Coupon distribution system and server device

Abstract

To distribute a coupon required by a shopper.SOLUTION: A coupon distribution system comprises a history storage unit, a coupon storage unit, a mobile terminal, a restriction unit, and a distribution unit. The history storage unit stores purchase history information at a specific store. The coupon storage unit stores coupon information about a plurality of products. The mobile terminal presents the coupon information to a shopper in the specific store. The restriction unit narrows down, from among the coupon information which the coupon storage unit stores, coupon information on a product having a sales record at the specific store as a distribution object on the basis of the purchase history information stored by the history storage unit. The distribution unit distributes the coupon information which the restriction unit has narrowed down as the distribution object to the mobile terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupon distribution system and a server device. [Background technology]

[0002] A system that processes transactions using, as a user interface, a communication terminal owned by a shopper, such as a smartphone, or a communication terminal lent to the shopper by a store, etc., is known as a "smartphone POS system." Alternatively, a system that processes transactions using, as a user interface, a communication terminal attached to a shopping cart provided as equipment in a store, is known as a "cart POS system."

[0003] On the other hand, in order to promote sales, product manufacturers, stores, etc. may distribute coupons to shoppers. Some coupons are known whose applicability depends on the product being traded. For example, there is a known coupon that offers a fixed discount on the selling price of a product when a predetermined product is the subject of the trade.

[0004] In the case of coupons whose applicability changes depending on the registration status of the product that is the subject of the transaction, in the above-mentioned smartphone POS system and cart POS system, the shopper must check the applicability of each coupon on the display screen of the information processing terminal and then declare the use of any applicable coupons.

[0005] When shopping at a retail store such as a supermarket, a large number of coupons are issued, for example 100 types, that can be used by shoppers, and these many coupons are distributed to information communication terminals. Therefore, shoppers have to go through a lot of trouble to search for coupons.

[0006] On the other hand, because the best-selling items and products handled by each store are different, the coupons that shoppers want vary from store to store. If shoppers receive a large number of coupons that they are unlikely to use, they will find it troublesome to look at them, and will not even look at the coupons they receive, so distributing a large number of different types of coupons does not lead to effective sales promotion.

[0007] In this way, distributing unsolicited coupons to shoppers at each store is not only unprofitable for both the shopper and the store, but can even be detrimental. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-153088 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a coupon distribution system and a server device capable of distributing coupons desired by shoppers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to an embodiment, the coupon distribution system includes a history memory unit, a coupon memory unit, a mobile terminal, a limiting unit, and a distribution unit. The history memory unit stores purchase history information at a specific store. The coupon memory unit stores coupon information for a plurality of products. The mobile terminal presents the coupon information to shoppers in the specific store. The limiting unit narrows down the coupon information stored in the coupon memory unit to coupon information for products that have a sales record at the specific store, based on the purchase history information stored in the history memory unit, as distribution targets. The distribution unit distributes the coupon information narrowed down by the limiting unit as distribution targets to the mobile terminal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a coupon distribution system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a front-end handling server as an example of a server device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of coupon information stored in a content database provided in a promotional content management server included in the coupon distribution system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure of a mobile terminal table stored in a mobile terminal table storage unit provided in the front-end handling server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a first portion of a sequence diagram illustrating an outline of the operation of the coupon distribution system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a second part of the sequence diagram illustrating the outline of the operation of the coupon distribution system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the front-end handling server. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the coupon narrowing down process in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of coupon information stored in a content database provided in a promotional content management server included in a coupon distribution system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of a coupon narrowing down process in a front-end processing server as an example of a server device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of coupon information stored in a content database provided in a sales promotion content management server included in a coupon distribution system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of a coupon narrowing down process in a front-end processing server as an example of a server device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0013] [First embodiment] First, a coupon distribution system SYS according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the coupon distribution system SYS according to the first embodiment.

[0014] The coupon distribution system SYS includes a promotional content management server PM, a sales data management server SM, and a front-end processing server PS. These three servers can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet INT. The coupon distribution system SYS also includes a coupon input terminal CE that can communicate with the promotional content management server PM via the Internet INT. The coupon distribution system SYS also includes one or more smartphones SP that can communicate with the front-end processing server PS via a communication network CN such as a 4G line and / or one or more information terminals IT that can communicate with the front-end processing server PS via the Internet INT. Any number of front-end processing servers PS and stores SH may be included in the coupon distribution system SYS, but only one of each is shown in FIG. 1. The front-end processing server PS may also be configured as an edge server located between the Internet INT and the store SH. The front-end processing server PS may correspond one-to-one with the store SH, or one front-end processing server PS may correspond to multiple stores SH.

[0015] The store SH includes a store server SS, one or more access points AP, one or more accounting machines AM, and a router RO, all of which are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network). The store SH may also include one or more POS (Point Of Sales) terminals PT. The LAN is not limited to a wired LAN, but may be a wireless LAN, or a combination of wired and wireless LANs may be used.

[0016] The promotional content management server PM stores and manages coupon information from the coupon input terminal CE in a content database CDB. The content database CDB is an example of a coupon storage unit that stores coupon information for multiple products. The coupon input terminal CE is a terminal operated by a product manufacturer staff member, a retail staff member of a store SH, or a retail staff member of a sales company that operates multiple stores SH, who will be the coupon issuers. The coupon input terminal CE inputs coupon information and transmits the input coupon information to the promotional content management server PM via the Internet INT. The promotional content management server PM may also be equipped with the coupon input terminal CE. For example, once a day, the promotional content management server PM transmits a list of multiple coupon information stored in the content database CDB to the front-sorting server PS via the Internet INT as a list of distribution candidate coupons to be requested to be distributed to shoppers.

[0017] The sales data management server SM receives daily sales data for each store SH, transmitted from the sorting server PS via the Internet INT once a day, for example, at night after the store SH closes, and stores the data in the sales database SDB by store. The sales database SDB has a sales data file for each store, and accumulates daily sales data for each store SH by adding the received sales data to the corresponding sales data file for each of the multiple stores SH. The sales database SDB is an example of a history storage unit that stores purchase history information for a specific store. The sales data management server SM analyzes and processes the sales data for each store SH and the sales data across multiple stores accumulated in the sales database SDB, and provides various services to the stores SH and manufacturers that provide coupons.

[0018] The front-end handling server PS mediates the transmission of information between the store SH, the promotional content management server PM, the sales data management server SM, and the smartphone SP. That is, the front-end handling server PS receives daily sales data from the store SH via the Internet INT, and transmits it to the sales data management server SM via the Internet INT. The front-end handling server PS also receives a list of candidate coupons to be distributed from the promotional content management server PM via the Internet INT, narrows down the coupon information included in the list of candidate coupons to be distributed to the smartphone SP and information terminal IT, which are mobile terminals in the store SH, and transmits the narrowed-down coupon information to the smartphone SP and information terminal IT. This narrowing down of the coupon information to be distributed is determined based on the sales record of the product corresponding to the coupon information at the store SH. Specifically, the front-end handling server PS inquires about the purchase history of the product to the sales data management server SM via the Internet INT, and checks whether or not there is a sales record based on the purchase history of the sales data returned from the sales data management server SM. The smartphone SP and information terminal IT are examples of mobile terminals that present coupon information to shoppers in a specific store.

[0019] The front-end sorting server PS also acquires information input by shoppers using the smartphone SP or information terminal IT as a user interface via the communication network CN or the Internet INT, and registers the purchased items. For example, the front-end sorting server PS receives a product code indicated by a code symbol such as a product barcode attached to a product read by the camera of the smartphone SP or the scanner of the information terminal IT, acquires the unit price and product name of the product with the product code from the product master of the front-end sorting server PS, and registers the product as the purchased item of the shopper. The smartphone SP and the information terminal IT are examples of information communication terminals used by shoppers to register purchased items. The front-end sorting server PS also receives a coupon application request from the smartphone SP or the information terminal IT in response to an application operation of the distributed coupon, and updates the registered contents. Then, when the shopper pays for the purchased items, the front-end sorting server PS transmits the registered contents to the store SH via the Internet INT, thereby enabling the checkout at the store SH.

[0020] The smartphone SP and the information terminal IT, which are mobile terminals, can communicate with the front-end processing server PS by performing a predetermined check-in operation at the store SH. The smartphone SP is an information communication terminal possessed by a shopper. The smartphone SP is typically possessed by the shopper and is brought to the store SH by the shopper for use. An application for performing operations related to check-in and product registration is installed on the smartphone SP. The information terminal IT is an information communication terminal lent to the shopper by the store SH. Alternatively, the information terminal IT may be an information communication terminal attached to a shopping cart CA provided as equipment in the store SH. The information terminal IT also has an application for performing operations related to check-in and product registration installed. The information terminal IT is connected to a LAN in the store SH via an access point AP. A router RO connected to the LAN provides a connection to the Internet INT. Thus, the information terminal IT is capable of communicating with the front-end processing server PS connected to the Internet INT via the access point AP, the LAN, and the router RO.

[0021] The accounting machine AM of store SH is installed in the checkout area, which is the cash register of the store, and is a settlement device where shoppers who use their smartphone SP and information terminal IT make payments for purchased items. The accounting machine AM receives the registered details of purchased items sent from the front-end processing server PS over the Internet INT via the router RO and LAN, and accepts payment from the shopper. After the payment is completed, the accounting machine AM sends the transaction details to the store server SS via the LAN. The accounting machine AM can also be called a settlement device, payment terminal, accounting device, accounting terminal, etc.

[0022] The POS terminal PT is a payment device that allows a store clerk at the store SH or a shopper who does not use a mobile terminal to register products and make payments. The POS terminal PT can register purchased products by transmitting the product code obtained by the operation of the store clerk or shopper using the scanner provided in the POS terminal PT to the front-end processing server PS connected to the Internet INT via the LAN and router RO. After registering all purchased products, the POS terminal PT receives the registered details of the purchased products from the front-end processing server PS, similar to the payment machine AM, and accepts payment by the shopper. After completing the payment, the POS terminal PT transmits the transaction details to the store server SS via the LAN. The POS terminal PT can be referred to as a payment device, a settlement terminal, a payment device, a payment terminal, a product registration device, a product registration terminal, etc.

[0023] In this way, the coupon distribution system SYS can be integrated with the well-known smartphone POS system and cart POS system in the store SH.

[0024] The store server SS accumulates the transaction details sent from the accounting machine AM and the POS terminal PT via the LAN as sales data. In other words, the sales data accumulated by the store server SS includes not only sales data of shoppers who use the smartphone SP and information terminal IT, but also sales data of shoppers who do not use them. The store server SS transmits the day's sales data once a day, for example, at night after the store SH closes, to the front-end processing server PS connected to the Internet INT via the LAN and router RO.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the front-end sorting server PS as an example of a server device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the front-end sorting server PS includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a network interface 14, an external communication interface 15, and a system transmission path 16. The system transmission path 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 16 connects the processor 11 to each of the other parts directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The processor 11, the main memory 12, and the auxiliary storage device 13 are connected by the system transmission path 16 to form a computer of the front-end sorting server PS.

[0026] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the pre-sorting server PS according to an operating system or a control program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 may be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 11 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0027] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0028] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 13 may be an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 11, etc. For example, the auxiliary storage device 13 can store a product master database 131 and a store member master database 132. The auxiliary storage device 13 can also store a control program 133.

[0029] The product master database 131 stores data on each product sold in the store. The product master database 131 stores product data such as product code, product name, unit price, category name, etc., with each product as one record. The product code is a unique code, such as a JAN code, set for each product to identify each product individually.

[0030] The store member master database 132 stores data on customers who have registered as point members or the like, that is, so-called members. The store member master database 132 stores data on, for example, a member ID, with one member as one record. It may also store personal information such as the member's gender, age, name, address, and contact information. The member ID is a unique code set for each member to identify each member individually. The member owns a recording medium on which the member ID is recorded. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic card, a contact type IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a contactless IC card, a smartphone SP, or the like. When a shopper starts shopping at the store SH, the shopper can check in to the coupon distribution system SYS by having the information terminal IT read the member ID from the recording medium using a scanner provided in the information terminal IT. Alternatively, when a shopper starts shopping at the store SH, the shopper can check in to the coupon distribution system SYS by transmitting information such as the member ID stored in the smartphone SP to the front-end sorting server PS. It should be noted that for shoppers who are not members, a one-time member ID may be issued to enable them to use the coupon distribution system SYS.

[0031] The control program 133 is a program for realizing a function of transferring sales data from the store server SS of the store SH to the sales data management server SM, a function of filtering coupon information from the sales promotion content management server PM and distributing it to the smartphone SP or the information terminal IT, a function of registering purchased items using the smartphone SP or the information terminal IT as a user interface, a function of transmitting the registered contents to the cash register AM of the store SH, etc. Note that the control program 133 may be stored in a non-volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 12 instead of being stored in the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0032] The network interface 14 transmits and receives data to and from the promotional content management server PM and sales data management server SM, which are connected via the Internet INT. The network interface 14 also transmits and receives data to and from the accounting machine AM, POS terminal PT, store server SS, and access point AP in the store SH, via a router RO in the store SH, which is connected via the Internet INT, and a LAN in the store SH. In particular, as shown in Fig. 2, the network interface 14 can transmit and receive data to and from an information terminal IT, which is a mobile terminal operated by a shopper, via the access point AP.

[0033] The external communication interface 15 transmits and receives data to and from the smartphone SP connected via the communication network CN. The external communication interface 15 is an example of a communication unit that communicates via a network with a mobile terminal used by a shopper in a specific store to register purchased items.

[0034] Next, each unit implemented in the processor 11 of the front-end sorting server PS will be described. The processor 11 implements, for example, a sales data transfer unit 111, a coupon acquisition unit 112, a purchase history acquisition unit 113, a limiting unit 114, a determination unit 115, a distribution unit 116, and a purchased item registration unit 117. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

[0035] The sales data transfer unit 111 transmits the daily sales data received by the network interface 14 from the store server SS to the sales data management server SM via the network interface 14.

[0036] The coupon acquisition unit 112 stores the list of distribution candidate coupons received from the sales promotion content management server PM by the network interface 14 in the coupon storage unit 121 set in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 12. The coupon acquisition unit 112 is an example of a coupon acquisition unit that acquires coupon information about multiple products.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a large number of coupon information stored in the content database CDB of the promotional content management server PM. As shown in FIG. 3, each coupon information 21 includes a coupon code, target product information, and promotional information. The coupon code is a code such as a coupon number for uniquely identifying the coupon information. The target product information includes the product name and product code of the product that the coupon information 21 is the target of. The promotional information can include the type of coupon, the coupon discount or discount amount, the company or store to which the coupon is distributed, and the like. The type of coupon is information indicating whether it is a subtotal discount or discount, a product-specific discount or discount, points, and the like. Note that a discount means a reduction of a determined amount from the amount that should be paid, and a discount means a reduction of a determined percentage from the amount that should be paid.

[0038] The sales promotion content management server PM collects all of this coupon information 21 stored in the content database CDB and transmits it to the front-end handling server PS as a list of coupons to be distributed. The coupon acquisition unit 112 can receive this and store it in the coupon storage unit 121. This is an example of a coupon storage unit that stores coupon information for multiple products.

[0039] The purchase history acquisition unit 113 identifies coupon information in which the type of coupon included in the promotional information is a discount or discount coupon from the list of coupons to be distributed stored in the coupon storage unit 121, and queries the sales data management server SM via the network interface 14 about the purchase history of the product indicated by the product code included in the target product information of the coupon information. The purchase history information returned from the sales data management server SM and received by the network interface 14 is stored in the history storage unit 122 set in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 12. The purchase history acquisition unit 113 is an example of a history acquisition unit that acquires purchase history information at a specific store. The history storage unit 122 is an example of a history storage unit that stores purchase history information at a specific store.

[0040] The limiting unit 114 sets coupon information for products that have been actually sold at the store SH, among the products for which an inquiry has been made, as coupon information to be distributed. The limiting unit 114 is an example of a limiting unit that narrows down coupon information for products that have been sold at a specific store, based on the purchase history information stored in the history storage unit 122, from the coupon information stored in the coupon storage unit 121, as a distribution target to be distributed to a mobile terminal used by a shopper to register a purchased product at a specific store, based on the purchase history information acquired by the purchase history acquisition unit 113, from the coupon information acquired by the coupon acquisition unit 112. The limiting unit 114 can be said to be a unit that narrows down the coupon information to be distributed. The limiting unit 114 may be said to be an extraction unit that extracts coupon information to be distributed from the coupon information stored in the coupon storage unit 121. Furthermore, the limiting unit 114 also determines, as the coupon information to be distributed, coupon information other than the coupon information whose type of coupon included in the promotional information is a discount or discount coupon, among the list of distribution candidate coupons stored in the coupon storage unit 121. The limiting unit 114 stores the coupon information narrowed down in this manner in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123 set in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 12. The distribution target coupon storage unit 123 is an example of a target storage unit that stores the narrowed down coupon information.

[0041] The determination unit 115 detects a shopper check-in by receiving check-in information including a member ID from the information terminal IT via the network interface 14, or from the smartphone SP via the external communication interface 15. The determination unit 115 is an example of a determination unit that determines whether or not the mobile terminal has become available for use in a specific store.

[0042] The distribution unit 116 transmits the coupon information to be distributed stored in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123 to the information terminal IT or smartphone SP of the checked-in shopper via the network interface 14 or the external communication interface 15. The distribution unit 116 is an example of a distribution unit that distributes the coupon information narrowed down as distribution targets by the limiting unit 114 to mobile terminals.

[0043] The purchased item registration unit 117 stores the registered contents of the purchased items in the mobile terminal table memory unit 124 set in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 12 based on the item codes received from the mobile terminals, the information terminal IT and the smartphone SP, respectively, via the network interface 14 or the external communication interface 15.

[0044] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the mobile terminal table 1231 for each mobile terminal stored in the mobile terminal table storage unit 124. The mobile terminal table 1231 has a terminal ID area 12311, a membership code area 12312, one or more purchased item data areas 12313, a subtotal area 12314, and an applied coupon information area 12315.

[0045] The terminal ID area 12311 stores a terminal ID, which is a code such as a terminal number for uniquely identifying the information terminal IT or smartphone SP to which the mobile terminal table 1231 corresponds.

[0046] The membership code area 12312 stores a membership code. The purchased item data area 12313 stores item data for the item each time a shopper registers an item to be purchased on the information terminal IT or smartphone SP. The item data includes the item code, unit price, sales point (quantity), item name, post-applied amount, sales price, tax amount, etc. of the purchased item purchased by the shopper. The post-applied amount is the amount when the discount amount or discount amount indicated in the coupon information is applied.

[0047] The subtotal area 12314 stores a subtotal. The subtotal is amount data indicating the total amount of sales prices and tax for all purchased items purchased by the shopper, calculated based on the item data stored in the purchased item data area 12313. Furthermore, the subtotal area 12314 stores a post-application subtotal. The post-application subtotal is amount data indicating the total amount of sales prices and tax for all purchased items purchased by the shopper, after applying coupon information, calculated based on the item data stored in the purchased item data area 12313. The subtotal or post-application subtotal can be updated each time the shopper registers an item to be purchased or applies coupon information.

[0048] The applied coupon information area 12315 stores coupon information that the shopper has used.

[0049] The operation of the coupon distribution system SYS having such a configuration will be described below. Note that the operations related to registering purchased items, using coupons after distribution, and accounting for purchased items are the same as those of well-known smartphone POS systems and cart POS systems, so the explanations will be omitted.

[0050] 5 and 6 are a series of sequence diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the coupon distribution system SYS. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the coupon distribution system SYS includes a registration process PRO1, a storage process PRO2, a narrowing down process PRO3, and a distribution process PRO4. The registration process PRO1 is performed as appropriate. The storage process PRO2 is performed once a day, such as at night after the store SH closes. The narrowing down process PRO3 is performed once a day at any time after the storage process PRO2 is performed and before the store SH opens. The distribution process PRO4 is performed in response to a check-in of an information terminal IT or a smartphone SP, which is a mobile terminal.

[0051] First, the registration process PRO1 will be described. Although only one registration process PRO1 is shown in Fig. 5, it may be performed multiple times. Also, there may be multiple coupon input terminals CE, and this registration process PRO1 may be repeated multiple times for each coupon input terminal CE.

[0052] A person in charge of a manufacturer, a person in charge of a retailer at a store SH, or a person in charge of a retailer at a sales company who wishes to register coupon information for a product operates a coupon input terminal CE to input the coupon information (step S11). As a result, the input coupon information is transmitted from the coupon input terminal CE to the sales promotion content management server PM via the Internet INT (step S12).

[0053] When the promotional content management server PM receives the coupon information, the promotional content management server PM stores the received coupon information in the content database CDB (step S13).

[0054] Next, the storage process PRO2 will be described. Although only one storage process PRO2 is shown in Fig. 5, there may be multiple pre-sorting servers PS, and the storage process PRO2 may be performed for each pre-sorting server PS. In addition, if the pre-sorting server PS corresponds to multiple stores SH, the storage process PRO2 may be performed for each store SH.

[0055] The store server SS of the store SH transmits one day's worth of sales data to the front-end sorting server PS via the Internet INT at a predetermined time, for example, by nighttime batch processing (step S21).

[0056] When the front-end handling server PS receives this sales data from the store server SS, it transmits it to the sales data management server SM via the Internet INT (step S22).

[0057] When the sales data management server SM receives this sales data from the front-end handling server PS, it additionally stores the received sales data in the sales data file for the corresponding store in the sales database SDB (step S23).

[0058] Next, a description will be given of the narrowing down process PRO3. Although only one narrowing down process PRO3 is shown in Figures 5 and 6, a plurality of narrowing down processes PRO3 may be performed, similar to the storage process PRO2.

[0059] At a predetermined time, the sales promotion content management server PM transmits a list of multiple coupon information stored in the content database CDB to the sales promotion server PS via the Internet INT as a list of candidate coupons to be distributed to shoppers (step S31).

[0060] When the front-end handling server PS receives this list of candidate coupons to be distributed from the sales promotion content management server PM, it stores it in the coupon storage unit 121 (step S32). After that, the front-end handling server PS extracts coupon information related to discounts or discounts from the list of candidate coupons to be distributed stored in the coupon storage unit 121 (step S33). Then, the front-end handling server PS transmits a history request to the sales data management server SM via the Internet INT to request the purchase history of the product covered by the extracted coupon information (step S34). The history request includes, for example, a store code for identifying the store SH, a product code for identifying the product, and the number of days for which the purchase history is to be checked.

[0061] When the sales data management server SM receives this history request from the front-end sorting server PS, it reads out the past sales data for the target product at the relevant store SH indicated by the store code stored in the sales database SDB, specified by the number of days, and creates a purchase history response based on that (step S35). The purchase history response includes the sales data if it exists, and includes information indicating that there is no sales data if there is no sales data. The sales data management server SM transmits the created purchase history response to the requesting front-end sorting server PS via the Internet INT (step S36).

[0062] When the pre-sorting server PS receives the purchase history response from the sales data management server SM, it stores it in the history storage unit 122 (step S37). Then, based on the purchase history response stored in the history storage unit 122, the pre-sorting server PS narrows down the coupon information to be distributed from the list of distribution candidate coupons stored in the coupon storage unit 121, and stores the paper engraving results in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123 (step S38). Specifically, if there is sales data, i.e., a sales record, for a product that is the subject of coupon information related to a discount or discount, the pre-sorting server PS sets the coupon information as the distribution target, and if there is no sales data, i.e., there is no sales record, the pre-sorting server PS does not set the coupon information as the distribution target. In addition, the pre-sorting server PS sets coupon information other than the discount or discount coupon information as the distribution target. The pre-sorting server PS stores the coupon information narrowed down as the distribution target in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123.

[0063] Next, the distribution process PRO4 will be described. Although only one distribution process PRO4 is shown in Fig. 6, there may be a plurality of information communication terminals such as a smartphone SP and an information terminal IT as mobile terminals, and the distribution process PRO4 may be performed for each of the information communication terminals.

[0064] When a shopper comes to the store SH and starts shopping, a predetermined check-in operation is performed on the information communication terminal, which is the smartphone SP or the information terminal IT (step S41). In response to this check-in operation, the information terminal transmits check-in information including the member ID to the front-end processing server PS via the communication network CN or the Internet INT (step S42).

[0065] When the front-end handling server PS receives this check-in information, it uses the terminal ID and member code included in this check-in information to generate a mobile terminal table in the mobile terminal table storage unit 124 (step S43). The front-end handling server PS also reads out coupon information stored in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123 (step S44). The front-end handling server PS then transmits the read coupon information to the information communication terminal, which is the checked-in smartphone SP or information terminal IT, via the communication network CN or the Internet INT (step S45).

[0066] The information communication terminal that receives this coupon information stores it (step S46), which allows the information communication terminal to use the coupon information that is narrowed down to that particular store SH.

[0067] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the pre-handling server PS. The operation of the pre-handling server PS is performed by each part of the pre-handling server PS under the control of the processor 11 executing the control program 133. Unless otherwise specified, the processing operation of the pre-handling server PS shown in Fig. 7 transitions from ACTn (n is a natural number) to ACT(n+1). Also, the procedure shown in Fig. 7 is just one example. The procedure is not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0068] In ACT1, the sales data transfer unit 111 implemented in the processor 11 determines whether or not it has received one day's sales data transmitted from the store server SS of the store SH via the Internet INT through the network interface 14. If sales data has been received, the sales data transfer unit 111 determines YES in ACT1 and proceeds to ACT4. If sales data has not been received, the sales data transfer unit 111 determines NO in ACT1 and proceeds to ACT2.

[0069] In ACT2, the coupon acquisition unit 112 implemented in the processor 11 determines whether or not a list of distribution candidate coupons transmitted from the promotional content management server PM via the Internet INT has been received by the network interface 14. If a list of distribution candidate coupons has been received, the coupon acquisition unit 112 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT5. If a list of distribution candidate coupons has not been received, the coupon acquisition unit 112 determines NO in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0070] In ACT3, the determination unit 115 implemented in the processor 11 determines whether or not there has been a check-in from an information communication terminal, which is a mobile terminal. Specifically, the determination unit 115 determines whether or not check-in information has been received from the information terminal IT of the store SH via the Internet INT, using the network interface 14. The determination unit 115 also determines whether or not check-in information has been received from the smartphone SP in the store SH via the communication network CN, using the external communication interface 15. If there has been a check-in, the determination unit 115 determines YES in ACT3 and proceeds to ACT7. If there has not been a check-in, the determination unit 115 determines NO in ACT3 and proceeds to the above ACT1.

[0071] As ACT4, the sales data transfer unit 111 implemented in the processor 11 transfers the received sales data to the sales data management server SM. Specifically, the sales data transfer unit 111 transmits the received sales data to the sales data management server SM via the Internet INT using the network interface 14. After that, the sales data transfer unit 111 proceeds to the above ACT1.

[0072] As ACT5, the coupon acquisition unit 112 implemented in the processor 11 stores the received list of distribution candidate coupons in the coupon storage unit 121.

[0073] The processor 11 executes a coupon narrowing down process in ACT 6. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the details of this coupon narrowing down process.

[0074] As ACT 601, the limiting unit 114 implemented in the processor 11 reads out one coupon information item from the distribution candidate coupon list stored in the coupon storage unit 121 as a check target.

[0075] In ACT602, the limiting unit 114 determines whether or not the target product of the read coupon information is a product handled by the store SH that is the distribution target. Specifically, the presence or absence of the relevant product is determined by searching the product master database 131 using the product code included in the target product information of the read coupon information as a search key. If the target product of the coupon information is handled, the limiting unit 114 determines YES in ACT602 and proceeds to ACT604. If the target product of the coupon information is not handled, the limiting unit 114 determines NO in ACT602 as the coupon information cannot be distributed in the first place, and proceeds to ACT603.

[0076] In ACT 603, the limiting unit 114 judges whether or not checking the distribution candidate coupon list stored in the coupon storage unit 121 is complete. Specifically, the limiting unit 114 judges whether or not checking all coupon information included in the distribution candidate coupon list is complete. If the check is not yet complete, the limiting unit 114 judges NO in ACT 603 and proceeds to ACT 601. If the check is complete, the limiting unit 114 judges YES in ACT 603 and returns from this coupon narrowing down process to the upper routine.

[0077] In ACT 604, the limiting unit 114 determines whether the type of coupon included in the promotional information of the coupon information to be checked is a discount or discount. If it is a discount or discount, the limiting unit 114 determines YES in ACT 604 and proceeds to ACT 606. If it is not a discount or discount, the limiting unit 114 determines NO in ACT 604 and proceeds to ACT 605.

[0078] In ACT 605, the limiting unit 114 stores the coupon information to be checked as a distribution target in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123. It may be said that the limiting unit 114 determines the coupon information to be checked as a distribution target. In other words, the limiting unit 114 adds the coupon information to be checked to the distribution targets. After that, the limiting unit 114 proceeds to ACT 603.

[0079] In ACT 606, the purchase history acquisition unit 113 implemented in the processor 11 transmits a history request, requesting the purchase history of the product indicated by the product code included in the target product information of the coupon information to be checked, to the sales data management server SM via the Internet INT through the network interface 14. The history request includes the store code for identifying the store SH, the product code included in the target product information of the coupon information, and the number of days for which the purchase history is to be checked, such as the past three days.

[0080] In ACT 607, the purchase history acquisition unit 113 receives, via the network interface 14, the purchase history response sent back from the sales data management server SM via the Internet INT.

[0081] In ACT 608 , the purchase history acquisition unit 113 stores the received purchase history response in the history storage unit 122 .

[0082] In ACT609, the limiting unit 114 determines whether or not the product has a sales record based on the purchase history response stored in the history storage unit 122. If the purchase history response includes sales data, the limiting unit 114 determines that the product has a sales record. In this case, the limiting unit 114 determines YES in ACT609 and proceeds to ACT605. If the purchase history response includes information indicating that there is no sales data, the limiting unit 114 determines that the product has no sales record. In this case, the limiting unit 114 determines that the coupon information is not to be distributed, determines NO in ACT609, and proceeds to ACT603. It may be said that the limiting unit 114 determines that coupon information for a product with no sales record is not to be distributed. In other words, the limiting unit 114 determines that coupon information for a product with no sales record is not to be distributed. It may be said that the limiting unit 114 excludes coupon information for a product with no sales record from the distribution target.

[0083] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 7, the purchased item registration unit 117 implemented in the processor 11 as ACT7 generates a mobile terminal table in the mobile terminal table storage unit 124 using the terminal ID and member code included in the received check-in information.

[0084] The distribution unit 116 implemented in the processor 11 as ACT8 reads out coupon information stored in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123.

[0085] In ACT9, the distribution unit 116 transmits the read coupon information to the checked-in information communication terminal. Specifically, if the terminal ID included in the check-in information is that of the information terminal IT of the store SH, the distribution unit 116 transmits the coupon information to the information terminal IT via the Internet INT through the network interface 14. Also, if the terminal ID is that of the smartphone SP, the distribution unit 116 transmits the coupon information to the smartphone SP via the communication network CN through the external communication interface 15. After that, the distribution unit 116 proceeds to the above ACT1.

[0086] As described above, the coupon distribution system SYS according to the first embodiment includes a history storage unit 122 that stores purchase history information in the store SH, a coupon storage unit 121 that stores coupon information for a plurality of products, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone SP or an information terminal IT that presents coupon information to shoppers in the store SH, a limiting unit 114 that narrows down coupon information for products that have a sales record in the store SH from among the coupon information stored in the coupon storage unit 121 based on the purchase history information stored in the history storage unit 122, and a distribution unit 116 that distributes the coupon information narrowed down by the limiting unit 114 to the mobile terminal. Although electronic coupon distribution is cost-free, distributing coupons for products that are not actually sold in the store is unlikely to lead to sales promotion in the store, and even if a shopper receives a large number of coupons that he or she is unlikely to use, it becomes troublesome for the shopper to view them, and therefore does not lead to effective sales promotion. The coupon distribution system SYS according to the first embodiment narrows down the coupons to those for products that have a sales record at the store where the shopper is located and distributes them to the mobile terminal used by the shopper, so it is possible to distribute coupons that are desired by shoppers, and promotional effects can be expected. Even if it becomes costly to distribute coupons in the future, the coupon distribution system SYS according to the first embodiment can prevent the distribution of coupons that are not linked to sales promotion, so it is possible to reduce costs.

[0087] According to the coupon distribution system SYS of the first embodiment, the limiting unit 114 narrows down the coupon information at a predetermined time and stores the narrowed down coupon information in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123, and the distribution unit 116 distributes the coupon information stored in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123 to the mobile terminal. Therefore, it is possible to distribute coupons to the smartphones SP and information terminals IT of multiple shoppers without repeatedly narrowing down the coupon information.

[0088] The coupon distribution system SYS according to the first embodiment further includes a determination unit 115 that determines whether or not a mobile terminal has become available for use in the store SH, and when the determination unit 115 determines that the mobile terminal has become available for use, the distribution unit 116 distributes coupon information to the available mobile terminal. Thus, it becomes possible to distribute a coupon when a shopper starts using a smartphone SP or an information terminal IT.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the coupon distribution system SYS of the first embodiment, the limiting unit 114 narrows down the coupon information included in the sales promotion information to those coupons that are discounts or discounts. In particular, the number of discounts or discount coupons that have a high sales promotion effect may be limited, and by preventing such coupons from being distributed to shoppers of stores where they are not used, the possibility of the coupons being wasted can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use coupons with a high sales promotion effect and link them to sales promotion.

[0090] According to the coupon distribution system SYS of the first embodiment, the mobile terminal is an information communication terminal such as a smartphone SP or an information terminal IT that is used by a shopper to register purchased items. Therefore, the mobile terminal not only receives the coupon information distributed by the distribution unit and presents it to the shopper, but also becomes able to use the coupon information to register purchased items.

[0091] Further, the front-end handling server PS as the server device according to the first embodiment includes a purchase history acquisition unit 113 that acquires purchase history information in a specific store SH, a coupon acquisition unit 112 that acquires coupon information for a plurality of products, and a limiting unit 114 that narrows down the coupon information acquired by the coupon acquisition unit 112 to coupon information for products that have a sales record in the specific store SH based on the purchase history information acquired by the purchase history acquisition unit 113 as a distribution target to be distributed to a smartphone SP or information terminal IT that is a mobile terminal used by a shopper to register a purchased product at the specific store SH. In this way, the server device according to the first embodiment narrows down the coupons to be distributed to the smartphone SP or information terminal IT used by the shopper to coupons for products that have a sales record in the store where the shopper is located. Therefore, it is possible to distribute coupons that are desired by the shopper.

[0092] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, all coupon information for products handled at store SH that is included in the distribution candidate coupon list is subject to distribution check. In this embodiment, the coupon issuer can set whether or not to check the distribution.

[0093] The second embodiment will be described in detail below, but the same configurations and operations as those of the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference symbols as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure of coupon information 22 stored in a content database CDB provided in a promotional content management server PM included in a coupon distribution system SYS according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, each coupon information 22 may further include whether or not narrowing down is performed in addition to a coupon code, target product information, and promotional information. This whether or not narrowing down is an example of optional information indicating either that narrowing down is required or that narrowing down is not required. If a coupon issuer wants to narrow down, the optional information "narrowing down" is set when inputting coupon information from a coupon input terminal CE to the promotional content management server PM. If narrowing down is not required, the coupon issuer sets the optional information "no narrowing down". If either is acceptable, the coupon issuer does not need to set this optional information. The coupon input terminal CE and the promotional content management server PM are an example of a registration unit that adds optional information to coupon information and stores it in a coupon storage unit.

[0095] 10 is a flowchart showing details of the coupon narrowing down process in the front-end processing server PS as an example of the server device according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, when the limiting unit 114 implemented in the processor determines in ACT602 that the product covered by the coupon information is handled, that is, when the result of ACT602 is YES, the process proceeds to ACT611.

[0096] In ACT611, the limiting unit 114 judges whether or not the option information of the coupon information to be checked is set to have narrowing down. If it is set to have narrowing down, the limiting unit 114 judges YES in ACT611 and proceeds to ACT604. If it is not set to have narrowing down, the limiting unit 114 judges NO in ACT611 and proceeds to ACT605. It can be said that the limiting unit 114 disables the narrowing down check for coupon information that is not set to have narrowing down.

[0097] Therefore, when the optional information is set to "narrow down" in the coupon information, if the coupon information is a discount or discount coupon, the coupon information is narrowed down based on sales results, as in the first embodiment. Also, when the optional information is set to "no narrow down" in the coupon information, or when no optional information is set, the coupon information is subject to distribution.

[0098] As described above, the coupon distribution system SYS according to the second embodiment further includes a coupon input terminal CE that constitutes a registration unit that receives coupon information and option information indicating either that narrowing down is required or that narrowing down is not required, adds the option information to the coupon information, and stores the coupon information in the coupon storage unit 121. This allows the coupon issuer to specify whether or not to narrow down the coupons.

[0099] According to the coupon distribution system SYS of the second embodiment, the limiting unit 114 narrows down the coupon information to which optional information indicating that narrowing down is required is added. Therefore, narrowing down is performed for coupons designated as requiring narrowing down, and coupons designated as not requiring narrowing down and coupons for which neither is designated are all distributed.

[0100] [Variations] In the second embodiment, the coupon information for which "narrowed" is set as the optional information is narrowed down. However, the coupon information for which "no narrowing" is not set as the optional information may be the subject of narrowing down.

[0101] In this case, in the flow chart shown in Fig. 10, ACT611 is changed to a judgment of whether or not there is no narrowing down. If no narrowing down is set and ACT611 is judged as YES, the limiting unit 114 proceeds to ACT605, and if no narrowing down is set and ACT611 is judged as NO, the limiting unit 114 proceeds to ACT604.

[0102] In this way, if no filtering is set as optional information for the coupon information, the coupon information will not be distributed, and if no filtering is set as optional information for the coupon information or if optional information is not set, the coupon information will be filtered based on sales history if it is a discount or discount coupon information.

[0103] As described above, in the coupon distribution system SYS according to the modified example of the second embodiment, the limiting unit 114 performs narrowing down on coupon information to which option information indicating that narrowing down is not required is not added, and the distribution unit 116 distributes the coupon information narrowed down by the limiting unit 114 and coupon information to which option information is added. Therefore, coupons for which narrowing down is not required, coupons designated as requiring narrowing down, and coupons for which neither is designated can all be subject to narrowing down.

[0104] [Third embodiment] Coupons are often issued for newly released products. For such new products, there is no possibility of past sales records on the release date, so it is not possible to narrow down coupon information based on sales records as in the first and second embodiments. It is desirable to distribute coupons for new products without narrowing down the information. This embodiment is designed to handle such new products.

[0105] The third embodiment will be described in detail below, but the same configurations and operations as those of the second embodiment described above will be given the same reference symbols as those of the second embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0106] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of coupon information 23 stored in a content database CDB provided in a promotional content management server PM included in a coupon distribution system SYS according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, each coupon information 23 may further include a product release date in addition to a coupon code, target product information, promotional information, and option information. This product release date is an example of release date information indicating the release date of a new product. When a coupon issuer wishes to issue a coupon for a new product, this issue date information is set when inputting coupon information from a coupon input terminal CE to the promotional content management server PM. The coupon input terminal CE and the promotional content management server PM are an example of a registration unit that adds release date information to coupon information and stores it in a coupon storage unit.

[0107] 12 is a flowchart showing details of the coupon narrowing down process in the front-end processing server PS as an example of the server device according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, when the limiting unit 114 implemented in the processor determines in ACT602 that the product covered by the coupon information is handled, that is, when the result of ACT602 is YES, the process proceeds to ACT621.

[0108] In ACT621, the limiting unit 114 judges whether the current date and time is within a specified number of days from the date and time indicated by the release date information of the coupon information to be checked. The specified number of days may be a fixed number of days, or may be, for example, a number of days according to the classification of the product. For example, the specified number of days may be short for products such as food products that are expected to be traded soon after release, but it is desirable to set a long specified number of days for products such as clothing and electrical appliances that are expected to take a certain number of days before the first product is sold. In addition, the specified number of days may be included in the release date information and can be set by the coupon issuer. If the specified number of days is within the specified number of days from the release date, the limiting unit 114 judges YES in ACT621 and proceeds to ACT605. It can be said that the limiting unit 114 disables the narrowing check for coupon information that is within the specified number of days from the release date. If the specified number of days has passed since the release date, the limiting unit 114 judges NO in ACT621 and proceeds to ACT611.

[0109] Therefore, if the release date information is set in the coupon information and it is still within the specified number of days from the release date, the coupon information will be distributed. If the specified number of days has passed since the release date, or if the release date information is not set in the coupon information, a check will be performed as explained in the second embodiment.

[0110] As described above, the coupon distribution system SYS according to the third embodiment further includes a coupon input terminal CE constituting a registration unit that receives coupon information and release date information indicating the release date of a new product, adds the release date information to the coupon information, and stores the coupon information in the coupon storage unit 121, and the limiting unit 114 excludes the coupon information from distribution if the current date and time is within a specified number of days from the release date indicated by the release date information. Therefore, even if the search is narrowed down, it is possible to prevent a situation in which coupons for products that have not been on the market for a long time and have no sales record are not distributed.

[0111] [Variations] It goes without saying that the third embodiment can also be modified in the same manner as the second embodiment.

[0112] In the third embodiment, the case where the optional information of the second embodiment is included is described, but the coupon information 23 may be coupon information 21 shown in Figure 3 of the first embodiment, which does not include the optional information, and in which release date information has been added.

[0113] In this case, the above-mentioned determination in ACT621 may be added between ACT602 and ACT304 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0114] (others) The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

[0115] Although the narrowing down process PRO3 is performed once a day, the narrowing down process of coupon information may be performed every time the information communication terminal checks in. In this case, the storage of the distribution candidate coupon list in the coupon storage unit 121, and the acquisition of the purchase history response based thereon and storage in the history storage unit 122 may be performed once a day.

[0116] In addition, the number of days of purchase history to be checked in the coupon information filtering process is 3 days with the current date as the base date, but it is not limited to this and may be a longer period such as one month or one year. Furthermore, the purchase history checking period may be set to a period that does not start from the base date. Specifically, it may be possible to set a start date and an end date. For example, if a similar coupon was issued for the same product six months ago, the usage history of the similar coupon can be reflected by setting the period to one month from the date of issue.

[0117] In addition, although the promotional information is narrowed down to coupon information in which the type of coupon included is a discount or discount, the coupon information may also be narrowed down to coupon information of a different type, such as points.

[0118] In addition, parameters other than sales results may be added to narrow down the coupon information. For example, member information stored in the store member master database 132 can be used. Some coupon information is for specific members, such as VIP members, and narrowing down coupon information for these specific members can also be added. Alternatively, it is possible to narrow down and distribute coupons limited to certain areas, or coupons limited by gender or age, based on the gender, age, address, etc. of the member.

[0119] Furthermore, if the coupon information has a limit on the number of coupons that can be used, a check on the number of coupons already distributed may be added when distributing the coupon information to a checked-in information communication terminal.

[0120] In addition, in each embodiment, the server device equipped with the purchase history acquisition unit 113, the coupon acquisition unit 112, and the limitation unit 114 has been described as being a front-end processing server PS, but such a server device may also be a sales data management server SM or a promotional content management server PM.

[0121] For example, the sales data management server SM, which serves as a server device, implements the coupon acquisition unit 112 and the restriction unit 114 in its processor. In this case, the sales data management server SM determines the coupon information to be distributed based on the sales record of the store SH to which the coupon information is to be distributed, and transmits the determined coupon information to the front-end handling server PS via the Internet INT. The front-end handling server PS stores the coupon information for products registered in the product master database 131 in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123 from the coupon information to be distributed transmitted from the sales data management server SM.

[0122] The sales promotion content management server PM, which serves as a server device, implements a purchase history acquisition unit 113 and a limiting unit 114 in its processor. In this case, the sales promotion content management server PM inquires of the sales data management server SM about the sales record of the store SH to which the content is to be distributed, determines the coupon information to be distributed based on the sales record of the store SH to which the content is to be distributed, and transmits the determined coupon information to the front-end handling server PS via the Internet INT. The front-end handling server PS stores the coupon information for the products registered in the product master database 131 from the coupon information to be distributed transmitted from the sales promotion content management server PM in the distribution target coupon storage unit 123.

[0123] Furthermore, the server device may be configured as a store server SS of the store SH. In this case, however, the store server SS needs to accumulate not only one day's worth of sales data but also past sales data as a sales database. In other words, the sales database provided in the store server SS is an example of a history storage unit that stores purchase history information in a specific store. The front-end handling server PS transmits the list of distribution candidate coupons from the promotional content management server PM to the store server SS as is. The store server SS narrows down the coupon information to be distributed from this list of distribution candidate coupons based on the purchase history information provided by the store server SS. In addition, upon receiving information from the front-end handling server PS that an information communication terminal has checked in, the store server SS transmits distribution target coupon information to the front-end handling server PS, and has the front-end handling server PS distribute the coupon information to the checked-in information communication terminal.

[0124] The flow of the information processing performed by the processor is an example, and is not limited to this order. For example, ACT7 and ACT8 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 may be reversed in order, or may be performed in parallel. In this way, the order of the processing may be changed, or multiple processing may be performed in parallel, as long as there is no discrepancy with the preceding or succeeding processing.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the control program executed by the server such as the pre-clearance server PS may be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The control program may also be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet INT and provided by downloading it via the network.

[0126] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...network interface, 15...external communication interface, 16...system transmission path, 21,22,23...coupon information, 111...sales data transfer unit, 112...coupon acquisition unit, 113...purchase history acquisition unit, 114...limitation unit, 115...determination unit, 116...distribution unit, 117...purchased product registration unit, 121...coupon storage unit, 122...history storage unit, 123...distribution target coupon storage unit, 1231...mobile terminal table, 12311...terminal ID area, 12312...membership code area, 12313...purchased product data area, 12314...subtotal amount area, 12315...applied coupon information area, 124...mobile terminal table storage unit, 131...product master database, 132...store member master database, 133...control program, AM...accounting machine, AP...access point, CA...shopping cart, CDB...content database, CE...coupon input terminal, CN...communications network, INT...Internet, IT...information terminal, PM...sales promotion content management server, PS...front-end handling server, PT...POS terminal, RO...router, SDB...sales database, SH...store, SM...sales data management server, SP...smartphone, SS...store server, SYS...coupon distribution system.

Claims

1. A history storage unit that stores purchase history information in a specific store; a coupon storage unit that stores coupon information for a plurality of products; a mobile terminal that presents the coupon information to shoppers in the specific store; a limiting unit that narrows down the coupon information stored in the coupon storage unit to coupon information for products that have a sales record in the specific store, based on the purchase history information stored in the history storage unit, as a distribution target; a distribution unit that distributes the coupon information narrowed down by the limiting unit as the distribution target to the mobile terminal; A coupon distribution system comprising:

2. The limiting portion is The narrowing down of the coupon information is performed at a predetermined time. a target storage unit that stores the narrowed-down coupon information; The coupon distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution unit distributes the coupon information stored in the target storage unit to the mobile terminal.

3. A determination unit that determines whether the mobile terminal is available for use in the specific store, 3. The coupon distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution unit distributes the coupon information to the mobile terminal when the determination unit determines that the mobile terminal has become available for use.

4. The coupon distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a registration unit that accepts the coupon information and optional information indicating either that the narrowing down is necessary or that the narrowing down is not necessary, and adds the optional information to the coupon information and stores it in the coupon memory unit.

5. The coupon distribution system according to claim 4 , wherein the limiting unit performs the narrowing down of the coupon information to which the option information indicating that the narrowing down of the coupon information is added is added.

6. The limiting unit performs the narrowing down on the coupon information to which the option information indicating that the narrowing down is not required is not added, The coupon distribution system according to claim 4 , wherein the distribution unit distributes the coupon information narrowed down by the limiting unit and the coupon information to which the option information is added.

7. a registration unit that receives the coupon information and release date information indicating a release date of a new product, adds the release date information to the coupon information, and stores the coupon information in the coupon storage unit; 7. The coupon distribution system according to claim 5, wherein the limiting unit excludes the coupon information from distribution when the current date and time is within a prescribed number of days from the release date indicated by the release date information.

8. The coupon distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the limiting unit performs the narrowing down of the sales promotion information to coupon information that includes a discount or discount coupon.

9. 2. The coupon distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal is an information communication terminal used by the shopper to register purchased items.

10. A history acquisition unit that acquires purchase history information in a specific store; A coupon acquisition unit that acquires coupon information for a plurality of products; a limiting unit that narrows down the coupon information acquired by the coupon acquisition unit to coupon information for products that have a sales record at the specific store based on the purchase history information acquired by the history acquisition unit, as coupon information to be distributed to a mobile terminal used by a shopper to register a purchased product at the specific store; A server device comprising:

Images