Computer Programs and Systems

Abstract

To reduce the time and effort of users including a person who request purchase and a purchaser and improve convenience of the users when a person requests the other person to purchase an article and a person who receives the request purchases the article.SOLUTION: A computer program causes a computer to function as a designation receiving unit, a completion receiving unit, and a delivery instruction unit. The designation receiving unit receives, from an information processing apparatus, designation information being information for designating an article and a delivery destination of the article. When settlement is completed by an application for payment of the article designated by the designation information, the completion receiving unit receives settlement completion information being information indicating that the settlement is completed. The application is started by an external device by using a URL transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the external device. In response to the reception of the settlement completion information, the delivery instruction unit transmits a delivery instruction to deliver the article to the delivery destination designated by the designation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to computer programs and systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can request an administrator to purchase consumables such as toner, a photosensitive drum unit, and recording paper used for printing and reading images.

[0003] This MFP selectively displays either a consumables purchase button or an administrator notification button depending on the authority of the user logged in to the MFP. The consumables purchase button is a button for accepting instructions for purchasing consumables. The administrator notification button is a button for requesting the administrator to purchase consumables. When the administrator notification button is selected, the MFP sends an email to the administrator requesting the purchase of consumables. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-163384 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when an administrator receives an email from an MFP requesting the purchase of consumables, the administrator places an order for the consumables. When placing an order for consumables, the administrator needs to know information such as the delivery address of the consumables to be purchased.

[0006] To do this, the purchase requester who logs in to the MFP and requests a purchase must notify the administrator of the delivery address, etc. In addition, the administrator who receives the notification from the MFP (i.e., the purchaser who actually purchases the consumables) must again notify the ordering party of the delivery address information. In other words, this causes trouble for the purchase requester and the purchaser.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to reduce the effort required of a user, such as a purchase requester or a purchaser, and improve convenience for users when a user requests another person to purchase an item and the requested person then purchases the item. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a computer program that causes a computer to function as a designation receiving unit, a completion receiving unit, and a delivery instruction unit. The designation receiving unit receives designation information, which is information that designates an item and a delivery destination of the item, from an information processing device. The completion receiving unit receives payment completion information, which is information indicating that payment has been completed, when payment is completed by application software (hereinafter referred to as an "app"). The app is an app for paying for the item designated by the designation information, and is launched on the external device using a URL transmitted from the information processing device to the external device. In response to receiving the payment completion information, the delivery instruction unit transmits delivery instructions to have the item delivered to the delivery destination designated by the designation information.

[0009] According to this configuration, when a user of an information processing device requests a user of an external device to purchase an item, the user of the external device, i.e., the purchaser of the item, can purchase and deliver the item without knowing the delivery address information. Therefore, it is not necessary for the purchase requester to communicate the delivery address to the purchaser, or for the purchaser to communicate the delivery address to the ordering party. This reduces the effort of users such as the purchase requester or purchaser, and improves user convenience.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a system including the designation receiving unit, the URL generating unit, the completion receiving unit, and the delivery instruction unit, wherein the URL generating unit generates a URL used to launch an application for paying for the item designated by the designation information.

[0011] With this configuration, the same effects as those of the computer program are achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram (1) showing the flow of processing executed by the system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] Figure 3 is a continuation of the sequence diagram in Figure 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the purchase confirmation screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows the payment confirmation screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (2) showing the flow of processing executed by the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a continuation of the sequence diagram in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] 1, system 1 is a system for requesting others to purchase an item and for making payment for the purchased item. In this embodiment, the items to be purchased are assumed to be consumables related to a printer, such as toner, a photosensitive drum unit, and recording paper. System 1 includes an information processing device 10, an external device 20, a management server 30, an electronic payment server 40, an application server 50, and a delivery server 60. <Information processing device> The information processing device 10 is an information processing device used by a purchase requester who requests the purchase of an item. The information processing device 10 may be, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile computer, or a mobile phone, or may be a printer or a desktop computer. The information processing device 10 includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a communication unit 13, a control unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0014] The operation unit 11 includes a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the information processing device 10 by operating the operation unit 11. The display unit 12 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 12 also functions as a so-called touch panel. That is, the display unit 12 also functions as an operation unit operated by a user. Hereinafter, the operation unit 11 and the operation unit realized by the display unit 12 will be collectively referred to as the "operation unit 11."

[0015] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface for connecting the information processing device 10 to a data communication network N. Examples of the network N include various networks such as the Internet, a wireless LAN, and a wired LAN.

[0016] The control unit 14 includes, for example, a CPU 141. The storage unit 15 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, a flash memory, or an SSD. That is, the information processing device 10 includes a microcomputer including the CPU 141 and a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 15 may include a memory other than the semiconductor memory, such as a hard disk drive.

[0017] Various functions of the control unit 14 are realized by the CPU 141 executing a program stored in a non-transient substantial storage medium. In this example, the storage unit 15 corresponds to the non-transient substantial storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the execution of this program executes a method corresponding to the program. The number of microcomputers constituting the control unit 14 may be one or more. Various software and data including an OS (abbreviation for operating system) are stored in the storage unit 15. <External device> The external device 20 is a device external to the information processing device 10. The external device 20 is used by a purchaser who is requested by a purchase requester to purchase an item and actually purchases the item. The external device 20 may be, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile personal computer, or a mobile phone, or may be another information processing device. The external device 20 includes an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a communication unit 23, a reading unit 24, a control unit 25, and a storage unit 26.

[0018] The operation unit 21 includes a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the information processing device 10 by operating the operation unit 21. The display unit 22 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 22 also functions as a so-called touch panel. That is, the display unit 22 also functions as an operation unit operated by a user. Hereinafter, the operation unit 21 and the operation unit realized by the display unit 22 will be collectively referred to as the "operation unit 21."

[0019] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for connecting the information processing device 10 to a network N for data communication. The reading unit 24 includes a camera and reads code information such as a QR code from an image obtained by the camera. Code information is encoded information. Note that "QR code" is a registered trademark.

[0020] The control unit 25 includes, for example, a CPU 251. The storage unit 26 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, a flash memory, or an SSD. That is, the external device 20 includes a microcomputer including the CPU 251 and a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 26 may include a memory other than the semiconductor memory, such as a hard disk drive.

[0021] The various functions of the control unit 25 are realized by the CPU 251 executing a program stored in a non-transient substantial storage medium. In this example, the storage unit 26 corresponds to the non-transient substantial storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the execution of this program executes a method corresponding to the program. The number of microcomputers constituting the control unit 25 may be one or more.

[0022] Various software and data including an OS are stored in the storage unit 26. In this embodiment, the OS stored in the storage unit 26 is assumed to be iOS (registered trademark) by Apple Inc. Also, a payment app, which is an application for electronic payment, is downloaded and stored in the storage unit 26. The payment app here may be, for example, ApplePay (registered trademark), etc. When using the payment app, the user registers in advance information necessary for payment, such as a credit card number and billing information. <Administration Server> The management server 30 is installed on the network N by a business providing a purchase request service. In the purchase request service, a user requests another person to purchase an item via a specific application, and the purchaser who has been requested to purchase the item can pay for the item on the application. Once payment has been made, an instruction to deliver the item is sent to the delivery company. The management server 30 provides the purchase request service in cooperation with the electronic payment server 40, the application server 50, and the delivery server 60.

[0023] The management server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and a storage unit 33. The communication unit 31 is a communication interface for connecting the management server 30 to the network N. The control unit 32 includes, for example, a CPU 321. The storage unit 33 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, a flash memory, or an SSD. That is, the management server 30 includes a microcomputer including the CPU 321 and a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 33 may include a memory other than the semiconductor memory, such as a hard disk drive.

[0024] The various functions of the control unit 32 are realized by the CPU 321 executing a program stored in a non-transient substantial storage medium. In this example, the storage unit 33 corresponds to the non-transient substantial storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the execution of this program executes a method corresponding to the program. The number of microcomputers constituting the control unit 32 may be one or more.

[0025] In this embodiment, when using the purchase request service, the user registers user information and creates an account. The user information here includes the user's name, user ID, password, delivery destination information, etc. Delivery destination information is, for example, an address of a destination to which an item is to be delivered, designated by the user. This user information is stored in the memory unit 33. <Electronic payment server> The electronic payment server 40 is a server for performing electronic payments. The electronic payment server 40 is installed on the network N by a business that provides an electronic payment service (for example, Apple Inc.). In this embodiment, the purchase price of an item is paid using the electronic payment service provided by the electronic payment server 40. <Application server> The application server 50 is installed on the network N by a business entity (such as Apple Inc.) that provides an application download service. The application server 50 distributes an application designated by a user to an information processing device such as the information processing device 10 or the external device 20.

[0026] In this embodiment, the application AP and the target application TA are uploaded to the application server 50. The application AP and the target application TA are provided by a business entity that owns the management server 30.

[0027] The application AP is an application that provides a function of requesting another person to purchase an item and a function of making a payment for the item. The application AP is expected to be used by both a requester and a purchaser of the item.

[0028] On the other hand, the target application TA is an application that provides some of the functions of the application AP, specifically, a function for making a payment for an item. In this embodiment, the target application TA is an App Clip of the application AP. Here, a brief description of App Clips will be given.

[0029] App Clips is a feature introduced in iOS14. App Clips provide part of an app's functionality when and where the user needs it, without having to download the app. In other words, an App Clip for an app is a mini-app that cuts out part of the app's functionality. App Clips are relatively small apps (e.g., 10MB or less). For this reason, users can download an App Clip in a short time when they need it, and use part of the full app's functionality without having to download the full app (a normal complete app).

[0030] The target application TA (App Clips) provides some of the functions of the application AP, specifically, a function for making payments for consumables. The target application TA is used when a purchaser is requested by a purchase requester to purchase an item and purchases the item.

[0031] Note that the application AP, which is a full application, may be an application that requires installation. Meanwhile, the target application TA may be an application that does not require installation. Here, an "application that requires installation" may be, for example, an application that, once installed in hardware, remains in the hardware and continues to be available unless the user intentionally deletes (uninstalls) the application. Meanwhile, an "application that does not require installation" may be, for example, an application that, even if installed in hardware, is automatically deleted from the hardware after a certain period of time has passed, even if the user does not uninstall the application.

[0032] Such an application AP and a target application TA are uploaded in advance to the application server 50. <Distribution server> The delivery server 60 is installed by a delivery company on the network N. The delivery server 60 receives from the management server 30 an instruction to deliver the purchased item.

[0033] [1-2. Processing] Next, the process executed by each device 10 to 60 of the system 1 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 2. In the following, for ease of understanding, when the process executed by the control unit 14 of the information processing device 10 according to the program is described, the control unit 14 is not described as the subject, but the information processing device 10 is described as the subject. In addition, since all communications executed by the information processing device 10 are performed via the communication unit 13, the description "via the communication unit 13" is omitted when describing the communication. Similarly, the external device 20 and the management server 30 are described as the subjects, and the descriptions "via the communication unit 23" and "via the communication unit 31" are omitted. In addition, when describing the process by the application AP among the processes performed by the information processing device 10, the application AP is described as the subject, such as "the application AP of the information processing device 10". Similarly, when describing the process by the target application TA among the processes performed by the external device 20, the target application TA is described as the subject, such as "the target application TA of the external device 20".

[0034] First, in S101, the purchase requester starts the application AP on the information processing device 10. Next, in S102, the application AP of the information processing device 10 displays an authentication screen (not shown) on the display unit 12, and accepts input of authentication information from the purchase requester via the operation unit 11. The authentication screen here is a screen for performing user authentication. The authentication information is information for performing user authentication, such as a user ID and a password.

[0035] Next, in S103, the information processing device 10 transmits the input authentication information to the management server 30. Next, in S104, the management server 30 performs user authentication based on the received authentication information. Specifically, the management server 30 judges whether the received authentication information matches information included in the authentication information (e.g., user ID, password, etc.) among the user information stored in the storage unit 33. Then, the management server 30 judges that the authentication is successful if the two pieces of information match, and judges that the authentication is not successful if the two pieces of information do not match.

[0036] Next, in S105, the management server 30 transmits the authentication result to the information processing device 10. Note that the processing from S106 onward is performed only when the authentication result indicates that the authentication is successful. In the examples shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, it is assumed that the authentication result indicates that the authentication is successful.

[0037] Next, in S106, the application AP of the information processing device 10 accepts input of purchase information from the purchase requester via the operation unit 11. The purchase information here is information that can identify the item to be purchased. Specifically, for example, the purchase information may be the name, model number, quantity, etc. of the item to be purchased (for example, toner, which is a consumable item related to a printer).

[0038] The application AP of the information processing device 10 may receive a message from the purchase requester to the purchaser together with the purchase item information. The message may be, for example, "This was approved at the meeting yesterday."

[0039] Next, in S107, the information processing device 10 transmits purchase information to the management server 30. The purchase information here is information that specifies the item to be purchased and the delivery destination of the item. In this embodiment, the purchase information includes the purchase item information input in S106 and requester account information that specifies the requester account. The requester account is the user account of the purchase requester related to the purchase request service. In other words, the requester account information corresponds to information that specifies the delivery destination.

[0040] It should be noted that if a message is input together with the purchase information in S106, information indicating the message is also included in the purchase information. When the management server 30 receives the purchasing information from the information processing device 10, it transmits the payment registration information to the electronic payment server 40 in S108.

[0041] The payment registration information here refers to information used when electronically paying for the item to be purchased on the electronic payment server 40. Specifically, in order to make an electronic payment on the electronic payment server 40, the item to be purchased input by the purchase requester needs to be registered as an electronic product on the electronic payment server 40. In this embodiment, the payment registration information is information for registering the item to be purchased as an electronic product. Specifically, for example, the payment registration information includes information such as the name of the electronic product and the total price.

[0042] Next, in S109, the electronic payment server 40 registers the item to be purchased as an electronic product in a storage unit (not shown) using the payment registration information received in S108. Next, in S110, the electronic payment server 40 transmits a payment ID to the management server 30. The payment ID here is identification information used by the electronic payment server 40, and is identification information assigned to each electronic payment performed by the electronic payment server 40. The payment ID transmitted in S110 is a payment ID related to the payment of the price of the item registered as an electronic product by the payment registration information received in S108. The payment ID is stored in the memory unit of the electronic payment server 40 in association with the electronic product.

[0043] Next, in S111, the management server 30 stores in the storage unit 33 the purchasing information received in S107. Next, in S112, the management server 30 generates a purchase ID and records the generated purchase ID in the storage unit 33.

[0044] The purchase ID here is information that uniquely identifies the purchase of the item specified by the purchase information received in S107. The purchase ID is stored in the storage unit 33 in association with the purchase information (i.e., purchase item information, requester account information, message from the purchase requester to the purchaser, etc.).

[0045] Next, in S113, the management server 30 stores in the storage unit 33 the purchase ID generated in S112 and the payment ID received from the electronic payment server 40 in S110 in association with each other. Next, in S114, the management server 30 transmits the purchase ID to the information processing device 10.

[0046] Next, when the application AP of the information processing device 10 receives the purchase ID from the management server 30, it generates a launch URL in S115. The launch URL here is a URL used to launch the target application TA. As described later, the launch URL is used to access the application server 50, thereby downloading and launching the target application TA. In this embodiment, the launch URL includes the purchase ID received from the management server 30 in S114 as a URL query parameter.

[0047] Next, in S116, the information processing device 10 sends the generated start-up URL to the external device 20. The method of sending the start-up URL from the information processing device 10 to the external device 20 is not particularly limited, but the start-up URL may be sent, for example, by the following method. That is, a QR code including the start-up URL may be displayed on the display unit 12 of the information processing device 10, and the displayed QR code may be read by the reading unit 24 of the external device 20, thereby sending the start-up URL from the information processing device 10 to the external device 20. In addition, for example, the start-up URL may be sent to the external device 20 by using an app such as e-mail or LINE, which is a type of SNS (Social Networking Service). Note that "LINE" is a registered trademark.

[0048] Next, in S117, the external apparatus 20 accesses the application server 50 using the start-up URL acquired from the information processing apparatus 10, and requests download of the target application TA. Next, in S118, the external apparatus 20 downloads the target application TA from the application server 50. After the target application TA is downloaded, in S119, the target application TA is started up in the external apparatus 20.

[0049] Next, in S120, the target application TA of the external device 20 transmits the purchase ID included in the start-up URL acquired from the information processing device 10 to the management server 30. Next, in S121, the management server 30 acquires the payment ID and the purchase information associated with the received purchase ID from the storage unit 33, and generates purchase settlement information based on the acquired purchase information. Then, the management server 30 transmits the payment ID and the generated purchase settlement information to the external device 20.

[0050] The purchase settlement information referred to here is information used for displaying a purchase confirmation screen B1 and a settlement confirmation screen B2, which will be described later, on the display unit 22. Specifically, for example, the purchase settlement information includes information on the item to be purchased and information on the requesting account. Information on the item to be purchased is, for example, the name, model number, quantity, total price, etc. Information on the requesting account is, for example, the requesting account name, the delivery address for the item, contact information for the purchase requester, etc.

[0051] Next, in S122, the target application TA of the external device 20 displays the purchase confirmation screen B1 shown in FIG. The purchase confirmation screen B1 is a screen for the purchaser to confirm the purchase details. The purchase confirmation screen B1 displays a message indicating the purchase requester ("This is a purchase request from aaaa"). Note that "aaaa" is the account name of the requester. The purchase confirmation screen B1 also displays a message from the purchase requester to the purchaser, the name, model number, quantity, total price, etc. of the item to be purchased. It also displays a payment button C1, which is a button that the purchaser uses to pay for the item using a payment app.

[0052] Next, in S123, the target application TA of the external device 20 accepts a purchase operation from the purchaser via the operation unit 21. The purchase operation here refers to the operation of pressing the settlement button C1.

[0053] Next, in S124, the target application TA of the external device 20 displays the payment confirmation screen B2 shown in FIG. The payment confirmation screen B2 is a screen for the purchaser to confirm the payment details. The payment confirmation screen B2 displays the name of the payment app used for the payment (e.g., "XX Pay"), the card number and billing address of the credit card used by the purchaser, the delivery address of the goods, the contact information of the purchaser, the total amount, a payment button C2 for completing the payment, and the like. Of this information, the payment app name, card number, and billing address information were registered by the purchaser in "XX Pay", the payment app used by the purchaser. Meanwhile, the delivery address of the goods and the contact information of the purchaser are included in the purchase payment information received in S121.

[0054] Next, in S125, the target application TA of the external device 20 accepts a payment operation from the purchaser. The payment operation here refers to pressing the payment button C2. Next, in S126, the target application TA of the external device 20 transmits a payment request to the electronic payment server 40 to request payment. The payment request includes the total price of the goods to be purchased, the card number, billing information, etc. The payment request also includes information that enables the electronic payment server 40 to identify the electronic product. In this embodiment, the information that enables the electronic payment server 40 to identify the electronic product is the payment ID received from the management server 30 in S121.

[0055] When the electronic payment server 40 receives the payment request from the external device 20, it executes the payment process in S127. In detail, the electronic payment server 40 uses the payment ID received in S126 to identify the corresponding electronic product in the storage unit of the electronic payment server 40. Then, the electronic payment server 40 executes the payment process for the price of the electronic product. By executing the payment process, the total amount of the electronic products is charged to the purchaser, and the charged amount is paid.

[0056] Next, in S128, the electronic payment server 40 transmits a payment notification to the external device 20 indicating that the payment has been completed. Next, upon receiving the payment notification, the target application TA of the external device 20 transmits a purchase completion notification to the management server 30 in S129. The purchase completion notification is a notification indicating that the purchase of the item (i.e., the payment of the price) has been completed. The purchase completion notification includes the purchase ID included in the start-up URL acquired from the information processing device 10 in S116.

[0057] When the management server 30 receives the purchase completion notification from the external device 20, in S130, the management server 30 searches the information stored in the storage unit 33 for the requesting account associated with the purchasing ID included in the purchase completion notification.

[0058] Next, in S131, the management server 30 transmits a purchase completion notification to the information processing device 10 used by the user of the request source account found in S130 (that is, the purchase requester).

[0059] Next, in S132, the OS of the information processing device 10 or the target application TA displays a purchase completion screen (not shown) indicating that the purchase has been completed on the display unit 12. For example, the purchase completion notification may be displayed on the display unit 12 by a push notification as the OS executes processing, or may be displayed on the display unit 12 as the target application TA executes processing. The purchase requester confirms that the purchase of the item has been completed by checking the purchase completion screen.

[0060] Next, in S133, the management server 30 transmits a delivery instruction to the delivery server 60. The delivery instruction includes information necessary for delivery. Specifically, for example, the delivery instruction includes the name, model number, and quantity of the item to be delivered, and the name and address of the delivery destination. When the delivery server 60 receives the delivery instruction, the delivery company staff starts the delivery work such as packing and delivering the item.

[0061] The above is the process executed by the devices 10 to 60 in the first embodiment. [1-3. Effects] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following effects are achieved.

[0062] (1) In this embodiment, the management server 30 receives purchase information specifying an item and a delivery destination of the item from the information processing device 10 (S107). Then, the management server 30 executes a specific process for generating a launch URL for the target application TA. The specific process here is a process of generating a purchase ID and transmitting it to the information processing device 10 (S112 and S114). Then, after the specific process is executed, the information processing device 10 generates a launch URL using the purchase ID (S115). Then, when the payment is completed by the target application TA that is launched using the launch URL transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the external device 20, the management server 30 receives a purchase completion notification from the external device 20 (S129). Then, in response to receiving the purchase completion notification from the external device 20, the management server 30 transmits a delivery instruction to the delivery server 60 to have the item delivered to the delivery destination specified by the purchase information (S133).

[0063] Therefore, when a purchase requester using the information processing device 10 requests a purchaser using the external device 20 to purchase an item, the purchaser can purchase and deliver the item without knowing the delivery address information. Therefore, there is no need for the purchase requester to communicate the delivery address to the purchaser, or for the purchaser to communicate the delivery address to the ordering party. This reduces the effort required of the user who is the purchase requester or purchaser, and improves user convenience.

[0064] (2) In the present embodiment, the goods to be purchased are assumed to be consumables related to a printer. Therefore, when a user requests another person to purchase a consumable product related to a printer, the user can reduce the effort required to purchase the consumable product, thereby improving the user's convenience.

[0065] (3) In this embodiment, the management server 30 receives authentication information from the information processing device 10 (S103). Then, the management server 30 authenticates the user of the information processing device 10 using the received authentication information (S104). Then, if the authentication is successful, a start-up URL is generated in the information processing device 10 (S115).

[0066] Therefore, when the user of the information processing device 10, i.e., the purchase requester, is authenticated, the launch URL can be generated, and further, payment can be made using the target application TA. Therefore, the purchaser who is requested to make a purchase can make payment with peace of mind.

[0067] (4) In this embodiment, the target application TA is an application that does not need to be installed. Therefore, when the situation in which the target application TA is used, that is, when paying for an item, passes, the target application TA is automatically deleted from the external device 20. This makes it possible to prevent the target application TA from remaining in the external device 20 even after the situation in which the target application TA is used passes.

[0068] (5) In this embodiment, the target application TA is an application that provides a part of the functions of the application AP. Therefore, payment can be made without installing the application AP, which is a full application. Therefore, payment can be completed quickly and in a short time compared to when installing the application AP and making a payment.

[0069] (6) In this embodiment, when the management server 30 receives purchase information from the information processing device 10, the management server 30 generates a purchase ID (S112). Then, the launch URL of the target application TA includes the purchase ID.

[0070] Therefore, the purchase ID is input in advance into the target application TA that is launched using the launch URL. Therefore, a purchaser using the external device 20 does not need to input the purchase ID when purchasing (paying for) an item. This improves convenience for the purchaser.

[0071] (7) In this embodiment, when payment is completed, the management server 30 receives the purchase ID transmitted from the external device 20 by the target application TA executing a process (S129). The management server 30 then searches for a delivery destination associated with the received purchase ID (S130). The management server 30 then transmits a delivery instruction to the delivery server 60 to have the item delivered to the searched delivery destination (S133).

[0072] Therefore, the purchaser does not need to input a delivery address for the purchased item to have the item delivered to the designated delivery address, thereby improving user convenience. (8) In this embodiment, before the payment for the requested item is completed, the management server 30 receives a purchase ID transmitted from the external device 20 by the target application TA executing a process (S120). Then, the management server 30 transmits purchase payment information, which is information on the item associated with the purchase ID, to the external device 20 (S121).

[0073] Therefore, for example, the purchase confirmation screen B1 can be displayed using the received purchase settlement information in the external device 20. Therefore, the purchaser can make a payment after confirming the purchase details.

[0074] In this embodiment, the purchase information corresponds to the designation information, the target application TA corresponds to the application software for paying the price, and the application AP corresponds to the main application. The purchase completion notification corresponds to the payment completion information, the purchase ID corresponds to the purchase identification information, the payment ID corresponds to the payment ID identification information, and the payment registration information corresponds to the information of the item designated by the designation information. S103 corresponds to the process as an authentication receiving unit, S104 corresponds to the process as an authentication unit, S107 corresponds to the process as a designation receiving unit, and S112 and S114 correspond to the process as a specific process executing unit. S112 corresponds to the process as an identification generating unit, S115 corresponds to the process as a URL generating unit, S120 corresponds to the process as a pre-payment receiving unit, S121 corresponds to the process as a device transmitting unit, and S129 corresponds to the process as a completion receiving unit. Moreover, S129 corresponds to the process performed by the post-payment receiving unit, S130 corresponds to the process performed by the search unit, and S133 corresponds to the process performed by the delivery instruction unit.

[0075] [2. Second embodiment] [2-1. Differences from the first embodiment] The second embodiment has a basic configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

[0076] In the first embodiment described above, the external device 20 receives purchase settlement information used to display the purchase confirmation screen B1 and the settlement confirmation screen B2 on the display unit 22 from the management server 30 (S121). In contrast, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the external device 20 receives the purchase settlement information from the electronic settlement server 40 instead of the management server 30. The second embodiment will be described in detail below. Note that the hardware configuration of the system 1 is the same in the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0077] [2-2. Processing] Hereinafter, the processes executed by the devices 10 to 60 of the second embodiment in place of the processes (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0078] S201 to S207 in FIG. 6 are similar to S101 to S107 in FIG. 2 described above, and therefore the description will be omitted. Next, in S208, the management server 30 transmits the payment registration information to the electronic payment server 40. As in the first embodiment, the payment registration information in the second embodiment includes information such as the name of the electronic product and the total amount. However, the name of the electronic product in the second embodiment includes the name, model number, and quantity of the actual item being purchased. In addition to these pieces of information, the payment registration information in the second embodiment also includes the requester's account name, the delivery address of the item, contact information of the purchase requester, etc.

[0079] S209 to S220 in FIG. 6 are similar to S109 to S120 in FIG. 2 described above, and therefore the description will be omitted. Next, in S221, the management server 30 acquires the payment ID stored in association with the purchase ID received in S220 from the storage unit 33. Then, the management server 30 transmits the acquired payment ID to the external device 20.

[0080] Next, in S222, the target application TA of the external device 20 transmits the payment ID received in S221 to the electronic payment server 40. Next, in S223, the electronic payment server 40 transmits the purchase payment information to the external device 20.

[0081] In detail, the electronic payment server 40 refers to the electronic product corresponding to the payment ID received in S222. Then, the electronic payment server 40 transmits the name of the electronic product, the total amount, the requester's account name, the delivery address of the product, contact information of the purchase requester, etc. to the external device 20. Here, in this embodiment, the name of the electronic product includes the name, model number, and quantity of the actual product to be purchased. Therefore, the information transmitted to the external device 20 in S223 has the same content as the purchase settlement information transmitted by the management server 30 to the external device 20 in S121 of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment.

[0082] S224 to S230 in FIG. 7 are similar to S122 to S128 in FIG. 2 described above, and therefore the description will be omitted. Next, in S231, the electronic payment server 40 transmits a purchase completion notification including the payment ID to the management server 30. That is, in the first embodiment, the external device 20 transmits the purchase completion notification to the management server 30 in S129, whereas in the second embodiment, the electronic payment server 40 transmits the purchase completion notification to the management server 30.

[0083] Next, in S232, the management server 30 acquires a corresponding purchase ID from the storage unit 33 based on the payment ID received in S231. S233 to S236 in Fig. 7 are similar to S130 to S133 in Fig. 3 described above, and therefore the description will be omitted. The above is the process executed by the devices 10 to 60 in the second embodiment.

[0084] [2-3. Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, in addition to the effects (1) to (6) of the first embodiment described above, the following effect is also obtained.

[0085] (1) In this embodiment, the management server 30 stores the payment ID and the purchase ID received from the electronic payment server 40 in association with each other (S213). Then, the management server 30 receives a purchase completion notification including the payment ID from the electronic payment server 40 (S231). Then, the management server 30 acquires the purchase ID associated with the received payment ID from the storage unit 33 (S232). Then, the management server 30 searches for a delivery destination associated with the acquired purchase ID (S233). Then, the management server 30 transmits a delivery instruction to have the item delivered to the searched delivery destination (S236).

[0086] Therefore, the purchaser using the external device 20 can have the product delivered to the designated delivery address without having to input the delivery address of the product, thereby improving convenience for the purchaser. (2) In this embodiment, when purchasing information is received from the information processing device 10, the management server 30 transmits payment registration information including information on the item specified by the purchasing information to the electronic payment server 40 (S208).

[0087] Therefore, by acquiring purchase settlement information including information on the item from the electronic settlement server 40, the external device 20 can display the purchase confirmation screen B1 including the information on the item on the display unit 22. Therefore, the purchaser can make a payment after confirming the purchase details.

[0088] In this embodiment, S203 corresponds to the processing as an authentication receiving unit, S204 corresponds to the processing as an authentication unit, and S207 corresponds to the processing as a designated receiving unit. Also, S208 corresponds to the processing as a server-to-server transmitting unit, S212 and S214 correspond to the processing as a specific processing executing unit, S212 corresponds to the processing as an identification generating unit, S213 corresponds to the processing as a storage processing unit, and S215 corresponds to the processing as a URL generating unit. Also, S231 corresponds to the processing as a completion receiving unit and a payment receiving unit, S232 corresponds to the processing as an identification information acquiring unit, S233 corresponds to the processing as a search unit, and S236 corresponds to the processing as a delivery instruction unit.

[0089] 3. Other embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0090] (1) In each of the above embodiments, printer-related consumables are exemplified as the goods to be purchased, but the goods to be purchased are not limited to this. For example, the goods may be consumables other than printer-related consumables. Also, for example, the goods may be goods other than consumables. In this case, for example, the goods to be purchased may be a device itself (e.g., a printer) that uses the consumables.

[0091] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the launch URL of the target application TA is generated by the information processing device 10, but the device that generates the launch URL is not limited to this. For example, the management server 30 may generate the launch URL and transmit the generated launch URL to the information processing device 10. In this case, the process in which the management server 30 generates the launch URL corresponds to a specific process for generating a URL.

[0092] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the purchase information is transmitted to the management server 30 via the application AP of the information processing device 10 in S107 and S207, but the method of transmitting the purchase information to the management server 30 is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 10 may access a specific web page, and the purchase requester may input information about the product or the like on the web page, thereby transmitting the purchase information to the management server 30.

[0093] Also, for example, when the information processing device 10 is a printer, the purchase requester may input information of the item to be purchased via the operation unit of the printer, and the purchase information may be transmitted from the information processing device 10, which is a printer, to the management server 30.

[0094] (4) In each of the above embodiments, the application AP does not have to be the main application of the target application TA (i.e., App Clip). In this case, for example, an application other than the application AP may be the main application of the target application TA.

[0095] (5) In each of the above embodiments, Apple's App Clips has been exemplified as the target application TA, but the target application TA is not limited to this. The target application TA may be, for example, Google's Instant Apps. Furthermore, for example, the target application TA may not be an application that does not require installation, such as App Clips or Instant Apps, but may be an application that requires installation (for example, a normal complete application).

[0096] (6) In the first embodiment, the external device 20 transmits a purchase completion notification to the management server 30 in S129. Alternatively, the electronic payment server 40 may transmit a purchase completion notification to the management server 30. Also, in the second embodiment, the electronic payment server 40 transmits a purchase completion notification to the management server 30 in S231. Alternatively, the external device 20 may transmit a purchase completion notification to the management server 30.

[0097] (7) In each of the above embodiments, the contact information displayed on the payment confirmation screen B2 is assumed to be information indicating the contact information of the purchase requester. However, the contact information displayed on the payment confirmation screen B2 is not limited to this. For example, information indicating the contact information of the business providing the purchase request service may be displayed as the contact information.

[0098] (8) The control unit 14, 25, 32 and the method thereof described in the present disclosure may be realized by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit 14, 25, 32 and the method thereof described in the present disclosure may be realized by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit 14, 25, 32 and the method thereof described in the present disclosure may be realized by one or more special-purpose computers configured by a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions and a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Also, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium as instructions executed by a computer.

[0099] (9) Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0100] (10) In addition to the control units 14, 25, and 32 described above, the present disclosure can be realized in various forms, such as a system including the control units 14, 25, and 32 as components, a program for causing a computer to function as the control units 14, 25, and 32, a non-transient physical storage medium such as a semiconductor memory on which this program is recorded, and a method of requesting another person to purchase an item and paying for it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1... system, 10... information processing device, 20... external device, 30... management server, 40: Electronic payment server, 50: Application server, 60: Delivery server, AP: Application, TA…Target app.

Claims

1. A computer program comprising: a designation receiving unit that receives designation information, which is information designating an item and a delivery destination of the item, from an information processing device; an identification generating unit that generates, when the designation information is received by the designation receiving unit, purchase identification information that is associated with the item and the delivery destination designated by the designation information and is used to purchase the item; a processing execution unit that executes a specific process for generating a URL used to start application software for making a payment for the item designated by the designation information, the URL including the purchase identification information; a completion receiving unit that receives payment completion information indicating that the payment has been completed when the payment is completed by the application software that is started on the external device using the URL transmitted from the information processing device to the external device after the specific process is executed; and a delivery instruction unit that transmits a delivery instruction to have the item delivered to the delivery destination designated by the designation information in response to receiving the payment completion information; A computer program that causes a computer to function as a

2. 2. A computer program according to claim 1, comprising: The computer program, wherein the item is a consumable item or a device that uses the consumable item.

3. A computer program according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: an authentication receiving unit that receives authentication information, which is information for performing user authentication, from the information processing device; and an authentication unit that authenticates a user of the information processing device using the authentication information; Further functioning of the computer as a If the authentication is successful, the URL is generated.

4. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The application software is a computer program that does not require installation.

5. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The application software is a computer program that is application software that provides some of the functions of a main body application, which is a specific application software.

6. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The application software is a computer program which is App Clips or Instant Apps.

7. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a post-payment receiving unit that receives the purchase identification information transmitted from the external device by executing a process of the application software when the payment is completed; and a search unit that searches for the delivery destination associated with the received purchasing identification information; Further functioning of the computer as a The delivery instruction unit transmits the delivery instruction to deliver the item to the delivery destination searched for by the search unit.

8. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a storage processing unit that stores a payment identification information, which is identification information used in an electronic payment server that is a server for performing electronic payments and is identification information assigned to each electronic payment, in association with the purchase identification information; a payment receiving unit for receiving, from the electronic payment server, the payment identification information relating to electronic payment for the price of the item designated by the designation information; An identification information acquisition unit that acquires the purchase identification information associated with the received payment identification information; and a search unit that searches for the delivery destination associated with the acquired purchasing identification information; Further functioning of the computer as a The delivery instruction unit transmits the delivery instruction to deliver the item to the delivery destination searched for by the search unit.

9. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a pre-payment receiving unit that receives the purchase identification information transmitted from the external device by executing a process by the application software before the payment for the item is completed; and a device-to-device transmitting unit that transmits information about the item associated with the purchase identification information received by the pre-payment receiving unit to the external device; A computer program that causes the computer to further function as a

10. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a server-to-server transmission unit that transmits, when the designation information is received by the designation receiving unit, information on the item designated by the designation information to an electronic settlement server that is a server for performing electronic settlement; A computer program that causes the computer to further function as a

11. a designation receiving unit that receives designation information, which is information designating an item and a delivery destination of the item, from an information processing device; an identification generating unit that generates, when the designation information is received by the designation receiving unit, purchase identification information that is associated with the item and the delivery destination designated by the designation information and is used to purchase the item; a URL generating unit that generates a URL used to start application software for paying for the item designated by the designation information, the URL including the purchase identification information; a completion receiving unit that receives, when the payment is completed by the application software that is started on the external device using the URL transmitted from the information processing device to the external device, payment completion information that is information indicating that the payment has been completed; and a delivery instruction unit that transmits a delivery instruction to have the item delivered to the delivery destination designated by the designation information in response to receiving the payment completion information; A system comprising:

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