Information management device, information management method, and information management program

Abstract

To make it easy to identify whether a favorable feeling is directed to an individual store clerk or to the entire store when a user who uses a store expresses the favorable feeling on a service provided in the store.SOLUTION: An information management device includes receiving means (communication unit 13) for receiving store-addressed message information D6 sent to a store from a user terminal 2 used by a user who uses the store, or store clerk-addressed message information D7 sent to a store clerk from the user terminal 2 used by the user who uses the store and point number information D8 granted to the store clerk, and identification means (control unit 11) for identifying whether the received information is directed to the store or the store clerk.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] When a user who uses a store has a favorable impression of a service provided at the store, it is preferable to be able to express the favorable impression of the provided service. Therefore, a system is known that enables a user who uses a store to express the favorable impression of the provided service by giving points to an individual store clerk who provided the service (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-177259 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user using a store expresses a positive impression of a service provided at the store, it is possible that the user may be expressing a positive impression of the individual store clerk who provided the service, or of the store as a whole that provided the service. However, with conventional systems, it was only possible to award points to the individual store clerk who provided the service, making it difficult to distinguish whether the positive impression expressed by the user using the store was directed at the individual store clerk who provided the service, or the store as a whole that provided the service.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make it easy to determine, when a user who uses a store expresses a positive impression of a service provided at the store, whether the positive impression is directed at an individual store clerk or at the store as a whole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides an information management device, comprising: A receiving means for receiving user transmission information, which is information transmitted from a user terminal used by a user who visits the store; An identification means for identifying whether the user-transmitted information is directed to a store or a store clerk; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the information management device described in claim 1, The user-sent information includes information related to a message directed to the store or the store clerk.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the information management device described in claim 1, The user transmission information includes information related to points to be given to the store or the store clerk.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the information management device described in claim 1, The user-sent information is characterized in that it includes information read by the user terminal from a storage medium provided in the store, carried by a store clerk, or attached to a distribution material distributed by the store to the user.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is an information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The present invention is characterized in that it includes a first identification means for identifying a target store, which is the store to which the user-transmitted information is directed, when the identification means identifies that the user-transmitted information is directed to a store.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is the information management device described in claim 5, The information storage device further comprises a first update means for updating information about the target store stored in a store information storage means when the first identification means identifies the target store.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the information management device described in claim 5, The user transmission information includes store identification information which is identification information given to each store, The first identification means is characterized in that it identifies the target store by using the store identification information.

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is the information management device described in claim 5, The user-transmitted information includes information regarding points to be awarded to the target store, The store is characterized by comprising an allocation determination means for determining the allocation of the points to the sales clerks working at the target store.

[0014] The invention described in claim 9 is an information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The present invention is characterized in that it further comprises a second identification means for identifying a target store clerk, which is the store clerk to whom the user-transmitted information is directed, when the identification means identifies that the user-transmitted information is directed.

[0015] The invention described in claim 10 is the information management device described in claim 9, The system further comprises a second update means for updating information about the target store clerk stored in a store clerk information storage means when the second identification means identifies the target store clerk.

[0016] The invention described in claim 11 is the information management device described in claim 9, The user transmission information includes store clerk identification information, which is identification information given to each store clerk, The second identification means is characterized in that it identifies the target store clerk using the store clerk identification information.

[0017] The invention described in claim 12 is an information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The system further comprises a third update means for updating the information about the user stored in the user information storage means.

[0018] The invention described in claim 13 is the information management device described in claim 12, The user transmission information includes information related to points to be given to the store or the store clerk, The third update means updates the information relating to the points stored in the user information storage means by subtracting points.

[0019] The invention described in claim 14 is an information management method, A receiving step of receiving user transmission information which is information transmitted from a user terminal used by a user who uses the store; an identification step of identifying whether the user-transmitted information is intended for a store or a store clerk; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0020] The invention described in claim 15 is an information management program, Computer, A receiving means for receiving user transmission information, which is information transmitted from a user terminal used by a user who visits the store; an identification means for identifying whether the user-transmitted information is directed to a store or a store clerk; The present invention is characterized in that it functions as a Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, when a user who uses a store expresses a positive impression of the service provided at the store, it is easy to determine whether the positive impression is directed at an individual store clerk or the store as a whole. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information management system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations performed when a user sends a message to a store in the information management system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations performed when a user sends a message and points to a store clerk in the information management system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] An information management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0024] [First Configuration Description] As shown in Figure 1, the information management system 100 is configured to include a management server 1, a user terminal 2, a first information storage medium 3, and a second information storage medium 4, and the management server 1 and the user terminal 2 are connected via a communication network N.

[0025] [1 Management Server] The management server 1 is, for example, a computer owned by a company or the like that manages and operates the information management system 100 and provides services, and stores information transmitted from the user terminal 2 as described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 1 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0026] The management server 1 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single computer, and for example, the function of the management server 1 may be realized by a plurality of computers connected via a communication network N. In this case, the management server 1 corresponds to such a plurality of connected computers.

[0027] The control unit 11 is a part that controls the operation of the management server 1 and is configured, for example, with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls each part of the management server 1 in cooperation with the CPU and program data, etc. stored in the memory unit 12.

[0028] The memory unit 12 is a part where various information required for the operation of the management server 1 is stored, and is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, etc., and stores data required for the operation of the management server 1, such as program data, in a manner that can be read and written by the control unit 11.

[0029] The memory unit 12 includes a store information database 121 in which information about the store is stored, a store clerk information database 122 in which information about store clerks working at the store is stored, and a user information database 123 in which information about users who use the store is stored. The storage unit 12 also stores a program including various commands to the control unit 11 for operating the management server 1, as described later in the description of the operation.

[0030] In this embodiment, a store broadly includes any place that provides some kind of service to visitors, regardless of the type of business, such as retail or food service. In addition, the term "store clerk" broadly includes anyone who works in a store, regardless of the type of work. Furthermore, the term "user" broadly includes anyone who uses a store to receive services.

[0031] The store information database 121 stores, for all stores to which messages and other information are sent by the system, store identification information D1, which is an identifier such as a number or code assigned to each store and is information that can identify each store, and store-destined message information D6, which is information related to messages sent to each store as described below.

[0032] The store identification information D1 includes both information that can identify whether the information is store identification information D1 or store clerk identification information D2, and information that can identify each store. For example, the store identification information D1 may be a multi-digit number, with specific digits used as information that can identify either the store identification information D1 or the store clerk identification information D2, and the remaining digits used as information that can identify each store. Specifically, the store identification information D1 may be a four-digit number such as 1001, 1002, 1003, etc., and if the first digit is 1, it can be identified as the store identification information D1, and the remaining digits may be information that can identify each store, which is assigned to each store.

[0033] The store clerk information database 122 stores, for all store clerks to whom messages and other information are sent by the system, store clerk identification information D2, which is an identifier such as a number or code assigned to each store clerk and is information that can identify each store clerk, store clerk point count information D4, which is information related to the number of points held by each store clerk, and message-to-store clerk information D7, which is information related to messages sent to each store clerk as described below. In this embodiment, points are not particularly limited in type as long as they can be counted numerically and can be used in some way.

[0034] The salesperson identification information D2 includes both information that can identify whether the information is store identification information D1 or salesperson identification information D2, and information that can identify each salesperson. For example, the clerk identification information D2 may be a multi-digit number, with certain digits being information that can identify either the store identification information D1 or the clerk identification information D2, and the remaining digits being information that can identify each clerk. Specifically, the clerk identification information D2 may be a four-digit number such as 2004, 2005, 2006, etc., and if the first digit is 2, it can be identified as the clerk identification information D2, and the remaining digits can be information that can identify each clerk.

[0035] In the user information database 123, for all users who send information such as messages through this system, user identification information D3, which is an identifier such as a number or code assigned to each user and is information that can identify each user, is stored in association with user point count information D5, which is information related to the number of points held by each user.

[0036] The communication unit 13 is a part used for communication between the management server 1 and the user terminal 2, and is, for example, a communication interface having a communication IC (Integrated Circuit) and a communication connector, and performs data communication via the communication network N using a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 11.

[0037] [2 User terminals] The user terminal 2 is, for example, an information device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by each user who uses this system, and transmits information input by the user to the management server 1 as described later. Although only one user terminal 2 is shown in FIG. 1, in reality, a large number of user terminals 2 are connected to the management server 1 via a communication network N according to the number of users who use this system.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 2 is configured to include, for example, a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, and a communication unit 23, similar to the management server 1, and further includes a display unit 24, an operation unit 25, and an imaging unit 26.

[0039] The configurations of the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23 are the same as those of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 in the management server 1, respectively. The storage unit 22, like the storage unit 12 in the management server 1, is configured with, for example, a HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc., and includes a user information database 221 that stores information about users who use the user terminal 2. The storage unit 22 also stores a program including various commands for the control unit 21 to operate the user terminal 2, as described later in the description of the operation.

[0040] The user information database 221 stores, in association with each other, user identification information D3 assigned to the user using the user terminal 2 and user point number information D5 relating to the number of points held by the user using the user terminal 2.

[0041] The display unit 24 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays an image based on a display control signal output from the control unit 21 on the display.

[0042] The operation unit 25 includes, for example, a keyboard having character input keys, number input keys, and other keys associated with various functions, and receives operation input from a user who uses the user terminal 2 and outputs an operation signal according to the operation input to the control unit 21. The operation unit 25 may be, for example, a touch panel formed integrally with the display unit 24.

[0043] The photographing unit 26 has an optical system such as a lens and an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and photographs an image (including a moving image) in the optical axis direction of the lens. The photographing unit 26 outputs data of the photographed image to the control unit 21.

[0044] [3 First information storage medium] The first information storage medium 3 is a piece of paper on which a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) is printed and is posted in each store, and at least one is posted in each store.

[0045] The two-dimensional code printed on the first information storage medium 3 stores store identification information D1, which is identification information indicating the store in which the first information storage medium 3 is displayed, so as to be readable by the user terminal 2. The store identification information D1 is an identifier such as a number or code given to each store as described above, and is information capable of identifying the store in which the first information storage medium 3 is posted.

[0046] The first information storage medium 3 may be displayed only once in each store, or multiple first information storage media 3 may be displayed in each store, but if multiple first information storage media 3 are displayed, the same store identification information D1 will be stored for each store.

[0047] [4 Second information storage medium] The second information storage medium 4 is a piece of paper on which a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) is printed and is carried by each store clerk, and each store clerk carries at least one.

[0048] The two-dimensional code printed on the second information storage medium 4 stores therein staff identification information D2, which is identification information indicative of the staff member carrying the second information storage medium 4, so as to be readable by the user terminal 2. The store clerk identification information D2 is an identifier such as a number or code given to each store clerk as described above, and is information that can identify the store clerk who possesses the second information storage medium 4.

[0049] Each store clerk may have only one second information storage medium 4, or may have multiple second information storage media 4; however, if multiple second information storage media 4 are carried, the same store clerk identification information D2 will be stored for each store clerk.

[0050] [5 Communication Networks] The communication network N is, for example, the Internet, a telephone line network, a mobile phone communication network, a wireless LAN communication network, or the like, and connects between a management server 1 and a user terminal 2 as shown in FIG. The communication network N is not particularly limited as long as it can connect the devices as described above and transmit and receive data between them.

[0051] [Second operation explanation] Next, the operation of the information management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described separately for when the user sends a message to the store (step S1) and when the user sends a message and points to a store clerk (step S2).

[0052] [1 Step S1: When a user sends a message to a store] First, the operation of the present system in the case where a user is impressed with the service provided by a store he or she has visited and sends a message to that store will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0053] A user who uses the user terminal 2 first causes the user terminal 2 to read the store identification information D1 from the first information storage medium 3 posted in the store (step S1-1).

[0054] Specifically, the photographing unit 26 of the user terminal 2 is aimed at the first information storage medium 3 to photograph the two-dimensional code printed on the first information storage medium 3, and when the two-dimensional code is photographed, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 2 reads the store identification information D1 stored in the two-dimensional code from the photographed image.

[0055] Next, the user inputs a message to be sent to the store (step S1-2).

[0056] Specifically, the user may input any message using the operation unit 25 of the user terminal 2.

[0057] The message can be any text with some meaning, regardless of language or content. For example, if the store used is Store A, the message could be something like "Store A's service was excellent."

[0058] When a message to be sent to the store is input in step S1-2, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 2 links information related to the input message (message information D6 addressed to the store) to the store identification information D1 read in step S1-1 and the user identification information D3 stored in the user information database 221 of the memory unit 22, and transmits it from the communication unit 23 to the management server 1 via the communication network N (step S1-3).

[0059] In the management server 1, which receives the store identification information D1, user identification information D3, and store-addressed message information D6 sent from the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 identifies whether the received information is intended for the store or the store clerk (step S1-4).

[0060] Specifically, the control unit 11 can identify whether the received information is directed to a store or a store clerk by using information that can identify whether the information included in the store identification information D1 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S1-3 is store identification information D1 or store clerk identification information D2. If the store identification information D1 is a four-digit number such as 1001, 1002, 1003, and the store clerk identification information D2 is a four-digit number such as 2004, 2005, 2006 as described above, only the first digit is referenced, and if it is 1, the received information is identified as being directed to the store, and if it is 2, the received information is identified as being directed to the store clerk.

[0061] In this case, the store identification information D1 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S1-3 includes information that can be identified as store identification information D1, and therefore the received information is identified as being directed to the store.

[0062] Next, the control unit 11 identifies a target store, which is a specific store to which the received information is directed (step S1-5).

[0063] Specifically, the control unit 11 compares the identifier associated with the store identification information D1 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S1-3 with the identifiers associated with all store identification information D1 stored in the store information database 121, and identifies as the target store the store associated with an identifier associated with the store identification information D1 stored in the store information database 121 that matches the identifier associated with the store identification information D1 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S1-3.

[0064] Although steps S1-4 and S1-5 have been described above as separate steps, once the target store has been identified, the received information will inevitably be identified as being directed to the store, and therefore these two steps may be performed together.

[0065] That is, the control unit 11 compares the identifier associated with the store identification information D1 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S1-3 with the identifiers associated with all store identification information D1 stored in the store information database 121 and the identifiers associated with all store clerk identification information D2 stored in the store clerk information database 122. Furthermore, in this case, since the identifier associated with the store identification information D1 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S1-3 matches one of the identifiers associated with the store identification information D1 stored in the store information database 121, the control unit 11 identifies the store associated with the matching identifier as the target store and identifies the received information as being directed to the store.

[0066] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 updates the information stored in the store information database 121 of the storage unit 12 (step S1-6).

[0067] Specifically, the control unit 11 links the message related to the store-destined message information D6 received in step S1-3 to the store identification information D1 related to the target store identified in step S1-5 among the store identification information D1 stored in the store information database 121, and stores the message related to the store-destined message information D6 received in step S1-3. Incidentally, both the case where new information is stored and the case where existing information is modified or deleted are considered to be included in the case where information is updated.

[0068] [2 Step S2: When the user sends a message and points to the store clerk] Next, the operation of the present system in the case where a user is impressed with the service provided by a particular store clerk at a store he or she visited and sends a message and points to that store clerk will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0069] A user using the user terminal 2 first requests that the store clerk present the second information storage medium 4 he or she possesses, and then has the user terminal 2 read the store clerk identification information D2 from the second information storage medium 4 displayed by the store clerk (step S2-1).

[0070] Specifically, the photographing unit 26 of the user terminal 2 is aimed at the second information storage medium 4 to photograph the two-dimensional code printed on the second information storage medium 4, and when the two-dimensional code is photographed, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 2 reads the store clerk identification information D2 stored in the two-dimensional code from the photographed image.

[0071] Next, the user inputs a message to be sent to the store clerk and the number of points (step S2-2).

[0072] Specifically, the user may input an arbitrary message and the number of points using the operation unit 25 of the user terminal 2.

[0073] The message may be any text with some meaning, regardless of language or content. For example, if the specific store clerk is clerk B, the message may be something like "The service from clerk B was excellent."

[0074] Furthermore, as the number of points, the user may input a number within the range of the number of points that he or she owns (within the range of the user's owned point number information D5 stored in the user information database 221 of the storage unit 22). In addition, if the number of points inputted exceeds the number of points related to the user's owned point number information D5 stored in the user information database 221 of the memory unit 22, the control unit 21 will display a notification to that effect on the display unit 24 and have the user re-input the number of points.

[0075] Incidentally, the user may be able to input any number of points; however, in order to prevent the user from sending an unintended number of points due to an incorrect input, it is preferable to display a number of pre-set point numbers (e.g., 50, 100, 150, 200, do not send) on the display unit 24 and allow the user to select from among them.

[0076] When the message and number of points to be sent to the store clerk are input in step S2-2, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 2 links information relating to the input message (message information D7 addressed to store clerk) and information relating to the input number of points (number of points to be granted to store clerk information D8) to the store clerk identification information D2 read in step S2-1 and the user identification information D3 stored in the user information database 221 of the memory unit 22, and transmits the information from the communication unit 23 to the management server 1 via the communication network N (step S2-3).

[0077] In the management server 1, which receives the store clerk identification information D2, user identification information D3, message information D7 addressed to the store clerk, and point number information D8 addressed to the store clerk sent from the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 identifies whether the received information is intended for the store or the store clerk (step S2-4).

[0078] The method of identification is the same as that described in step S1-4, and the control unit 11 can identify whether the received information is directed to a store or a store clerk by using information that can identify whether the information included in the store clerk identification information D2 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S2-3 is store identification information D1 or store clerk identification information D2. As described above, if the store identification information D1 is a four-digit number such as 1001, 1002, 1003, and the store clerk identification information D2 is a four-digit number such as 2004, 2005, 2006, only the first digit is referenced, and if it is 1, the received information is identified as being directed to the store, and if it is 2, the received information is identified as being directed to the store clerk.

[0079] In this case, the store clerk identification information D2 sent from the user terminal 2 in step S1-3 contains information that can be identified as store clerk identification information D2, and therefore the received information is identified as being intended for the store clerk.

[0080] Next, the control unit 11 identifies a target store clerk who is a specific store clerk to whom the received information is directed (step S2-5).

[0081] Specifically, the control unit 11 compares the identifier associated with the clerk identification information D2 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S2-3 with the identifiers associated with all the clerk identification information D2 stored in the clerk information database 122, and identifies as the target clerk the clerk associated with an identifier that matches the identifier associated with the clerk identification information D2 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S2-3 among the identifiers associated with the clerk identification information D2 stored in the clerk information database 122.

[0082] Although steps S2-4 and S2-5 have been described above as separate steps, once the target store clerk has been identified, the received information will inevitably be identified as being intended for the store clerk, so these two steps may be performed together.

[0083] That is, the control unit 11 compares the identifier associated with the store clerk identification information D2 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S2-3 with the identifiers associated with all store identification information D1 stored in the store information database 121 and the identifiers associated with all store clerk identification information D2 stored in the store information database 122. Furthermore, in this case, since the identifier associated with the store clerk identification information D2 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S2-3 matches one of the identifiers associated with the store clerk identification information D2 stored in the store clerk information database 122, the control unit 11 identifies the store clerk associated with the matching identifier as the target store clerk and identifies the received information as being intended for the store clerk.

[0084] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 updates the information stored in the store clerk information database 122 of the storage unit 12 (step S2-6).

[0085] Specifically, the control unit 11 stores the message related to the message information D7 for the clerk received in step S2-3 in association with the clerk identification information D2 for the target clerk identified in step S2-5 among the clerk identification information D2 stored in the clerk information database 122, and adds the number of points related to the received information D8 for the number of points granted to the clerk to the number of points related to the clerk held points information D4 stored in association with the clerk identification information D2 for the target clerk identified in step S2-5.

[0086] Next, the control unit 11 identifies a sending user who is the user using the user terminal 2 that sent the information in step S2-3 (step S2-7).

[0087] Specifically, the control unit 11 compares the identifier associated with the user identification information D3 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S2-3 with the identifiers associated with all user identification information D3 stored in the user information database 123, and identifies as the sending user the user associated with an identifier that matches the identifier associated with the user identification information D3 transmitted from the user terminal 2 in step S2-3 among the identifiers associated with the user identification information D3 stored in the user information database 123.

[0088] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 updates the information stored in the user information database 123 of the storage unit 12 (step S2-8).

[0089] Specifically, the control unit 11 subtracts the number of points related to the user-owned point number information D5 stored in the user information database 123 in association with the user identification information D3 related to the sending user identified in step S2-7 from the number of points related to the point number information D8 granted to the store clerk received in step S2-3.

[0090] After updating the information stored in the user information database 123 in step S2-8, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 transmits the updated user-owned point number information D5 from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to the user terminal 2 that transmitted the information in step S2-3 (step S2-9).

[0091] In the user terminal 2 that receives the updated user-owned point number information D5 sent from the management server 1 via the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 updates the user-owned point number information D5 stored in the user information database 221 of the memory unit 22 in accordance with the received information (step S2-10).

[0092] [Third effect explanation] Next, the effects of the information management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0093] According to the information management system 100 of this embodiment, when the management server 1 receives information sent from the user terminal 2 used by the user who uses the store (message information D6 addressed to the store in step S1, and message information D7 addressed to the store clerk and information D8 on the number of points given to the store clerk in step S2), it identifies whether the received information is addressed to the store or the store clerk. In this case, specifically, if the received information is message information D6 addressed to the store, it is identified as being addressed to the store, and if the received information is message information D7 addressed to the store clerk and information D8 on the number of points given to the store clerk, it is identified as being addressed to the store clerk.

[0094] This makes it easier to identify whether a positive impression of the service provided at a store is directed at an individual store clerk or the store as a whole when the user expresses a positive impression of the service provided at the store by sending a message or information regarding point allocation from the user terminal 2 used by the user using the store.

[0095] Furthermore, since the information transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1 includes store identification information D1 read by the user terminal 2 from a first information storage medium 3 provided in the store or store clerk identification information D2 read by the user terminal 2 from a second information storage medium 4 carried by the store clerk, it becomes possible for the management server 1 to use this information when identifying whether the information it received is intended for the store or the store clerk.

[0096] In addition, since a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) storing store identification information D1 or store clerk identification information D2 is printed on the first information storage medium 3 and the second information storage medium 4, it becomes easy for the user terminal 2 to read the information.

[0097] Furthermore, when the management server 1 identifies that the information received from the user terminal 2 is intended for a store, it identifies the target store to which the information is intended, and updates the information about the target store stored in the store information database 121 of the memory unit 12 (in this case, the received store-destined message information D6 is stored in association with the store identification information D1 relating to the target store), thereby enabling the received information to be stored in association with the store to which the information is intended.

[0098] In addition, since the information that the management server 1 receives from the user terminal 2 includes store identification information D1, which is identification information assigned to each store, it becomes easy to identify the target store, which is the store to which the information is directed.

[0099] In addition, when the management server 1 identifies that the information received from the user terminal 2 is intended for a store clerk, it identifies the target store clerk who is the store clerk to whom the information is intended, and updates the information about the target store clerk stored in the store clerk information database 122 in the memory unit 12 (in this case, the received message information D7 addressed to the store clerk is linked to the store clerk identification information D2 related to the target store clerk and stored, and the number of points related to the store clerk's held points information D4 is added to the store clerk's assigned points information D8), thereby allowing the received information to be stored in association with the store clerk to whom the information is intended.

[0100] In addition, since the information that the management server 1 receives from the user terminal 2 includes store clerk identification information D2, which is identification information assigned to each store clerk, it becomes easy to identify the target store clerk to which the information is directed.

[0101] In addition, when the management server 1 receives information from a user terminal 2, the information about the user using the user terminal 2 stored in the user information database 123 of the memory unit 12 is updated (in this case, the number of points related to the point number information D8 given to the store clerk is subtracted from the number of points related to the user's owned point number information D5), making it possible to update the information about the user when sending information from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1.

[0102] [Fourth Variation] Next, a modification of the information management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0103] [1 Variation 1: Change in transmission information] The above operation has been explained in terms of the case where the user sends a message to the store in step S1 (when store-destined message information D6 is sent from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1), and the case where the user sends a message and points to the store clerk in step S2 (when store-destined message information D7 and store clerk-destined awarded points information D8 are sent from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1), but the information sent from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1 is not limited to this.

[0104] For example, in step S1, the user may be able to send points to the store in addition to the message. In this case, in step S1-2, the user inputs information on the number of points to be sent to the store in addition to the message to be sent to the store, and in step S1-3, information on the input number of points (information on the number of points to be given to the store) is sent to the management server 1 in addition to the store identification information D1, user identification information D3, and message information D6 to the store. In addition, in the same manner as described in steps S2-7 to S2-10, the user-owned point number information D5 stored in the user information database 123 of the memory unit 12 of the management server 1 and the user-owned point number information D5 stored in the user information database 221 of the memory unit 22 of the user terminal 2 will also be updated.

[0105] Also, in step S1, the user may be allowed to send points to the store instead of a message. In this case, in step S1-2, the user inputs information on the number of points to be sent to the store without inputting a message to be sent to the store, and in step S1-3, information on the input number of points (information on the number of points to be given to the store) is sent to the management server 1 together with the store identification information D1 and the user identification information D3 without transmitting message information D6 to the store.

[0106] Also, in step S2, the user may send only a message or points to the store clerk. In this case, in step S2-2, the user inputs information related to either a message to be sent to the store clerk or the number of points to be sent to the store clerk, and in step S2-3, only the message information D7 addressed to the store clerk or the number of points given to the store clerk information D8 is sent to the management server 1 together with the store clerk identification information D2 and the user identification information D3.

[0107] Furthermore, the information transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1 is not limited to messages and / or points, as long as the user who uses the user terminal 2 can indicate that he / she liked the service provided at the store. In addition to or instead of messages and / or points, other information that can indicate that the user liked the service provided to the store or store clerk may be transmitted.

[0108] [2 Variation 2: Determination of point distribution] As explained in the first modification, when a user sends points to a store (when information on the number of points granted to a store is sent from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1), the management server 1 may determine the distribution of the points sent from the user to the target store to the store clerks working at the target store. In this case, the number of points related to the information on the number of points granted to a store is added to the store clerk's owned points information D4 stored in the store clerk information database 122 of the storage unit 12 of the management server 1 according to the determined distribution.

[0109] For example, if 1,000 points are sent to the target store and it is decided that these points should be distributed equally to clerk A and clerk B of the five clerks working at the target store (clerk A, clerk B, clerk C, clerk D, and clerk E), the determined distribution will be clerk A:clerk B:clerk C:clerk D:clerk E = 1:1:0:0:0, and 500 points will be added to the clerk point number information D4 for clerk A and clerk B respectively. For example, a case where one store clerk is selected from multiple store clerks to award points and no points are awarded to the other store clerks is also included in the case where the points are allocated in the ratio of one clerk:others = 1:0.

[0110] As a specific method for determining the allocation, for example, the following method can be considered. The method of determining the distribution is not limited to the following two examples, and other methods may be adopted. In addition to the following two examples, for example, if a store clerk receives a personal message from the same user who sent points to the store, the distribution may be determined in such a way that a larger distribution is given to that store clerk.

[0111] [(1) Variation 2-1: Allocation using work date and time information] The management server 1 acquires information relating to the date and time when a user using a user terminal 2 visits the target store, and information relating to the working dates and times of each employee at the target store (information by day and time period for employees working at the target store), and uses this information to determine the allocation of points relating to the information on the number of points granted to the store, by allocating the points to the employee who was working at the date and time when the user visited the target store.

[0112] As information relating to the date and time when the user used the target store, for example, information stored in the first information storage medium 3 displayed in the store or the second information storage medium 4 carried by the store clerk is read by the user terminal 2 as described above, and when this information is read and transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1, since this information is only read while the store is being used, the date and time when the information was received by the management server 1 can be regarded as the date and time when the user used the target store. Also, for example, the user may input the date and time when the user used the target store using the operation unit 25 of the user terminal 2, and when transmitting the information in step S1-3 or step S2-3, the information relating to the input date and time when the user used the target store may also be transmitted.

[0113] Information regarding the dates and times that each employee worked at the target store may be obtained, for example, by the management server 1 in cooperation with an attendance management system that manages information regarding the working status of employees at the target store.

[0114] For example, if the date and time that a user using a user terminal visits a target store is identified as 15:00 on May 10th, and the five store clerks working at the target store are identified as follows on May 10th: clerk A: 9:00-12:00, clerk B: 12:00-17:00, clerk C: 12:00-17:00, clerk D: not on duty, and clerk E: not on duty, then the distribution can be determined so that the time is evenly distributed to clerks B and C who were working at the time the user visited the target store, as follows: clerk A: clerk B: clerk C: clerk D: clerk E = 0:1:1:0:0.

[0115] [(2) Variation 2-2: Allocation using evaluation information] The management server 1 obtains information relating to the evaluation of each department of the target store by the user using the user terminal 2 and information relating to the department in which each employee works in the target store, and uses this information to determine the allocation of points relating to the information on the number of points granted to the store by allocating points to the employee working in the department that the user has highly rated.

[0116] As information relating to the user's evaluation of each department of the target store, for example, the user may input the departments in the target store that the user highly rates using the operation unit 25 of the user terminal 2, and when transmitting the information in step S1-3 or step S2-3, the information relating to the departments in the target store that the user highly rates that was input may also be transmitted.

[0117] Information relating to the department in which each employee works in the target store may be obtained, for example, by having the store manager input information relating to the department in which each employee works in advance.

[0118] For example, if the target store is a restaurant and a user using user terminal 2 inputs information to the effect that he or she highly rates the food at the target store, and the information is sent from user terminal 2 to management server 1, and the work departments of five staff members working at the target store are identified as Staff A: Cook, Staff B: Cook, Staff C: Customer Service, Staff D: Customer Service, and Staff E: Customer Service, then the distribution can be determined to be Staff A: Staff B: Staff C: Staff D: Staff E = 1:1:0:0:0, with the weights being evenly distributed to Staff A and Staff B, whose work departments are cooking.

[0119] Also, for example, the information regarding the evaluation of each department of the target store may be information in which the evaluation of each department is expressed as a score, a number of stars, etc. In this case, the allocation of points related to the information regarding the number of points given to the store is determined according to such evaluation.

[0120] For example, as in the above case, if the target store is a restaurant, and a user using user terminal 2 inputs information to the effect that he or she rates the food (cooking department) of the target store as 100 points and the service (customer service department) as 50 points, and the information is sent from user terminal 2 to management server 1, if the working departments of five staff members working at the target store are identified as Staff A: Cooking, Staff B: Cooking, Staff C: Customer Service, Staff D: Customer Service, and Staff E: Customer Service, then points can be allocated according to the scores for each department, and the allocation can be determined as Staff A: Staff B: Staff C: Staff D: Staff E = 2:2:1:1:1.

[0121] In addition, in combination with the distribution using the work date and time information described in variant example 2-1, for example, the store clerk who worked may be identified using the work date and time information, and points may be distributed only to the store clerk who worked there, and the distribution of points among the store clerks who worked there may be determined according to the evaluation of each department.

[0122] [3. Modification 3: Changes to the first information storage medium and the second information storage medium] In the above explanation of the operation, a paper with a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) posted in a store printed on it is used as the first information storage medium 3, and a paper with a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) printed on it and carried by a store clerk is used as the second information storage medium 4, however, the first information storage medium 3 and the second information storage medium 4 are not limited to this.

[0123] First, although it is not preferable from the viewpoint of information storage capacity per area, a one-dimensional code such as a general bar code may be used instead of the two-dimensional code.

[0124] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code may be displayed on an electronic medium such as a display of a terminal device installed in the store or carried by a store clerk, instead of on a paper medium as described above.

[0125] In addition, the two-dimensional or one-dimensional code in which the store identification information D1 indicating the store used by the user is stored can be displayed not on a paper medium or an electronic medium but on the building itself, such as a wall or floor. In this case, such a wall or floor itself corresponds to the first information storage medium 3.

[0126] Also, for example, a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code in which store identification information D1 indicating the store where the clerk works and a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code in which clerk identification information D2 indicating the clerk are stored may be displayed on the name tag carried by each clerk or on the uniform worn by each clerk. In this case, such name tags and uniforms correspond to the first information storage medium 3 and the second information storage medium 4.

[0127] Also, for example, a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code storing store identification information D1 indicating the store used by the user and a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code storing store clerk identification information D2 indicating the store clerk who served the user may be printed on a receipt distributed to the user who used the store, rather than posted in the store or held by the store clerk. In this case, such a receipt serves as both the first information storage medium and the second information storage medium.

[0128] In addition, instead of a receipt, a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code storing store identification information D1 indicating the store used by the user and / or a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code storing store clerk identification information D2 indicating the store clerk who served the user may be printed on a dedicated card, and the card may be distributed to the user who used the store. Anything that is distributed from a store to a user who has used the store, including such a receipt or card, is referred to as a distribution item distributed from the store to the user.

[0129] In addition, as a means for storing the store identification information D1 or the store clerk identification information D2, it is preferable to use a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code as described above in order to make it easy to read by the user terminal 2, but it is not limited to a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code as long as the information can be stored in a state that can be read by the user terminal 2.

[0130] For example, the store identification information D1 or the store clerk identification information D2 may be stored in a state readable by the user terminal 2 using an NFC (near field communication) tag or the like.

[0131] Also, for example, a beacon may be used to transmit a signal including the store identification information D1 or the store clerk identification information D2 to the user terminal 2.

[0132] It is also possible, for example, to deliver to the user terminal 2 a URL that transitions to a specific website or a thumbnail image with a link related to the URL, and to read the store identification information D1 or the store clerk identification information D2 on the website.

[0133] [4 Variation 4: Change in the method of identifying target stores and target store clerks] In the above operation description, a case has been described in which in step S1, the target store is identified from store identification information D1 read by user terminal 2 from first information storage medium 3 posted in the store, and in step S2, the target store clerk is identified from store clerk identification information D2 read by user terminal 2 from second information storage medium 4 carried by the store clerk. In this regard, such an identification method is preferable from the viewpoint of simple and reliable identification, but the method of identifying the target store and the target store clerk is not limited to this.

[0134] For example, the management server 1 may acquire information relating to the date and time when a user using the user terminal 2 visits the store, and information relating to the working dates and times of each employee at the store (information by day and time period for employees working at the target store), and use these to identify the target employee.

[0135] In this case, the store clerk who was working at the store on the date and time that the user visited the store is identified as the target store clerk.

[0136] Also, although this is not preferred as it requires the user to check each time before inputting, it is also possible for the user to use the operation unit 25 of the user terminal 2 to input the name of the store used or the name of the clerk in charge (the name of the store if the user was impressed with the service of the store as a whole, or the name of a particular clerk if the user was impressed with the service of that particular clerk), and for the information relating to the input name or name to be sent to the management server 1 together with information relating to the message input by the user and / or information relating to the number of points input by the user, and for the management server 1 to use the received information relating to the name or name to identify the target store or clerk.

[0137] [5 Variation 5: Change in identification method for stores or store clerks] The above operation has been described as a case in which it is determined whether the information transmitted from the user terminal 2 is intended for a store or a store clerk depending on whether the information transmitted from the user terminal 2 is store identification information D1 stored in a first information storage medium 3 displayed in the store, or store clerk identification information D2 stored in a second information storage medium 4 carried by the store clerk.

[0138] In this regard, from the standpoint of not placing a heavy burden on users and allowing only users who have actually used a store to send information intended for that store and allowing only those who have actually received service from a store clerk to send information intended for that store clerk, the above identification method is preferable, but the identification method is not necessarily limited to this.

[0139] For example, although this is not preferred as it requires the user to input each time, it is also possible for the user to use the operation unit 25 of the user terminal 2 to input whether the information to be sent from the user terminal 2 is intended for the store or for the store clerk, and for the input information to be sent to the management server 1 together with information relating to the message input by the user and / or information relating to the number of points input by the user, and for the management server 1 to use the information input by the user to identify whether the information sent from the user terminal 2 is intended for the store or for the store clerk.

[0140] [6 Variation 6: Granting Benefits to Users] In order to encourage users to send messages and / or points to stores or store clerks, a user using a user terminal 2 that sent information in step S1-3 or step S2-3 may be given a reward in the form of points, etc.

[0141] In this case, for example, after identifying the sending user as described in step S2-7, a predetermined number of points can be added to the number of points related to the user-owned point number information D5 for the sending user stored in the user information database 123 of the memory unit 12 of the management server 1, and also added to the user-owned point number information D5 stored in the user information database 221 of the memory unit 22 of the user terminal 2 used by the sending user, thereby giving the user a privilege of sending information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 100 Information Management System 1 Management server (information management device) 11 control unit (identification means, first identification means, second identification means, first update means, second update means, third update means, allocation determination means) 12 Storage section 13 Communication unit (receiving means) 2. User terminal 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Display section 25 Control section 26 Photography Department 3 First information storage medium (storage medium) 4 Second information storage medium (storage medium) D1 Store identification information (user-submitted information) D2 Store clerk identification information (user-sent information) D3 User identification information (user-sent information) D4 Store clerk points information D5 User owned points information D6 Message information for stores (information sent by users) D7 Message information for store clerk (user sent information) D8 Information on the number of points given to store clerk (information sent by user)

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving user transmission information, which is information transmitted from a user terminal used by a user who visits the store; An identification means for identifying whether the user-transmitted information is directed to a store or a store clerk; An information management device comprising:

2. The information management device according to claim 1 , wherein the user-transmitted information includes information relating to a message directed to the store or the store clerk.

3. The information management device according to claim 1 , wherein the user-transmitted information includes information related to points to be given to the store or the store clerk.

4. The information management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the user-sent information includes information read by the user terminal from a storage medium provided in the store, carried by a store clerk, or attached to a distribution material distributed by the store to the user.

5. The information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises a first identification means for identifying a target store, which is the store to which the user-transmitted information is directed, when the identification means identifies that the user-transmitted information is directed to a store.

6. 6. The information management device according to claim 5, further comprising a first update means for updating information about the target store stored in a store information storage means when the first identification means identifies the target store.

7. The user transmission information includes store identification information which is identification information given to each store, 6. The information management device according to claim 5, wherein the first identification unit identifies the target store by using the store identification information.

8. The user-transmitted information includes information regarding points to be awarded to the target store, 6. The information management device according to claim 5, further comprising an allocation determination means for determining an allocation of said points to employees working at said target store.

9. The information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second identification means for identifying a target store clerk, the store clerk to whom the user-transmitted information is directed, when the identification means identifies that the user-transmitted information is directed.

10. 10. The information management device according to claim 9, further comprising a second update means for updating information about the target store clerk stored in a store clerk information storage means when the second identification means identifies the target store clerk.

11. The user transmission information includes store clerk identification information, which is identification information given to each store clerk, 10. The information management device according to claim 9, wherein the second identification means identifies the target store clerk by using the store clerk identification information.

12. 5. The information management device according to claim 1, further comprising a third update unit that updates the information about the user stored in the user information storage unit.

13. The user transmission information includes information related to points to be given to the store or the store clerk, 13. The information management device according to claim 12, wherein the third update means updates the information relating to the points stored in the user information storage means by subtracting points from the information.

14. A receiving step of receiving user transmission information which is information transmitted from a user terminal used by a user who uses the store; an identification step of identifying whether the user-transmitted information is intended for a store or a store clerk; 13. An information management method comprising:

15. Computer, A receiving means for receiving user transmission information, which is information transmitted from a user terminal used by a user who visits the store; an identification means for identifying whether the user-transmitted information is directed to a store or a store clerk; An information management program characterized in that the program functions as

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