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

Abstract

To increase the usability of an electronic settlement service.SOLUTION: An information processing device, which performs various kinds of processing relating to an electronic settlement service in which settlement means for settling payment for a transaction object by electronic settlement using predetermined code is provided to a service user, includes a first provision unit and a second provision unit. The first provision unit provides the service user with first store information in which a plurality of contents corresponding to sales promotion information issued from stores and profit information which is given to the service user in using the electronic settlement are arranged on a map on which the location of each store introducing the electronic settlement service is indicated. The second provision unit obtains, when at least one of the plurality of contents arranged in the first store information is selected, second store information relating to the store corresponding to the selected content; and provides the obtained second store information to the service user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, cashless payment means in commercial transactions mainly between companies and individuals have been widely recognized by consumers. In particular, due to their convenience, electronic payment services conducted online using user terminals such as smartphones owned by individual users have widely penetrated among consumers. And various technologies related to electronic payment services have been proposed. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The information processing device according to the present application is an information processing device that performs various processing related to an electronic payment service that provides a service user with a means of payment for settling the price of a transaction using predetermined code information, and comprises a first providing unit and a second providing unit. The first providing unit provides the service user with first store information, which is arranged on a map showing the location of stores that have introduced the electronic payment service, and which contains multiple contents corresponding to promotional information issued by the stores and benefit information granted to the service user when using electronic payment. The second providing unit, when at least one of the multiple contents arranged in the first store information is selected, acquires second store information relating to the store corresponding to the selected content and provides the acquired second store information to the service user. has [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the system, the usability of electronic payment services can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating another example of screen transitions in a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of store information stored in the store information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the information processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of an information processing device according to an embodiment or modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [1. Embodiments] (1-1. System Configuration) The information processing according to the embodiment will be described in detail below. First, before describing the information processing according to the embodiment, an example of the configuration of the information processing system SYS will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment comprises a user terminal 10 and an information processing device 100. The user terminal 10 and the information processing device 100 are connected to a network N (see, for example, Figure 3) by wired or wireless means. The user terminal 10 and the information processing device 100 can communicate with other devices via the network N. The network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

[0012] The user terminal 10 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing terminal used by the service user UX, who is a user of the electronic payment service. The user terminal 10 can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The user terminal 10 displays the information distributed by the information processing device 100 using a web browser or application. In Figure 1, the case where the user terminal 10 is a smartphone is shown as an example.

[0013] Furthermore, the user terminal 10 has a user application program (hereinafter referred to as "payment app" as appropriate) installed to enable code payment via the electronic payment service. When the user terminal 10 receives control information from the information processing device 100 to realize predetermined information processing through the payment app, it performs the information processing according to the control information. Here, the control information is written in a scripting language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), a stylesheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a programming language such as Java (registered trademark), or a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Note that the predetermined application itself distributed from the information processing device 100 may also be considered as control information.

[0014] The information processing device 100 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device operated and managed by a money transfer service provider that provides services to service users (for example, the user UX shown in Figure 1) who use electronic payment services. For example, as will be described later, an electronic payment service is a service that provides service users with a means of payment for settling the price of a transaction using electronic payment with predetermined code information (it can also be said to be a service that provides predetermined transaction means to control the exchange of electronic money by code payment).

[0015] Furthermore, while the information processing device 100 is typically implemented by a server device, it may also be implemented by a mainframe or workstation. Also, when the information processing device 100 is composed of a server device, it may be implemented by a single server device, or by a cloud system in which multiple server devices and multiple storage devices work together.

[0016] In addition, the information processing device 100 executes processing related to an electronic payment service provided, for example, through a dedicated online system in conjunction with a payment application operating on the user terminal 10. For example, the information processing device 100 distributes the payment application to those who wish to use the electronic payment service, and provides the electronic payment service on the condition that a predetermined procedure in the payment application is completed. Further, when the information processing device 100 receives a transaction request from the payment application via an interface dedicated to the payment application (for example, various operation screens displayed on the user terminal 10 by the function of the payment supplement), it executes information processing including money transfer processing of electronic money between accounts according to the transaction request. The payment application transmits transaction information including information such as the payment destination, the payment source, and the payment amount to the information processing device 100. Note that the transaction information may include information such as a transaction code for individually identifying the transaction and date-time information (that is, a timestamp) for identifying the date and time when the transaction was made, in addition to the above-mentioned information.

[0017] Also, as will be described later, as information processing according to the embodiment, the information processing device 100 provides first store information in which a plurality of contents corresponding to promotional information issued by a store and benefit information given to a user by the store when using electronic payment are arranged on a map indicating the location of the store introducing the electronic payment service to the service user UX. When at least one of the plurality of contents arranged in the first store information is selected, the information processing device 100 executes processing of acquiring second store information regarding the store corresponding to the selected content and providing the acquired second store information to the service user UX.

[0018] (1-2. Payment using the user terminal 10) Here, an example of code settlement (electronic settlement) using the user terminal 10 will be described. In the following description, for example, a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) arranged in a predetermined store, which shows store identification information for identifying the predetermined store, is used to describe an example in which a service user UX who receives the offer of a transaction target from the predetermined store performs settlement using the user terminal 10. Note that the example of code settlement described below is applicable even when an arbitrary user performs settlement at an arbitrary store using an arbitrary user terminal 10. Also, the two-dimensional code showing the store identification information may be not only a QR code but also a barcode, a predetermined mark, a number, or the like. Further, the two-dimensional code is not limited to an example physically constituted by a printed matter printed on a medium such as paper, and may be constituted by image information displayed on an arbitrary terminal.

[0019] For example, when the service user UX performs settlement associated with the purchase or use of a transaction target such as various goods or services at a predetermined store, the service user UX activates a settlement application pre-installed on the user terminal 10. Then, the service user UX takes a picture of the two-dimensional code installed in the predetermined store via the settlement application. In such a case, the user terminal 10 displays a screen for inputting the price of the transaction target and accepts the input of the settlement amount from the service user UX or a store clerk at the predetermined store. Then, the user terminal 10 transmits transaction information including user identification information for identifying the service user UX, store identification information (or information indicated by the store identification information, that is, information indicating the predetermined store (for example, store ID)), and the settlement amount to the information processing apparatus 100.

[0020] When the information processing device 100 receives transaction information from the user terminal 10, it transfers electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the account of the service user UX indicated by the user identification information to the account of the designated store indicated by the store identification information. At this time, the information processing device 100 may deduct a predetermined fee to be charged to the designated store from the electronic money equivalent to the payment amount before transferring it to the designated store's account. The information processing device 100 then sends a notification to the user terminal 10 that the transaction has been completed. In such a case, the user terminal 10 notifies the service user UX that the electronic money transaction has been completed by displaying a screen or outputting a predetermined sound indicating that the transaction has been completed. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may withdraw electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the account of the service user UX indicated by the user identification information, manage it as sales information for the designated store, and transfer the amount of cash equivalent to the sales to the bank account held by the designated store at a predetermined time. In this case, the information processing device 100 may notify the service user UX that the electronic money transaction has been completed when it withdraws an amount of electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the service user UX's account.

[0021] It should be noted that payment using the user terminal 10 is not limited to the process described above. For example, payment using the user terminal 10 may also be made using a terminal device installed in a designated store (hereinafter referred to as the "store terminal"). Specifically, first, the user terminal 10 displays code information on its screen that indicates user identification information for identifying the service user UX. In such a case, the store terminal reads the user identification information from the code information displayed on the user terminal 10 and transmits transaction information including the read user identification information (or the information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating the service user UX (for example, user ID)), the payment amount, and information identifying the designated store to the information processing device 100.

[0022] When the information processing device 100 receives transaction information from the store terminal, it transfers electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the account of the service user UX indicated by the user identification information to the designated store's account. The information processing device 100 then sends a notification to the store terminal or user terminal 10 that the transaction has been completed. The store terminal or user terminal 10 notifies the service user UX that the electronic money transaction has been completed by displaying a screen or outputting a predetermined sound indicating that the transaction has been completed. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may withdraw electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the account of the service user UX indicated by the user identification information, manage it as sales information for the designated store, and transfer the amount equivalent to the sales in cash to the designated store's bank account at a predetermined time. In this case, the information processing device 100 may notify the store clerk or service user UX that the electronic money transaction has been completed at the time it withdraws electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the service user UX's account.

[0023] Furthermore, payment using the user terminal 10 may involve not only transferring electronic money from an account pre-charged by the service user UX to the designated store's account, but also, for example, payment using a credit card pre-registered by the service user UX. In such a case, for example, the user terminal 10 may transfer the amount of electronic money indicated by the payment amount to the designated store's account and also bill the service user UX's credit card company for the amount indicated by the payment amount.

[0024] Furthermore, payment using the user terminal 10 may not only involve transferring electronic money from the service user UX's account to the designated store's account, but may also involve transferring electronic money from the service user UX's account to another user's account (i.e., a transfer between users). For example, the user terminal 10 used by the sending service user UX reads user identification information that identifies the recipient user (for example, user identification information displayed on the terminal device used by the recipient user), accepts input of the transfer amount from the service user UX, and transmits the read identification information, the transfer amount, and information indicating the user identification information that identifies the service user UX to the information processing device 100. In such a case, the information processing device 100 transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the transfer amount from the service user UX's account to the recipient user's account, and may notify the user terminal 10 or the recipient user's terminal device that the transfer has been completed by outputting a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that the transfer has been completed.

[0025] It should be noted that remittances using the user terminal 10 are not limited to the process described above. For example, a remittance using the user terminal 10 may be performed by inputting the recipient user's phone number or information identifying the recipient user (for example, a user ID) into the user terminal 10. To give a specific example, the user terminal 10 receives input from the service user UX, including the recipient user's phone number or user ID and the remittance amount, and transmits the entered phone number or user ID, the remittance amount, and user identification information identifying the service user UX to the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 then transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the remittance amount from the service user UX's account to the user's account linked to the transmitted phone number or user ID.

[0026] Here, the recipient user's phone number or user ID may be pre-registered in the payment app in conjunction with information about that user. In this case, the user terminal 10 receives the user (recipient) registered in the payment app and the amount to be sent to that user from the service user UX, and transmits the phone number or user ID associated with the specified user, the amount to be sent, and user identification information that identifies the service user UX to the information processing device 100.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, a remittance using the user terminal 10 may be performed by providing the recipient user with link information for receiving the remittance amount. To give a specific example, the user terminal 10 receives input of the remittance amount from the service user UX, generates link information for receiving the remittance amount, and provides the link information to the terminal device used by the recipient user by sending an email containing the link information or posting information containing the link information to an SNS (Social Networking Service). When the recipient user selects the link information and performs the receiving operation, the information processing device 100 transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the remittance amount from the service user UX's account to the recipient user's account.

[0028] Furthermore, the payment methods and services described above are not limited to those for the purchase of goods or the provision of services (settlement of debts). For example, as described above, payment methods and services may have functions related to transfers between accounts held by multiple users. In other words, the payment methods and services described above are services that control the sending and receiving of electronic money between accounts of any owner linked to the owner of the electronic money, such as a user or a store. That is, the payment methods and services according to the embodiment may be provided in any form as long as they are transaction methods or transaction services that perform various controls to realize the exchange of electronic money (not only various inter-account transfer controls via electronic money, but also controls related to exchanges between electronic money accounts and bank accounts, various debt processing such as installment payments and bonus payments, and various other controls related to the exchange of assets including electronic money). Moreover, the various controls realized by such transaction methods and transaction services may include both settlement controls and transfer controls, or only one of them. In other words, "transaction" is a concept that includes not only "settlement" of electronic money, but also "transfers" of electronic money and various other processing. In other words, the information processing device 100 may be an information processing device that implements a transaction means for controlling the exchange of electronic money between any two owners.

[0029] (1-3. Information processing according to the embodiment) The following will describe the overview of the information processing according to the embodiment, using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing according to the embodiment. In the following description, the service user UX and the user terminal 10 may be considered the same. That is, the service user UX can be read as the user terminal 10.

[0030] As a prerequisite for the information processing shown in Figure 1, the service user UX operates the user terminal 10 to launch the payment application. The service user UX then uses the "Nearby Stores" search function provided in the payment application to search for nearby stores that accept the electronic payment service. For example, nearby stores are those located within a predetermined distance from the service user UX's current location.

[0031] In response to a request to search for nearby stores, the information processing device 100 provides the service user UX with first store information, which is placed on a map showing the locations of stores that have introduced the electronic payment service, and contains multiple contents corresponding to promotional information issued by the stores and benefit information provided to the service user UX when using electronic payment. For example, the information processing device 100 may provide the service user UX with first store information, which contains multiple contents placed on a map showing the locations of nearby stores within a predetermined distance range from the service user UX's current location. During the operation of the payment application, location information for identifying the service user UX's location is uploaded to the information processing device 100 by the functions of the payment application.

[0032] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing first content for specifying stores that issue flyers. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing second content for specifying stores that distribute coupons given to service users when using electronic payment. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing third content for specifying stores that distribute stamps given to service users when using electronic payment.

[0033] The service user UX, having obtained the first store information from the information processing device 100, selects a desired category from the nearby stores displayed in the first store information to narrow down the store selection. The user terminal 10 transmits the selected category information, which is indicated by the category selected by the service user UX, to the information processing device 100 (step S11).

[0034] On the other hand, when the information processing device 100 receives the selected category information from the user terminal 10, it obtains the corresponding store information (an example of "second store information") that corresponds to the selected category (step S12).

[0035] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 provides the acquired corresponding store information to the user terminal 10, thereby enhancing the service user UX (step S13).

[0036] The following describes an example of screen transitions for the payment application displayed on the user terminal 10 following the execution of information processing (part 1).

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 10 displays the top screen of the payment application in accordance with the operation of the service user UX (Display Example W1-1). When the user terminal 10 detects the service user UX's operation on button B1, which is provided on the top screen for searching for nearby stores, it sends a request to the information processing device 100 to display nearby store information. The user terminal 10 then displays the first store information received from the information processing device 100 on the first application screen J1 (Display Example W1-2). Figure 1 shows an example in which the first store information is displayed on the user terminal 10, with an image UP indicating the service user UX's current location and multiple image TPs indicating each of the nearby stores arranged on a map. Also, in Figure 1, an example is shown in which a number corresponding to the number of stores in the corresponding location is written on the image TP, but this example is not particularly limited, and the number does not have to be written, or other information corresponding to the store may be written in numbers, letters, or other ways. For example, the information processing device 100 may change the display mode of the image TP corresponding to a store that meets certain conditions so that it can be distinguished from the image TP corresponding to other stores. For example, the information processing device 100 may highlight the image TP corresponding to the store displaying the advertisement using a different display color or shape than other images. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may calculate the average payment amount for each image TP, based on the average payment amount calculated, and then change the display color or shape of the image TP corresponding to the store to highlight it.

[0038] Furthermore, the first app screen J1, which displays the first store information, includes a button B2, which is the first content for specifying stores that issue flyers; a button B3, which is the second content for specifying stores that distribute coupons given to service users when using electronic payment; and a button B4, which is the third content for specifying stores that distribute stamps given to service users when using electronic payment. Buttons B2, B3, and B4 are used to specify filtering conditions so that the service user UX can narrow down the desired stores from among nearby stores. Note that button B3, the second content for specifying stores that distribute coupons given to service users, may be provided for each type of coupon. For example, possible types of coupons include return visit coupons that can be used when returning to a store, time-limited coupons that can be used only during specified hours, and product-specific coupons that can only be used for payment of specific products. Also, the coupon may be a coupon that allows viewing of a flyer.

[0039] Furthermore, when the user terminal 10 detects, for example, an operation on button B3 on the first application screen J1 (Display Example W1-3), it transmits information indicating the coupon associated with button B3 as selection category information to the information processing device 100. The user terminal 10 then displays the corresponding store information received from the information processing device 100 on the second application screen J2 (Display Example W1-4).

[0040] The following describes other examples of screen transitions of the payment application displayed on the user terminal 10 in accordance with the execution of information processing according to the embodiment, using Figure 2. For example, in the first store response, multiple image TPs representing each of the nearby stores placed on the map may be changed to image TPs corresponding to the selection category selected by the service user UX. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating another example of the overview of information processing according to the embodiment. Note that in the screen transition example shown in Figure 2, parts that partially overlap with the screen transition example shown in Figure 1 have been omitted.

[0041] In other words, when the user terminal 10 detects, for example, an operation on button B3 on the first application screen J1 (Display Example W2-1), it transmits information indicating the coupon associated with button B3 as selection category information to the information processing device 100. Then, when the user terminal 10 receives the corresponding store information from the information processing device 100, it displays the first store information on the first application screen J1, which has only the image TPs indicating the corresponding stores placed on the map based on the corresponding store information (Display Example W2-2). For example, the information processing device 100 can transmit identification information to the user terminal 10 to identify the image TP corresponding to the corresponding store from among multiple image TPs indicating each of the nearby stores placed on the map as corresponding store information. The user terminal 10 can identify the image TP indicating the corresponding store from among multiple image TPs indicating each of the nearby stores using the identification information included in the corresponding store information.

[0042] Furthermore, when the user terminal 10 detects an action by the service user UX on an image TP showing corresponding stores placed on the map (Display Example W2-3), it displays the corresponding store information received from the information processing device 100 on the second application screen J2 (Display Example W2-4). In this way, the information processing device 100 allows the service user UX to intuitively understand the positional relationship of the stores corresponding to the selected category.

[0043] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing a fourth content for specifying stores in the vicinity that are in a predetermined state of congestion. Stores in a predetermined state of congestion are assumed to be stores where transactions can be smoothly received from the corresponding stores, such as stores with "vacant seats" or "no waiting time". In this case, the information processing device 100 may estimate the congestion status of each store included in the vicinity based on the number of times electronic payments have been made at the vicinity stores in the most recent predetermined period, and acquire second store information regarding the stores corresponding to the fourth content according to the estimated congestion status.

[0044] As described above, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment provides store information related to stores that are linked to user benefits selected by the service user UX from among nearby stores. This enables the information processing device 100 to improve usability in electronic payment services.

[0045] [2. Equipment configuration] The configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0046] (Regarding Communications Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices such as the user terminal 10.

[0047] (Regarding memory unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or by a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 120 has a store information storage unit 121. In addition to the information described below, the storage unit 120 may also store information necessary for the information processing according to the embodiment, such as map information.

[0048] (Regarding the store information storage unit 121) The store information storage unit 121 stores store information for each store that is a member store that has introduced the electronic payment service. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of store information stored in the store information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the store information stored in the store information storage unit 121 has multiple items, such as "store ID," "location information," "flyer information," "coupon information," and "stamp information." These items in the store information are interconnected.

[0050] The "Store ID" field stores the store ID, which is a unique identifier assigned individually to each service user in order to uniquely identify each store within the electronic payment service.

[0051] The "Location Information" field stores information indicating the store's location. This information can be anything that identifies the store's location, such as an address or latitude and longitude.

[0052] The "Flyer Information" field stores information about flyers issued by the store. The "Coupon Information" field stores information about coupons given to service users by the store when using electronic payment. The "Stamp Information" field stores information about stamps given to service users by the store when using electronic payment.

[0053] (Regarding the control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as the working area. The control unit 130 can also be implemented by an integrated circuit, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 130 has a first supply unit 131 and a second supply unit 132, and these units realize or execute the information processing functions and operations described below. In addition, new functional units different from those shown in Figure 3 may be introduced into the control unit 130 in accordance with the expansion of various processes performed by the information processing device 100.

[0055] (Regarding Section 131 of the First Supply Unit) The first provision unit 131 provides the service user with first store information, which is placed on a map showing the location of stores that have introduced the electronic payment service, and contains multiple contents corresponding to promotional information issued by the stores and benefit information granted to service users when using electronic payment.

[0056] For example, the first service provider 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map showing the locations of nearby stores within a predetermined distance range from the service user's current location, with multiple contents placed on the map. For example, if the first service provider 131 determines that it has received a request from the service user to display nearby store information, it may identify stores within a predetermined distance range from the service user's current location as nearby stores based on the service user's location information and the location information included in the store information.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, the first service provider 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing first content for specifying stores that issue flyers from among nearby stores.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, the first service provider 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing second content for specifying stores that distribute coupons given to service users when using electronic payment from among nearby stores.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, the first service provider 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing third content for specifying stores that distribute stamps given to service users when using electronic payment from among nearby stores.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, the first service provider 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing fourth content for specifying stores in the vicinity that are experiencing a predetermined level of congestion.

[0061] (Regarding Section 2, Item 132) The second provisioning unit 132, when at least one of the multiple contents placed in the first store information is selected, acquires second store information relating to the store corresponding to the selected content and provides the acquired second store information to the service user.

[0062] Furthermore, the second provisioning unit 132 may estimate the congestion status of each store based on the number of times electronic payments have been made at nearby stores in the most recent predetermined period, and acquire second store information relating to stores corresponding to the fourth content for specifying stores from among nearby stores that are in a predetermined congestion status according to the estimated congestion status.

[0063] [3. Example of processing procedure] Hereinafter, an example of an information processing procedure performed by the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of an information processing procedure performed by the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 5 is performed by the control unit 130 of the information processing device 100. The control unit 130 repeatedly performs the processing procedure shown in Figure 5 while the information processing device 100 is in operation.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the first service unit 131 determines whether or not a request to display nearby store information sent from the user terminal 10 has been received (step S101).

[0065] If the first service unit 131 determines that a request to display nearby store information has been received (step S101; Yes), it identifies nearby stores within a predetermined distance range from the service user's current location based on the service user's location information and the location information included in the store information (step S102).

[0066] Furthermore, the first provision unit 133 transmits first store information to the user terminal 10, which is a map showing the location of the identified nearby store, on which multiple contents corresponding to promotional information issued by the store and benefit information granted to the service user when using electronic payment are placed (step S103).

[0067] Furthermore, the second provisioning unit 132 determines whether or not the selected content information transmitted from the user terminal 10 has been acquired (step S104).

[0068] If the second service unit 132 determines that the selected content information has been acquired (step S104; Yes), it acquires the corresponding store information for the selected content (step S105).

[0069] Furthermore, the second provisioning unit 132 transmits the acquired corresponding store information to the user terminal 10 (step S106), and terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 5.

[0070] In step S104 described above, if the second provisioning unit 132 determines that the selected content information has not been acquired (step S104; No), it terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 7. For example, if the payment application is terminated on the user terminal 10 before the selected content information is acquired, the second provisioning unit 132 may terminate the processing procedure shown in Figure 5.

[0071] In step S101 described above, if the first provisioning unit 131 determines that no request for display of nearby store information has been received (step S101; No), it terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 5.

[0072] [4. Variations] (4-1. Regarding the display method of images showing the location of stores to be placed on the map) In the embodiments described above, the information processing device 100 (for example, the first providing unit 131) may change the display mode of the image showing the location of nearby stores shown on the map in the first store information based on the attributes of nearby stores. For example, the first providing unit 131 may highlight images of stores that have unique attributes compared to other stores so that they are more visible than other stores. The first providing unit 131 may select stores with unique attributes from among the stores included in the nearby stores according to predetermined determination conditions. Stores with unique attributes may include stores that distribute advertisements, stores that are running region-specific campaigns, or stores that provide greater benefits to service users than other stores. As a result, the information processing device 100 can make it possible for service users to quickly grasp the location relationship of stores that are beneficial to their UX from among the nearby stores.

[0073] (4-2. System Configuration) In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the information processing device 100 included in the information processing system SYS performs processing related to electronic payment services and also performs information processing according to the embodiment. However, the configuration of the information processing system SYS according to the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and the server device that performs processing related to electronic payment services and the server device that performs information processing according to the embodiment may be physically separate servers, or each server device may belong to a different system. In this case, each server device is connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other and exchange the information necessary for their respective processes.

[0074] Furthermore, among the processes described in the embodiments described above, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0075] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0076] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not contradictory.

[0077] [5. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment is an information processing device that performs various processing related to an electronic payment service that provides a service user with a payment means for settling the price of a transaction using predetermined code information, and has a first providing unit 131 and a second providing unit 132. The first providing unit 131 provides the service user with first store information, which is arranged on a map showing the location of stores that have introduced the electronic payment service, and which contains multiple contents corresponding to promotional information issued by the stores and benefit information given to the service user when using electronic payment. The second providing unit 132 acquires second store information relating to the store corresponding to the selected content when at least one of the multiple contents arranged in the first store information is selected, and provides the acquired second store information to the service user.

[0078] Furthermore, the first service provider 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which includes multiple contents placed on a map showing the locations of nearby stores within a predetermined distance range from the service user's current location.

[0079] Furthermore, the first service provider 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing first content for specifying stores that issue flyers from among nearby stores.

[0080] Furthermore, the first service provider 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing second content for specifying stores that distribute coupons given to service users when using electronic payment from among nearby stores.

[0081] Furthermore, the first provision unit 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing third content for specifying stores that distribute stamps awarded to service users when using electronic payment from among nearby stores.

[0082] Furthermore, the first provisioning unit 131 may provide the service user with first store information, which is a map containing fourth content for specifying nearby stores that are in a predetermined state of congestion. Furthermore, the second provisioning unit 132 may estimate the congestion status of each store based on the number of times electronic payments have been made at nearby stores in the most recent predetermined period, acquire second store information for stores corresponding to the fourth content according to the estimated congestion status, and provide the acquired second store information to the service user.

[0083] Furthermore, the first provisioning unit 131 may change the display mode of the image showing the location of nearby stores shown on the map in the first store information based on the attributes of nearby stores.

[0084] Thus, according to the information processing device 100 of this embodiment, store information is provided for stores that are linked to user benefits selected by the service user UX from among nearby stores. As a result, the information processing device 100 can improve the usability of electronic payment services.

[0085] [6. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the second server 20 and the third server 30 according to the embodiments or modifications described above are implemented by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the second server 20 and the third server 30 according to the embodiments or modifications.

[0086] Computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0087] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0088] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via the communication network 500 (corresponding to network N in this embodiment) and sends it to the CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.

[0089] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the data it generates to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0090] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0091] For example, when computer 1000 functions as a second server 20 according to an embodiment or modification, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 230 by executing a program loaded on RAM 1200. That is, the CPU 1100 realizes the processing by the second server 20 according to an embodiment or modification in cooperation with a program (for example, an information processing program) loaded on RAM 1200. In addition, the HDD 1400 stores each of the data in the storage device of the second server 20. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, when computer 1000 functions as a third server 30 according to an embodiment or modification, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 330 by executing a program loaded on RAM 1200. That is, the CPU 1100 realizes the processing by the third server 30 according to an embodiment or modification in cooperation with a program (for example, an information processing program) loaded on RAM 1200. Also, the HDD 1400 stores each of the data in the storage device of the third server 30. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0093] [7. Other] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0094] Furthermore, the configuration of the aforementioned information processing device 100 can be flexibly changed, for example, by calling external platforms via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or network computing depending on the function.

[0095] Furthermore, the term "part" in the claims can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. For example, "control unit" can be replaced with "control means" or "control circuit." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] SYS Information Processing System 10. User terminals 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Store Information Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 First Provision Department 132 Second Provision Department

Claims

1. An information processing device that performs various processes related to an electronic payment service, which provides a payment means to a service user for settling the price of a transaction using predetermined code information, A first provisioning unit provides the service user with first store information, which is placed on a map display function installed in an application program provided to the service user in order to use the electronic payment service, on a map showing the locations of stores that have introduced the electronic payment service, as information for the service user to narrow down the stores that have introduced the electronic payment service to the stores that give a predetermined benefit to the service user, through operation on one screen of the application program, to stores that give a desired benefit among the stores that have introduced the electronic payment service, and which includes a first content for the service user to specify stores that distribute coupons given to the service user when using the electronic payment service, and a second content for the service user to specify stores that distribute stamps given to the service user when using the electronic payment service. A second provisioning unit provides the acquired second store information to the service user. If the first content is selected from the first content and the second content placed in the first store information, the second store information relating to the store distributing the coupon is acquired; if the second content is selected, the second store information relating to the store distributing the stamp is acquired; and the acquired second store information is provided to the service user. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The first supply unit is, The service user is provided with information about the first store, which includes the first and second contents, on a map showing the locations of nearby stores within a predetermined distance from the service user's current location. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The first supply unit is, The service user is provided with the first store information, which is the first content for specifying the store that distributes the coupon from among the nearby stores, and which is placed on the map. The information processing apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The first supply unit is, The service user is provided with the first store information, which is placed on the map, to specify the store that distributes the stamp from among the nearby stores. The information processing apparatus according to feature 2.

5. An information processing device that performs various processes related to an electronic payment service, which provides a payment means to a service user for settling the price of a transaction using predetermined code information, A first provisioning unit provides the service user with first store information, which is arranged on a map showing the location of stores that introduce the electronic payment service, and which contains multiple contents corresponding to promotional information issued by the stores and benefit information granted to the service user when using the electronic payment service. If at least one of the multiple contents placed in the first store information is selected, the second provisioning unit acquires second store information relating to the store corresponding to the selected content and provides the acquired second store information to the service user. It has, The first supply unit is, The service user is provided with the first store information, which includes the multiple contents placed on a map showing the locations of nearby stores within a predetermined distance range from the service user's current location. The service user is provided with the first store information, which is placed on the map, to specify the store among the nearby stores that is in a predetermined state of congestion. The second supply unit is, Based on the number of times the electronic payment was made at the aforementioned nearby stores during the most recent predetermined period, the congestion status of each store is estimated, and according to the estimated congestion status, second store information relating to the third content is obtained, and the obtained second store information is provided to the service user. An information processing device characterized by the following:

6. The first supply unit is, Based on the attributes of the aforementioned nearby stores, the display mode of the image showing the location of the aforementioned nearby stores on the map in the first store information is changed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 5, characterized by the above.

7. The first supply unit is, According to predetermined criteria, the system selects stores from among the nearby stores that have unique attributes compared to other stores, and highlights an image indicating the location of the selected store. The information processing apparatus according to feature 6.

8. An information processing method performed by a computer that performs various processing related to an electronic payment service that provides a service user with a means of payment for settling the price of a transaction using predetermined code information, A first provision step of providing first store information to the service user, which is provided to the service user in order to use the electronic payment service, on a map display function installed in the application program that is A second provision step in which, if the first content is selected from the first content and the second content placed in the first store information, second store information relating to the store distributing the coupon is obtained, if the second content is selected, second store information relating to the store distributing the stamp is obtained, and the obtained second store information is provided to the service user. An information processing method characterized by including

9. A computer that performs various processing related to an electronic payment service that provides service users with a means of payment for settling the price of a transaction using predetermined code information, A first provision procedure provides the service user with first store information, which is placed on a map showing the locations of stores that have introduced the electronic payment service, using a map display function installed in the application program provided to the service user in order to use the electronic payment service, as information to allow the service user to narrow down the stores that offer a predetermined benefit to the service user from among the stores that have introduced the electronic payment service, through operations on one screen of the application program, to stores that offer a desired benefit, and which includes a first content for the service user to specify stores that distribute coupons given to the service user when using the electronic payment service, and a second content for the service user to specify stores that distribute stamps given to the service user when using the electronic payment service. A second provision procedure which, when the first content is selected from the first content and the second content placed in the first store information, obtains second store information relating to the store distributing the coupon, when the second content is selected, obtains second store information relating to the store distributing the stamp, and provides the obtained second store information to the service user. An information processing program characterized by causing the execution of [a specific action].

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