JP7670901B2 - Providing device, providing method, and providing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a provision device, a provision method, and a provision program.

Conventionally, there are known technologies for providing various information to users via the Internet. One example of such a technology is a technology that receives a service request from a service user over the Internet, receives one or more proposals that satisfy the service request from a service provider, and transmits the proposals to the service user.

JP 2018-060253 A

However, the above-mentioned technologies may not provide users with information about appropriate services that can be used to link payment services.

For example, the above-mentioned technology only suggests services from stores such as restaurants, beauty salons, and nail salons, and cannot be said to provide users with information on appropriate services that can be linked to payment services.

This application was made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide users with information on suitable services that can be used as payment service partners.

The providing device of the present application is characterized in having a providing unit that provides content to a user to which a payment service related to a specified payment means is provided, the content displaying linked service information related to a linked service that is a linked service to which the payment service is provided, with a priority determined based on user information of the user to which the payment service related to the specified payment means is provided .

According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide users with information on appropriate services that can be linked to payment services.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a providing process according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a screen of a user terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a screen of a user terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an account database according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a providing process according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the function of the payment server.

Below, the provision device, provision method, and provision program according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the provision device, provision method, and provision program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. In addition, the same parts in the following embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

1. Embodiment
A provision process realized by a provision device or the like according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the provision process according to the embodiment. Note that in Fig. 1, the provision process and the like according to the embodiment are realized by a payment server 10, which is an example of a provision device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the provision processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 100, a store terminal 200, and a service server 300. The payment server 10, the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, and the service server 300 are connected to each other via a network N (see FIG. 4, for example) so that they can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The network N is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. The provision processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include multiple payment servers 10, multiple user terminals 100, multiple store terminals 200, and multiple service servers 300.

The payment server 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device that executes the provision process according to the embodiment, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. For example, the payment server 10 provides an electronic payment service related to electronic payments using a user terminal 100. For example, the payment server 10 manages the accounts of providers (businesses) of transaction objects and users to whom transaction objects are provided, and realizes various payments by transferring electronic money between accounts in accordance with a payment request from a user. Note that electronic money may be, for example, points or currency used independently by various companies, or may be electronically tradable currency provided by a country, such as Japanese yen or dollars.

The user terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device used by a user. The user terminal 100 is realized, for example, by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The user terminal 100 also displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application. Note that the example shown in FIG. 1 shows a case where the user terminal 100 is a smartphone.

When the user terminal 100 receives control information for implementing a specified information processing from the payment server 10, the user terminal 100 implements the information processing in accordance with the control information. Here, the control information is described in, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a programming language such as Java (registered trademark), or a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). The specified application itself delivered from the payment server 10 may be regarded as the control information.

The store terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device used by a business that provides transaction objects to users. The store terminal 200 is realized, for example, by a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc. The store terminal 200 also displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the store terminal 200 is a POS terminal installed in a store, and manages product information related to products offered in the store. For example, the store terminal 200 manages the price of a product by linking it to information indicated by a barcode attached to the product (identification information (product ID) for identifying the product).

The service server 300 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device that provides services to users via a network N and manages the user's usage history in the provided services, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. The web services provided by the service server 300 may be, for example, a search service, a navigation service, a news distribution service, an auction service, a weather forecast service, a shopping service, a finance service, a route search service, a map provision service, a travel service, a restaurant introduction service, a facility reservation service, a SNS (Social Networking Service) service, a web blog service, or the like. The service server 300 may also provide a web service that distributes content related to various applications installed in the user terminal 100, for example. As a specific example, the service server 300 may provide a service that distributes content related to a portal application, a navigation application, a news application, an auction site, a weather forecast application, a shopping application, a finance (stock price) application, a route search application, a map provision application, a travel application, a restaurant introduction application, a facility reservation application, a SNS application, a blog viewing application, or the like.

The service server 300 may provide services to users in an application (mini-app) launched within an application for electronic payments (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a "payment app") provided by the payment server 10.

1-1. Payment using the user terminal 100
Here, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 100 will be described prior to the notification process executed by the payment server 10. In the following description, an example will be described in which a user U1 makes a payment using the user terminal 100 using a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) placed in store A and indicating store identification information C1 that identifies store A, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The example of payment described below can also be applied when an arbitrary user makes a payment at an arbitrary store using an arbitrary user terminal 100. In addition, the store identification information C1 may be not only a QR code but also a barcode, a predetermined mark, a number, or the like.

For example, when user U1 makes a payment for the use or purchase of a payment object (transaction object) such as various products or services at store A, user U1 launches a payment app pre-installed on user terminal 100. User U1 then photographs store identification information C1 installed at store A via the payment app. In such a case, user terminal 100 displays a screen for inputting the price of the payment object and accepts input of the payment amount from user U1 or a clerk at store A. User terminal 100 then transmits to payment server 10 payment information indicating user identification information identifying user U1, store identification information C1 (or information indicated by store identification information C1, i.e., information indicating store A (or business entity M1 that manages store A) (e.g., store ID)), and the payment amount.

In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A indicated by the store identification information C1. The payment server 10 then sends a notification that the payment has been completed to the user terminal 100. In such a case, the user terminal 100 notifies the user that 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 100 is not limited to the above-mentioned process. For example, the payment using the user terminal 100 may be made using the store terminal 200 installed in store A. For example, the user terminal 100 displays user identification information for identifying user U1 on the screen. In such a case, the store terminal 200 installed in store A reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 100 and transmits payment information indicating the user identification information (or information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating user U1 (e.g., user ID)), the payment amount, and information identifying store A to the payment server 10. In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A, and may notify the store terminal 200 or user terminal 100 of store A that the payment has been completed by outputting a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

Furthermore, payments using the user terminal 100 are not limited to payments made to physical stores, and may be, for example, online payments made through API integration between an electronic payment service provided by the payment server 10 and an arbitrary service. In such a case, for example, the user terminal 100 transmits to the payment server 10 payment information indicating user identification information that identifies the user U1, provider identification information that identifies the provider of the service, and the price (payment amount) of the transaction object in the service. The payment server 10 then transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of the provider indicated by the provider identification information, and notifies the user terminal 100 that the payment has been completed by outputting a screen or a specified sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

Furthermore, payment using the user terminal 100 may not only be a process of transferring electronic money from an account to which user U1 has previously charged electronic money to store A's account, but may also be, for example, a payment using a credit card that user U1 has previously registered. In such a case, for example, the payment server 10 may transfer electronic money of the payment amount to store A's account and bill the management company (card company) of user U1's credit card for the payment amount.

Payment using the user terminal 100 may also be made by immediate account transfer from a bank account previously registered by user U1, similar to a so-called debit card. In such a case, for example, the payment server 10 debits the payment amount from user U1's bank account, charges user U1's account for electronic payment with electronic money equivalent to the payment amount, and transfers the electronic money of the payment amount to store A's account.

1-2. Overview of the embodiment
Here, as an example of a conventional technology for providing various information to users via the Internet, there is a known technology for receiving a service request from a service user on the Internet, receiving one or more proposals that satisfy the service request from a service provider, and transmitting the proposals to the service user. However, such a technology merely proposes the services of a store, and cannot be said to provide the user with information on appropriate services as a payment service partner.

The payment server 10 then executes the provision process according to the embodiment. The provision process executed by the payment server 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. Note that in the following description, an example is shown in which the user terminal 100 is used by the user U1. Also, in the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the same as the user U1, and the store terminal 200 may be regarded as the business operator M1. That is, in the following, the user U1 may be read as the user terminal 100, and the business operator M1 may be read as the store terminal 200.

First, the payment server 10 obtains payment information related to the payment made by user U1 to store A using the above-mentioned payment app from the store terminal 200 (step S1). For example, the payment server 10 obtains payment information from the store terminal 200 including the store ID of store A, a product ID read by the store terminal 200 from a barcode attached to the product using a barcode reader or the like, the user ID of user U1 displayed on the user terminal 100, the payment amount, etc.

Next, the service server 300 collects a search history indicating search queries entered by the user U1 in various services provided to the user U1 (step S2). Next, the payment server 10 acquires the search history of the user U1 collected by the service server 300 (step S3).

Next, the payment server 10 acquires information about user U1 in the payment app from the user terminal 100 (step S4). For example, the payment server 10 acquires information for identity verification in the payment app (personal information, etc.), information about the bank account used to deposit (charge) electronic money into user U1's account in the payment app (in other words, a bank account that is already linked to an electronic payment service; hereinafter, this may be referred to as a "charge account"). In addition, the payment server 10 acquires payment information related to payments made by user U1 to each store using the above-mentioned payment app, and location information of user U1 at the time of the payment (for example, location information measured by a GPS (Global Positioning System) possessed by the user terminal 100).

Next, the payment server 10 determines the priority of providing the linked service information related to the linked service that is the linked destination of the electronic payment service to the user U1 based on the user information related to the user U1 acquired from the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, the service server 300, etc. (step S5). In the example of FIG. 1, the payment server 10 provides information on a new bank that is linked to the electronic payment service as the linked service information. In this case, the priority of the linked service information related to a bank that is other than the bank that the user U1 is already linked to the electronic payment service and in which the user U1 is presumed to have an account is determined. For example, the payment server 10 sets a higher priority for the linked service information related to the bank in which the user is presumed to have an account based on the user information including the user's payment information, search history, personal information, location information, etc. As a specific example, the payment server 10 sets the priority of linked service information about banks located in an area that is the base of consumption behavior of user U1 using the payment app (e.g., the area where user U1 lives or the area where user U1 commutes to work) higher than linked service information about banks located in other areas. Furthermore, the more search queries related to the bank corresponding to the linked service information are included in user U1's search history, the higher the priority of the linked service information is set by the payment server 10. Furthermore, the payment server 10 sets the priority of linked service information about a local bank in the area where user U1 lives higher than linked service information about other banks.

Then, the payment server 10 provides the linked service information to the user terminal 100 (step S6). In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the payment server 10 receives a request from the user terminal 100 to add a charge account. In this case, the payment server 10 provides the user terminal 100 with content that displays linked service information about banks other than the bank with which user U1 has already linked the electronic payment service in a display mode based on priority.

Then, the user terminal 100 displays a screen for selecting an integrated service via the payment app based on the integrated service information provided by the payment server 10 (step S7). Next, the user U1 selects the desired integrated service from among the integrated services displayed on the user terminal 100 (step S8). For example, the user U1 selects the bank where he or she holds an account, and inputs information (e.g., branch name, account number, etc.) for registering the account as a charge account into the user terminal 100.

Here, an example of a screen displayed by the user terminal 100 in the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a screen of the user terminal according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 100 displays a screen SC1 for adding a charge account. For example, the user terminal 100 displays the screen SC1 including an area AR1 for inputting a search query such as a bank name, an area AR2 for selecting a linked bank and displaying each bank corresponding to each linked service information according to priority, and an area AR3 for displaying each linked service information (banner advertisements, etc.) according to priority. As a specific example, the user terminal 100 displays in area AR2 the banks corresponding to linked service information that are included in the top nine priorities among the linked service information.

Here, when area AR1 is selected, in other words, when the bank that user U1 desires as a partner is not displayed in area AR2 and user U1 desires to display other banks, user terminal 100 transitions screen SC1 to screen SC2. For example, user terminal 100 displays screen SC2 including area AR1 and area AR4, which is an area for selecting a partner bank and displays a bank corresponding to the linked service information with the next highest priority after that displayed in area AR2. Note that when user U1 inputs a search query in area AR1, suggestions of banks corresponding to the search query may be displayed in order of the priority of the corresponding linked service information.

The linked service information displayed by the user terminal 100 is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 2, and the linked service information may be displayed on any screen displayed by the payment app. Here, an example of the form of linked service information displayed by the user terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a screen of a user terminal according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the user terminal 100 launches the payment app, it displays screen SC3 as the home screen. For example, the user terminal 100 displays screen SC3 including area AR5 that displays mini-apps and the like launched within the payment app, and area AR6 that displays linked service information (banner advertisements). As a specific example, the user terminal 100 displays linked service information in area AR6 in descending order of priority.

Returning to FIG. 1, the explanation continues. Next, the payment server 10 receives information indicating the linked service from the user terminal 100 (step S9). For example, the payment server 10 receives information indicating the bank selected by the user and information for registering as a charge account from the user terminal 100.

Next, the payment server 10 executes a process to link the electronic payment service with the linked service (step S10). For example, the payment server 10 links the user ID of user U1 with the account indicated by the information received in step S9.

As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide linked service information based on the information of the user himself/herself, who is the recipient of the electronic payment service. In this way, for users who tend to open accounts at local banks, such as users who live in rural areas, information from megabanks, which generally have a large number of users, generally becomes noise, so the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide information while suppressing such noise. In other words, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment has the effect of being able to provide users with information on appropriate services as a linkage destination for payment services.

Furthermore, when a user performs an operation to start a search for a bank other than the bank displayed first, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment displays information about the bank with the next highest priority. This allows the payment server 10 according to the embodiment to provide appropriate information to the user without the user having to perform complicated operations such as inputting a search query, thereby improving convenience.

[2. Configuration of the payment server]
Next, the configuration of the payment server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the payment server 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

(Regarding communication unit 20)
The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) etc. The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information between the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, the service server, etc.

(Regarding the storage unit 30)
The storage unit 30 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 30 has an account database 31 and a user information database 32.

(Regarding the account database 31)
The account database 31 stores various information related to accounts held by users, stores (businesses), etc. in electronic payment services. An example of information stored in the account database 31 will now be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an account database according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 5, the account database 31 has items such as "account ID", "owner information", and "account balance".

"Account ID" indicates identification information for identifying an account. "Owner information" indicates information about the owner of the account, and for example, identification information for identifying the owner is stored. "Account balance" indicates the balance of the account.

In other words, Figure 5 shows an example in which the information of the account holder identified by the account ID "AID#1" is "User #1" and the account balance is "7,800 yen."

(Regarding the user information database 32)
The user information database 32 stores various information related to users of the electronic payment service provided by the payment server 10. An example of information stored in the user information database 32 will now be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 6, the user information database 32 has items such as "user ID", "linked services", "personal information", "attribute information", "search history", and "payment history".

"User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Linked services" indicates information about services that are linked to the electronic payment service. "Personal information" indicates information (e.g., address) registered by the user for identity verification in the payment app. "Attribute information" indicates the user's attribute information (demographic attributes and psychographic attributes). "Search history" indicates the history of search queries entered by the user in various services. "Payment history" indicates the history of payments made using the electronic payment service (payment information), and includes items such as "payment ID," "payee," "transaction subject," and "payment amount."

"Payment ID" indicates identification information for identifying a payment. "Payee" indicates information about the payee (store ID, etc.). "Transaction object" indicates the transaction object that is the subject of the payment. "Payment amount" indicates the payment amount to the payee. "Location information" indicates the location of the user at the time of making the payment, and stores information such as the location measured by the user terminal 100 and the address of the payee's store.

In other words, Figure 6 shows an example in which a user identified by user ID "UID#1" has a service linked to the electronic payment service as "Linked Service #1", personal information as "Personal Information #1", attribute information as "Attribute Information #1", search history as "Search History #1", and a payment ID "PID#1" identifies the payee as "Payee #1", the transaction object as "Transaction Object #1", the payment amount as "2,000 yen", and the location information as "Location Information #1".

(Regarding the control unit 40)
The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the payment server 10 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 40 is also a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 40 according to the embodiment has an acquisition unit 41, a payment processing unit 42, a learning unit 43, a determination unit 44, and a provision unit 45, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

(Regarding the Acquisition Unit 41)
The acquisition unit 41 acquires user information on a user who is to be provided with a payment service related to a predetermined payment means. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the acquisition unit 41 acquires user information on the user U1 from the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, the service server 300, etc., and stores the user information in the user information database 32. As a specific example, the acquisition unit 41 acquires payment information from the store terminal 200, including the store ID of the store A, the product ID read by the store terminal 200 from a barcode attached to the product using a barcode reader or the like, the user ID of the user U1 displayed on the user terminal 100, and the payment amount. In addition, the acquisition unit 41 acquires a search history indicating a search query input by the user U1 in various services provided to the user U1 from the service server 300. In addition, the acquisition unit 41 acquires information for identity verification in the payment app, information on a charge account for the payment app, and the like from the user terminal 100. In addition, the acquisition unit 41 acquires payment information regarding payments made by the user U1 to each store using the payment app, as well as location information of the user U1 at the time of making the payment.

(Regarding the payment processing unit 42)
The payment processing unit 42 executes payment processing according to the payment information. For example, when payment information indicating user identification information, store identification information, and a payment amount is transmitted from the user terminal 100, the payment processing unit 42 transfers electronic money in an amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of the user indicated by the user identification information to the account of the store indicated by the store identification information. Also, when payment information indicating user identification information, a payment amount, and store identification information is transmitted from the store terminal 200, the payment processing unit 42 transfers electronic money in an amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of the user indicated by the user identification information to the account of the store indicated by the store identification information.

(Regarding the learning unit 43)
The learning unit 43 trains the model to estimate the priority of each linked service based on the relevance between linked service information on the linked service and user information on a user who has linked the linked service to a payment service. For example, the learning unit 43 trains the model to estimate (output) the priority of each linked service when user information is input based on the relevance between linked service information including the content of the service provided by the linked service and the group (category) into which the linked service is classified, and user information including location information, search history, payment history (transaction target, etc.), attributes, estimated life stage, etc. of a user who has linked the linked service to an electronic payment service.

As a specific example, the learning unit 43 learns the model so that, among users whose degree of match with the user information input to the model is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the more users who are already linked to the linked service, the higher the priority is estimated to be. In other words, when user information is input, the learning unit 43 uses a technique such as backpropagation to learn the model so that the more users who are already linked to the linked service corresponding to the user information, the higher the score (score indicating priority) is output.

To give a more specific example, when estimating the priority of an linked service belonging to the group "investment service" as a linked service, the learning unit 43 trains the model so that the more users who have already linked with the linked service among the users whose language, financial literacy level, and investment history indicated by the user information input to the model match a predetermined threshold or more, the higher the priority is estimated for the linked service. Here, the learning unit 43 may further train the model so that the higher the priority of a specific linked service is estimated, the higher the priority of other linked services whose match with the content of the service provided by the linked service (e.g., financial products, interest rates, fees, handled currencies, etc.) is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. In addition, the learning unit 43 may further train the model so that the more users who have already linked with the linked service belonging to the group "investment service" among the users corresponding to the users indicated by the user information input to the model, the higher the priority of the linked service belonging to the group "investment service" is estimated.

When learning the model based on the association between the linked service information about linked service #1 and user information #1 about user group #1 who has linked linked service #1 to an electronic payment service, the learning unit 43 may learn the model so that the higher the degree of match between the user information input to the model and user information #1, the higher the priority of linked service #1 is estimated to be. Here, the learning unit 43 may further train the model so that the higher the priority of linked service #1, the higher the priority of linked service whose degree of match with the content of the service provided by linked service #1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value is estimated to be. Furthermore, the learning unit 43 may further train the model so that the higher the priority of linked service #1, the higher the priority of linked service that belongs to the group to which linked service #1 is classified.

The learning unit 43 may further train the model on combinations of linked services and user information on users who have linked each of the linked services included in the combination to a payment service. For example, the learning unit 43 trains the model on the relationship between the user information of user group #1, which is a combination of linked services that has been linked to an electronic payment service and in which the degree of agreement between the combinations of linked services belonging to different groups is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the combination of linked services. As a specific example, when the user information of user U1 is input to the model, the learning unit 43 trains the model to estimate a higher priority for linked services that user group #1 has linked but that user U1 has not linked, among the linked services that user group #1 has linked, the higher the degree of agreement between the user information of user U1 and the user information of user group #1.

Any known technology can be applied to the model training, and a learning method appropriately selected according to the acquired information may be used. For example, the model training may be performed using various conventional machine learning technologies (e.g., supervised machine learning technologies such as SVM (Support Vector Machine)). Furthermore, deep learning technology may be used to train the model. For example, various deep learning technologies such as RNN (Recurrent Neural Network) and CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) may be used to train the model.

(Regarding the determination unit 44)
The determination unit 44 determines, for each linked service, a priority for providing linked service information related to a linked service that is a linked destination of the payment service, based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 41. For example, the determination unit 44 refers to the user information database 32 and determines the priority of linked service information related to a financial institution for depositing money into a user's account in the electronic payment service, linked service information related to a service for which a usage fee can be paid using the electronic payment service, etc. To give a specific example, in the example of Fig. 1, the determination unit 44 determines the priority of linked service information related to a bank other than the bank with which user U1 has already linked to the electronic payment service and in which user U1 is presumed to have an account.

The determination unit 44 may also determine the priority based on the user's location information. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the determination unit 44 sets the priority of linked service information related to a local bank in the area where user U1 resides higher than linked service information related to other banks.

The determination unit 44 may also determine the priority based on the user's search history. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the more search queries related to the bank that corresponds to the linked service information are included in the search history of user U1, the higher the priority of the linked service information is set by the determination unit 44.

The determination unit 44 may also determine the priority based on the history of payments made by the user using a specified payment method. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the determination unit 44 sets the priority of linked service information related to banks located in an area that is the base of consumption behavior using the payment app of user U1 higher than the priority of linked service information related to banks located in other areas.

The determination unit 44 may determine the priority based on the payment amount of the payment made by the user using a specified payment method. For example, the determination unit 44 sets the priority of linked service information related to a service that provides financial products in a price range corresponding to the payment amount or a service that provides insurance products in a price range corresponding to the payment amount higher than other linked service information.

The determination unit 44 may also determine the priority based on the transaction object for which the user has made payment using a specified payment method. For example, if the user purchases a bicycle, the determination unit 44 sets the priority of linked service information related to insurance services that provide services related to bicycle insurance higher than that related to insurance services that do not provide services related to bicycle insurance. Also, for example, if the user purchases baby products, the determination unit 44 presumes that the user has had a child, and sets the priority of linked service information related to insurance services that provide services related to education insurance and medical insurance higher than that related to insurance services that do not provide services related to education insurance and medical insurance.

The determination unit 44 may also determine the priority based on the attributes of the user. For example, the determination unit 44 determines the priority of the linked service information based on personal information registered by the user in the payment app, transaction objects purchased using the payment app, and attributes estimated based on the user's search history. As a specific example, if the user's attribute is estimated to be "having children," the priority of linked service information related to insurance services that provide services related to education insurance and medical insurance is set higher than that related to insurance services that do not provide services related to education insurance and medical insurance.

The determination unit 44 may set the priority of linked service information relating to a service in which another user having attributes corresponding to the user has linked to the payment service higher than the priority of other linked service information.

Here, it is conceivable that there may be a desire to provide users with information on appropriate services from each of the groups (categories) into which the services are classified. Therefore, the determination unit 44 may determine the priority of providing each piece of linked service information within each group into which the linked service information is classified. For example, the determination unit 44 determines the priority of providing each piece of linked service information within each group, such as "financial institutions," "insurance services," "real estate services," etc.

The determination unit 44 may determine the priority of providing the linked service information based on the benefits that the user can obtain. For example, when determining the priority of linked service information classified into groups such as "financial institutions" and "insurance services," the determination unit 44 may determine the priority based on interest rates.

The determination unit 44 may also determine the priority using the model learned by the learning unit 43. For example, the determination unit 44 inputs user information into the model learned by the learning unit 43, and sets the priority for each linked service output as the priority for providing the corresponding linked service information.

(Regarding the providing unit 45)
The providing unit 45 provides the linked service information to the user via a platform that provides a predetermined payment method, based on the priority determined by the determining unit 44. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 45 provides the user terminal 100 with content for selecting a linked service via a payment app.

The providing unit 45 may also provide the linked service information in a display mode based on priority. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the providing unit 45 provides the user terminal 100 with content that displays linked service information related to banks other than the bank with which the user U1 has already linked the electronic payment service in a display mode based on priority.

The providing unit 45 may provide a first content indicating linked service information having a priority equal to or higher than a first threshold among the linked service information, and when a predetermined operation on the first content is received from the user, provide a second content indicating linked service information having a priority lower than the first threshold and equal to or higher than a second threshold among the linked service information. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the providing unit 45 provides a content (screen SC1) indicating a bank corresponding to linked service information included in the top nine priorities among the linked service information, and a content (screen SC2) indicating a bank corresponding to linked service information having the next highest priority among the top nine, which is displayed on the user terminal 100 in response to the operation of the user U1.

In addition, the providing unit 45 may provide the second content when receiving an operation from the user related to a search for linked service information other than the linked service information indicated by the first content. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the providing unit 45 provides the content (screen SC2) that is displayed on the user terminal 100 when the user selects an area AR1 for inputting a search query such as a bank name.

The providing unit 45 may also provide linked service information related to a financial institution that deposits funds into a user's account in the payment service. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the providing unit 45 provides linked service information related to a charge account.

The providing unit 45 may also extract linked service information for each group based on the priority within the group, and provide the extracted linked service information. For example, the providing unit 45 extracts linked service information from each of "financial institutions," "insurance services," "real estate services," etc., based on the priority of each piece of linked service information within a group, such as "financial institutions," "insurance services," "real estate services," etc., and provides the extracted linked service information to the user.

The providing unit 45 may also extract linked service information for each group having a predetermined relevance among the groups, and provide the extracted linked service information. For example, the providing unit 45 extracts linked service information for each group having a relevance to the context of the user based on the user information, and provides the extracted linked service information. For example, when it is estimated based on the user information that the user is considering purchasing a home, the providing unit 45 proposes a property corresponding to the user's attributes in an application (mini-app) launched within the payment app, and provides linked service information related to real estate services extracted based on the priority in the group "real estate services" from among real estate services that mediate the purchase of the property. Furthermore, the providing unit 45 provides linked service information related to insurance services extracted based on the priority in the group "insurance services" from among insurance services that provide services related to insurance (fire insurance, etc.) related to the above-mentioned property. Furthermore, the providing unit 45 provides linked service information related to financial institutions extracted based on the priority in the group "financial institutions" from among financial institutions that provide services related to housing loans related to the above-mentioned property.

3. Proposal process flow
Next, a procedure of a providing process of the payment server 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the providing process according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the payment server 10 acquires user information about a user to whom a payment service related to a specified payment method is to be provided (step S101). Next, based on the user information, the payment server 10 determines, for each linked service, a priority for providing linked service information about a linked service to which the payment service is to be linked (step S102). Next, based on the priority, the payment server 10 provides the linked service information to the user via a platform that provides the specified payment method (step S103), and ends the process.

4. Modifications
The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[4-1. Financial Institutions]
In the above embodiment, the providing unit 45 provides linked service information related to a bank that deposits electronic money into the account of the user U1 in the payment application, but the financial institution used to deposit electronic money is not limited to this example. For example, the providing unit 45 may provide linked service information related to a credit card, an MRF (Money Reserve Fund) in a securities company, a money lender, etc., so that the linked service information can be selected as a source of depositing electronic money.

[4-2. About Collaborative Service Information]
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the providing unit 45 provides the user with content in which linked service information related to banks is displayed in a display mode based on priority, but the function of the providing unit 45 is not limited to this example. For example, the providing unit 45 may provide the user with content in which a combination of any type of linked service information is sorted and displayed based on a determined priority. In other words, the providing unit 45 may provide the user with linked service information based on a priority determined between linked service information related to different types of linked services.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the providing unit 45 provides content (screens SC1, SC2, etc. shown in FIG. 2) that displays banks (companies) that provide linked services in a selectable manner, but the function of the providing unit 45 is not limited to such an example. For example, the providing unit 45 may provide content that displays, in a selectable manner by the user, trading objects that are provided by companies that provide linked services and that are related to the linked services (for example, insurance products or financial products of different types).

[4-3. Processing mode]
Among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above text 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.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined as appropriate to the extent that the processing content is not contradictory.

5. Effects
As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 41, a payment processing unit 42, a determination unit 44, and a provision unit 45. The acquisition unit 41 acquires user information on a user who is to be provided with a payment service related to a predetermined payment means. The payment processing unit 42 executes a payment process according to the payment information. The learning unit 43 trains a model to estimate the priority of each linked service based on the association between linked service information on the linked service and user information on a user who has linked the linked service to the payment service. The determination unit 44 determines, for each linked service, a priority for providing linked service information on a linked service that is a linked destination of the payment service, based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 41. In addition, the determination unit 44 determines the priority using the model learned by the learning unit 43. The provision unit 45 provides the linked service information to the user via a platform that provides the predetermined payment means, based on the priority determined by the determination unit 44. In addition, the provision unit 45 provides the linked service information in a display form based on the priority. In addition, the providing unit 45 provides linked service information regarding financial institutions that deposit funds into the user's account in the payment service.

As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide information while suppressing information that is noisy for the user, and can provide the user with information on appropriate services as a payment service partner.

In addition, in the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the determination unit 44 determines the priority based on the location information of the user. The determination unit 44 also determines the priority based on the search history of the user. The determination unit 44 also determines the priority based on the history of payments made by the user using a specified payment method. The determination unit 44 also determines the priority based on the transaction object for which the user made payment using a specified payment method. The determination unit 44 also determines the priority based on the attributes of the user.

As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can determine priorities based on various information and provide linked service information, thereby improving the accuracy of the information provided as a partner for payment services.

In addition, in the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the determination unit 44 determines the priority of providing each piece of linked service information in each group into which the linked service information is classified. The provision unit 45 extracts linked service information for each group based on the priority within the group, and provides the extracted linked service information. The provision unit 45 also extracts linked service information for each group that has a predetermined correlation among the groups, and provides the extracted linked service information.

As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide multiple pieces of linked service information that are related to each other, thereby improving convenience.

In addition, in the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the providing unit 45 provides a first content indicating linked service information having a priority equal to or higher than a first threshold among the linked service information, and when a predetermined operation on the first content is received from the user, the providing unit 45 provides a second content indicating linked service information having a priority lower than the first threshold and equal to or higher than a second threshold among the linked service information. In addition, when the providing unit 45 receives an operation from the user to search for linked service information other than the linked service information indicated by the first content, the providing unit 45 provides the second content.

As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate information to the user without the user having to perform complicated operations such as inputting a search query, thereby improving convenience.

In addition, in the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the learning unit 43 further learns a model of combinations of linked services and user information about users who have linked each of the linked services included in the combination to a payment service.

As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can determine the priority order based on the degree of relevance to the user's context and provide linked service information, thereby providing users with information that is highly appealing.

6. Hardware Configuration
The payment server 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 8. The payment server 10 will be described below as an example. Fig. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the payment server. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a ROM 1200, a RAM 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 1200 or the HDD 1400, and controls each component. The ROM 1200 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 communication network 500 (corresponding to network N in the embodiment) and sends it to CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by CPU 1100 to other devices via communication network 500.

The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, 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 data generated via the input/output interface 1600 to the output devices.

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 1300. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1300 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 payment server 10, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 1300 to realize the functions of the control unit 40. In addition, the HDD 1400 stores each piece of data in the storage device of the payment server 10. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 may obtain these programs from another device via a specified communication network.

[7. Other]
Although some of the 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 aspects described in the Disclosure of the Invention section.

The above-mentioned payment server 10 can also be flexibly configured to call external platforms, etc., using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing, depending on the function.

In addition, the word "unit" in the claims 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 10 Payment server 20 Communication unit 30 Storage unit 31 Account database 32 User information database 40 Control unit 41 Acquisition unit 42 Payment processing unit 43 Learning unit 44 Determination unit 45 Provision unit 100 User terminal 200 Shop terminal 300 Service server

Claims (17)

a provision unit that provides content displaying linked service information to a user via a platform that provides the specified payment means , in a priority order for providing linked service information regarding a linked service that is a link destination of the payment service , based on the payment history and linked services of the user who is a link destination of the payment service related to the specified payment means. The providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit provides the user with content for selecting an associated service that is an associated destination of the payment service, in the order of priority. The providing unit is
The providing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the content is provided in a display mode based on the priority. The providing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining the priority based on location information of the user. The providing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining the priority based on a search history of the user. The providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the priority is determined based on a history of payments made by the user using the predetermined payment means. The providing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining the priority based on a transaction object for which the user has made a payment using the predetermined payment means. The providing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining the priority based on an attribute of the user. The providing unit is
9. The providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first content indicating linked service information, among the linked service information, whose priority is equal to or higher than a first threshold; and, when a predetermined operation on the first content is received from the user, a second content indicating linked service information, among the linked service information, whose priority is less than the first threshold and whose priority is equal to or higher than a second threshold. The providing unit is
The providing device according to claim 9 , wherein the providing device provides the second content when an operation related to a search for linked service information other than the linked service information indicated by the first content is received from the user. The providing unit is
The providing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: providing the linked service information related to a financial institution that deposits money into the user's account in the payment service. determining a priority for providing each piece of linked service information in each group for each group into which the linked service information is classified;
The providing unit is
The providing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: extracting linked service information for each of the groups based on the priority within the group; and providing the extracted linked service information. The providing unit is
The providing device according to claim 12 , further comprising: extracting linked service information for each group having a predetermined relevance from among the groups; and providing the extracted linked service information. A learning unit that learns a model to estimate a priority of each linked service based on a relevance between linked service information on the linked service and user information on a user who has linked the linked service to the payment service,
The providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the priority is determined using a model trained by the learning unit. The learning unit is
The providing device according to claim 14 , further comprising causing the model to learn a combination of linked services and user information on a user who has linked each of the linked services included in the combination to the payment service. 1. A computer-implemented method for providing a method comprising:
and a providing step of providing content displaying linked service information to the user via a platform that provides the specified payment means , in a priority order for providing linked service information regarding a linked service that is a link destination of the payment service , based on the payment history and linked services of the user who is a link destination of the payment service related to the specified payment means. and a provision procedure for providing content displaying linked service information to a user via a platform that provides a specified payment method, with a priority for providing linked service information related to a linked service that is a link to the payment service , based on the payment history and linked services of the user who is a link to the payment service related to the specified payment method .

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