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

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that are capable of increasing usability of a coupon.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes an acquisition unit, an identification unit, and a notification unit. The acquisition unit obtains a user ID which is read by a terminal device by which a user reads item information of an item to be purchased. The identification unit identifies, a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The notification unit notifies the user of the information on the identified coupon, via the terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been proposed techniques that allow users to purchase coupons in exchange for points that are awarded when making payments, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a user purchases coupons issued by each store by operating a store terminal or by accessing the store's website from a user terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-071536 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology leaves room for further improvement in terms of improving the convenience of coupons.

[0005] The present application has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can improve the convenience of coupons. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present application includes an acquisition unit, an identification unit, and a notification unit. The acquisition unit acquires a user ID read by a terminal device through which a user reads product information of a product to be purchased. The identification unit identifies a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The notification unit notifies the user of information on the identified coupon via the terminal device. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide an effect of improving the convenience of coupons. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a second information process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an account database according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a facility information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon database according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a store terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the payment server according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the store terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the payment server and the store terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same components in each of the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] The information processing realized by the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. Fig. 1A is a diagram showing an example of information processing 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 1B is a diagram showing an example of information processing 2 according to the embodiment. Note that in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, it is assumed that the information processing etc. according to the embodiment is realized by a payment server 10, which is an example of an information processing device according to the present embodiment.

[0011] In addition, in Fig. 1A, the store terminal 200 is a POS (Point of Sale) terminal where an employee scans the items purchased by the user and performs the transaction, and in Fig. 1B, the store terminal 200 is a POS (Point of Sale) terminal where the user scans the items purchased by the user and performs the transaction. The store terminal 200 in Fig. 1B is also called a cash register cart, and is attached to a cart for putting items in, allowing the user to scan items while walking around the store.

[0012] In the present disclosure, the convenience of coupons is improved by linking a POS terminal as shown in Figures 1A and 1B with a payment server 10. First, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1A.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1A, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 100, a store terminal 200, and a requesting terminal 300. The payment server 10, the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, and the requesting terminal 300 are connected to each other via a network N (see FIG. 11, for example) so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The network N is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1A may include a plurality of payment servers 10, a plurality of user terminals 100, a plurality of store terminals 200, and a plurality of requesting terminals 300.

[0014] The payment server 10 shown in FIG. 1A is an information processing device that executes information processing 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 payment using a user terminal 100. For example, the payment server 10 manages 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.

[0015] Furthermore, the payment server 10 receives coupon information regarding coupons that are given to users in electronic payment services and can be used in the electronic payment services (for example, identification information (transaction object identification information) that identifies the transaction object (product) to which the coupon applies, the contents of the benefit given to the user by the coupon (such as a cashback of a specified amount), the acquisition conditions for the user to acquire the coupon, etc.) from the coupon provider (in other words, the person who plans and sets the coupon and contributes (provides) the funds for the coupon), and manages it in the memory unit of its own device. For example, the payment server 10 manages information indicated by a barcode (such as a barcode such as a JAN code or an in-store code) attached to the transaction object as transaction object identification information.

[0016] In addition, the settlement server 10 associates the user with the coupon acquired by the user, and manages the association in a storage unit of the settlement server 10 itself.

[0017] Furthermore, when a user makes a payment using the payment service, the payment server 10 gives the user points according to the payment amount. The points are used, for example, to exchange for electronic money or for coupons (purchases). The timing of points is that they are given and can be used within a predetermined period from the date of payment, but is not limited to this and may be given immediately after payment.

[0018] The user terminal 100 shown in Fig. 1A 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), or the like. The user terminal 100 displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application. Note that the example shown in Fig. 1A shows a case where the user terminal 100 is a smartphone.

[0019] When the user terminal 100 receives control information for implementing a predetermined information process from the payment server 10, the user terminal 100 implements the information process according to 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 (Hyper Text Markup Language). The predetermined application itself delivered from the payment server 10 may be regarded as the control information.

[0020] The store terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1A is an information processing device managed by a facility that provides transaction objects to users. The store terminal 200 may also be an information processing device used in a store that provides transaction objects to users. In this case, the store terminal 200 is, for example, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, but may also be realized by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like, as long as the terminal can use a POS system. The store terminal 200 displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application.

[0021] [Payment using the user terminal 100] Here, prior to the information processing executed by the payment server 10, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 100 will be described. In the following description, a case where the store terminal 200 reads the information of the user terminal 100 and performs the payment will be described as a payment using the user terminal 100. For example, the user terminal 100 displays user identification information for identifying the user on a screen. In such a case, the store terminal 200 reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 100, and transmits information related to the payment including the user identification information (or information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating the user (e.g., user ID)), the payment amount, and information identifying the store to the payment server 10. In such a case, the payment server 10 may transfer 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, and notify the store terminal 200 or the user terminal 100 of the store that the payment has been completed by outputting a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0022] More specifically, the user terminal 100 transmits a payment request to the payment server 10 together with the user identification information. In such a case, the payment server 10 generates a one-time code, links the generated one-time code to the user identification information, and transmits the one-time code to the user terminal 100. The user terminal 100 then displays the one-time code (i.e., information identifying the user) on the screen. In such a case, the store terminal 200 reads the one-time code displayed on the user terminal 100 and transmits the read one-time code, group identification information, group store identification information, and payment amount to the payment server 10. The payment server 10 then transfers electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the wallet linked to the user identification information linked to the one-time code to the wallet linked to the group identification information and group store identification information.

[0023] Furthermore, the payment using the user terminal 100 may not only be a process of transferring electronic money from an account to which the user has previously charged electronic money to the store's account, but may also be a payment using a credit card that the user has previously registered. In such a case, for example, the user terminal 100 may transfer the electronic money of the payment amount to the store's account and bill the operating company (card company) of the user's credit card for the payment amount.

[0024] Furthermore, the payment using the user terminal 100 may not only involve a process of transferring electronic money from the user's account to the store's account, but may also involve a process in which the payment server 10 withdraws electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the user's account and deposits the amount of cash obtained by subtracting a predetermined fee (such as a management fee) from the payment amount into the store's bank account. In such a case, for example, the payment server 10 manages the payment amount from each user to the store as the store's sales information, and deposits cash into the store's bank account at a predetermined timing based on the sales information, in an amount equivalent to the sales amount (the total amount of payment amounts indicated by the sales information) minus a predetermined fee.

[0025] In addition, when the original funds of the coupon used at the time of payment are borne by the store, when depositing cash into the store's bank account or transferring electronic money to the store's account, the payment server 10 may execute a process of subtracting the cash amount from the payment amount and depositing it into the bank account, or subtracting the electronic money amount from the payment amount and transferring it to the store's account.

[0026] In some cases, the source of the coupon is not the store but the provider of the payment object (for example, the manufacturer of the product). In this case, the payment server 10 does not perform the above-mentioned subtraction process.

[0027] The above-mentioned payment means and payment services are not limited to those for providing a price (settlement of debt) for purchasing a product or providing a service. For example, as described above, the payment means and payment services may have a function related to remittance between accounts held by multiple users. That is, the above-mentioned payment means and payment services may be services that control the transmission and reception of electronic money between accounts of any owner linked to the owner of electronic money, such as a user or a store. That is, the payment means and payment services according to the embodiment may be provided in any form as long as they are transaction means and transaction services that execute various controls for realizing the exchange of electronic money (not only various inter-account remittance controls via electronic money, but also controls related to exchanges between electronic money accounts and bank accounts, various claim processes such as installments and processes associated with bonus payments, and various controls related to the exchange of assets including electronic money). In addition, the various controls realized by such transaction means and transaction services may include both control related to payment and control related to remittance, or only one of them. That is, a "transaction" is a concept that includes not only "settlement" related to electronic money, but also "remittance" of electronic money and various other processes. That is, the payment server 10 may be an information processing device that realizes a transaction means for controlling the exchange of electronic money between any owners.

[0028] [Overview of the embodiment] In the present disclosure, when performing the above-mentioned payment process, the payment server 10 makes a payment based on the payment amount after applying the coupon acquired by the user. More specifically, the payment server 10 transmits information on the product exchange coupon for the target product purchased by the user in exchange for points to the store terminal 200, and the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount excluding the price of the target product when reading the product, and makes a payment request to the payment server 10. Since the product exchange coupon is linked to, for example, a JAN code, the product exchange coupon can be used at any affiliated store that subscribes to the payment service of the payment server 10. That is, according to the present disclosure, the convenience of the coupon can be improved by the payment server 10 and the store terminal 200 sharing coupon information.

[0029] The above-mentioned information processing will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 1A. In addition, in the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the same as the user. That is, in the following, the user may be read as the user terminal 100.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1A, the requesting terminal 300 places an order for a coupon with respect to the payment server 10 (step S1). Specifically, the requesting terminal 300 requests the issuance of a coupon for a product (goods or service) manufactured or sold by the company. Such coupons are product exchange coupons for purchasing the target product with points, or discount coupons for reducing the price of the target product by a predetermined percentage or amount. The requesting party handling the requesting terminal 300 may be a manufacturer or a retailer.

[0031] Next, the payment server 10 posts coupons on the user terminal 100 in response to a request from the user terminal 100 (step S2). At this time, the coupons displayed on the user terminal 100 may be all issued coupons, or may be limited according to a predetermined condition, such as only coupons that can be purchased with points or only coupons selected based on user information.

[0032] Next, the user terminal 100 transmits a request to acquire the coupon selected according to the user's operation to the payment server 10 (step S3).

[0033] Next, the payment server 10 subtracts the points required to purchase the coupon requested to be acquired, and sets the coupon to the user (step S4). Specifically, if the points held by the user are equal to or greater than the purchase points required to purchase the coupon, the payment server 10 subtracts the purchase points from the held points, and sets the coupon as an acquired coupon in the user ID. If the held points are less than the purchase points, the payment server 10 notifies the user terminal 100 that the purchase is not possible (insufficient points).

[0034] Next, the store terminal 200 reads the user ID linked to the account of the payment service from the user terminal 100 (step S5). Next, the store terminal 200 requests a user inquiry together with the read user ID to the payment server 10 (step S6).

[0035] Next, the payment server 10 performs a user inquiry and identifies a coupon linked to the user ID (step S7). Specifically, the payment server 10 performs a user inquiry based on whether the user ID acquired from the store terminal 200 is a user ID registered in the payment service, and if the user ID is registered, identifies a coupon linked to the user ID.

[0036] Next, the payment server 10 transmits the coupon information together with the user inquiry result to the store terminal 200 (step S8). Specifically, the payment server 10 transmits the coupon ID, the JAN code of the target product, and the coupon content (exchange or discount) as the coupon information.

[0037] Next, the store terminal 200 reads the product code (JAN code, etc.) of the product that the user wants to purchase, thereby reading the product information (step S9). The product information includes the name of the product, the price of the product, etc.

[0038] Next, after reading all the products, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount (total amount) (step S10). Specifically, the store terminal 200 identifies the target products for which the coupon can be used based on the read JAN codes of the products, and determines the payment amount when the coupon is applied to the target products. For example, if the coupon is a product exchange coupon, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount excluding the price of the target products. Also, if the coupon is a discount coupon, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount calculated based on the discounted price of the target products.

[0039] Next, the store terminal 200 transmits a payment request including the determined payment amount, the user ID, the store ID, and the coupon ID of the used coupon to the payment server 10 (step S11).

[0040] Next, the payment server 10 performs payment processing according to the payment request, and sets the coupon ID of the used coupon to "used" (step S12). In addition, if the coupon can be used multiple times, the payment server 10 subtracts one from the number of times it can be used.

[0041] Next, the payment server 10 notifies the store terminal 200 of the completion of payment (step S13). When the store terminal 200 receives the payment completion notification, it notifies the payment server 10 of the points awarded according to the payment amount and issues a receipt.

[0042] Next, the information processing of FIG. 1B will be described in detail. As described above, FIG. 1B takes as an example a case where the store terminal 200 is a so-called cash register cart. In the information processing shown in FIG. 1B, coupon information corresponding to the user is displayed on the display unit of the store terminal 200 installed in the cash register cart. This allows the user to shop while understanding the coupon information in a form in which the user scans products while walking around the store. In other words, the convenience of the coupon can be improved.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1B, the requesting terminal 300 places an order for a coupon with respect to the payment server 10 (step S1). Specifically, the requesting terminal 300 requests the issuance of a coupon for a product (goods or service) manufactured or sold by the company. Such coupons are product exchange coupons for purchasing the target product with points, or discount coupons for reducing the price of the target product by a predetermined percentage or amount. The requesting party handling the requesting terminal 300 may be a manufacturer or a retailer.

[0044] Next, the payment server 10 posts coupons on the user terminal 100 in response to a request from the user terminal 100 (step S2). At this time, the coupons displayed on the user terminal 100 may be all issued coupons, or may be limited according to a predetermined condition, such as only coupons that can be purchased with points or only coupons selected based on user information.

[0045] Next, the user terminal 100 transmits a request to acquire the coupon selected according to the user's operation to the payment server 10 (step S3).

[0046] Next, the payment server 10 subtracts the points required to purchase the coupon requested to be acquired, and sets the coupon to the user (step S4). Specifically, if the points held by the user are equal to or greater than the purchase points required to purchase the coupon, the payment server 10 subtracts the purchase points from the held points, and sets the coupon as an acquired coupon in the user ID. If the held points are less than the purchase points, the payment server 10 notifies the user terminal 100 that the purchase is not possible (insufficient points).

[0047] Next, the store terminal 200 reads the user ID linked to the account of the payment service from the user terminal 100 (step S5). Next, the store terminal 200 requests a user inquiry together with the read user ID to the payment server 10 (step S6).

[0048] Next, the payment server 10 performs a user inquiry and identifies a coupon corresponding to the user ID (step S7). Specifically, the payment server 10 performs a user inquiry based on whether the user ID acquired from the store terminal 200 is a user ID registered in the payment service, and identifies a coupon corresponding to the user ID if the user ID is registered. The coupon corresponding to the user ID is a coupon purchased by the user in exchange for points, a coupon that can be purchased with owned points, etc.

[0049] Next, the payment server 10 transmits the coupon information together with the user inquiry result to the store terminal 200 (step S8). Specifically, the payment server 10 transmits the coupon ID, the JAN code of the target product, and the coupon content (exchange or discount) as the coupon information.

[0050] Next, the store terminal 200 displays coupons that can be used in the store on the display unit based on the acquired coupon information (step S9). For example, the store terminal 200 displays coupons for target products that are in stock or on sale in the store based on the JAN code included in the coupon information. The store terminal 200 may display a list of usable coupons, or may display information about usable coupons when the user scans the target product.

[0051] Next, the store terminal 200 accepts coupons to be used by the user according to the user's operation (step S10). The store terminal 200 also obtains information on the user's owned points from the payment server 10, and when the user uses multiple coupons, determines whether the total number of points required to purchase the coupons exceeds the owned points. If the total number of points required to purchase the coupons exceeds the owned points, the store terminal 200 notifies the user that there are insufficient points.

[0052] Next, the store terminal 200 reads the product information by reading the product code (JAN code, etc.) of the product that the user purchases (step S11). The product information includes the product name, the product price, etc.

[0053] Next, after reading the product, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount (total amount) (step S12). Specifically, the store terminal 200 identifies the target product for which the coupon can be used based on the read product's JAN code, and determines the payment amount when the coupon is applied to the target product. For example, if the coupon is a product exchange coupon, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount excluding the price of the target product. Also, if the coupon is a discount coupon, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount calculated based on the discounted price of the target product.

[0054] Next, when the user performs an operation indicating his / her intention to make a payment (such as pressing the payment button), the store terminal 200 sends a payment request to the payment server 10, including the final payment amount, the user ID, the store ID, and the coupon ID of the used coupon (step S13).

[0055] Next, the payment server 10 performs payment processing according to the payment request, and sets the coupon ID of the used coupon to "used" (step S14). In addition, if the coupon can be used multiple times, the payment server 10 subtracts one from the number of times it can be used.

[0056] Next, the payment server 10 notifies the store terminal 200 of the completion of payment (step S15). When the store terminal 200 receives the payment completion notification, it notifies the payment server 10 of the points awarded according to the payment amount and issues a receipt.

[0057] The payment server 10 may cancel the setting of an acquired coupon based on a predetermined condition. For example, the payment server 10 cancels the setting of an acquired coupon when a user requests cancellation of the acquired coupon before the coupon is used or when the coupon expiration date has passed. In this case, the payment server 10 returns the points used to acquire the coupon to the user's owned points. The timing of returning the points may be immediate or after a predetermined period of time has passed.

[0058] [Configuration of payment server] Next, the configuration of the payment server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the payment server 10 includes a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0059] (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 to and from the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, the requester terminal 300, etc.

[0060] (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. 2, the storage unit 30 has a user information database (DB) 31, an account database (DB) 32, a facility information database (DB) 33, and a coupon database (DB) 34.

[0061] (Regarding User Information Database 31) The user information database 31 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 31 will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 31 according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 3, the user information database 31 has items such as "user ID", "payment history", and "acquired coupons".

[0062] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Payment history" indicates the history of payments made using an electronic payment service, and stores information such as the payment destination, payment amount, and coupon information used (coupon ID). "Acquired coupons" indicates coupons acquired by the user (payer) (coupons purchased with points), and stores, for example, identification information for identifying the coupon and information regarding the coupon contents.

[0063] (Regarding Account Database 32) Account database 32 stores various information related to accounts held by users, stores (businesses), etc. in electronic payment services. An example of information stored in account database 32 will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of account database 32 according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, account database 32 has items such as "account ID," "owner information," and "account balance."

[0064] "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.

[0065] (About Facility Information Database 33) The facility information database 33 stores various information related to facilities. An example of information stored in the facility information database 33 will now be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the facility information database 33 according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 5, the facility information database 33 has items such as "facility ID", "payment destination ID", and "facility information".

[0066] "Facility ID" is identification information for identifying a facility (store), and is the store identification information described above. "Payment destination ID" is identification information for identifying a payment destination, and is the group identification information or merchant ID described above. "Facility information" is information about a store, and includes the store name, store location information, etc.

[0067] (About Coupon Database 34) The coupon database 34 stores information related to coupons. An example of information stored in the coupon database 34 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon database 34 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, the coupon database 34 has items such as "coupon ID," "JAN code," and "target product."

[0068] "Coupon ID" is identification information for identifying a coupon. "JAN code" is information indicating the JAN code, and is information for identifying a product. "Target product" is information on the product to which the coupon is applied, and includes, for example, the product name.

[0069] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 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 ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 40 according to the embodiment realizes or executes the functions and actions of a reception unit 41, an acquisition unit 42, a setting unit 43, a specification unit 44, a coupon processing unit 45, a payment processing unit 46, and a notification unit 47, which will be described below.

[0070] The reception unit 41 receives various information. For example, the reception unit 41 receives a coupon issuance request (order request) from the request source terminal 300. The reception unit 41 also receives a coupon acquisition request from the user terminal 100. The reception unit 41 also receives a user inquiry request and a payment request from the store terminal 200.

[0071] The acquiring unit 42 acquires various information. Specifically, the acquiring unit 42 acquires the user ID included in the user inquiry request accepted by the accepting unit 41.

[0072] The setting unit 43 sets a product exchange coupon or a discount coupon for a target product to the user in exchange for a portion of the user's owned points based on the coupon acquisition request received by the reception unit 41. Specifically, the setting unit 43 subtracts the points of the coupon from the owned points, and links the coupon to the user ID as an acquired coupon.

[0073] The identification unit 44 identifies a coupon corresponding to the user ID acquired by the acquisition unit 42. For example, the identification unit 44 identifies an acquired coupon linked to the user ID. Furthermore, the identification unit 44 identifies a coupon that can be purchased with the points held by the user. For example, the identification unit 44 identifies a coupon for which the points required to purchase the coupon are less than the points held by the user. Furthermore, the identification unit 44 identifies a coupon based on the user's coupon acquisition history. For example, the identification unit 44 identifies coupons that the user has acquired in the past from among currently issued coupons. Furthermore, the identification unit 44 identifies a coupon whose coupon content or target product is similar to that of a coupon acquired by the user in the past.

[0074] The coupon processing unit 45 marks a product exchange coupon as used when a user purchases a target product by making a payment using the user terminal 100. Specifically, the coupon processing unit 45 marks a product exchange coupon as used based on a payment request received from the store terminal 200. More specifically, the coupon processing unit 45 identifies a coupon corresponding to the used coupon ID included in the payment request from among acquired coupons linked to the user ID, and sets the coupon ID of the identified acquired coupon to used.

[0075] Furthermore, the coupon processing unit 45 cancels the setting of an acquired coupon when a user requests cancellation of the acquired coupon before it is used or when the coupon expiration date has passed. In this case, the coupon processing unit 45 returns the points used to acquire the coupon to the user's owned points. The timing of returning the points may be immediate or after a predetermined period of time has passed.

[0076] When the payment processing unit 46 receives a payment request, it performs a payment process. Specifically, the payment processing unit 46 transfers electronic money of the payment amount from the account of the user ID linked to the payment request to the account of the payment destination ID of the store ID linked to the payment request. After the payment process is completed, the payment processing unit 46 stores the payment history linked to the user ID and the used coupon ID in the user information DB 31 of the storage unit 30.

[0077] The notification unit 47 issues various notifications. For example, the notification unit 47 notifies the request source terminal 300 that a coupon has been issued and that a coupon has been used. The notification unit 47 also notifies the user terminal 100 that the setting of a requested coupon has been completed and that a payment process has been completed.

[0078] The notification unit 47 also notifies the store terminal 200 of coupon information corresponding to the user ID and payment completion notification. The notification unit 47 also notifies the user of coupon information identified by the identification unit 44 via the store terminal 200.

[0079] [Store terminal configuration] Next, the configuration of the store terminal 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store terminal 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the store terminal 200 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0080] (Regarding communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 is realized by, for example, a NIC etc. The communication unit 210 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the payment server 10, the user terminal 100, the request source terminal 300, etc.

[0081] (Regarding the storage unit 220) The storage unit 220 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG.

[0082] (About product information database 221) The product information database 221 stores various information related to products sold by a store. An example of information stored in the product information database 221 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the product information database 221 according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 8, the product information database 221 has items such as "product ID", "product name", "JAN code", "price", etc.

[0083] "Product ID" indicates identification information for identifying a product. "Product name" indicates the name of the product. "JAN code" indicates the JAN code of the product. "Price" is the selling price of the product in the store.

[0084] (Regarding the control unit 230) The control unit 230 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU, an MPU, or the like, executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the store terminal 200 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 230 is also a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 230 according to the embodiment realizes or executes the functions and actions of an ID reading unit 231, an acquisition unit 232, a commodity reading unit 233, a determination unit 234, and a transmission unit 235, which will be described below.

[0085] The ID reading unit 231 reads the user ID displayed on the user terminal 100. Specifically, the ID reading unit 231 reads the user ID by reading a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on the screen of the user terminal 100.

[0086] The acquisition unit 232 acquires various information. For example, the acquisition unit 232 acquires coupon information transmitted from the payment server 10. Specifically, the acquisition unit 232 acquires coupon information associated with the user ID of the user inquiry transmitted by the transmission unit 235.

[0087] The product reading unit 233 reads product information of a product purchased by a user. Specifically, the product reading unit 233 reads the JAN code of the product, and reads product information such as the product name and price associated with the corresponding JAN code from the product information DB 221.

[0088] The determination unit 234 determines the payment amount for the product. Specifically, the determination unit 234 determines the total price of the multiple products read by the product reading unit 233 as the payment amount. Furthermore, the determination unit 234 identifies target products for which a coupon can be used from the multiple products read by the product reading unit 233, based on the JAN code, which is product information, and coupon information (JAN code of the target product) acquired by the acquisition unit 232. Then, the determination unit 234 determines the payment amount based on the price after the coupon is applied for the identified target product. That is, in the case of a product exchange coupon, the determination unit 234 determines the payment amount excluding the price of the target product, and in the case of a discount coupon, determines the payment amount totaling the discounted price of the target product.

[0089] The transmission unit 235 transmits various information. For example, the transmission unit 235 transmits to the payment server 10 a payment request that links the payment amount determined by the determination unit 234, the user ID, the store ID, and the used coupon ID.

[0090] In addition, the transmission unit 235 transmits a user inquiry request linked to the user ID read by the ID reading unit 231 to the payment server 10.

[0091] [Processing flow] A processing procedure of the payment server 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the payment server 10 according to the embodiment. Note that Fig. 9 starts from a state where a coupon order request has already been received from the request source terminal 300 and the coupon has already been issued.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 9, the payment server 10 receives a coupon acquisition request from the user terminal 100 (step S101).

[0093] Next, the settlement server 10 subtracts the points required to purchase the coupon for which the acquisition request has been made from the owned points, and sets the coupon to the user ID (step S102).

[0094] Next, the payment server 10 receives a user inquiry including the user ID from the store terminal 200 (step S103).

[0095] Next, the payment server 10 performs a user inquiry and identifies a coupon linked to the user ID (step S104).

[0096] Next, the payment server 10 transmits information on the identified coupon to the shop terminal 200 (step S105).

[0097] Next, the payment server 10 accepts a payment request from the shop terminal 200 (step S106).

[0098] Next, the payment server 10 performs payment processing in accordance with the payment request (step S107), and sets the coupon ID of the used coupon to "used" (step S108).

[0099] Next, the payment server 10 transmits a payment completion notification to the shop terminal 200 (step S108), and ends the process.

[0100] Next, a procedure of a process performed by the store terminal 200 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process procedure performed by the store terminal 200 according to the embodiment.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 10, the store terminal 200 reads the user ID from the user terminal 100 (step S201).

[0102] Next, the store terminal 200 requests the payment server 10 to query the user ID (step S202).

[0103] Next, the store terminal 200 acquires coupon information corresponding to the user ID from the payment server 10 (step S203). If the store terminal 200 is a register cart, the store terminal 200 displays the coupon information on the display unit of the store terminal 200.

[0104] Next, the store terminal 200 reads the product (step S204). Next, the store terminal 200 specifies a target product for which the coupon can be used (step S205).

[0105] Next, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount after applying the coupon (step S206). Next, the store terminal 200 transmits a payment request that links the payment amount, the user ID, the store ID, and the coupon ID to the payment server 10 (step S207).

[0106] Next, the store terminal 200 receives a payment completion notification from the payment server 10, notifies the user of the same by a receipt or the like (step S208), and ends the process.

[0107] [Modifications] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0108] [Regarding 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.

[0109] 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 according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0110] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0111] 〔effect〕 As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment includes the setting unit 43 and the coupon processing unit 45. The setting unit 43 sets a product exchange coupon for a target product to a user in exchange for points provided to the user in response to the use of a payment using a terminal device (user terminal 100). The coupon processing unit 45 marks the product exchange coupon as used when the user purchases a target product by making a payment using the terminal device (user terminal 100). The coupon processing unit 45 cancels the setting of the product exchange coupon set for the user based on a predetermined condition. When the coupon processing unit 45 cancels the setting of the product exchange coupon, it returns the points exchanged for the product exchange coupon to the points held by the user. The acquisition unit 42 acquires the user ID of the user from the store terminal 200. The notification unit 47 notifies the user ID of the information of the product exchange coupon set by the setting unit 43. The payment processing unit 46 performs payment processing based on a payment request received from the store terminal 200. The coupon processing unit 45 marks the product exchange coupon as used when the payment processing is performed by the payment processing unit 46. The payment processing unit 46 stores the payment history in which the user ID and the coupon ID of the product exchange coupon are linked in the storage unit 30. According to the payment server 10 configured as above, it is possible to improve the convenience of the coupon.

[0112] As described above, the store terminal 200 according to the embodiment includes an ID reading unit 231, an acquisition unit 232, a product reading unit 233, a determination unit 234, and a transmission unit 235. The ID reading unit 231 reads a user ID from a user's terminal device (user terminal 100). The acquisition unit 232 acquires coupon information linked to the user ID. The product reading unit 233 reads product information of a product purchased by the user. The determination unit 234 identifies a target product that is a product for which a coupon can be used based on the product information, and determines a payment amount excluding the price of the target product. The transmission unit 235 transmits a payment request that links the payment amount, the user ID, and the store ID to the payment server 10. The transmission unit 235 transmits the user ID read by the ID reading unit 231 to the payment server 10. The acquisition unit 232 acquires coupon information from the payment server 10. The sending unit 235 sends a payment request further linked with information on the used coupon to the payment server 10. The acquiring unit 232 acquires coupon information including the JAN code of the target product. The product reading unit 233 reads the JAN code of the product. The deciding unit 234 decides the payment amount excluding the price of the product that matches the JAN code of the target product from among the JAN codes of multiple products read by the product reading unit 233. The store terminal 200 configured in this way can improve the convenience of coupons.

[0113] As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 42, an identification unit 44, and a notification unit 47. The acquisition unit 42 acquires a user ID read by a terminal device (store terminal 200) through which the user reads product information of a product to be purchased. The identification unit 44 identifies a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The notification unit 47 notifies the user of the identified coupon information via the terminal device (store terminal 200). The notification unit 47 notifies the user of the coupon information via the terminal device before the user makes a payment. The notification unit 47 notifies by displaying the coupon information on the display unit of the terminal device. The notification unit 47 displays the coupon information in a list on the display unit of the terminal device. The identification unit 44 identifies a coupon acquired by the user as a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The identification unit 44 identifies a coupon that can be acquired with the user's owned points as a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The identification unit 44 identifies a coupon selected based on the user's coupon acquisition history as a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The payment processing unit 46 performs payment processing according to the payment request linked to the information of the used coupon. The coupon processing unit 45 uses up the used coupon when the payment processing is performed. The payment server 10 configured in this way can improve the convenience of the coupon.

[0114] [Hardware configuration] The payment server 10 and the store terminal 200 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in FIG. 11. The payment server 10 will be described below as an example. FIG. 11 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.

[0115] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on a program stored in the ROM 1200 or the HDD 1400. The ROM 1200 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0116] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by such programs, etc. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a communication network 500 (corresponding to the network N in the embodiment) and sends the data to the CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.

[0117] 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.

[0118] Media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in recording medium 1800 and provides it to CPU 1100 via RAM 1300. CPU 1100 loads the program from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1300 via media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. 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.

[0119] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the payment server 10, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded on the RAM 1300 to realize the function of the control unit 40. In addition, the HDD 1400 stores each 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 may obtain these programs from another device via a predetermined communication network.

[0120] 〔others〕 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 forms described in the Disclosure of the Invention section.

[0121] Further, the above-mentioned payment server 10 can be flexibly changed in configuration, for example, by calling an external platform or the like by using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing, depending on the function.

[0122] Furthermore, the term "unit" in the claims may be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a reception unit may be read as a reception means or a reception circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Payment Server 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31 User information database 32 Account Database 33 Facility Information Database 34 Coupon Database 40 Control section 41 Reception 42 Acquisition Department 43 Setting section 44 Specific part 45 Coupon Processing Section 46 Payment Processing Unit 47 Notification Department 100 User terminals 200 store terminals 210 Communications Department 220 Storage section 221 Product Information Database 230 Control Unit 231 ID reader 232 Acquisition Department 233 Product Scanning Unit 234 Decision Section 235 Transmitter 300 Requesting terminal

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a user ID read by a terminal device through which a user reads product information of a product to be purchased; An identification unit that identifies a coupon corresponding to the user ID; a notification unit that notifies the user of the identified coupon information via the terminal device; An information processing device comprising:

2. The notification unit is Before the user makes a payment, the coupon information is notified via the terminal device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The notification unit is The coupon information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device to notify the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The notification unit is The information on the coupon is displayed in a list on the display unit of the terminal device. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The identification unit is The coupon acquired by the user is identified as a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The identification unit is The coupon that can be acquired with the points owned by the user is identified as a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The identification unit is The coupon selected based on the user's coupon acquisition history is identified as the coupon corresponding to the user ID. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. A payment processing unit that performs payment processing according to a payment request associated with information on the used coupon; and a coupon processing unit that, when the payment processing is performed, marks the used coupon as used. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring a user ID read by a terminal device through which the user reads product information of the product to be purchased; a step of identifying a coupon corresponding to the user ID; a notification step of notifying the user of the identified coupon information via the terminal device; An information processing method comprising:

10. An acquisition step of acquiring a user ID read by a terminal device through which a user reads product information of a product to be purchased; a step of identifying a coupon corresponding to the user ID; a notification step of notifying the user of the identified coupon information via the terminal device; An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the above.

Images