Information processing apparatus, information processing method of information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

The usability can be improved. 【Solution means】An information processing apparatus that communicates between a terminal device and a printing apparatus that prints an optical symbol on a predetermined medium, including identification information for identifying a recipient user in an electronic payment server that provides a payment service using a code, and information including transition information for transitioning to a screen for sending money to the recipient user. A receiving unit that receives an information code and output setting information indicating an output setting used when the information code is output by the printing apparatus from the terminal device, and based on the output setting information, at least one of the position and size for outputting the information code to a predetermined medium. An adjustment unit that adjusts, and a transmission unit that transmits an instruction to cause the printing apparatus to print the code adjusted by the adjustment unit. An information processing apparatus is provided.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A remittance service that enables individuals to transfer electronic money without going through financial institutions such as banks is becoming increasingly popular. In particular, remittances using a settlement application (hereinafter referred to as an electronic settlement app) that can be installed on a terminal device such as a smartphone have attracted attention due to their high convenience.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of displaying recipients of remittances by group on a screen for a remitter to specify a recipient on an electronic settlement app.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there is room for improvement in the above-mentioned conventional technology in terms of improving the usability of the remittance service.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to improve usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that communicates between a terminal device and a printing device that prints an optical symbol on a predetermined medium, and includes identification information for identifying a recipient user in an electronic payment server that provides a payment service using a code, and an information code including transition information for causing a transition to a screen for sending money to the recipient user, and a reception unit that receives, from the terminal device, output setting information indicating an output setting used when the information code is output by the printing device, an adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of a position and a size at which the information code is output to the predetermined medium based on the output setting information, and a transmission unit that transmits an instruction to print the code adjusted by the adjustment unit in the printing device.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve user usability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an information processing apparatus, an information processing method of the information processing apparatus, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing apparatus, the information processing method of the information processing apparatus, and the program according to the present disclosure are not limited by the following embodiments. Also, in the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <First Embodiment> [An example of a scenario to be assumed] As an application that can be installed on a terminal device such as a smartphone, there are electronic payment applications and the like. Hereinafter, the application may be simply referred to as an app for simplicity.

[0012] The electronic payment app is operated and managed by a service provider that provides an electronic payment service. In the electronic payment app, in addition to the payment service for paying for goods or services, a remittance service for exchanging electronically digitized currency (hereinafter referred to as electronic money) between users can be provided.

[0013] The remittance service enables the exchange of currency without going through a financial institution such as a bank and can be implemented on a portable information processing device such as a smartphone, so it is expected to be easily used by users. As a specific example of using the remittance service, assume a case where people split the bill for a meal. In this case, the first user uses the electronic payment service of the electronic payment app to pay the meal bill at the store all at once. Then, the second user uses the remittance service of the electronic payment app to remit the amount of electronic money corresponding to his or her share to the first user who paid the meal bill. In this way, by using the electronic payment app, users can smoothly complete the payment at the store and split the bill.

[0014] In addition, among terminal devices, there are some that have a function of using a camera function to obtain information embedded in an optical symbol such as a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR (quick response) code (registered trademark)) from the optical symbol. Two-dimensional codes are used in many scenes because of their high readability and restorability. For example, in the remittance service, a two-dimensional code may be used as a method for the terminal device of the remitter to obtain the remittee's user information. In this case, the remittee starts the electronic payment app and presents a two-dimensional code in which his or her user information is embedded to the remitter.

[0015] In order to use the remittance service, since it is necessary for the recipient user and the sender user to start the electronic payment application and perform operations for remittance, the burden on both users is large. As an example, as disclosed in the above prior art (Patent Document 1), it is necessary to perform operations such as specifying the recipient user, and there is room for improvement in terms of usability here. For example, by printing an optical symbol embedded with user information and the like on a medium close to the user, the burden of user operations for personal remittance can be reduced. The form of improving usability will be described below.

[0016] [2-1. About the information processing device] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing executed by the information processing device according to the present embodiment. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the information processing device according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that the terminal device 101, the electronic payment server 102, the code output adjustment server 103, and the printing device 104 in FIG. 1 are all types of information processing devices. Hereinafter, the information processing executed by the code output adjustment server 103 will be described together with the processing executed by the terminal device 101, the electronic payment server 102, and the printing device 104.

[0017] (About the terminal device 101) The terminal device 101 is an information processing device used by a user who receives the provision of an electronic payment service and a code output adjustment service described later. The terminal device 101 will be described by taking a smartphone as an example in the present embodiment, but it is not limited thereto. The terminal device 101 may be, for example, a tablet-type terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

[0018] The terminal device 101 can display an identification code including user identification information for identifying a user provided by the electronic payment server 102, as well as a screen and other information, through a web browser, an app, or the like. In the present embodiment, an information code including an identification code indicating user identification information for identifying a user is referred to as a my code. In the information code including the my code in the present embodiment, in addition to the user identification information, various pieces of information can be embedded in the process of generating the my code. As an example, information for transitioning to a screen for using the money transfer service provided by the electronic payment server 102 can be embedded in the my code.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the my code will be described by taking as an example that it is a two-dimensional code. However, for example, it may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. Further, in the image showing the my code (hereinafter referred to as the my code image), a portion with separate additional information (hereinafter referred to as the additional information portion) may be included in a location other than the code portion (hereinafter referred to as the code image portion). The additional information portion may be attached with characters, symbols, figures, patterns, or combinations thereof indicating that person-to-person money transfer is possible. For example, a logo, symbol, or mark indicating that person-to-person money transfer is possible may be attached to the additional information portion.

[0020] When a my code image with a logo or the like indicating that person-to-person money transfer is possible is printed on a medium close to the user, it is possible to immediately tell whether the user is using the money transfer service, thus promoting more active use of the money transfer service.

[0021] The terminal device 101 is equipped with a camera function to acquire the information embedded in the my code image. Also, the terminal device 101 can provide the information acquired by the camera function and the like to other devices.

[0022] (Regarding the electronic payment server 102) The electronic payment server 102 is an information processing device that provides an electronic payment service for performing electronic payment processing, a remittance service for performing remittance processing, and the like. For example, the electronic payment server 102 can be realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. A user can use a plurality of services provided by the electronic payment server by installing an electronic payment application on the terminal device 101. Note that the electronic payment service and the remittance service can also be used by accessing a page provided by the electronic payment server 102 using a general web browser.

[0023] In the present embodiment, a user who receives service provision from the electronic payment server 102 is referred to as a PS user. A PS user is, for example, a user who has acquired an account within the electronic payment application. The acquired account is managed by the electronic payment server 102.

[0024] The electronic payment processing refers to a process of transferring electronic money corresponding to the payment amount from the electronic account of the PS user who has received the provision of goods or services to the electronic account of the store that has provided the goods or services at the time of settlement at a store that has contracted with a service provider that provides the electronic payment service. The remittance processing refers to a process of transferring electronic money corresponding to the remittance amount from the electronic account of the PS user who is the remitter to the electronic account of the PS user who is the remittee.

[0025] In response to a request for acquiring a microcode from the terminal device 101, the electronic payment server 102 generates a microcode image in which identification information of the PS user and the like are embedded, and provides the microcode image to the terminal device 101 that is the request source.

[0026] (Regarding the code output adjustment server 103) The code output adjustment server 103 is an information processing device that provides a code output adjustment service. For example, the code output adjustment server 103 can be realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. The code output adjustment server 103 is an information processing device that adjusts a received microcode image based on output setting information indicating information set by a user. For example, the output setting information includes medium information indicating a medium to be printed in the printing process executed by the printing device 104 described later, position information indicating the position of the microcode image on the medium, and a print size indicating the size of the microcode image to be printed.

[0027] The code output adjustment service is a service that adjusts a received microcode image based on output setting information. The code output adjustment service includes a service of transmitting the adjusted microcode image to the printing device 104 and printing the microcode image on a predetermined medium by the printing device 104.

[0028] In the present embodiment, a user who receives the code output adjustment service from the code output adjustment server 103 is referred to as a CS user. The CS user is, for example, a user who has acquired an account managed by the code output adjustment server 103.

[0029] The code output adjustment server 103 provides a screen of a website or an application for inputting output setting information used in the printing process by the printing device 104. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the PS user and the CS user, both are collectively referred to as the terminal user.

[0030] (Regarding the printing device 104) The printing device 104 is an information processing device that executes a printing process for printing an image on a predetermined medium. The printing device 104 converts the received image data into printing data to be used in the printing process. Then, the printing device 104 prints an image on a predetermined medium using the printing data. Also, the printing device 104 will be described by taking as an example a device that prints an image using a coloring material such as ink, but is not limited thereto. For example, the printing device 104 may be a device that imprints an image by irradiating a medium with light having a high energy density. In the present embodiment, "printing" includes imprinting an image by irradiating light.

[0031] [2-2. Example of Information Processing] (Regarding Information Processing) The outline of the information processing according to the present embodiment will be described. The terminal device 101 transmits a request for acquiring a microcode to the electronic payment server 102 (S1). For example, the terminal user operates the terminal device 101 to start an electronic payment application. Then, when the terminal device 101 detects an operation of the terminal user on the electronic payment application, it transmits a request for acquiring a microcode to the electronic payment server 102.

[0032] In response to the request for acquiring a microcode, the electronic payment server 102 identifies the PS user who is the request source, and generates a microcode image of the identified PS user (S2). For example, the electronic payment server 102 generates a microcode image in which the PS user identification information associated with the identified PS user and information for transitioning to a screen for using a remittance service with the identified PS user as the destination user are embedded. Hereinafter, the information for transitioning to a screen for using a remittance service will be referred to as transition information. Specifically, the transition information includes the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) scheme of the electronic payment application and information for specifying a page displayed on the electronic payment application.

[0033] When the electronic payment server 102 generates a microcode image in S2, it transmits the generated microcode image to the terminal device 101 of the PS user who is the acquisition requester (S3). After that, when the terminal device 101 receives the microcode image in S3, it saves the received microcode image. Examples of the file format of the microcode image include JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or PNG (Portable Network Graphics). Examples of the file format of the microcode image include GIF (Graphics Interchange Format). Also, the microcode image can adopt a file format suitable for printing.

[0034] Generally used microcodes for terminal display have an expiration date set. The microcode in this embodiment does not have an expiration date set. This is because if an expiration date is set for the microcode, the printing process described later has to be performed every time the expiration date expires. Note that an expiration date may be set for the microcode.

[0035] The terminal device 101 transmits the microcode image to the code output adjustment server 103 (S4). For example, the terminal user accesses a website provided by the code output adjustment server 103 and performs a transmission operation to transmit the microcode image from the website or the like. Or, the terminal user launches an application provided by the code output adjustment server 103 and performs a transmission operation to transmit the microcode image. When the terminal device 101 detects a transmission operation of the microcode image by the terminal user, it transmits the microcode image to the code output adjustment server 103.

[0036] When the code output adjustment server 103 receives the microcode image, it identifies the CS user who is the transmission source of the microcode image and transmits an input screen for inputting output setting information to the terminal device 101 of the identified CS user (S5).

[0037] In response to receiving the input screen in S5, the terminal device 101 displays the input screen. Then, the terminal user inputs output setting information on the input screen and performs a transmission operation for transmitting the output setting information. When the terminal device 101 detects the transmission operation of the terminal user, it transmits the input output setting information to the code output adjustment server 103 (S6).

[0038] Note that the output setting information may be transmitted to the code output adjustment server 103 together with the microcode image. That is, in S4, when the terminal device 101 transmits the microcode image and the output setting information to the code output adjustment server 103, S5 and S6 shown in FIG. 1 may be configured to be omitted.

[0039] When the code output adjustment server 103 receives the output setting information in S7, it adjusts the microcode image based on the received output setting information (S7). For example, the code output adjustment server 103 adjusts the size and position of the microcode image on the medium based on the print size indicating the size of the microcode image and the position information indicating the position of the microcode image on the medium included in the output setting information.

[0040] The code output adjustment server 103 transmits the microcode image adjusted in S7 to the printing device 104 (S8). The code output adjustment server 103 can transmit the output setting information, an instruction to execute the printing process, etc. together with the adjusted microcode image to the printing device 104. Note that the code output adjustment server 103 may not transmit the adjusted microcode image and the output setting information to the printing device 104.

[0041] The printing device 104 prints the microcode image received in S8 on the medium indicated by the medium information included in the output setting information (S9). For example, an operator providing a code output adjustment service can check the setting information necessary for printing the microcode image from the screen of a website or application that can check the output setting information for each customer provided by the code output adjustment server 103. Then, the operator inputs the setting information corresponding to the microcode image into the printing device 104 and sets the designated medium. After that, in the printing device 104, printing processing for the set medium is performed.

[0042] Alternatively, even if the printing device 104 does not directly receive an adjusted microcode image or the like from the code output adjustment server 103, the printing device 104 can acquire the microcode image or the like. For example, an operator providing a code output adjustment service downloads the adjusted microcode image and output setting information managed by the code output adjustment server 103 using an information processing device such as a PC. Then, when the information processing device detects a transmission operation by the operator, it can transmit the adjusted microcode image and output setting information to the printing device 104 via wireless or wired communication means. After that, the printing device 104 can print the microcode image based on the received information.

[0043] Although FIG. 1 shows one printing device 104 for simplicity, a plurality of printing devices may be provided according to the type of medium. In this case, the adjusted microcode image and output setting information may be configured to be automatically printed by the printing device by being transmitted to the printing device corresponding to the medium indicated by the medium information.

[0044] An operator providing a code output adjustment service sends the medium on which the microcode image is printed to the CS user who is the transmission source of the microcode image (S10).

[0045] In addition, the PS user who owns the terminal device 101 in S4 may use the terminal device 101 to acquire the microcode image from another PS user in order to print the microcode image of another PS user on a medium, and transmit it to the code output adjustment server 103. In this case, in S10, a medium on which the microcode image of another PS user is printed is sent to the PS user who owns the terminal device 101.

[0046] Alternatively, the PS user who owns the terminal device 101 transmits his or her own microcode image to the terminal device of another PS user using the terminal device 101 in order to print his or her own microcode image on a medium. Then, in S4, another PS user can transmit the microcode image of the PS user who owns the terminal device 101 to the code output adjustment server 103 using his or her own terminal device. In this case, in S10, a medium on which the microcode image of the PS user who owns the terminal device 101 is printed is sent to another PS user. Thus, even when the terminal user who transmits the microcode image to the code output adjustment server 103 does not match the PS user indicated by the PS user identification information embedded in the microcode image, the present embodiment is applicable.

[0047] [3. Example of Information Processing System] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. With reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described. The information processing system includes a terminal device 101, an electronic payment server 102, a code output adjustment server 103, and a printing device 104. These devices are connected to each other via a network N so as to be communicable with each other by wire or wirelessly. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

[0048] In FIG. 2, for the sake of simplicity of illustration, one terminal device 101 is shown, but this is merely an example and is not limiting. That is, the number of terminal devices 101 in the information processing system may be two or more. The terminal device 101 can be connected to the network N via a wireless communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation) mobile communication system, and 5G mobile communication system, and communicate with other devices. The terminal device 101 can be connected to the network N via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and wireless LAN, and communicate with other devices.

[0049] The information transmitted and received among the terminal device 101, the electronic payment server 102, the code output adjustment server 103, the printing device 104, and other devices may be described by a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), for example. The information transmitted and received may be described by a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a programming language such as Java (registered trademark), or a markup language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language) or HTML (HyperText Markup Language).

[0050] [4. An Example of the Hardware Configuration of the Information Processing Apparatus] The above-described terminal device 101, electronic payment server 102, code output adjustment server 103, and printing device 104 are realized by, for example, an information processing apparatus 300 ( "an example of a computer") having a configuration as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 300. The information processing apparatus 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a storage device 304, an input / output I / F 305, and a network I / F 306. Each component is connected to each other by a system bus.

[0051] (Regarding the CPU 301) The CPU 301 reads the programs stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executes the read programs to realize various controls. The CPU 301 may be an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The CPU 301 may also be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like.

[0052] (Regarding the ROM 302) The ROM 302 stores control programs such as the startup program of the information processing device 300.

[0053] (Regarding the RAM 303) When the CPU 301 executes various controls, the RAM 303 temporarily stores control programs or data, etc. The RAM 303 is used as a work memory.

[0054] (Regarding the storage device 304) The storage device 304 is a memory for storing applications, software, and various data, etc. Examples of the storage device 304 include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SDD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, and a storage. If the storage device 304 is the electronic settlement server 102, it stores the account database (hereinafter referred to as the database as DB) described later. If the storage device 304 is the code output adjustment server 103, it stores the CS user information DB, the microcode DB, and the output setting information DB described later. If the storage device 304 is the printing device 104, it stores the microcode information 1021 described later.

[0055] (Regarding the input / output I / F 305) The input / output I / F 305 is an interface for transmitting output information to output devices such as the display unit 310. Examples of the display unit 310 include a display or a projector. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 310 may be provided outside the information processing apparatus 300 or may be provided in the information processing apparatus 300.

[0056] The input / output I / F 305 is an interface for receiving input information from input devices such as the input unit 311. Examples of the input unit 311 include a mouse, a keyboard, a button, a touch panel, and operation keys. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the input unit 311 may be provided outside the information processing apparatus 300 or may be provided in the information processing apparatus 300.

[0057] Also, the input / output I / F 305 may be connected to the display unit 310 and the input unit 311 wirelessly or by wire. The input / output I / F 305 may be configured to be divided into an input I / F and an output I / F.

[0058] (Regarding the network I / F 306) The network I / F 306 is an interface for receiving data and the like from other devices via the network N, and transmitting data generated by the information processing apparatus 300 or stored data and the like to other devices via the network N.

[0059] Note that the configuration of the information processing apparatus 300 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3. For example, in the case of the terminal device 101, a camera unit for realizing a camera function is provided. In the case of the printing device 104, a printing unit for realizing a printing function is provided.

[0060] In addition, the information processing apparatus 300 may include a media I / F (not shown). The media I / F reads programs, data, etc. stored in a storage device (not shown) connected by wire or wirelessly, and provides them to the CPU 301 via the RAM 303. The CPU 301 can read the provided program from the storage device onto the RAM 303 via the media I / F and execute the read program. The storage device is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), or a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk). The storage device may also be a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0061] For example, when the information processing apparatus 300 functions as the terminal device 101, the CPU 301 of the information processing apparatus 300 realizes various functions of the information processing apparatus 300 by executing the program read onto the RAM 303.

[0062] The CPU 301 of the information processing apparatus 300 reads and executes these programs from the storage device. As another example, these programs etc. may be acquired from another device via a predetermined communication network. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the configuration necessary to realize the information processing in the present embodiment is provided in the information processing apparatus 300.

[0063] [5. An Example of the Software Configuration of the Electronic Payment Server] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the electronic payment server 102. With reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the electronic payment server 102 in the present embodiment will be described. The electronic payment server 102 includes a communication unit 400, a control unit 410, and a storage unit 420. The control unit 410 includes a reception unit 411, a generation unit 412, a transmission unit 413, a payment processing unit 414, and a money transfer processing unit 415. The control unit 410 controls the entire electronic payment server 102. The storage unit 420 includes an account DB 421.

[0064] (Regarding the account DB 421) The account DB421 stores the electronic account information of the PS users. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the electronic account information stored in the account DB421. The electronic account information has an account ID501, a PS user ID502, and an account balance 503.

[0065] The account ID501 is an identifier for uniquely identifying the account of the PS user. The PS user ID502 is an identifier for uniquely identifying the PS user. The account balance 503 indicates the balance of the electronic money in the electronic account of the PS user. The electronic money may be, for example, points given by a service provider operating an electronic payment service, or currency, etc., or may be something that enables electronic trading of currency provided by a country such as the Japanese yen or the US dollar. The PS user can settle for goods or services and transfer electronic money within the range of the balance of the electronic account. The electronic payment server 102 manages the electronic account of the PS user in association with the PS user ID502.

[0066] (Regarding the communication unit 400) The communication unit 400 communicates with the terminal device 101 and other devices via the network N.

[0067] (Regarding the receiving unit 411) The receiving unit 411 receives a request for obtaining a microcode and other information via the communication unit 400.

[0068] (Regarding the generating unit 412) The generating unit 412 generates a microcode image. That is, the generating unit 412 generates a microcode image in which the identification information and transition information of the user who is the request source are embedded.

[0069] (Regarding the transmitting unit 413) The transmission unit 413 transmits the generated microcode image, other information, etc. When the generation unit 412 generates a microcode image, the transmission unit 413 transmits the microcode image to the terminal device 101 of the PS user who is the acquisition request source via the communication unit 400.

[0070] (Regarding the settlement processing unit 414) When the PS user performs settlement at a store or the like, the settlement processing unit 414 performs electronic settlement processing based on the electronic settlement method described later.

[0071] (Regarding the electronic settlement method) As the electronic settlement method, there are a first electronic settlement method in which a store clerk scans the code presented by the user and performs settlement based on the scanned information, and a second electronic settlement method in which the user reads the code arranged in the store and performs settlement based on the read information.

[0072] (Regarding the money transfer processing unit 415) The money transfer processing unit 415 performs money transfer processing based on the money transfer procedure by the PS user who is the remitter using the electronic settlement application.

[0073] (Regarding the money transfer procedure) As the money transfer procedure, there are a first money transfer procedure in which the PS user who is the remitter designates the PS user who is the recipient and the transfer amount, and a second money transfer procedure in which the PS user who is the remitter designates the transfer amount in a state where a predetermined PS user is set as the recipient.

[0074] In the first money transfer procedure, the PS user who is the remitter operates the electronic settlement application and designates the PS user who is the recipient and the transfer amount from the money transfer screen (not shown) displayed on the electronic settlement application. Since the first money transfer procedure may involve a plurality of screen transitions and a plurality of operations for designating the PS user who is the recipient and the transfer amount, the burden on the PS user is large.

[0075] On the other hand, since the second remittance procedure does not require an operation to specify the recipient PS user, the burden on the PS user is smaller than that of the first remittance procedure. Details of the second remittance procedure will be described in the second embodiment. Note that the electronic payment server 102 in the present embodiment can execute the remittance process using either the first remittance procedure or the second remittance procedure.

[0076] [6. Example of Software Configuration of Code Output Adjustment Server] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the code output adjustment server 103. With reference to FIG. 6, the configuration of the code output adjustment server 103 in the present embodiment will be described. The code output adjustment server 103 includes a communication unit 600, a control unit 610, and a storage unit 620. The control unit 610 includes a reception unit 611, an adjustment unit 612, and a transmission unit 613. The control unit 610 controls the entire code output adjustment server 103. The storage unit 620 includes a CS user information DB 621, a microcode DB 622, and an output setting information DB 623.

[0077] (Regarding CS User Information DB 621) The CS user information DB 621 stores information of CS users. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the CS user information stored in the CS user information DB 621. The CS user information has a CS user ID 701 and address information 702.

[0078] The CS user ID 701 is an identifier for uniquely identifying a CS user. The address information 702 stores "AR01" as information indicating the address of the CS user. "AR01" includes information indicating the residence of the CS user expressed by, for example, prefecture and municipality. Also, "AR01" may include information such as a postal code. That is, "AR01" includes information used to send a package to the CS user and information for specifying the place of residence of the CS user.

[0079] (Regarding Microcode DB 622) The My Code DB622 stores information about the My Code of the CS user. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the information about the My Code stored in the My Code DB622. The My Code ID801 shown in FIG. 8 is an identifier for uniquely identifying the My Code image of the CS user.

[0080] For example, when the code output adjustment server 103 receives a My Code image from the CS user indicated by CS001, it generates M001 as the My Code ID, associates M001 with CS001 and the received My Code image, and stores them in the My Code DB622. In addition, the code output adjustment server 103 stores the My Code image adjusted in the adjustment process of the My Code image described later in association with the My Code ID801 in the My Code DB622.

[0081] (Regarding the Output Setting Information DB623) The Output Setting Information DB623 stores output setting information 901 used in the adjustment process described later, which is executed by the code output adjustment server 103. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the output setting information 901 stored in the Output Setting Information DB623. As shown in FIG. 9, the output setting information 901 is associated with the My Code ID801. The output setting information 901 has a medium name, the number on the medium, the print size, the output setting, and the output position.

[0082] The medium name indicates the name of the medium that is the object of the printing process executed by the printing device 104. As the medium, a smartphone case, a business card, a sticker, a card case, and wood can be set. In addition, the code output adjustment server 103 stores size information indicating the size of the medium and reference coordinates in the Output Setting Information DB623 for each type of medium. The size information is a value indicating the length of the size of the flat part of the medium. For example, the size information is represented as 140 mm × 70 mm. The reference coordinates are the coordinates serving as a reference for determining the position where the My Code image is printed. Specifically, the reference coordinates are the coordinates indicating the position of a fixed point within the virtual rectangular area indicated by the size information.

[0083] The number of media indicates the number of media on which printing processing is performed. The print size indicates the size of the microcode image printed by the printing device 104. The output setting indicates the print setting regarding the color of the printed microcode image. Specifically, the output settings include "monochrome" which is set to print with a single-color (e.g., black) toner, and "color" which is set to print with multiple toners.

[0084] The output position indicates the position where the microcode image is printed on the media. The output position is the coordinates indicating the position of the center of the microcode image with respect to the reference coordinates of the media. The center of the microcode image is, for example, the center of the virtual square indicated by the print size when the print size is 60 mm × 60 mm.

[0085] Note that as information on the output position, in addition to the (x, y) coordinate information indicating the two-dimensional position of the microcode image on the plane of the media, angle information indicating the angle of the microcode image may be stored in the output setting information 901. Also, as information on the output position, (x, y, z) coordinate information indicating the three-dimensional position of the microcode image on the media may be stored in the output setting information 901.

[0086] (Regarding the communication unit 600) The communication unit 600 communicates with the terminal device 101, the printing device 104, and other devices via the network N.

[0087] (Regarding the receiving unit 611) The receiving unit 611 receives the microcode image, the output setting information, etc. from the terminal device 101 via the communication unit 600.

[0088] (Regarding the adjustment unit 612) The adjustment unit 612 adjusts the received microcode image based on the output setting information 901. For example, the adjustment unit 612 enlarges or reduces the microcode image according to the virtual rectangular area indicated by the print size included in the output setting information 901. When enlarging or reducing the microcode image, the adjustment unit 612 may interpolate linearly or non-linearly, or decimate, for the plurality of pixels constituting the microcode image in order to maintain an appropriate resolution for printing.

[0089] The adjustment unit 612 adjusts the position of the received microcode image based on the output setting information. For example, the adjustment unit 612 determines the position of the microcode image with respect to the specified medium based on the reference coordinates of the medium indicated by the medium name included in the output setting information and the output position.

[0090] The adjustment unit 612 adjusts the color of the received microcode image based on the output setting information 901. For example, the adjustment unit 612 changes the color (pixel value) corresponding to all the pixels constituting the received microcode image based on the output setting included in the output setting information 901. As an example, when "monochrome" is set in the output setting for a color microcode image, the adjustment unit 612 changes the pixel values (256 gradations for each of the RGB colors) of the microcode image to pixel values represented by 2 gradations of black and white or 256 gradations of grayscale. If the adjustment unit 612 determines that adjustment of the color of the microcode image is unnecessary, it may not change the color of the microcode image. The case where adjustment of the color is unnecessary is, for example, when "color" is set for a color microcode image, when "color" is set for a monochrome microcode image, or when "monochrome" is set for a monochrome microcode image.

[0091] (Regarding the transmission unit 613) The transmission unit 613 transmits the microcode image adjusted by the adjustment unit 612 to the printing device 104. The transmission unit 613 may transmit, together with the adjusted microcode image, information used for the printing process in the printing device 104 and an instruction to execute the printing process. The transmission unit 613 may transmit to the printing device 104 the medium name, the number of media, and the output settings included in the output setting information 901.

[0092] [7. An Example of the Software Configuration of the Printing Device] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the printing device 104. With reference to FIG. 10, the configuration of the printing device 104 in the present embodiment will be described. The printing device 104 includes a communication unit 1000, a control unit 1010, and a storage unit 1020. The control unit 1010 includes a reception unit 1011, an operation unit 1012, and a printing process unit 1013. The control unit 1010 controls the entire printing device 104. The storage unit 1020 includes microcode information 1021.

[0093] (Regarding the communication unit 1000) The communication unit 1000 communicates with the code output adjustment server 103 and other devices via the network N.

[0094] (Regarding the reception unit 1011) The reception unit 1011 receives, via the communication unit 1000, the adjusted microcode image, information used for the printing process, and an instruction to execute the printing process from the code output adjustment server 103.

[0095] (Regarding the operation unit 1012) The operation unit 1012 receives inputs such as setting information for printing. For example, a user using the printing device 104 can operate the operation unit 1012 to input the size of the medium to be printed, the number of such media, and output settings regarding the color of the microcode image. Further, the operation unit 1012 receives an instruction to execute printing and instructions for various operations executed by the printing device 104.

[0096] (Regarding the printing process unit 1013) The printing processing unit 1013 executes printing processing for printing a microcode image or the like. The printing processing unit 1013 prints an image by ejecting coloring materials such as ink onto the set medium. Further, the printing processing unit 1013 may print an image by irradiating the medium with light having a high energy density to burn the surface of the medium.

[0097] (Microcode information 1021) The microcode information 1021 stores the adjusted microcode image. When the printing apparatus 104 receives a microcode image at the receiving unit 1011, the printing apparatus 104 stores the microcode image in the microcode information 1021. The microcode image may be stored in the microcode information 1021 for each CS user.

[0098] [8. An example of the information processing flow of the system] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the information processing flow of the terminal device 101, the electronic payment server 102, the code output adjustment server 103, and the printing apparatus 104. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the terminal device 101. With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the information processing flow according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0099] In S1101, the terminal device 101 makes a request to the electronic payment server 102 to acquire a microcode. For example, the terminal user operates the terminal device 101 to start an electronic payment application. Then, the terminal device 101 displays the home screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12 on the electronic payment application. On the home screen 1200, apps (1) 1201 to apps (4) 1204 indicating the apps that can be started on the electronic payment application and the account button 1205 are displayed. The account button 1205 is an operator that accepts the transition to a screen for checking the account information of the PS user. Apps (1) 1201 to apps (4) 1204 may be called mini-apps.

[0100] When the terminal device 101 detects an operation of the terminal user on the account button 1205, it displays the user account screen 1210 shown in FIG. 12 on the electronic payment application. On the user account screen 1210, account information 1211 regarding the PS user's account and a microcode generation button 1212 are displayed. The microcode generation button 1212 is an operator that accepts a request to obtain a microcode from the electronic payment server 102. When the terminal device 101 detects an operation of the terminal user on the microcode generation button 1212, it makes a request to obtain a microcode from the electronic payment server 102.

[0101] In S1102, the electronic payment server 102 generates a microcode image in response to receiving the acquisition request in S1101. In S1103, the electronic payment server 102 transmits the microcode image generated in S1102 to the terminal device 101 of the PS user who is the acquisition request source. When the terminal device 101 receives the microcode image, it saves the microcode image in the storage device 304.

[0102] In S1104, the terminal device 101 transmits the microcode image acquired in S1103 to the code output adjustment server 103. For example, the terminal user accesses a website or application provided by the code output adjustment server 103. When the access is successful, the terminal device 101 displays the microcode transmission screen 1220 shown in FIG. 12. On the microcode transmission screen 1220, an input form 1221 for accepting input of the microcode and a transmission button 1222 for accepting an instruction to transmit the microcode image are displayed. The terminal user inputs a path indicating the storage location of the microcode image in the input form 1221 and presses the transmission button 1222. Then, when the terminal device 101 detects an operation of the terminal user on the transmission button 1222, it transmits the microcode image to the code output adjustment server 103.

[0103] In S1105, when the code output adjustment server 103 acquires the microcode image in S1104, it transmits an input screen for output setting information to the terminal device 101 of the CS user who is the transmission source of the microcode image. For example, the code output adjustment server 103 transmits an output setting screen 1230 shown in FIG. 12 to the terminal device 101. The output setting screen 1230 is an input screen for allowing the terminal user to input output setting information. Then, the terminal device 101 displays the output setting screen 1230.

[0104] On the output setting screen 1230, a media selection unit 1231 for accepting selection of the medium to be printed with the microcode image, a quantity specifying unit 1232 for accepting input of the number of media, and a print size specifying unit 1233 for accepting input of the size of the microcode image are displayed. On the output setting screen 1230, an output setting unit 1234 for accepting setting of the color of the microcode image and a position specifying unit 1235 for accepting specification of the position where the microcode image is printed on the medium are displayed. On the output setting screen 1230, a transmission button 1236 for accepting transmission of the information set on the screen is displayed.

[0105] The information set by the media selection unit 1231, the quantity specifying unit 1232, the print size specifying unit 1233, the output setting unit 1234, and the position specifying unit 1235 respectively corresponds to the medium name, the number of media, the print size, the output setting, and the output position of the output setting information 901.

[0106] In addition, the code output adjustment server 103 can obtain the coordinates indicated at the output position in the following manner. First, the terminal user operates (for example, performs a drag operation) the simulated microcode image shown in the position designation section 1235 on the output setting screen 1230 to specify the position of the microcode image. Then, when the terminal device 101 detects the operation of the terminal user on the transmission button 1236, it transmits a composite image of the medium and the microcode image simulated in S1106 described later to the code output adjustment server 103. The code output adjustment server 103 can obtain the coordinates indicated at the output position based on the composite image received in S1106 and the reference coordinates and size information of the selected medium.

[0107] Alternatively, an input form (not shown) that allows the position of the microcode to be input numerically with reference to the reference coordinates of the selected medium may be provided in the position designation section 1235. When a numerical value indicating the position of the microcode image is input into the input form and the terminal device 101 detects the operation of the terminal user on the transmission button 1236, the terminal device 101 transmits the numerical value input into the input form to the code output adjustment server 103. Then, the code output adjustment server 103 obtains the received numerical value as the coordinates indicated at the output position.

[0108] In S1106, the terminal device 101 transmits the information set on the output setting screen 1230 by the terminal user to the code output adjustment server 103. In S1107, the code output adjustment server 103 adjusts the microcode image received in S1104 based on the output setting information received in S1106. In S1108, the code output adjustment server 103 transmits the microcode image adjusted in S1107 to the printing device 104.

[0109] In S1109, the printing device 104 prints the microcode image received in S1108 on the medium specified by the CS user. After that, the medium on which the microcode image is printed is sent to the address indicated in the address information 702 of the CS user who is the transmission source of the microcode image, which is managed by the code output adjustment server 103.

[0110] [9. Example of the Process Executed by the Code Output Adjustment Server] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the code output adjustment server 103. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is realized by the CPU 301 of the code output adjustment server 103 expanding the control program stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executing the expanded control program.

[0111] In S1301, the receiving unit 611 receives the microcode image from the terminal device 101. In S1302, when the receiving unit 611 receives the microcode image in S1301, the transmitting unit 613 transmits the output setting screen 1230 to the terminal device 101.

[0112] In S1303, the receiving unit 611 receives the information set on the output setting screen 1230 from the terminal device 101. In S1304, the adjustment unit 612 adjusts the microcode image received in S1301 based on the information received in S1303. In S1305, the transmitting unit 613 transmits the microcode image adjusted in S1304 to the printing device 104.

[0113] Note that, in this embodiment, although an example has been described in which the microcode image transmitted from the terminal device 101 is adjusted by the code output adjustment server 103, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a terminal device 101 equipped with software having the function of the code output adjustment server 103 may perform the adjustment of the microcode and transmit the adjusted microcode image to the printing device 104 directly or via the code output adjustment server 103 to the printing device 104.

[0114] [10. Effects] According to this embodiment, by printing the microcode image generated by the electronic payment server that provides the remittance service between individuals on a predetermined medium, the burden of the user's remittance operation can be reduced. That is, the terminal device of the remitter user acquires the identification information of the recipient user and the transfer information included in the microcode image printed on the medium. As a result, it is possible to easily transition to the transfer amount input screen without the operation of presenting the microcode by the recipient user using the electronic payment application and the operation of specifying the recipient user by the remitter user. Therefore, the burden of application operation by both users can be reduced, and the usability can be improved.

[0115] <Second Embodiment> In the above-described embodiment, the information processing flow until the microcode image is printed on a predetermined medium was explained. In this embodiment, the remittance process using the microcode image printed on a predetermined medium, which is executed by the electronic payment server 102, will be explained. Note that the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the above-described embodiment. Also, the configuration different from the above-described embodiment will be explained below.

[0116] [11. Example of Software Configuration of Electronic Payment Server] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the electronic payment server 102 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the configurations different from the above-described embodiment are the determination unit 1411, the PS user information DB 1421, and the terminal identification information DB 1422.

[0117] (Regarding the determination unit 1411) The determination unit 1411 determines the contents of the response information and other information, which will be described later, received by the reception unit 411.

[0118] (Regarding the PS user information DB 1421) The PS user information DB 1421 stores the remittance information of PS users. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the remittance information 1501 stored in the PS user information DB 1421. The electronic payment server 102 manages the remittance information 1501 in association with the PS user ID 502. The remittance information 1501 has a remittance ID, a remittance amount, a remittance destination, and a date and time.

[0119] The remittance ID is an identifier for identifying the remittance process executed by the electronic payment server 102. The remittance amount indicates the amount of electronic money transferred in the remittance process. The remittance destination indicates the PS user ID of the remittance destination. The date and time indicate the date and time when the remittance process was executed by the electronic payment server 102. As shown in FIG. 15, the electronic payment server 102 manages the remittance information 1501 for each PS user who is the remitter.

[0120] (Regarding the terminal identification information DB 1422) The terminal identification information DB 1422 stores terminal identification information for identifying the terminal devices owned by PS users. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the terminal identification information 1601 stored in the terminal identification information DB 1422.

[0121] The terminal identification information 1601 is an identifier for uniquely identifying the terminal devices of PS users. The electronic payment server 102 manages the terminal identification information 1601 in association with the PS user ID 502.

[0122] Here, assume a case where a PS user sets a notification function that allows the terminal device to receive notifications even when it is in the sleep state. The sleep state indicates a low power state in which the terminal device consumes less power than when it is being used by the terminal user. For example, the sleep state indicates a state where the display of the terminal device is turned off. When the PS user enables the notification function, the terminal device transmits terminal identification information 1601 for identifying the terminal device to the electronic payment server 102. Then, the electronic payment server 102 manages the received terminal identification information 1601 in association with the PS user ID 502. The terminal device with the notification function enabled can receive notifications from the electronic payment server 102 even when the electronic payment application is not displayed on the screen of the terminal device. That is, the PS user can check the money transfer request notification described later without starting the electronic payment application. Note that in order to implement the notification function, the electronic payment server 102 may operate in conjunction with a notification server (not shown) that notifies the terminal device to notify a predetermined terminal device.

[0123] [12. Example of Information Processing] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of processing performed among the terminal device 101, the electronic payment server 102, and the terminal device 1700. Note that the terminal device 1700 is an information processing device having the same configuration as the terminal device 101. Also, in the present embodiment, the PS user who owns the terminal device 1700 is referred to as the first PS user, and the PS user who owns the terminal device 101 is referred to as the second PS user.

[0124] In S1701, the first PS user operates the terminal device 1700 to start the electronic payment application.

[0125] In S1702, the first PS user operates the terminal device 1700 to operate the electronic payment application. Then, the terminal device 1700 acquires the microcode of the second PS user according to the operation of the electronic payment application by the first PS user. For example, the first PS user operates the terminal device 1700 to acquire the microcode of the second PS user through the microcode acquisition function using the camera unit implemented on the electronic payment application. The terminal device 1700 can acquire the identification information of the second PS user and the transition information for transitioning to the input screen of the remittance amount embedded in the microcode by the analysis program of the code image of the electronic payment application.

[0126] In S1703, the terminal device 1700 requests the input screen of the remittance amount from the electronic payment server 102 and transmits the identification information of the second PS user to the electronic payment server 102. In S1704, the electronic payment server 102 transmits the input screen of the remittance amount with the second PS user set as the remittance destination to the terminal device 1700 according to the request received in S1703.

[0127] In S1705, when the terminal device 1700 receives the input screen of the remittance amount in S1704, it displays the input screen on the electronic payment application. Then, the first PS user operates the terminal device 1700 to input the remittance amount. When the terminal device 1700 detects the transmission operation of the remittance amount by the first PS user, it transmits the input remittance amount to the electronic payment server 102. At this time, the terminal device 1700 transmits the user identification information of the first PS user (for example, PS user ID 502) to the electronic payment server 102.

[0128] In S1706, when the electronic payment server 102 receives the remittance amount in S1705, it notifies the terminal device 101 of the second PS user of the remittance request. The remittance request in this embodiment means that the PS user of the remitter requests the PS user of the remittee to receive the electronic money. In addition, the notification of the remittance request includes the transition information for transitioning to the screen for receiving the electronic money, which is displayed on the electronic payment application.

[0129] The electronic payment server 102 identifies the terminal device 101 from the terminal identification information associated with the identification information of the second PS user received in S1703. After that, the electronic payment server 102 notifies the identified terminal device 101 of a money transfer request.

[0130] In S1707, when the terminal device 101 receives the notification of the money transfer request in S1706, it displays the notification. The second PS user performs an operation on the notification of the money transfer request displayed on the terminal device 101. When the terminal device 101 detects the user's operation on the notification of the money transfer request, it starts the electronic payment application and requests the electronic payment server 102 for a screen (hereinafter referred to as the money transfer acceptance / rejection screen) for selecting whether to accept the money transfer request based on the transition information included in the notification.

[0131] In S1708, the electronic payment server 102 transmits the money transfer acceptance / rejection screen in response to the request received in S1707. In S1709, the first PS user performs a selection operation on the money transfer acceptance / rejection screen displayed on the electronic payment application to select whether to accept the money transfer request. Then, when the terminal device 101 detects the selection operation of the first PS user, it transmits response information indicating whether to accept the money transfer request to the electronic payment server 102.

[0132] In S1710, when the electronic payment server 102 determines that the response information received in S1709 indicates acceptance of the money transfer request, it executes the money transfer process. On the other hand, when the electronic payment server 102 determines that the response information received in S1709 indicates non-acceptance of the money transfer request, it does not execute the money transfer process and does not perform the processes after S1711.

[0133] In S1711, when the electronic payment server 102 completes the money transfer process in S1710, it transmits a money transfer completion notification indicating that the money transfer process has been completed to the terminal device 101. In S1712, when the electronic payment server 102 completes the money transfer process in S1710, it transmits a money transfer completion notification indicating that the money transfer process has been completed to the terminal device 1700.

[0134] [13. Example of the information processing flow of the system] FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the information processing flow of the terminal device 101, the electronic payment server 102, and the terminal device 1700. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the terminal device 101. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the terminal device 1700. With reference to FIGS. 18 to 20, the information processing flow in this embodiment will be described.

[0135] In S1801, when the terminal device 1700 detects an operation of the first PS user on the electronic payment application, it activates the electronic payment application. When the electronic payment application is activated, the terminal device 1700 displays the home screen 1900 shown in FIG. 19. On the home screen 1900, a money transfer button 1901 and applications (1) 1201 to applications (4) 1204 launched on the electronic payment application are displayed. The money transfer button 1901 is an operator that accepts a request to display an input screen for the transfer amount set as the transfer destination by the PS user indicated by the identification information of the PS user obtained from the my code.

[0136] In S1802, the terminal device 1700 acquires the my code of the second PS user as an image. For example, when the terminal device 1700 detects an operation of the first PS user on the money transfer button 1901, it displays the my code acquisition screen 1910 shown in FIG. 19 on the electronic payment application. The my code acquisition screen 1910 is a screen displayed to acquire the information embedded in the my code. On the my code acquisition screen 1910, a frame 1911 serving as a guide for fitting the my code within the screen is displayed. Also, the my code acquisition screen 1910 shown in FIG. 19 shows the state where the my code 1912 of the second PS user is reflected on the screen. The terminal device 1700 can operate the camera unit it is equipped with while the my code acquisition screen 1910 is displayed.

[0137] In S1803, the terminal device 1700 obtains the identification information of the second PS user and the transition information for transitioning to the input screen for the transfer amount from the image of the microcode of the second PS user obtained in S1802. Then, the terminal device 1700 requests the input screen for the transfer amount from the electronic payment server 102 and transmits the identification information of the second PS user.

[0138] In S1804, in response to the request received in S1803, the electronic payment server 102 transmits the input screen for the transfer amount set for the second PS user as the recipient to the terminal device 1700. For example, the electronic payment server 102 transmits the transfer amount input screen 1920 shown in FIG. 19 to the terminal device 1700. Then, the terminal device 1700 displays the transfer amount input screen 1920 on the electronic payment application.

[0139] The transfer amount input screen 1920 has the name 1921 of the recipient PS user, the soft key 1922 for inputting the transfer amount, and the display unit 1923 that displays the transfer amount input with the soft key 1922. The transfer amount input screen 1920 has a transfer button 1924 for instructing the transfer of the transfer amount displayed on the display unit 1923. The transfer amount input screen 1920 shows a state where "XX" is displayed as the name of the recipient PS user and "1,000 yen" is input as the transfer amount.

[0140] In S1805, the terminal device 1700 transmits the transfer amount to the electronic payment server 102. For example, when the terminal device 1700 detects that the transfer amount has been input to the transfer amount input screen 1920 by the first user and the transfer button 1924 has been operated, the terminal device 1700 transmits the input transfer amount to the electronic payment server 102. At this time, the terminal device 1700 transmits the user identification information of the first PS user (for example, PS user ID 502) to the electronic payment server 102. After that, the terminal device 1700 displays the transfer waiting screen 1930 shown in FIG. 19 on the electronic payment application.

[0141] The remittance pending screen 1930 has a display area 1931 where the remittance amount is displayed. In the display area 1931, "1,000 yen" is displayed as the remittance amount. That is, in the display area 1931, the remittance amount input and confirmed by the first user is displayed.

[0142] In S1806, the electronic payment server 102 notifies the terminal device 101 of the remittance request. For example, in a state where the notification setting is effectively set in the terminal device 101, when the electronic payment server 102 receives the remittance amount from the terminal device 1700, it identifies the terminal device 101 from the terminal identification information 1601 associated with the user identification information of the second PS user. Then, the electronic payment server 102 notifies the identified terminal device 101 of the remittance request. At this time, the electronic payment server 102 includes transition information for causing a transition to a remittance response screen, which will be described later, in the notification of the remittance request.

[0143] The remittance request notification screen 2000 shown in FIG. 20 shows a remittance request notification 2001 displayed on the terminal device 101. As the remittance request notification 2001, a message indicating that a remittance request has come from the first PS user is displayed.

[0144] In S1807, the terminal device 101 requests the electronic payment server 102 for a remittance response screen for the second PS user to select whether to accept the remittance request. For example, the terminal device 101 displays the remittance request notification 2001 in S1806. Then, when the terminal device 101 detects an operation on the remittance request notification 2001 by the second PS user, it requests the electronic payment server 102 for the remittance response screen.

[0145] In S1808, in response to the request for the remittance approval screen received in S1807, the electronic payment server 102 transmits the remittance approval screen 2010 to the terminal device 101. The remittance approval screen 2010 shown in FIG. 20 is a screen for selecting whether to accept a remittance request, which is displayed on the electronic payment application. On the remittance approval screen 2010, a display area 2011 for displaying the received amount, a "Reject" button 2012 for accepting the rejection of the remittance request, and an "Accept" button 2013 for accepting the remittance request are displayed.

[0146] In S1809, the terminal device 101 transmits response information indicating whether to accept the remittance request to the electronic payment server 102. For example, the terminal device 101 displays the remittance approval screen 2010 received in S1808 on the electronic payment application. Then, when the terminal device 101 detects the operation of the second PS user on the "Accept" button 2013, it transmits information indicating that the remittance request is accepted to the electronic payment server 102. On the other hand, when the terminal device 101 detects the operation of the second PS user on the "Reject" button 2012, it transmits information indicating that the remittance request is not accepted to the electronic payment server 102.

[0147] In S1810, when the electronic payment server 102 receives information indicating that the remittance request is accepted, it executes the remittance process. On the other hand, when the electronic payment server 102 receives information indicating that the remittance request is not accepted, it does not execute the remittance process and does not execute the subsequent processes. When the electronic payment server 102 executes the remittance process, it stores the remittance information 1501 shown in FIG. 15 in the PS user information DB 1421.

[0148] In S1811, when the remittance process is completed in S1810, the electronic payment server 102 transmits a remittance completion notification indicating that the remittance process is completed to the terminal device 101. Then, when the terminal device 101 receives the remittance completion notification, it switches the display from the remittance approval screen 2010 to the remittance completion screen 2020 shown in FIG. 20. On the remittance completion screen 2020, a check mark 2021 serving as a mark of remittance completion and a message 2022 indicating that the receipt of the remittance amount is completed are displayed.

[0149] In S1812, when the remittance process is completed in S1810, the electronic payment server 102 transmits a remittance completion notice indicating that the remittance process has been completed to the terminal device 1700. Then, when the terminal device 1700 receives the remittance completion notice, it switches the display from the remittance waiting screen 1930 to the remittance completion screen 2020.

[0150] <Comparative Example> The above Figure 19 (the flow up to 1900 - 1920) is an explanation of the second remittance procedure. As a comparative example, the first remittance procedure will be explained. In the first remittance procedure not according to the present embodiment, the first PS user operates the remittance button 1901 on the home screen 1900. After that, the first PS user needs to operate a remittance screen (not shown) displayed on the electronic payment application to search for and specify the second PS user as the remittance destination from the list. It takes time to search when there are a large number of PS users registered in the list. Furthermore, if the remittance destination PS user is not registered, the first PS user first needs to register the remittance destination PS user. After such a remittance procedure, the terminal device 1700 can display the screen of 1920 on the electronic payment application. Different from such a comparative example, according to the second remittance procedure, since the procedure such as specifying the remittance destination PS user can be omitted and the screen of 1920 can be displayed, the load on the user can be reduced. As described in the first embodiment, by printing the microcode image on a medium close to the PS user, it is possible to immediately transition to the screen of 1920 when using the remittance service, so that the usability can be improved.

[0151] <Usage Example> Examples of using the medium include distributing business cards printed with the microcode image and using a card case that can hold business cards and the like and is printed with the microcode image in a business scene. In daily life, examples include using a smartphone case printed with the microcode image, attaching a seal printed with the microcode image to a wallet or the like, and wearing a strap with wood engraved with the microcode image attached thereto.

[0152] <Other Embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, the case where the electronic payment server 102 generates the microcode image has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the code output adjustment server 103 may generate the microcode image. The code output adjustment server 103 in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 21 has a determination unit 2111 that determines whether it is a microcode image or coded information, and a generation unit 2112 that generates the microcode image, unlike the above-described embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the flow of the process of generating the microcode image by the code output adjustment server 103 will be described. Note that the process of S2 is not performed in the present embodiment.

[0153] In S1, the terminal device 101 makes a request to the electronic payment server 102 for acquisition of coded information including user identification information and information for transitioning to a screen for using the remittance service in response to a predetermined operation of the terminal user on the electronic payment application.

[0154] In S3, the terminal device 101 acquires the coded information and stores it in the storage device 304. In S4, the terminal user accesses a website or the like provided by the code output adjustment server 103 and transmits the coded information using the terminal device 101.

[0155] The determination unit 2111 of the code output adjustment server 103 determines whether the information received in S4 is a microcode image or encoded information. If the code output adjustment server 103 determines that it is a microcode image, it proceeds to S5. If it determines that it is encoded information, it generates a microcode image with the encoded information embedded therein by the generation unit 2112 and proceeds to S5. In the present embodiment, the processing after S6 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In this way, the code output adjustment server 103 may be configured to generate a microcode image by itself.

[0156] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the electronic settlement server 102 transmits the remittance approval / rejection screen 2010 to the terminal device 101 in S1808 has been described as an example. However, the electronic settlement server 102 may transmit the remittance completion screen 2020 to the terminal device 101 instead of the remittance approval / rejection screen 2010.

[0157] For example, assume a case where an automatic acceptance function that automatically accepts a remittance request without a response operation of the second PS user for the remittance request, as described with reference to the remittance approval / rejection screen 2010 in FIG. 20, can be set in the electronic settlement application. When the automatic acceptance function is validly set in the electronic settlement application of the terminal device 101, in S1808, the electronic settlement server 102 transmits the remittance completion screen 2020. In this case, S1809 is omitted, and in S1810, the electronic settlement server 102 executes a remittance process. That is, it may be configured such that the acceptance of the remittance amount is automatically completed in accordance with the operation of the second PS user for the remittance request notification 2001 shown in the remittance request notification screen 2000 in FIG. 20 without a response operation of accepting or rejecting the remittance request.

[0158] In addition, the above-described terminal device 101 can be flexibly configured, for example, by calling an external platform or the like through an API or network computing depending on the function.

[0159] In addition, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents do not conflict with each other.

Explanation of Symbols

[0160] 101 Terminal device 102 Electronic payment server 103 Code output adjustment server 104 Printing device 611 Receiver 612 Adjustment unit 613 Transmitter 621 CS user information DB 622 My code DB 623 Output setting information DB

Claims

A code output adjustment server that communicates between a first terminal device communicably connected to an electronic payment server that provides a remittance service using a code, and a printing device that prints an optical symbol on a predetermined medium, wherein: The first terminal device used by a first user registered in the electronic payment server, and based on a request for an information code transmitted from the first terminal device according to a first operation of the first user on the first terminal device, the information code generated by the electronic payment server is obtained from the first terminal device. The information code transmitted according to the second operation of the first user, includes identification information for identifying the first user, and includes transition information for transitioning the second terminal device of the second user to a remittance screen for transferring electronic money from the electronic account of the second user registered in the electronic payment server to the electronic account of the first user. A receiving unit that receives the output setting information indicating the output setting used when outputting the information code by the printing device; An adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of the position and size of outputting the information code to the predetermined medium based on the output setting information; A transmitting unit that transmits an instruction to print the code adjusted by the adjustment unit in the printing device A code output adjustment server, characterized by comprising:

2. The code output adjustment server according to claim 1, wherein in the remittance screen, it is possible to specify a remittance amount to be remitted to the first user.

3. The code output adjustment server according to claim 1, wherein when the receiving unit receives the information code as a code image in which the identification information and the transition information are embedded, the adjustment unit performs the adjustment on the code image.

4. The code output adjustment server according to claim 3, wherein the code image is an image with a logo attached thereto indicating that remittance between individuals is possible.

5. The code output adjustment server according to claim 1, further comprising a generation unit that generates a code image in which the identification information and the transition information are embedded when the receiving unit receives the identification information and the transition information.

6. The code output adjustment server according to claim 1, wherein the information code is not set with an expiration date for using the information code.

7. The code output adjustment server according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined medium is any one of a smartphone case, a business card, a sticker, a card case, and wood.

8. An information processing method of a code output adjustment server that communicates between a first terminal device communicably connected to an electronic payment server that provides a remittance service using a code, and a printing device that prints an optical symbol on a predetermined medium, the first terminal device used by a first user registered in the electronic payment server, the information code generated by the electronic payment server based on a request for obtaining the information code transmitted from the first terminal device according to a first operation of the first user on the first terminal device, the information code transmitted according to a second operation of the first user, including identification information for identifying the first user, and migration information for causing the second terminal device of the second user to transition to a remittance screen for transferring electronic money from the electronic account of the second user registered in the electronic payment server to the electronic account of the first user. A receiving step of receiving the information code including the information code and output setting information indicating an output setting used when the printing device outputs the information code; An adjusting step of adjusting at least one of a position and a size at which the information code is output to the predetermined medium based on the output setting information; A transmitting step of transmitting an instruction to print the code adjusted in the adjusting step on the printing device An information processing method of a code output adjustment server, characterized by including the above.

9. A program of a code output adjustment server that communicates between a first terminal device communicably connected to an electronic payment server that provides a remittance service using a code, and a printing device that prints an optical symbol on a predetermined medium, in the code output adjustment server, The first terminal device used by the first user registered in the electronic payment server, which acquires the information code generated by the electronic payment server based on a request for the information code transmitted from the first terminal device according to a first operation of the first user on the first terminal device. The information code transmitted according to a second operation of the first user from the first terminal device, which includes identification information for identifying the first user and transfer information for causing the second terminal device of the second user registered in the electronic payment server to transition to a transfer screen for transferring electronic money from the electronic account of the second user to the electronic account of the first user. A receiving procedure for receiving the information code and output setting information indicating an output setting used when outputting the information code by a printing device. An adjustment procedure for adjusting at least one of the position and size of outputting the information code to the predetermined medium based on the output setting information. A transmission procedure for transmitting an instruction to print the code adjusted in the adjustment procedure in the printing device. A program for a code output adjustment server, characterized by causing the above to be executed.

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