Contribution support device, contribution support method and contribution support program

Abstract

To provide a contribution support device, a contribution support method and a contribution support program which can support flexible and convenient contribution activity.SOLUTION: A contribution support device comprises: a settlement execution unit which executes settlement of products and services, via a user terminal; a privilege presentation unit which presents privilege usable with the settlement, via the user terminal; an information acquisition unit which acquires privilege use allocation information, via the user terminal; and a privilege use distribution unit which distributes a use destination of the privilege to the settlement and contribution activity, on the basis of the privilege use allocation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a donation support device, a donation support method, and a donation support program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a donation system having an acquisition unit, a selection unit, a notification unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit acquires information about users from a terminal device. The selection unit selects users to whom a survey is to be conducted based on the information about the users acquired by the acquisition unit and a selection condition for selecting users to whom a survey is to be conducted. The notification unit notifies the terminal device of the user selected by the selection unit of information about the survey that is donated to a donation organization by answering the survey. The transmission unit counts the number of times the survey is answered for each user, and when the number of times the survey is answered exceeds a predetermined threshold, identifies other users having the same attributes as the user who answered the survey, and transmits information about the user who answered the survey to the terminal device of the identified other user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-144694 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional techniques including Patent Document 1 have room for improvement in terms of supporting donation activities in a flexible and convenient manner.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a donation support device, a donation support method, and a donation support program that can support donation activities in a flexible and convenient manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A donation support device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that it has a payment execution unit that executes payment for goods / services via a user terminal, a benefit presentation unit that presents benefits that can be used in conjunction with the payment via the user terminal, an information acquisition unit that acquires benefit usage allocation information via the user terminal, and a benefit usage allocation unit that allocates the use of the benefit to the payment and donation activities based on the benefit usage allocation information. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a donation support device, a donation support method, and a donation support program that can support donation activities in a flexible and convenient manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a donation support device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a store configuration. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of store visit detection using NFC touch. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a donation support server. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for bonus use distribution information. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a donation destination is determined based on a selection / confirmation action by a user. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a case in which information held by a usage history management unit can be referenced on a display of a user terminal. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a process diagram showing a first example of donation support processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a process diagram showing a second example of donation support processing. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal and a donation support server. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal and a donation support server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] In recent years, attention has been focused on "ethical consumption," which contributes to solving environmental and social problems by purchasing products. "Ethical consumption" is also called "ethical consumption," and refers to consumer behavior and lifestyles in which people do not choose products based solely on criteria such as "cheap and good" or "how much it benefits me," but rather choose products from a broader perspective and purchase "things that are kind to people, society, the community, the environment, etc." One type of product related to "ethical consumption" is the "ethical product."

[0010] An "ethical product" means, for example, a product that is made with people, society, and the environment in mind, and that has a "mark" that indicates that the product is an ethical product. For example, one mark may mean that the product is recognized as being useful for environmental conservation, with a low burden on the environment throughout its entire life cycle, from resource extraction, manufacturing, distribution, consumption, recycling, and disposal. Another mark may mean that the product is recognized as being produced and manufactured under appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically sustainable forest management from the perspective of environmental conservation. Another mark may mean that the agricultural and marine products of a specified region and processed foods made from these as the main ingredients have individuality and characteristics such as environmentally and health-conscious production methods, excellent texture and quality, and regional ingredients, and that the production management system is well-organized and complies with laws and regulations. Another mark may mean that the product is guaranteed a fair price for producers in developing countries, and that standards for human rights, working conditions, and living standards are observed.

[0011] The percentage of people who want to incorporate ethical consumption into their daily lives is on the rise, and this could become a future trend, but at the same time, there are barriers. For example, one consumer opinion is, "I'm interested in ethical consumption (ethical products) and would like to buy them if I have the opportunity, but in reality, ethical products tend to be expensive, so even if I want to buy them, I can't afford them" (price barrier).

[0012] Furthermore, while ethical consumption can be considered a type of charitable activity (act of donation), many consumers feel that there is a barrier (high threshold) to charitable activities. Currently, social contribution activities such as donations and volunteering are limited to a select few. One of the reasons for this is that there is no link between economic activities such as the flow of people and money and social contribution activities such as donations and volunteering.

[0013] Users who consider making donations often feel that there are issues regarding social problems, but are unable to take action. For example, many users feel anxiety and a sense of crisis about global warming and climate change. Some feel that there are issues in the areas targeted by the SDGs, while others understand that they need to do something, saying, "I don't know much about it, but it seems bad." However, many are busy with their daily lives, and the hurdles to actions such as donations and volunteering are high, so they are unable to do anything. In addition, the size of the donation market in Japan and worldwide is not large enough to lead to social contribution activities.

[0014] The inventor has regarded the above-mentioned current situation as an important technical issue, and has come up with the idea of ​​a donation support device, a donation support method, and a donation support program that can support flexible and convenient donation activities in (linked with) electronic payments using user terminals such as smartphones in daily life, without being overly concerned with terms such as ethical consumption and ethical products, and in a relaxed and natural manner (without imposing a particularly large financial or emotional burden). In other words, the purchase of products / services using electronic payments can itself be elevated and developed into an "ethical act", without considering conditions such as whether the product is an ethical product with a mark or not.

[0015] In this specification, "goods / services" means "goods and / or services" or "at least one of goods and services" (and may be interpreted as such). Alternatively, when simply saying "goods", the "goods" may be used in the sense that it includes services. In this specification, "goods / services" may be anything that can be the subject of a commercial transaction using the electronic payment function of a user terminal.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the donation support device 1. The "donation support device" may be read as a "donation support system" (the two may be synonymous). The donation support method and the donation support program are realized by a computer (CPU: Central Processing Unit) included in the donation support device 1 executing (causing) various processing steps.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the donation support device 1 includes a user terminal 10 and a donation support server 20. The user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 are connected to each other via a network 30 so that they can communicate with each other. In FIG. 1, the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 are simplified and depicted as a single configuration, but this is for the sake of convenience of drawing. In reality, the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 have a more complicated configuration than that depicted in FIG. 1, both in terms of hardware configuration and software configuration. Although details will be described later, for example, the donation support server 20 may be configured to include multiple servers, databases, and the like. For example, the donation support server 20 may include a store server installed in a store that executes payment for products / services, a manufacturer server installed on the manufacturer side that provides the products / services, a distribution server installed on the distribution side that undertakes distribution of the products / services, a donation destination server installed in a donation destination organization, and various other servers (the term may be used as a concept that includes the multiple servers).

[0019] The donation supporting device (donation supporting system) 1 may be understood as a configuration including a user terminal 10 and a donation supporting server 20, or may be understood as a configuration including only the donation supporting server 20 without including the user terminal 10. In other words, in the donation supporting device 1, the user terminal 10 is not an essential component.

[0020] The user terminal 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal (mobile communication terminal) such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. In other words, the user terminal 10 in this specification is a communication device that can perform various types of communication with the donation support server 20. The user terminal 10 is, for example, a wired and / or wireless (for example, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5 thThe user terminal 10 may communicate with a network (such as the Internet) via a wireless communication system (such as 5G NR), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The communication method used by the user terminal 10 is flexible and various design changes are possible, and may be acoustic communication, visible light communication, etc. The user terminal 10 executes a browser and various other applications through user operations.

[0021] In this embodiment, the user terminal 10 is used to purchase various products / services at a store using its own electronic payment function, and to decide whether to use a benefit granted in relation to the purchase activity for electronic payment, for donation activities, or to allocate the benefit between electronic payment and donation activities. A "store usage application" for improving the user's convenience in purchasing activities using the electronic payment function at a store, and a "donation support application" for improving the user's convenience in allocating the benefit between electronic payment and donation activities may be downloaded (installed) into the user terminal 10.

[0022] The donation support server 20 may be any communication device capable of performing various communications with the user terminal 10, and may be interpreted as a device, a circuit, etc. The donation support server 20 controls and executes various processes for providing the user with suitable services related to store use and donation support via communications with the user terminal 10.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store 2. As shown in FIG.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, store 2 has an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag 3 installed near the entrance and product / service booths 4-9 each related to different products / services. Note that the booths installed in store 2 are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 (there is a degree of freedom in the number and type), and various design modifications are possible. Although store 2 is depicted in FIG. 2 as consisting of one floor, store 2 may also be composed of two or more floors (two or more stories). Store 2 may also be used as a concept that encompasses multiple stores.

[0025] The NFC tag 3 is installed in the store 2 and functions as a "detection unit" that detects a user's visit to the store 2 based on an active action via the user terminal 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when a user who visits the store 2 brings his / her user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 3 to perform near-field wireless communication (NFC communication), radio waves are sent from the user terminal 10 to the NFC tag 3, and radio waves are returned from the NFC tag 3 to the user terminal 10, and the result is sent from the user terminal 10 to the donation support server 20. At that time, information about the owner of the user terminal 10 (for example, identification information of the user terminal 10, information such as the user's age, sex, occupation, etc., purchase history information of the user at the store, allocation information of the user's payment use and donation use, etc.) may be sent from the user terminal 10 to the donation support server 20.

[0026] In this way, the NFC tag 3 is composed of a short-range wireless communication unit, and detects a user's visit to the store 2 based on an active action via the user terminal 10 through short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 10. This "detection process" can be executed by simply bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 3 and performing short-range wireless communication, regardless of whether the user terminal 10 has registered (installed, downloaded) the store use application or the donation support application, or whether the store use application or the donation support application is running (even if it is not registered or running). In other words, bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 3 and performing short-range wireless communication can be used as a lead for installing the store use application or the donation support application or for starting the app, so that the store use application or the donation support application can be started without any hassle, and the detection process can also be executed. Furthermore, each NFC tag 3 is associated with information about the store in which it is installed (the NFC tag itself is registered to the store), and by simply touching the user terminal to the NFC, it is possible to capture "who," "when," and "which store" visited based on the ID.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the donation supporting server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the donation support server 20 includes a payment execution unit 21, a benefit presentation unit 22, an information acquisition unit 23, a benefit usage allocation unit 24, and a usage history management unit 25.

[0029] The payment execution unit 21 executes payment for goods / services via the user terminal 10. For example, a user who has visited the goods / service booths 4-9 in the store 2 goes to the cash register with a specific product he / she wishes to purchase and touches the user terminal 10 to the payment terminal, thereby completing payment for the specific product (purchase completion). The payment (electronic payment) method used by the payment execution unit 21 has a degree of freedom and can be modified in various ways, but for example, any of the prepaid type (pre-charge), post-pay type (payment after the fact), and debit type (instant withdrawal from an account) can be adopted.

[0030] The reward presentation unit 22 presents rewards available in association with a payment made by the payment execution unit 21 via the user terminal 10. The reward presentation unit 22 has a degree of freedom in terms of the content and presentation timing of the reward, and various design modifications are possible, but several examples will be described here.

[0031] When a user's visit to the store is detected based on an active action via the user terminal 10 (when an entrance touch is detected by holding the user terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3), this triggers a discount coupon (e.g., 10% off or 100 yen off) for all products or specific products on sale in store 2 (displayed in any of the product / service booths 4 to 9) is displayed on the display of the user terminal 10.

[0032] Alternatively, via a store usage application installed (downloaded) on the user terminal 10, discount coupons (e.g., 10% off or 100 yen off) for all products or specific products on sale at store 2 (displayed in any of the product / service booths 4 to 9) are displayed on the display of the user terminal 10 on a regular or irregular basis.

[0033] Alternatively, while the user is visiting product / service booths 4-9 in store 2, user terminal 10 may link with a wireless identification device such as a beacon, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) installed in store 2, so that a discount coupon (e.g., 10% off or 100 yen off) for all products or specific products on sale at store 2 (displayed in any of product / service booths 4-9) may be displayed on the display of user terminal 10.

[0034] When making a payment through the payment execution unit 21, by using a discount coupon presented as a benefit by the benefit presentation unit 22, the amount of the discount coupon can be deducted from the normal purchase amount (amount to be withdrawn) (a discount can be received). This is the conventional way of using discount coupons (benefits) (this is the original way of using them, and there are no other ways of using them).

[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the benefit presented by the benefit presentation unit 22, here a discount coupon, can be used not only for the conventional (original) payment use but also for donation activities. Specifically, when the benefit presentation unit 22 presents the benefit available in conjunction with the payment by the payment execution unit 21 via the user terminal 10, the benefit presentation unit 22 prompts the user to input "benefit usage allocation information" that indicates how the benefit usage is to be allocated between the payment and donation activities.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting reward use allocation information. In the example of Fig. 5, a 10% discount coupon for coffee as a specific product is presented, and three ways of using the discount coupon are presented: "Use the coupon to purchase coffee", "Donate the amount of the coupon", and "Use 5% for coffee purchase & 5% for donation", and the user can select / determine one of these three ways of using the discount coupon. The use of the discount coupon selected / determined in this way is transmitted from the user terminal 10 to the donation support server 20 as "reward use allocation information".

[0037] If you select and confirm "Purchase coffee using coupon" as "Benefits allocation information", 10% will be discounted (deducted) from the regular price of the coffee. In addition, the full amount (90%) of the 10% discount will be distributed to the manufacturer and distributor.

[0038] If you select and confirm "Donate the coupon amount" as the "Benefits Allocation Information", the regular price of the coffee will be charged (deducted) as is. In addition, 90% of the payment amount will be allocated to the manufacturer and distributor, and 10% of the payment amount will be allocated to the donation destination (recipient organization).

[0039] If you select and confirm "Use 5% to purchase coffee & 5% to donate" as the "Benefits Allocation Information", 5% will be discounted from the regular price of the coffee and the payment will be deducted. In addition, 90% of the 5% discounted payment amount will be distributed to the manufacturer and distributor, and the remaining 5% will be distributed to the donation destination (recipient organization).

[0040] In this way, the "benefit allocation information" can include at least one of the following information (1) to (4). Note that information (2) and (4) can be treated as equivalent information because they result in the same allocation of the payment amount. (1) Information indicating that a benefit (discount coupon) can be used to pay for a product / service. (2) Information indicating that a benefit (discount coupon) will be used for a donation activity. (3) Information indicating that a portion of the benefit (discount coupon) will be used to pay for goods / services and the other portion will be used for donation activities. (4) Information indicating that the difference between the amount obtained by giving up the benefit (discount coupon) and using the benefit (discount coupon) and the amount obtained by not using the benefit (discount coupon) will be used for donation activities.

[0041] To summarize (1) to (4) above, the "benefit usage allocation information" can include at least one of the following information: whether the benefit will be used for payment, whether the benefit will be used for donation activities, whether a part of the benefit will be used for payment and another part will be used for donation activities, or whether the difference between when the benefit is given up and used and when it is not used will be used for donation activities.

[0042] The information acquisition unit 23 acquires the benefit use allocation information via the user terminal 10. That is, the information acquisition unit 23 receives the "benefit use allocation information" transmitted from the user terminal 10, which indicates how the benefit (discount coupon) is allocated to payments and donation activities.

[0043] The reward usage allocation unit 24 allocates the use of rewards (discount coupons) to payments and donation activities based on the reward usage allocation information acquired by the information acquisition unit 23. For example, if the donation support server 20 includes a distribution server, a manufacturer server, and a donation destination server, the distribution server receives the payment made by the user at the time of electronic payment, and transfers the distribution amount taking into account the allocation of rewards (discount coupons) to the manufacturer server and the donation destination server.

[0044] In the example of Fig. 5, when "Purchase coffee using coupon" is selected and confirmed as the reward use allocation information, 10% is discounted from the regular price of the coffee and the payment is made (deducted). The reward use allocation unit 24 then distributes the full amount (90%) of the payment amount, which is the 10% discount, to the distributor and manufacturer. In other words, the payment is allocated to the recipients of the reward (discount coupon).

[0045] In the example of Fig. 5, when "Donate the coupon amount" is selected and confirmed as the reward use allocation information, the regular price (normal price) of the coffee is paid (withdrawn) as is. The reward use allocation unit 24 then allocates 90% of the payment amount to the distributor and manufacturer, and allocates 10% of the payment amount to the donation destination (recipient organization). In other words, the use of the reward (discount coupon) is allocated to donation activities.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 5, when "5% to purchase coffee & 5% to donate" is selected / determined as the reward usage allocation information, 5% is discounted from the regular price (normal price) of the coffee and the payment is made (withdrawn). The reward usage allocation unit 24 then allocates 90% of the 5% discounted payment amount to the distributor and manufacturer, and allocates the remaining 5% to the donation destination (recipient organization). In other words, the reward (discount coupon) is allocated to payments and donation activities. When the reward (discount coupon) is allocated to payments and donation activities, the allocation ratio may be automatically determined by the system, or may be determined manually via the user terminal 10.

[0047] When allocating the use of benefits (discount coupons) to donation activities, the benefit utilization allocation unit 24 may preset a donation recipient (recipient organization) that has a close relationship with the distributor or manufacturer, or a well-known donation recipient or recipient organization (for example, UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, or disaster relief funds for earthquakes and floods), and allocate the use of the benefits (discount coupons) to the donation recipient (recipient organization).

[0048] When allocating the use destination of the benefit (discount coupon) to a donation activity, the benefit utilization allocation unit 24 may determine at least one donation destination (donation recipient organization) from among multiple donation destination (donation recipient organization) candidates. The benefit utilization allocation unit 24 may have multiple modes for determining at least one donation destination (donation recipient organization) from among multiple donation destination (donation recipient organization) candidates.

[0049] In the first mode, the reward use allocation unit 24 may determine at least one donation destination (recipient organization) from among multiple candidates for donation destinations (recipient organizations) based on the type of product / service related to the payment and the type of reward (discount coupon) available with the payment. For example, from the perspective of local production and consumption, if the specific product related to the payment is an agricultural, forestry, and fishery product produced in the region, a donation destination (recipient organization) that can contribute to the development of the agricultural, forestry, fishery, and food industries in the region may be selected / determined. In addition, if there are multiple candidates for such donation destinations (recipient organizations), the final donation destination (recipient organization) may be narrowed down depending on the type of reward (discount coupon), for example, the location and period of the store where the coupon can be used.

[0050] In the second mode, the benefit use allocation unit 24 may determine at least one donation destination (recipient organization) from among multiple candidates for donation destination (recipient organization) based on whether the multiple candidates for donation destination (recipient organization) are eligible for donation deduction. Assuming that the requirements for donation deduction are established and legalized now or in the future, the fact that the donation is deductible may remove the barrier to the user's donation and may even encourage the user to donate. For this reason, a donation destination (recipient organization) eligible for donation deduction may be determined from among multiple candidates for donation destination (recipient organization). In addition, for a certain candidate donation recipient (recipient organization), based on whether the upper limit for donation deductions has already been reached or whether the upper limit for donation deductions is expected to be reached if the current donation is made (when the upper limit for donation deductions has already been reached or is expected to be reached), another donation recipient (recipient organization) that has room within the upper limit for donation deductions and / or another donation recipient (recipient organization) that is not eligible for donation deductions may be determined.

[0051] By combining the first and second modes, the benefit usage allocation unit 24 may determine at least one donation destination (recipient organization) from among multiple candidate donation destinations (recipient organizations) based on the type of product / service related to the payment, the type of benefit (discount coupon) that can be used in conjunction with the payment, and whether the multiple candidate donation destinations (recipient organizations) are eligible for donation deductions.

[0052] In the third mode, the benefit use allocation unit 24 may display a plurality of candidates for donation destinations (organizations to which donations are to be made) on the display of the user terminal 10, and may determine at least one of the candidates for donation destinations (organizations to which donations are to be made) based on the user's actions of selection and decision. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a case in which a donation destination (organization to which donations are to be made) is determined based on the user's actions of selection and decision. In FIG. 6, four donation destinations A, B, C, and D are presented as candidates for donation destinations (organizations to which donations are to be made), and at least one of the donation destinations A, B, C, and D can be determined by checking a check box. FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which donation destinations A and D are selected.

[0053] In this way, there are multiple modes (e.g., first, second and third modes) for determining at least one donation destination (recipient organization) from among multiple candidate donation destinations (recipient organizations), and the privilege utilization allocation unit 24 can selectively set one of these multiple modes.

[0054] The usage history management unit 25 manages the identification information of the user terminal 10 and the usage history of the privilege (discount coupon) based on the "privilege usage allocation information" in association with each other.

[0055] When a user's visit to a store is detected based on an active action via the user terminal 10 (when a store entry touch in which the user terminal 10 is held over the NFC tag 3 is detected), this triggers the capture of the identification information of the user terminal 10. Thereafter, in association with the identification information of the user terminal 10, behavior history information via the user terminal 10, such as what product / service was paid for (purchased) via the user terminal 10, what benefit (e.g., discount coupon) was presented via the user terminal 10, what benefit use allocation information was transmitted (transmitted / received) via the user terminal 10 for that benefit, and how the benefit (e.g., discount coupon) was allocated to payments and donation activities based on the benefit use allocation information, is accumulated and managed (collectively grasped by user ID).

[0056] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a case where information held by the usage history management unit 25 can be referred to on the display of the user terminal 10. FIG. 7 shows a part of the information held by the usage history management unit 25. As shown in FIG. 7, the display of the user terminal 10 shows, as "Donation record with coupons", the product / service (coffee in this case) paid for (purchased) using a special offer (e.g., a discount coupon) for each date and time (each payment) in one month, and the amount of the special offer (e.g., a discount coupon) allocated to a donation activity based on the special offer use allocation information. In addition, by operating the user terminal 10, it is possible to select / decide whether to issue a receipt, which serves as a certificate for applying for a donation deduction.

[0057] The donation support server 20 may have a function of inducing the user terminal 10 to download the store use application or the donation support application when the store use application or the donation support application has not been downloaded to the user terminal 10. Not all user terminals 10 that have performed a store entry touch (an active action of holding the user terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3) have the store use application or the donation support application downloaded. Therefore, for example, a download screen for the store use application or the donation support application may be displayed on the display of the user terminal 10, or a store for the store use application or the donation support application may be displayed, to induce the user terminal 10 to download the store use application or the donation support application.

[0058] When a store entry touch (active action of holding the user terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3) is performed, it is determined whether or not the user is a DL user of the store use application or the donation support application. If the user is a DL user of the store use application or the donation support application, for example, after tapping via a conductor such as a push notification, the store use application or the donation support application is launched. This is expected to promote reuse of dormant users of the store use application or the donation support application, and to make launching the store use application or the donation support application a habit. If the user is a non-DL user of the store use application or the donation support application, the user is guided to the DL store of the store use application or the donation support application. This is expected to promote new downloads of the store use application or the donation support application. In addition, by triggering an event (content distribution, granting of a benefit) when the store use application or the donation support application is launched, and issuing different events by ID, it is possible to capture "who," "when," and "to which store" the user came based on the ID.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a process diagram showing a first example of the donation support process.

[0060] When a coupon is allocated to a donation activity based on the bonus use allocation information, a donation click log is performed with the coupon, and the information is stored by user ID. Specifically, the target product, the discount amount, and the expiration date are stored in correspondence with the user ID. In addition, used coupons are entered and cleared by the store clerk code. Even when a coupon is allocated to a donation activity based on the bonus use allocation information (donation with a coupon), it can be processed and managed by the JAN code and POS system in the same way as a normal coupon. The JAN code is displayed on products as a distribution code for products, and is used in POS systems that are widely used mainly in convenience stores and supermarkets. The JAN code may be read as the EAN code. The POS system is a system that performs monetary management of sales, inventory management of products, and purchase management by reading the JAN code of products purchased at supermarkets, convenience stores, etc. In addition, since it can grasp consumer trends, it can be used as accurate information for determining management strategies.

[0061] The application system (APP system) receives information from the SDK (Software Development Kit), which is a software development kit for store applications, to identify the member (user) and the applicable product. In addition, after confirming the purchase of the applicable product (after electronic payment is completed), the coupon usage history is reflected. At that time, the SDK may make a decision on its own to cancel, or may make a decision in cooperation with the POS system, the coupon usage amount may be reflected in the distribution system, or the display within the application system may be reflected from the SDK.

[0062] After that, the distributor and manufacturer will tally up the payment amount (settlement fee) including the coupon usage amount, and execute the billing process in the same way as for normal sales promotion (electronic payment). At that time, the distributor and manufacturer may cooperate (collaborate) to utilize ESG (Environment, Social, Governance).

[0063] The distribution server is connected to an application server (APP), a member server, and a donation destination server (organization). By linking with the application server, it is possible to obtain benefits such as improved usability, new ways to use coupons and other benefits, and a sense of scale by displaying the total amount. By linking with the member server, it is possible to obtain benefits such as the use of stage-based membership programs, provision of benefits according to usage, ethical orientation judgment, and increased use of applications in ethical use. By linking with the donation destination server, in addition to carrying out the donation activities mentioned above, it is possible to use examples of ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) that have been transformed into DX (Digital Transformation), and to contribute to ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) activities themselves.

[0064] Fig. 9 is a process diagram showing a second example of the donation support process, which relates to issuing a certificate and a receipt for allocating a coupon to a donation.

[0065] As in the first example of FIG. 8, when a coupon is allocated to a donation activity based on the benefit use allocation information, a donation click log is performed with the coupon, and the information is stored by user ID. Specifically, the target product, the discount amount, and the expiration date are stored in association with the user ID. The application system (APP system) receives information from an SDK (Software Development Kit) as a software development kit for store applications to identify the member (user) and the target product. In addition, after the purchase of the target product is confirmed (after electronic payment is completed), the coupon usage history is reflected. At that time, the SDK may make a decision to clear alone, or may make a decision in cooperation with a POS system, the coupon usage amount may be reflected in the distribution system, or the display in the application system may be reflected by the SDK.

[0066] Next, monthly tallying and report creation are performed. At that time, the number of coupon usages for each month during the campaign period may be reported, a report may be made to the distributor, billing may be handled to the manufacturer, or the distributor may make a payment to the donation destination (recipient organization). In addition, information is sent by application (APP) ID by linking with the member server information. At that time, measures for target users may be utilized. Finally, the receipt issuing function is activated. At that time, for example, the total amount from January 1st to December 31st of the previous year may be targeted, or only amounts of 2000 yen or more may be targeted for the receipt issuing function.

[0067] In this way, the donation support device according to the present disclosure includes a payment execution unit that executes payment for goods / services via a user terminal, a benefit presentation unit that presents benefits that can be used in conjunction with payment via the user terminal, an information acquisition unit that acquires benefit use allocation information via the user terminal, and a benefit use allocation unit that allocates the use of benefits to payments and donation activities based on the benefit use allocation information. This makes it possible to support donation activities that are flexible and convenient. For example, manufacturers can use the benefits for advertising purposes by conducting sales promotion activities, distributors can maintain or increase donations, which have been declining in recent years, and users can use benefits (discount coupons) to carry out donation activities in a relaxed and natural manner (without being forced to bear particularly large financial or emotional burdens).

[0068] Furthermore, the donation support device according to the present disclosure can revive donations at the register that have been replaced by coins and have decreased due to the cashless society, support social activities by utilizing benefits that users have the right to choose (e.g., discount coupons), and increase the evaluation of the ethical ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) of distribution companies. And above all, it can provide users with a new experience of increasing their satisfaction by simply purchasing a product / service at the list price (normal price) and elevating and developing it into ethical consumption (ethical behavior). For example, this new experience may be called "donation with coupon," "kifu-pon," "recoupon," "ethical coupon," "eco-coupon," etc.

[0069] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. As shown in Fig. 10, the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 have a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, an input unit 140, and an output unit 150. Note that Fig. 10 shows an example of functional blocks of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20, and they may have other functional blocks not shown in Fig. 10. Also, they may be configured not to include some of the functional blocks.

[0070] The control unit 110 controls the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The control unit 110 can be configured by a controller, a control circuit, or a control device that is described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0071] The storage unit 120 stores information used by the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The storage unit 120 can be configured, for example, by a memory, storage, storage device, or the like that is described based on a common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0072] The communication unit 130 performs communication (e.g., mutual communication) between the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The communication unit 130 can be configured with a transmitter / receiver, a transmission / reception circuit, or a transmission / reception device that are explained based on a common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. The communication unit 130 may be configured with a transmission unit and a reception unit.

[0073] The input unit 140 accepts inputs at the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The input unit 140 may also be connected to a specific device, storage medium, etc., and accept data input. The input unit 140 may output the input result to, for example, the control unit 110. The input unit 140 may be configured with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and buttons, input / output terminals, input / output circuits, etc., which are explained based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. The input unit 140 may also be configured to be integrated with a display unit (for example, a touch panel).

[0074] The output unit 150 performs output in the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. For example, the output unit 150 may be configured to include a display unit that displays images, an audio output unit that outputs audio, and the like. The display unit may be configured, for example, by a display device such as a display or monitor that is described based on a common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. Furthermore, the audio output unit may be configured by an output device such as a speaker that is described based on a common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0075] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. The means for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by one physically combined device, or may be realized by two or more physically separated devices connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0076] For example, the devices (user terminal 10 and donation support server 20) in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the donation support processing of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The above-mentioned user terminal 10 and donation support server 20 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0077] In this disclosure, the terms "apparatus," "circuit," "device," "unit," "server," etc. may be interchangeable. The hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0078] For example, although only one processor 1001 is shown, there may be multiple processors. Also, the processes may be performed by one processor, or the processes may be performed by two or more processors simultaneously, sequentially, or in other manners. Also, the processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips.

[0079] Each function of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 is realized by loading a specified software (program) onto hardware such as a processor 1001 and a memory 1002, whereby the processor 1001 performs calculations and controls communication via a communication device 1004, reading and / or writing of data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003, etc.

[0080] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running an operating system, for example. The processor 1001 may be configured with a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Each unit such as the control unit 110 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0081] Moreover, the processor 1001 reads out programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and executes various processes according to the programs. As the programs, programs that cause a computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above-mentioned embodiments are used. For example, the control unit 110 may be realized by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and operated by the processor 1001, and the other functional blocks may be realized in a similar manner.

[0082] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be configured by at least one of, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and other suitable storage media. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory, etc. The memory 1002 may store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing a method according to an embodiment.

[0083] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of a flexible disk, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM)), a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a removable disk, a hard disk drive, a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a magnetic stripe, a database, a server, and other suitable storage media. Storage 1003 may be called an auxiliary storage device. Note that the above-mentioned storage unit 120 may be realized by memory 1002 and / or storage 1003.

[0084] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may include a SIM card. Note that the above-mentioned communication unit 130 may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0085] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts an input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) that performs output to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one (e.g., a touch panel). The above-mentioned input unit 140 and output unit 150 may be realized by the input device 1005 and the output device 1006, respectively.

[0086] Furthermore, each device such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002 is connected by a bus 1008 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured by a single bus, or may be configured by different buses between the devices.

[0087] Furthermore, the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented by at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0088] (Modification) In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and / or terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0089] The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information. Furthermore, the names used for parameters, etc. in this disclosure are not limiting in any respect.

[0090] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0091] Information, signals, etc. may be input and output via multiple network nodes. Input and output information, signals, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a table. Input and output information, signals, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or added. Output information, signals, etc. may be deleted. Input information, signals, etc. may be transmitted to another device.

[0092] Furthermore, notification of specified information (e.g., notification that "it is X") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be made implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the specified information or by notifying other information).

[0093] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0094] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted and received via a transmission medium and / or signal waveform. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of a transmission medium.

[0095] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably.

[0096] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched according to implementation. In addition, the processing procedures, sequences, flow charts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be reordered unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0097] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0098] Any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0099] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Further, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0100] In this disclosure, where articles have been added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0101] Although the invention according to the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The invention according to the present disclosure can be implemented as modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined based on the description of the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the invention according to the present disclosure.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an active action via a user terminal is described by taking an example of bringing the user terminal close to (holding) an NFC tag, but the active action via a user terminal has a degree of freedom, and various design modifications are possible. For example, it is also possible to substitute an action such as vibrating the user terminal at a predetermined position, reading predetermined identification information (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), or connecting to Wi-Fi (registered trademark). [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Donation Support Device (Donation Support System) 2 Stores 3. NFC (Near Field Communication) Tags 4 5 6 7 8 9 Product / Service Booth 10 User terminal 20 Donation Support Server 21 Payment Execution Department 22 Special Offers Section 23 Information Acquisition Department 24 Benefits Use Allocation Department 25 Usage History Management Department 30 Network

Claims

1. a payment execution unit that executes payment for goods / services via a user terminal; a reward presentation unit that presents rewards available in association with the payment via the user terminal; An information acquisition unit that acquires benefit allocation information via the user terminal; a reward allocation unit that allocates the reward to the payment and the donation activity based on the reward allocation information; A donation support device comprising:

2. The reward use allocation information includes at least one of the following information: whether to use the reward for the payment, whether to use the reward for the donation activity, whether to use a part of the reward for the payment and another part for the donation activity, or whether to abandon the use of the reward and use the difference between the case where the reward is used and the case where the reward is not used for the donation activity.

2. The donation support device according to claim 1 .

3. a usage history management unit that manages the identification information of the user terminal and the usage history of the privilege based on the privilege usage allocation information in association with each other; 3. The donation support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When allocating the use destination of the benefit to the donation activity, the benefit allocation unit determines at least one donation destination from among a plurality of donation destination candidates.

3. The donation support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the reward use allocation unit determines at least one donation destination from among the plurality of donation destination candidates based on the type of product / service related to the payment and the type of reward available in association with the payment; 5. The donation support device according to claim 4.

6. the benefit allocation unit determines at least one donation destination from among the plurality of donation destination candidates based on whether the plurality of donation destination candidates are eligible for donation tax deduction; 5. The donation support device according to claim 4.

7. the benefit use allocation unit selectively sets one of a plurality of modes for determining at least one donation destination from the plurality of donation destination candidates; 5. The donation support device according to claim 4.

8. executing payment for goods / services via a user terminal; presenting a benefit available in association with the payment via the user terminal; obtaining reward allocation information via the user terminal; Allocating the use of the benefit to the payment and the donation activity based on the benefit use allocation information; The donation support method is characterized in that the above steps are executed by a computer.

9. executing payment for goods / services via a user terminal; presenting a benefit available in association with the payment via the user terminal; obtaining reward allocation information via the user terminal; Allocating the use of the benefit to the payment and the donation activity based on the benefit use allocation information; A donation support program that causes a computer to execute the above steps.

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