Information processor and program

Abstract

To provide a technique of controlling the number of times of allowable display of a notification.SOLUTION: The information processor according to an embodiment includes a communication processing unit and a calculation unit. The communication processing unit outputs information for display of a notification to a user terminal when the number of times of allowable display of the notification is at least one. The calculation unit updates to reduce the number of times of allowable display according to the display of the notification in the user terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In retail stores such as supermarkets and drug stores, a POS (Point Of Sales) system is known in which customers themselves register products using a terminal and pay for them at an accounting machine.

[0003] The terminal application has a function to obtain flyer data when shopping using the terminal is started, and display the flyer as a sales promotion. The flyer data is distributed from an external sales promotion content system. When distributing flyers, advertising fees are received from advertiser companies (retailers, etc.) and the number of distributions based on the budget is decided. For this reason, it is necessary to control the upper limit on the number of times the flyer can be displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-32697 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for controlling the number of times a notification can be displayed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment includes a communication processing unit and a calculation unit. When the number of times a notification can be displayed is equal to or greater than 1, the communication processing unit outputs display information for the notification to a user's terminal. The calculation unit updates the number of times the notification can be displayed so as to decrease the number of times the notification can be displayed in response to the display of the notification on the user's terminal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a first server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a second server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a terminal according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a linking process of project information by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first mode of a flyer distribution process by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second mode of the leaflet distribution process by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a third mode of the leaflet distribution process by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first mode of the number of times update process by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second mode of the number of times update process by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a registered product list image on the terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of a leaflet guide image on the terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how a flyer is displayed on the terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit configurations.

[0009] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system S. The information processing system S is a system for distributing flyers to each user who shops at a store. For example, the store is a retail store such as a supermarket or a drugstore. Here, it is assumed that the user shops at an arbitrary store X. A flyer conveys information visually. For example, a flyer may include, but is not limited to, the products sold at the store and the prices of the products. The term "flyer" refers to an electronic flyer. A flyer is an example of a notification that conveys information visually.

[0010] The information processing system S includes a first server 1, a second server 2, and a terminal 3. The first server 1, the second server 2, and the terminal 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate freely via a network. The network is composed of one or more of various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network. Although one terminal 3 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing system S may include a number of terminals according to the number of users who shop at the store.

[0011] The first server 1 is a device that controls the distribution of flyers to each user who shops at a store. The first server 1 may be a server on a cloud. An example of the configuration of the first server 1 will be described later. The first server 1 is an example of an information processing device. The first server 1 is an example of a server.

[0012] The second server 2 is a device that manages project information for each project targeted at the store X. The second server 2 may be a server on the cloud. An example of the configuration of the second server 2 will be described later.

[0013] The project is an event that involves the distribution of flyers. The project period can be set arbitrarily, such as one month, one week, or one day. Multiple projects may overlap on the same day. The project information is information about the project. The project information includes a project ID. The project ID is an ID that can uniquely identify the project. The project information includes a flyer distribution period. The flyer distribution period is a period during which the flyer can be distributed. The project information includes display information for the flyer. The display information is information for displaying the flyer. For example, the display information includes information about an image of the flyer. The format of the flyer image is not particularly limited. The format of the flyer image may be a pdf format.

[0014] The project information includes an initial value of the number of times a flyer can be displayed. The number of times a flyer can be displayed is the maximum number of times a flyer can be displayed. The number of times a flyer can be displayed includes the remaining number of times a flyer can be displayed. The number of times a flyer can be displayed is a variable value that decreases according to the display of the flyer. The number of times a flyer can be displayed is the number of times during the distribution period of the flyer.

[0015] In a typical example, the number of times that the display can be made includes a first number of times that the display can be made for a plurality of users and a second number of times that the display can be made for each user. The first number of times that the display can be made is the number of times that the display can be made for all of the plurality of users. The first number of times that the display can be made is the total number of times that the display can be made for a device that is set by the plan and that can be displayed on a device regardless of the user. The second number of times that the display can be made is the number of times that the display can be made for each ... that can be displayed on a device.

[0016] The initial value of the number of times a flyer can be displayed includes an initial value of a first number of times a flyer can be displayed and an initial value of a second number of times a flyer can be displayed. For example, the initial value of the first number of times a flyer can be displayed is 100 times, but is not limited to this. For example, the initial value of the second number of times a flyer can be displayed is 10 times, but is not limited to this. The initial value of the second number of times a flyer can be displayed is the same for all users, but may be different for each user.

[0017] The terminal 3 is a device used for shopping in a store. The terminal 3 is assumed to be a terminal of any user. The terminal 3 is a terminal that can move with the movement of the user. The terminal 3 may be a terminal that is mounted on a shopping cart and used, or may be a terminal that is not mounted on a shopping cart and used. The terminal 3 may be a terminal rented out at a store, or may be a terminal owned by the user. The terminal 3 may be a tablet terminal or a smartphone, or may be a combination of a tablet terminal or a smartphone and an external device. An example of the configuration of the terminal 3 will be described later. The terminal 3 is an example of a terminal.

[0018] A user registers a product using the terminal 3 for each transaction, and settles the transaction with an accounting machine capable of processing the transaction. A transaction is a transfer of expenses from a customer to a store accompanying the sale of a product by the store. From the viewpoint of the store, a transaction includes the sale of a product. From the viewpoint of the customer, a transaction includes the purchase of a product. Registering a product is registering a product to be traded that is the subject of the transaction. For example, the terminal 3 acquires the product ID of the input product to be traded, and outputs the product ID of the product to the first server 1. The first server 1 registers information on the product to be traded in a registration list based on the product ID of the product to be traded. The registration list is data for each transaction that lists information on each product to be traded that is registered using the terminal 3. For example, the information on the product to be traded includes product name, number of items, amount, etc. The product name is the name of the product to be traded. The number of items is the number of products to be traded that are identified by the same product ID. The amount is the total amount of the products to be traded that are identified by the same product ID. The amount is a value obtained by multiplying the unit price and number of items of the products to be traded that are identified by the same product ID. In the following, registered traded goods are also referred to as registered goods.

[0019] An example of the configuration of the first server 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the first server 1. As shown in FIG.

[0020] The first server 1 includes a processing circuit 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, and a communication interface 13. The processing circuit 10, the main memory 11, the auxiliary storage device 12, and the communication interface 13 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. In Fig. 2, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0021] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the first server 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the first server 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes by multiple functions. For example, the circuit is a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited thereto. The processing circuit 10 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 into the main memory 11. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 10 to execute processes by each unit described later. The processing circuit 10 executes the program loaded into the main memory 11, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0022] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the first server 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the first server 1. The main memory 11 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as the nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as the volatile memory area. The main memory 11 is an example of a storage unit of the first server 1.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the first server 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 includes one or more storage devices. The storage devices are, but are not limited to, EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 10 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 10.

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a project information storage area 121. The project information storage area 121 is an example of a storage unit of the first server 1.

[0025] The project information storage area 121 stores project information for each project. The project information storage area 121 stores an updated value of the number of times that the display can be performed for each project. In a typical example, the project information storage area 121 can store an updated value of the first number of times that the display can be performed for each project. The project information storage area 121 can store an updated value of the second number of times that the display can be performed for each user for each project. The updated value of the second number of times that the display can be performed is associated with a user ID. The user ID is an ID that can uniquely identify a user. For example, the user ID is a member ID of a user who is registered as a member of a shopping service using a terminal in a store. The user ID is an example of user identification information. The data stored in the project information storage area 121 can be updated based on the addition of project information, the deletion of project information, or the update of the number of times that the display can be performed, etc.

[0026] The communication interface 13 includes various interfaces that communicatively connect the first server 1 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0027] The hardware configuration of the first server 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The first server 1 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate.

[0028] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 will be described. The processing circuit 10 realizes a communication processing unit 101, an acquisition unit 102, and a calculation unit 103. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuit 10 and the main memory 11.

[0029] The communication processing unit 101 processes communications between the first server 1 and other devices via a network. The acquisition unit 102 acquires the possible display count. The calculation unit 103 processes the calculations.

[0030] An example of the configuration of the second server 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the second server 2. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The second server 2 includes a processing circuit 20, a main memory 21, an auxiliary storage device 22, and a communication interface 23. The processing circuit 20, the main memory 21, the auxiliary storage device 22, and the communication interface 23 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. In Fig. 3, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0032] The processing circuit 20 corresponds to the central part of the second server 2. The processing circuit 20 is an element that constitutes the computer of the second server 2. Like the processing circuit 10, the processing circuit 20 includes one or more circuits that execute a plurality of processes by a plurality of functions.

[0033] The main memory 21 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the second server 2. The main memory 21 is an element that constitutes the computer of the second server 2. The main memory 21 may be configured similarly to the main memory 11. The main memory 21 is an example of a storage unit of the second server 2.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 22 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the second server 2. Like the auxiliary storage device 12, the auxiliary storage device 22 includes one or more storage devices.

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 22 includes a project information storage area 221. The project information storage area 221 is an example of a storage unit of the second server 2.

[0036] The project information storage area 221 stores project information for each project. The project information storage area 221 stores an updated value of the number of times that a display can be performed for each project. In a typical example, the project information storage area 221 can store an updated value of a first number of times that a display can be performed for each project. The data stored in the project information storage area 221 can be updated based on addition of project information, deletion of project information, update of the number of times that a display can be performed, or the like.

[0037] The communication interface 23 includes various interfaces that communicatively connect the second server 2 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0038] The hardware configuration of the second server 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The second server 2 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate.

[0039] An example of the configuration of the terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the terminal 3. As shown in FIG.

[0040] The terminal 3 includes a processing circuit 30, a main memory 31, an auxiliary storage device 32, a communication interface 33, a display device 34, an input device 35, a speaker 36, a microphone 37, a camera 38, and a scanner 39. The components constituting the terminal 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. In Fig. 4, the interface is indicated as "I / F".

[0041] The processing circuit 30 corresponds to the central part of the terminal 3. The processing circuit 30 is an element that constitutes the computer of the terminal 3. Like the processing circuit 10, the processing circuit 30 includes one or more circuits that execute a plurality of processes by a plurality of functions.

[0042] The main memory 31 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the terminal 3. The main memory 31 is an element that constitutes the computer of the terminal 3. The main memory 31 may be configured similarly to the main memory 11. The main memory 31 is an example of a storage unit of the terminal 3.

[0043] The auxiliary storage device 32 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the terminal 3. Like the auxiliary storage device 12, the auxiliary storage device 32 includes one or more storage devices.

[0044] The auxiliary storage device 32 includes a display information storage area 321. The display information storage area 321 is an example of a storage unit of the terminal 3.

[0045] The display information storage area 321 stores the project ID for each project and the display information of the flyer. The data stored in the display information storage area 321 can be updated based on the addition of display information or the deletion of display information.

[0046] The communication interface 33 includes various interfaces that communicably connect the terminal 3 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0047] The display device 34 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 30. For example, the display device 34 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display. The display device 34 includes a touch panel. The display device 34 is an example of a display. The display device 34 is an example of a display unit of the terminal 3.

[0048] The input device 35 is a device capable of inputting instructions based on a user's operation. The input device 35 may include button-type input keys. The input device 35 may include a touch panel capable of implementing input keys.

[0049] The speaker 36 is a device capable of outputting sound under the control of the terminal 3 .

[0050] The microphone 37 is a device capable of inputting voice.

[0051] Camera 38 is a device that has a photographing function and acquires photographed image data based on photographing. For example, camera 38 is a device that can acquire data from a photographed code symbol. The code symbol is a two-dimensional code symbol such as a barcode symbol or a QR code (registered trademark). The code symbol may be a code symbol of a product that stores a product ID. For example, camera 38 reads a code symbol attached to the product and acquires the product ID of the product to be traded from the code symbol.

[0052] The scanner 39 is a device capable of optically reading various code symbols and acquiring data from the code symbols. For example, the scanner 39 reads a code symbol attached to a product and acquires a product ID of the product to be traded from the code symbol.

[0053] The hardware configuration of the terminal 3 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The terminal 3 allows the omission or modification of the above-mentioned components and the addition of new components as appropriate. For example, at least one of the display device 34, the input device 35, the speaker 36, the microphone 37, the camera 38, and the scanner 39 may be an external device separate from the terminal 3.

[0054] Each unit realized in the above-mentioned processing circuit 30 will be described. The processing circuitry 30 realizes a communication processing unit 301 and a display processing unit 302. Each unit realized by the processing circuitry 30 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized by the processing circuitry 30 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuitry 30 and the main memory 31.

[0055] The communication processing unit 301 processes communications between the terminal 3 and other devices via the network. The display processing unit 302 processes the display on the display device 34 .

[0056] (Example of operation) The processing by the information processing system S will be described. Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, the process steps described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a linking process of project information by the information processing system S. As shown in FIG. The project information linking process is a process for linking project information from the second server 2 to the first server 1.

[0058] The processing circuit 20 of the second server 2 outputs project information to the first server 1 using the communication interface 23 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires project information to be linked to the first server 1 from the project information storage area 221. The processing circuit 20 outputs the acquired project information to the first server 1.

[0059] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 acquires the project information from the second server 2 using the communication interface 13 (ACT2). The processing of ACT2 may be performed by the communication processing unit 101.

[0060] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 stores the acquired project information in the project information storage area 121 (ACT3). The process of ACT3 may be a process by the communication processing unit 101.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first mode of a flyer distribution process by the information processing system S. The flyer distribution process is a process for distributing a flyer from the first server 1 to the terminal 3. The first aspect of the flyer distribution process is an aspect in which the display of the flyer on the terminal 3 is not restricted even if the number of times the flyer can be displayed is updated to 0 after the terminal 3 acquires the display information from the first server 1.

[0062] The explanation of Fig. 6 is based on the assumption that there are one or more projects whose distribution period for a flyer includes the current time. The explanation will be given using the processing for project A out of the one or more projects whose distribution period for a flyer includes the current time as an example, but the processing for the other projects is similar.

[0063] The processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 outputs shopping start information to the first server 1 using the communication interface 33 (ACT11). The processing of ACT11 may be processing by the communication processing unit 301. The shopping start information is information related to the start of shopping using the terminal 3 in a store. The shopping start information may include a request to start shopping using the terminal 3 in a store. The shopping start information may include a user ID of the user of the terminal 3. In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 30 outputs the shopping start information to the first server 1 based on an operation by a user using the input device 35 to start using a shopping service using the terminal 3.

[0064] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 acquires shopping start information from the terminal 3 using the communication interface 13 (ACT12). The processing of ACT12 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101.

[0065] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 acquires the number of times that the project A can be displayed (ACT13). The processing of ACT13 may be processing by the acquisition unit 102. In ACT13, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires the number of times that the project A can be displayed from the project information storage area 121. The processing circuit 10 acquires the number of times that the project A can be displayed, which is stored in the second server 2, from the second server 2 using the communication interface 13. The processing circuit 10 compares the number of times that the project A can be displayed acquired from the project information storage area 121 with the number of times that the project A can be displayed acquired from the second server 2. When the two numbers of times that the project A can be displayed match, the processing circuit 10 acquires the matching value as the number of times that the project A can be displayed. On the other hand, when the two numbers of times that the project A can be displayed do not match, the processing circuit 10 acquires the smaller value of the two values ​​as the number of times that the project A can be displayed. By comparing the two values, the first server 1 can consider the smaller value to be the true value. Therefore, even if the first server 1 or the second server 2 has not been able to properly update the number of times that an image can be displayed, the first server 1 can obtain the true value of the number of times that an image can be displayed.

[0066] In a typical example, the number of times that the plan A can be displayed includes a first number of times that the plan A can be displayed and a second number of times that the plan A can be displayed for the user of the terminal 3. The processing circuit 10 acquires the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed from the plan information storage area 121. The processing circuit 10 acquires the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed, which is stored in the second server 2, from the second server 2 using the communication interface 13. The processing circuit 10 compares the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed acquired from the plan information storage area 121 with the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed acquired from the second server 2. The processing circuit 10 acquires the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed based on the comparison as described above. The processing circuit 10 acquires the second number of times that the plan A can be displayed for the user of the terminal 3 identified by the user ID based on the user ID included in the shopping start information from the plan information storage area 121.

[0067] When the number of possible displays for project A is 1 or more, the processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 determines the user of the terminal 3 as a distribution target of the flyer for project A (ACT14). The processing of ACT14 may be processing by the acquisition unit 102. In a typical example, when the first number of possible displays is 1 or more and the second number of possible displays for the user of the terminal 3 is 1 or more, the processing circuit 10 determines the user of the terminal 3 as a distribution target of the flyer for project A.

[0068] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 uses the communication interface 13 to output a plan response for plan A to the terminal 3 when the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 1 or more (ACT15). The processing of ACT15 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101. The plan response for plan A is information about plan A. The plan response for plan A may include a plan ID for plan A. The plan response for plan A may include display information for a flyer for plan A. When the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 0, the processing circuit 10 does not output the plan response for plan A to the terminal 3. Since the first server 1 outputs a plan response when the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 1 or more, it is possible to prevent the plan response from being output when the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 0. Therefore, the first server 1 can control the number of times that a flyer can be displayed.

[0069] In a typical example, the processing circuit 10 outputs a plan response of the plan A to the terminal 3 when the first displayable number is 1 or more and the second displayable number for the user of the terminal 3 is 1 or more. When at least one of the first displayable number and the second displayable number is 0, the processing circuit 10 does not output the plan response of the plan A to the terminal 3. Since the first server 1 outputs a plan response when the first displayable number and the second displayable number are 1 or more, it is possible to prevent outputting a plan response when at least one of the first displayable number and the second displayable number is 0. Therefore, the first server 1 can control the total first displayable number and the second displayable number per user. The first server 1 can control whether or not to display a flyer per user by using the second displayable number. This allows the first server 1 to prevent one user from displaying the same flyer many times and provide many users with an opportunity to display the same flyer.

[0070] In ACT15, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires the plan ID of plan A and display information of a flyer for plan A from the plan information storage area 121. The processing circuit 10 outputs a plan response for plan A to the terminal 3 based on the acquired plan ID of plan A and display information of the flyer for plan A.

[0071] In this way, the processing circuit 10 outputs a plan response for plan A to the terminal 3 when the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 1 or more based on the acquisition of shopping start information. The plan response for plan A is a response to the shopping start information. The first server 1 outputs the plan response based on the acquisition of shopping start information, so that the plan response can be provided at the timing of the start of shopping. The first server 1 allows the display of the flyer even if the number of times that plan A can be displayed is updated to 0 thereafter. Therefore, the first server 1 can prevent a situation where a flyer cannot be displayed when an attempt is made to display the flyer in the middle of shopping.

[0072] If the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 1 or more, the processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 acquires a plan response for plan A from the first server 1 using the communication interface 33 (ACT16). The processing of ACT16 may be processing by the communication processing unit 301. If the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 0, the processing circuit 30 does not acquire a plan response for plan A from the first server 1. Since the terminal 3 acquires a plan response when the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 1 or more, it is possible to prevent the terminal 3 from acquiring a plan response when the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 0.

[0073] In a typical example, the processing circuit 30 acquires a plan response for plan A from the first server 1 when the first number of times that can be displayed is 1 or more and the second number of times that can be displayed for the user of the terminal 3 is 1 or more. When at least one of the first number of times that can be displayed and the second number of times that can be displayed is 0, the processing circuit 30 does not acquire a plan response for plan A from the first server 1. Since the terminal 3 acquires a plan response when the first number of times that can be displayed and the second number of times that can be displayed are 1 or more, it is possible to prevent acquisition of a plan response when at least one of the first number of times that can be displayed and the second number of times that can be displayed is 0.

[0074] In ACT16, for example, the processing circuit 30 acquires the plan response for plan A, and then stores the plan ID and display information included in the plan response for plan A in the display information storage area 321.

[0075] In this way, the processing circuit 30 acquires the plan response for plan A from the first server 1 when the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 1 or more based on the output of the shopping start information. Since the terminal 3 acquires the plan response based on the output of the shopping start information, the terminal 3 can receive the plan response at the timing of starting shopping. Even if the number of times that plan A can be displayed is updated to 0 thereafter, the terminal 3 is allowed to display the flyer. In other words, while the user is shopping during the transaction, the terminal 3 does not reacquire the number of times that plan A can be displayed. Therefore, the terminal 3 can prevent a situation in which the terminal 3 is unable to display a flyer when attempting to display the flyer in the middle of shopping. If the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 0 at the time the user starts the next shopping, the terminal 3 cannot display the flyer for plan A.

[0076] Here, terminal 3 acquires the display information of the flyer for plan A through a series of processes from the start of shopping, but it is preferable to acquire the display information of the flyer for plan A through asynchronous processing. Because of the asynchronous processing, terminal 3 is able to perform operations such as registering products before completing reception of the display information of the flyer for plan A. After completing reception of the display information of the flyer for plan A, terminal 3 is able to display the flyer for plan A. Asynchronous processing is used because, if the data volume of the display information of the flyer is large, it may take a long time for terminal 3 to accept operations such as registering products without asynchronous processing.

[0077] When an instruction to display a flyer for the project A is input, the processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 displays the flyer for the project A on the display device 34 based on the display information of the flyer for the project A (ACT17). The processing of ACT17 may be processing by the display processing unit 302. The instruction to display the flyer is an instruction to display the flyer for the selected project on the display device 34. The instruction to display the flyer is input to the terminal 3 by the user using the input device 35. Displaying the flyer on the display device 34 includes displaying the flyer on the display device 34 in a manner in which the flyer is visible. For example, the manner in which the flyer is visible is a manner in which the details of the flyer are visible, but is not limited thereto. Displaying the flyer on the display device 34 includes displaying an image of the flyer on the display device 34. In ACT17, for example, the processing circuit 30 acquires display information of the flyer for the project A selected by the instruction to display the flyer from the display information storage area 321. The processing circuit 30 displays the flyer for the project A on the display device 34 based on the acquired display information.

[0078] The plan response in ACT15 and ACT16 may include information on the number of times that plan A can be displayed. In this example, in ACT17, the processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 can control whether or not to display the flyer for plan A based on the number of times that plan A can be displayed indicated by the information on the number of times that plan A can be displayed. If the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 1 or more, the processing circuit 30 displays the flyer for plan A on the display device 34. In a typical example, if the first number of times that plan A can be displayed is 1 or more and the second number of times that plan A can be displayed for the user of the terminal 3 is 1 or more, the processing circuit 30 displays the flyer for plan A on the display device 34. On the other hand, if the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 0, the processing circuit 30 controls the display device 34 not to display the flyer for plan A. In a typical example, if at least one of the first number of times that plan A can be displayed and the second number of times that plan A can be displayed is 0, the processing circuit 30 controls the display device 34 not to display the flyer for plan A.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second mode of the leaflet distribution process by the information processing system S. As shown in FIG. The second mode of the leaflet distribution process is a mode in which, when the number of times the leaflet can be displayed is updated to 0 after the terminal 3 acquires the display information from the first server 1, the display of the leaflet on the terminal 3 is restricted.

[0080] In the explanation of FIG. 7, as in the explanation of FIG. 6, the processing for project A out of one or more projects whose flyer distribution period includes the current time will be explained as an example, but the processing for other projects is similar.

[0081] The processes in ACT11 to ACT16 in FIG. 7 are similar to those in ACT11 to ACT16 in FIG. 6, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0082] When the number of times that the plan A can be displayed is updated to 0 after outputting the plan response of the first server 1 to the terminal 3, the processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 outputs a restriction request for the plan A to the terminal 3 using the communication interface 13 (ACT18). The processing of ACT18 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101. The restriction request for the plan A is a request to restrict the display of a flyer for the plan A. The restriction is to prevent the flyer for the plan A from being displayed. The restriction includes the meaning of prohibition. In a typical example, when the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed is updated to 0 after outputting the plan response of the plan A to the terminal 3, the processing circuit 10 outputs a restriction request for the plan A to the terminal 3. Here, it is assumed that the processing circuit 10 updates the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed to 0 in response to the display of the flyer for the plan A in any terminal after outputting the plan response of the plan A to the terminal 3. For example, the processing circuit 10 acquires displayed information about the plan A from any terminal. The processing circuit 10 updates the first number of times that the project A can be displayed each time the processing circuit 10 acquires displayed information about the project A. The processing circuit 10 finally updates the first number of times that the project A can be displayed to 0. The first server 1 can control the number of times that the project A can be displayed in real time by outputting a restriction request.

[0083] If the number of times that plan A can be displayed is updated to 0 after the processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 obtains a plan response for plan A from the first server 1, the processing circuit 30 obtains a limit request for plan A from the first server 1 using the communication interface 33 (ACT19). The processing of ACT19 may be processing by the communication processing unit 301. In a typical example, if the first number of times that plan A can be displayed is updated to 0 after the processing circuit 30 obtains a plan response for plan A from the first server 1, the processing circuit 30 obtains a limit request for plan A from the first server 1. The terminal 3 can control the number of times that plan A can be displayed in real time by obtaining the control request.

[0084] When a restriction request for project A is acquired without an instruction to display a flyer for project A being input, the processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 restricts the display of the flyer for project A (ACT20). The processing of ACT20 may be processing by the display processing unit 302. The processing circuit 30 may restrict the display of the flyer for project A by not displaying the flyer for project A on the display device 34 even if an instruction to display the flyer for project A is input. The processing circuit 30 may restrict the display of the flyer for project A by making it impossible to input an instruction to display the flyer for project A. The manner of restricting the display of the flyer for project A is not limited to these. The terminal 3 can control the number of times the flyer can be displayed in real time by restricting the display of the flyer based on the restriction request.

[0085] There may also be a case where a display instruction for a flyer for Project A is input without a restriction request for Project A being acquired. In this case, the processing circuit 30, similar to ACT17, causes the display device 34 to display the flyer for Project A based on the display information for the flyer. If the terminal 3 does not acquire a restriction request, it can display the flyer. Therefore, the terminal 3 can change whether or not to restrict the display of the flyer depending on the context of the control request and the display instruction, and can control the number of times the flyer can be displayed in real time.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a third mode of the leaflet distribution process by the information processing system S. In FIG. The third mode of the leaflet distribution process is a mode in which a leaflet is distributed from the first server 1 to the terminal 3 based on a request from the terminal 3. As with the first mode, the third mode is preferably an asynchronous process. Note that the terminal 3 can obtain display information for the leaflet for project A either before or after shopping has started. When the terminal 3 obtains display information for the leaflet for project A before shopping has started, it can display the leaflet for project A even before shopping has started.

[0087] In the explanation of FIG. 8, the processing for project A among one or more projects whose distribution period for a flyer includes the current time will be explained as an example, but the processing for other projects is similar.

[0088] When a request instruction for plan A is input, the processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 outputs the request for plan A to the first server 1 using the communication interface 33 (ACT21). The processing of ACT21 may be processing by the communication processing unit 301. The request for plan A is a request for display information of a flyer for plan A. The request for plan A may include a plan ID for plan A. The request for plan A may include a user ID of the user of the terminal 3. The request instruction for plan A is input to the terminal 3 by the user using the input device 35. When the user wishes to display a flyer for plan A on the terminal 3, the user inputs the request instruction for plan A to the terminal 3 using the input device 35.

[0089] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 acquires a request for the project A from the terminal 3 using the communication interface 13 (ACT22). The processing of ACT22 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101.

[0090] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 acquires the number of times that plan A can be displayed based on the request for plan A (ACT23). The processing of ACT23 may be processing by the acquisition unit 102. In ACT23, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires the number of times that plan A can be displayed from the plan information storage area 121 based on the plan ID included in the request for plan A. The processing circuit 10 acquires the number of times that plan A can be displayed stored in the second server 2 from the second server 2 based on the plan ID included in the request for plan A using the communication interface 13. The processing circuit 10 compares the number of times that plan A can be displayed acquired from the plan information storage area 121 with the number of times that plan A can be displayed acquired from the second server 2. The processing circuit 10 acquires the number of times that plan A can be displayed based on a comparison similar to that in ACT13.

[0091] In a typical example, the number of times that the plan A can be displayed includes a first number of times that the plan A can be displayed and a second number of times that the plan A can be displayed for the user of the terminal 3. The processing circuit 10 acquires the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed from the plan information storage area 121 based on the plan ID included in the request for the plan A. The processing circuit 10 acquires the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed stored in the second server 2 from the second server 2 based on the plan ID included in the request for the plan A using the communication interface 13. The processing circuit 10 compares the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed acquired from the plan information storage area 121 with the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed acquired from the second server 2. The processing circuit 10 acquires the first number of times that the plan A can be displayed based on a comparison similar to that of ACT13. The processing circuit 10 acquires the second number of times that the plan A can be displayed for the user of the terminal 3 identified by the user ID based on the plan ID and the user ID included in the request for the plan A from the plan information storage area 121.

[0092] If the number of times that the plan A can be displayed is 1 or more, the processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 determines that the user of the terminal 3 is a target for distributing the flyer for the plan A (ACT24). Since the processing of ACT24 is similar to the processing of ACT14, the above description of ACT14 is applicable to the description of ACT24.

[0093] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 uses the communication interface 13 to output a plan response for plan A to the terminal 3 if the number of times plan A can be displayed is 1 or more (ACT25). Since the processing of ACT25 is similar to the processing of ACT15, the above description of ACT15 is applicable to the description of ACT25.

[0094] In this way, the processing circuit 10 outputs a plan response for plan A to the terminal 3 if the number of times plan A can be displayed is 1 or more based on obtaining a request for plan A. The plan response for plan A is a response to the request for plan A. Since the first server 1 outputs the plan response based on obtaining a request, it can provide the plan response when the user attempts to display a flyer on the terminal 3. Since the user displays the flyer on the terminal 3 immediately after making a request, there is almost no time lag between providing the plan response and displaying the flyer. Therefore, the first server 1 can control the number of times plan A can be displayed in real time.

[0095] If the number of times that plan A can be displayed is 1 or more, the processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 acquires a plan response for plan A from the first server 1 using the communication interface 33 (ACT26). Since the processing of ACT26 is similar to the processing of ACT16, the above description of ACT16 is applicable to the description of ACT26.

[0096] In this way, based on the output of the request for plan A, if the number of times plan A can be displayed is 1 or more, the processing circuit 30 acquires a plan response for plan A from the first server 1. Since the terminal 3 acquires the plan response based on the output of the request, the terminal 3 can be provided with the plan response at the timing when the user attempts to display the flyer on the terminal 3.

[0097] When an instruction to display the flyer for Project A is input, the processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 displays the flyer for Project A on the display device 34 based on the display information of the flyer for Project A (ACT27). Since the process of ACT27 is similar to the process of ACT17, the above description of ACT17 is applicable to the description of ACT27.

[0098] The request instruction for plan A may also serve as an instruction to display a flyer for plan A. When the request instruction for plan A is input, an instruction to display a flyer for plan A is also input. In this case, the processing circuit 30 causes the display device 34 to display the flyer for plan A based on the acquisition of the plan response for plan A, without requiring a new instruction to display a flyer for plan A in addition to the request instruction for plan A.

[0099] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first mode of the number of times update process by the information processing system S. The number of times update process is a process for updating the number of times that an image can be displayed. A first aspect of the number of times update process is a process for updating the number of times that an image can be displayed in the first server 1. Here, the display of a flyer for Project A will be used as an example.

[0100] When an instruction to display the flyer for Project A is input, the processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 displays the flyer for Project A on the display device 34 based on the display information of the flyer for Project A (ACT31). The process of ACT31 is similar to the process of ACT17 described above, and therefore the description of ACT17 described above is applicable to the description of ACT31.

[0101] The processing circuit 30 of the terminal 3 outputs the displayed information to the first server 1 using the communication interface 33 (ACT32). The processing of ACT32 may be processing by the communication processing unit 301. The displayed information is information regarding the fact that a flyer for the project A has been displayed on the display device 34 of the terminal 3. The displayed information may include information indicating that a flyer for the project A has been displayed on the display device 34 of the terminal 3. The displayed information may include the project ID of the project A. The displayed information may include the user ID of the user of the terminal 3. In ACT32, for example, the processing circuit 30 outputs the displayed information to the first server 1 based on the fact that a flyer for the project A has been displayed on the display device 34. By outputting the displayed information, the terminal 3 can provide information necessary for the first server 1 to update the number of times the flyer can be displayed so as to decrease it. Therefore, the terminal 3 can support the first server 1 to control the number of times the flyer can be displayed.

[0102] In addition, the user may display the flyer of the same plan on the display device 34 multiple times during shopping for a transaction by repeatedly displaying and hiding the flyer of the same plan. Here, the processing circuit 30 may display the flyer of the same plan on the display device 34 multiple times during shopping for a transaction, or may output the display information to the first server 1 only once during shopping for a transaction. Shopping for a transaction includes a case where the user stops shopping after starting to use the shopping service and does not pay the bill. By outputting the display information only once during shopping for a transaction, the terminal 3 can support the first server 1 in updating the number of times that can be displayed on a shopping for a transaction basis to decrease. Conversely, when the processing circuit 30 displays the flyer of the same plan on the display device 34 multiple times during shopping for a transaction, the processing circuit 30 may output the display information to the first server 1 for each display. Alternatively, the processing circuit 30 may output the display information indicating the number of times that the flyer of the same plan has been displayed on the display device 34 to the first server 1 after shopping for a transaction is completed. This allows the terminal 3 to assist the server 1 in updating the number of times that an image can be displayed so as to reduce the number of times that the image can be displayed in accordance with the actual number of times that the image has been displayed.

[0103] Even if the display information storage area 311 of the terminal 3 stores the display information, the processing circuit 30 does not display the flyer on the display device 34 unless an instruction to display the flyer is input. The processing circuit 30 does not output the displayed information to the first server 1 unless an instruction to display the flyer is input.

[0104] In addition, a flyer for one project may be composed of multiple images. In this case, the processing circuit 30 outputs the displayed information to the first server 1 based on displaying at least one image out of the multiple images constituting the flyer for one project on the display device 34. Alternatively, the processing circuit 30 may output the displayed information to the first server 1 based on displaying all of the multiple images constituting the flyer for one project on the display device 34.

[0105] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 acquires the displayed information from the terminal 3 using the communication interface 13 (ACT33). The processing of ACT33 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101.

[0106] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 updates the number of times that the project A can be displayed stored in the project information storage area 121 in response to the display of the flyer for the project A on the terminal 3 so as to decrease the number of times that the project A can be displayed (ACT34). The processing of ACT34 may be processing by the calculation unit 103. The first server 1 can reflect the display of the flyer in the number of times that the project A can be displayed by updating the number of times that the project A can be displayed so as to decrease the number of times that the project A can be displayed in response to the display of the flyer on the terminal 3. Therefore, the first server 1 can control the number of times that the flyer can be displayed.

[0107] Here, the display of the flyer on the terminal 3 may be regarded as the display of the flyer on the terminal 3 on a shopping basis for a transaction. In other words, the display of the flyer on the terminal 3 includes not only the meaning of displaying a flyer of a certain plan only once on the display device 34 of the terminal 3 during shopping for a transaction, but also the meaning of displaying it multiple times. Even if the terminal 3 displays a flyer of the same plan multiple times on the display device 34 during shopping for a transaction, the first server 1 treats the number to be subtracted from the number of times that can be displayed as 1. The first server 1 can process the number of times that one user repeatedly displayed a flyer multiple times by updating to reduce the number of times that can be displayed on a shopping basis for a transaction, without subtracting it from the number of times that can be displayed. In this case, the first server 1 can control the number of times that the flyer can be displayed so that the flyer can be distributed to many users. The display of the flyer on the terminal 3 may be regarded as the display of the flyer on the terminal 3. In this case, if the flyer is displayed multiple times during shopping for a transaction, the first server 1 may subtract the number of times that the flyer was displayed multiple times from the number of times that can be displayed. When the terminal 3 displays a flyer of the same project multiple times on the display device 34 within a predetermined time, the first server 1 may treat the multiple displays within the predetermined time as one display. In this case, the first server 1 updates the number of times that can be displayed to reduce by 1. When the terminal 3 displays a flyer of the same project multiple times on the display device 34 after a predetermined time or more has elapsed, the first server 1 treats the number of times that the flyer is displayed multiple times after a predetermined time or more has elapsed as a number to be reduced from the number of times that can be displayed. In this example, when the terminal 3 outputs the displayed information to the first server 1 every time the flyer is displayed, the first server 1 may determine whether the display interval of the flyer is within or outside the predetermined time based on the acquisition time of the displayed information. When the displayed information includes the display time of the flyer, the first server 1 may determine whether the display interval of the flyer is within or outside the predetermined time based on the display time of the flyer.

[0108] When a flyer for one project is composed of multiple images, the display of the flyer on the terminal 3 is a display of at least one image among the multiple images constituting the flyer for one project. Alternatively, the display of the flyer on the terminal 3 may be a display of all of the multiple images constituting the flyer for one project.

[0109] Updating the possible display count to decrease includes updating the first possible display count to decrease and updating the second possible display count to decrease. The first server 1 can reflect the display of the flyer in the first possible display count and the second possible display count by updating the first possible display count and the second possible display count to decrease in accordance with the display of the flyer in the terminal 3. Therefore, the first server 1 can control the total first possible display count and the second possible display count for each user.

[0110] In ACT34, for example, the processing circuit 10 updates the number of times that can be displayed in accordance with the display of a flyer for project A on the terminal 3 based on the acquisition of the displayed information, so as to decrease the number of times that can be displayed. Here, the processing circuit 10 updates the number of times that can be displayed in accordance with the project ID included in the displayed information, so as to decrease the number of times that can be displayed for project A identified by the project ID. The processing circuit 10 updates the number of times that can be displayed in accordance with the acquisition of the displayed information from any of the terminals, so as to decrease the number of times that can be displayed. The first server 1 can detect the display of a flyer on any of the terminals based on the displayed information. Therefore, the first server 1 can update the number of times that can be displayed in accordance with the display of the flyer, and can appropriately control the number of times that the flyer can be displayed.

[0111] In a typical example, the processing circuit 10 updates the first number of times that can be displayed for project A identified by the project ID based on the project ID included in the displayed information so as to decrease it. For example, if the first number of times that can be displayed before the update is 100 times, the processing circuit 10 updates the first number of times that can be displayed by decreasing it by 1 to 99 times based on the acquisition of the displayed information. The first server 1 can reflect the display of the flyer in the first number of times that can be displayed by updating the first number of times that can be displayed so as to decrease it in accordance with the display of the flyer on the terminal 3. Therefore, the first server 1 can control the total first number of times that can be displayed.

[0112] In a typical example, the processing circuit 10 updates the second number of times that can be displayed for the user of the terminal 3 identified by the user ID in the project A identified by the project ID based on the project ID and the user ID included in the displayed information, so as to decrease the second number of times that can be displayed. For example, if the second number of times that can be displayed for the user of the terminal 3 before the update is 10 times, the processing circuit 10 updates the second number of times that can be displayed by decreasing the second number of times that can be displayed to 9 times based on acquisition of the displayed information from the terminal 3. The first server 1 can reflect the display of the flyer in the second number of times that can be displayed by updating the second number of times that can be displayed to decrease the second number of times that can be displayed in accordance with the display of the flyer on the terminal 3. Therefore, the first server 1 can control the second number of times that can be displayed for each user.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second mode of the number of times update process by the information processing system S. As shown in FIG. The second aspect of the number of times update process is a process for updating the number of times that the second server 2 can display.

[0114] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 counts up the number of times a flyer has been displayed on one business day for each project based on the date and time transmission request (ACT41). The processing of ACT41 may be processing by the calculation unit 103. The date and time transmission request is a request to transmit data for one business day. The number of times a flyer has been displayed is the number of times a flyer has been displayed on a terminal. The number of times a flyer has been displayed corresponds to the number of times the first server 1 has obtained displayed information from any terminal.

[0115] The processing circuit 10 of the first server 1 outputs the counted result to the second server 2 using the communication interface 13 (ACT42). The processing of ACT42 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101. The counted result includes the number of times each plan is displayed for one business day. By outputting the counted result, the first server 1 can support the second server 2 in managing the latest number of times each plan can be displayed.

[0116] The processing circuit 20 of the second server 2 acquires the counting result from the first server 1 using the communication interface 23 (ACT43).

[0117] The processing circuit 20 of the second server 2 updates the number of times that each project can be displayed stored in the project information storage area 221 based on the counting result so as to decrease the number of times (ACT44). In ACT44, for example, the processing circuit 20 updates the first number of times that each project can be displayed to a value obtained by subtracting the number of times of display from the first number of times that can be displayed before the update.

[0118] (Example) A display example on the display device 34 of the terminal 3 will be described.

[0119] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a registered product list image Ima on the terminal 3. As shown in FIG. The display device 34 displays a registered product list image Ima, a "Checkout" button Ba, and a "Flyer" button Bb during the period during which products can be registered from the start of shopping until before checkout.

[0120] The registered product list image Ima is an image showing a list of registered products. The registered product list image Ima shows the product name, number of items, and price for each registered product. The registered product list image Ima shows the product name, number of items, and price of a new registered product each time a product is registered. The “Checkout” button Ba is a button with which an instruction for checking out a registered product can be input via the input device 35.

[0121] The "flyer" button Bb is a button that allows an instruction to display a flyer guide image to be input by the input device 35. The flyer guide image is an image showing a flyer guide. For example, the flyer guide may include, but is not limited to, the project name, the project period, and an overview of the flyer.

[0122] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of handbill guide images Imb to Imd on terminal 3. As shown in FIG. The display device 34 displays flyer guide images Imb-Imd, a "Checkout" button Ba, and a "Close" button Bc based on the selection of the "Flyer" button Bb shown in Fig. 11. Here, it is assumed that the current time is included in the flyer distribution period for three plans, plan A, plan B, and plan C. When the current time is included in the flyer distribution period for one plan, the display device 34 displays one flyer guide image.

[0123] The flyer guide image Imb is an image of a flyer guide for project A. The flyer guide image Imb is also a button that can input, via the input device 35, an instruction to display a flyer for project A. In the case of the third aspect of the distribution process described above, the flyer guide image Imb may be a button that can input, via the input device 35, a request instruction for project A that also serves as an instruction to display a flyer for project A.

[0124] The flyer guide image Imc is an image of a flyer guide for project B. The flyer guide image Imc is also a button that can input, via the input device 35, an instruction to display a flyer for project B. In the case of the third aspect of the distribution process described above, the flyer guide image Imc may be a button that can input, via the input device 35, a request instruction for project B that also serves as an instruction to display a flyer for project B.

[0125] The flyer guide image Imd is a flyer guide image for project C. The flyer guide image Imd is also a button that can input, via the input device 35, an instruction to display a flyer for project C. In the case of the third aspect of the above-mentioned distribution process, the flyer guide image Imc may be a button that can input, via the input device 35, a request instruction for project C that also serves as an instruction to display a flyer for project C.

[0126] The "Close" button Bc is a button that allows an instruction to erase the display of the leaflet guide images Imb-Imd to be inputted via the input device 35. Based on the selection of the "Close" button Bc, the display on the display device 34 returns from the display in Fig. 12 to the display in Fig. 11.

[0127] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how a flyer Ime is displayed on the terminal 3. As shown in FIG. Based on the selection of the flyer guide image Imb for project A shown in FIG. 12, the display device 34 displays the flyer Ime, the thumbnail image Imf, the "Checkout" button Ba, and the "Close" button Bd.

[0128] Flyer Ime is an image of a flyer for Project A. For example, flyer Ime is an enlarged image that allows the details of the flyer for Project A to be viewed. If the flyer for Project A is composed of two images, flyer Ime is one of the two images.

[0129] The thumbnail image Imf is a thumbnail image of a flyer for project A. The thumbnail image Imf includes thumbnail images of each of the two images that make up the flyer for project A.

[0130] The "Close" button Bd is a button with which an instruction to erase the display of the flyer Ime can be inputted via the input device 35. The display on the display device 34 returns from the display in FIG. 13 to the display in FIG. 11 based on the selection of the "Close" button Bd.

[0131] (Modification) In the above description, a flyer has been described as an example of a notification that visually conveys information, but the notification is not limited to this. The notification may be a benefit such as a coupon that can be exchanged for a discount or a product. The notification may be a message for informing people of information about an event or a product.

[0132] In the above description, an example has been described in which the first server 1 provides a flyer to the terminal 3 while the terminal 3 is using a shopping service, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if a user has registered store X as a favorite in an app, the first server 1 may provide a flyer about store X to the terminal 3 even if the user is not using the shopping service. In this example, the processing by the information processing system S described above may use information indicating the start of an app that has registered store X as a favorite, instead of shopping start information.

[0133] In the above description, an example has been described in which the processing circuit 10 acquires the possible display count from the project information storage area 121 and the second server 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The processing circuit 10 acquires the possible display count from the project information storage area 121, but does not necessarily have to acquire the possible display count from the second server 2.

[0134] In the above description, an example in which the number of possible display times includes the first number of possible display times and the second number of possible display times has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of possible display times may include at least one of the first number of possible display times and the second number of possible display times. A case in which the number of possible display times includes the first number of possible display times and does not include the second number of possible display times will be described. In this case, in ACT14, if the first number of possible display times is 1 or more, the processing circuit 10 determines the user of the terminal 3 as a distribution target of the flyer for the project A. In ACT15, if the first number of possible display times is 1 or more, the processing circuit 10 outputs a plan response for the project A to the terminal 3. A case in which the number of possible display times includes the second number of possible display times and does not include the first number of possible display times will be described. In ACT14, if the second number of possible display times for the user of the terminal 3 is 1 or more, the processing circuit 10 determines the user of the terminal 3 as a distribution target of the flyer for the project A. In ACT15, the processing circuit 10 outputs a plan response for plan A to the terminal 3 if the second displayable number of times for the user of the terminal 3 is 1 or more.

[0135] In the above description, an example has been described in which the possible display count is the number of times during the distribution period of the flyer, but this is not limiting. The possible display count may be the number of times per day. In this case, the processing circuit 10 may reset the possible display count to an initial value for each day during the distribution period of the flyer. The possible display count may be the number of times per shopping for a transaction. In this case, in ACT32, the processing circuit 30 may output the displayed information to the first server 1 each time the display device 34 displays the flyer for the project A during shopping for a transaction. Therefore, if the user repeatedly displays and hides the flyer for the project A during shopping for a transaction, the processing circuit 30 outputs the displayed information to the first server 1 multiple times.

[0136] According to the embodiment, the first server 1 can update the number of times that a flyer can be displayed so as to decrease it in response to the display of the flyer on the terminal 3. This allows the first server 1 to reflect the display of the flyer in the number of times that a flyer can be displayed. Therefore, the first server 1 can control the number of times that a flyer can be displayed.

[0137] [Other embodiments] The information processing device may be realized by one device as explained by taking the first server 1 as an example, or may be realized by a plurality of devices with distributed functions.

[0138] The above-described embodiment may be applied to a method executed by the device. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a program capable of causing a computer of the device to execute each function. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a recording medium storing the program.

[0139] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit executes one or more processes among the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit executes all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits executes a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0140] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is readable by a computer.

[0141] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0142] Some of the above embodiments may be expressed as follows. (1) a communication processing unit that outputs display information of the notification to a user's terminal when the number of times the notification can be displayed is equal to or greater than one; a calculation unit that updates the possible number of times to decrease the number of times the notification can be displayed in response to display of the notification on the user's terminal; An information processing device comprising: (2) the communication processing unit acquires information regarding the display of the notification from the user's terminal; The calculation unit updates the number of times the notification can be displayed so as to decrease the number of times the notification can be displayed, based on acquisition of information related to the fact that the notification has been displayed by the communication processing unit. An information processing device as described in (1). (3) the number of times the content can be displayed includes a first number of times the content can be displayed for a plurality of users and a second number of times the content can be displayed for the user; when the first displayable number is equal to or greater than 1 and the second displayable number is equal to or greater than 1, the communication processing unit outputs display information of the notification to a terminal of the user; The calculation unit updates the first possible display count so as to decrease the number of times the notification can be displayed, and updates the second possible display count so as to decrease the number of times the notification can be displayed, in response to the display of the notification on the user's terminal. An information processing device according to (1) or (2). (4) The communication processing unit acquires information related to a start of shopping using the terminal in a store from the terminal, and outputs display information of the notification to the user's terminal when the number of times the notification can be displayed is equal to or greater than one based on the acquired information related to the start of shopping. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) the information regarding the start of shopping includes identification information of the user; The number of times the content can be displayed includes the number of times the content can be displayed to the user. (4) An information processing device. (6) An information processing device described in any of (1) to (3), wherein the communication processing unit outputs a request to restrict the display of the notification to the user's terminal when the calculation unit updates the number of times the notification can be displayed to 0 after outputting display information of the notification to the user's terminal. (7) The communication processing unit acquires a request for the display information of the notification from the terminal, and, based on the acquisition of the request for the display information of the notification, if the possible number of times to display the notification is 1 or more, outputs the display information of the notification to the terminal of the user. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3). (8) On the terminal computer, a function of acquiring display information for the notification from an information processing device when the number of times the notification can be displayed, which is decreased in response to display of the notification, is equal to or greater than 1; a function of displaying the notification on a display unit based on display information of the notification when a display instruction of the notification is input; a function of outputting information regarding the notification being displayed on the display unit to the information processing device; A program that can execute the following. (9) in said computer, a program capable of further executing a function of outputting information regarding the start of shopping using the terminal in a store to the information processing device, The acquiring step includes acquiring display information for the notification from the information processing device when the number of times the notification can be displayed is equal to or greater than 1 based on the output of the information related to the start of shopping. (8) The program described in (8). (10) the information regarding the start of the shopping includes identification information of the user; The number of times the content can be displayed includes the number of times the content can be displayed to the user. (9) The program described in (9). (11) In the computer, a function of acquiring, when the number of times the notification can be displayed is updated to 0 after acquiring display information for the notification from the information processing device, a request to limit display of the notification from the information processing device; a function of restricting display of the notification when a request to restrict display of the notification is acquired without inputting an instruction to display the notification; The program according to (8), which can further execute the above. (12) The displaying includes, when a display instruction for the notification is input without acquiring a request to limit the display of the notification, displaying the notification on a display unit based on display information for the notification. (11) The program according to (11). (13) in said computer, a program capable of further executing a function of outputting a request for display information of the notification to the information processing device when an instruction for requesting display information of the notification is input, The acquiring step includes acquiring the display information of the notification from the information processing device when the possible number of times of display is equal to or greater than 1 based on an output of a request for display information of the notification. (8) The program described in (8). [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1...first server, 2...second server, 3...terminal, 10...processing circuit, 11...main memory, 12...auxiliary storage device, 13...communication interface, 20...processing circuit, 21...main memory, 22...auxiliary storage device, 23...communication interface, 30...processing circuit, 31...main memory, 32...auxiliary storage device, 33...communication interface, 34...display device, 35...input device, 36...speaker, 37...microphone, 38...camera, 39...scanner, 101...communication Processing unit, 102...acquisition unit, 103...calculation unit, 121...project information memory area, 221...project information memory area, 301...communication processing unit, 302...display processing unit, 311...display information memory area, Ba..."checkout" button, Bb..."flyer" button, Bc..."close" button, Bd..."close" button, Ima...registered product list image, Imb...flyer guide image, Imc...flyer guide image, Imd...flyer guide image, Ime...flyer, Imf...thumbnail image, S...information processing system.

Claims

1. a communication processing unit that outputs display information of the notification to a user's terminal when the number of times the notification can be displayed is equal to or greater than one; a calculation unit that updates the possible number of times of display so as to decrease the number of times of display in response to display of the notification on the user's terminal; An information processing device comprising:

2. The communication processing unit acquires information regarding the display of the notification from the user's terminal, The calculation unit updates the number of times the notification can be displayed so as to decrease the number of times the notification can be displayed, based on acquisition of information by the communication processing unit regarding the display of the notification. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the number of times the content can be displayed includes a first number of times the content can be displayed to a plurality of users and a second number of times the content can be displayed to the user, the communication processing unit outputs display information of the notification to a terminal of the user when the first displayable number is 1 or more and the second displayable number is 1 or more; The calculation unit updates the first possible display count so as to decrease the number of times, and updates the second possible display count so as to decrease the number of times, in response to the display of the notification on the user's terminal. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the communication processing unit acquires from the terminal information relating to the start of shopping in a store using the terminal, and, based on the acquired information relating to the start of shopping, if the number of times that the notification can be displayed is equal to or greater than one, outputs display information for the notification to the user's terminal. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The information regarding the start of the shopping includes identification information of the user, The number of times the content can be displayed includes the number of times the content can be displayed to the user. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication processing unit outputs a request to the user's terminal to restrict the display of the notification when the calculation unit updates the number of times the notification can be displayed to 0 after outputting the display information of the notification to the user's terminal.

7. The communication processing unit acquires a request for display information of the notification from the terminal, and when the possible number of times to display the notification is equal to or greater than 1 based on the acquisition of the request for display information of the notification, outputs the display information of the notification to the terminal of the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. On the terminal computer, a function of acquiring display information for the notification from an information processing device when the number of times the notification can be displayed, which is decreased in response to display of the notification, is equal to or greater than 1; a function of displaying the notification on a display unit based on display information of the notification when a display instruction of the notification is input; a function of outputting information regarding the notification being displayed on the display unit to the information processing device; A program that can execute the following.

9. The computer includes: a program capable of further executing a function of outputting information regarding the start of shopping using the terminal in a store to the information processing device, and acquiring, when the number of times that the notification can be displayed is equal to or greater than one, display information for the notification is acquired from the information processing device based on an output of the information related to the start of shopping. The program according to claim 8.

10. The information regarding the start of shopping includes user identification information; The number of times the content can be displayed includes the number of times the content can be displayed to the user. The program according to claim 9.

11. The computer includes: a function of acquiring, when the number of times the notification can be displayed is updated to 0 after acquiring display information for the notification from the information processing device, a request to limit display of the notification from the information processing device; a function of restricting display of the notification when a request to restrict display of the notification is acquired without inputting an instruction to display the notification; 9. The program according to claim 8, further capable of executing the steps:

12. The displaying includes, when a display instruction for the notification is input without acquiring a request to limit the display of the notification, displaying the notification on a display unit based on display information for the notification. The program according to claim 11.

13. The computer includes: a program capable of further executing a function of outputting a request for display information of the notification to the information processing device when an instruction for requesting display information of the notification is input, The acquiring step includes acquiring the display information of the notification from the information processing device when the possible number of times of display is 1 or more based on an output of a request for display information of the notification. The program according to claim 8.

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