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

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device, a payment application program, and an information processing method that enable speedy payment processing when a user performs a code-based payment using the MPM (Merchant Presented Mode) method. [Solution] The user terminal 10 is an information processing device used by a user who uses code payment, and includes a display unit 11, a detection unit 142 that detects a store code, which is used for code payment and contains the identification information of a store, via the imaging unit 12 of the information processing device included in the camera library, by a code reading function that is executed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application in response to the startup of the payment application that provides services related to code payment, via the imaging unit 12, and a display control unit 143 that displays a scan screen on the display unit for reading the store code via the imaging unit when the detection unit detects the store code.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Currently, code-based payment using codes such as QR Code (registered trademark) has become widespread (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] When performing code-based payment in the MPM method, the user cannot execute code-based payment in the MPM method unless the user selects read and pay (scan and pay) from the top screen or payment screen of the payment application. In the CPM method of code-based payment, the user can complete the payment simply by presenting the displayed barcode. However, in the MPM method of code-based payment, there are many steps until the payment is completed, and the user cannot perform the payment quickly.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus or the like that enables a user to perform payment quickly when attempting to perform code-based payment in the MPM method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to an information processing device used by a user to utilize code payment, and comprises: a display unit; a detection unit that performs a function to read a code via the imaging unit of the information processing device included in a camera library, and which, in response to the startup of a payment application that provides a service related to code payment, detects a store code, which is a code containing the identification information of a store, via the imaging unit; and a display control unit that, when the detection unit detects the store code, causes the display unit to display a scan screen for reading the store code via the imaging unit.

[0007] The payment application program of the present invention is a payment application program that is pre-installed on an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, and the information processing device is configured to function as a detection unit that detects a store code, which is a code containing the identification information of a store used for code payments, via the imaging unit, by a function that is executed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application program, in response to the startup of the payment application program that provides a service related to code payments, via the imaging unit, and a display control unit that, when the detection unit detects the store code, causes the display unit to display a scan screen for reading the store code via the imaging unit.

[0008] The present invention relates to an information processing method, which is performed by a computer of an information processing device used by a user to utilize code payment, and comprises the function of reading a code via the imaging unit of the information processing device included in a camera library, and which is performed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application in response to the startup of the payment application that provides the code payment service, by detecting a store code, which is a code containing the identification information of a store used for code payment, via the imaging unit; and, when the store code is detected, causing the display unit of the information processing device to display a scan screen for reading the store code via the imaging unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when a user attempts to make a code payment using the MPM method, it becomes possible to make the payment quickly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of a payment processing system S using a payment application according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the payment server 20 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of the user terminal 10. [Figure 5] Figures 5(a) to 5(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when a store code image C is detected while the payment app (App) is launched and the splash screen (SP) is displayed. [Figure 6]Figures 6(a) to 6(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when a store code image C is detected after the payment app has been launched and while the top screen TP of the payment app is displayed. [Figure 7] Figures 7(a) to 7(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when a store code image C is detected after the payment app has been launched and while the payment screen PY of the payment app is displayed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the user terminal 10 of the payment processing system S according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a situation where information is displayed on the scan screen SC indicating that the scan screen SC can be displayed when the store code image C is detected while the payment app App is running. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The payment processing system using the payment application program (hereinafter referred to as the payment app) according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The payment app according to this embodiment is a program that is pre-installed on the user terminal used by the user of code payment in order to use electronic payment using an identification code (hereinafter referred to as code payment). Note that the following description is merely an example of a preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the invention described in the claims. In addition, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] [Overview of Payment Processing System S] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a payment processing system S using a payment application according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the payment processing system S includes a user terminal 10, a payment server 20, and a store terminal 30. The payment server 20 and the store terminal 30 communicate with each other via a network (not shown). The network includes, for example, the internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless base station, and provider equipment. Note that the payment processing system S shown in Figure 1 may include multiple user terminals 10, multiple payment servers 20, and multiple store terminals 30.

[0013] A "user" is a person who uses a payment app to make a payment for goods or services at a store. Users obtain an account for the code payment service provided by the payment processing system S, for example, using the account management function of the payment app. The user's account is managed by the payment server 20 and is linked to the user's user identification information and the user's account. Users can access the code payment service by installing the payment app on their user terminal 10. The code payment service can also be used by accessing the website provided by the payment server 20 using a general web browser.

[0014] User terminal 10 is a terminal device used by a user when making a code payment at a participating merchant. User terminal 10 is an information processing device used by the user, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

[0015] A "franchise store" refers to a store or service provider that has entered into a contract with a service provider offering a code settlement service. Franchise stores include, for example, organizations operating multiple physical stores or online shops. A "store" refers to a place where goods or services are actually provided to users, such as any store like a store, restaurant, department store, cinema, or sports gym. "Goods" include tangible objects such as items that users actually acquire in a store, or intangible objects such as image data, video data, music data, and game programs. "Services" refer to services that users actually receive in a store or the like.

[0016] A settlement app, App, is pre-installed on the user terminal 10. The settlement app, App, is operated and managed by a service provider (e.g., the operator of the settlement server 20) offering a code settlement service.

[0017] The settlement server 20 is an information processing device that provides a code settlement service for performing code settlement processing and distributing information related to code settlement. It is composed of a computer having at least a communication function and a program execution function. The settlement server 20 manages the accounts of stores that are franchise stores and the accounts of users having accounts for the code settlement service, and realizes various settlements by, for example, transferring electronic money between accounts. The settlement server 20 may be realized by one information processing device or by a plurality of information processing devices.

[0018] The store terminal 30 is an information processing device used by a store that has contracted with a service provider that provides a code settlement service or a provider that provides services. The store terminal 30 is composed of a computer having at least a product price acquisition function, an optical reading function, a program execution function, and a communication function. The store terminal 30 includes a so-called POS (Point of Sale) terminal, and the product price acquisition function and the optical reading function may be realized by the POS terminal. The optical reading function is realized by a code reader such as a barcode reader that reads an image of a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a camera that reads an image of a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. Also, a store code image C is posted in the store. The store code image C is a store code in which a store URL, which is identification information of the store, is encoded using a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. The store code image C may be printed and posted on a paper or plastic medium, or may be displayed on a display.

[0019] There are two methods for performing code settlement at a franchise store using the settlement app App: the MPM (Merchant Presented Mode) method in which the user terminal 10 reads the store code image C posted at the storefront of the franchise store, and the CPM (Consumer Presented Mode) method in which the store terminal 30 of the franchise store reads the settlement code image displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 10. In the present embodiment, the case where the settlement code is read by the MPM method will be described.

[0020] In MPM-based code payment, when a user makes a payment at a merchant, they launch the payment app installed on the user terminal 10. The user then uses the user terminal 10 to read a store code image C, such as a QR code, displayed in the store. The store code image C contains information about the store's URL. The user terminal 10 adds the user's user identification information to the read store URL information and sends it to the payment server 20. Based on the store URL information and user identification information received from the user terminal 10, the payment server 20 identifies the user and the store from its database and displays an amount input screen on the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 accepts the amount information entered by the user on the amount input screen and sends the entered amount information to the payment server 20. The payment server 20 performs the payment process between the identified user's account and the identified store's account. Once the payment process is complete, a payment completion screen is displayed on the user terminal 10 and the store terminal 30.

[0021] In MPM-style code payments, a scan screen SC, as shown in Figure 5(c), is typically used to read the store code image C. The "scan screen" is a screen used to read the store code image C, which is a store code containing the store's identification information, via the camera of the user terminal 10. The user displays the scan screen SC on the display of the user terminal 10 via the payment app App. The user then takes a picture of the store code image C displayed in the store, ensuring that it fits within the frame FR of the scan screen SC. The user can transition to the scan screen SC by tapping the "Scan" button TPB1 displayed on the top screen TP of the payment app App, as shown in Figure 6(b), or by tapping the "Scan" button PYB1 displayed on the payment screen PY, as shown in Figure 7(b). The "payment screen" is a screen containing the user code, which contains the user's user identification information, and is the payment screen used in CPM-style code payments.

[0022] The following describes the configuration details of user terminal 10.

[0023] [Hardware configuration of user terminal 10] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 10 is a computer such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or wearable device.

[0024] The user terminal 10 is physically configured as a computer, including a processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, communication device 104, input device 105, output device 106, and a bus connecting them. Each of these devices operates on power supplied from a battery (not shown). In the following description, the term "device" can be read as a circuit, device, unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 may include one or more of the devices shown in Figure 2, or some of the devices may be omitted. Alternatively, multiple devices with different enclosures may be connected via communication to constitute the user terminal 10.

[0025] Each function in the user terminal 10 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 101 and memory 102, which allows the processor 101 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 104, and control at least one of the reading and writing of data in the memory 102 and storage 103.

[0026] The processor 101 controls the entire computer, for example, by running the operating system. The processor 101 may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control units, arithmetic units, registers, etc. Alternatively, a baseband signal processing unit or a call processing unit may be implemented by the processor 101.

[0027] The processor 101 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc., from at least one of the storage 103 and the communication device 104 into the memory 102 and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described later. Functional blocks of the user terminal 10 are stored in the memory 102 and may be implemented by control programs that run on the processor 101. Various processes may be executed by one processor 101, or they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 101. The processor 101 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may also be transmitted to the user terminal 10 via a telecommunications line.

[0028] Memory 102 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Memory 102 may also be called a register, cache, main memory, etc. Memory 102 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for carrying out the method according to this embodiment.

[0029] The storage 103 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: an optical disc such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disc, a digital multipurpose disc, a Blu-ray® disc), a smart card, flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy® disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The storage 103 may also be called an auxiliary storage device.

[0030] The communication device 104 is hardware (transceiver / receiver device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc. The communication device 104 enables communication with the payment server 20. The communication device 104 may be configured to include, for example, a high-frequency switch, duplexer, filter, frequency synthesizer, etc., in order to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the transmit / receive antenna, amplifier section, transmit / receive section, transmission path interface, etc., may be implemented by the communication device 104. The transmit / receive section may be implemented with physically or logically separated transmitting and receiving sections.

[0031] The input device 105 is an input device that accepts input from the outside (for example, keys, microphones, cameras, switches, buttons, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other various sensors). The output device 106 is an output device that outputs to the outside (for example, a display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.). The input device 105 and the output device 106 may be configured as an integrated unit (for example, a touch panel).

[0032] Each device, such as the processor 101 and memory 102, is connected by a bus for communicating information. The bus may be configured using a single bus, or different buses may be used for each device.

[0033] The user terminal 10 may be configured with hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and some or all of the functional blocks may be implemented by such hardware. For example, the processor 101 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0034] [Hardware configuration of payment server 20] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the payment server 20 according to this embodiment. The payment server 20 is an information processing device implemented by, for example, a computer, server device, cloud system, etc. Physically, the payment server 20 is configured as a computer device including a processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, communication device 204, input device 205, output device 206, and a bus connecting them. The processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, communication device 204, input device 205, and output device 206 are the same hardware as the processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, communication device 104, input device 105, and output device 106 of the user terminal 10, so their description is omitted.

[0035] [Functional configuration of user terminal 10] Next, the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the display control function of the user terminal 10 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 has a display unit 11, an imaging unit which is a camera 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0036] The display unit 11 is, for example, a display that shows various kinds of information, and is an example of the output device 106 shown in Figure 2. The display unit 11 displays various screens related to the payment application App, such as the top screen TP (see Figure 6(b)), splash screen SP (see Figure 5(b)), scan screen SC (see Figure 5(c)), payment screen PY (see Figure 7(b)), and amount input screen MI (see Figure 5(d)).

[0037] Camera 12 is the imaging unit of the user terminal 10 for capturing images (video or still images), and is an example of the input device 105 shown in Figure 2. Camera 12 is composed of an image sensor such as a CCD (Charged-coupled devices) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor. Camera 12 captures, for example, a store code image C such as a QR code displayed in a store. The store code image C is a store code that encodes the store's identification information and is used for code-based payments.

[0038] The storage unit 13 stores various types of data. For example, the storage unit 13 stores the program executed by the control unit 14. The storage unit 13 stores a payment application (program) that causes the control unit 14 to function as an operation reception unit 141, a detection unit 142, a display control unit 143, a code reading unit 144, a monetary amount information acquisition unit 145, a settlement processing unit 146, and a setting unit 147. The storage unit 13 also stores screen data for various screens corresponding to the various functions of the payment application.

[0039] The payment app includes a camera library (CaL). The camera library (CaL) is a program or module for activating camera 12, controlling camera 12, acquiring images or videos via camera 12, and processing and analyzing the acquired images or videos. The camera library (CaL) includes at least one of the following camera functions: camera control functions (e.g., camera activation / deactivation, shooting, zoom adjustment, focus adjustment), image or video acquisition functions, image processing functions (e.g., image resizing, compression, noise reduction, color balance adjustment), and analysis functions (e.g., QR code or barcode recognition, face recognition, character recognition (OCR: Optical Character Recognition)). The camera library (CaL) can use an API (Application Programming Interface) for hardware control and may include, but is not limited to, camera-related libraries such as Android's CameraX, iOS's AVFoundation, and OpenCV. By running the camera library (CaL), at least one of the camera functions can be made available. Explicit user operation is not necessarily required. Furthermore, it is possible to execute only specific functions included in the camera library CaL.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the camera library CaL is a function that reads codes such as QR codes via the camera 12 of the user terminal 10, and includes a function (hereinafter referred to as the "background code reading function") that is executed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application App, in response to the launch of the payment application App that provides a code payment service. When the background code reading function is executed by the background thread, the camera 12 is launched to read the code, but the shooting screen for taking a picture of the code with the camera 12 is not displayed on the display unit 11, and the background code reading function is always performed in the background. Note that launching the payment application App includes not only launching the payment application App from a state where it is not running, but also activating the payment application App by bringing it back to the foreground from the background.

[0041] The control unit 14 functions as an operation reception unit 141, a detection unit 142, a display control unit 143, a code reading unit 144, a monetary amount information acquisition unit 145, a payment processing unit 146, and a setting unit 147 by executing (or launching) the payment application App stored in the storage unit 13.

[0042] The operation reception unit 141 identifies the user's operation based on signals input from an operation unit, such as a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 11, and executes processing according to the identified operation. For example, if the identified operation is a request to launch the payment application App, the operation reception unit 141 launches the payment application App. Also, if the identified operation is a request to display the scan screen SC, the operation reception unit 141 notifies the display control unit 143 of the request to display the scan screen SC.

[0043] The detection unit 142 detects the store code image C, which is a store code containing the store's identification information used in code payments, via the camera 12 using the background code reading function included in the camera library CaL. That is, when a user points the camera 12 of the user terminal 10 at the store code image C, the background code reading function detects the store code image C, and the detection signal is input to the processor 201. The detection unit 142 detects the store code image C by acquiring the detection signal input to the processor 201.

[0044] The display control unit 143 displays various screens corresponding to the various functions of the payment app on the display unit 11 of the user terminal 10. The display control unit 143 acquires screen data for various screens from the storage unit 13 in response to user operations and displays it on the display unit 11. For example, when the user taps the icon AppI of the payment app that provides code payment services, which is displayed on the home screen HO (operating system home screen) of the user terminal 10 (see Figure 5(a)), the payment app starts up, and the display control unit 143 displays the splash screen SP shown in Figure 5(b) on the display unit 11, and then displays the top screen TP shown in Figure 6(b) on the display unit 11.

[0045] When the payment app is running and the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C, the display control unit 143 displays a scan screen SC (see Figure 5(c)) on the display unit 11 for reading the store code image C via the camera 12. The state in which the payment app is running includes, for example, the state in which the splash screen SP of the payment app is displayed, the state in which the top screen TP of the payment app is displayed, and the state in which the payment screen PY of the payment app is displayed.

[0046] Traditionally, when a user wanted to make a code payment using the MPM method, they had to tap the "Scan" button TPB1 or PYB1 on the payment app's top screen TP or payment screen PY to display the scan screen SC before they could complete the MPM code payment. Thus, the MPM code payment method involved many steps before settlement, preventing users from making payments quickly.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C via the camera 12 using the camera library CaL function (background code reading function) which is executed in a background thread in response to the launch of the payment app App, the scan screen SC is displayed on the display unit 11. Therefore, when a user attempts to perform MPM-type code payment by reading the store code image C via the camera 12 of their user terminal 10, all they need to do is point the camera 12 of their user terminal 10 towards the store code image C so that the store code image C is detected. As a result, the user can skip steps leading up to payment in MPM-type code payment, enabling speedy payment. Furthermore, pointing the camera 12 of the user terminal 10 towards the store code image C to capture it is an intuitive and easy-to-use operation for the user.

[0048] The background code reading function included in the camera library CaL may always run in a background thread while the payment app is running (i.e., the background code reading function may always be enabled while the payment app is running), but it is preferable that the background code reading function be executed in a background thread at the same time as the payment app is launched, with a specified startup time for the camera 12. In other words, it is preferable that the background code reading function is enabled only from the time the payment app is launched until the specified startup time. The startup time may be set in advance, or it may be set by the user via the setting unit 147 described later. The startup time is preferably several tens of seconds, such as 10 or 20 seconds.

[0049] This configuration allows users to utilize the background code reading function only for a specified period after launching the payment app. This saves resources by limiting the operating time of camera 12, as prolonged operation of camera 12 consumes CPU, memory, and battery.

[0050] Furthermore, the display control unit 143 may display the scanned screen SC on the display unit 11 when the store code image C is detected continuously by the detection unit 142 for a predetermined period of time. Here, the predetermined period of time is, for example, a fixed period of a few seconds, such as 1 to 2 seconds.

[0051] As a result, if the detection unit 142 does not continuously detect the store code image C for a predetermined period of time, the scan screen SC will not be displayed on the display unit 11. This prevents malfunctions such as the scan screen SC being displayed on the display unit 11 if the user accidentally points the user terminal 10 at the store code image C.

[0052] The code reading unit 144 reads the store code image C via the camera 12 of the user terminal 10 and obtains store identification information from the read store code image C.

[0053] The amount information acquisition unit 145 acquires the amount information entered by the user via the amount input screen MI displayed on the display unit 11 from the display control unit 143.

[0054] The payment processing unit 146 executes the payment process. Specifically, the payment processing unit 146 sends and receives payment-related information between the user terminal 10 and the payment server 20 in accordance with each processing procedure in the MPM method code payment described above, and starts and completes the code payment. For example, the payment processing unit 146 sends a payment request to the payment server 20 that includes the store identification information read by the code reading unit 144, the user identification information, and the amount information acquired by the amount information acquisition unit 145. When the payment is executed by the payment server 20 in accordance with the payment request, the payment processing unit 146 receives information from the payment server 20 indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0055] The setting unit 147 accepts various settings from the user and stores them in the storage unit 13 as setting information for the payment app. For example, the setting unit 147 accepts a setting from the user to enable or disable the function that displays the scan screen SC on the display unit 11 when the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142, and stores it in the storage unit 13 as setting information for the payment app. If the setting unit 147 enables this function, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC on the display unit 11 when the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142. If the setting unit 504 disables this function, the scan screen SC will not be displayed even if the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142.

[0056] The following describes the display control when the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142, using Figures 5(a) to 5(d), Figures 6(a) to 6(d), and Figures 7(a) to 7(d).

[0057] Figures 5(a) to 5(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when a store code image C is detected while the payment app (App) is launched and the splash screen (SP) is displayed.

[0058] In Figure 5(a), the user launches the payment app by tapping the payment app icon AppI. When the payment app is launched, a splash screen SP is displayed on the display unit 11. The splash screen SP is a screen that is displayed when the startup process of the payment app begins, before the top screen TP of the payment app is displayed. The splash screen SP may display the logo of the payment app, etc.

[0059] The upper part of Figure 5(b) shows the splash screen SP. When the splash screen SP is displayed on the display unit 11, and the user points the camera 12 towards the store code image C, the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C, and the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC on the display unit 11. Normally, the screen displayed after the splash screen SP would be the top screen TP, but in this embodiment, if the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142 on the splash screen SP, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC on the display unit 11 after the splash screen SP, instead of the top screen TP.

[0060] In this way, when the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142 on the splash screen SP displayed at the start of the payment app startup process, the scan screen SC is displayed on the display unit 11. As a result, the user can see the scan screen SC on the display unit 11 immediately after starting the payment app, enabling speedy payment.

[0061] The lower part of Figure 5(b) shows the state in which, while the splash screen SP is displayed on the display unit 11, the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C using a background code reading function executed by a background thread. The detection unit 142 can detect the store code image C when it fits within the shooting frame CFR of the camera 12.

[0062] Figure 5(c) shows the scan screen SC. The scan screen SC is for capturing the store code image C via the camera 12. The scan screen SC displays a frame FR, and the user captures the store code image C so that it is within the frame FR. The user can close the scan screen SC by tapping button B1. The scan screen SC displays the message, "Please scan the QR code."

[0063] Furthermore, if the store code image C is not detected by the detection unit 142 while the scan screen SC is displayed on the display unit 11 for a predetermined period of time, the display control unit 143 may display the top screen TP of the payment application App on the display unit 11. Here, the predetermined period of time is, for example, a fixed period of time of about 1 to 3 seconds.

[0064] As a result, even if the user accidentally points the user terminal 10 towards the store code image C and the scan screen SC is displayed on the display unit 11, the user can return to the top screen simply by not pointing the user terminal 10 towards the store code image C.

[0065] Furthermore, if the store code image C is not detected by the detection unit 142 while the scan screen SC is displayed on the display unit 11 for a predetermined period of time, the display control unit 143 may display the payment screen PY, which includes the user code containing the user's user identification information, on the display unit 11. Here, the predetermined period of time is, for example, a fixed period of time of about 1 to 3 seconds.

[0066] As a result, even if a user mistakenly believes that a CPM-based code payment is an MPM-based code payment and points their user terminal 10 towards the store code image C, causing the scan screen SC to be displayed on the display unit 11, the user can simply avoid pointing their user terminal 10 towards the store code image C to switch the display to the payment screen PY used for CPM-based code payments.

[0067] Figure 5(d) shows the amount input screen MI displayed on the display unit 11 after the store code image C is read on the scan screen SC. The user enters the amount information of the product to be purchased on the amount input screen MI and taps the "Pay" button B2. As a result, the payment processing unit 146 sends a payment request to the payment server 20, and the payment is executed by the payment server 20 according to the payment request. The amount input screen MI may also include a point redemption button B3 to indicate whether or not to use points for payment.

[0068] Figures 6(a) to 6(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when a store code image C is detected after the payment app has been launched and while the top screen TP of the payment app is displayed.

[0069] Since Figure 6(a) is the same as Figure 5(a), its explanation is omitted.

[0070] Figure 6(b) shows the top screen TP of the payment app. When the top screen TP is displayed on the display unit 11 and the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC on the display unit 11.

[0071] The top screen TP displays various buttons, including the "Scan" button TPB1, the "Charge" button TPB2, and the "Pay" button TPB3. The top screen TP also displays a one-dimensional code TPC1, which contains the user's user identification information.

[0072] Since Figure 6(c) is the same as Figure 5(c) and Figure 6(d) is the same as Figure 5(d), their explanations will be omitted.

[0073] Figures 7(a) to 7(d) illustrate the screen transitions that occur when a store code image C is detected after the payment app has been launched and while the payment screen PY of the payment app is displayed.

[0074] Since Figure 7(a) is the same as Figure 5(a), its explanation will be omitted.

[0075] Figure 7(b) shows the payment screen PY of the payment app. When the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142 while the payment screen PY is displayed on the display unit 11, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC on the display unit 11. The payment screen PY can be displayed on the display unit 11 by tapping the area where the one-dimensional code TPC1 is located on the top screen TP, or by tapping the "Pay" button TPB3.

[0076] The payment screen PY displays a "Scan" button PYB1. The payment screen PY also displays a one-dimensional code PYC1 and a two-dimensional code PYC2, which contain the user's user identification information. The payment screen PY may also display the user's point card PTC. Points can be accumulated, for example, by making payments using a payment app, and can be used as electronic money when making code payments.

[0077] Since Figure 7(c) is the same as Figure 5(c) and Figure 7(d) is the same as Figure 5(d), their explanations will be omitted.

[0078] Furthermore, when the payment app is running and a screen other than the splash screen SP, top screen TP, or payment screen PY is displayed, if the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142, the display control unit 143 may display the scan screen SC on the display unit 11.

[0079] [Operation Flow] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the user terminal 10 of the payment processing system S according to this embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 8 shows the processing flow from launching the payment application App to displaying the scan screen SC and sending a payment request.

[0080] First, in step S801, the user terminal 10 launches the payment app App by tapping the payment app AppI icon on the home screen HO. This enables the background code reading function included in the camera library CaL, which is executed in a background thread.

[0081] In step S802, the payment app is launched and the user points the camera 12 of the user terminal 10 at the store code image C. The detection unit 142, with the background code reading function enabled, detects the store code image C using the background code reading function. If the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C, the flow proceeds to step S803.

[0082] In step S803, the display control unit 143 displays the scanned screen SC on the display unit 11.

[0083] In step S804, the code reading unit 144 reads the store code image C via the camera 12 and obtains store identification information from the read store code image C.

[0084] In step S805, the amount information acquisition unit 145 acquires the amount information entered by the user via the amount input screen MI displayed on the display unit 11 from the display control unit 143.

[0085] In step S806, the display control unit 143 displays the amount information acquired by the amount information acquisition unit 145 in step S805 on the display unit 11.

[0086] In step S807, the payment processing unit 146 receives input from the user indicating that payment will be made (for example, by tapping the "Pay" button B2 on the amount input screen MI), and sends a payment request to the payment server 20 that includes the store identification information read by the code reading unit 144 in step S804, the user identification information, and the amount information acquired by the amount information acquisition unit 145 in step S805. Upon receiving the payment request, the payment server 20 executes the payment according to the payment request.

[0087] As described above, in the user terminal 10 of the payment processing system S according to this embodiment, when the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C using the background code reading function, the scan screen SC is displayed on the display unit 11. Therefore, when a user attempts to perform a code payment using the MPM method, which reads the store code image C via the camera 12 of their user terminal 10, all they need to do is point the camera 12 of the user terminal 10 towards the store code image C so that the detection unit 142 can detect the store code image C, thus enabling speedy payment.

[0088] Furthermore, pointing the camera 12 of the user terminal 10 at the store code image C in order to take a picture of the store code image C is an intuitive and easy-to-use action for the user.

[0089] [Other embodiments] Although the payment processing system S of the present invention has been described above with reference to this embodiment, the payment processing system S of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications to the configuration and details of the present invention can be made, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, any system or device that combines the separate features included in this embodiment in any way is also within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0090] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices or to a single device. Moreover, the present invention is also applicable when an information processing program that realizes the functions of this embodiment is supplied to a system or device and executed by a built-in processor. To realize the functions of the present invention on a computer, a program installed on a computer, a medium storing that program, a server that downloads that program, and a processor that executes the program are all included in the technical scope of the present invention. In particular, at least a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the processing steps included in this embodiment described above is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0091] In the above embodiment, when the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C using the background code reading function, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC on the display unit 11. At this time, if the number of times the scan screen SC displayed on the display unit 11 due to the detection of the store code image C by the detection unit 142 is less than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, a certain number of times such as 1 to 3 times), the display control unit 143 may display information on the scan screen SC displayed on the display unit 11 due to the detection of the store code image C, indicating that the scan screen SC can be displayed when the store code image C is detected by the detection unit 142 via the camera 12 while the payment application App is running.

[0092] The action of pointing the camera 12 of the user terminal 10 at the store code image C to take a picture of the store code image C is intuitive and easy for the user to use. However, the user would not normally know that such an action allows the scanning screen SC to be displayed while the payment app is running. Therefore, by displaying information indicating the existence of such a function on the scanning screen SC that is displayed when the user accidentally performs the above action, if the number of times the scanning screen SC has been displayed due to the above action is below a predetermined number, the user can become aware of this function.

[0093] Figure 9 shows an example of a situation where the scan screen SC displayed on the display unit 11 after the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C, and information is displayed indicating that the scan screen SC can be displayed when the store code image C is detected while the payment app App is running. As shown in Figure 9, the scan screen SC displays a notification NT that reads, "You can display the scan screen by pointing your smartphone camera at the store's QR code while the app is running," as information indicating that the scan screen SC can be displayed when the store code image C is detected while the payment app App is running. This notification NT may disappear after the scan screen SC has been displayed a predetermined number of times by the above operation. Note that the notification NT may also be displayed on the so-called normal scan screen SC, which is displayed by tapping the "Scan" button TPB1 displayed on the top screen TP, or the "Scan" button PYB1 displayed on the payment screen PY.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C using a background code reading function executed in a background thread in response to the launch of the payment application App, the display control unit 143 displays the scan screen SC on the display unit 11. However, if the detection unit 142 detects the store code image C and the code reading unit 144 is able to read the store code image C, the display control unit may display the amount input screen MI on the display unit 11 instead of the scan screen SC. This allows the user to perform MPM-style code payments more quickly.

[0095] The following additional notes are provided regarding each of the embodiments described above.

[0096] [Note 1] Information processing equipment, An information processing device used by a user to make a code payment, Display unit and A function for reading a code via the imaging unit of the information processing device included in the camera library, which is executed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application in response to the startup of the payment application that provides the code payment service, and which detects a store code, in which store identification information is encoded, used for the code payment, via the imaging unit; When the store code is detected by the detection unit, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a scan screen for reading the store code via the imaging unit. It is equipped with.

[0097] With the above configuration, when the detection unit detects a store code via the imaging unit, the camera library function, which runs in a background thread when the payment application is launched, displays the scan screen on the display unit. Therefore, when a user attempts to perform a code payment using the MPM method, which reads the store code via the imaging unit of their information processing device, they only need to point the imaging unit of the information processing device at the store code so that the store code is detected, allowing for speedy payment. Furthermore, pointing the imaging unit of the information processing device at the code to photograph it is an intuitive and easy-to-use action for the user.

[0098] [Note 2] In the information processing device described in Appendix 1, The functions included in the camera library are executed in the background thread at the same time as the payment application is launched, with a specified startup time for the imaging unit.

[0099] With the above configuration, the user can only use the function for a specified period of time after the payment app is launched. This saves resources by limiting the operating time of the imaging unit, as prolonged operation of the imaging unit consumes CPU, memory, and battery power.

[0100] [Note 3] In the information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2, When the store code is detected by the detection unit for a certain period of time, the display control unit causes the scan screen to be displayed on the display unit.

[0101] With the above configuration, if the detection unit does not continuously detect a store code for a certain period of time, the scan screen will not be displayed on the display unit. This prevents malfunctions such as the scan screen being displayed on the display unit if the user mistakenly points the information processing device at a store code.

[0102] [Note 4] In the information processing device described in any of the appendices 1 to 3, If the store code is not detected by the detection unit for a certain period of time while the scan screen is displayed on the display unit, the display control unit will display the top screen of the payment application that provides the code payment service on the display unit.

[0103] With the above configuration, even if the user accidentally points the information processing device at the store code and the scan screen is displayed on the display unit, the user can return to the top screen simply by not pointing the information processing device at the store code.

[0104] [Note 5] In the information processing device described in any of the appendices 1 to 3, If the store code is not detected by the detection unit for a certain period of time while the scan screen is displayed on the display unit, the display control unit will display a payment screen on the display unit that includes a user code, which is an encoded representation of the user's identification information.

[0105] With the above configuration, even if a user mistakenly believes that a CPM-based code payment is an MPM-based code payment and points the information processing device at the store code, causing the scan screen to appear on the display, the user can simply avoid pointing the information processing device at the store code to switch the display to the CPM-based code payment screen. Note that while Appendix 4 describes a configuration to return to the top screen and Appendix 5 describes a configuration to return to the payment screen, it is also possible to return to the screen before transitioning to the scan screen upon detection of the store code.

[0106] [Note 6] In the information processing device described in any of the appendices 1 to 5, When the detection unit detects the store code on the splash screen, the display control unit causes the scan screen to be displayed on the display unit.

[0107] With the above configuration, when the detection unit detects a store code on the splash screen displayed at the start of the payment app's startup process, the scan screen is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, users can access the scan screen immediately after launching the app, enabling speedy payment.

[0108] [Note 7] In the information processing device described in any of the appendices 1 to 6, If the number of times the scan screen displayed on the display unit after the store code has been detected by the detection unit is below a certain number of times, the display control unit displays information on the scan screen displayed on the display unit after the store code has been detected that the scan screen can be displayed when the store code is detected via the imaging unit.

[0109] While the action of pointing the imaging unit of the information processing device at the store code to take a picture of the store code is intuitive and easy for the user to use, the user would not normally know that there is a function that allows the scan screen to be displayed while the payment app is running by performing such an action. Therefore, by displaying information indicating the existence of such a function on the scan screen that is displayed when the user accidentally performs the above action, if the number of times the scan screen has been displayed due to the above action is below a certain number, the user can become aware of this function.

[0110] [Note 8] The payment app program is A payment application program that is pre-installed on an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, wherein the information processing device is A function for reading a code via the imaging unit of the information processing device included in the camera library, which is executed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application program in response to the startup of the payment application program that provides the code payment service, and which detects a store code, in which store identification information used for the code payment is encoded, via the imaging unit, When the store code is detected by the detection unit, the display control unit causes the display unit of the information processing device to display a scan screen for reading the store code via the imaging unit. To make it function as such.

[0111] This configuration produces the same effects as the information processing device described in Appendix 1. The information processing method described in Appendix 8 may also include various configurations of the information processing device described in Appendix 2 to Appendix 7.

[0112] [Note 9] Information processing methods are An information processing method performed by a computer in an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, A function for reading a code via the imaging unit of the information processing device included in the camera library, which is executed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application in response to the startup of the payment application that provides the code payment service, by detecting a store code, which contains the store's identification information used for the code payment, via the imaging unit; When the store code is detected, the information processing device displays a scan screen on its display unit for reading the store code via the imaging unit. It is equipped with.

[0113] This configuration produces the same effects as the information processing device described in Appendix 1. The information processing method described in Appendix 9 may also incorporate the various configurations of the information processing device described in Appendix 2 to Appendix 7. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 10. User terminal (information processing device) 11 Display section 12 cameras 13 Storage section App Payment App CaL Camera Library 14 Control Unit 141 Operation Reception Section 142 Detection unit 143 Display Control Unit 144 Code reading unit 145 Amount Information Acquisition Department 146 Payment Processing Unit 147 Settings Section 20 Payment Server 30 store terminals

Claims

1. An information processing device used by a user to make a code payment, Display unit and A function for reading a code via the imaging unit of the information processing device included in the camera library, which is executed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application in response to the startup of the payment application that provides the code payment service, and which detects a store code, in which store identification information is encoded, used for the code payment, via the imaging unit; When the store code is detected by the detection unit, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a scan screen for reading the store code via the imaging unit. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the function included in the camera library is executed in the background thread at the same time as the start of the payment application, with a specified start time for the imaging unit.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the store code is detected continuously by the detection unit for a certain period of time, the display control unit causes the scan screen to be displayed on the display unit.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the store code is not detected by the detection unit for a certain period of time while the scan screen is displayed on the display unit, the display control unit causes the top screen of the payment application providing the code payment service to be displayed on the display unit.

5. If the store code is not detected by the detection unit for a certain period of time while the scan screen is displayed on the display unit, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a payment screen including a user code, in which the user's identification information is encoded, on the display unit, according to claim 1.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the store code is detected on the splash screen by the detection unit, the display control unit causes the scan screen to be displayed on the display unit.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays information on the scan screen displayed on the display unit after the store code has been detected, indicating that the scan screen can be displayed when the store code is detected via the imaging unit, if the number of times the scan screen has been displayed on the display unit after the store code has been detected by the detection unit is below a certain number of times.

8. A payment application program that is pre-installed on an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, wherein the information processing device is A function for reading a code via the imaging unit of the information processing device included in the camera library, which is executed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application program in response to the startup of the payment application program that provides the code payment service, and which detects a store code, in which store identification information used for the code payment is encoded, via the imaging unit, When the store code is detected by the detection unit, the display control unit causes the display unit of the information processing device to display a scan screen for reading the store code via the imaging unit. A payment app program that functions as such.

9. An information processing method performed by a computer in an information processing device used by a user to make code payments, A function for reading a code via the imaging unit of the information processing device included in the camera library, which is executed in a background thread different from the thread that controls the user interface of the payment application in response to the startup of the payment application that provides the code payment service, by detecting a store code, which contains the store's identification information used for the code payment, via the imaging unit; When the store code is detected, the information processing device displays a scan screen on its display unit for reading the store code via the imaging unit. An information processing method comprising the following:

Images