STARTUP PROGRAM, STARTUP SYSTEM, MOBILE TERMINAL, AND APPLICATION STARTUP METHOD

Abstract

A startup program, a startup system, a mobile terminal, and an application startup method are provided. [Solution] The method for starting an application includes enabling a disabled signal receiving function of the mobile terminal 20 when it is detected using a satellite positioning system that the mobile terminal 20 is approaching a store, and automatically starting an application installed on the mobile terminal 20 when a signal transmitted within the store is received by the signal receiving function.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a startup program, a startup system, a mobile terminal, and a method for starting an application. [Background technology]

[0002] There are multiple methods for cashless payment. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a Near Field Communication (NFC) service application that uses an NFC applet for short-distance wireless communication. The NFC applet is a program that runs on a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) that is attached to a mobile terminal.

[0003] The NFC applet realizes a card emulation function that emulates a payment card such as a credit card or an electronic money card. By registering credit card information in the NFC service application, users can use their mobile terminal in place of a credit card to make cashless payments.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for managing the enabled / disabled state of an NFC applet so that an NFC service application can be used only when a preset usage condition is satisfied, without the user having to perform any operation. By adopting this method, the user does not need to manually enable or disable the NFC applet, simplifying user operations.

[0005] Another cashless payment method is code payment. There are multiple businesses that provide code payment services, and each of the multiple businesses provides a code payment application. After purchasing a mobile device, a user installs one or more payment applications on the mobile device. For example, when making a code payment using the store scan method, the user manually performs operations such as starting up the payment application to be used for payment and then displaying the payment screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-211379 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Even if they are both payment applications, the operation methods differ between NFC service applications and code payment applications. In addition, operation methods for all applications, including payment applications, differ depending on the type of application. For this reason, technology to simplify manual operation by users is required depending on the application.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a startup program, a startup system, a mobile terminal, and an application startup method that can simplify manual operations of applications installed on a mobile terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A startup program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a startup program for launching an application installed on a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal comprising a location information processing unit configured to acquire a current location of the mobile terminal, and a signal receiving unit configured to receive a signal, the signal receiving unit being switchable between enabled and disabled, and the startup program includes instructions to acquire the current location of the mobile terminal, acquire store information relating to a store, the store information including a store location, enable the disabled signal receiving unit when it is detected that the mobile terminal is approaching the store based on the store location and the current location, and automatically launch the application when the signal receiving unit receives the signal transmitted within the store.

[0010] An activation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a signal emitting device configured to emit a signal within a store, a mobile terminal having an application installed, the mobile terminal including a location information processing unit configured to acquire a current location of the mobile terminal, and a signal receiving unit configured to receive the signal, and a server configured to transmit store information related to the store to the mobile terminal, the store information including the store location, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to acquire the current location using the location information processing unit, acquire the store information by communicating with the server, enable the signal receiving unit that has been disabled when it detects that the mobile terminal is approaching the store based on the store location and the current location, and automatically launch the application when the signal receiving unit receives the signal within the store.

[0011] A mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more processors, one or more memories storing an application and a startup program for launching the application, a location information processing unit configured to acquire a current location of the mobile terminal, and a signal receiving unit configured to receive a signal, the signal receiving unit being switchable between enabled and disabled, and the startup program is configured to be executed by the one or more processors, and the startup program includes instructions to acquire the current location of the mobile terminal, acquire store information relating to a store, the store information including the store location, enable the disabled signal receiving unit when it is detected that the mobile terminal is approaching the store based on the store location and the current location, and automatically launch the application when the signal receiving unit receives the signal transmitted within the store.

[0012] A method of launching an application according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes enabling a disabled signal reception function of a mobile device when it is detected using a satellite positioning system that the mobile device is approaching a store, and automatically launching an application installed on the mobile device when a signal transmitted within the store is received by the signal reception function. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a starting system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of the computer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating switchable display screens of the pay application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a store visit detection system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list screen of the check-in application. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for explaining a method of starting an application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, examples of a launch program and a launch system for launching an application installed in a mobile terminal, and a launch method for a mobile terminal and an application will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0015] [Overall configuration] As shown in Fig. 1, the activation system 11 may include one or more servers. The one or more servers may include at least one of a payment server 12, a point management server 13, a geographic information server 14, a check-in server 15, and a data server 16. The data server 16 may include a database 17. Two or more of the servers 12 to 16 may be integrated into one computer or server. The database 17 may be held in part or in whole by at least one of the servers 12 to 15 instead of or in addition to the data server 16.

[0016] The servers 12-16, the one or more mobile terminals 20, and the one or more store terminals 18 may be capable of communicating with each other through a network 19. The mobile terminal 20 is a user terminal used by a user. The mobile terminal 20 may be, but is not limited to, a tablet, a smartphone, or a smartwatch. The store terminal 18 is placed in a store. At least one of the one or more mobile terminals 20 and the one or more store terminals 18 may be included in the activation system 11.

[0017] The network 19 includes, for example, the Internet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a provider terminal, a wireless communication network, a wireless base station, a dedicated line, etc. However, it is not necessary for all combinations of the servers 12 to 16, the mobile terminal 20, and the store terminal 18 shown in FIG. 1 to be able to communicate with each other.

[0018] 2 shows a basic configuration of a computer 30, which is an example of the servers 12 to 16. The computer 30 includes, for example, one or more processors 31, one or more memories 32, and a communication interface (IF) 33. The communication interface 33 enables communication with other devices via the network 19. The servers 12 to 16 may have different configurations.

[0019] The processor 31 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other arithmetic device. The processor 31 is, for example, a processing circuit configured to execute various software processes. The processing circuit may include a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., ASIC, etc.) that processes at least a part of the software processes. In other words, the software processes may be executed by a processing circuitry that includes at least one of one or more software processing circuits and one or more dedicated hardware circuits.

[0020] The memory 32 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory 32 may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile memory. The memory 32 may be configured to temporarily store programs and data. The memory 32 may include storage for permanently storing data including programs. The programs permanently stored in the memory 32 may include an operating system (OS) for controlling the overall operation of the computer and applications for executing specific operations.

[0021] The storage may be, for example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage may be a removable storage device such as a memory card. The communication interface 33 may be, for example, a LAN or other wired communication IF.

[0022] [Mobile device] 3 illustrates an example of the electronic configuration of mobile terminal 20. Mobile terminal 20 includes one or more processors 21, one or more memories 22, and a communication interface 23. The configurations of processor 21, memory 22, and communication interface 23 may be similar to the configurations of processor 31, memory 32, and communication interface 33, respectively.

[0023] Various programs are stored in the memory 22. The programs include an OS for controlling the overall operation of the mobile terminal 20 and applications for executing specific operations. Hereinafter, the applications stored in the memory 22 may be abbreviated to "apps."

[0024] The mobile terminal 20 may include a display 24, an operation unit 25, a signal receiving unit 26, a demodulation processing unit 27, and a position information processing unit 28. The processor 21, the memory 22, the communication interface 23, the display 24, the operation unit 25, the signal receiving unit 26, the demodulation processing unit 27, and the position information processing unit 28 are communicatively connected to one another via a communication bus 29. The operation unit 25 is an input device. When the display 24 is a touch panel, the operation unit 25 may include a touch sensor.

[0025] The signal receiving unit 26 may be switchable between enabled and disabled. The signal receiving unit 26 is configured to receive signals including at least one of a voice signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a short-range wireless signal. The signal receiving unit 26 may be a microphone that is standardly installed in the mobile terminal 20 for voice calls or voice control. The microphone is used as an input device for inputting voice. The signal receiving unit 26 may be configured to receive sound waves including ultrasonic waves in addition to or instead of audible voice. The sound waves received by the signal receiving unit 26 are converted into electrical signals and then demodulated by the demodulation processing unit 27.

[0026] The signal receiving unit 26 may be configured to receive a signal for short-distance wireless communication. The short-distance wireless communication method may be, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), but is not limited to these.

[0027] The position information processing unit 28 is configured to acquire the current position of the mobile terminal 20. The position information processing unit 28 may be a position sensor that detects the position of the mobile terminal 20 by using a satellite positioning system. The position information processing unit 28 may include, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiver for receiving signals from satellites. The position information processing unit 28 is configured to receive signals from, for example, three to four satellites and detect the current position of the mobile terminal 20 based on the received signals.

[0028] The position information processing unit 28 may be another satellite positioning sensor such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) instead of or in addition to a GPS module. Alternatively, the position information processing unit 28 may include a sensor or unit using an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) or UWB.

[0029] [Electronic payment services and point programs] The payment server 12 is configured to provide an electronic payment service such as code payment. The point management server 13 is configured to provide various services related to the common point program. For example, the point management server 13 is configured to perform various processes for managing and awarding points and exchanging points for benefits.

[0030] At least some of the multiple stores are electronic payment-accepting stores that provide electronic payment services. At least some of the multiple stores are point program affiliated stores that participate in a common point program. At least some of the multiple electronic payment-accepting stores are point program affiliated stores. When a user makes a payment at a point program affiliated store, the user is generally awarded points according to the payment amount.

[0031] In this example, for convenience, the loyalty program for giving rewards to users is called a "point program." The amount of saved points is expressed as the number of points. However, the unit of medium for exchanging rewards is not limited to "points" and can be replaced with any other name such as "miles," "money," "coins," "dollars," "stamps," or "cash."

[0032] A business providing an electronic payment service manages one or more store terminals 18 used in each store. These store terminals 18 are configured to communicate with the payment server 12 through a network 19. The store terminal 18 may be, but is not limited to, a computer, a POS terminal, or a mobile device such as a tablet.

[0033] The multiple users include one or more users who use only one of the electronic payment service and the point program, and one or more users who use both the electronic payment service and the point program. A point management application (hereinafter referred to as a "point application") for managing points may be installed on the mobile terminal 20 of a user who participates in the point program.

[0034] A payment application (hereinafter, referred to as "Pay App") is installed on the mobile terminal 20 of a user who uses an electronic payment service. The Pay App may have a point management function for performing point processing. In this case, the user can manage points with the Pay App without installing the point app on the mobile terminal 20.

[0035] 4, the Pay App may be capable of switching between a payment screen 41 for performing payment processing and a point management screen 42 for performing point processing on the display 24. Switching between the payment screen 41 and the point management screen 42 may be achieved by operating a payment tab 43 and a point tab 44, respectively. The payment screen 41 may be a code display screen 41 used for code payment.

[0036] The point management screen 42 may be a code display screen 42 for performing user authentication. The point management screen 42 may be displayed for granting points accompanying payment. The point management screen 42 may be displayed for payment using points (hereinafter referred to as "point payment"). The number of points held by the user may be displayed on the point management screen 42. When the point app is launched by the user, it also displays a point management screen (code display screen) 42 similar to the pay app.

[0037] The code display screens 41, 42 each include one or more identification codes 45, 46. The identification codes 45, 46 may be a multi-digit character string including at least one of numbers, letters, or symbols. The identification codes 45, 46 may be a two-dimensional code obtained by encoding the character string. The two-dimensional code may be, but is not limited to, a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). The code display screens 41, 42 may include a reload button 47.

[0038] The identification codes 45, 46 are user codes including user identification information for identifying a user. The identification codes 45, 46 may further include payment identification information for identifying a payment process. The identification codes 45, 46 may be newly generated each time the code display screens 41, 42 are displayed. The identification codes 45, 46 may be regenerated by operating the reload button 47, and may have a fixed validity period (e.g., 5 minutes).

[0039] The user may wish to use a method other than code payment using the code display screen 41, such as cash payment, credit card payment, or point payment. In this case, the user presents the point management screen 42 before payment without using the code display screen 41. This allows the user to make a point payment or earn points according to the payment amount.

[0040] A user can manage points using a point management function of the Pay App or the Point App. Point management includes, for example, checking owned points, checking point acquisition history, exchanging points for rewards, and checking point redemption history.

[0041] The database 17 may include a store database and a user database. The store database stores various information related to point program affiliated stores, electronic payment compatible stores, and store terminal 18. Store information related to a store includes information on whether the store is a point program affiliated store and information on whether the store is an electronic payment compatible store. Store information includes, for example, the store name, store ID, location, account, email address, authentication information, payment receiving account, store terminal 18 ID, electronic payment history, and point allocation history, but is not limited to these.

[0042] The user database stores various information about users who use electronic payments. User information about users includes, but is not limited to, names, user IDs, addresses, accounts, email addresses, electronic payment history, point acquisition history, and point usage history. Examples of payment information are credit card numbers, debit card numbers, and withdrawal account numbers. The user database may also include the purchase history and payment history of each user. Payment history and purchase history include, but is not limited to, the name of the store where the payment was made, the date and time the payment was made, the items purchased with the payment, and the purchase amount.

[0043] [Store visit detection system and check-in service] As shown in Fig. 5, the store visit detection system 50 may include the check-in server 15 (see Fig. 1) and one or more signal transmission devices 51. The store visit detection system 50 may be included in the activation system 11. The store visit detection system 50 is used to detect a user's visit in a registered store that has been registered in advance via the mobile terminal 20. The registered stores that can use the store visit detection system 50 may be registered in a store database.

[0044] The signal emitting device 51 is configured to emit a signal within the store. The signal emitting device 51 may be, for example, a beacon, an ultrasonic emitting device that emits ultrasonic waves, or a device that emits a signal of short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or UWB. Such a signal can be received by the signal receiving unit 26 of the mobile terminal 20. The signal emitting device 51 may be installed at one or more locations within the store, such as, for example, at the store entrance, on the ceiling, or near a cash register.

[0045] A check-in application (hereinafter, referred to as a "check-in application") may be installed in the mobile terminal 20. The check-in application is provided to a user who uses the check-in service.

[0046] The check-in service is generally provided to encourage users to visit a store. In the check-in service, the user can receive benefits such as points by notifying the check-in server 15 that the user has visited a specified registered store.

[0047] When using the check-in service, the user first launches the check-in app. When the check-in app is launched, the location information processing unit 28 acquires location information of the mobile terminal 20. The check-in app also acquires information on one or more registered stores that are located around the current location of the mobile terminal 20 from the check-in server 15.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a list screen 53 displayed by the check-in app. One or more registered stores near the mobile terminal 20 are displayed on the list screen 53. At this time, the target range of some or all of the registered stores, which indicates how close a store must be to be displayed on the list screen 53 as "nearby," may be registered in the database 17 as store information. The target range may be set according to the commercial area of ​​the registered store, for example. For example, the target range of a convenience store may be smaller than that of a large-scale commercial facility. The target range may be defined by a distance, for example, several kilometers (2 to 5 km).

[0049] The list screen 53 may include a list tab 54 and a map tab 55. When the user operates the list tab 54, the list screen 53 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. When the user operates the map tab 55, a map screen (not shown) is displayed on which the position information of the mobile terminal 20 and nearby registered stores are plotted. When the user selects one of the registered stores displayed on the list screen 53 or the map screen, a detection button is displayed along with detailed information of the registered store.

[0050] The user looks at the list screen 53 or the map screen and moves to one of the registered stores. Then, when the user operates the detection button, the check-in app displays a detection screen (not shown) for detecting a signal. In addition, the check-in app starts the signal receiving unit 26 of the mobile terminal 20 in response to the operation of the detection button.

[0051] A signal transmitted from signal transmitting device 51 cannot normally be received unless the user is inside a registered store. When activated signal receiving unit 26 detects a signal inside a registered store, the check-in app displays a check-in button on display 24. When a user operates the check-in button, the check-in app transmits user information to check-in server 15. As a result, check-in server 15 records the user's visit to the store in database 17. In this way, a user who visits a store leaving a record of their visit is called a "check-in." Check-in in this example is performed by such a manual operation by the user.

[0052] Instead of the user manually performing the check-in operation, when the check-in app receives a signal, the check-in app may transmit user information to the check-in server 15. Such automatic transmission of user information may be realized by the user setting the check-in app to permit the use of location information or automatic check-in operation.

[0053] [Startup program and startup method] In the mobile terminal 20, if the signal receiving unit 26 is constantly operating, the battery capacity will decrease quickly, so the signal receiving unit 26 can be switched between an on (enabled) and off (disabled) operating state. In order to reduce power consumption of the mobile terminal 20, the user often turns off the signal receiving unit 26 when the mobile terminal 20 is not being used for its intended purpose. When attempting to receive a signal, the user manually activates the signal receiving unit 26, thereby starting the signal receiving unit 26. Alternatively, when the user manually activates an app that uses the signal receiving unit 26, the app activates the signal receiving unit 26.

[0054] Usually, in order for a user to enter a store and perform a check-in operation, the user must manually start a check-in application. Similarly, in order for a user to display the code display screens 41 and 42, the user must manually start a point application or a pay application. If a user finds starting such applications troublesome, the frequency of use of the applications may decrease. In order to save the user the trouble of starting the application manually, the start-up program includes an instruction for automatically starting the application.

[0055] More specifically, the programs stored in the memory 22 of the mobile terminal 20 include applications installed in the mobile terminal 20 and startup programs for automatically starting the applications. The startup programs are configured to be executed by one or more processors 21.

[0056] An application that is automatically started by the start-up program is also called a start target application. A start target application is an application that normally requires a user to manually start the application and then display a specific screen (e.g., code display screen 41, 42). Examples of start target applications include, but are not limited to, a check-in application, a point application, or a pay application.

[0057] The startup program may be included in the target application, or may be realized as a startup application separate from the target application. The startup application may be capable of selectively setting one or more target applications to be automatically started among a plurality of target applications (e.g., a check-in application, a point application, or a pay application).

[0058] The user may be able to set in the application whether or not the application is to be automatically started. When the automatic start setting of the application is enabled, the processor 21 executes the automatic start process described below. On the other hand, when the automatic start setting of the application is disabled, the processor 21 does not execute the automatic start process.

[0059] A store in which the startup program can operate is called a target store. The target store is, for example, a store in which a signal emitting device 51 is installed. The geographic information server 14 may be configured to manage store information relating to one or more target stores together with map data. The one or more target stores may include stores registered for a check-in service. Furthermore, the one or more target stores may include stores affiliated with a point program and stores that accept electronic payments. The geographic information server 14 may obtain store information from the database 17.

[0060] A series of processes executed by the processor 21 when the automatic startup setting is enabled will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The startup program includes instructions for executing steps S11 to S21.

[0061] First, in step S11, the processor 21 acquires the current location of the mobile terminal 20 based on the detection result of the location information processing unit 28, for example, at a first specified interval. In step S12, the processor 21 acquires store information of a target store located in the vicinity of the current location from the geographic information server 14. The store information includes the target store location, which is location information of the target store.

[0062] The store information may include a detection range of the target store. The detection range is set to determine whether or not the target store is near the mobile terminal 20. The detection range is narrower than the target range. The detection range may be specified by a detection distance. The detection distance depends on the detection accuracy of the position information processing unit 28, but may be, for example, several meters (2 to 5 m). The detection distance is the distance from the current position of the mobile terminal 20 to the target store, which triggers the activation of the signal receiving unit 26.

[0063] In step S13, processor 21 determines whether or not there is a target store near mobile terminal 20 based on the detection range of the target store. More specifically, processor 21 determines whether or not the current location of mobile terminal 20 is within the detection range of the nearest target store. If the determination in step S13 is negative, i.e., if the current location is outside the detection range, the process returns to step S11. If the determination in step S13 is positive, i.e., if the current location is within the detection range, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0064] In step S14, the processor 21 activates the signal receiving unit 26. That is, since it is detected that the mobile terminal 20 is approaching the target store based on the current location of the mobile terminal 20 and the target store location, the processor 21 activates the disabled signal receiving unit 26. This starts up the signal receiving unit 26 and makes it possible to receive signals.

[0065] In step S15, the processor 21 determines whether or not the signal receiving unit 26 has received a signal, for example, at a second specified interval. The second specified interval may be the same as or different from the first specified interval.

[0066] The signal received in step S15 may be a signal transmitted from the signal transmission device 51, or may be a characteristic sound emitted within the registered store and received by the microphone of the mobile terminal 20. Examples of sounds emitted within the store include, but are not limited to, an entrance sound, music broadcast within the store, or a cash register sound.

[0067] The cash register sound may be, for example, a "beep" sound made when a product code is read, or a "ding" sound made when a tray is opened. In this case, the cash register is used as the signal transmission device 51. The sound may also be emitted from the store terminal 18, in which case the store terminal 18 is used as the signal transmission device 51.

[0068] Depending on the location of the signal transmission device 51, it is possible to detect where in the store the user is. For example, when the mobile terminal 20 receives a signal transmitted near the cash register, it can detect that the user is near the cash register. When the microphone of the mobile terminal 20 detects the sound of the cash register, it can also detect that the user is near the cash register. Moreover, when the mobile terminal 20 receives a signal transmitted near the entrance, it can detect that the user has entered the store.

[0069] The location of the signal emitting device 51 may vary depending on the application to be started. For example, for a pay application or a point application, a signal may be emitted near the cash register. For a check-in application, a signal may be emitted near the entrance.

[0070] If the determination in step S15 is positive, the processor 21 proceeds to step S16 to determine whether or not the mobile terminal 20 is booting up. For example, the processor 21 may determine that the mobile terminal 20 is booting up when the display 24 is on. In another example, the processor 21 may determine that the mobile terminal 20 is booting up when the display 24 is on and unlocked.

[0071] If the determination in step S16 is positive, i.e., if the mobile terminal 20 is running, the processor 21 proceeds to step S17 to start the application to be started. That is, if the signal receiving unit 26 receives a signal transmitted within the target store, the processor 21 automatically starts the application.

[0072] If the app is a pay app, processor 21 may determine the screen to open first according to the store information of the target store when the application is automatically launched in step S17. For example, if the target store is a store that is a member of a point program, point management screen 42 may be displayed, and if the target store is a store that accepts electronic payments, payment screen 41 may be displayed. If the store is a store that is a member of a point program and accepts electronic payments, processor 21 may display point management screen 42 when the application is automatically launched. This is because point management screen 42 usually needs to be presented before payment.

[0073] If the application is a point application, the processor 21 may display a point management screen (code display screen) 42 when the application is automatically started. If the application is a check-in application, the processor 21 may display a detection screen when the application is automatically started.

[0074] If the determination in step S16 is negative, the processor 21 proceeds to step S18 to perform startup settings for the application. The startup settings for the application refer to performing automatic startup settings for the application so that the application will start automatically when the mobile terminal 20 is started by the user. As a result, when the user manually starts the mobile terminal 20 after the startup settings, the application will start automatically. The screen of the application that opens at this time is the same as the screen that opens in step S17.

[0075] After step S17 or step S18, the process proceeds to step S19, where the processor 21 disables the signal receiving unit 26. That is, after the purpose of automatically starting the app is achieved, the processor 21 turns off the signal receiving unit 26 in order to reduce power consumption of the mobile terminal 20.

[0076] In step S20, the processor 21 determines whether or not the automatic startup setting of the application is enabled. If the determination in step S20 is negative, that is, if the automatic startup setting of the application is disabled, the processor 21 ends the process. If the determination in step S20 is positive, the processor 21 returns to step S11.

[0077] After returning from step S20 in step S11, if the target store detected in step S13 is the same as the target store detected in the previous step S13, activation of the signal receiving unit 26 may be avoided until the user exits the detection range of the target store. This is because the user may feel annoyed if the app is repeatedly launched after using the app until leaving the target store.

[0078] If the determination in step S15 is negative, i.e., if the signal receiving unit 26 does not receive a signal within the store, the process may proceed to step S21, where the processor 21 determines whether or not a stop condition is satisfied. The stop condition is set to determine whether or not to stop the determination in step S15.

[0079] The stop condition may include, for example, the number of times step S15 is executed exceeds a number threshold. The stop condition may include the time that has elapsed since the signal receiving unit 26 is enabled exceeds a time threshold, or the distance between the mobile terminal 20 and the store exceeds a distance threshold. The distance threshold may be, for example, the same as the detection distance that triggers the activation of the signal receiving unit 26 as the mobile terminal 20 approaches the target store. For example, if the user goes close to the store but leaves without entering the store, the number of times step S15 is executed exceeds the distance threshold.

[0080] The thresholds related to the stop conditions, such as the number threshold, the time threshold, or the distance threshold, may be common to all stores, may be different for each target store, or may be different for each app. The thresholds may be set individually depending on the type or the site area of ​​the target store. The thresholds for each target store may be stored in the database 17 as part of the store information.

[0081] In one example, the threshold (particularly the number of visits threshold or time threshold) of a store where customers generally stay for a long time (e.g., a bookstore or a restaurant) may be higher than the threshold of a store where customers generally stay for a short time (e.g., a convenience store). Alternatively, the threshold of a store with a large floor area (e.g., a large brand facility) may be higher than the threshold of a store with a small floor area (e.g., a convenience store).

[0082] In another example, the thresholds (particularly the number threshold or time threshold) of the point app and the pay app may be greater than the threshold of the check-in app. This is because the check-in app is often used to perform a check-in operation soon after arriving at a store, whereas the point app and the pay app are often used before leaving the store.

[0083] If the determination in step S21 is negative, the processor 21 may return to step S15. On the other hand, if the determination in step S21 is positive, the process may proceed to step S19, where the processor 21 may disable the signal receiving unit 26. That is, if the signal receiving unit 26 does not receive a signal until the stop condition is satisfied after the signal receiving unit 26 is enabled, the signal receiving unit 26 may be disabled. This is because if the signal receiving unit 26 continues to operate without receiving a signal, the mobile terminal 20 will consume extra power.

[0084] [Effects of the present disclosure] Generally, mobile terminals on the market are equipped with a number of standard functions. Examples of the standard functions include a mobile communication function, a Bluetooth signal receiving function, a GPS function, and a microphone. The GPS function is realized by the location information processing unit 28, and the signal receiving function is realized by the signal receiving unit 26.

[0085] After a user purchases a mobile terminal 20, applications that the user installs can use these built-in functions. For example, a pay application for code payment uses the mobile communication function to communicate with the payment server 12. Also, a check application uses the GPS function to acquire the current location of the mobile terminal 20 and displays the list screen 53.

[0086] In the application startup method of the present disclosure, when it is detected that the mobile terminal 20 is approaching a store using a satellite positioning system, the startup program activates the disabled signal receiving function of the mobile terminal 20. After that, when the signal receiving function receives a signal transmitted within the store, the application installed in the mobile terminal 20 is automatically started.

[0087] In general, the detection accuracy of the GPS function using a satellite positioning system is lower than that of the signal receiving function. Therefore, in the startup method of the present disclosure, the GPS function first detects that the mobile terminal 20 is approaching a store, and this detection triggers the activation of the signal receiving function. After that, the signal receiving function receives a signal, thereby detecting a specific location within the store, such as the user being in front of a cash register. Then, the reception of the signal triggers the startup program to automatically start an application installed on the mobile terminal 20.

[0088] In this way, the startup program can use the standard functions installed in the mobile terminal 20 to automatically start one or more applications at the timing when the user uses the app. This can simplify manual operation of applications installed in the mobile terminal 20. It also has the effect of helping the user remember to use the application and informing the user that the store is a target store for the corresponding service. Furthermore, it can encourage business operators who provide applications to use their own services.

[0089] [Effects of this disclosure] According to the present disclosure, the following effects can be achieved. (1) When the mobile terminal 20 approaches a store, the signal reception function is enabled. When the user enters the target store with the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 can receive a signal transmitted within the target store. When the mobile terminal 20 receives the signal, the startup program automatically starts the application. This eliminates the need for the user to manually start the application, simplifying the manual operation by the user.

[0090] (2) When the mobile terminal 20 receives a signal while the mobile terminal 20 is not running, the application is set to start. In this case, when the user starts the mobile terminal 20, the application is automatically started. Therefore, the user does not need to manually start the application.

[0091] (3) Voice signals, ultrasonic signals, and short-distance wireless signals cannot be received by the mobile terminal 20 outside the target store, but can be received by the mobile terminal 20 when it is within the signal detection range inside the target store. Therefore, if the signal emitting device 51 is placed near the cash register, the application can be automatically started when the user comes to the cash register.

[0092] (4) If the audio signal is the sound generated by a cash register, the application can be automatically started when the user comes to the cash register. Also, since the signal transmitting device 51 can be substituted by the cash register, there is no need to install a separate device for transmitting signals. Furthermore, since the mobile terminal 20 receives the signal with a microphone that is installed as standard, the trouble of installing a separate program to receive the signal can be eliminated.

[0093] (5) If the store is a member of the point program, the point management screen 42 is displayed when the application is automatically launched, saving the user the trouble of manually opening the point management screen 42. The user also saves the trouble of carrying a point card. If the store is an electronic payment-compatible store, the payment screen 41 is displayed when the application is automatically launched, saving the user the trouble of manually opening the payment screen 41. Furthermore, the user does not have to check whether the store is a member of the point program or an electronic payment-compatible store at the time of payment.

[0094] (6) If the store is a member of the point program and accepts electronic payment, the point management screen 42 is displayed when the application is automatically launched. This saves the user the trouble of carrying a point card. If the user wishes to pay electronically, they can switch to the payment screen 41 by operating the tab 43.

[0095] (7) The mobile terminal 20 acquires store information of the target store from the geographic information server 14. The store information includes information on whether the target store is a member of a point program and information on whether the target store is an electronic payment-compatible store. Therefore, when the application is automatically started, it is possible to open an appropriate screen, either the point management screen 42 or the payment screen 41, depending on the target store.

[0096] (8) Since the code display screens 41 and 42 are displayed when the application is automatically started, the user can avoid having to open the code display screens 41 and 42 when using a service that involves reading a code.

[0097] (9) If the mobile terminal 20 does not receive a signal until the stop condition is satisfied, the mobile terminal 20 automatically disables the signal receiving unit 26. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption caused by the continued operation of the signal receiving unit 26.

[0098] (10) When the time elapsed since the signal receiving unit 26 was enabled exceeds a time threshold, the mobile terminal 20 automatically disables the signal receiving unit 26. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption caused by the continued operation of the signal receiving unit 26.

[0099] (11) When the distance between the current location of the mobile terminal 20 and the store exceeds the distance threshold without receiving a signal, the mobile terminal 20 automatically disables the signal receiving unit 26. Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the continued operation of the signal receiving unit 26 when, for example, the user does not enter the store.

[0100] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0101] [Change Example 1] The application to be started may be a member-only application provided by a business operator or a store. The member-only application may be configured to display, for example, access information to the store, user identification information, business hours, advertisements, or discount coupons.

[0102] [Change Example 2] The target store is not limited to a registered store of the check-in service, but may include an individual store that performs its own store visit detection. The purpose of the check-in is not limited to providing a benefit, but may be, for example, to provide a service based on the usage history to each of a plurality of users.

[0103] [Change Example 3] The server that transmits the store information to the mobile terminal 20 in step S11 is not limited to the geographic information server 14. For example, if the start-up program is included in a check-in app, the check-in server 15 may transmit the store information to the mobile terminal 20; if the start-up program is included in a pay app, the settlement server 12 may transmit the store information to the mobile terminal 20; or if the start-up program is included in a point app, the point management server 13 may transmit the store information to the mobile terminal 20. Alternatively, the data server 16 may transmit the store information to the mobile terminal 20. Also, in step S13, any of the servers 12 to 16 may obtain the current location of the mobile terminal 20 to determine whether or not there is a store in the immediate vicinity of the mobile terminal 20, and transmit the determination result to the mobile terminal 20.

[0104] [Change Example 4] The signal transmission device 51 may be a signal transmission device 51 installed for a check-in service or other service, or may be a newly installed device for the activation system 11 of the present disclosure.

[0105] [Change Example 5] When audio such as the sound of a cash register is received by a microphone, the activation system 11 does not need to include a signal transmission device 51.

[0106] [Change Example 6] Together with the installation of the application, one or more pieces of store information may be stored in the memory 22 of the mobile terminal 20. In this case, the mobile terminal 20 can acquire the store information from the memory 22 instead of acquiring the store information from the servers 12 to 16. In this case, the activation system 11 does not need to include the servers 12 to 16 that transmit the store information to the mobile terminal 20.

[0107] [Change Example 7] The application to be launched may be any application that displays a code display screen. For example, the identification code included in the code display screen may be an identification code used for distributing a coupon. The identification code does not have to be a user code for identifying a user. The identification code may be an identification code used for admission management as an electronic ticket. For example, if the identification code is used for admission management, the signal emitting device 51 may be placed at a location such as the entrance of a building or the gate of a plaza, which is the entrance location. In this case, the "store" in this disclosure may be read as the "facility".

[0108] [Change Example 8] Even if step S13 is determined to be positive, the activation of the signal receiving unit 26 in step S14 may be canceled based on a specified cancellation condition. The cancellation condition may include, for example, the battery capacity of the mobile terminal 20 being below a specified value, or the signal receiving unit 26 being in use. The situation in which the signal receiving unit 26 is in use includes a situation in which a voice call is being made using the microphone.

[0109] [Change Example 9] Even if step S15 is determined to be positive, the execution of step S17 or step S18 may be stopped based on a specified stop condition. The stop condition may include, for example, that the battery capacity of the mobile terminal 20 is below a specified value. The stop condition of step S17 may also include that the user is using another app. This is because if the user does not intend to use the start target app for payment, the user will feel annoyed if the start target app is unintentionally started while using another app. Alternatively, the stop condition of step S17 may include that the target store is a specific facility (for example, a quiet place such as a hospital or art museum).

[0110] [Change Example 10] In the system, method, or program of the present disclosure, instead of automatically starting an application, a notification of the start of the application may be executed. The notification may be, for example, a display of a message, or a notification by vibration or sound. In this case, the start-up system, start-up method, and start-up program may be read as a notification system, a notification method, and a notification program, respectively.

[0111] [Note] Below, aspects that can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples are listed. [Aspect 1] A startup program for starting an application installed on a mobile terminal, The mobile terminal includes: a location information processing unit configured to obtain a current location of the mobile terminal; A signal receiving unit configured to receive a signal, the signal receiving unit being switchable between enabled and disabled; The startup program includes: Obtaining a current location of the mobile device; obtaining store information relating to a store, the store information including a store location; When detecting that the mobile terminal approaches the store based on the store location and the current location, enabling the disabled signal receiving unit; When the signal receiving unit receives the signal transmitted within the store, automatically starting the application; A startup program that contains instructions for:

[0112] [Aspect 2] Automatically starting the application includes setting the application to be started when the mobile terminal is not started, and automatically starting the application when the mobile terminal is started after the setting. A startup program according to embodiment 1.

[0113] [Aspect 3] the signal includes at least one of an audio signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a short-range radio signal; A startup program according to aspect 1 or 2.

[0114] [Aspect 4] the signal receiving unit is a microphone that is standardly installed in the mobile terminal, The audio signal includes a cash register sound generated from a cash register. A startup program according to aspect 3.

[0115] [Aspect 5] The application is a payment application capable of switching between a point management screen for performing point processing of a point program and a payment screen for performing payment processing, If the store is a member of a point program, the point management screen is displayed when the application is automatically launched, If the store is an electronic payment-enabled store, the payment screen is displayed when the application is automatically launched. The boot program according to any one of aspects 1 to 4.

[0116] [Aspect 6] When the store is a member of the point program and accepts electronic payment, the point management screen is displayed when the application is automatically launched. A startup program according to embodiment 5.

[0117] [Aspect 7] The store information includes information on whether the store is a member of the point program and information on whether the store is an electronic payment-accepting store. A startup program according to aspect 5 or 6.

[0118] [Aspect 8] the application is configured to display a code display screen including an identification code; The code display screen is displayed when the application is automatically launched. The boot program according to any one of aspects 1 to 7.

[0119] [Aspect 9] The startup program further comprises: and disabling the signal receiving unit if the signal receiving unit does not receive the signal until a stop condition is satisfied after the signal receiving unit is enabled. The boot program according to any one of aspects 1 to 8.

[0120] [Aspect 10] The stopping condition includes an elapsed time from enabling the signal receiving unit exceeding a time threshold. A startup program according to embodiment 9.

[0121] [Aspect 11] the stopping condition includes a distance between the current location and the store exceeding a distance threshold; The distance threshold is a distance at which the mobile terminal approaches the store and activates the signal receiving unit. A startup program according to aspect 9 or 10.

[0122] [Aspect 12] A signal transmission device configured to transmit a signal within the store; A mobile terminal having an application installed thereon, the mobile terminal including: a location information processing unit configured to acquire a current location of the mobile terminal; and a signal receiving unit configured to receive the signal; a server configured to transmit store information related to the store to the mobile device, the store information including a store location; Equipped with The mobile terminal includes: acquiring a current location by the location information processing unit; acquiring the store information through communication with the server; When detecting that the mobile terminal approaches the store based on the store location and the current location, enabling the disabled signal receiving unit; When the signal receiving unit receives the signal within the store, automatically starting the application; A boot system configured to run

[0123] [Aspect 13] A mobile terminal, one or more processors; one or more memories storing an application and a startup program for starting the application; a location information processing unit configured to obtain a current location of the mobile terminal; A signal receiving unit configured to receive a signal, the signal receiving unit being switchable between enabled and disabled; Equipped with the boot program is configured to be executed by the one or more processors; The startup program, Obtaining a current location of the mobile device; obtaining store information relating to a store, the store information including a store location; When detecting that the mobile terminal approaches the store based on the store location and the current location, enabling the disabled signal receiving unit; When the signal receiving unit receives the signal transmitted within the store, automatically starting the application; A mobile device including instructions.

[0124] [Aspect 14] When detecting that the mobile terminal approaches a store using a satellite positioning system, enabling a disabled signal receiving function of the mobile terminal; When a signal transmitted within the store is received by the signal receiving function, an application installed on the mobile terminal is automatically started; How to launch the application, including [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 11...activation system, 12...payment server, 13...point management server, 14...geographic information server, 15...check-in server, 16...data server, 17...database, 18...store terminal, 19...network, 20...mobile terminal, 21...processor, 22...memory, 23...communication interface, 24...display, 25...operation unit, 26...signal receiving unit, 27...demodulation processing unit, 28...location information processing unit, 29...communication bus, 30...computer, 31...processor, 32...memory, 33...communication interface, 41...payment screen (code display screen), 42...point management screen (code display screen), 43...payment tab, 44...point tab, 45, 46...identification code, 47...reload button, 50...store visit detection system, 51...signal transmission device, 53...list screen, 54...list tab, 55...map tab.

Claims

1. A startup program for starting an application installed on a mobile terminal, The mobile terminal includes: a location information processing unit configured to obtain a current location of the mobile terminal; A signal receiving unit configured to receive a signal, the signal receiving unit being switchable between enabled and disabled; The startup program includes: Obtaining a current location of the mobile device; acquiring store information relating to a store, the store information including a store location, information relating to whether the store is an electronic payment-accepting store, and information relating to whether the store is a member of a point program; When detecting that the mobile terminal approaches the store based on the store location and the current location, enabling the disabled signal receiving unit; When the signal receiving unit receives the signal transmitted within the store, automatically starting the application; When the application is automatically started, a code display screen is displayed based on the acquired store information, When the store is an electronic payment-accepting store, the code display screen includes an identification code for a payment process available at the store, When the store is a member of the point program, the code display screen includes an identification code for point allocation that can be used at the store; A startup program that contains instructions for:

2. Automatically starting the application includes setting the application to be started when the mobile terminal is not started, and automatically starting the application when the mobile terminal is started after the setting. The boot program according to claim 1 .

3. the signal includes at least one of an audio signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a short-range radio signal; The boot program according to claim 1 .

4. the signal receiving unit is a microphone that is standardly installed in the mobile terminal, The audio signal includes a cash register sound generated from a cash register. The boot program according to claim 3.

5. the application is a payment application capable of switching between a point management screen for performing point processing of a point program and a payment screen for performing payment processing; If the store is a member of the point program, when the application is automatically started, the point management screen including an identification code for granting points available at the store is displayed; If the store is an electronic payment-accepting store, when the application is automatically launched, the payment screen including an identification code for a payment process available at the store is displayed. The boot program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the store is a member of the point program and accepts electronic payment, the code display screen includes an identification code for point allocation that can be used at the store. The boot program according to claim 5 .

7. The application is a payment application configured to display the identification code for a payment process; The mobile terminal further has a check-in application installed thereon; the check-in application is configured to notify a check-in server that a user holding the mobile terminal has visited the store; In the store, a first signal is issued near an entrance and a second signal is issued near a cash register, When the signal receiving unit receives the first signal, the check-in application is automatically started, When the signal receiving unit receives the second signal, the payment application is automatically started. The boot program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The startup program, and preventing automatic startup of the application when a prescribed cancellation condition is satisfied even if the signal receiving unit receives the signal, The termination condition is: The battery capacity of the mobile device is below a specified value; Another application is in use, or The store is a specific facility that is predefined as a facility for preventing automatic startup of the application, The boot program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The startup program further comprises: and disabling the signal receiving unit if the signal receiving unit does not receive the signal until a stop condition is satisfied after the signal receiving unit is enabled. The boot program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The stopping condition includes an elapsed time from enabling the signal receiving unit exceeding a time threshold. The boot program according to claim 9.

11. the stopping condition includes a distance between the current location and the store exceeding a distance threshold; The distance threshold is a distance at which the mobile terminal approaches the store and activates the signal receiving unit. The boot program according to claim 9.

12. The stop condition includes at least one of the following: the elapsed time since the signal receiving unit was enabled exceeds a time threshold; or the number of times that attempts to receive the signal have been unsuccessful since the signal receiving unit was enabled exceeds a number threshold; the application is a payment application configured to display the identification code for a payment transaction; The mobile terminal further has a check-in application installed thereon; With respect to one or both of the time threshold and the number threshold, the threshold for the payment application is greater than the threshold for the check-in application. The boot program according to claim 9.

13. The store information includes a detection range for determining whether the mobile terminal is approaching the store, The startup program further comprises: After disabling the signal receiving unit, acquiring a current location of the mobile terminal again and acquiring the store location of the store; and and when the store is the same as the store from which the signal was received before the signal receiving unit was disabled, based on the current location and the store location that are obtained again, avoiding re-enabling the signal receiving unit until the vehicle moves out of the detection range of the store. The boot program according to claim 9.

14. A signal transmission device configured to transmit a signal within the store; A mobile terminal having an application installed thereon, the mobile terminal including: a location information processing unit configured to acquire a current location of the mobile terminal; and a signal receiving unit configured to receive the signal; a server configured to transmit store information related to the store to the mobile terminal, the store information including a store location, information related to whether the store is an electronic payment-accepting store, and information related to whether the store is a member of a point program; Equipped with The mobile terminal includes: acquiring a current location by the location information processing unit; acquiring the store information through communication with the server; When detecting that the mobile terminal approaches the store based on the store location and the current location, enabling the disabled signal receiving unit; When the signal receiving unit receives the signal within the store, automatically starting the application; When the application is automatically started, a code display screen is displayed based on the acquired store information, When the store is an electronic payment-accepting store, the code display screen includes an identification code for a payment process available at the store, When the store is a member of the point program, the code display screen includes an identification code for point allocation that can be used at the store; A boot system configured to run

15. A mobile terminal, one or more processors; one or more memories storing an application and a startup program for starting the application; a location information processing unit configured to obtain a current location of the mobile terminal; A signal receiving unit configured to receive a signal, the signal receiving unit being switchable between enabled and disabled; Equipped with the boot program is configured to be executed by the one or more processors; The startup program, Obtaining a current location of the mobile device; acquiring store information relating to a store, the store information including a store location, information relating to whether the store is an electronic payment-accepting store, and information relating to whether the store is a member of a point program; When detecting that the mobile terminal approaches the store based on the store location and the current location, enabling the disabled signal receiving unit; When the signal receiving unit receives the signal transmitted within the store, automatically starting the application; When the application is automatically started, a code display screen is displayed based on the acquired store information, When the store is an electronic payment-accepting store, the code display screen includes an identification code for a payment process available at the store, When the store is a member of the point program, the code display screen includes an identification code for point allocation that can be used at the store; A mobile device including instructions.

16. A mobile terminal having a signal receiving function that can be switched between enabled and disabled, Obtaining a current location of the mobile device; Acquiring store information relating to a store, the store information including a store location, information relating to whether the store is an electronic payment-accepting store, and information relating to whether the store is a member of a point program; When detecting that the mobile terminal approaches the store based on the store location and the current location, enabling the disabled signal receiving function; When a signal transmitted within the store is received by the signal receiving function, an application installed on the mobile terminal is automatically started; When the application is automatically started, a code display screen is displayed based on the acquired store information, When the store is an electronic payment-accepting store, the code display screen includes an identification code for a payment process available at the store, When the store is a member of the point program, the code display screen includes an identification code for point allocation that can be used at the store; How to launch the application, including

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