Information processing device, payment application program, and information processing method

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device, a payment application program, and an information processing method that enable speedy payment processing when a user attempts to perform a code-based payment using the MPM method. [Solution] In the payment processing system, the user terminal 10 is an information processing device used by the user to make code payments, and comprises a display unit 11, a detection unit 142 that detects whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical orientation, and a display control unit 143 that, when a payment application providing a service related to code payments is launched and the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a horizontal orientation, displays a scan screen on the display unit for reading a store code, which contains the store's identification information used for code payments, via the imaging unit of the information processing device.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Currently, code payment using codes such as QR Code (registered trademark) has become widespread (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] When performing MPM type code payment, a user cannot execute the MPM type code payment unless the user selects scan payment from the top screen or the payment screen of the payment application. In CPM type code payment, the user can complete the payment simply by presenting the displayed barcode, but MPM type code payment involves many steps leading to the payment, and the user cannot perform the payment speedily.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of the above background, the present invention aims to provide an information processing apparatus and the like that enable a user to speedily perform payment when the user intends to perform MPM type code payment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to an information processing device used by a user to make a code payment, and comprises: a display unit; a detection unit that detects whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical orientation; and a display control unit that, when a payment application providing a code payment service is activated and the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a horizontal orientation, causes the display unit to display a scan screen for reading a store code, which contains the store's identification information used in the code payment, via the imaging unit of the information processing device.

[0007] The payment application program of the present invention is a payment application program that is pre-installed on an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, wherein the information processing device functions as a detection unit that detects whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical position, and a display control unit that, when the payment application program providing the code payment service is started and the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a horizontal position, causes the display unit of the information processing device to display a scan screen for reading a store code, which contains the store's identification information used for code payments, via the imaging unit of the information processing device.

[0008] The present invention relates to an information processing method that is performed by a computer of an information processing device used by a user to make a code payment, and comprises the steps of: detecting whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical orientation; and, when the payment application that provides the code payment service is activated and it is detected that the information processing device is in a horizontal orientation, causing the display unit of the information processing device to display a scan screen for reading a store code, which contains the store's identification information and is used for the code payment, via the imaging unit of the information processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when a user attempts to make a code payment using the MPM method, it becomes possible to make the payment quickly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of a payment processing system S using a payment application according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the payment server 20 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of the user terminal 10. [Figure 5] Figures 5(a) to 5(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when the user terminal 10 is detected to be in landscape mode while the payment app App is launched and the splash screen SP is displayed. [Figure 6] Figures 6(a) to 6(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when the user terminal 10 is detected to be in landscape mode after the payment app has been launched and while the top screen TP of the payment app is being displayed. [Figure 7] Figures 7(a) to 7(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when the user terminal 10 is detected to be in landscape mode after the payment app App has been launched and while the payment screen PY of the payment app App is being displayed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the user terminal 10 of the payment processing system S according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a situation where information is displayed on the scan screen SC indicating that the scan screen SC can be displayed when the user terminal 10 is detected to be in landscape mode while the payment app App is running. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The payment processing system using the payment application program (hereinafter referred to as the payment app) according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The payment app according to this embodiment is a program that is pre-installed on the user terminal used by the user of code payment in order to use electronic payment using an identification code (hereinafter referred to as code payment). Note that the following description is merely an example of a preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the invention described in the claims. In addition, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] [Overview of Payment Processing System S] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a payment processing system S using a payment application according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the payment processing system S includes a user terminal 10, a payment server 20, and a store terminal 30. The payment server 20 and the store terminal 30 communicate with each other via a network (not shown). The network includes, for example, the internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless base station, and provider equipment. Note that the payment processing system S shown in Figure 1 may include multiple user terminals 10, multiple payment servers 20, and multiple store terminals 30.

[0013] A "user" refers to a person who uses a payment application to make a payment for a product or service at a store. The user has obtained an account for the code payment service provided by the payment processing system S, for example, using the account management function of the payment application. The user's account is managed by the payment server 20, and is associated with the user's user identification information and the user's account. The user can receive the provision of the code payment service by installing the payment application App on the user terminal 10. Note that the code payment service can also be used by accessing the website provided by the payment server 20 using a general web browser.

[0014] The user terminal 10 is a terminal device used by the user when making a code payment at a member store. The user terminal 10 is an information processing device used by the user, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer.

[0015] A "member store" refers to a store or service provider that has a contract with the service provider that provides the code payment service. Examples of the member store include an organization that operates a plurality of physical stores or online shops. A "store" refers to a place that actually provides products or services to users, for example, any store such as a shop, a restaurant, a department store, a movie theater, or a sports gym. A "product" includes tangible objects such as items that the user actually obtains at a store, or intangible objects such as image data, video data, music data, and game programs. A "service" refers to a service that the user actually receives at a store or the like.

[0016] The payment application App is pre-installed on the user terminal 10. The payment application App is operated and managed by the service provider that provides the code payment service (for example, the administrator of the payment server 20).

[0017] The payment server 20 is an information processing apparatus that provides a code payment service for performing code payment processing, distribution of information related to code payment, and the like, and is configured by a computer having at least a communication function and a program execution function. The payment server 20 manages the account of a store that is a member store and the account of a user who has an account for the code payment service, and realizes various types of payment by, for example, performing remittance of electronic money between the accounts. The payment server 20 may be implemented by a single information processing apparatus, or may be implemented by a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

[0018] The store terminal 30 is an information processing apparatus used by a store that has a contract with a service provider providing the code payment service, or a provider that provides services. The store terminal 30 is configured by a computer having at least a product price acquisition function, an optical reading function, a program execution function, and a communication function. The store terminal 30 includes a so-called POS (Point of Sale) terminal, and the product price acquisition function and the optical reading function may be realized by the POS terminal. The optical reading function is realized by a code reader such as a barcode reader that reads an image of a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, or a camera that reads an image of a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. In addition, a store code image C is posted in the store. The store code image C is a store code obtained by encoding a store URL, which is store identification information, using a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. The store code image C may be printed and posted on a paper or plastic medium, or may be displayed on a display.

[0019] Methods for performing code payment at a member store using the payment application App include the MPM (Merchant Presented Mode) method, in which the user terminal 10 reads the store code image C posted at the storefront of the member store, and the CPM (Consumer Presented Mode) method, in which the store terminal 30 of the member store reads the payment code image displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 10. In the present embodiment, a case where the payment code is read by the MPM method will be described.

[0020] In MPM-based code payment, when a user makes a payment at a merchant, they launch the payment app installed on the user terminal 10. The user then uses the user terminal 10 to read a store code image C, such as a QR code, displayed in the store. The store code image C contains information about the store's URL. The user terminal 10 adds the user's user identification information to the read store URL information and sends it to the payment server 20. Based on the store URL information and user identification information received from the user terminal 10, the payment server 20 identifies the user and the store from its database and displays an amount input screen on the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 accepts the amount information entered by the user on the amount input screen and sends the entered amount information to the payment server 20. The payment server 20 performs the payment process between the identified user's account and the identified store's account. Once the payment process is complete, a payment completion screen is displayed on the user terminal 10 and the store terminal 30.

[0021] In MPM-style code payments, a vertical scan screen SC2, as shown in Figure 5(c), is typically used to read the store code image C. The "scan screen" is a screen used to read the store code image C, which is a store code containing the store's identification information, via the camera of the user terminal 10. The user displays the scan screen SC2 on the display of the user terminal 10 via the payment app App. The user then takes a picture of the store code image C displayed in the store, ensuring that it fits within the frame FR of the scan screen SC2. The transition to the scan screen SC2 can be performed by tapping the "Scan" button TPB1 displayed on the top screen TP of the payment app App, as shown in Figure 6(b), or by tapping the "Scan" button PYB1 displayed on the payment screen PY, as shown in Figure 7(b). The "payment screen" is a screen containing the user code, which contains the user's user identification information, and is the payment screen used in CPM-style code payments.

[0022] The following describes the configuration details of user terminal 10.

[0023] [Hardware configuration of user terminal 10] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 10 is a computer such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or wearable device.

[0024] The user terminal 10 is physically configured as a computer, including a processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, communication device 104, input device 105, output device 106, and a bus connecting them. Each of these devices operates on power supplied from a battery (not shown). In the following description, the term "device" can be read as a circuit, device, unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 may include one or more of the devices shown in Figure 2, or some of the devices may be omitted. Alternatively, multiple devices with different enclosures may be connected via communication to constitute the user terminal 10.

[0025] Each function in the user terminal 10 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 101 and memory 102, which allows the processor 101 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 104, and control at least one of the reading and writing of data in the memory 102 and storage 103.

[0026] The processor 101 controls the entire computer, for example, by running the operating system. The processor 101 may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control units, arithmetic units, registers, etc. Alternatively, a baseband signal processing unit or a call processing unit may be implemented by the processor 101.

[0027] The processor 101 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc., from at least one of the storage 103 and the communication device 104 into the memory 102 and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described later. Functional blocks of the user terminal 10 are stored in the memory 102 and may be implemented by control programs that run on the processor 101. Various processes may be executed by one processor 101, or they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 101. The processor 101 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may also be transmitted to the user terminal 10 via a telecommunications line.

[0028] Memory 102 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Memory 102 may also be called a register, cache, main memory, etc. Memory 102 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for carrying out the method according to this embodiment.

[0029] The storage 103 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: an optical disc such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disc, a digital multipurpose disc, a Blu-ray® disc), a smart card, flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy® disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The storage 103 may also be called an auxiliary storage device.

[0030] The communication device 104 is hardware (transceiver / receiver device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc. The communication device 104 enables communication with the payment server 20. The communication device 104 may be configured to include, for example, a high-frequency switch, duplexer, filter, frequency synthesizer, etc., in order to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the transmit / receive antenna, amplifier section, transmit / receive section, transmission path interface, etc., may be implemented by the communication device 104. The transmit / receive section may be implemented with physically or logically separated transmitting and receiving sections.

[0031] The input device 105 is an input device that accepts input from the outside (for example, keys, microphones, cameras, switches, buttons, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other various sensors). The output device 106 is an output device that outputs to the outside (for example, a display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.). The input device 105 and the output device 106 may be configured as an integrated unit (for example, a touch panel).

[0032] Each device, such as the processor 101 and memory 102, is connected by a bus for communicating information. The bus may be configured using a single bus, or different buses may be used for each device.

[0033] The user terminal 10 may be configured with hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and some or all of the functional blocks may be implemented by such hardware. For example, the processor 101 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0034] [Hardware configuration of payment server 20] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the payment server 20 according to this embodiment. The payment server 20 is an information processing device implemented by, for example, a computer, server device, cloud system, etc. Physically, the payment server 20 is configured as a computer device including a processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, communication device 204, input device 205, output device 206, and a bus connecting them. The processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, communication device 204, input device 205, and output device 206 are the same hardware as the processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, communication device 104, input device 105, and output device 106 of the user terminal 10, so their description is omitted.

[0035] [Functional configuration of user terminal 10] Next, the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the display control function of the user terminal 10 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 has a display unit 11, an imaging unit which is a camera 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0036] The display unit 11 is, for example, a display that shows various kinds of information, and is an example of the output device 106 shown in Figure 2. The display unit 11 displays various screens related to the payment application App, such as the top screen TP (see Figure 6(b)), splash screen SP (see Figure 5(b)), scan screens SC1 and SC2 (see Figure 5(c)), payment screen PY (see Figure 7(b)), and amount input screen MI (see Figure 5(d)).

[0037] Camera 12 is the imaging unit of the user terminal 10 for capturing images (video or still images), and is an example of the input device 105 shown in Figure 2. Camera 12 is composed of an image sensor such as a CCD (Charged-coupled devices) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor. Camera 12 captures, for example, a store code image C such as a QR code displayed in a store. The store code image C is a store code that encodes the store's identification information and is used for code-based payments.

[0038] The storage unit 13 stores various types of data. For example, the storage unit 13 stores the program executed by the control unit 14. The storage unit 13 stores a payment application (program) that causes the control unit 14 to function as an operation reception unit 141, a detection unit 142, a display control unit 143, a code reading unit 144, a monetary amount information acquisition unit 145, a settlement processing unit 146, and a setting unit 147. The storage unit 13 also stores screen data for various screens corresponding to the various functions of the payment application.

[0039] The control unit 14 functions as an operation reception unit 141, a detection unit 142, a display control unit 143, a code reading unit 144, a monetary amount information acquisition unit 145, a payment processing unit 146, and a setting unit 147 by executing (or launching) the payment application App stored in the storage unit 13.

[0040] The operation reception unit 141 identifies the user's operation based on signals input from an operation unit, such as a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 11, and executes processing according to the identified operation. For example, if the identified operation is a request to launch the payment application app, the operation reception unit 141 launches the payment application app. Also, if the identified operation is a request to display the scan screen SC2, the operation reception unit 141 notifies the display control unit 143 of the request to display the scan screen SC2.

[0041] The detection unit 142 detects whether the user terminal 10 is in a landscape or portrait orientation. Specifically, when the user places the user terminal 10 in a landscape orientation, sensors such as an acceleration sensor or gyroscope, which are examples of input devices 105, detect that the user terminal 10 is in a landscape orientation, and this detection signal is input to the processor 201. The detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a landscape orientation by acquiring the detection signal input to the processor 201. Similarly, when the user places the user terminal 10 in a portrait orientation, sensors such as an acceleration sensor or gyroscope, which are examples of input devices 105, detect that the user terminal 10 is in a portrait orientation, and this detection signal is input to the processor 201. The detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a portrait orientation by acquiring the detection signal input to the processor 201. Note that landscape orientation refers to the orientation in which the screen of the user terminal 10 is elongated horizontally (widescreen), and is also called landscape mode. Portrait mode refers to the orientation in which the screen of the user terminal 10 is elongated vertically (portrait orientation). If the user terminal 10 is square in shape and its screen is also square, the orientation of the user terminal 10 can be distinguished by the position of the buttons or hardware interfaces such as the camera 12 on the user terminal 10. For example, if the power on / off button is located on the side of the user terminal 10, when the user holds the user terminal 10 and looks at the screen, if the button is on the left or right side of the user terminal 10, the orientation of the user terminal 10 should be portrait, and if the button is on the top or bottom side of the user terminal 10, the orientation of the user terminal 10 should be landscape.

[0042] The display control unit 143 displays various screens corresponding to the various functions of the payment app on the display unit 11 of the user terminal 10. The display control unit 143 acquires screen data for various screens from the storage unit 13 in response to user operations and displays it on the display unit 11. For example, when the user taps the icon AppI of the payment app that provides code payment services, which is displayed on the home screen HO (operating system home screen) of the user terminal 10 (see Figure 5(a)), the payment app starts up, and the display control unit 143 displays the splash screen SP shown in Figure 5(b) on the display unit 11, and then displays the top screen TP shown in Figure 6(b) on the display unit 11.

[0043] When the payment app is running and the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal orientation, the display control unit 143 displays a horizontal scan screen SC1 (see Figure 5(c)) on the display unit 11 for reading the store code image C, which is a store code containing the store's identification information, via the camera 12 of the user terminal 10. The state in which the payment app is running includes, for example, the state in which the splash screen SP of the payment app is displayed, the top screen TP of the payment app is displayed, and the payment screen PY of the payment app is displayed.

[0044] Traditionally, when a user wanted to make a code payment using the MPM method, they had to tap the "Scan" button TPB1 or PYB1 on the payment app's top screen TP or payment screen PY to display the scan screen SC before they could complete the MPM code payment. Thus, the MPM code payment method involved many steps before settlement, preventing users from making payments quickly.

[0045] In this embodiment, when the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position, the scan screen SC1 is displayed on the display unit 11. Therefore, when a user attempts to perform MPM-type code payment by reading the store code image C via the camera 12 of their user terminal 10, all they need to do is hold the user terminal 10 horizontally so that the detection unit 142 detects that it is in a horizontal position. As a result, the user can skip steps leading up to payment in MPM-type code payment, enabling speedy payment. Furthermore, holding the user terminal 10 horizontally to capture the store code image C is an intuitive and easy-to-use action for the user.

[0046] Furthermore, the display control unit 143 may display the scanned screen SC1 on the display unit 11 if the detection unit 142 continuously detects that the user terminal 10 is in a sideways position for a predetermined period of time. Here, the predetermined period is a fixed time of a few seconds, such as 1 to 2 seconds.

[0047] As a result, if the detection unit 142 does not continuously detect that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position for a predetermined period of time, the scan screen SC1 will not be displayed on the display unit 11. This prevents malfunctions such as the scan screen SC1 being displayed on the display unit 11 if the user accidentally turns the user terminal 10 in a horizontal position.

[0048] The code reading unit 144 reads the store code image C via the camera 12 of the user terminal 10 and obtains store identification information from the read store code image C.

[0049] The amount information acquisition unit 145 acquires the amount information entered by the user via the amount input screen MI displayed on the display unit 11 from the display control unit 143.

[0050] The payment processing unit 146 executes the payment process. Specifically, the payment processing unit 146 sends and receives payment-related information between the user terminal 10 and the payment server 20 in accordance with each processing procedure in the MPM method code payment described above, and starts and completes the code payment. For example, the payment processing unit 146 sends a payment request to the payment server 20 that includes the store identification information read by the code reading unit 144, the user identification information, and the amount information acquired by the amount information acquisition unit 145. When the payment is executed by the payment server 20 in accordance with the payment request, the payment processing unit 146 receives information from the payment server 20 indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0051] The setting unit 147 accepts various settings from the user and stores them in the storage unit 13 as setting information for the payment app. For example, the setting unit 147 accepts a setting from the user to enable or disable the function that displays the scan screen SC1 on the display unit 11 when the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position, and stores this setting in the storage unit 13 as setting information for the payment app. If the setting unit 147 has enabled this function, the display control unit 143 will display the scan screen SC1 on the display unit 11 when the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position. If the setting unit 504 has disabled this function, the scan screen SC1 will not be displayed even if the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position.

[0052] The following describes the display control when the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position, using Figures 5(a) to 5(d), Figures 6(a) to 6(d), and Figures 7(a) to 7(d).

[0053] Figures 5(a) to 5(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when the user terminal 10 is detected to be in landscape mode while the payment app App is launched and the splash screen SP is displayed.

[0054] In Figure 5(a), the user launches the payment app by tapping the payment app icon AppI. When the payment app is launched, a splash screen SP is displayed on the display unit 11. The splash screen SP is a screen that is displayed when the startup process of the payment app begins, before the top screen TP of the payment app is displayed. The splash screen SP may display the logo of the payment app, etc.

[0055] Figure 5(b) shows the splash screen SP. When the splash screen SP is displayed on the display unit 11, if the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC1 on the display unit 11. Normally, the screen displayed after the splash screen SP would be the top screen TP, but in this embodiment, if the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position on the splash screen SP, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC1 on the display unit 11 instead of the top screen TP after the splash screen SP. Note that the user does not need to turn the user terminal 10 to a horizontal position while the splash screen SP is displayed. Even if the user terminal 10 is already in a horizontal position when the payment app App is launched, the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position on the splash screen SP, so the display control unit 143 can display the scan screen SC1 on the display unit 11.

[0056] In this way, when the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position on the splash screen SP displayed at the start of the payment app startup process, the scan screen SC is displayed on the display unit 11. As a result, the user can see the scan screen SC on the display unit 11 immediately after starting the payment app, enabling speedy payment.

[0057] Figure 5(c) shows the scan screens SC1 and SC2. Scan screens SC1 and SC2 are screens for capturing the store code image C via the camera 12. A frame FR is displayed on scan screens SC1 and SC2, and the user captures the store code image C so that it is within the frame FR. The user can close scan screens SC1 and SC2 by tapping button B1. The scan screen SC displays the message, "Please scan the QR code."

[0058] The upper scan screen SC1 in Figure 5(c) is a landscape scan screen displayed on the display unit 11 when the user terminal 10 is in a landscape orientation. The lower scan screen SC2 in Figure 5(c) is a scan screen displayed on the display unit 11 when the user terminal 10 is in a portrait orientation. If the user rotates the user terminal 10 to a portrait orientation while the scan screen SC1 is displayed on the display unit 11, and the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a portrait orientation, the display control unit 143 may transition the landscape scan screen SC1 to the portrait scan screen SC2 and display the portrait scan screen SC2 on the display unit 11.

[0059] Furthermore, if the user terminal 10 is in a vertical orientation when the horizontal scan screen SC1 is displayed on the display unit 11, the display control unit 143 may display the top screen TP of the payment app on the display unit 11 instead of transitioning the horizontal scan screen SC1 to the vertical scan screen SC2.

[0060] As a result, even if the user accidentally turns the user terminal 10 sideways and the scan screen SC1 is displayed on the display unit 11, the user can return to the top screen simply by turning the user terminal 10 back into a vertical position.

[0061] Furthermore, if the user terminal 10 is in a vertical orientation when the horizontal scan screen SC1 is displayed on the display unit 11, the display control unit 143 may, instead of transitioning the horizontal scan screen SC1 to the vertical scan screen SC2, display the payment screen PY (see Figure 7(b)) containing the user code, which is encoded with the user's user identification information, on the display unit 11.

[0062] As a result, even if a user mistakenly believes that a CPM-based code payment is an MPM-based code payment and turns the user terminal 10 sideways, causing the scan screen SC1 to be displayed on the display unit 11, the user can simply turn the user terminal 10 back into a vertical position to switch the display to the payment screen PY used for CPM-based code payments.

[0063] Figure 5(d) shows the amount input screen MI displayed on the display unit 11 after the store code image C is read on the scan screen SC1 (or SC2). The user enters the amount information of the items to be purchased on the amount input screen MI and taps the "Pay" button B2. As a result, the payment processing unit 146 sends a payment request to the payment server 20, and the payment is executed by the payment server 20 according to the payment request. The amount input screen MI may also include a point redemption button B3 to indicate whether or not to use points for payment.

[0064] Figures 6(a) to 6(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when the user terminal 10 is detected to be in landscape mode after the payment app has been launched and while the top screen TP of the payment app is being displayed.

[0065] Since Figure 6(a) is the same as Figure 5(a), its explanation is omitted.

[0066] Figure 6(b) shows the top screen TP of the payment app. When the top screen TP is displayed on the display unit 11, and the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC1 on the display unit 11.

[0067] The top screen TP displays various buttons, including the "Scan" button TPB1, the "Charge" button TPB2, and the "Pay" button TPB3. The top screen TP also displays a one-dimensional code TPC1, which contains the user's user identification information.

[0068] Since Figure 6(c) is the same as Figure 5(c) and Figure 6(d) is the same as Figure 5(d), their explanations will be omitted.

[0069] Figures 7(a) to 7(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when the user terminal 10 is detected to be in landscape mode after the payment app App has been launched and while the payment screen PY of the payment app App is being displayed.

[0070] Since Figure 7(a) is the same as Figure 5(a), its explanation will be omitted.

[0071] Figure 7(b) shows the payment screen PY of the payment app. When the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position by the detection unit 142 while the payment screen PY is displayed on the display unit 11, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC1 on the display unit 11. The payment screen PY can be displayed on the display unit 11 by tapping the area where the one-dimensional code TPC1 is located on the top screen TP, or by tapping the "Pay" button TPB3.

[0072] The payment screen PY displays a "Scan" button PYB1. The payment screen PY also displays a one-dimensional code PYC1 and a two-dimensional code PYC2, which contain the user's user identification information. The payment screen PY may also display the user's point card PTC. Points can be accumulated, for example, by making payments using a payment app, and can be used as electronic money when making code payments.

[0073] Since Figure 7(c) is the same as Figure 5(c) and Figure 7(d) is the same as Figure 5(d), their explanations will be omitted.

[0074] Furthermore, if the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position when the payment app is running and a screen other than the splash screen SP, top screen TP, or payment screen PY is displayed, the display control unit 143 may display the scan screen SC1 on the display unit 11.

[0075] [Operation Flow] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the user terminal 10 of the payment processing system S according to this embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 8 shows the processing flow from launching the payment application App to displaying the scan screen SC1 and sending a payment request.

[0076] First, in step S801, the user terminal 10 launches the payment app App by tapping the payment app App icon AppI on the home screen HO.

[0077] In step S802, with the payment app launched, the detection unit 142 detects whether the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position. If the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position, the flow proceeds to step S803.

[0078] In step S803, the display control unit 143 displays the scanned screen SC1 on the display unit 11.

[0079] In step S804, the code reading unit 144 reads the store code image C via the camera 12 and obtains store identification information from the read store code image C.

[0080] In step S805, the amount information acquisition unit 145 acquires the amount information entered by the user via the amount input screen MI displayed on the display unit 11 from the display control unit 143.

[0081] In step S806, the display control unit 143 displays the amount information acquired by the amount information acquisition unit 145 in step S805 on the display unit 11.

[0082] In step S807, the payment processing unit 146 receives input from the user indicating that payment will be made (for example, by tapping the "Pay" button B2 on the amount input screen MI), and sends a payment request to the payment server 20 that includes the store identification information read by the code reading unit 144 in step S804, the user identification information, and the amount information acquired by the amount information acquisition unit 145 in step S805. Upon receiving the payment request, the payment server 20 executes the payment according to the payment request.

[0083] As described above, in the user terminal 10 of the payment processing system S according to this embodiment, when the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a sideways position, the scan screen SC1 is displayed on the display unit 11. Therefore, when a user attempts to perform a code payment using the MPM method, which involves reading the store code image C via the camera 12 of their user terminal 10, they only need to hold the user terminal 10 sideways so that the detection unit 142 detects that it is in a sideways position, thus enabling speedy payment.

[0084] Furthermore, turning the user terminal 10 horizontally to take a picture of the store code image C is an intuitive and user-friendly action for the user.

[0085] [Other embodiments] Although the payment processing system S of the present invention has been described above with reference to this embodiment, the payment processing system S of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications to the configuration and details of the present invention can be made, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, any system or device that combines the separate features included in this embodiment in any way is also within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0086] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices or to a single device. Moreover, the present invention is also applicable when an information processing program that realizes the functions of this embodiment is supplied to a system or device and executed by a built-in processor. To realize the functions of the present invention on a computer, a program installed on a computer, a medium storing that program, a server that downloads that program, and a processor that executes the program are all included in the technical scope of the present invention. In particular, at least a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the processing steps included in this embodiment described above is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0087] In the above embodiment, when the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position, the display control unit 143 displays a simple scan screen SC1 on the display unit 11. At this time, if the number of times the scan screen SC1 displayed on the display unit 11 due to the detection unit 142 detecting that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position is less than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, a certain number such as 1 to 3 times), the display control unit 143 may display information on the scan screen SC1 displayed on the display unit 11 due to the detection of the user terminal 10 being in a horizontal position, indicating that the scan screen SC1 can be displayed when the user terminal 10 is detected to be in a horizontal position while the payment application App is running.

[0088] While the action of turning the user terminal 10 to landscape mode to take a picture of the store code image C is intuitive and easy for the user to use, the user would not normally know that such an action allows the scanning screen SC1 to be displayed while the payment app is running. Therefore, by displaying information indicating the existence of such a function on the scanning screen SC1 that is displayed as a result of the above action, when the number of times the scanning screen SC1 has been displayed due to the above action is below a predetermined number, the user can become aware of this function.

[0089] Figure 9 shows an example of a situation where the scan screen SC1 displayed on the display unit 11 after the detection unit 142 detects that the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position, and information is displayed indicating that the scan screen SC1 can be displayed when the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position while the payment app App is running. As shown in Figure 9, the scan screen SC1 displays a notification NT that reads, "You can display the scan screen by turning your smartphone horizontally while the app is running," as information indicating that the scan screen SC1 can be displayed when the user terminal 10 is in a horizontal position while the payment app App is running. This notification NT may disappear after the scan screen SC1 has been displayed a predetermined number of times by the above operation. The notification NT may also be displayed on the scan screen SC2. The notification NT may also be displayed on the so-called normal scan screen SC1, which is displayed by tapping the "Scan" button TPB1 displayed on the top screen TP, or the "Scan" button PYB1 displayed on the payment screen PY.

[0090] The following additional notes are provided regarding each of the embodiments described above.

[0091] [Note 1] Information processing equipment, An information processing device used by a user to make a code payment, Display unit and A detection unit that detects whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical position, When the payment application providing the code payment service is running, and the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a sideways position, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a scan screen for reading the store code, which contains the store identification information used for the code payment, via the imaging unit of the information processing device. It is equipped with.

[0092] With the above configuration, when the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a sideways position, the scan screen is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, when a user attempts to perform a code payment using the MPM method, which reads the store code via the imaging unit of their information processing device, they only need to position the information processing device sideways so that the detection unit detects that it is in a sideways position, allowing for speedy payment. Furthermore, positioning the information processing device sideways to photograph the store code is an intuitive and easy-to-use action for the user.

[0093] [Note 2] In the information processing device described in Appendix 1, If the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a sideways position for a certain period of time, the display control unit causes the scan screen to be displayed on the display unit.

[0094] With the above configuration, if the detection unit does not continuously detect that the information processing device is in a sideways position for a certain period of time, the scan screen will not be displayed on the display unit. This prevents malfunctions such as the scan screen being displayed on the display unit if the user accidentally puts the information processing device in a sideways position.

[0095] [Note 3] In the information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2, When the scanning screen is displayed on the display unit and the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a vertical orientation, the display control unit displays the top screen of the payment application that provides the code payment service on the display unit.

[0096] With the above configuration, even if the scan screen is displayed on the display unit due to the user accidentally turning the information processing device sideways, the user can return to the top screen simply by turning the information processing device back to portrait mode.

[0097] [Note 4] In the information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2, When the scanning screen is displayed on the display unit and the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a vertical orientation, the display control unit displays a payment screen on the display unit that includes a user code containing the user's identification information.

[0098] With the above configuration, even if a user mistakenly believes that a CPM-based code payment is an MPM-based code payment and rotates the information processing device horizontally, causing the scan screen to appear on the display, the user can simply rotate the information processing device vertically to switch the display to the CPM-based code payment screen. Note that while Appendix 3 describes a configuration to return to the top screen and Appendix 4 describes a configuration to return to the payment screen, it is also possible to detect the horizontal orientation and return to the screen before transitioning to the scan screen.

[0099] [Note 5] In the information processing device described in any of the appendices 1 to 4, If the detection unit detects on the splash screen that the information processing device is in a sideways position, the display control unit causes the scan screen to be displayed on the display unit.

[0100] With the above configuration, if the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a sideways position on the splash screen displayed when the payment application starts up, the scan screen is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, users can display the scan screen on the display unit immediately after launching the payment application, enabling them to complete payments quickly.

[0101] [Note 6] In the information processing device described in any of the appendices 1 to 5, If the number of times the scan screen displayed on the display unit after the information processing device is detected to be in a sideways position has been displayed by the display unit is below a certain number of times, the display control unit displays information on the scan screen displayed on the display unit after the information processing device is detected to be in a sideways position after the payment application is launched, indicating that the scan screen can be displayed when the sideways position of the information processing device is detected.

[0102] While turning the information processing device sideways to scan the store code is an intuitive and user-friendly action, users are usually unaware that such an action allows them to display the scan screen while the payment app is running. Therefore, by displaying information indicating the existence of this function on the scan screen that is displayed when the user accidentally performs the above action, and only if the number of times the scan screen has been displayed due to the above action is below a certain number, users can become aware of this function.

[0103] [Note 7] The payment app program is A payment application program that is pre-installed on an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, wherein the information processing device is A detection unit that detects whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical orientation, When the payment application program providing the code payment service is running, and the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a sideways position, the display control unit causes the information processing device's display unit to display a scan screen for reading the store code, which contains the store identification information used for the code payment, via the imaging unit of the information processing device. To make it function as such.

[0104] This configuration produces the same effects as the information processing device described in Appendix 1. The information processing method described in Appendix 7 may also include various configurations of the information processing device described in Appendix 2 to Appendix 6.

[0105] [Note 8] Information processing methods are An information processing method performed by a computer in an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, The steps include detecting whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical orientation, When the payment application providing the code payment service is running and it is detected that the information processing device is in a sideways position, the information processing device displays a scan screen on its display unit for reading the store code, which contains the store identification information used in the code payment, via the imaging unit of the information processing device. It is equipped with.

[0106] This configuration produces the same effects as the information processing device described in Appendix 1. The information processing method described in Appendix 8 may also incorporate the various configurations of the information processing device described in Appendix 2 to Appendix 6. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 10. User terminal (information processing device) 11 Display section 12 cameras 13 Storage section App Payment app 14 Control Unit 141 Operation Reception Section 142 Detection unit 143 Display Control Unit 144 Code reading unit 145 Amount Information Acquisition Department 146 Payment Processing Unit 147 Settings Section 20 Payment Server 30 store terminals

Claims

1. An information processing device used by a user to make a code payment, Display unit and A detection unit that detects whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical position, When the payment application providing the code payment service is running, and the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a sideways position, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a scan screen for reading the store code, which contains the store identification information used for the code payment, via the imaging unit of the information processing device. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects that the information processing apparatus is in a sideways position for a certain period of time, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the scanned screen.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, when the scanning screen is displayed on the display unit, the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a vertical orientation, the display control unit causes the top screen of the payment application providing the code payment service to be displayed on the display unit.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects that the information processing apparatus is in a vertical orientation while the scan screen is displayed on the display unit, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a payment screen including a user code in which the user's identification information is encoded.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects on the splash screen that the information processing apparatus is in a sideways position, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the scan screen.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit, when it is detected that the information processing apparatus is in a sideways position, displays information on the scan screen displayed on the display unit when it is detected that the information processing apparatus is in a sideways position, indicating that the scan screen can be displayed when the payment application is running and the sideways position of the information processing apparatus is detected.

7. A payment application program that is pre-installed on an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, wherein the information processing device is A detection unit that detects whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical orientation, When the payment application program providing the code payment service is running, and the detection unit detects that the information processing device is in a sideways position, the display control unit causes the information processing device's display unit to display a scan screen for reading the store code, which contains the store identification information used for the code payment, via the imaging unit of the information processing device. A payment app program that functions as such.

8. An information processing method performed by a computer in an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, The steps include detecting whether the information processing device is in a horizontal or vertical orientation, When the payment application providing the code payment service is running and it is detected that the information processing device is in a sideways position, the information processing device displays a scan screen on its display unit for reading the store code, which contains the store identification information used in the code payment, via the imaging unit of the information processing device. An information processing method comprising the following:

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