Processing method and program

Abstract

To provide a technique that enables users to appropriately select means of settlement that can be used at shops without hesitation and promotes the use of electronic settlements.SOLUTION: An electronic settlement use support device 100 includes: a selection unit 102 configured to select means of settlement that can be used at a shop where a user is currently located from among a plurality of means of settlement that can be used by the user; a ranking unit 104 configured to prioritize the selected means of settlement according to predetermined rules; and a presentation unit 106 configured to present, to the user, the means of settlement with the priority determined by the ranking unit 104.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic payment support device, an electronic payment support method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various payment methods for cashless payment processing using users' mobile devices, and in recent years, many new payment methods have also emerged. With so many different payment methods available, it is inconvenient and unreasonable for users to not know which payment method is most advantageous at the time of use. Patent document 1 describes a card payment system that suggests the most suitable card to a customer for payment based on the place of purchase, purchase date and time, purchase amount, and priorities set by the customer, eliminating the need to carry multiple cards. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-130092 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a store accepts a payment method, it incurs costs for installing the equipment and systems required to use that payment method, as well as usage fees. For this reason, stores rarely accept all payment methods. As a result, the payment methods available at each store vary, making it difficult for customers to know which payment methods are available at which stores.

[0005] The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide technology that allows users to easily and appropriately select payment methods available at stores, thereby promoting the use of electronic payments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, each aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0007] The first aspect relates to a program installed on a user terminal used by a user. The first aspect of the program is: A process of acquiring information on the payment method used by the user; a process of displaying a map based on the location of the user terminal on the user terminal; A process of displaying information about stores on the map; When a store displayed on the map is selected, a process of displaying on the user terminal payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user in accordance with predetermined rules; causing the user terminal to execute a process of launching a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment means displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; The process of displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules includes a process of displaying payment methods with high return rates at the selected store at the top.

[0008] The second aspect relates to the processing method. The processing method according to the second aspect comprises: Obtain information about the payment method used by the user, displaying a map based on the location of the user terminal on the user terminal; Displaying information about the store on the map; When a store displayed on the map is selected, the payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user are displayed on the user terminal in accordance with a predetermined rule; launching a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment methods displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; When displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules, payment methods with high return rates at the selected store are displayed at the top. The third aspect relates to a user terminal used by a user. A user terminal according to a third aspect includes: A means for acquiring information on a payment method used by the user; means for displaying a map based on the location of the user terminal on the user terminal; means for displaying information about stores on the map; a means for displaying, on the user terminal, payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user in accordance with a predetermined rule, when the store displayed on the map is selected; means for launching a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment means displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; The means for displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules displays payment methods with high return rates at the selected store at the top.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention may be a program that causes at least one computer to execute the processing method of the second aspect, or a computer-readable recording medium on which such a program is recorded. This recording medium includes a non-transitory tangible medium. The computer program comprises computer program code which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the processing method on a user terminal.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, and any transformation of the present invention into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention.

[0011] Furthermore, the various components of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent entities, but may be formed as a single member by multiple components, one component may be formed from multiple components, one component may be part of another component, or part of one component may overlap with part of another component, etc.

[0012] Furthermore, although the method and computer program of the present invention describe a number of steps in a sequential order, the order in which the steps are described does not limit the order in which the steps are executed. Therefore, when implementing the method and computer program of the present invention, the order of the steps can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content.

[0013] Furthermore, the multiple steps of the method and computer program of the present invention are not limited to being executed at different times, and therefore, a step may occur while another step is being executed, or the execution timing of a step may partially or completely overlap with the execution timing of another step, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the above aspects, it is possible to provide a technology that allows users to appropriately select payment methods available at stores without hesitation, thereby promoting the use of electronic payments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of an electronic payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the logical configuration of an electronic payment utilization support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3]3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the electronic payment utilization support device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a program that realizes an electronic payment utilization support device. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a payment method table by store. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of priority rule setting information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of various information for each payment method. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the recommendation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of user information. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the electronic payment support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of credit limit information for each payment method. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the logical configuration of an electronic payment support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment support device of the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a category-specific store payment method table. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map information screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an electronic payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the logical configuration of an electronic payment support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 26] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the data structure of a forwarding table. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of information regarding the use of a user's payment method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following drawings, configurations of parts that are not related to the essence of the present invention are omitted and are not shown.

[0017] In the embodiments, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: a device going to retrieve data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and inputting data or information output from another device into the device (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or inquiry to another device and receiving a reply, and accessing and reading information from another device or storage medium. An example of passive acquisition is receiving information that is distributed (or transmitted, pushed, etc.). Furthermore, "acquisition" may also mean selecting and acquiring data or information from received data or information, or selecting and receiving distributed data or information.

[0018] (First embodiment) <System Overview> FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of an electronic payment system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Electronic payment system 1 is a system that allows a user U to electronically pay for merchandise at a store. Electronic payment system 1 includes a server 10, a user terminal 20, and a store terminal 30. Server 10 manages information related to various payment methods that are supported for use in electronic payments by the electronic payment utilization support device of this embodiment, which will be described later.

[0019] The user terminal 20 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The store terminal 30 is a terminal that has at least the function of processing the settlement of the price for the products and services purchased by the user U. The store terminal 30 may be a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal that includes a product registration function, or may be a terminal dedicated to the settlement process. The user U can use the user terminal 20 to pay the price, i.e., to carry out the so-called electronic payment procedure.

[0020] Payment methods for electronic payment means using the user terminal 20 are classified as follows, for example, but are not limited to these. (a1) This is called two-dimensional code payment (two-dimensional codes are QR (Quick Response) codes (registered trademark) or barcodes, etc.), and involves having the user present a two-dimensional code containing payment information at the user terminal 20 or at the store, which is then read by the other party, thereby transmitting and receiving payment information and carrying out the payment process. (a2) Communication is performed between a contactless communication reader such as the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip such as RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) in the user terminal 20, and payment information is sent and received to perform payment processing.

[0021] The payment methods for each payment method include, for example, prepayment, deferred payment, and immediate payment. In the prepayment method, the price is paid in cash or from electronic money that is charged manually or automatically (so-called auto-charge) from a credit card, debit card, or a financial institution account. In the postpaid system, payment is made using a credit card or from a financial institution account. With the immediate payment method, payment is made from a financial institution's account using a debit card. Furthermore, points awarded and saved by each company can be used to pay at least part of the price.

[0022] <Example of functional configuration> 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the logical configuration of electronic payment support apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Electronic payment support apparatus 100 comprises selection unit 102, ranking unit 104, and presentation unit 106.

[0023] The selection unit 102 selects a payment method that can be used in the store where the user is currently located from among a plurality of payment methods that can be used by the user. The ranking unit 104 determines the priority order of the selected payment methods according to predetermined rules. The presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods to the user in the order of priority determined by the ranking unit 104. The presentation unit 106, for example, causes the display device 120 of the user terminal 20 (FIG. 1) to display various screens.

[0024] In this embodiment, the payment methods are two-dimensional code payment provided by the above-mentioned companies, electronic money provided by the companies, credit cards provided by the companies, debit cards provided by the companies, etc. Payment methods available to users are, for example, those in which an application for using the payment method is installed on the user terminal 20 of the user.

[0025] Furthermore, electronic payment usage support apparatus 100 includes storage device 110 that stores various information used by electronic payment usage support apparatus 100. Storage device 110 may be provided inside or outside electronic payment usage support apparatus 100. Storage device 110 may physically consist of multiple storage devices.

[0026] <Hardware configuration example> Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a computer 1000 that realizes the electronic payment usage support apparatus 100 shown in Figure 2. The computer 1000 has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0027] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0028] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0029] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0030] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the computer 1000. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 also stores each piece of information stored in the storage device 110.

[0031] The program module may be recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium on which the program module is recorded may include a non-transitory, tangible medium usable by the computer 1000, and the program code readable by the computer 1000 (processor 1020) may be embedded in the medium.

[0032] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to various input / output devices.

[0033] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to a communication network. This communication network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method for connecting the network interface 1060 to the communication network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0034] The computer 1000 is connected to necessary devices (for example, a display device such as a touch panel, an input device, an imaging camera, a microphone, and a speaker) via an input / output interface 1050 or a network interface 1060.

[0035] Electronic payment utilization support device 100 is realized by combining server 10 and user terminal 20, and is therefore realized by multiple computers 1000 that respectively constitute server 10 and user terminal 20. User terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. For example, electronic payment utilization support device 100 is realized by installing and running a program for realizing electronic payment utilization support device 100 (electronic payment utilization support program 50 in FIG. 4) on user terminal 20. The program installed on user terminal 20 can connect to server 10 via communication network 3 and obtain information about each company's payment methods, stores, etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, an electronic payment utilization support program 50 and at least two payment processing applications 52 (shown in the figure as Company A Pay application 52a, Company B Pay application 52b, and Company C Pay application 52c) for each company registered for use by user U are installed. Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as payment processing applications 52.

[0037] The electronic payment utilization support program 50 realizes functions such as managing the use of each company's payment methods (payment processing applications 52) on the user terminal 20, and providing user U with information on payment methods (payment processing applications 52) that have not yet been registered for use.

[0038] In another example, the functions of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 may be provided to user U by starting a predetermined browser on user terminal 20 and accessing a web page that provides the services of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 via communication network 3 such as the Internet. This web page is a so-called portal site that becomes available once user U has previously registered to use the services of this system, registered user information, and obtained authentication information. In this configuration, electronic payment utilization support program 50 runs on server 10. This configuration will be described in detail in the sixth embodiment below.

[0039] In yet another example, computer 1000 may be a server device of a system such as SaaS (Software as a Service) that provides the service of electronic payment utilization support device 100. User terminal 20 may access server 10 via communication network 3 such as the Internet, and electronic payment utilization support device 100 may be realized by a program running on server 10.

[0040] Each component of electronic payment support device 100 of this embodiment shown in Figure 2 is realized by any combination of hardware and software of computer 1000 shown in Figure 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are many variations in the realization method and device. The functional block diagrams showing electronic payment support device 100 of each embodiment described below show logical functional blocks rather than a hardware-based configuration.

[0041] <Example of operation> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. First, the selection unit 102 selects a payment method that can be used in the store where the user is currently located from among a plurality of payment methods that can be used by the user (step S101).

[0042] The method for identifying the store where the user is currently located is exemplified below, but is not limited to this. (b1) Using a GPS (Global Positioning System) function or the like of the user terminal 20, current location information is acquired, and the store at the current location is identified from map information. (b2) The map of (b1) is displayed on the user terminal 20, and the user U selects the store he or she is visiting from among the stores on the map. (b3) The user touches the user terminal 20 to a store entry confirmation terminal provided in the store to establish short-range communication, and the user terminal 20 receives store information from the store terminal.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows an example of the data structure of the store-specific payment method table 130. The store-specific payment method table 130 stores and associates available payment methods with each store. In this example, available payment methods are associated with a circle. This is just one example; the identification information for available payment methods may be stored and associated with each store, or available payment methods may be associated with "1" and unavailable payment methods may be associated with "0" or "NULL."

[0044] The selection unit 102 selects a payment method corresponding to the identified store from among the payment methods for which applications have been installed in the user terminal 20. For example, when it is determined that user U has entered store Sa, the store-specific payment method table 130 identifies that the payment methods available at store Sa are two-dimensional code payments from companies A and C.

[0045] The selection unit 102 selects a payment method identified as usable at store Sa from among the payment methods corresponding to the payment processing application 52 installed on the user terminal 20. Since the payment processing applications 52 of companies A, B, and C are already installed on the user terminal 20, the selection unit 102 selects the two-dimensional code payments of companies A and C.

[0046] Returning to FIG. 5, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority order of the selected payment methods according to a predetermined rule (step S103). The predetermined rules specify at least one of the following conditions for use, such as the rebate rate and point award rate for using the payment method, and whether or not there is a campaign for the payment method and the details of the campaign (usage limit, availability of coupons, special offers), or which of these conditions will be prioritized.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the priority assignment rule setting information 140. As shown in FIG. The priorities of the conditions to be prioritized when determining the priority are set in the prioritization rule setting information 140. In this example, the first priority is whether or not there is a campaign, the second priority is the return rate, and the third priority is the point award rate.

[0048] Electronic payment usage support apparatus 100 may further include a setting unit (not shown) that sets predetermined rules using input from user U. The setting unit may be able to accept input for setting the predetermined rules, for example, in the program of electronic payment usage support apparatus 100 or on a setting screen (not shown) of a website dedicated to user U. In this case, the predetermined rules are set for each user U. The rules set by the setting unit are registered in prioritization rule setting information 140.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of various information by payment method. FIG. 8(a) shows an example of the data structure of payment method-specific information 152, and FIG. 8(b) shows an example of the data structure of campaign information 154. The payment method-specific information 152 stores return rates and campaign identification information for each payment method. In this example, campaigns currently being conducted are associated with campaign identification information. Campaigns not currently being conducted are not associated with campaign identification information. The campaign information 154 stores detailed campaign content for each campaign identification information (shown as campaign ID in the figure) in FIG. 8(a). The campaign information 154 includes, for example, the campaign implementation period (or implementation date and time), specific content, usage restrictions, point award rate, information on coupons to be awarded, and other additional information.

[0050] The information on payment methods in Figure 8 is obtained from information provided by companies that offer payment methods. Methods for obtaining information from each company include, but are not limited to, the following examples. (c1) A form for inputting information is displayed on a dedicated web page for business operators provided by electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100, and business operators are prompted to input the information. (c2) The administrator inputs the information of each company provided by the business operator or user U, or collected by the administrator of electronic payment utilization support device 100 from websites, etc., into electronic payment utilization support device 100. However, if information is obtained and used from sources other than the business operator, this must be done lawfully.

[0051] In this embodiment, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority order according to the rule that the first priority is given to the presence or absence of a campaign, followed by the return rate. From the payment method information 152 in Figure 8(a), Company C has no campaign information, but Company A does, so Company A is determined to have the first priority order. Although Company C has a higher return rate than Company A, Company A is determined to have the second priority order.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 5, the presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods to the user with the priorities determined by the ranking unit 104 in step S103 (step S105). Possible methods for presenting the payment methods with priorities assigned include displaying them in order of priority, displaying the payment methods with priorities assigned, displaying only the payment methods with the highest (or highest) priorities, highlighting the payment methods with the highest (or highest) priorities, etc. Furthermore, the application for the payment method with the highest priority may be automatically launched to enable a smooth payment procedure.

[0053] The presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods to the user by, for example, displaying a recommendation screen 160 on the display device 120 of the user terminal 20.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen 160 presented by the presentation unit 106. As shown in FIG. The recommendation screen 160 displays, in order of priority, a ranking 162 for at least two payment methods selected by the selection unit 102, a payment method logo 164, and a payment method name display area 166. The logo 164 and name display area 166 may function as operation buttons that accept an operation to launch the payment processing application 52 for that payment method. Alternatively, they may include a link to a website for the service using that payment method, and have the function of displaying that website when pressed.

[0055] The payment method ranked first in the ranking 162 may be highlighted 168, such as a star. The highlighting method is not limited to this, and various other methods may be used, such as highlighting, blinking, color change, animation, and 3D display. While the multiple payment methods are displayed in a list format in this example, they may also be displayed using other GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces). For example, payment methods may be displayed in order of priority using a drum roll or list-style pull-down menu. In this case, an operation button may be provided for using the payment method selected in the pull-down menu. Pressing the operation button may launch the payment processing application 52 for the payment method, or display a website for the service using the payment method.

[0056] Furthermore, screen 160 may include a campaign information display field 170 that displays information about payment methods currently participating in a campaign. Campaign information display field 170 displays information about payment methods for which campaign identification information is registered in payment method-specific information 152 in FIG. 8(a). In this example, the logo of the payment method for which a campaign is being implemented is displayed, and the logo of the payment method may include a link to a web page for the campaign information. By selecting the logo, the web page for the campaign information can be opened, and user U can view details of the campaign information. Various information, including the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the payment method's web page, the logo, etc., may be stored in storage device 110 as payment method master data (not shown).

[0057] Furthermore, the presentation method by the presentation unit 106 may be to present to user U by normal screen display, pop-up (push) display, delivery of a message (SNS (Social Networking Service), email, etc.), or posting on a web page dedicated to user U on a website.

[0058] The user U can refer to the payment methods presented by the presentation unit 106 and decide which payment method to use at the store.

[0059] In another example, the recommendation screen 160 may display only the top-level payment method, as shown in Fig. 10. In this example, only the logo mark 164 of the payment method is displayed, but the name display section 166 of the payment method may also be displayed, or both the logo mark 164 and the name display section 166 of the payment method may also be displayed.

[0060] As described above, according to the electronic payment support device 100 of an embodiment of the present invention, the selection unit 102 selects payment methods that can be used at the store where the user U is currently located, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority of the selected payment methods, and the presentation unit 106 prioritizes the payment methods and presents them to the user U.

[0061] With this configuration, user U can find out which payment methods are available at the store where he or she is currently located, and which payment method is the most cost-effective to use. This eliminates the need to worry about which payment method to use when paying, allowing for a smooth settlement process. Even if the store does not accept all payment methods, it does not cause inconvenience to user U. This promotes the use of electronic payments for both stores and users.

[0062] (Second embodiment) The electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment is the same as the above embodiment except that it is configured to present another payment method to the user U when, for example, the available amount of the payment method with the highest priority is insufficient to cover the payment amount.

[0063] <Example of functional configuration> The electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the above embodiment shown in Fig. 2, and therefore this embodiment will also be described using Fig. 2. The presentation unit 106 presents to the user U payment methods other than the highest-priority payment method in accordance with the payment conditions that indicate the conditions for payment using the highest-priority payment method.

[0064] Examples of payment terms include, but are not limited to, the following: (d1) The payment amount exceeds the currently available amount of the payment method (d2) Exceeding the amount specified by user U for each payment method (d3) The cashback rate exceeds the upper limit of the applicable usage amount.

[0065] If the highest-ranked payment method satisfies the above payment conditions, the presenting unit 106 presents another payment method that does not satisfy the above payment conditions to the user U. At this time, the other payment methods may be determined to satisfy the payment conditions in the order of priority determined by the ranking unit 104.

[0066] In another example, electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 may further include a determination unit (not shown) that determines whether the above payment conditions are met. In this case, the determination unit may make a determination for each payment method selected by selection unit 102, and ranking unit 104 may rank payment methods that are determined not to meet the payment conditions.

[0067] Examples of timing for presenting another payment method to user U include, but are not limited to, the following: (e1) When the recommendation screen 160 of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 is displayed, if the available amount of the highest level payment method is 0 yen (or 0 points) under the condition of (d1) above. (e2) When the payment processing application 52 for the highest level payment method is launched, the payment processing proceeds, and any of the above conditions (d1) to (d3) is satisfied.

[0068] <Example of operation 1> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The presentation unit 106 refers to the user information 142 in Fig. 12 and determines whether the available balance of the highest-ranked payment method determined by the ranking unit 104 is sufficient (step S111). If the available balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount (NO in step S111), a message or the like is presented to the user U urging them to use another payment method as well (step S113).

[0069] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of user information 142 that stores information related to payments made by user U's payment method. The user information 142 includes, but is not limited to, the available balance (balance) for each payment method of user U, campaign upper limit balance, etc. The user information 142 is stored in the storage device 110 of at least one of user U's user terminal 20 and server 10.

[0070] Examples of alternative payment methods include, but are not limited to, the following: (f1) The balance of the highest-ranked payment method and the balance of another payment method are displayed, and a message is displayed prompting the user to select which payment method to use. In addition, at least one of the payment amount and the remaining balance may be displayed. (f2) At least two payment methods are prioritized and displayed, and a message is displayed notifying the customer that the balance of the highest-ranked payment method is insufficient. (f3) The highest level payment method is not presented, or the GUI of the highest level payment method (for example, the logo mark 164 or the name display section 166 in Figure 9) is displayed inactively and does not accept operations, and the GUI of other payment methods is displayed active and accepts operations. (f4) When the top payment method is selected, a message is displayed informing the user that there is insufficient balance. (f5) Display a message encouraging the user to allocate the remaining amount of the top-level payment method to another payment method and pay it. (f6) A GUI is displayed that allows the user U to input the designation of the amount to be allocated to the highest level payment method and other payment methods.

[0071] <Example of operation 2> FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. Figure 13 is the same as the flowchart in Figure 11 except for the judgment condition in step S111. The presentation unit 106 references the spending limit information 144 for each payment method of user U in Figure 14 and judges whether the available balance for the highest-ranked payment method determined by the ranking unit 104 is sufficient (step S121). If the available balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount (NO in step S121), a message or the like is presented to user U urging them to use another payment method as well (step S113).

[0072] FIG. 14 shows an example of the data structure of spending limit information 144 for each payment method of user U. The spending limit information 144 stores spending limits set by user U for each payment method. Settings by user U can be accepted through the payment processing application 52 for each payment method or through a settings screen (not shown) on a web page dedicated to user U for each payment method. The spending limit information 144 is stored in the storage device 110 of at least one of user U's user terminal 20 and server 10.

[0073] As described above, the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment can use the presentation unit 106 to present to the user U a payment method other than the highest-priority payment method in accordance with the payment conditions. With this configuration, the user U can allocate the payment amount to another payment method if the balance of the highest-priority payment method is insufficient or if the balance exceeds a preset usage limit.

[0074] (Third embodiment) The electronic payment support device 100 of this embodiment is the same as at least one of the above embodiments, except that it is configured to prioritize and present payment methods available at the store where the user U is currently located, including payment methods that the user U has not registered for use. Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment can be combined with at least one of the other embodiments, including the other embodiments described below, to the extent that there is no contradiction. The electronic payment support device 100 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the electronic payment support device 100 of FIG. 2, and will be described using FIG. 2.

[0075] <Example of functional configuration> In the electronic payment support device 100 of this embodiment, the selection unit 102 further selects all payment methods available at the store where the user U is currently located. The ranking unit 104 determines the priority order for the selected payment methods. The presentation unit 106 presents payment methods that cannot be used by the user U, along with information indicating that the payment methods are unavailable.

[0076] The payment methods available at the store where user U is currently located include not only the payment methods available to user U, but also payment methods for which user U has not registered (contracted) and payment methods for which the payment processing application 52 has not been installed on the user terminal 20.

[0077] Furthermore, if the payment method determined to have the highest priority by the ranking unit 104 is not available on the user U's user terminal 20, for example, if the payment processing application 52 is not installed, the presentation unit 106 may present information prompting the user U to register for use of the highest-priority payment method.

[0078] <Example of operation> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 15 includes steps S201 and S205, as well as steps S103 and S105 similar to those in the flowchart in FIG.

[0079] In this embodiment, the selection unit 102 selects all payment methods available at the store where the user U is currently located (step S201). The ranking unit 104 determines the priority order of the payment methods selected in step S201 according to a predetermined rule (step S103). The presentation unit 106 then presents the prioritized payment methods to the user U (step S105), and presents any payment methods that the user U cannot use together with information indicating that they are not available (step S205).

[0080] An example of the recommendation screen 160 presented by the presentation unit 106 in step S105 is shown in Fig. 16. The recommendation screen 160 in Fig. 16 differs from the recommendation screens 160 in Fig. 9 and 10 in that it also presents payment methods that have not been registered for use (payment processing application 52 has not been installed) on the user terminal 20 of the user U.

[0081] The recommendation screen 160 in Figures 9 and 10 does not present payment methods from Company B that are not available to user U, but the recommendation screen 160 in Figure 16 presents payment methods from Company B that are not available to user U in a prioritized order.

[0082] The recommendation screen 160 further includes usage registration status display sections 172a and 172b that indicate whether a payment method is available for use. The usage registration status display section 172a displays the word "Available" or similar, indicating that the payment method is available, for payment methods that are available to the user U. Furthermore, the usage registration status display section 172b displays the word "Not yet contracted," indicating that the payment method is not available to the user U.

[0083] In the example of Figure 16, the logo mark 164 and name display area 166 of the payment method for which "Available" is displayed in the usage registration status display area 172a may function as an operation button that accepts an operation to launch the payment processing application 52 of that payment method, as in Figure 9. Alternatively, they may include a link to a website for the service that uses that payment method, and have the function of displaying that website when pressed.

[0084] 16, the logo mark 164 and name display area 166 of the payment method for which "Not yet contracted" is displayed in the usage registration status display area 172b may function as an operation button that accepts an operation to install the payment processing application 52 of that payment method. Alternatively, they may include a link to a website that accepts usage registration for that payment method, and have a function to display that website when pressed.

[0085] Furthermore, the payment means registration status display section 172b displaying "Not yet contracted" may be displayed in a more eye-catching manner than the payment means registration status display section 172a displaying "Available."

[0086] As described above, according to the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment, the selection unit 102 selects all payment methods available at the store where the user U is currently located, including payment methods that the user U has not registered to use, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority of the selected payment methods, and the presentation unit 106 presents the payment methods with the priority assigned, and any payment methods that the user U has not registered to use are presented together with information indicating that fact.

[0087] In recent years, many new payment methods have emerged, but it has been difficult for users U to recognize the differences between these new payment methods and existing payment methods. It has also been difficult to convey the benefits of these new payment methods to users U enough to motivate them to start using them, making it a challenge for businesses to acquire new users.

[0088] With this configuration, payment methods that the user U has not registered for use are presented in order of priority, allowing the user U to recognize the payment methods that he or she has not registered for use. If a payment method has a high priority, the user U can be effectively encouraged to register for use of that payment method. Furthermore, since the user U can proceed with the registration procedure for an unsubscribed payment method by simply operating the operation button in the name display section 166 from the recommendation screen 160, it is highly convenient for the user U.

[0089] (Fourth embodiment) <Example of functional configuration> FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the logical configuration of electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The electronic payment support device 100 of this embodiment is similar to any of the above embodiments, except that it is configured to identify multiple nearby stores based on the location information of user U and reflect the identification information of each store in prioritizing the stores. Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment can be combined with at least one of the other embodiments, including the other embodiments described below, to the extent that there is no contradiction.

[0090] In addition to the components shown in FIG. 2, electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100 further includes identification unit 108. The identification unit 108 identifies nearby stores based on the location information of the user U. The selection unit 102 selects a payment method that can be used at one of the identified stores from among multiple payment methods available to the user U. The ranking unit 104 determines the priority of the selected payment methods based on the benefit information of each store as a predetermined rule. The presentation unit 106 presents stores that can use the payment method with the highest priority.

[0091] The presentation unit 106 may present the payment methods in order of priority, and may also present stores that accept the payment method with the highest priority.

[0092] The storage device 110 stores the location information of each store. The identification unit 108 identifies stores within a predetermined range based on the location information of the user U from the location information of each store.

[0093] The benefit information for each store is, for example, information about campaigns, benefits, etc., related to the store, the products sold at the store, and the payment methods available at the store. Furthermore, the ranking unit 104 may determine the priority based on information such as the distance from the user U's current location to the store and the walking time. For example, the ranking unit 104 may determine a higher priority for a store that is shorter in distance or time to the store. As in the above embodiment, the predetermined rules indicating what information is used to determine the priority may be set by the user U or the administrator of the electronic payment usage support device 100.

[0094] <Example of operation> FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic payment support device 100 of this embodiment. First, the identification unit 108 identifies nearby stores based on the location information of the user U (step S301). Then, the selection unit 102 selects a payment method that can be used at one of the stores identified in step S301 from among multiple payment methods available to the user (step S303). Then, the ranking unit 104 determines a priority order for the selected payment methods based on the identification information of each store (step S305). Then, the presentation unit 106 presents the prioritized payment methods to the user U (step S105). Furthermore, the presentation unit 106 presents to the user U stores that can use the payment method with the highest priority (step S307).

[0095] If Company A's payment method is determined to be the highest priority in step S305, stores that accept Company A's payment method are presented in step S307. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen 160 according to this embodiment. In this example, the recommendation screen 160 of FIG. 10 further includes a store information display unit 180 for stores that accept Company A's payment method, which has the highest priority. The store information display unit 180 displays the names of stores that accept Company A's payment method, which has the highest priority. Furthermore, the store information display unit 180 may include an operation button function for transitioning to a screen that displays guidance information about the store, such as information including at least one of an address, a telephone number, map information, and access information, or a link to the store's website. This variety of store information may be stored in the storage device 110 as store master data.

[0096] Furthermore, the presentation unit 106 may further display map information including the location information of the multiple stores identified in step S301, and may highlight stores that accept the highest level payment method presented in step S307.

[0097] As described above, according to this embodiment, the identification unit 108 identifies multiple stores in the vicinity of the user U, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority of the payment methods based on the benefit information of each store, and the presentation unit 106 presents to the user U stores that accept the highest priority payment method. With this configuration, the user U can know which stores in the vicinity accept the highest priority payment method. Then, when the user U goes to the store, the user U can use the highest priority payment method.

[0098] (Fifth embodiment) The electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment is the same as the above-described embodiment, except that it has a configuration in which the priority of payment methods is determined using history information showing the usage history of payment methods by user U. Since the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of Figure 2, it will be explained using Figure 2.

[0099] The ranking unit 104 determines the priority of payment methods using history information that indicates the user U's usage history of payment methods.

[0100] The history information indicating the usage history of payment information includes at least one of the date of use, the store used, and the amount used for each payment method by user U. For example, the ranking unit 104 can give higher priority to payment methods that user U has used many times or frequently. Alternatively, the ranking unit 104 may give higher priority to payment methods that user U has used many times or that can be used at stores that user U has used frequently.

[0101] For example, the presentation unit 106 may give a higher priority to a payment method that can be used by user U at a store that he or she uses frequently or frequently, among payment methods that have the same priority determined by the ranking unit 104 in the above embodiment.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the ranking unit 104 determines the priority of payment methods using history information indicating the user U's payment method usage history. Therefore, it is possible to give a higher priority to payment methods that the user U uses frequently, and the recommendation screen 160 can make suggestions that match the user's preferences and behavioral patterns. For example, if the user U is collecting points for a payment method, the payment method will be conveniently ranked high on the recommendation screen 160. In this way, it is possible to make suggestions that are highly convenient and comfortable for the user.

[0103] (Sixth embodiment) <System Overview> Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an electronic payment system 1 according to this embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, a payment processing application 52 for the payment means of each payment company was installed on the user terminal 20. However, in this embodiment, the payment processing application 52 for the payment means of each payment company is not installed on the user terminal 20, and the payment means of each payment company can be used on the user terminal 20, which is different. The electronic payment utilization support device 100 (server 10 in Figure 24) of the electronic payment system 1 of this embodiment includes the same configuration as any of the above-described embodiments.

[0104] <Example of functional configuration> Figure 25 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the logical configuration of electronic payment utilization support device 100 of this embodiment. In addition to the configuration of Figure 2, electronic payment utilization support device 100 further includes a transmission unit 112. Transmission unit 112 transmits payment information 128 of the payment method used by user U at the store to the payment company that will make the payment using the payment method selected by user U.

[0105] The operation of the electronic payment system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the electronic payment system 1 of FIG. 24, the server 10 (corresponding to the electronic payment utilization support device 100 of FIG. 25) functions as a gateway between the user terminal 20 of the user U and the computers 40 of each payment company (in the figure, the computers of payment companies A, B, and C are designated as 40A, 40B, and 40C, respectively. Hereinafter, unless a distinction is required, they will simply be referred to as the payment company computers 40). The server 10 provides the user terminal 20 with a portal site that enables the use of multiple payment methods. The user terminal 20 can access the portal site of the electronic payment utilization support device 100 using a browser. When an application is used, only the electronic payment utilization support program 50 of FIG. 4 in the above embodiment needs to be installed on the user terminal 20; the payment processing application 52 of each company is not required.

[0106] <Example of operation> In this embodiment, the case where the payment method is two-dimensional code payment will be described, but payment methods are not limited to this. As in the above embodiment, the presentation unit 106 of the electronic payment utilization support device 100 displays a recommendation screen 160 on the user terminal 20 of the user U, proposes the most suitable payment method from among multiple payment methods, and allows the user U to select the payment method to be used. In this example, assuming that the user U selects the payment method of Company B (step S401), the presentation unit 106 displays a two-dimensional code display screen 190 on the user terminal 20 for processing the payment amount.

[0107] In the above embodiment, this two-dimensional code display screen 190 displayed a two-dimensional code containing information for Company B payment, which was generated by payment processing application 52b of payment company B. In this embodiment, when user U selects a payment method from among multiple payment companies on the portal site, the presentation unit 106 of server 10 causes the display device 120 of the user terminal 20 to display a two-dimensional code containing payment information generated on behalf of Company B Pay app 52b for Company B payment on the two-dimensional code display screen 190. Here, a two-dimensional code containing payment information for Company B Pay payment is generated and displayed. Specifically, the two-dimensional code contains user information of user U and information indicating that Company B Pay payment will be used as the payment method.

[0108] There are two main methods for exchanging information for payment between the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 via a two-dimensional code: the CPM (Consumer Presented Mode) method and the MPM (Merchant Presented Mode) method. In the CPM method, a two-dimensional code containing information for payment is displayed on the user terminal 20 and read by the store terminal 30. The MPM method has two further methods. One is a method in which a two-dimensional code containing information such as the payment amount is displayed on the store terminal 30 and read by the user terminal 20. The other is a method in which a two-dimensional code unique to a store that is presented at the store is read by the user terminal 20.

[0109] Here, a case where the CPM method is used will be explained. A two-dimensional code including user information of user U and information indicating that Company B Pay payment will be used as the payment method is displayed on the two-dimensional code display screen 190 of the user terminal 20 by the presentation unit 106. This two-dimensional code is read by a barcode reader (not shown) in the store, and a payment operation is performed using the store terminal 30 (step S403).

[0110] Then, the store terminal 30 adds payment identification information for identifying the payment, the payment amount, and store information to the user information of user U and information indicating that Company B Pay payment will be used as the payment method contained in the two-dimensional code read from the user terminal 20, and transmits the result to the server 10 (step S404).

[0111] Then, based on the received information indicating that Company B Pay payment will be used, the sending unit 112 refers to the forwarding table 70, identifies the computer 40B of the payment company B, and sends payment information including the payment identification information, user information of user U, the payment amount, and store information to the computer 40B of the payment company (step S409). Payment processing using Company B Pay payment can be performed by at least steps S401, S403, S404, and S409.

[0112] The example in FIG. 24 further includes processing for user U to confirm payment details (steps S403, S405, and S407). This processing can be omitted. Specifically, the presenting unit 106 displays a payment confirmation screen 192 on the display device 120 of the user terminal 20 of the user U (step S405). The payment confirmation screen 192 includes a payment information display unit 194 that displays the payment amount and information on the payment method, and a send button 196 that accepts an operation to confirm the payment information. The payment amount may be obtained by the server 10 from the store terminal 30, or may be transmitted from the store terminal 30 to the user terminal 20 when the two-dimensional code is read (step S403).

[0113] When the send button 196 on the payment confirmation screen 192 is pressed by the user U, the sending unit 112 causes the user terminal 20 to send payment information to the server 10 (step S407). The information sent from the user terminal 20 to the server 10 includes at least the payment identification information, the user information of the user U, and the selected payment method. It may also include the payment amount, store information, etc.

[0114] When user U confirms the payment details, if the information necessary for payment (e.g., payment identification information, user information of user U, selected payment method, payment amount, store information) is sent from user terminal 20 to server 10, the process of sending the information necessary for payment from store terminal 30 to server 10 in step S404 may or may not be performed.

[0115] When information is sent from both the store terminal 30 and the user terminal 20 to the server 10, the server 10 may be configured to check the consistency of the information received from the store terminal 30 and the information received from the user terminal 20. If the two pieces of information match, the sending unit 112 sends the payment information to the computer 40 of the corresponding payment company. On the other hand, if the two pieces of information do not match, the sending unit 112 does not send the payment information. The server 10 may further include a notification unit (not shown) that notifies at least one of the store terminal 30 and the user terminal 20 that the two pieces of information do not match when the two pieces of information do not match.

[0116] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the forwarding table 70. In the forwarding table 70, information on the destination of payment information is associated with each payment method. Specifically, the identification information of the payment method (payment method ID) is associated with, for example, the IP address of the payment company's computer 40. The sending unit 112 can read out the destination information corresponding to the identification information of the payment method of the payment company selected by the user U from the forwarding table 70 and send the payment information to the payment company's computer 40.

[0117] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of information related to the use of a payment method by user U. The payment information 122 in FIG. 27(a) is information related to the use of a payment method used by user terminal 20 to make a payment at a store, and is sent from user terminal 20 to server 10. The payment information 122 includes, for example, payment identification information (shown as "payment ID" in the figure), a personal ID, the date and time of payment, store ID, payment amount information, and payment method information. The personal ID is not particularly limited as long as it is identification information that can identify user U. The personal ID may be, for example, any one of identification information assigned when registering to use electronic payment system 1, a user ID specified when registering the user, and identification information of user terminal 20.

[0118] The store ID is not particularly limited as long as it is identification information that can identify the store where user U made the payment. The payment method information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the payment method. Here, the payment method information is assumed to be identification information of the payment method (hereinafter referred to as payment method ID).

[0119] The payment information 122 of each user U is stored in the storage device 110 by the electronic payment support device 100, and can be used as the history information in the fifth embodiment.

[0120] 27(b) is information transferred from the electronic payment support device 100 to the payment company's computer 40. The payment information 128 includes, for example, a payment ID, a personal ID, the date and time of payment, a store ID, and payment amount information. In this example, the usage payment information 122 and the payment information 128 have different data structures, but this is not limiting, and the usage payment information 122 and the payment information 128 may have the same data structure.

[0121] The above describes the case where the CPM method is used. When the MPM method is used, the process is basically the same, but the process of transmitting payment information from the store terminal 30 to the server 10 in step S404 of Figure 24 is not performed. When Company B Pay payment is selected in step S401, the user terminal 20 reads the two-dimensional code (including the payment amount) displayed on the store terminal 30 or the two-dimensional code (excluding the payment amount) posted in the store.

[0122] In the former case (displaying a two-dimensional code on the store terminal 30), the user terminal 20 acquires the payment amount and store information from the two-dimensional code (step S403), and displays the payment confirmation screen 192 on the display device 120 (step S405). Then, upon receiving a confirmation operation from the user by pressing the send button 196, the server 10 transmits the payment information to the server 10 (step S407). In the server 10, based on the payment information transmitted from the user terminal 20, the transmitter 112 transmits the payment information to the computer 40B of the payment company B as payment processing (step S409).

[0123] In the latter case (a two-dimensional code is displayed in the store), the user terminal 20 acquires store information from the two-dimensional code (step S403). Then, the presenting unit 106 causes the user terminal 20 to display an input screen (not shown) for the user U to input the payment amount. Then, when the user U inputs the payment amount, the presenting unit 106 causes the user terminal 20 to display a payment confirmation screen 192, and the same operations are carried out thereafter.

[0124] Furthermore, as explained in the second embodiment above, when multiple payment methods are selected, the presenter 106 displays a two-dimensional code including payment information for performing payment processing using the multiple payment methods (payment information indicating that payment processing will be performed using the selected multiple payment methods) on the two-dimensional code display screen 190. That is, in the above embodiment, when multiple payment methods are selected, multiple two-dimensional codes generated by the payment processing applications 52 of the respective companies are displayed, but in this embodiment, even when multiple payment methods are selected, payment can be completed with a single two-dimensional code.

[0125] After a payment operation is performed using the store terminal 30, the transmitter 112 acquires destination information corresponding to each of the selected payment methods. The transmitter 112 then allocates the payment amount corresponding to each payment method to the computer 40 of the payment company for each payment method, and generates and transmits payment information 128. This allocation process can be performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment described above.

[0126] The payment company of each payment method can pay the payment amount to the corresponding store based on the payment information 128 received from the electronic payment utilization support apparatus 100.

[0127] As described above, according to this embodiment, the transmission unit 112 can transmit payment information for the payment method used by the user at the store to the computer 40 of the payment company that handles that payment method. Furthermore, if multiple payment methods are selected, the presentation unit 106 displays one two-dimensional code on the user terminal 20. Then, the transmission unit 112 can allocate the payment amount and transmit the payment information to the computer 40 of each payment company.

[0128] As described above, this embodiment achieves the same effects as the above embodiment, and furthermore, it is efficient and convenient because the store does not need to carry out payment procedures with a payment company. Furthermore, when using multiple payment methods, the payment procedures can be completed by simply scanning one two-dimensional code, which is also convenient for the user U.

[0129] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted. For example, the predetermined rule in each of the above embodiments can combine each of the conditions. For example, if there is a payment method that provides a benefit when the usage amount exceeds a predetermined amount, the ranking unit 104 determines whether the payment method has reached the predetermined amount, and if so, can lower the priority of the payment method. In other words, the ranking unit 104 determines whether the conditions for obtaining a usage benefit for the payment method are met, and lowers the priority of payment methods that have already met the conditions for obtaining a usage benefit.

[0130] According to this configuration, a payment method suited to the user U's situation can be presented.

[0131] 6 may be further divided into store categories to form a store payment method table by category 132 in FIG. 20, which accepts the selection of the category of the store used by user U. The store payment method table by category 132 stores and associates available payment methods for each store by category.

[0132] The selection unit 102 may obtain the payment methods available at stores in the category selected by the user U in advance, before using the store, and at any time, by referring to the store payment method table by category 132, and perform the payment method selection process.

[0133] According to this configuration, by selecting in advance the category of stores that the user U frequently visits, payment methods can be recommended at stores that match the user U's preferences. [Example]

[0134] Example 1 FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the recommendation screen 200 according to the first embodiment. The recommendation screen 200 includes a plurality of payment methods selected by the selection unit 102 in the order of priority determined by the ranking unit 104. In this example, the recommendation screen 200 includes a display type selection pull-down menu 202, a store selection pull-down menu 204, a priority ranking display unit 206 for each payment information item, an information display unit 210 for each payment method, a name display unit 214 for each payment method, and registration status display units 212 and 216 for each payment method. The registration status display unit 212 displays "Not contracted," indicating that the payment method is not registered for use, and the registration status display unit 216 displays "Available," indicating that the payment method is registered for use.

[0135] The display type selection pull-down menu 202 accepts the selection of the display type, such as whether to display by store, by area around the current location of the user U, or by store category. The store selection pull-down menu 204 accepts the selection of the store to be displayed from among multiple stores corresponding to the display type selected in the display type selection pull-down menu 202. Note that if it is desired to display payment methods available at all of the multiple stores around the user U, it may be possible to select "All" or "None specified."

[0136] The payment method name display section 214 may include an operation button for accepting an operation to install the payment processing application 52 for that payment method, or a link to a website where the user can register to use that payment method.

[0137] Example 2 22 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen 300 in Example 2. The recommendation screen 300 includes information about payment methods available at multiple stores identified by the identification unit 108 based on location information. The recommendation screen 300 includes a location information input unit 302, a search button 304, a store name display unit 310 that displays the names of the identified stores in order of distance, a store name display unit 320 that displays the names of the identified stores in alphabetical order, a payment method display unit 332 that displays logos indicating each payment method available at each store, and an operation button 330 for opening a display screen for map information of each store.

[0138] The location information input unit 302 defaults to "current location." When the search button 304 is pressed while "current location" is displayed, the identification unit 108 identifies multiple stores near the current location information. The selection unit 102 selects payment methods that can be used at each store, and logos indicating the corresponding payment methods are displayed in the payment method display unit 332. At this time, logos of payment methods that user U can use are highlighted, and logos of payment methods that user U has not registered for use may be displayed normally or in a lighter color.

[0139] The location information input unit 302 may further accept keywords such as at least a part of an address, a store name, or a place name arbitrarily input by the user U. When the search button 304 is pressed, a location is identified based on the information input to the location information input unit 302, and stores in the vicinity of the identified location are identified.

[0140] Each store name display unit 310, 320 may include an operation reception unit (link) that receives an operation to display the payment method recommendation screen 200 for each store shown in FIG.

[0141] When operation button 330 is pressed, map information screen 400 shown in Fig. 23 is displayed. Map information screen 400 includes an explanation field 402 indicating that the map displays the nearest store, a map display section 410, and a distance information display section 420 to each store. Furthermore, map display section 410 displays map information about the area surrounding the location information, an icon 412 indicating a reference location (for example, the current location), and an icon 414 indicating the location of each store.

[0142] Alternatively, the icon 414 indicating the location of store X, which has the highest priority, may be highlighted, and the icons 414 of the other stores may be displayed normally.

[0143] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. In addition, when information about users and businesses is acquired and / or used in the present invention, it shall be done lawfully.

[0144] Below, examples of reference forms are added. 1. A selection means for selecting a payment method that can be used at the store where the user is currently located from among multiple payment methods available to the user; a ranking means for prioritizing the selected payment means in accordance with a predetermined rule; a presentation means for presenting the payment means to the user with the priorities determined by the ranking means; An electronic payment support device comprising: 2. In the electronic payment support device described in 1., The presentation means presents to the user payment methods other than the highest-priority payment method in accordance with payment conditions indicating the conditions for payment of the highest-priority payment method. 3. In the electronic payment support device described in 1. or 2., The selection means selects all payment methods available at the store where the user is currently located, The ranking means determines the priority order for the selected payment means, The presentation means presents, among the payment means, any payment means that cannot be used by the user, together with information indicating that the payment means is not available. 4. In the electronic payment support device described in any one of 1. to 3., Further, a specifying means for specifying a nearby store based on the location information of the user is provided, The selection means selects a payment method that can be used at any of the identified stores from a plurality of payment methods that can be used by the user, The ranking means determines the priority order for the selected payment means based on benefit information of each store, The presentation means presents to the user stores that accept the payment method with the highest priority. 5. In the electronic payment support device described in any one of 1. to 4., The electronic payment support device further comprises setting means for setting the predetermined rules using input from the user. 6. In the electronic payment support device described in any one of 1. to 5., The ranking means determines the priority of the payment means using history information indicating the user's usage history of the payment means. 7. In the electronic payment support device described in any one of 1. to 6., The electronic payment utilization support device further includes a transmission means for transmitting payment information of the payment method of the payment company used by the user at the store to the payment company that will make the payment using the payment method selected to be used. 8. In the electronic payment support device described in 7., the presentation means, when accepting a selection of the use of the plurality of payment means by the user, presents a two-dimensional code including payment information for performing a payment process using the selected plurality of payment means; The transmission means allocates the payment amount to the plurality of payment means, generates payment information, and transmits the information to the payment company corresponding to each of the payment means.

[0145] 9. The electronic payment support device Select a payment method that can be used at the store where the user is currently located from among multiple payment methods available to the user, determining a priority order for the selected payment means in accordance with a predetermined rule; The electronic payment utilization support method presents the payment methods to the user with the determined priority order. 10. In the electronic payment utilization support method described in 9., The electronic payment utilization support device, A method for supporting the use of electronic payments, which presents to the user payment methods other than the highest-priority payment method in accordance with payment conditions indicating conditions related to payment for the payment method with the highest priority. 11. In the method for supporting the use of electronic payment described in 9. or 10., The electronic payment utilization support device, Select all payment methods available at the store where the user is currently located, determining the priority order for the selected payment methods; A method for supporting electronic payment usage, wherein, among the payment methods, payment methods that cannot be used by the user are presented together with information indicating that the payment methods are not available. 12. In the electronic payment utilization support method described in any one of 9. to 11., The electronic payment utilization support device further comprises: Identifying nearby stores based on the user's location information, Select a payment method that can be used at one of the identified stores from among a plurality of payment methods that can be used by the user; determining the priority order for the selected payment means based on benefit information of each store; The electronic payment support method presents the user with stores that accept the payment method with the highest priority. 13. In the electronic payment utilization support method described in any one of 9. to 12., The electronic payment utilization support device further comprises: The method for supporting the use of electronic payment includes setting the predetermined rule using the user's input. 14. In the electronic payment utilization support method described in any one of 9. to 13., The electronic payment utilization support device, A method for supporting electronic payment usage, which determines the priority of the payment methods using history information indicating the user's usage history of the payment methods. 15. In the electronic payment utilization support method described in any one of 9. to 14., The electronic payment utilization support device further comprises: A method for supporting the use of electronic payments, which transmits payment information of the payment method used by the user at the store to a payment company that will make the payment using the payment method selected for use. 16. In the method for supporting the use of electronic payment described in 15., The electronic payment utilization support device, When the user selects one of the payment methods, the system presents a two-dimensional code containing payment information for performing payment processing using the selected payment methods; The electronic payment utilization support method allocates payment amounts to the plurality of payment methods, generates payment information, and transmits the information to the payment companies corresponding to each of the payment methods.

[0146] 17. To the computer, A step of selecting a payment method that can be used at the store where the user is currently located from among multiple payment methods that can be used by the user; a step of determining a priority order for the selected payment means in accordance with a predetermined rule; A program for executing a procedure for presenting the payment methods to the user with the determined priorities. 18. In the program described in 17., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for presenting to the user payment methods other than the highest-priority payment method in accordance with payment conditions indicating the conditions for payment of the highest-priority payment method. 19. In the program according to 17. or 18., a step of selecting all payment methods available at the store where the user is currently located; determining the priority order for the selected payment methods; A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for presenting, among the payment methods, payment methods that cannot be used by the user along with information indicating that the payment methods are not available. 20. In the program according to any one of 17. to 19., a step of identifying nearby stores based on the user's location information; a step of selecting a payment method that can be used at one of the identified stores from among a plurality of payment methods that can be used by the user; determining the priority order for the selected payment means based on benefit information of each store; A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for presenting to the user stores that accept the payment method with the highest priority. 21. In the program according to any one of 17. to 20., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for setting the predetermined rule using the user's input. 22. In the program according to any one of 17. to 21., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for determining the priority of the payment methods using history information indicating the user's usage history of the payment methods. 23. In the program according to any one of 17. to 22., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for sending payment information of the payment method used by the user at the store to the payment company that will make the payment using the payment method selected to be used. 24. In the program described in 23., a step of presenting a two-dimensional code including payment information for performing payment processing using the selected payment methods when the user selects the use of the selected payment methods; A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for allocating payment amounts to the plurality of payment methods, generating payment information, and transmitting the information to the payment companies corresponding to each of the payment methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1. Electronic payment systems 3. Communication Network 10 Servers 20 User terminal 30 store terminals 40, 40A, 40B, 40C Payment companies 50 Electronic Payment Support Program 52 Payment Processing Applications 52a Company A Pay app 52b Company B Pay app 52c Company C Pay app 70 Forwarding Table 100 Electronic payment support device 102 Selection section 104 Ranking Section 106 Presentation section 108 Specific section 110 Storage device 112 Transmitter 120 Display device 122 Payment information 128 Payment Information 130 Payment Method Table by Store 132 Store Payment Method Table by Category 140 Prioritization rule setting information 142 User Information 144 Usage limit information 152 Payment Method Information 154 Campaign Information 160 Recommendation screen 162 rankings 164 logo mark 166 Name display section 168 Highlight 170 Campaign information display column 172a User registration status display section 172b User registration status display section 180 Store information display section 190 Two-dimensional code display screen 192 Payment confirmation screen 194 Payment information display section 196 Send button 200 Recommendation Screen 202 Display type selection pull-down menu 204 Store selection drop-down menu 206 Ranking display section 210 Information display section 212 User registration status display section 214 Name display section 216 User registration status display section 300 Recommendation Screen 302 Location information input section 304 Search button 310 Store name display section 320 Store name display section 330 Operation Button 332 Payment method display section 400 Map information screen 402 Description 410 Map display section 412, 414 Icon 420 Distance information display section 1000 computers 1010 Bus 1020 processor 1030 memory 1040 Storage Device 1050 Input / Output Interface 1060 Network Interface

Claims

1. A program to be installed on a user terminal used by a user, The program A process of acquiring information on the payment method used by the user; a process of displaying a map based on the location of the user terminal on the user terminal; A process of displaying information about stores on the map; When a store displayed on the map is selected, a process of displaying on the user terminal payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user in accordance with predetermined rules; causing the user terminal to execute a process of launching a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment means displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; The program includes a process for displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules, the process for displaying payment methods with high return rates at the selected store at the top.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, The program, wherein the process of displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules includes a process of displaying on the user terminal the ranking and the name of the payment method.

3. 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, The program further comprises a process of displaying, on the user terminal, payment methods linked to campaign identification information including a campaign implementation period.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, The campaign identification information includes information regarding a return rate.

5. 5. The program according to claim 3 or 4, The program further comprises a process of displaying a logo mark representing the payment method linked to the campaign identification information.

6. 6. The program according to claim 1, The program, wherein the information about the store includes an icon indicating the store to which information about available payment methods is linked.

7. 7. The program according to claim 1, The program, wherein the payment method used by the user includes at least one of payment by two-dimensional code, payment by electronic money, payment by credit card, and payment by debit card.

8. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A program in which the process of obtaining information on the payment method used by the user includes a process of obtaining information on the payment method used by the user based on information on a payment processing application installed on the user terminal.

9. Obtain information about the payment method used by the user, displaying a map based on the location of the user terminal on the user terminal; Displaying information about the store on the map; When a store displayed on the map is selected, the payment methods available at the selected store and used by the user are displayed on the user terminal in accordance with a predetermined rule; launching a payment processing application for using at least one of the payment methods displayed in accordance with the predetermined rules; the payment processing application includes an application installed on the user terminal; A processing method in which, when displaying on the user terminal in accordance with the predetermined rules, payment methods with high return rates at the selected store are displayed at the top.

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