Server, how it is executed by the server, website

Abstract

To make the operation of a scanning device possible on a Web site displayed by a browser.SOLUTION: A server is configured to provide a Web site that is displayed by a browser. The Web site has a scanning operation unit displayed by the browser. The scanning operation unit is configured to accept an operation by a user. The scanning operation unit is configured to execute data reading by the scanning application when the operation is accepted. The data reading is a process of acquiring data from an external part of a scanning device by the scanning device controlled by the scanning application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a method executed by the server, and a website.

Background Art

[0002] Smartphones generally have browsers and are suitable for browsing websites. Also, smartphones have scanning devices such as Near Field Communication (NFC) devices and can be used to read data from IC tags and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a website displayed by a browser, if a user can operate a scanning device possessed by the user, the functions of the website can be enriched. Therefore, it is desirable that a scanning device be operable in a website displayed by a browser.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a server. The disclosed server is configured to provide a website displayed by a browser, the website has a scan operation unit displayed by the browser, the scan operation unit is configured to receive an operation by a user, and when the operation is received, data reading by a scan application is configured to be executed, and the data reading is a process of acquiring data from outside the scanning device by a scanning device controlled by the scan application.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure is a method performed by a server. The method of disclosure comprises providing a website displayed by a browser, the website having a scan operation unit displayed by the browser, the scan operation unit being configured to accept user operations, and upon receiving such operations, being configured to perform data reading by a scan application, the data reading being a process of acquiring data from outside the scan device by a scan device controlled by the scan application.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is a website. The website of the disclosure is a website displayed by a browser and has a scan operation unit displayed by the browser, the scan operation unit is configured to accept operations by a user, and when such operations are accepted, a data reading operation is performed by a scan application, the data reading is a process in which a scan device controlled by the scan application acquires data from outside the scan device.

[0008] Further details will be described in the embodiments below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the collaborative process, etc. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the data reading process. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the screen display transitions provided on the website. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an overview diagram of the data reading process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the coordination process on the server. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the collaborative process. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the data reading process. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the relationship between the server, browser, and scanning application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <1. Server, how it is executed by the server, website overview>

[0011] (1) The server according to the embodiment is configured to provide a website displayed by a browser, the website having a scan operation unit displayed by the browser, the scan operation unit being configured to accept user operations, and when such operations are accepted, data reading by a scan application is performed, the data reading is a process in which data is acquired from outside the scan device by a scan device controlled by the scan application. In this case, the scan device becomes operable on the website displayed by the browser.

[0012] (2) The scanning device is preferably a wireless communication device that acquires the data via wireless communication. In this case, it becomes possible to operate the data acquisition using the wireless communication device on the website.

[0013] (3) The scanning device is preferably a short-range wireless communication device that acquires the data via short-range wireless communication. In this case, it becomes possible to operate the data acquisition using the short-range wireless communication device on the website.

[0014] (4) Preferably, the scan operation unit is associated with a first processing program. Preferably, the first processing program is configured to cause a computer to execute a first process. Preferably, the first process is a process that uses the data acquired by the data reading. In this case, when the scan operation unit is operated, the first process that uses the data acquired by the data reading is executed.

[0015] (5) Preferably, the first process includes a process of operating a blockchain. In this case, the blockchain can be operated using the data acquired by the data reading.

[0016] (6) Preferably, the scan application is an application that connects to the website using an account of the blockchain. In this case, the website can operate the blockchain using an account of the blockchain. The account of the blockchain is, for example, a blockchain address assigned to a user.

[0017] (7) Preferably, the scan application is an application different from the browser.

[0018] (8) Preferably, the scan application is an application that connects to the website. The scan device can be controlled by the scan application connected to the website.

[0019] (9) Preferably, the scan application is configured to execute a cooperation process for connecting the scan application to the website. In this case, the scan application can be connected to the website by the cooperation process.

[0020] (10) Preferably, the cooperation process is configured to switch the cooperation method according to the type of the client terminal including the browser. In this case, appropriate cooperation according to the type of the client terminal becomes possible.

[0021] (11) The method according to the embodiment includes providing a website displayed by a browser, the website having a scan operation unit displayed by the browser, the scan operation unit being configured to receive an operation by a user, and when the operation is received, being configured to execute data reading by a scan application, and the data reading is preferably a process of acquiring data from outside the scan device by the scan device controlled by the scan application.

[0022] (12) Preferably, the browser is provided in a first client terminal, and the scan application is provided in a second client terminal different from the first client terminal.

[0023] (13) Preferably, the scan application is provided in the client terminal including the browser.

[0024] (14) The website according to the embodiment is a website displayed by a browser, having a scan operation unit displayed by the browser, the scan operation unit being configured to receive an operation by a user, and when the operation is received, being configured to execute data reading by a scan application, and the data reading is a process of acquiring data from outside the scan device by the scan device controlled by the scan application.

[0025] <2. Examples of servers, methods executed by servers, and websites>

[0026] Figure 1 shows an example of a system comprising a server 51 according to an embodiment. The server 51 shown in Figure 1, together with client terminals 31 and 32, constitutes a client-server system for providing a website. Server 51 is a web server and is configured to provide a website to client terminals 31 and 32 via a network 15 such as the Internet. Note that server 51 may be called the first server 51 to distinguish it from the second server 52 described later.

[0027] In this embodiment, the server 51 provides a client terminal with a website having a scan operation unit displayed by a browser. In this embodiment, when the scan operation unit displayed by the browser is operated, data reading is performed via a scanning device. The website having the scan operation unit is displayed by an application called a browser, but the browser that displays the website having the scan operation unit does not have scanning functions such as short-range wireless communication. In this embodiment, even if the website having the scan operation unit is displayed by a browser that does not have scanning functions, data reading via a scanning device can be performed.

[0028] The server 51 may be composed of a computer comprising a processor 51A and a storage device 51B. The storage device 51B is connected to the processor 51A. The storage device 51B comprises, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. The primary storage device is, for example, RAM. The secondary storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0029] The storage device 51B contains website data 51C. The website data 51C is data that constitutes a website provided to client terminals 31 and 32. The website data 51C includes, for example, source code written in a language used to build the website. The language is, for example, HTML. The website data 51C according to this embodiment may include computer programs 51D, 51E, and 51F that are launched when the website is operated. The computer programs 51D, 51E, and 51F are application programs provided on the website. The computer programs 51D, 51E, and 51F include program code having instructions that are executed by a computer such as a web server 51. In this way, the website provided by the server 51 can also function as a web application that provides application programs. The web application here is, for example, a Progressive Web Application (PWA).

[0030] The server 51 according to this embodiment includes a cooperation processing program 51D as one of the aforementioned computer programs 51D, 51E, and 51F. The cooperation processing program 51D is configured to cause the computer to execute the cooperation processing described later (for example, step S250 in Figure 5). The cooperation processing cooperates with the scan application 32D described later. The server 51 according to this embodiment also includes a data reading processing program 51E as one of the aforementioned computer programs 51D, 51E, and 51F. The data reading processing program 51E is configured to cause the computer to execute the data reading processing described later (for example, step S610 in Figure 6). Furthermore, the server 51 according to this embodiment also includes a first processing program 51F as one of the aforementioned computer programs 51D, 51E, and 51F. The first processing program 51F is configured to cause the computer to execute the first processing described later (for example, processing for the screen display 450 in Figure 4).

[0031] Client terminals 31 and 32 are devices that can be used by a user and, together with server 51 or server 52, constitute a client-server system. Client terminals 31 and 32 are connected to server 51 or server 52 via network 15. Client terminals 31 and 32 are, for example, smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, or personal computers. In Figure 1, a first terminal 31 and a second terminal 32 are shown as examples of client terminals 31 and 32. In the following explanation, for example, the first terminal 31 is a personal computer and the second terminal 32 is a smartphone. Furthermore, it is assumed that the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 are used by the same user.

[0032] The first terminal 31 is, for example, a laptop or desktop personal computer. The first terminal 31 may include a processor 31A and a storage device 31B. The storage device 31B is connected to the processor 31A. The storage device 31B includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. The primary storage device is, for example, RAM. The secondary storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0033] The first terminal 31 has a browser 31C installed. That is, the storage device 31B is equipped with the browser 31C. The browser 31C is a computer program (application program) for browsing websites. The browser 31C is configured to access a web server and cause the computer to execute the process of displaying the website on the display 31E of the first terminal 31. The first terminal 31 is equipped with an input device 31D such as a keyboard or mouse. Because personal computers can input data using input devices such as keyboards or mice, they are more suitable than smartphones for relatively complex operations involving a lot of text input. Note that the first terminal 31 is not equipped with the NFC device 32G that the second terminal 32 is equipped with.

[0034] The second terminal 32 may include a processor 32A and a storage device 32B. The storage device 32B is connected to the processor 32A. The storage device 32B includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. The primary storage device is, for example, RAM. The secondary storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0035] The second terminal 32 has a browser 32C installed. That is, the storage device 32B is equipped with the browser 32C. The browser 32C is a computer program (application program) for browsing websites. The browser 32C is configured to access a web server and cause the computer to execute the process of displaying the website on the display 32E of the second terminal 32. The display 32E is configured, for example, as a touch panel and is configured to accept user input from the user's finger or stylus.

[0036] The second terminal 32 has the scan application 32D installed. In other words, the storage device 32B is equipped with the scan application 32D. The scan application 32D is a computer program that controls the scanning device. It is configured to cause the computer to execute a data reading process to acquire data from outside the scanning device (outside the second terminal 32).

[0037] The second terminal 32 is equipped with a Near Field Communication (NFC) device 32G as an example of a scanning device. NFC devices are installed in smartphones but are often not installed in personal computers. To use NFC on a personal computer, it is necessary to obtain an NFC device separately and connect it to the personal computer, which is cumbersome. However, users familiar with computers often own both a personal computer and a smartphone. Therefore, in this embodiment, as an example, data is read via NFC using the NFC device installed in the smartphone while browsing or operating a website on the personal computer.

[0038] The NFC device 32G provided by the second terminal 32 is, for example, an NFC reader, an NFC writer, or an NFC reader / writer. The NFC reader or NFC reader / writer can read data recorded on other NFC devices such as the NFC tag 101 via short-range wireless communication. The NFC writer or NFC reader / writer can write data to other NFC devices such as the NFC tag 101 via short-range wireless communication. The second terminal 32 also includes a camera 32F. The camera 32F can also function as a scanning device.

[0039] The scan application 32D does not need to be dedicated solely to controlling the scanning device. The scan application 32D may be configured to perform processing using data acquired by the scanning device. Alternatively, the scan application 32D may be included as a function within an application program intended for other purposes.

[0040] Furthermore, some of the processing provided to the user via application 32D may be executed by the second server 52. In other words, the second server 52 may be an application server for application 32D.

[0041] An application program for other purposes is, for example, a blockchain application. A blockchain application is used to operate Blockchain 20 or to display data recorded on Blockchain 20. An application program for other purposes may also be a browser 32C.

[0042] Blockchain 20 is comprised of a peer-to-peer (P2P) computer network system in which multiple computers are interconnected. The operation of Blockchain 20 or the display of data recorded on Blockchain 20 can be performed as a first process.

[0043] In Blockchain 20, transactions can be conducted between blockchain addresses. Transactions in Blockchain 20 are recorded on the distributed ledger of Blockchain 20. In Blockchain 20, for example, tokens can be traded. Tokens that can be traded in Blockchain 20 include fungible tokens (FTs) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Fungible tokens are cryptocurrencies such as Ether in Ethereum. Fungible tokens may also be proprietary fungible tokens issued on the blockchain by companies or individuals. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), unlike fungible tokens (FTs), are tokens that do not have fungibility.

[0044] An operation on blockchain 20 is, for example, at least one or a combination thereof of an operation for generating tokens, an operation for sending tokens, and an operation for receiving tokens on blockchain 20. For example, the first processing program 51F and the blockchain application program 32D may be configured to cause a computer to perform operations on blockchain 20 using data read by a scanning device. Note that either or both of the token generation and sending operations may be performed by a smart contract on blockchain 20. A smart contract is software implemented on blockchain 20. A smart contract is called and executed, for example, by server 51 or server 52.

[0045] One example of blockchain 20 operation using data read by a scanning device is the generation of non-fungible tokens using data read by a scanning device.

[0046] One example of generating a non-fungible token using data read by a scanning device is the generation of a non-fungible token associated with the data read by the scanning device. In this case, a non-fungible token is generated that is associated with another NFC device (such as an IC tag) that recorded the data read by the scanning device.

[0047] Another example of generating non-fungible tokens using data read by a scanning device is the generation of a type of non-fungible token determined by the data read by the scanning device. In this case, the type of non-fungible token generated is determined by the data read by the scanning device.

[0048] Another example of manipulating Blockchain 20 using data read by a scanning device is sending tokens to the blockchain address of the user who read the data. The tokens sent may be non-fungible or fungible tokens. The tokens sent may be tokens generated as described above, or pre-generated tokens. The tokens sent may be determined based on the data read by the scanning device.

[0049] Figure 2 shows an example of the procedure for the collaborative process S250 implemented by the aforementioned collaborative processing program 51D, and related procedures. Here, the user accesses the website provided by the server 51 using the browser 31C of the first terminal 31, which is a personal computer.

[0050] The website provided by server 51 is, for example, one that requires a relatively large amount of text input. A website that requires a large amount of text input could, for example, be a site for generating non-fungible tokens associated with NFC tag 101 (or its tag ID). The site for generating non-fungible tokens accepts input of data to be non-fungible tokenized (such as text data or image data) from the user and executes the process of generating non-fungible tokens on blockchain 20. Alternatively, the website could, as another example, be a site that provides a service where, when a user reads data from NFC tag 101, it sends a token on blockchain 20 to the user's blockchain address.

[0051] When a large amount of text input is required, users often prefer to access websites using the first terminal 31, a personal computer with excellent input operability. However, the first terminal 31 owned by the user does not have an NFC device 32G, which is a scanning device. Therefore, even if a website requests data reading via NFC, the first terminal 31 cannot read the data.

[0052] Therefore, in this embodiment, as an example, a second terminal 32 equipped with a scanning device such as an NFC device 32G is used for data reading, separate from the first terminal 31 used for browsing and operating the website. In the cooperation process S250, processing is performed to establish a connection between the website and the scanning application 32D of the second terminal 32. Through the cooperation process S250, the scanning application 32D can connect to the server 51 that provides the website via a network 15 such as the Internet. Alternatively, the scanning application 32D may establish a connection with the browser 31C of the first terminal 31 that is displaying the website via the server 51.

[0053] Since the scanning application 32D is connected to the website, when a user operation (scan operation) for data reading is performed on that website, the scanning application 32D can read the data. Furthermore, because the scanning application 32D is connected to the server 51 that provides the website, it can transmit the scanned data to the server 51. The server 51 can then use the transmitted data to perform a first process, etc. If the first process includes operations on the blockchain 20, such as sending tokens, a novel method is realized in which the blockchain 20 is operated by reading the data using NFC or the like.

[0054] To perform the integration process S250, first, the user visits the website provided by the server 51 using the browser 31C of the first terminal 31 (step S211). The server 51 according to this embodiment requests the user to log in to the website, for example, in order to make the application 32D owned by the user available on the website.

[0055] Server 51 provides the login screen display to the first terminal 31 for the cooperation process S250 (step S251). The browser 31C of the first terminal 31 then outputs the login screen display to the display 31E (step S212). The login screen display is for the user to log in to a user account on the website. The login screen display includes a login button 411, which is a graphical user interface, as shown in the login screen display 410 in Figure 4. The user performs a login operation on the login screen display (step S212). The login operation is, for example, the user clicking the login button 411 with a mouse.

[0056] When the server 51 accepts a login operation (step S252), it provides the first terminal 31 with a two-dimensional code screen display (step S253). The browser 31C of the first terminal 31 then outputs the two-dimensional code screen display to the display 31E (step S213). The two-dimensional code screen display includes a two-dimensional code 421, for example, as shown in the two-dimensional code screen display 420 in Figure 4. The two-dimensional code 421 contains access information for other client terminals, such as the second terminal 32, to log in to the website.

[0057] The user activates the scan application 32D on the second terminal 32 by operating the second terminal 32 (step S221). The user then uses the scan application 32D to read the 2D code displayed on the display 31E of the first terminal 31 (step S222). The 2D code is read via a camera 32F controlled by the scan application 32D.

[0058] Once the 2D code has been read, the scanning application 32D uses the data indicated by the 2D code to establish an internet connection. Since the data indicated by the 2D code represents access information to the website that was logged into, the scanning application 32D will log into the website (step S223). The server 51 accepts the login operation from the second terminal 32 to log into the user account on the website (step S254).

[0059] When server 51 accepts a login, a connection is established between the website provided by server 51 and the second terminal 32. In other words, a connection is established between the website and the scanning application 32D (step S255).

[0060] Here, the scanning application 32D is configured with the user already logged in before reading the 2D code. The login information for logging into the scanning application 32D is, for example, the user ID and password set for the scanning application 32D. In this embodiment, the login information for the scanning application 32D is also used to log in to a website. That is, the scanning application 32D logs into the website using the user's login information, which is the ID and password for the scanning application 32D.

[0061] Logging into a website using the scanning application 32D includes sending login information held by the second server 52 or second terminal 32, which manages the user accounts of the scanning application 32D, to the first server 51, which provides the website. The first server 51 accepts the login using the login information sent from the second server 52 or second terminal 32. As a result, users can log in to the website if they have a user account in the scanning application 32D. In other words, users can use the login information for their user account in the scanning application 32D as login information for their user account on the website.

[0062] If the scan application 32D is a blockchain application, the user login information in the scan application 32D would, for example, be the blockchain address and private key of blockchain 20. The blockchain address is the user account on blockchain 20. The private key corresponds to the blockchain address and is used for digital signatures of transactions on blockchain 20.

[0063] If the user login information in the scanning application 32D is blockchain account information such as a blockchain address and private key, then the user can log in to a website using that blockchain account information. In this case, the website accessed by logging in with the blockchain account information can provide services that utilize blockchain 20, such as manipulating and viewing tokens on blockchain 20.

[0064] As described above, the website being viewed by the first terminal 31 and the scan application 32D on the second terminal 32, which is separate from the first terminal 31, are connected and a link is established. In other words, the linkage process connects the application provided on the website (web application) with the scan application 32D, which is separate from that website, and a link is established. Once the linkage is established, the scan application 32D is set as the application that performs the scan when a scan operation is performed in the user account of the website (web application).

[0065] Furthermore, the method for establishing a connection between the website and the scanning application 32D is not limited to the method described above; any method that can establish a connection between the website and the scanning application 32D is acceptable. For example, a user may choose to use the login information for the scanning application 32D on the website, and this login information may be manually entered by the user.

[0066] Furthermore, part or all of the coordination process S250 with the scan application 32D may be performed by the first terminal 31 (its browser 31C). In this case, the scan application 32D may connect to a website by coordinating with the browser 31C that displays the website.

[0067] Figure 3 shows an example of the data reading procedure implemented by the data reading processing program 51E described above, and related procedures. Here, it is assumed that a connection has already been established between the website and the scanning application 32D.

[0068] Server 51 provides an NFC scan button as a scan operation unit on the website (step S351). Then, the browser 31C of the first terminal 31 outputs the NFC scan button to the display 31E (step S311). The scan operation unit, such as the NFC scan button, may be a graphical user interface displayed on the website. The scan operation unit accepts user operations for reading data using NFC, etc. The NFC scan button is, for example, the NFC scan button 431 provided on the operation button screen display 430 shown in Figure 4. When the user operates the NFC scan button 431 displayed on the first terminal 31 (step S312), a scan request signal is sent from the first terminal 31 to the server 51. The scan request signal sent from the first terminal 31 is called the first scan request signal.

[0069] Server 51 receives a first scan request signal via the network 15 (step S352). Upon receiving the first scan request signal, Server 51 sends a scan request signal to the scan application 32D connected to the website (step S353). The scan request signal sent from Server 51 is called the second scan request signal.

[0070] The scan application 32D of the second terminal 32 receives a second scan request signal via the network 15 (step S321). Upon receiving the second scan request signal, the scan application 32D activates the NFC device 32G and enters a standby state for NFC data reading. When the user brings the second terminal 32 close to another NFC device, such as the NFC tag 101, the data recorded on the NFC tag 101 is transmitted to the second terminal 32. The scan application 32D of the second terminal 32 reads the transmitted data (step S322). The data to be read is, for example, the tag ID, which is a unique identifier recorded on the NFC tag.

[0071] As described above, the scanning operation section, such as the NFC scan button displayed on the website, is configured so that when operated, data reading is performed by the scanning application 32D connected to the website.

[0072] Figure 5 briefly illustrates the data flow between the website and the scan application 32D. When the NFC scan button on the aforementioned operation button screen display 430 is operated on the website, a scan request signal (steps S312, S353) is sent to the scan application 32D. Upon receiving the scan request signal, the scan application 32D enters a scan standby state. The scan application 32D reads data (first data) from the NFC tag 101 (step S322). The read data can be sent to the website (step S323).

[0073] The operation button screen display 430 in Figures 4 and 5 also includes a two-dimensional code scan button 432. The user can select and operate either the NFC scan button 431 or the two-dimensional code scan button 432. When the two-dimensional code scan button 432 is operated, the scan application 32D activates the camera 32F and reads the two-dimensional code via the camera 32F. The data read via the camera 32F may be a barcode or other machine-readable code.

[0074] The scanning application 32D may send the scanned data (first data) to the server 51 (step S323). The server 51 may receive the transmitted first data. The server 51 may use the first data to execute a first process associated with the operation buttons 431 and 432 (step S354). For example, when the server 51 receives the first data, it provides a web site scan result screen display to the browser 31C of the first terminal 31. The scan result screen display is output to the display 31E. The scan result screen display includes a display unit 443 for the scanned tag ID, for example, as shown in the scan result screen display 440 in Figure 4. The scan result screen display 440 includes a process execution button 441 for starting the first process. When the process execution button 441 is selected by the user, the first process using the first data is executed.

[0075] The first process may include, for example, receiving data input from a user and storing the received data in association with the read first data (e.g., tag ID). For example, the server 51 provides the data input screen display 450 shown in Figure 4 to the browser 31C of the first terminal 31 on a website. The data input screen display 450 includes, for example, a first input section 451 for first input data such as characters or images, a second input section 452 for second input data such as characters or images, and a third input section 453 for third input data such as characters or images. Input operations (step S313) in these input sections 451, 452, and 453 are efficiently performed using the input device 31D provided by the first terminal 31.

[0076] Once data entry is complete, the first process is terminated, for example, by performing a process to associate and save the input data with the first data. If the first process includes a non-fungible token generation process, the input data and the first data may be used, for example, to generate a non-fungible token. The server 51 provides the browser 31C with a first process completion screen display 460 on the website.

[0077] Figure 6 shows the flow of the data reading process (step S610) achieved when the server 51 executes the data reading processing program 51E described above. The server 51 determines whether an operation has been performed on the operation buttons 431 and 432 (see Figures 4 and 5) displayed on the website (step S611). If an operation is performed on the operation button 431, it sends a scan request signal to the linked scan application 32D (step S612). The server 51 receives the data (first data) read by the linked scan application 32D from the scan application 32D (step S613).

[0078] Server 51 starts the first process (step S620) associated with operation buttons 431 and 432 (step S614). The first process program 51F, which is a computer program for the first process, is stored in Server 51 in association with operation buttons 431 and 432. The first process can be started when operation buttons 431 and 432 are operated and the website retrieves the first data. The first process is a process that uses the first data (step S621).

[0079] The first process (step S620) may be performed by the server 51, or part or all of the first process may be performed by the scan application 32D or other application. In other words, the server 51 may delegate the first process to another scan application 32D or other application.

[0080] The first processing by the scan application 32D may be performed at the second terminal 32 or at the second server 52. The first server 51 may send data or commands necessary for the execution of the first processing at the second terminal 32 or the second server 52 to the second terminal 32 or the second server 52. In addition, the results of the first processing performed at a location other than the first server 51 may be provided to the first server 51.

[0081] Figure 7 shows another example of a collaborative process on a website. The collaborative process S700 shown in Figure 7 identifies the types of terminals 31 and 32 and switches the method of collaborative operation according to the types of terminals 31 and 32. Generally, a website can be viewed by various types of terminals 31 and 32. That is, a website may be viewed by a personal computer or by a smartphone. In other words, a website may be viewed by a first terminal 31 that does not have an NFC device, or by a second terminal 32 that has an NFC device 32G.

[0082] If the website is accessed by the first terminal 31, as mentioned above, cooperation with the second terminal 32, which is separate from the first terminal 31, is required. On the other hand, if the website is accessed by the second terminal 32, the cooperation with the website only needs to be performed by the scanning application 32D provided by the second terminal 32. Therefore, in the cooperation process S700 shown in Figure 7, the type of terminals 31 and 32 used to access the website (whether or not they have an NFC device) is determined (step S701), and the method of cooperation is switched depending on the type of terminals 31 and 32.

[0083] Here, as an example, we assume that personal computers do not have NFC devices, while smartphones do, and the method of communication is switched based on whether the terminal is a personal computer or a smartphone. The terminal type is determined, for example, based on data transmitted from the terminal. For terminal type determination, we can use known techniques that are commonly used for automatic switching between PC sites and smartphone sites on general websites. The determination for switching the method of communication may also be made by referring to data indicating the presence or absence of NFC devices in terminals 31 and 32.

[0084] If the result of the determination in step S701 is the first type, the server 51 provides the first site to the terminal 31 (step S711). If the result of the determination in step S701 is the second type, the server 51 provides the second site to the terminal 32 (step S712). The first type is a personal computer, and the first site is a website for personal computers. The second type is a smartphone, and the second site is a website for smartphones.

[0085] In Figure 7, the linkage process using the first site is as shown in steps S712 to S716. Steps S712 to S716 in Figure 7 are the same as the linkage process S250 (steps S251 to S256) shown in Figure 2.

[0086] In Figure 7, the integration process using the second site is as shown in steps S722 to S726. Unless otherwise specified, the integration process using the second site is the same as the integration process using the first site.

[0087] At the first site, a 2D code is provided for linking with the scanning application 32D of other terminals (step S714), but at the second site, the provision of the 2D code is omitted. Instead, at the second site, the scanning application 32D to link with is selected (step S724).

[0088] In other words, the server 51 that provided the second site to the second terminal 32 provides the login screen display to the second terminal 32 for coordination (step S722). Then, the browser 32C of the second terminal 32 outputs the login screen display to the display 32E (step S722).

[0089] When server 51 receives a login operation from the second terminal 32 (step S723), it provides the second terminal 32 with a screen display for user selection of the application to be linked. The browser 32C of the second terminal 32 then outputs this screen display to the display 31E. This screen display shows a list of one or more applications that can be used for linking, such as the scan application 32D. The user then performs an operation on the second terminal 32 to select, for example, the scan application 32D as the application to be linked. Server 51 accepts this selection operation (step S724). Once the selection operation is performed, the browser 32C of the second terminal 32 launches the scan application 32D installed on the second terminal 32. The browser 32C also provides the scan application 32D with access information for logging into a website. This provision may be performed within the second terminal 32.

[0090] The scanning application 32D, having obtained access information, uses that access information to log in to the website where the login operation was performed. The server 51 accepts the login (step S725). Once the server 51 accepts the login, a connection is established between the website provided by the server 51 and the scanning application 32D (step S726).

[0091] As described above, the collaboration process S700 in Figure 7 enables collaboration according to the type of terminals 31 and 32. In other words, the collaboration process S700 in Figure 7 enables data reading by a scanning device regardless of whether the client terminal used to browse the website is equipped with a scanning device.

[0092] Figure 8 shows an example of a procedure for reading data using a scan application 32D installed on a terminal 32 equipped with a browser 32C for viewing websites. The procedure in Figure 8 assumes, for example, the linkage with the second site shown in Figure 7. The procedure shown in Figure 8 is the same as the procedure shown in Figure 3 unless otherwise specified.

[0093] Server 51 provides the second terminal 32 with an NFC scan button as a scanning operation unit on the website (step S851). The browser 32C of the second terminal 32 then outputs the NFC scan button to the display 32E (step S811). When the user operates the NFC scan button displayed on the second terminal 32 (step S812), a first scan request signal is sent from the first terminal 31 to the server 51.

[0094] Server 51 receives a first scan request signal via the network 15 (step S852). Upon receiving the first scan request signal, Server 51 sends a second scan request signal to the scan application 32D connected to the website (step S853). The second scan request signal may be sent to the scan application 32D via the browser 32C, or it may be sent to the scan application 32D without going through the browser 32C.

[0095] The scan application 32D of the second terminal 32 receives a second scan request signal (step S821). Upon receiving the second scan request signal, the scan application 32D activates the NFC device 32G and enters a standby state for NFC data reading. When the user brings the second terminal 32 close to another NFC device such as the NFC tag 101, the data recorded on the NFC tag 101 is transmitted to the second terminal 32. The scan application 32D of the second terminal 32 reads the transmitted data (step S822). The read first data may be transmitted to the server 51 (step S823). The server 51 receives the first data and may perform processing using the first data (step S854).

[0096] Figure 9 shows an example of the relationship between a website 91, browsers 31C and 32C, and a scan application 32D according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the website 91 is provided to browsers 31C and 32C by the web server 51 (step S901). The website 91 includes a scan operation unit 92, such as an NFC scan button. In the web server 51, a computer program for a first process 93 is associated with the scan operation unit 92. The first process 93 is executed when the scan operation unit 92 is operated and first data D1 is read.

[0097] Browsers 31C and 32C are used by the user to view the website 91. The user can operate the scan operation unit 92 displayed on the website 91 by tapping it with their finger F. When the scan operation unit 92 is operated, a scan request signal is sent to the scan application 32D. The scan request signal may be sent to the scan application 32D via the web server 51 (step S902A), or it may be sent from the browser to the scan application 32D without going through the web server 51 (step S902B).

[0098] Upon receiving a scan request, the scan application 32D reads the first data D1 from the NFC tag 101 or the like via a scan device such as the NFC device 32G (step S903).

[0099] When the first data D1 is read, the first process 93 is executed. The first data D1 may be sent from the scanning application 32D to the web server 51 without going through the browsers 31C,32C (step S904A), or it may be sent from the scanning application 32D to the web server 51 via the browsers 31C,32C (step S904B). Note that the first data is not limited to the web server 51, but may be sent to any computer on which the first process 93 is executed.

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 15: Network 20: Blockchain 31: Client terminal (first terminal) 31A: Processor 31B: Storage device 31C: Browser 31D: Input device 31E: Display 32: Client terminal (second terminal) 32A: Processor 32B: Storage device 32C: Browser 32D: Scanning Application 32E: Display 32F: Camera 32G:NFC device 51: Server 51A: Processor 51B: Storage device 51C: Website data 51D: Collaboration Processing Program 51E: Data reading processing program 51F: First processing program 52: Server 91: Website 92: Scan operation unit 93: First Processing 101: NFC tag 410: Login screen displayed 411: Login button 420: Displaying a 2D code screen 421: 2D code 430: Operation button screen display 431: NFC scan button (scan operation unit) 432: QR code scan button 440: Display of reading results screen 441: Execute Processing Button 443:Display section 450: Data entry screen display 451: First input section 452: Second input section 453: Second input section 460: 1st process completion screen display

Claims

1. It is configured to provide websites that are displayed by the browser. The aforementioned website has a scanning operation section displayed by the browser, The scan operation unit is configured to accept user operations, and when such operations are accepted, it is configured to execute data reading by the scan application. The aforementioned data reading is a process in which a scanning device controlled by the scanning application acquires data from outside the scanning device. The scan operation unit is associated with the first processing program, The first processing program is configured to cause a computer to execute the first processing, The first process is a process that uses the data obtained by the data reading, The first process described above includes a process for manipulating the blockchain, The aforementioned scanning application is an application that connects to the aforementioned website using the blockchain account. server.

2. The scanning device is a wireless communication device that acquires the data via wireless communication. The server according to claim 1.

3. The scanning device is a short-range wireless communication device that acquires the data via short-range wireless communication. The server according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The scanning application is configured to perform a coordinated process to connect to the website. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A system configured to provide a website that is displayed by a browser, The aforementioned website has a scanning operation section displayed by the browser, The scan operation unit is configured to accept user operations, and when such operations are accepted, it is configured to execute data reading by the scan application. The aforementioned data reading is a process in which a scanning device controlled by the scanning application acquires data from outside the scanning device. The scanning application performs a linkage process to connect to the website, and the linkage process is configured to switch the method of linkage depending on the type of client terminal equipped with the browser. server.

6. The invention provides a website that is displayed by a browser, The aforementioned website has a scanning operation section displayed by the browser, The scan operation unit is configured to accept user operations, and when such operations are accepted, it is configured to execute data reading by the scan application. The aforementioned data reading is a process in which a scanning device controlled by the scanning application acquires data from outside the scanning device. The aforementioned browser is installed on the first client terminal, The aforementioned scanning application is installed on a second client terminal, which is different from the first client terminal. The method executed by the server.

7. A website displayed by a browser, It has a scan operation unit displayed by the aforementioned browser, The scan operation unit is configured to accept user operations, and upon receiving such operations, it is configured to execute data reading by a scan application installed on a second client terminal, which is different from the first client terminal equipped with the browser. The aforementioned data reading is a process in which a scanning device controlled by the scanning application acquires data from outside the scanning device. Website.

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