise, the reception unit 200 accepts the selection of either the first or second interface, and the decision unit 206 decides to use the selected interface.

[0091] [Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, interface information was described as including information about interfaces that the service provider 3 can accept. However, the interface information may include information about the availability of the first interface due to a failure or malfunction (hereinafter referred to as "failure / malfunction information"). The decision unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 can determine which interface to use based on the failure / malfunction information. In one example, the user terminal device 2 decides to use the second interface if the first interface is unavailable due to a failure or malfunction. In another example, the user terminal device 2 decides to use the first interface if the second interface is unavailable due to a failure or malfunction. The relationship between the failure / malfunction information and the interface determined according to the failure / malfunction information can be set by the user.

[0092] For example, if the first interface is NFC and the NFC module of the user terminal device 2 is faulty, the fault / failure information may include information indicating that NFC cannot be used due to the failure of the NFC module. In this case, the determination unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 may decide to use an image code (an example of the second interface). In this example, the fault / failure information may be output, for example, from the fault diagnosis program of the user terminal device 2.

[0093] In one example, if the first interface is an image code and a system failure occurs in the first organization server device Sv1 that provides payment services using image codes, the failure / failure information may include information indicating that payment using image codes is not possible due to a system failure in the first organization server device Sv1. In this case, the decision unit 206 of the user terminal device 2 may decide to use NFC (an example of a second interface). In this example, the failure / failure information may be received from, for example, the information processing device 1, or from the first organization server device Sv1.

[0094] [Fifth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the first interface is an image code and the second interface is NFC. However, the first interface may include a first image code, and the second interface may include a second image code different from the first image code. In one embodiment, the first image code is a two-dimensional image code (e.g., a QR code) and the second image code is a one-dimensional image code (e.g., a barcode).

[0095] For example, the first image code may be readable by the first service provider 3a but not by the second service provider 3b, and the second image code may be readable by the first service provider 3a but not by the second service provider 3b.

[0096] For example, the first image code may be readable by the first service provider 3a but not by the second service provider 3b, and the second image code may be readable by either the first service provider 3a or the second service provider 3b.

[0097] <4. Hardware Configuration> Referring to Figure 10, an example of a hardware configuration when the devices included in the system Sys described above are implemented by computer 70 will be explained. Note that the functions of each device can also be implemented by dividing them among multiple devices.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10, the computer 70 includes a processor 700, a storage device 702, an input interface 704, a data interface 706, a communication interface 708, and a display device 710.

[0099] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit of the control unit 10 of the information processing device 1 can be realized by the processor 700 executing programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0100] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700, as well as data required during program execution.

[0101] The storage device 702 can also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 702 stores the operating system and various programs for realizing the above configurations. The storage medium storing these various programs may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In addition, the storage device 702 can also store tables for registering various information and a database for managing those tables. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as needed and accessed by the processor 700.

[0102] The input interface 704 is a device for receiving input from the user. Specific examples of the input interface 704 include cameras, buttons, microphones, keyboards, mice, touch panels, various sensors, and wearable devices. The input interface 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0103] The data interface 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. Specific examples of the data interface 706 include drive devices for reading data stored on various storage media. The data interface 706 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the data interface 706 would be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0104] The communication interface 708 is a device for communicating data with external devices of the computer 70 via the communication network 4, either wired or wirelessly. The communication interface 708 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the communication interface 708 would be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0105] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include liquid crystal displays, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays, and displays for wearable devices. The display device 710 may be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, if a touch panel is used as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured as an integrated unit with the input I / F 704.

[0106] Furthermore, the components of the device included in the system Sys described in the above embodiment are such that a program stored in the storage device 702 is executed by the processor 700, thereby realizing a defined process in cooperation with other hardware. In other words, these components are conceived as software or firmware, as well as their corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they are also described and interpreted as "function," "means," "part," "processing circuit," "unit," or "module," etc.

[0107] <5. Variation> The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes, are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined.

[0108] The functions related to the variable interface application / variable interface platform described in the above embodiment may be provided to other devices by an SDK (Software Development Kit) and an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0109] In the above embodiment, image codes and NFC were mainly used as examples of interfaces, but the interface may also be UWB, Bluetooth, etc.

[0110] The above embodiment describes an example in which information regarding the payment source is not set when using an interface other than the normal interface (first interface) (second interface), but it is not limited to this. Users may also set information regarding the payment source when using interfaces other than the normal interface. This information may be included in the configuration information.

[0111] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which information about one payer is set for an image code, which is a normal interface, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For each of one or more interfaces, information about a first payer and information about a second payer may be set in association. The information about the first payer may be, for example, information about a credit card, and the information about the second payer may be, for example, information about a bank account. When the interface is used, payment for the service may be made from at least one of the first payer and the second payer. When the interface is used, either the first payer or the second payer may be used preferentially.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the first interface and the second interface have been described, but the user terminal device 2 may have three or more interfaces available. Also, in the above embodiment, the first organization and the second organization have been described, but there may be a third organization that provides other service means corresponding to other interfaces.

[0113] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the interface information acquisition unit 202c acquires interface information from the service provider 3 via wireless communication, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The interface information acquisition unit 202c may also acquire interface information by reading the image code displayed on the service provider 3.

[0114] In the above embodiment, an example was mainly described in which payment can be made by the user terminal device 2 displaying an image code and the service provider device 3 reading it, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The user terminal device 2 may be configured to execute payment by reading the image code displayed on the service provider device 3. The image code displayed on the service provider device 3 may include interface information. That is, the user terminal device 2 may acquire interface information by recognizing the image code displayed on the service provider device 3, determine the interface to use based on that interface information, and execute payment using the determined interface. In one example, if the image code displayed on the service provider device 3 is a one-dimensional image code, the user terminal device 2 may recognize it, decide to use the one-dimensional image code, and execute payment by reading the one-dimensional image code as is. If the image code displayed on the service provider device 3 is a two-dimensional image code, the user terminal device 2 may recognize it, decide to use the two-dimensional image code, and execute payment by reading the two-dimensional image code as is.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the example mainly described is one in which the service provider 3 transmits payment information to the organizational server device Sv, but it is not limited to this. In one example, the user terminal device 2, which reads the image code displayed on the service provider 3, may transmit payment information to the organizational server device Sv. In addition, the information transmission and reception relationship described in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example was mainly described in which the information processing device 1 is a device different from the organizational server device Sv, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The information processing device 1 may be included in either the first organizational server device Sv1 or the second organizational server device Sv2.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 1 may manage information relating to the first and second organizations. Specifically, the information processing device 1 may manage information relating to the first and second organizations, such as their names, locations, types, system connection information, designation of other organizations that can cooperate, and methods for determining fees. For example, the information processing device 1 may include information indicating that the first and second organizations can cooperate, the first and third organizations can cooperate, and the second and third organizations cannot cooperate.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 1 may manage information related to the service provision device 3. Specifically, the information processing device 1 may manage identification information of the person using the service provision device 3, and information related to the interfaces that the service provision device 3 can accept. The information processing device 1 may transmit at least a portion of this information to the user terminal device 2.

[0119] The flow of money transfers described in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiments (particularly the first embodiment), when a user purchases a product from a retailer using NFC, an example was described in which 96% of the sales price of the product is sent from the user to the second organization via the first organization and the information processing device 1, and then the second organization sends 95% of the sales price to the retailer. However, the second organization may send 95% of the sales price of the product to the retailer immediately after the product is purchased, and then the user may send 96% of the sales price of the product to the second organization via the first organization and the information processing device 1. In other words, the second organization may advance the sales price of the product.

[0120] The above embodiments mainly described payment via an interface. The technologies described in the above embodiments (including the first to fifth embodiments) can also be applied to authentication via an interface. That is, the system Sys may include a decision unit 206 that determines whether the user terminal device 2 will use a first interface corresponding to a first authentication means (an example of a first service means) provided by a first organization, or a second interface corresponding to a second authentication means (an example of a second service means) provided by a second organization; a request unit 208 that, if the decision unit 206 decides to use the first interface, requests authentication (an example of a service) from the user terminal device 2 to the service provider device 3 via the first interface, and if the decision unit 206 decides to use the second interface, requests authentication from the user terminal device 2 to the service provider device 3 via the second interface; a service information acquisition unit 100b that acquires authentication information (an example of service information) related to the authentication request made by the request unit 208 via the second interface; and a transmission unit 102 that sends a notification to the first organization based on the authentication information.

[0121] <6. Example Configuration> This disclosure includes the following technologies:

[0122] (Note 1) A system Sys according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a decision unit 206 that determines whether the user terminal device 2 will use a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by a first organization or a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by a second organization; a request unit 208 that requests a service from the service provider device 3 via the first interface if the decision unit 206 decides to use the first interface, and requests a service from the user terminal device 2 via the second interface if the decision unit 206 decides to use the second interface; a service information acquisition unit that acquires service information relating to the service request made by the request unit 208 via the second interface; and a transmission unit that sends a notification to the first organization based on the service information.

[0123] (Note 2) The system Sys as described in Appendix 1 further comprises a condition information acquisition unit 202a that acquires condition information relating to conditions corresponding to a first interface, and a determination unit 204 that determines whether or not the conditions are met, wherein the decision unit 206 decides to use the first interface if the determination unit 204 determines that the conditions are met.

[0124] (Note 3) The system Sys as described in Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a reception unit 200 that receives input from a user regarding the selection of an interface, wherein a decision unit 206 decides to use the first interface if the reception unit 200 receives input regarding the selection of a first interface, and decides to use the second interface if the reception unit 200 receives input regarding the selection of a second interface.

[0125] (Note 4) The system Sys as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, further comprising a location information acquisition unit 202b that acquires location information relating to the location of the user terminal device 2, and a determination unit 206 that determines whether to use the first interface or the second interface based on the location information.

[0126] (Note 5) The system Sys according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4 further comprises an interface information acquisition unit 202c that acquires interface information regarding the availability of at least one of the first interface and the second interface, and a determination unit 206 that determines which of the first interface and the second interface to use based on the interface information.

[0127] (Note 6) The interface information acquisition unit 202c acquires interface information by communicating with the service provision device 3, as described in Appendix 5 of the System Sys.

[0128] (Note 7) The interface information includes information regarding the availability of the first interface due to a failure or malfunction, and the decision unit 206 decides to use the second interface if the first interface is unavailable due to a failure or malfunction, as described in Appendix 5 or 6 of the system Sys.

[0129] (Note 8) The first interface and the second interface each include at least one of NFC, image code, UWB, and Bluetooth, as described in any one of the systems Sys described in Appendix 1 to 7.

[0130] (Note 9) A system Sys as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, wherein the first interface includes a first image code, and the second interface includes a second image code different from the first image code.

[0131] (Note 10) Service information includes information regarding the amount paid for the service, and notices include billing information regarding invoices from the second organization to the first organization, and billing information is determined based on the amount of the fee and charges, as specified in any one of the appendices 1 to 9.

[0132] (Note 11) The first service means includes a first payment means provided by the first organization, and the second service means includes a second payment means provided by the second organization, and the requesting unit 208 to request a service from the service provider 3 via the first interface and the second interface includes requesting payment, as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 10.

[0133] (Note 12) The System Sys as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 11, wherein the first service means includes a first authentication means provided by the first organization, and the second service means includes a second authentication means provided by the second organization, and the requesting unit 208 to request a service from the service provider 3 via the first interface and the second interface includes requesting authentication.

[0134] (Note 13) A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes the computer 70 to function as: an interface information acquisition means for acquiring interface information regarding the availability of at least one of a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by a first organization and a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by a second organization; a decision means for determining which of the first and second interfaces to use based on the interface information; and a request means for requesting a service from the service provider 3 via the first interface if the decision means decides to use the first interface, and requesting a service from the service provider 3 via the second interface if the decision means decides to use the second interface.

[0135] (Note 14) An information processing method relating to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the system Sys deciding whether the user terminal device 2 will use a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by a first organization or a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by a second organization; if the system Sys decides to use the first interface, the user terminal device 2 requests a service from the service provider device 3 via the first interface; if the system Sys decides to use the second interface, the user terminal device 2 requests a service from the service provider device 3 via the second interface; obtaining service information relating to the service request made via the second interface; and sending a notification to the first organization based on the service information.

[0136] (Note 15) A program relating to another aspect of this disclosure causes the system Sys to perform the following actions: determine whether the user terminal device 2 will use a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by the first organization or a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by the second organization; if the system Sys decides to use the first interface, request a service from the user terminal device 2 to the service provider device 3 via the first interface; if the system Sys decides to use the second interface, request a service from the user terminal device 2 to the service provider device 3 via the second interface; obtain service information regarding the service request made via the second interface; and send a notification to the first organization based on the service information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1...Information processing device, 2...User terminal device, 3...Service provision device, 3a...First service provision device, 3b...Second service provision device, 4...Communication network, 10...Control unit, 12...Storage unit, 14...Network interface unit, 20...Control unit, 22...Storage unit, 24...Network interface unit, 70...Computer, 100...Acquisition unit, 100a...Setting information acquisition unit, 100b...Service information acquisition unit, 102...Transmission unit, 200...Reception unit, 202...Acquisition unit, 202a...Condition information acquisition unit, 202b...Location information acquisition unit, 202c...Interface information acquisition unit, 204...Determination unit, 206...Decision unit, 208...Request unit, 700...Processor, Sv...Organization server device, Sv1...First organization server device, Sv2...Second organization server device, Sys...System

Claims

1. A determination unit that determines whether the user terminal device will use a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by a first organization, or a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by a second organization. If the decision unit decides to use the first interface, the request unit requests a service from the user terminal device via the first interface, and if the decision unit decides to use the second interface, the request unit requests a service from the user terminal device via the second interface. A service information acquisition unit that acquires service information relating to a service request made by the request unit via the second interface, A transmission unit that transmits a notification to the first organization based on the service information, A system that includes these features.

2. A condition information acquisition unit that acquires condition information relating to the conditions corresponding to the first interface, A determination unit that determines whether or not the above conditions are met, Furthermore, The determination unit decides to use the first interface if the determination unit determines that the conditions are met. The system according to claim 1.

3. It further includes a reception unit that receives input from the user regarding the selection of an interface, The decision unit decides to use the first interface when the receiving unit receives input regarding the selection of the first interface, and decides to use the second interface when the receiving unit receives input regarding the selection of the second interface. The system according to claim 1.

4. The system further comprises a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information relating to the location of the user terminal device, The determination unit determines which of the first interface and the second interface to use based on the location information. The system according to claim 1.

5. The system further includes an interface information acquisition unit that acquires interface information regarding the availability of at least one of the first interface and the second interface, The determination unit determines which of the first interface and the second interface to use based on the interface information. The system according to claim 1.

6. The interface information acquisition unit acquires the interface information by communicating with the service provision device. The system according to claim 5.

7. The interface information includes information regarding whether the first interface can be used due to a failure or malfunction. The decision unit decides to use the second interface if the first interface is unavailable due to a failure or malfunction. The system according to claim 5.

8. The first interface and the second interface each include at least one of NFC, image code, UWB, and Bluetooth. The system according to claim 1.

9. The first interface includes a first image code, The second interface includes a second image code that is different from the first image code. The system according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned service information includes information regarding the amount paid for the service, The aforementioned notice includes claim information relating to a claim from the second organization to the first organization, The aforementioned billing information is determined based on the amount and fee. The system according to claim 1.

11. The first service means includes a first payment means provided by the first organization, The second service means includes a second payment means provided by the second organization, The system according to claim 1, wherein the requesting unit requests a service from the service provider via the first interface and the second interface, which includes requesting payment.

12. The first service means includes a first authentication means provided by the first organization, The second service means includes a second authentication means provided by the second organization, The system according to claim 1, wherein the requesting unit requests a service from the service provider via the first interface and the second interface, which includes requesting authentication.

13. Computers, Interface information acquisition means for acquiring interface information regarding the availability of at least one of a first interface corresponding to a first service means provided by a first organization and a second interface corresponding to a second service means provided by a second organization, A determination means for determining which of the first interface and the second interface to use based on the interface information, If the decision means decides to use the first interface, it requests a service from the service provider via the first interface; if the decision means decides to use the second interface, it requests a service from the service provider via the second interface; A program that makes something function as such.

14. The system To determine whether the user terminal device will use the first interface corresponding to the first service means provided by the first organization, or the second interface corresponding to the second service means provided by the second organization, If it is decided to use the first interface, the user terminal device will request a service from the service provider via the first interface, and if it is decided to use the second interface, the user terminal device will request a service from the service provider via the second interface. To obtain service information regarding a service request made via the second interface, Based on the aforementioned service information, a notification is sent to the first organization. An information processing method that includes performing the following.

15. In the system, To determine whether the user terminal device will use the first interface corresponding to the first service means provided by the first organization, or the second interface corresponding to the second service means provided by the second organization, If it is decided to use the first interface, the user terminal device will request a service from the service provider via the first interface, and if it is decided to use the second interface, the user terminal device will request a service from the service provider via the second interface. To obtain service information regarding a service request made via the second interface, Based on the aforementioned service information, a notification is sent to the first organization. A program that executes something.

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