Payment application program, terminal device, and display control method

Abstract

To improve the usability and visibility of payment applications installed on user terminals in electronic payment services. [Solution] The payment application program of the present disclosure is a payment application program installed on a terminal device used by a user of electronic payment to use electronic payment using an identification code, wherein the terminal device functions as a detection unit that detects the tilt of the terminal device and a display control unit that controls the display on the display unit of the terminal device, and the display control unit switches the display on the display unit from a normal state to a concealed state when the tilt of the terminal device detected by the detection unit is within a predetermined angle range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a settlement application program, a terminal device, and a display control method.

Background Art

[0002] In the settlement for goods or services, cashless settlement without using money is becoming popular. In particular, electronic settlement using a settlement application program (hereinafter referred to as a settlement app) that can be installed on a terminal device such as a smartphone has attracted attention due to its high convenience. There are the following two methods for the settlement method using a settlement app. The first method is a method in which an identification code for a user (barcode or QR code (registered trademark)) in which the identification information of the user is encoded is displayed on the user's terminal device, and a store staff reads it using a code reader of the store terminal. The second method is a method in which an identification code for a store posted in the store is scanned by the user terminal and the payment amount is input.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an example of a screen used in the first method. Specifically, when a predetermined button on the screen on which buttons related to various services displayed on the user terminal after starting the settlement app is operated, it transitions to a payment screen different from that screen, and an identification code for the user is enlarged and displayed on the payment screen. Patent Document 2 describes an example in which a scan screen used for reading a store code in the second method is displayed on the user terminal, and then it transitions to an amount input screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <00000​​​​​​​​​​​[Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the technologies described in the patent documents have room for improvement from the perspective of security for payment applications.

[0006] This disclosure aims to improve the security of payment applications installed on users' terminal devices in electronic payment services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A payment application program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a payment application program installed on a terminal device used by a user of electronic payment to use electronic payment using an identification code, wherein the terminal device functions as a detection unit for detecting the tilt of the terminal device and a display control unit for controlling the display on the display unit of the terminal device, and the display control unit switches the display on the display unit from a normal state to a concealed state when the tilt of the terminal device detected by the detection unit is within a predetermined angular range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the security of payment applications installed on users' terminal devices in electronic payment services can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an electronic payment system. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of a user terminal hardware configuration. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the software configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the coordinate system of the user's terminal. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the tilt of the user's terminal. [Figure 6]It is a flowchart showing the flow of display control processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a top screen in the normal state. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a top screen in the secret state. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the flow of secret display processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a top screen in the secret state in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of secret display processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is an example of a code enlargement screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the flow of display control processing in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of a top screen in the inverted secret state in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the flow of display control processing in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing the flow of setting processing in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in the tilt mode.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the settlement application program, terminal device, and display control method according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the settlement application program, terminal device, and display control method according to the present disclosure are not limited by this embodiment. Also, in the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. In this specification, the settlement application program is referred to as a settlement app.

[0011] The settlement app according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a settlement app installed on a terminal device used by a user of electronic settlement to utilize electronic settlement using an identification code. The settlement app causes the terminal device to function as a detection unit that detects the inclination of the terminal device and a display control unit that controls the display on the display unit of the terminal device. When the inclination of the terminal device detected by the detection unit is within a predetermined angle range, the display control unit switches the display on the display unit from the normal state to the confidential state.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, when the user tilts the terminal device so that the identification code displayed on the terminal device is visible to the store staff, the display of, for example, the top screen displayed on the display unit is changed to the confidential state. In the confidential state, some of the information displayed on the display screen, specifically, the balance information of the electronic account, point information, account information, and credit information, or a part of these information is hidden or masked. Therefore, the information of the user's electronic account and credit cannot be seen by others, and the security when using the settlement app is improved as compared with the conventional case.

[0013] Note that such display control is preferably performed on the top screen displayed immediately after the settlement app is launched. This is because, in addition to the identification code used in the settlement process, the balance information of the electronic account, point information, account information, credit information, etc. are displayed on the top screen. The angle range of the inclination for switching the display will be described later.

[0014] <First Embodiment> (Overview of Electronic Settlement System) The overview of an electronic settlement system using a settlement application program (hereinafter referred to as a settlement app) according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an electronic settlement system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic settlement system 1 includes a user terminal 2, a store terminal 3, and an electronic settlement server 5. The store terminal 3 and the electronic settlement server 5 are communicatively connected to each other via a network 4. Also, the user terminal 2 and the electronic settlement server 5 are communicatively connected to each other via the network 4.

[0015] As will be explained in more detail later, there are two payment methods using payment apps. The first method involves a store staff member reading a user identification code, which contains the user's identification information, using a code reader on the store's terminal. The second method involves scanning a store identification code, which contains the store's identification information, displayed in the store, using the user's terminal and entering the payment amount. In the following explanation, the first method will be referred to as store scan, and the second method as user scan.

[0016] In this specification, a user is defined as a person who makes a payment for goods or services at a store using a payment application. The user obtains an account for the electronic payment service provided by the electronic payment system 1, for example, using the account management function of the payment application. The user's account is managed by the electronic payment server 5 and is linked to the user's identification information and electronic account. The user can access the electronic payment service by installing the payment application on the user terminal 2. The electronic payment service can also be accessed by using a general web browser to access the website provided by the electronic payment server 5.

[0017] (Store terminal) The store terminal 3 is an information processing device used by stores that have a contract with a service provider that provides electronic payment services, or by service providers that provide services. The store terminal 3 consists of at least a computer having a product price acquisition function, an optical reading function, a program execution function, and a communication function. The store terminal 3 includes a so-called POS (Point of Sale) device, and the product price acquisition function and optical reading function may be implemented by the POS device. The optical reading function is implemented by a code reader such as a barcode reader that reads images of one-dimensional codes such as barcodes, or a camera that reads images of two-dimensional codes such as QR codes. Hereinafter, barcode readers and code readers together will be referred to as code readers 31. In addition, a store code image 32 is displayed in the store. The store code image 32 shows the store URL, which is the store's identification information, in the form of a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. The store code image 32 may be printed on paper or plastic media and displayed, or it may be displayed on a screen. Hereinafter, stores or service providers that have a contract with a service provider that provides electronic payment services will be referred to as member stores. Member businesses include, for example, organizations that operate multiple physical stores or online shops. A "store" is any place where goods or services are actually provided to users, such as shops, restaurants, department stores, movie theaters, or gyms. "Goods" include tangible items such as goods that users actually acquire at a store, or intangible items such as image data, video data, music data, and game programs. "Services" are services that users actually receive at a store or similar establishment.

[0018] (Electronic payment server) The electronic payment server 5 is an information processing device that provides electronic payment services, including electronic payment processing and distribution of information related to electronic payments. It consists of at least a computer having communication and program execution functions. The electronic payment server 5 manages the electronic accounts of merchant stores and the electronic accounts of users who have accounts for the electronic payment service. It enables various payments, for example, by transferring electronic money between electronic accounts. The electronic payment server 5 may be implemented by a single information processing device or by multiple information processing devices.

[0019] (User terminal) User terminal 2 is a terminal device used when a user makes an electronic payment at a merchant. For example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone is commonly used. The payment app 300 is installed on user terminal 2 when a user makes an electronic payment. The payment app 300 is operated and managed by the service provider that provides the electronic payment service. The payment app 300 will be described later. As mentioned above, there are two main methods for making an electronic payment at a merchant using the payment app 300: store scan and user scan.

[0020] (Store scan) In store scanning, the store terminal 3 optically reads the user's identification code displayed on the user terminal 2 using a code reader 31, decodes the read identification code to obtain the user's identification information. The store terminal 3 sends the obtained user identification information along with a payment request to the electronic payment server 5. The electronic payment server 5 generates a one-time code in response to the payment request and returns it to the store terminal 3. The store terminal 3 adds the store's identification information and payment amount information to the received one-time code and sends it to the electronic payment server 5. Based on the information received from the store terminal 3, the electronic payment server 5 identifies the user's and store's electronic accounts from its database and performs the payment processing. Once the payment processing is complete, the electronic payment server 5 displays a payment completion screen on the user terminal 2. The store terminal 3 may send and receive payment-related information directly with the electronic payment server 5, or it may send and receive payment-related information via the server of an intermediate payment service provider.

[0021] When a user presents an identification code to store staff during a store scan, the user may present the identification code displayed on the top screen of the payment app 300, or the identification code displayed on a separate payment screen. The top screen and payment screen display a first identification code and a second identification code, which are user codes that encode the user's identification information. The first identification code is a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, and the second identification code is a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). In addition to the identification code, the top screen also displays information such as the balance of the electronic account, points information, account information, and credit information.

[0022] (User scan) In the user scan, the user terminal 2 reads a store code image 32, such as a QR code, displayed in the store. The store code image 32 contains information about the store's URL. The payment application 300 on the user terminal 2 adds the user's identification information to the read store URL information and sends it to the electronic payment server 5. The electronic payment server 5 identifies the user and store from its database based on the received store URL and user identification information, and displays an amount input screen on the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 accepts the amount input from the user on the amount input screen and sends the entered amount information to the electronic payment server 5. The electronic payment server 5 processes the payment between the identified user and store's electronic accounts. Once the payment processing is complete, a payment completion screen is displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0023] The scan screen is used to read the store code image 32 during user scanning. The user operates the payment app 300 to display the scan screen on the display unit 206 of the user terminal 2 and takes a picture of the store code image 32. The user can access the scan screen by tapping the scan button displayed on the top screen or by tapping a specific button displayed on the payment screen.

[0024] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the user terminal 2 according to this embodiment. As an example of the user terminal 2, an example of the internal configuration of a smartphone is shown. In this embodiment, the user terminal 2 is described using a smartphone as an example, but is not limited to this. The user terminal 2 may be, for example, a tablet device, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc.

[0025] The user terminal 2 is equipped with a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, storage unit 204, operation unit 205, communication interface 208, camera 209, voice processing unit 210, acceleration sensor 212, and gyro sensor 213, and each unit is connected via a bus 214. The operation unit 205 has a display unit 206 and an input unit 207.

[0026] The CPU 201 is the central processing unit and controls various parts of the user terminal 2. The CPU 201 reads programs stored in the ROM 202 or memory unit 204 into the RAM 203 and executes the read programs to realize the various functions contained in the programs. The CPU 201 may be an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The CPU 201 may also be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. The CPU 201 may consist of one processor or multiple processors.

[0027] ROM202 stores the startup program and OS (Operating System) of user terminal 2. RAM203 temporarily stores programs or data when the CPU201 executes various processes. RAM203 is used as work memory.

[0028] The storage unit 204 is memory for storing application programs and various data. Examples of storage units 204 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), flash memory, and storage devices.

[0029] The operation unit 205 is a user interface that receives operations from the user, inputs the received operation information to the CPU 201, and outputs the output information from the CPU 201 in a way that the user can recognize. In this embodiment, the operation unit 205 is assumed to be a touch panel display in which the display unit 206 and the input unit 207 are integrally configured. The display unit 206 includes a display and a display control circuit, and displays various screens on the display based on the output information input from the CPU 201. The screens that are displayed will be described later. The input unit 207 includes input devices such as various buttons and a touch panel, and transmits information input by the user via the input devices to the CPU 201. Note that the operation unit 205 does not necessarily have to have the display unit 206 and the input unit 207 integrally configured; they may be configured separately. Also, the operation unit 205 may be provided separately from the main body of the user terminal 2 and connected wirelessly or by wire.

[0030] Communication I / F208 includes an interface for communication connection with network 4, including LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, and mobile communication networks, as well as interfaces for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® and NFC (Near Field Communication). Communication I / F208 can be wired or wireless. User terminal 2 receives data etc. from other devices via communication I / F208 and transmits data etc. generated or stored by user terminal 2 to other devices via communication I / F208.

[0031] Camera 209 has an optical system including a lens and an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and outputs the captured image data to CPU 201. The code reading function of the payment application 300 is implemented using camera 209.

[0032] The audio processing unit 210 includes a microphone and a speaker. The microphone acquires the voice of users, store staff, etc., and outputs it as audio data to the CPU 201. The speaker outputs the audio data input from the CPU 201 so that users can listen to it.

[0033] The acceleration sensor 212 measures the acceleration of each axis (X axis, Y axis, Z axis) of the user terminal 2 and estimates the tilt angle from the direction of gravity. For example, if the longitudinal direction of the user terminal 2 is the Y axis, when the user holds the user terminal 2 vertically, the gravitational acceleration in the Y axis direction is 9.8 [m / s²]. 2 The following is at work: When the user holds the user terminal 2 horizontally, the gravitational acceleration in the Y-axis direction becomes 0. When the user terminal 2 is tilted, the acceleration sensor 212 detects the direction of the gravity vector and detects the amount of change as the amount of tilt from the direction of gravity. The acceleration sensor 212 outputs the detected value to the CPU 201.

[0034] The gyro sensor 213 is a vibration-type gyro sensor or a capacitive-type gyro sensor, and measures the rotation of the user terminal 2. While the accelerometer 212 senses static tilt, the gyro sensor 213 detects the movement and rotation of the user terminal 2. The gyro sensor 213 tracks changes in rotation angle with the X, Y, and Z axes of the user terminal 2 as the centers of rotation. The gyro sensor 213 outputs the detected values ​​to the CPU 201.

[0035] Note that the user terminal 2 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, it may be equipped with a geomagnetic sensor for measuring the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field, or a positioning unit for implementing GPS functionality. The user terminal 2 may also be equipped with a media I / F (not shown). The media I / F is an interface for connecting a media drive device that reads and writes data and programs stored on a data storage medium (hereinafter referred to as "media") connected by wire or wireless. The media I / F reads programs and data stored on the media, temporarily stores them in RAM 203, and inputs them to CPU 201. CPU 201 can load the input program into the work memory of RAM 203 and execute processing. The media includes, for example, optical recording media such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) and PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), magneto-optical recording media such as MO (Magneto-Optical disk), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory.

[0036] The CPU 201 of the user terminal 2 implements various functions by reading programs stored in the memory unit 204, ROM 202, and media into the RAM 203 and executing them. Programs may also be obtained from other devices, such as a server, via the network 4. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the user terminal 2 is equipped with the necessary configurations to realize the information processing in this embodiment.

[0037] (Payment application features) Next, the functions and data of the payment application 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. In this embodiment, the display control function on the user terminal 2 will be described in particular.

[0038] Figure 3(a) is a diagram showing the data stored in the storage unit 204 of the user terminal 2. As shown in Figure 3(a), the storage unit 204 of the user terminal 2 stores the program of the payment application 300, data for various screens displayed in the payment application (hereinafter referred to as screen data 310), user identification information 320 for the electronic payment service, and various setting information 330 for the payment application 300. The identification information 320 is assigned by the electronic payment server 5 when the account is registered. The setting information 330 includes various setting information related to the functions of the payment application 300. For example, it stores setting information on whether to enable or disable tilt mode, which is an operating mode that changes the display state based on the tilt of the user terminal 2. The screen data 310 includes screen data for the top screen, payment screen, and scan screen mentioned above, as well as screen data for mini-applications included in the payment application, screen data for the amount input screen and payment completion screen displayed during payment processing, and screen data for various error notification screens.

[0039] The payment application 300 is an application program installed and used by the user terminal 2 of an electronic payment service user, and is operated and managed by the service provider that provides the electronic payment service. While the payment application 300 is typically installed on the user terminal 2 by downloading it from a website, it may also be installed on the user terminal 2 by reading it from media. Alternatively, the payment application 300 may be provided as a web application that runs on the web browser of the user terminal 2.

[0040] The payment app 300 has various functions in addition to payment processing functions for making electronic payments in electronic payment services. For example, it includes a money transfer function, a points function, a transaction history display function, a charge function, a coupon function, a utility bill payment function, a stamp card function, a shopping function, a finance function, an information content distribution function, a My Page function for managing user account information, and other functions. In the following description, functions other than the payment processing function in the payment app 300 are collectively referred to as mini-apps. The payment app 300 also has a display control function to control the screen display, a tilt detection function to detect the tilt of the user terminal 2, and a setting function for setting tilt mode, which is an operating mode that switches the display based on tilt.

[0041] Figure 3(b) shows the configuration of the program modules of the payment application 300. As shown in Figure 3(b), the payment application 300 of this embodiment has a payment processing unit 301, a tilt detection unit 302, a display control unit 303, and a setting unit 304 as program modules. Although not shown, the payment application 300 also has various program modules and data related to the mini-application.

[0042] The payment processing unit 301 performs payment processing using an identification code with the store terminal 3 or the electronic payment server 5. The payment processing unit 301 sends and receives payment-related information between the user terminal 2 and the store terminal 3 or the electronic payment server 5 according to the processing procedures for store scan and user scan described above, and starts and completes the electronic payment.

[0043] The tilt detection unit 302 detects the tilt of the user terminal 2. The tilt detection unit 302 acquires detection values ​​from the acceleration sensor 212 and the gyro sensor 213, and calculates the tilt α of the user terminal 2 based on the acquired gravity vector information and rotation angle information of the user terminal 2. The tilt detection unit 302 outputs the determined tilt α to the display control unit 303.

[0044] (Tilt of the user's device) Figure 4 illustrates the coordinate system of the user terminal 2. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of the user terminal 2, and Figure 4(b) is a side view. In Figure 4, the user terminal 2 is assumed to have a plate-like (approximately rectangular) shape with a predetermined thickness. The shape of the user terminal 2 is arbitrary and not limited to the shape shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4, X, Y, and Z are coordinate axes indicating the orientation of the user terminal 2. In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the user terminal 2 is defined as the Y axis, the thickness direction as the Z axis, and the axis perpendicular to the Y and Z axes as the X axis. That is, when the longitudinal direction of the user terminal 2 is vertical, the left-right direction of the display screen is the X axis direction, the up-down direction of the display screen is the Y axis direction, and the depth direction of the display screen is the Z direction. The center point of the user terminal 2 (the midpoint of the X, Y, and Z directions) is the origin of the coordinate axes, the side with the display screen is the front surface 2A, and its back surface is the back surface 2B. If the Y-axis is aligned with the direction of gravity, the direction of the gravity vector (vertically downward) is considered the positive direction of the Y-axis.

[0045] Figure 5 illustrates the tilt of the user terminal 2. Figure 5(a) shows the user terminal 2 being used for payment during a store scan. The user presents the user terminal 2 to the store staff with the front surface 2A facing upwards and tilted to an angle close to horizontal. This is because it is an easy position for the store staff to read the identification code with the code reader 31.

[0046] Figure 5(b) illustrates the tilt α of the user terminal 2. As shown in Figure 5(b), the tilt α of the user terminal 2 is defined as the angle between the Y-axis of the user terminal 2 and the gravity vector G. When the positive direction of the Y-axis coincides with the direction of the gravity vector G, α = 0. When the front surface 2A is facing upwards and the Y-axis is tilted horizontally, α = 90° (π / 2). When the user terminal 2 is inverted, α = 180° (π / 2). When the front surface 2A is facing downwards and the Y-axis is tilted horizontally, α = 270° (3π / 2).

[0047] The CPU 201 (tilt detection unit 302) calculates the tilt α of the user terminal 2 based on the values ​​detected by the acceleration sensor 212 and the gyro sensor 213. Specifically, the CPU 201 detects the gravity vector G based on the values ​​detected by the acceleration sensor 212 and calculates the tilt angle α of the user terminal 2 based on the direction of the gravity vector. The CPU 201 also tracks the rotation of each axis of the user terminal 2 using the gyro sensor 213 to calculate the tilt angle α with even greater accuracy.

[0048] The angle range β shown in Figure 5(b) is the range of inclination angles with respect to the gravity vector G, and is greater than θ1 and less than or equal to θ2 (θ1 < β ≤ θ2). This angle range β is the range used by the display control unit 303 to decide whether or not to change the display state of the display unit 206, and is stored in advance as setting information 330 in the ROM 202 or storage unit 204. As described above, when a handheld code reader 31 is used in store scanning, the user often presents the user terminal 2 to the store staff with the front surface 2A facing upwards and tilted to an angle close to horizontal. Therefore, it is preferable that the angle range β be an angle range suitable for reading the identification code with the handheld code reader 31. At a minimum, the angle range β should include the angle at which the display screen (front surface 2A) is facing upwards and horizontal (angle α = 90° (π / 2) between the Y axis of the user terminal 2 and the gravity vector). The angle range β may also be determined considering the user's operability, the range of motion of the wrist, and the visibility from the store staff. For example, the angle range β includes a range near α=90°(π / 2), such as a range of ±10° from horizontal (α=90°), to improve operability. Also, from the viewpoint of visibility of the display screen for store staff, it is preferable that the front surface 2A (display screen) is at an angle where it is horizontal when facing upwards, or at an angle where the display screen is tilted towards the store staff. For example, it is preferable that (θ1+θ2) / 2≧90°(π / 2). Furthermore, considering the range of motion of the user's wrist, the angle range β may be determined by restricting it to θ2≦120°(2π / 3). In any case, the angle range β may be determined arbitrarily. Alternatively, the angle range β may be determined statistically by aggregating the tilt of the user terminal 2 when reading the handheld code reader 31. The aggregated values ​​may be collected by the electronic payment server 5, and the angle range β may be determined by the electronic payment server 5.

[0049] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, the display control unit 303 displays various screens corresponding to the various functions of the payment application 300 on the display unit 206 of the user terminal 2. The display control unit 303 acquires screen data 310 for the various screens from the storage unit 204 in response to user operations and displays it on the display unit 206. At that time, identification information 320 and balance information of the electronic account acquired from the electronic payment server 5 may also be reflected on the screen. For example, when the user double-tap the startup icon of the payment application 300 displayed on the top screen of the user terminal 2, the payment application 300 starts. As soon as the payment application 300 starts, the display control unit 303 displays the top screen. The contents of the top screen will be described later.

[0050] In this embodiment, the display control unit 303 changes the display state of the display unit 206 of the user terminal 2 according to the tilt α value input from the tilt detection unit 302. If the tilt α value is within the angle range β, the display control unit 303 changes the display state of the screen displayed on the display unit 206 of the user terminal 2 to a concealed state. If the tilt α value is not within the angle range β, the display control unit 303 maintains the normal display state. In the first embodiment, the concealed state means that some of the information displayed on the display unit 206 in the normal display state is hidden or masked. Specifically, the information to be hidden includes at least one of the following: balance information, point information, account information, and credit information. Hiding means not displaying, and masking means a display state in which a mask is superimposed on the displayed information or it is replaced with information to hide it. As a result, when the user terminal 2 is tilted to an angle that can be shown to store staff, all or part of the information displayed on the screen, such as balance information, points information, account information, and credit information, will be hidden. This allows the user to confidently show the screen to store staff and proceed with payment.

[0051] Furthermore, if the display state of the display screen has been changed to the concealed state, the display control unit 303 further detects the tilt α of the user terminal 2 using the tilt detection unit 302, and if the detected tilt α changes to an angle that is not included in the angle range β, it switches the display state back to the original normal state.

[0052] Furthermore, the display control unit 303 may also be equipped with a vibration unit that switches the display state according to the tilt of the user terminal 2 and vibrates the user terminal 2. That is, when the user terminal 2 is tilted and the tilt value α falls within the angle range β, the display control unit 303 changes the display state of the screen displayed on the display unit 206 of the user terminal 2 to a concealed state, and the vibration unit vibrates the user terminal 2. Alternatively, when the screen is displayed in a concealed state, if the tilt α of the user terminal 2 changes to an angle that does not fall within the angle range β, the display control unit 303 changes the screen of the user terminal 2 from the concealed state to the normal state, and the vibration unit vibrates the user terminal 2.

[0053] Whether or not the display control unit 303 changes the display state according to the tilt α of the user terminal 2 is predetermined and stored in the storage unit 204 as setting information 330 for the payment application 300. Alternatively, the user may set this in the setting unit 304, and this setting information 330 may be stored in the storage unit 204.

[0054] The setting unit 304 accepts the setting of the operating mode. In the following description, the operating mode that changes the display state according to the tilt α of the user terminal 2 is referred to as the tilt mode. The setting unit 304 accepts the setting to enable or disable the tilt mode, and stores the setting information 330 in the storage unit 204. The operation of the setting unit 304 will be described later.

[0055] (Display control processing) The flow of the display control process in the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the display control process in the first embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 6 is written in the program of the payment application 300 installed on the user terminal 2. The program is stored in the memory unit 204, called by the CPU 201, loaded into RAM 203, and executed. When the user operates the startup icon of the payment application 300 and the payment application 300 is started, the CPU 201 starts this process. In the following explanation, the symbol "S" represents a step.

[0056] In S601, the CPU 201 first obtains screen data of the top screen 700 of the payment application 300 from the storage unit 204 and displays it on the display unit 206 as shown in Figure 7.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of the top screen 700 in its normal state. The top screen 700 includes a code area 710, a menu area 720, a function selection area 730, a balance display area 740, a fixed display area 750, etc. Inside the code area 710, the first identification code 711 and the second identification code 712 are displayed as user codes that encode the user's identification information. In addition, payment method 713 and electronic account balance information may be displayed inside the code area 710. In the area to the right of the code area 710, a credit payment button, which is operated when transitioning to the credit payment screen, may be displayed. The fixed display area 750 displays a payment button 751. The payment button 751 is a button that is operated when transitioning to the payment screen where the first identification code 711 and the second identification code 712 are displayed in an enlarged view.

[0058] In S602, CPU201 detects the tilt at predetermined time intervals. If the predetermined time has elapsed (S602; YES), proceed to S603. Otherwise (S602; NO), wait for the time to elapse. The time interval is arbitrary, but for example, the tilt is detected at a period of about 10 to 50 Hz.

[0059] In S603, the CPU 201 reads the detected values ​​from the accelerometer 212 and the gyroscope 213, respectively.

[0060] In S604, CPU201 determines the tilt α of user terminal 2 based on the detected value read in S603. The tilt α is the angle of the Y-axis of user terminal 2 with respect to the direction of the gravity vector G.

[0061] In S605, the CPU 201 determines whether the tilt α of the user terminal 2 is within a predetermined angular range β. The angular range β is from greater than θ1 to less than or equal to θ2 (θ1 < β ≤ θ2). This angular range β is predetermined and stored as described above, and is an angular range suitable for reading identification codes with a handheld code reader 31. It is determined based on factors such as operability, visibility to store staff, and wrist range of motion. For example, 80° < β ≤ 120°.

[0062] If the tilt α of user terminal 2 is within a predetermined angular range β (θ1 < α ≤ θ2), proceed to S606. If the tilt α of user terminal 2 is not within the predetermined angular range β, proceed to S607.

[0063] In S606, CPU201 changes the display state of the top screen 700 to hidden display. The hidden display process will be described later.

[0064] In S607, CPU201 maintains the display of the top screen 700 in its normal state. That is, it maintains the normal state shown in Figure 7. Then, it proceeds to S608.

[0065] In S608, CPU201 determines whether an operation to leave the top screen has been performed. For example, if the payment button, scan button, mini-app is called, or the top screen is closed, this flowchart terminates. If no operation to leave the top screen is performed, the process returns to S602 and the process from S602 to S607 is repeated.

[0066] If the display screen is in a confidential state, and the tilt α of the user terminal 2 changes to an angle outside the predetermined angle range β, the display control unit 303 controls the system to return from the confidential state to the normal state (normal top screen 700).

[0067] Figure 8 shows an example of the top screen 800 in the concealed state. Compared to the top screen 700 in the normal state shown in Figure 7, the display state of the code area 810 and the balance display area 840 has been changed.

[0068] Figure 7 (normal state) and Figure 8 (hidden state) compare the balance display area 840. In the balance display area 740 in Figure 7, the numerical values ​​of points in use, the amount available on the card, and the electronic account balance are displayed in the respective display fields. In the balance display area 840 in Figure 8, the numerical values ​​of points in use, the amount available on the card, and the electronic account balance are replaced with "***". In other words, the electronic account balance information, point information, account information, and credit information are masked. The masked display is not limited to "***" and other display formats that hide values ​​are also acceptable. Alternatively, instead of masking, the numerical values ​​of points and amounts may be hidden.

[0069] Figure 7 (normal state) and Figure 8 (confidential state) show a comparison of the code area 810. Compared to the code area 710 in Figure 7, the code area 810 in Figure 8 is displayed enlarged. Due to the enlargement, the first identification code 811 and the second identification code 812 displayed within it are also enlarged. The size of the enlarged code area 810 is controlled by the display control unit 303 so as not to exceed the display range of the display unit 206. Alternatively, the size of the enlarged first identification code 811 and the second identification code 812 is controlled by the display control unit 303 so as not to exceed the display range of the display unit 206.

[0070] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the concealed display process in the first embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 9 is written in the program of the payment application 300 installed on the user terminal 2. The program is stored in the memory unit 204, called by the CPU 201, loaded into the RAM 203, and executed. This flowchart is executed at S606 in Figure 6. That is, the process in Figure 9 is started when it is determined that the tilt α of the user terminal 2 is within a predetermined angle range β.

[0071] In S901, the CPU 201 hides and displays the electronic account balance information, point information, account information, and credit information included in the top screen displayed on the display unit 206. In the example in Figure 8, the numerical values ​​for points in use, available card amount, and electronic account balance in the balance display area 840 are changed to "***". If the account number of the electronic account or the card number of the credit card is displayed along with the balance information, this information may also be hidden. Not limited to the balance display area 840, if, for example, the code area displays the electronic account balance information or account information (amount, account number, etc.), the CPU 201 in S901 may hide or mask the balance information etc. in the code area 810.

[0072] In S902, the CPU 201 enlarges and displays the identification code included in the top screen shown on the display unit 206. In the example in Figure 8, the code area 810 is enlarged in the width direction of the display screen, and as a result, the first identification code 811 and the second identification code 812 are also enlarged and displayed. After that, the flowchart in Figure 9 is terminated.

[0073] On the top screen, whether in normal or hidden mode, the system accepts the reading of the identification code by the store terminal 3. If the identification code is read, the CPU 201 works in conjunction with the store terminal 3 to execute the payment process.

[0074] As explained above, according to the payment application 300 of the first embodiment, when the user terminal 2 is tilted within a predetermined angle range β, the display state of the top screen 700 can be changed to a concealed state. Therefore, when the user terminal 2 is tilted so that the identification code is visible to store staff during a store scan, the electronic account balance information, point information, account information, and credit information are hidden, thereby improving security. This allows the user to use the payment application 300 with peace of mind.

[0075] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, as another display format for the concealed state, the area excluding the code area (first area), which is the area containing the identification code (second area), is displayed darker than the code area (first area). Note that the configuration of the payment application 300, the user terminal 2, the store terminal 3, and the electronic payment server 5 in the second embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment, so redundant explanations will be omitted, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0076] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the concealed state in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, when the user terminal 2 is tilted within a predetermined angle range β while the top screen is displayed, the display control unit 303 changes the normal state of the top screen displayed on the display unit 206 to a darkened state as shown in Figure 10.

[0077] In the darkened top screen 1000, the code area 1010 is enlarged compared to the normal top screen 700 shown in Figure 7. As a result, the first identification code 1011 and the second identification code 1012 within the code area 1010 are also displayed enlarged. Additionally, the message area 1050, which contains messages related to tilt mode, is displayed. The second area 1020, which is the area of ​​the display screen excluding the code area 1010 and the message area 1050, is displayed in a darkened state. That is, the second area 1020 is displayed darker than the code area 1010 and the message area 1050. In other words, the code area 1010 and the message area 1050 are displayed brighter than the second area 1020.

[0078] The message area 1050 does not necessarily have to be displayed on the top screen 1000 when it is darkened. For example, after displaying the message area 1050 multiple times, it may be controlled so that it is not displayed again. In that case, the area within the display screen excluding the code area 1010 becomes the second area 1020, and when the top screen 1000 is darkened, this second area 1020 is displayed in a darkened state.

[0079] The second area, which is displayed in a darkened state, includes the balance display area 840. The balance information, points information, account information, and credit information within the balance display area 840 are displayed hidden, as in the first embodiment.

[0080] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the concealed display process in the second embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 11 is written in the program of the payment application 300 installed on the user terminal 2. The program is stored in the storage unit 204, called by the CPU 201, loaded into RAM 203, and executed. This flowchart is executed at S606 in Figure 6. That is, the process in Figure 11 is started when it is determined that the tilt α of the user terminal 2 is within a predetermined angular range β.

[0081] In S1101, the CPU 201 enlarges the code area 1010 included in the top screen displayed on the display unit 206. In the example in Figure 10, the code area 1010 is enlarged and displayed within a range that does not exceed the width of the display screen. As a result, the first identification code 1011 and the second identification code 1012 are also enlarged and displayed.

[0082] In S1102, CPU201 dims the area of ​​the display screen excluding code area 1010 (second area 1020). That is, CPU201 lowers the brightness value of second area 1020 from the normal state. When dimming, CPU201 may also display message area 1050. If message area 1050 is displayed, the area excluding code area 1010 and message area 1050 is treated as second area 1020 and dimmed. This ensures that information other than the identification code required for payment is displayed in a confidential state on the top screen.

[0083] In the S1102 process, it is sufficient that the second area 1020 is displayed darker than the code area 1010 and the message area 1050. That is, the display control unit 303 lowers the brightness value of the second area 1020 to the same or lower brightness value as the normal state. Furthermore, the display control unit 303 may increase the brightness values ​​of the code area 1010 and the message area 1050 above the normal state. This makes it possible to display the code area 1010 and the message area 1050 brightly even when the top screen 700 is displayed darker in the normal state according to the user settings. Information other than the identification code necessary for payment is displayed in a confidential state on the top screen, and the visibility of the code area 1010 and the message area 1050 is improved.

[0084] As shown in Figure 10, when the top screen is dimmed and an identification code is read, the CPU 201 works with the store terminal 3 to execute the payment process. If the link 1052 to the settings screen in the message area 1050 is touched, the user proceeds to the mode setting screen described later. If the "×" button 1053 is touched, the message area 1050 is closed.

[0085] In S1103, CPU201 determines whether the second area 1020, which is currently darkened, has been tapped. If the second area has been tapped (S1103; YES), the process proceeds to S1104.

[0086] In S1104, CPU201 returns the display state of the top screen to the normal display state. The normal display state is the display state of the screen before it was changed to the hidden state. After that, the flowchart in Figure 11 is terminated and the process proceeds to S608 in Figure 6.

[0087] If no tap operation is performed in S1103 (S1103; NO), the flowchart in Figure 11 will end while the screen remains black. After the flowchart in Figure 11 ends, the process proceeds to S608 in Figure 6.

[0088] In S608, the CPU 201 determines whether an operation to leave the top screen has been performed. For example, if an operation such as pressing the payment button, the scan button, calling a mini-app, or closing the top screen is performed, the flowchart in Figure 6 is terminated. If no operation to leave the top screen is performed, the process returns to S602 and the processing of S602 to S607 is repeated. That is, if the display screen is in a darkened state as shown in Figure 10, and the tilt α of the user terminal 2 changes to an angle outside the predetermined angle range β, the display control unit 303 controls the screen to return from the darkened state to the normal state (normal top screen 700).

[0089] Furthermore, if the darkened area is tapped in S1103 of Figure 11 and the system returns to the normal state before proceeding to S608, and if the user does not leave the top screen in S608, the system returns to S602 and repeats the process from S602 to S607. In other words, if the tilt α of the user terminal 2 changes to an angle outside the predetermined angle range β, the display control unit 303 changes the system from the normal state to the darkened state.

[0090] As described above, according to the payment application 300 of the second embodiment, when the user terminal 2 is tilted within a predetermined angle range β, the display state of the top screen 700 can be changed to a state in which the area excluding the code area 1010 (second area 1020) is dimmed. Therefore, in store scanning, when the user terminal 2 is tilted so that the identification code is visible to store staff, the electronic account balance information, point information, account information, and credit information are displayed in a dim light, making them difficult for store staff to see. This improves security. On the other hand, the code area 1010 is enlarged and displayed brighter than the dimmed area, making it easier for store staff to see and easier for the code reader 31 to read. This allows users to use the payment application 300 with peace of mind, and makes it easier for store staff to perform code reading operations. In addition, in the second embodiment as well, the display control unit 303 switches the display state according to the tilt of the user terminal 2, and may also be further equipped with a vibration unit that vibrates the user terminal 2.

[0091] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, when the user terminal 2 is tilted within a predetermined angle range β while the top screen is displayed, the display control unit 303 transitions the screen displayed on the display unit 206 to another screen in which the identification code is enlarged. Note that the configuration of the payment application 300, the user terminal 2, the store terminal 3, and the electronic payment server 5 in the third embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment, so redundant explanations will be omitted, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0092] Figure 12 shows an example of the code enlargement screen 1200 that is accessed when the tilt α of the user terminal 2 is within a predetermined angle range β in the third embodiment. The code enlargement screen 1200 displays the code area 1210, mode display 1220, message area 1050, etc. When the user transitions to the code enlargement screen 1200, the menu area 720, function selection area 730, balance display area 740, fixed display area 750, etc. that were displayed on the top screen are not displayed. Therefore, the display state does not include electronic account balance information, point information, account information, credit information, etc.

[0093] Within the code area 1210, the first identification code 1211 and the second identification code 1212 are displayed as user codes that encode the user's identification information. The payment method may also be displayed within the code area 1210.

[0094] The code area 1210 is displayed enlarged compared to the code area 710 displayed on the top screen 700 in Figure 7. As the code area 1210 is enlarged, the first identification code 1211 and the second identification code 1212 displayed within it are also enlarged. The enlarged size of the code area 1210 does not exceed the display range of the display unit 206. Alternatively, the enlarged sizes of the first identification code 1211 and the second identification code 1212 are enlarged to a size that does not exceed the display range of the display unit 206.

[0095] Furthermore, in the code enlargement screen 1200, the second identification code 1212 is displayed even more enlarged compared to the second identification codes 812 and 1012 that were displayed enlarged in the first or second embodiment.

[0096] Mode indicator 1220 displays text or a mark indicating tilt mode when the current operating mode is tilt mode. The message area 1050 is the same as in the second embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0097] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display control process in the third embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 13 is written in the program of the payment application 300 installed on the user terminal 2. The program is stored in the memory unit 204, called by the CPU 201, loaded into RAM 203, and executed. This flowchart starts when the user operates the startup icon of the payment application 300 and the payment application 300 is launched.

[0098] The processes shown in S1301 to S1305 of this flowchart are the same as those in S601 to S605 of the flowchart for the display control process of the first embodiment (Figure 6). That is, if the user terminal 2 is tilted while the top screen is displayed and the tilt α is within a predetermined angle range β, the process proceeds to S1306. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S1307, and the normal display state (top screen 700 in Figure 7) is maintained.

[0099] In S1306, the CPU 201 transitions the screen displayed on the display unit 206 from the normal top screen 700 to the code enlargement screen 1200. The process then proceeds to the code enlargement screen 1200. If an identification code is read on the code enlargement screen 1200, the payment process is executed. If the link to the settings screen in the message area 1050 is touched, the process proceeds to the mode setting screen. If the "×" button is touched, the message area 1050 is closed.

[0100] After transitioning to the code enlargement screen 1200 in S1306, the flowchart in Figure 13 proceeds to S1302. If the code enlargement screen 1200 is displayed and the tilt α is within the predetermined angle range β, the display of the code display screen is maintained. On the other hand, if the code enlargement screen 1200 is displayed and the user terminal 2 is tilted, and the tilt α changes to an angle outside the predetermined angle range β, the process proceeds to S1307, returning to the original normal top screen 700.

[0101] Proceed to S1307. If the display is in the normal state (top screen 700 in Figure 7), the CPU 201 determines whether an operation to leave the top screen 700 has been performed. If no operation to leave the top screen 700 has been performed, return to S1302 and repeat the process from S1302 to S1307. If an operation to leave the top screen 700 has been performed, such as pressing the payment button, the scan button, calling a mini-app, or closing the top screen 700, this flowchart terminates.

[0102] As described above, according to the payment application 300 of the third embodiment, when the user terminal 2 is tilted within a predetermined angle range β, the application transitions from the top screen 700 to the code enlargement screen 1200. This transitions to a screen that does not contain electronic account balance information, point information, account information, or credit information, thus creating a confidential state and improving security. This allows users to use the payment application 300 with peace of mind. Furthermore, users can proceed to the code enlargement screen, which is the payment screen, simply by tilting the user terminal 2. In other words, screen transitions can be performed with one-handed operation, improving usability. Moreover, since the identification code is enlarged to a size that is easy for the code reader 31 to read, payment processing can be performed smoothly. In addition, in the third embodiment, the display control unit 303 switches the display state according to the tilt of the user terminal 2, and a vibration unit that vibrates the user terminal 2 may also be provided.

[0103] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, when the user terminal 2 is tilted within a predetermined angle range β while the top screen is displayed, the display control unit 303 changes the display state of the top screen to an inverted concealed state. In the inverted concealed state, the display control unit 303 displays the area excluding the code area, which is the area containing the identification code (second area), as darker than the code area. Furthermore, it inverts the display of the code area. Note that the configuration of the payment application 300, the user terminal 2, the store terminal 3, and the electronic payment server 5 in the fourth embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment, so redundant explanations will be omitted, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0104] Figure 14 shows an example of the top screen 1400 in the inverted concealment state as displayed in the fourth embodiment. The top screen 1400 in the inverted concealment state is displayed when the user terminal 2 is tilted within a predetermined angle range β while the top screen is displayed. The top screen 1400 in the inverted concealment state differs from the top screen 1000 in the blacked-out state of the second embodiment in that the orientation of the code area 1410 is inverted vertically (rotated by 180°). Also, the size of the code area 1410 is enlarged compared to the top screen 700 in the normal state shown in Figure 7. Consequently, the first identification code 1411 and the second identification code 1412 within the code area 1410 are also inverted and enlarged.

[0105] The area other than the code area 1410 is the same as the top screen 1000 in the darkened state of the second embodiment. That is, the second area 1020, which is the area of ​​the display screen excluding the code area 1410, is displayed in a darkened state. When the message area 1050, which contains a message about tilt mode, is displayed, the second area 1020 is the area excluding the code area 1410 and the message area 1050, and is displayed darker than the code area 1410 and the message area 1050. In other words, the code area 1410 and the message area 1050 are displayed brighter than the second area 1020.

[0106] The message area 1050 does not necessarily need to be displayed on the blacked-out top screen 1000. For example, after displaying the message area 1050 multiple times, it may be controlled so that it is not displayed again. In that case, the area within the display screen excluding the code area 1410 becomes the second area 1020, and on the blacked-out top screen 1000, this second area 1020 is displayed in a blacked-out state.

[0107] The second area, which is displayed in a darkened state, includes the balance display area 840. The balance information, points information, account information, and credit information, or parts of such information, within the balance display area 1040 are hidden or masked, as in the first embodiment.

[0108] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display control process in the fourth embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 is written in the program of the payment application 300 installed on the user terminal 2. The program is stored in the memory unit 204, called by the CPU 201, loaded into RAM 203, and executed. This flowchart starts when the user operates the startup icon of the payment application 300 and the payment application 300 is launched.

[0109] The processes shown in S1501 to S1505 of this flowchart are the same as those in S601 to S605 of the flowchart for the display control process of the first embodiment (Figure 6). That is, if the user terminal 2 is tilted while the top screen is displayed and the tilt α is within a predetermined angle range β, the process proceeds to S1507. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S1506, and the normal display state (top screen 700 in Figure 7) is maintained.

[0110] In S1507, the CPU 201 changes the normal top screen to a hidden state. In the fourth embodiment, the area of ​​the display screen excluding the code area 1410 (second area 1020) is dimmed, and the balance information, point information, account information, and credit information in the balance display area 840 are hidden and not displayed. When dimming the display, the CPU 201 may also display the message area 1050. If the message area 1050 is displayed, the area excluding the code area 1410 and the message area 1050 is designated as the second area 1020 and is dimmed.

[0111] In the S1507 process, it is sufficient that the second area 1020 is displayed darker than the code area 1410 and the message area 1050. That is, the display control unit 303 lowers the brightness value of the second area 1020 to the same or lower brightness value as the normal state. Furthermore, the display control unit 303 may increase the brightness values ​​of the code area 1410 and the message area 1050 above the normal state. This makes it possible to display the code area 1410 and the message area 1050 brightly even if the top screen 700 is displayed darker in the normal state according to the user settings. As a result, information other than the identification code necessary for payment is displayed in a confidential state on the top screen, and the visibility of the code area 1410 and the message area 1050 is improved.

[0112] In S1508, the CPU 201 inverts the display of the code area 1410. Inversion means rotating the code area 1410 by 180° around its center point. Consequently, the text information within the code area 1410, such as the first identification code 1411, the second identification code 1412, and the payment method 1413, is also inverted. By inverting the display of the code area 1410 in this way, it is made easier to read from the perspective of store staff who interact with customers during store scanning. Furthermore, in S1508, the CPU 201 may enlarge the display of the code area 1410 to fit within the width of the display screen. Enlarging the display makes it even easier for the code reader 31 to read the code.

[0113] As shown in Figure 14, when the top screen is inverted and hidden, if the identification code is read, the CPU 201 works with the store terminal 3 to execute the payment process. If the link 1052 to the settings screen in the message area 1050 is touched, the user proceeds to the mode setting screen described later. If the "×" button 1053 is touched, the message area 1050 is closed.

[0114] In S1509, CPU201 determines whether the second area (the darkened area) has been tapped. If the second area has been tapped (S1509; YES), the process proceeds to S1506.

[0115] In S1506, CPU201 returns the display of the top screen from the inverted concealed state to the normal state. The normal state is the display state before the inverted concealed display. After that, the process proceeds to S1510.

[0116] If no tap operation is performed on the second area (blacked-out area) in S1509 (S1509; NO), the process proceeds to S1510 while remaining in the inverted concealment state.

[0117] If no action is taken to leave the top screen in S1510 (S1510;NO), the process proceeds to S1502, and steps S1502 to S1509 are repeated.

[0118] If the system proceeds to S1502 while the inverted concealment state is displayed, and the tilt α is within the predetermined angle range β (S1505; YES), the system proceeds to S1507 and maintains the inverted concealment state. On the other hand, if the system proceeds to S1502 while the inverted concealment state is displayed, and the user terminal 2 is tilted and its tilt α changes to an angle outside the predetermined angle range β, the system proceeds to S1506 and returns to the original normal top screen 700. After that, the system proceeds to S1510.

[0119] In S1510, if an operation is performed that leaves the top screen, such as operating the payment button, the scan button, calling up a mini-app, or closing the top screen (S1510; YES), this flowchart terminates.

[0120] As described above, according to the payment application 300 of the fourth embodiment, when the user terminal 2 is tilted within a predetermined angle range β, the display state of the top screen 700 can be transitioned to an inverted concealed state. Therefore, when the user terminal 2 is tilted so that the identification code is visible to store staff during a store scan, the electronic account balance information, point information, account information, and credit information are darkened, making them difficult for store staff to see. This improves security. On the other hand, the code area is displayed brighter than the darkened area and is displayed upside down, making it easier for store staff to see and read by a code reader. This allows users to use the payment application 300 with peace of mind, and makes it easier for store staff to perform code reading operations. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the display control unit 303 switches the display state according to the tilt of the user terminal 2, and may also be further equipped with a vibration unit that vibrates the user terminal 2.

[0121] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. It is preferable that the user can switch between enabling and disabling the operation to switch to a concealed state in accordance with the tilt α of the user terminal 2, as shown in the first to fourth embodiments, through a setting operation. The operation to switch the screen display state to a concealed state in accordance with the tilt α of the user terminal 2 is called tilt mode. As the fifth embodiment, the tilt mode setting function will be described. Note that the configuration of the payment application 300, the user terminal 2, the store terminal 3, and the electronic payment server 5 in the fifth embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment, so redundant explanations will be omitted and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0122] The tilt mode setting function is one of the program modules of the payment application 300 and corresponds to the setting unit 304 shown in Figure 3(b). In other words, the CPU 201 functions as the setting unit 304 by executing the program module.

[0123] The setting unit 304 receives a setting from the user to enable or disable tilt mode and stores it in the storage unit 204 as setting information 330 for the payment application 300. If tilt mode is enabled by the setting unit 304, the tilt detection unit 302 and the display control unit 303 change the state of the screen displayed on the display unit 206 based on the tilt angle of the user terminal 2, as shown in the first to fourth embodiments. If tilt mode is disabled by the setting unit 304, the tilt detection unit 302 does not perform tilt detection operation of the user terminal 2. Therefore, the display state is not changed in accordance with the tilt of the user terminal 2.

[0124] (Setup process) Referring to Figure 16, the flow of the setting process executed by the payment application 300 of the fifth embodiment will be explained. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 16 is written in the program of the payment application 300 installed on the user terminal 2. The program is stored in the memory unit 204, called by the CPU 201, loaded into RAM 203, and executed. When the payment application 300 is started and the tilt mode setting is called on the top screen, the CPU 201 starts this process. The tilt mode setting is called when "Tilt Mode Setting" is selected from the setting menu on the account management screen, which is accessed from the account button displayed on the top screen (the button in the lower right of the top screen 700 in Figure 7). Alternatively, it is called when the link 1052 to the mode setting screen is touched by the user in the message area 1050 displayed in the confidential state of the second to fourth embodiments.

[0125] In S1601, the CPU 201 displays the tilt mode setting screen 1700 on the display unit 206.

[0126] In S1602, the CPU 201 retrieves setting information regarding the currently set tilt mode from the setting information 330 stored in the memory unit 204. The setting information regarding the tilt mode indicates either enable or disable. In S1602, the CPU 201 reflects the retrieved setting information regarding the current tilt mode on the setting screen 1700.

[0127] Figure 17 shows an example of the tilt mode setting screen 1700. As shown in Figure 17, the setting screen 1700 displays buttons to select either Enable 1701 or Disable 1702, and a check mark 1703 indicating the current setting information. In the example in Figure 17, the check mark 1703 is displayed for Enable 1701.

[0128] In S1603, if the user performs an operation to switch the tilt mode setting (S1603; YES), the process proceeds to S1604. The switching operation is performed by the user selecting either the enable button 1701 or the disable button 1702 displayed on the setting screen 1700. The selection operation may be performed by tapping, for example. If the user operates a button different from the current setting, the CPU 201 determines that the tilt mode has been switched and proceeds to S1604.

[0129] In S1604, CPU201 switches the tilt mode setting to the selected setting. For example, if the tilt mode setting information obtained in S1602 is "enabled," and the user selects "disabled" 1702 on setting screen 1700, CPU201 switches the tilt mode setting to disabled. Also, for example, if the tilt mode setting information obtained in S1602 is "disabled," and the user selects "enabled" 1701 on setting screen 1700, CPU201 switches the tilt mode setting to enabled.

[0130] In S1605, the CPU 201 saves the settings information that were switched in S1604 to the storage unit 204, and this flowchart ends.

[0131] In S1603, if the same button as the current setting is selected, or if the button to return to the previous screen is operated, the CPU 201 determines that the tilt mode will not be switched on or off. In that case, steps S1604 to S1605 are skipped, and the processing of this flowchart is terminated. If the operation to return to the previous screen is performed, the CPU 201 displays the screen that was displayed before the settings screen 1700 was displayed (account management screen, or top screen, code enlargement screen, etc.) on the display unit 206, and then terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0132] As explained above, the payment application 300 of the fifth embodiment allows the user to switch between enabling and disabling tilt mode through a setting operation. The tilt mode setting information 330 is acquired by the CPU 201 when the payment application 300 is launched and reflected in subsequent operations. That is, if the tilt mode setting information 330 is set to "enabled", the CPU 201 performs a display state switching operation based on the tilt of the user terminal 2, as shown in the first to fourth embodiments. If the tilt mode setting information is set to "disabled", the CPU 201 does not perform screen transitions based on the tilt of the user terminal 2. When tilt mode is set to "disabled", the screen state does not change even if the user terminal 2 is tilted, and screen transitions are performed based on button operations, similar to the conventional payment application 300.

[0133] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but this disclosure is not limited to such examples. For example, the content of buttons and information displayed on the screen, the screen layout, and the processing procedures shown in the flowchart are examples and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Furthermore, it is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the disclosed technical idea, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 1. Electronic payment system 2. User terminals 700 Top screen 800 Top screen in hidden mode 1000 Top screen in blackout state 1200 Code Enlargement Screen 1400 Top screen of the inverted / concealed state 301 Payment Processing Unit 302 Tilt detection unit 303 Display Control Unit 304 Settings Section

Claims

1. A payment application program installed on a terminal device used by a user of electronic payment in order to use electronic payment using an identification code, wherein the terminal device A detection unit for detecting the tilt of the terminal device, The display control unit controls the display in the display section of the terminal device, The display control unit, A payment application program characterized in that, when the tilt of the terminal device detected by the detection unit is within a predetermined angle range, the display unit switches the display from the normal state to the concealed state.

2. The payment application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit, in the confidential state, hides or masks a portion of the information that was displayed on the display unit in the normal state.

3. The payment application program according to claim 2, characterized in that the information that is hidden or masked includes at least one of the following: electronic account balance information, points information, account information, and credit information.

4. The payment application program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the concealed state, the display control unit displays the second region, which is the area within the display range of the display unit excluding the first region, which is the area containing the identification code displayed on the display unit, at a darker temperature than the first region.

5. The payment application program according to claim 4, characterized in that the display control unit reduces the brightness of the second area so that the second area is displayed darker than the first area.

6. The payment application program according to claim 5, further characterized in that the display control unit increases the brightness of the first region.

7. The payment application program according to claim 4, characterized in that the display control unit switches the display of the display unit to the normal state when the second area is operated in the confidential state.

8. The payment application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit further enlarges and displays the first region, which is the region containing the identification code, in the confidential state.

9. The payment application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit further displays the first region, which is the region containing the identification code, inverted vertically on the display screen in the confidential state.

10. The payment application program according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the confidential state, the display control unit transitions the screen displayed on the display unit to another screen in which the identification code is enlarged and which does not contain electronic account balance information, point information, account information, and credit information.

11. The payment application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit switches the display of the display unit to the normal state when the tilt of the terminal device detected by the detection unit changes to an angle outside the predetermined angle range in the confidential state.

12. The payment application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined angle range is an angle range suitable for reading the identification code with a handheld code reader.

13. The payment application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined angle range includes an angle in which the display screen of the terminal device is facing upward and horizontal.

14. The payment application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection unit detects the tilt of the terminal device when the top screen containing the identification code, which is displayed immediately after the startup of the payment application program, is displayed.

15. The payment application program according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that accepts a setting by the user to enable or disable display control based on tilt detection.

16. A terminal device used by a user of electronic payment in order to use electronic payment using an identification code, A detection unit for detecting the tilt of the terminal device, The terminal device has a display control unit that controls the display in the display unit, The display control unit, An information processing device characterized in that, when the tilt of the terminal device detected by the detection unit is within a predetermined angle range, the display of the display unit is switched from a normal state to a concealed state.

17. A display control method executed by the computer of a terminal device used by a user of electronic payment in order to use electronic payment using an identification code, A step of detecting the tilt of the terminal device, The steps include controlling the display of the terminal device to switch from a normal state to a confidential state when the tilt of the terminal device is within a predetermined angle range, A display control method characterized by including the following.

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