JP2024056624A - Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To improve the convenience of a message function in a payment application. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present application includes an acquisition unit that acquires follow information related to electronic payment affiliated stores that a user follows on an application related to electronic payment installed on a user terminal, a first provision unit that provides list information that displays a list of affiliated stores followed by the user on the application based on the follow information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a second provision unit that provides message information that displays a message from the affiliated store addressed to the user on the application when the user selects an affiliated store listed on the application based on the list information provided by the first provision unit. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Conventionally, there is a technology that provides users who use electronic money payment with messages about special offers and the like that can be used at stores. For example, when a user follows the account of an affiliated store through an electronic money payment application (hereinafter referred to as a payment app), a message from the affiliated store is provided to the user (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2022-57772 A

However, the conventional technology leaves room for improvement in terms of improving the convenience of the messaging function.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can improve the convenience of the message function.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the information processing device according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires follow information related to affiliated stores of electronic money payment that a user follows on an application related to electronic money payment installed on a user terminal, a first provision unit that provides list information that displays a list of the affiliated stores followed by the user on the application based on the follow information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a second provision unit that provides message information that displays a message addressed to the user from the affiliated store on the application when the user selects one of the affiliated stores listed on the application based on the list information provided by the first provision unit.

The present invention can improve the convenience of the message function.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition in a user terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of notification settings according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a proposal screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a merger process of an affiliated store account according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram relating to display settings according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device according to the embodiment.

Below, the information processing program, terminal device, and information processing method according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing program, terminal device, and information processing method according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as they do not cause any contradiction in the processing content. Furthermore, the same parts in the following embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[1. Overview of information processing]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment, and the information processing method according to the embodiment is executed by an information processing device 10 shown in FIG.

The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an information processing device 10, a user terminal 50, and an affiliated store terminal 200. The user terminal 50 is an information processing terminal used by a user U who is a user of the electronic payment service provided by the information processing device 10.

A typical example of the user terminal 50 is a smartphone, but it may also be realized by a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. In the example of FIG. 1, a smartphone is shown as the user terminal 50. In the following description, the user terminal 50 may be referred to as user U. In other words, user U can be read as user terminal 50.

The user terminal 50 also has a communication unit for connecting to the network N via a wireless communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation: 5th generation mobile communication system), or a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). This allows the user U to operate the user terminal 50 to access the information processing device 10 and use the electronic payment service provided by the information processing device 10.

The user terminal 50 can also display information for using the electronic payment service provided by the information processing device 10 using a web browser or an application. At this time, when the user terminal 50 receives control information from the information processing device 10 for implementing information display processing using a web browser, an application, or the like, the user terminal 50 implements the display processing in accordance with the received control information.

The information processing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 provides an electronic payment service to a user. The information processing device 10 is typically a server device, but may also be realized by a mainframe, a workstation, or the like. When the information processing device 10 is realized by a server device, it may be realized by a single server, or may be realized by a cloud system in which multiple server devices and multiple storage devices operate in cooperation with each other.

The information processing device 10 may function as a distribution device that distributes control information to a user terminal 50 used by a user. Here, the control information is described, for example, in a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). The application itself distributed from the information processing device 10 may be regarded as control information.

Here, prior to the information processing according to the embodiment, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 50 will be described. Note that in the following description, an example will be described in which a user U makes a payment using the user terminal 50 using a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) placed in a store that is an affiliated store of the electronic payment service, the two-dimensional code indicating store identification information that identifies the store, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The example of payment described below can also be applied when any user makes a payment at any store using any terminal device. Also, the store identification information may be not only a QR code (registered trademark), but also a barcode, a specified mark, a number, etc.

For example, when user U makes a payment for the use or purchase of a payment object (transaction object) such as various goods or services at a store, user U launches a payment application (hereinafter, the payment app) installed on user terminal 50. Then, the user photographs the store identification information set up in the store via the payment app. In such a case, user terminal 50 displays a screen for inputting the price of the payment object and accepts input of the payment amount from user U or a store clerk. Then, user terminal 50 transmits to information processing device 10 the user identification information that identifies user U, store identification information (or information indicated by the store identification information, i.e., information indicating the store (e.g., store ID)), and payment information indicating the payment amount.

In such a case, the information processing device 10 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U indicated by the user identification information to the account of the store indicated by the store identification information. The information processing device 10 then sends a notification to the user terminal 50 that the payment has been completed. In such a case, the user terminal 50 notifies the user that the payment has been made with electronic money by outputting a screen or a specified sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

Note that the payment using the user terminal 50 is not limited to the above-mentioned process. For example, the payment using the user terminal 50 may be made using a store terminal installed in a store. For example, the user terminal 50 displays user identification information for identifying user U on a screen. In such a case, the store terminal installed in the store reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 50 and transmits payment information indicating the user identification information (or information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating user U (e.g., user ID)), the payment amount, and information identifying the store to the information processing device 10. In such a case, the information processing device 10 transfers electronic money in an amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U indicated by the user identification information to the store's account, and may notify the store terminal or user terminal 50 of the fact that the payment has been completed by outputting a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

Furthermore, payment using the user terminal 50 may not only be a process of transferring electronic money from an account to which the user U has previously charged electronic money to the store's account, but may also be a payment using a credit card that the user U has previously registered. In such a case, for example, the user terminal 50 may transfer electronic money of the payment amount to the store's account and bill the management company of the user U's credit card for the payment amount.

The above-mentioned payment means and payment services are not limited to those for providing a price (settlement of debt) for purchasing a product or providing a service. For example, as described above, the payment means and payment services may have a function related to remittance between accounts held by multiple users. That is, the above-mentioned payment means and payment services may be services that control the transmission and reception of electronic money between accounts of any owner linked to the owner of electronic money, such as a user U or a store. That is, the payment means and payment services according to the embodiment may be transaction means and transaction services that execute various controls for realizing the exchange of electronic money (not only various inter-account remittance controls via electronic money, but also control related to exchanges between electronic money accounts and bank accounts, various claim processes such as installments and processes associated with bonus payments, and various controls related to the exchange of assets including electronic money) and may be provided in any form. In addition, the various controls realized by such transaction means and transaction services may include both control related to payment and control related to remittance. That is, a "transaction" is a concept that includes not only "payment" related to electronic money, but also "remittance" of electronic money and various other processes. In other words, the information processing device 10 may be an information processing device that realizes a transaction means for controlling the exchange of electronic money between any owners.

The information processing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 also provides an account service for affiliated stores to affiliated stores of the electronic payment service. For example, the information processing device 10 accepts the creation of an account for an affiliated store through the affiliated store terminal 200 of each affiliated store (step S1). Note that hereinafter, an account for an affiliated store may be referred to as an "affiliated store account."

The information processing device 10 also accepts message registrations addressed to users from each affiliated store through the affiliated store account at any time (step S2). For example, each affiliated store can create an affiliated store account on a brand or store basis, and can register messages on a brand or store basis.

The information processing device 10 provides the user terminal 50 with account information related to the affiliated store account of each affiliated store (step S3). The user terminal 50 then displays the account information received from the information processing device 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 50 displays, for example, the homepage of the affiliated store account based on the account information. For example, the homepage of the affiliated store account may display an icon of the affiliated store account, the name of the brand or affiliated store, a rating for the affiliated store account, the number of followers of the affiliated store account, a follow button, etc.

For example, when user U selects the follow button, the information processing device 10 acquires follow information related to the affiliated store accounts followed by user U from the user terminal 50 (step S4). Note that the information processing device 10 may cooperate with each SNS (Social Networking Service) to acquire information related to the affiliated store accounts followed by user U on the SNS as follow information.

Then, the information processing device 10 delivers the message information received from the affiliated store terminal 200 corresponding to the affiliated store account followed by the user U to the user terminal 50 (step S5).

In this way, the information processing according to the embodiment provides a service of delivering message information received from an affiliated store to user U. Here, details of the information processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition on a user terminal 50 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 50 receives list information from the information processing device 10 based on, for example, an operation by the user U, and displays the first screen G11. The first screen G11 includes messages from each affiliated store account followed by the user U, and messages from the service account of the electronic payment service.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, messages M1, M4, and M5 are messages from a company account, and messages M2 and M3 are messages from a service account.

For example, each message M1 to M5 includes information regarding the account icon of each account, a summary of the message, the date and time of receipt, the number of unread messages, and the like. Regarding the display of the number of unread messages for each message M1 to M5, a breakdown of the number of unread messages may be displayed on the user terminal 50. For example, by displaying the number of unread messages within an icon such as a coupon icon or a stamp icon, it is possible to determine at a glance what message category the unread messages belong to.

For example, when user U selects any message on the first screen G11, the user terminal 50 makes a request to the information processing device 10 to deliver the message information, and receives the message information from the information processing device 10.

The user terminal 50 displays the second screen G12 based on the message information received from the information processing device 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second screen G12 displays an individual message from the corresponding account (here, "AAA Cafe").

For example, an individual message displayed on the second screen G12 includes an image area Ap, a text area At, a first button B1, and a second button B2. For example, the image area Ap is an area in which any image, such as a product image, is displayed, and the text area At is an area in which any text, such as a product description, is displayed.

The first button B1 is a button that links to any web page, such as a product page, and the second button B2 is a button that links to the account's top page.

For example, the manager of the affiliated store can arbitrarily set the image area Ap, the text area At, and the link destination of the first button B1 through the affiliated store terminal 200. In the example of FIG. 2, the second screen G12 is a message screen related to product promotion, so the first button B1 is a link to the product page.

For example, the first button B1 can be used to transition to a coupon or stamp card details screen or a coupon or stamp card acquisition screen. Furthermore, when the user U opens a message from each affiliated store account, the user terminal 50 provides opening information to the information processing device 10. This allows the information processing device 10 to manage the opening information for each message.

In this way, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment displays on the first screen G11 on the user terminal 50 a list of messages from affiliated store accounts that the user U follows.

In addition, when the user U selects an individual affiliated store account on the first screen G11, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment displays a message addressed to the user U from the corresponding affiliated store account on the second screen G12.

Therefore, on the first screen G11, user U can see whether there are any unread messages and an overview of each message for each affiliated store account, and can check the details on the second screen G12.

In this way, in the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, messages addressed to the user by each affiliated store account are notified to the user U on an account-by-account basis in the payment app. Therefore, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can improve the convenience of the message function in the payment app.

2. Example of the configuration of the information providing device
Next, a configuration example of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

The communication unit 20 is realized, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 20 transmits and receives information to and from an external device via a network such as various wireless communication networks, such as 4G (Generation), 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), WiFi (registered trademark), or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or various wired communication networks.

The storage unit 30 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 30 also has a user information database 31, a payment information database 32, and a message information database 33.

The user information database 31 is a database that stores user information about users of electronic payment services. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 31 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user information database 31 according to the embodiment stores information on items such as "user ID," "account information," "following information," and "notification settings" in association with each other.

"User ID" is an identifier for identifying each user U. "Account information" is the account information of a user U identified by the corresponding user ID. For example, the account information includes demographic attributes such as the user U's name, age, occupation, and address, and psychographic attributes such as hobbies and preferences.

"Following information" is information about an affiliated store account followed by a user U identified by a corresponding user ID. For example, following information is information about an identifier for identifying an affiliated store account followed by a user U.

"Notification settings" are notification settings for messages by the affiliated store account set by the corresponding user ID. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of notification settings according to an embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment, each affiliated store is managed by a hierarchical structure in which each store A to C is linked to the affiliated store (brand) headquarters.

For example, a message from the franchise headquarters is a message that is distributed nationwide to each user U who follows the franchise account of the franchise headquarters, and a message from each store A to C is a message that is distributed to each user U who follows the corresponding store.

For example, user U can individually set notification settings for messages from the affiliated store headquarters and each of stores A to C, and information regarding these notification settings is registered as "notification settings" in the user information database 31 shown in FIG. 4. The notification settings are, for example, turning app notifications on/off, but may also include refusing notifications (so-called blocking), etc.

Each affiliated store may create two accounts: an overall account for all affiliated stores, and a store account for each store in the affiliated store. In this case, messages from the followed store accounts may be sent as messages from the overall account, or each account may send messages as a separate account.

In addition, the overall account may be used to notify all affiliated stores of campaigns and coupon distribution, while a store account for a single store may be used to notify only that store of campaigns and coupon distribution.

In addition, when notifications are sent as messages from separate accounts, if the member does not follow the member store's overall account and follows only the member store's store account, the message sent from the member store's store account may be included in the message sent from the member store's overall account. For example, when the information processing device 10 receives a request to send a message from each account, it may check the accounts the user is following and then control which account to use to send the message.

As shown in FIG. 5, user U can also configure notification settings for each message type for each affiliated store account. In FIG. 5, examples of message types include "new products," "sales," "coupons," and "stamp cards."

"New product" indicates that the message type is related to the promotion of a new product, while "Sale" indicates that the message type is related to sale information at the corresponding affiliated store. Furthermore, "Coupon" indicates that the message type is related to coupon information that can be used at the corresponding affiliated store, and "Stamp card" indicates that the message type is related to a stamp card to which stamps are given at the corresponding affiliated store.

For example, if you use the electronic payment service at a compatible store and meet the conditions set for each, a coupon will be applied or a stamp will be added to your stamp card.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 3, the payment information database 32 will be described. The payment information database 32 stores payment information related to electronic payment services. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the payment information database 32 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the payment information database 32 stores information on items such as "account ID," "user ID," "payment history," "coupons," and "stamp cards" in association with each other.

The "account ID" is an identifier for identifying the user account for the electronic payment service held by each user U. The "user ID" is an identifier for identifying the owner of the user account identified by the corresponding account ID.

"Payment history" is a history of payment information linked to an account identified by a corresponding account ID. For example, the payment information includes information regarding the store ID of the affiliated store to which the remittance is made, the payment amount, the date and time of payment, etc. Note that the payment information may also include information regarding the goods or services purchased in the corresponding payment, for example.

"Coupon" is coupon information linked to a user account identified by a corresponding account ID, in other words, coupon information that user U has acquired through an electronic payment service.

For example, a coupon includes information on items such as the store identifier of an affiliated store to which the corresponding coupon information can be applied, application conditions, application period, etc. "Stamp card" is information on a stamp card linked to a user account identified by a corresponding account ID, and is information on a stamp card that user U has acquired through an electronic payment service.

For example, a stamp card contains information on items such as the current number of stamps, the store identifier of the affiliated store where the corresponding stamp card can be used, the conditions under which stamps are awarded, the applicable period, etc. In addition, user U can obtain coupons and stamp cards that can be used in electronic payment services by following the messages delivered from each affiliated store account.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 3, the message information database 33 will now be described. The message information database 33 stores message information regarding messages addressed to users that are registered by each affiliated store account. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the message information database 33 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the message information database 33 stores information on items such as "message ID," "account ID," and "message" in association with each other. "Message ID" is an identifier for identifying each message.

"Account ID" is an identifier for identifying the affiliated store account that is the sender of the message identified by the corresponding message ID. "Message" is information regarding the details of the message identified by the corresponding message ID.

In the example shown in Figure 7, "Message" has information on items such as "Type", "Content", and "Target User". "Type" indicates the type of the corresponding message, and message types include "New Product", "Sale", "Coupon", "Stamp Card", etc., as described in Figure 5.

"Content" indicates the content of the corresponding message, and "Target user" indicates the attributes of user U to whom the corresponding message is to be delivered. For example, as described in the second screen G12 of FIG. 2, the content includes information regarding the content to be published in the image area Ap and text area At, and, for example, the transition destination of button B1. Note that, for example, the message information database 33 may also include reservation information regarding the delivery time and delivery cycle for each message.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 3, the control unit 40 will be described. The control unit 40 is, for example, a controller, and is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc., executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 10 using the RAM as a working area.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 40 has a reception unit 41, an acquisition unit 42, a proposal unit 43, a first provision unit 44, and a second provision unit 45. The reception unit 41 receives registration of an affiliated store account in the payment app from the affiliated store terminal 200 via the communication unit 20.

For example, the reception unit 41 accepts the registration of an affiliated store account via various UIs provided by the information processing device 10 to the affiliated store terminal 200. The reception unit 41 also accepts message registrations related to messages to be delivered from each affiliated store terminal 200 to each user, and registers the messages in the message information database 33.

The acquisition unit 42 acquires various information from each user terminal 50 via the communication unit 20. For example, the acquisition unit 42 acquires account information related to each user U, follow information of affiliated store accounts, etc. from each user terminal 50. In addition, the acquisition unit 42 acquires payment information related to payments made with the payment app of each user terminal 50 from each user terminal 50 or the store terminal (not shown) of each affiliated store.

The acquisition unit 42 also acquires various display requests from the user terminal 50. For example, the various display requests include a display request regarding the first screen G11, a display request regarding the second screen G12, a display request for a QR code (registered trademark), and the like. For example, the acquisition unit 42 also acquires location information for the information sent from each user terminal 50.

The suggestion unit 43 suggests follow-up by affiliated stores to the user U based on the payment history of electronic payments made by the user U. For example, the suggestion unit 43 suggests follow-up by affiliated stores to the user U based on the payment history of the electronic money payments made by the user U and the follow-up status of the user U.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a proposal screen according to an embodiment. Figure 8 shows a scene in which a completion screen G21 indicating that electronic payment has been completed is displayed on the user terminal 50.

For example, when user U makes an electronic money payment using user terminal 50, the completion screen G21 displays store information (here, "AAA cafe Marunouchi store") that is the subject of the payment. For example, if user U is not following the affiliated store account of the corresponding store, the suggestion unit 43 suggests to user U that he or she follow the affiliated store account.

For example, the user terminal 50 acquires the content of the proposal made by the proposal unit 43 and switches the display from the completion screen G21 to the proposal screen G22. For example, the proposal screen G22 is a screen in which a proposal window Re is superimposed on the completion screen G21. The proposal window Re displays information encouraging the user U to follow the corresponding affiliated store account and buttons for the user U to select whether or not to follow.

In other words, in this case, user U can become aware of the existence of an affiliated store account by making an electronic money payment, and can immediately follow up on the corresponding affiliated store account via the proposal window Re.

For example, the suggestion unit 43 may suggest affiliated store accounts based on an interest score regarding the interests of each user U, which is estimated based on the payment history of each user U, etc.

For example, in this case, the suggestion unit 43 will suggest to user U an affiliated store account of an affiliated store where user U's interest score exceeds a threshold. In this case, the user terminal 50 may notify user U of the content of the suggestion made by the suggestion unit 43 at any timing, such as when user U opens the payment app or when a specified operation is performed in the payment app.

The suggestion unit 43 may also suggest to the user U affiliated store accounts to follow based on the location information of the user terminal 50. For example, the suggestion unit 43 may suggest affiliated store accounts of affiliated stores that are within a predetermined range from the current location of the user U based on the location information of the user terminal 50.

For example, the suggestion unit 43 will suggest an affiliated store account of a store that is close to the current location of the user U, among the affiliated store accounts for which the interest score of the user U exceeds a threshold. In other words, by utilizing the location information, the suggestion unit 43 can suggest an affiliated store account for a store that the user U can actually use.

In addition, the suggestion unit 43 may estimate the living area of the user U based on the location information history of the user terminal 50, and suggest affiliated store accounts of affiliated stores that are within the living area of the user U.

The suggestion unit 43 may also suggest an affiliated store account of an affiliated store that is within a predetermined range of a base such as the home or office of the user U. The suggestion unit 43 may also determine the base of the user U based on information registered by the user U when creating an account for the payment app.

At this time, the suggestion unit 43 may suggest affiliated store accounts on a brand basis, or on a store basis. In addition, in response to a following suggestion made by the suggestion unit 43, the following may be performed via an operation by the user U, or may be performed automatically without an operation by the user U. For example, the affiliated store accounts of affiliated stores located near the base of the user U may be automatically followed without obtaining the permission of the user U.

The first providing unit 44 provides list information that displays a list of affiliated stores followed by the user U on an application based on the following information acquired by the acquiring unit 42. For example, the first providing unit 44 provides list information for displaying the first screen G11 on the user terminal 50 in response to a display request related to the first screen G11.

For example, the first providing unit 44 extracts message information addressed to user U from the message information database 33 based on the follow information of user U who is the source of the display request. At this time, the first providing unit 44 may set the display order when displaying each affiliated store account on the first screen G11 based on various conditions. Note that, by default, the display order may be set so that the more recent the message delivery time, the closer it is to the top of the screen.

For example, the first providing unit 44 sets the display order of each affiliated store account based on the payment history of electronic money payments. In this case, for example, the first providing unit 44 sets the display order higher for affiliated store accounts of stores that are more likely to be visited by user U as estimated from the payment history of electronic money payments. Also, for example, the first providing unit 44 sets the display order higher for affiliated store accounts of stores that are closer to the current location of user U based on the location information of the user terminal 50.

The first providing unit 44 may also set the display order of each affiliated store account based on the content of the message addressed to user U by the affiliated store account. For example, the first providing unit 44 sets the display order higher for messages with a higher interest score, which is estimated to indicate that user U will be interested in the message content.

In other words, in this case, the higher the interest score of the user U, the higher the message will be displayed on the first screen G11 on the user terminal 50.

The first providing unit 44 may estimate the interest score based on, for example, the user U's past usage history of coupons, stamp cards, and the like. For example, the first providing unit 44 sets the display order of affiliated store accounts in messages related to coupon information high for a user U who frequently uses coupons. The interest score may also be estimated based on whether or not a message notified to the user has been opened, the time until opening, the message opening rate within a certain time after the message was notified, and whether or not there has been a transition to a link to an arbitrary web page, such as a product page in the message after the message has been opened. For example, the interest score is high for messages that are opened immediately after the message is notified, or for messages and affiliated stores for which links in the message have been opened.

In addition, when the message is set with an expiration date such as a coupon or stamp card, the first providing unit 44 sets the display order higher for the shorter expiration date. At this time, the first providing unit 44 may set notification information for the user terminal 50 separately from the list information for the benefit whose expiration date is approaching. That is, in this case, for example, notification information corresponding to the top screen of the payment application or the like may be displayed on the user terminal 50. Note that the display order may be set based on, for example, the payment unit price set by each affiliated store. The display order may be set so that the affiliated store account with the higher payment unit price is displayed higher. In addition, the first providing unit 44 may set the display order in order of message type. For example, in this case, the first providing unit 44 preferentially displays messages of a type (coupon, campaign, etc.) that users often open at the top.

Additionally, the first providing unit 44 may set the display order based on a setting made by the user U. The setting made by the user U here is, for example, pinning an affiliated store account on the first screen G11, but the display order may also be set individually by the user U himself. Note that pinning refers to fixedly displaying a specific affiliated store account at a specific position (for example, the top of the screen) on the first screen G11.

The first providing unit 44 may set the display order for unread messages or for all messages. For unread messages, the first providing unit 44 provides, for example, list information including a summary of the message to the user terminal 50 that has made the display request.

When a user selects an affiliated store listed on the application based on the list information provided by the first providing unit 44, the second providing unit 45 provides message information that displays a message from the affiliated store addressed to the user on the application.

For example, when user U selects an affiliated store account on the first screen G11, a display request for a message from the corresponding affiliated store account is sent from the user terminal 50 to the information processing device 10.

Based on the display request, the second providing unit 45 extracts the message information of the requested affiliated store account from the message information database 33 and provides it to the user terminal 50.

The user terminal 50 will display the second screen G12 based on the message information received from the second providing unit 45. At this time, for example, the second providing unit 45 may provide message information that allows the user to place an order with the affiliated store.

Orders here include advance purchase of products, seat reservations (open table), etc. The second providing unit 45 may provide message information capable of accepting menu input. For orders where the payment amount is predetermined, the second providing unit 45 further provides message information capable of accepting advance payment by electronic money, for example.

This allows user U to complete a series of operations related to reserving products and making electronic money payments through the message information. For example, various processes related to orders and electronic money payments may be performed using a service provided by the electronic payment system, or through a system (other app) provided by each affiliated store.

3. Example of the configuration of the information providing device
Next, a configuration example of the user terminal 50 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the user terminal 50 according to the embodiment. Note that, below, a case will be described in which the user terminal 50 is a smartphone.

As shown in FIG. 9, the user terminal 50 includes a communication unit 51, a touch panel 52, a location information acquisition unit 53, a memory unit 54, and a control unit 55.

The communication unit 51 is realized, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 51 transmits and receives information to and from an external device via a network such as various wireless communication networks, such as 4G (Generation), 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), WiFi (registered trademark), or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or various wired communication networks.

The touch panel 52 is, for example, a display screen, and is a device that accepts user operations on the display screen. For example, the touch panel 52 displays image information input from the control unit 55, and accepts various user operations related to the displayed image information.

The location information acquisition unit 53 determines the current location of the user terminal 50 based on a positioning signal received by a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna or the like.

The storage unit 54 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 54 stores various information provided by the information processing device 10 and various programs related to the payment application.

The control unit 55 is, for example, a controller, and is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc., executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the user terminal 50 using the RAM as a working area.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 55 has an application execution unit 56. The application execution unit 56 executes a payment application provided by the information processing device 10. For example, the application execution unit 56 executes electronic money payment by transmitting and receiving various information related to electronic money payment between the information processing device 10 and the application execution unit 56 via the communication unit 51.

The application execution unit 56 also displays various information addressed to the user U provided from the information processing device 10 on the touch panel 52 and accepts various operations by the user U on the displayed information. For example, the application execution unit 56 displays account information on affiliated stores provided from the information processing device 10 and accepts operations from the user U regarding whether or not to follow them.

For example, when user U follows an affiliated store account, the application execution unit 56 transmits follow information to the information processing device 10. In addition, the application execution unit 56 transmits various requests related to the first screen G11, the second screen G12, etc. to the information processing device 10 based on the operation of the payment application by user U.

As a result, the application execution unit 56 displays the first screen G11 and the second screen G12 on the touch panel 52 based on the list information and message information provided by the information processing device 10.

The application execution unit 56 can also accept notification settings for each affiliated store account from the user U. For example, the application execution unit 56 can accept notification settings for each of the affiliated store accounts on a brand basis and the affiliated store accounts on a store basis.

In other words, user U can turn off notifications (e.g., mute) for messages promoting new products from the brand's affiliated store account, while turning on notifications for messages promoting new products from the store's affiliated store account. In this case, for example, user U can receive messages promoting new products that are only available in a certain region.

The application execution unit 56 can also integrate, for example, a brand's affiliated store account and a store's affiliated store account in response to an operation by the user U. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an affiliated store account integration process according to an embodiment.

In FIG. 10, the message M11 on the first screen G11 is an affiliated store account of a brand, and the message M11 is an affiliated store account of a store under the brand of the message M11.

In such a case, depending on the user U, it may be preferable to check message M11 and message M12 together rather than checking message M11 and message M12 individually.

The application execution unit 56 then accepts from the user U a merger operation to merge multiple affiliated store accounts when the affiliated store accounts satisfy a predetermined condition, and merges and displays the affiliated store accounts for which the merger operation has been accepted.

The example shown in FIG. 10 shows a case where an integrated account is generated by integrating the affiliated store accounts of messages M11 and M12, and an integrated message 13 is generated by integrating messages M11 and M12.

In this case, on the user terminal 50, messages from each affiliated store account before the integration will be notified on the integrated account. This allows user U to receive messages from multiple affiliated store accounts as messages from a single affiliated store account. Note that examples of integrating affiliated store accounts are not limited to the above examples, and any combination may be used. In other words, the user terminal 50 may generate any integrated account based on operations by user U, etc.

The user terminal 50 may also generate an integrated account for any store category, such as restaurants or sports gyms, or for store categories by area.

The application execution unit 56 may also display summaries of unread messages as icons, for example, as shown in FIG. 10.

In the figure, examples of icons related to summaries of unread messages include a coupon icon A11, which indicates that the unread message contains a coupon, and a new product icon A12, which indicates that the unread message contains a promotion for a new product.

In this way, the application execution unit 56 can allow the user U to easily understand the content of each message by displaying an icon related to a summary of the unread message. The icon related to the summary of the unread message is particularly effective when multiple unread messages are included.

In other words, user U can see the contents of unread messages in advance from the icons, saving the trouble of checking the details of the messages.

The application execution unit 56 can also display the first screen G11 for each type of message, for example. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the display settings according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the user U can select the type of message to be displayed on the first screen G11.

The application execution unit 56 transmits information regarding the type of message selected by the user U to the information processing device 10, and obtains list information of the corresponding message types from the information processing device 10.

The application execution unit 56 can display a first screen G11 related to coupons, a first screen G11 related to sales, a first screen G11 related to campaigns, etc. based on the list information received from the information processing device 10.

In other words, the information processing device 10 generates list information searched by message type, and the user terminal 50 displays the first screen G11 for each message type. This allows the user U to view only messages of the type in which he or she is interested.

The information processing device 10 may provide various kinds of message information across each affiliated store account. For example, the information processing device 10 may generate a coupon distribution account for each user U that distributes coupons registered by each affiliated store account, and provide coupons from each affiliated store account to each user terminal 50 through the coupon account.

4. Processing Flow
Next, a process procedure executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a process procedure executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, the information processing device 10 provides account information related to the affiliated store account to the user terminal 50 (step S101). Next, if the user U follows the account information, the information processing device 10 acquires the following information from the user terminal 50 (step S102).

The information processing device 10 then acquires, for example, a request for a message notification list from the user terminal 50 (step S103), and provides list information to the requesting user terminal 50 based on the acquired request (step S104).

Then, the information processing device 10 provides the user terminal 50 with message information related to the affiliated store account selected by the user U (step S105), and ends the process. Note that the information processing device 10 may set the display order of each affiliated store account when providing the list information in step S104.

5. Modifications
In the above embodiment, the information processing device 10 provides the message information by the second providing unit 45 following the list information by the first providing unit 44, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information processing device 10 may provide the message information by linking it to the list information.

6. Effects
The information processing device 10 according to the embodiment described above includes an acquisition unit 42 that acquires follow information related to electronic payment affiliates followed by a user on an electronic payment application installed on a user terminal 50, a first providing unit 44 that provides list information that displays a list of affiliates followed by the user on the application based on the follow information acquired by the acquisition unit 42, and a second providing unit 45 that, when a user selects an affiliate listed on the application based on the list information provided by the first providing unit 44, provides message information that displays a message from the affiliate to the user on the application.

In addition, the second providing unit 45 provides message information related to advertising for the store or the products provided by the store. In addition, the first providing unit 44 provides list information related to affiliated stores on a brand or store basis.

The first providing unit 44 also provides the list information including a summary of the message information and causes the user terminal to display the summary. The first providing unit 44 also causes the user terminal to display an icon indicating the type of message as a summary of the message information.

The first providing unit 44 also provides list information in which the display order of affiliated stores is set based on the payment history of the electronic payment made by the user. The first providing unit 44 also provides list information in which the display order of affiliated stores is set based on location information of the user terminal.

The first providing unit 44 also provides list information by message information category. The first providing unit 44 also provides list information in which the display order is set based on the user's settings.

The information processing device 10 also includes a suggestion unit 43 that suggests follow-ups by affiliated stores to a user based on the user's electronic payment history. The second providing unit 45 also provides message information that allows the user to place an order with an affiliated store. The second providing unit 45 also provides message information that allows the user to accept payments made by electronic payment.

By performing any one or a combination of the above-mentioned processes, the information processing device according to the present application can improve the convenience of the message function in the payment app.

7. Hardware Configuration
The information processing device 10 and the user terminal 50 according to the above-described embodiment are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device according to the embodiment. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, a HDD 1400, a communication interface (I/F) 1500, an input/output interface (I/F) 1600, and a media interface (I/F) 1700.

The CPU 1100 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400, and controls each component. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started, and programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, etc.

HDD 1400 stores programs executed by CPU 1100 and data used by such programs. Communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via network (communication network) N and sends it to CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by CPU 1100 to other devices via network N.

The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse (in FIG. 13, the output devices and input devices are collectively referred to as "input/output devices") via the input/output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input devices via the input/output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to the output devices via the input/output interface 1600.

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

For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the user terminal 50 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 by executing programs loaded onto the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via the network N.

Although several embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[8. Other]
Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

The above-described embodiments and variations can be combined as appropriate to the extent that they do not cause inconsistencies in the processing content.

In addition, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit." For example, an acquisition unit can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 10 Information processing device 20 Communication unit 30 Memory unit 31 User information database 32 Payment information database 33 Message information database 40 Control unit 41 Reception unit 42 Acquisition unit 43 Proposal unit 44 First provision unit 45 Second provision unit 50 User terminal 51 Communication unit 52 Touch panel 53 Position information acquisition unit 54 Memory unit 55 Control unit 56 Application execution unit A Store U User

Claims (7)

a providing unit that provides a message to a user from an affiliated store of the electronic payment through an application that provides the electronic payment and that is installed in a user terminal;
The providing unit is
providing the message capable of accepting the electronic payment made from the user to the affiliated store via the message. The providing unit is
The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a message providing means for receiving an order from the user to the affiliated store. The providing unit is
The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a message providing means for receiving a seat reservation by the user at the affiliated store; The application may include
An application provided by an electronic payment service provider,
The providing unit is
The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a message providing means for receiving the payment processed by the electronic payment service provided by the electronic payment service provider; The providing unit is
The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a message indicating that the payment can be accepted by the member store through an electronic payment service provided by the member store. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:
providing a message to the user from the affiliated store of the electronic payment through an application that provides electronic payment installed in the user terminal;
The providing step includes:
providing a message capable of accepting an electronic payment from the user to the affiliated store via the message. A procedure for providing a message to a user from an affiliated store of the electronic payment through an application for providing the electronic payment installed in a user terminal is executed by a computer;
The providing step comprises:
providing a message capable of accepting an electronic payment from the user to the affiliated store via the message.

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