Coupon management system, method and program

Abstract

To provide a coupon management technology enabling strategic coupon distribution and use capable of being introduced between shops.SOLUTION: A first coupon distribution unit 118 distributes a first coupon to a user terminal 104. Second coupon distribution processing 119 (#1) includes presenting a pair of introduction information relating to one or more other shops introduced by a shop where a user has used a coupon and a second coupon to the user terminal 104 to distribute the second coupon that can be used at another selected shop to the user terminal 104. First charging processing 119 (#2) includes calculating a first introduction commission to be received by an operator for use of the first coupon by the user to charge the shop where the coupon has been used. Second charging processing (#3) includes calculating a second introduction commission to be received by the operator for use of the second coupon by the user to charge the shop where the coupon has been used, and calculating a third introduction commission to allow the operator to substitute charge to the shop where the coupon has been used, to make a settlement with the shop where the second coupon has been issued.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupon management system, method, and program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known coupon service that provides free coupons to users (consumers) via mobile device apps, etc. The users can use the coupons they receive to purchase products or services.

[0003] Additionally, local shopping associations are known to run campaigns offering unique coupon services that can only be used within a specific area, with the aim of promoting sales by locking in customers.

[0004] Conventionally, the following system is known in which a coupon distribution server periodically distributes coupons to customers' mobile terminal devices (for example, Patent Document 1). When an electronic coupon held by a user's mobile terminal is used, an identifier of the store where the electronic coupon was used is obtained from a smart poster installed in the store or an information processing terminal used within the store, and which user used which electronic coupon at which store is transmitted to the coupon distribution server, notifying the user that the electronic coupon has been used, and displaying the coupon usage status on the terminal of the user or the store where the coupon was used. Using the above-mentioned conventional technology, stores can retain customers by periodically distributing coupons.

[0005] Recently, a coupon promotion circulation method implemented by a computer system having the following steps has become known (for example, Patent Document 2). The coupon issuing step performs an issuing process in which a coupon is generated as data in which "coupon points to be provided free of charge to the user" and "issuer ID" are managed, and the coupon is issued to the user. The coupon settlement step performs a settlement process for the coupon points in response to the use of the issued coupon, between the destination of the coupon use and the issuer indicated by the issuer ID of the coupon. The reward circulation step performs a receiving process in which a promotional reward for the coupon is received from the destination of the coupon use, and a process in which a part or all of the promotional reward is paid to the issuer indicated by the issuer ID of the coupon. With the above-mentioned conventional technology, the promotional reward is continuously paid from the coupon-using business to the coupon-issuing business, so that the promotional reward circulates between the businesses. As a result, it is technically possible to increase the fairness of the businesses by circulating the promotional reward while increasing the convenience of users by enabling the mutual use of coupons between different businesses. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-2682 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7315938 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the conventional technology of Patent Document 1, coupons are only distributed to customers who are supposed to receive them in advance, so there was a problem in that the effectiveness of using coupons to increase customer numbers at stores was limited.

[0008] On the other hand, the conventional technology of Patent Document 2 only enables mutual use of coupons between businesses. There was a problem that leaving the distribution of coupons only between businesses could not induce users to make strategic purchases.

[0009] For example, even if it is desired to attract users to a sale held in a specific area (region), there is a problem in that the conventional technology of distributing coupons between businesses as described in Patent Document 2 only allows coupons to be distributed to users who have visited that store, making it impossible to expand the user base. On the other hand, there is a problem that it is not possible to provide high-quality information by simply distributing standard coupons as in the conventional technology of Patent Document 1. In such cases, conversely, word of mouth and recommendations from local stores may provide users with higher-quality discount information. As described above, the conventional technologies of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 each have their advantages and disadvantages, and there is a problem in that they are not able to effectively combine and meet the needs of users.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable the distribution and use of coupons in a strategic manner and in a manner that allows for introduction between stores. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A coupon management system in one example embodiment includes a first coupon distribution unit that issues a first coupon and distributes it to a user terminal operated by a user; a second coupon distribution process that issues a second coupon that can be used at other stores introduced by a store when the user uses the coupon distributed to the user terminal at a store, and distributes it to the user terminal of the user who used the coupon; a first billing process that calculates a first referral fee to be received by the system operating organization for use of the first coupon when the user uses the first coupon at a store, and charges the store where the first coupon was used; and a second billing process that calculates a second referral fee to be received by the system operating organization and a third referral fee to be received by the store that issued the second coupon used at the store, and charges the store where the second coupon was used, when the user uses the second coupon at a store. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to distribute and use coupons strategically and in a manner that allows for introduction between stores. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of an embodiment of a coupon management system 100. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a coupon management server. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a first coupon distribution unit. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of a coupon display unit. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of a process performed by a coupon usage processing unit. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of the process of the coupon usage handling unit. [Figure 8]13 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of a premium coupon issuing process. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of a counting unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the process of the tallying unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a second coupon distribution unit using a QR code (registered trademark). [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a second coupon distribution unit using a QR code (registered trademark). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of an embodiment of a coupon management system 100, and Fig. 2 is a diagram explaining the operation of the present embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, in the coupon management system 100 according to this embodiment, a user terminal 104, a store terminal 105, a system administrator terminal 102, a store operator terminal 103, etc. are connected to a coupon management server 101 via a network 106, which may be, for example, a local area network within an organization or the Internet connected via a VPN (Virtual Private Network), and communicate with each other to distribute and use coupons. The coupon management server 101 is a server computer having a general computer hardware configuration, as will be described later with reference to FIG. The user terminal 104 is, for example, a smartphone. The system administrator terminal 102 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer. The store manager terminal 103 is also, for example, a general personal computer or a tablet terminal.

[0016] Next, the functional configuration of the coupon management server 101 in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0017] First, a user who wishes to use a coupon accesses a cloud app store from user terminal 104 via network 106, and downloads and installs an application program (hereinafter referred to as an "app") for managing coupons onto user terminal 104. The application is executed by a processor (not shown) of the user terminal 104 to provide a function as the application execution unit 122 .

[0018] When a user installs the application in the user terminal 104 and inputs user information on an information input screen of the application, the user information is notified to the user registration unit 117 of the coupon management server 101 . The user registration unit 117 generates and stores user data 154 for managing the notified user information, point balance, etc. The user data 154 includes a user ID (ID: Identification) for uniquely identifying a user, user information (user name, email address, etc.), point balance, etc.

[0019] Thereafter, the first coupon distribution unit 118 in the coupon management server 101 issues a first coupon (regular coupon), for example, periodically, or non-regularly, for example, specifically for a certain campaign or sale, and notifies the user terminal 104 operated by the user via the network 106 that the regular coupon has been distributed (see the flowchart in Figure 4 described below).

[0020] For example, as illustrated in step S201 of FIG. 2, a regular coupon, which is a first coupon, is distributed to the user terminal 104 from the system operating organization periodically (or irregularly), such as about five times a week.

[0021] Next, in FIG. 1, coupon usage section 119 executes second coupon distribution process 119 (#1), first billing process 119 (#2), and second billing process (#3).

[0022] First, in second coupon distribution process 119 (#1), when a user uses a coupon distributed to user terminal 104 at a store, coupon usage response unit 119 issues a second coupon (premium coupon) that can be used at other stores introduced by that store, and distributes it to user terminal 104 of the user who used the coupon (see S602 in Figure 6 and Figure 8 described later).

[0023] In the second coupon distribution process 119 (#1), a set of information on one or more other stores introduced by the store and information on premium coupons that can be used at the other stores can be presented on the application screen of the user terminal 104. When the user selects one set from this presentation, a premium coupon that can be used at the other store selected on the user terminal 104 can be issued.

[0024] For example, as illustrated in step S202 of FIG. 2, a user goes to a first store, which is a restaurant, and uses a first coupon, which is a regular coupon, that comes with a special benefit, for example, a "50 yen discount on a fried chicken set meal" to pay for the purchase. The fact that a coupon has been used is recognized by the functions of an application execution unit 122 executing in the user terminal 104 and a coupon display unit 120 (described later) executing in the coupon management server 101, for example, by reading a QR code (registered trademark) displayed together with the coupon screen on the display of the user terminal 104 with a scanner connected to the store terminal 105 and operated by a store clerk.

[0025] Next, as shown in step S203 of FIG. 2, a second coupon, a premium coupon with a benefit such as "one free cup of gym protein + 10 minutes extension" that can be used at a second recommended store (e.g., a gym) in a shopping district in the same area introduced by the first store is issued and distributed to the user terminal 104 of the user who used the regular coupon in step S202. At this time, premium coupons for several stores that the first store (e.g., a restaurant) has partnered with and is introducing as second stores may be displayed on the user terminal 104, and the user may be allowed to select a favorite store (e.g., a gym) from among them as the second store. As a result, a premium coupon corresponding to the second store selected by the user is issued and distributed to the user terminal 104. In step S203, points such as "10 points earned" are awarded to the user together with the distribution of the premium coupon. The user can exchange the awarded points for, for example, a gift certificate that can be used on an electronic commerce site, a product exchange on a point exchange site operated by the system operator, or a product offered in a specific area.

[0026] Next, in a first billing process 119 (#2), the coupon usage response unit 119 calculates a first referral fee that the system operator should receive for the use of the first coupon when the user uses the first coupon at a store, and charges the store where the first coupon was used (see S614 and S615 in FIG. 7 described below).

[0027] For example, in coupon management server 101 of FIG. 1, a first referral fee (e.g., 100 yen) for the first store is calculated, and a charge is made to the first store to be paid from the first store to the system operator organization in step S204. In practice, the billing information for the first referral fee is sequentially stored, for example, in an external storage device 304 in the coupon management server 101, which will be described later, and the total amount of the first referral fee for the first store is tallied on this stored data group, for example, on the monthly billing date (see S901 to S903 in FIG. 9, which will be described later), and an invoice (which may be in paper or online form) is sent from the system operating organization to the first store, and the store operator of the first store makes payment, for example, by bank transfer, credit card, or electronic money.

[0028] In this way, when the user uses the first coupon, which is a regular coupon, at the first store, the first store pays a first referral fee, which is a success fee, to the system operating organization.

[0029] Subsequently, when the user uses the second coupon at the store, the coupon usage handling unit 119 executes the second coupon distribution process 119 (#1) again.

[0030] For example, as illustrated in step S205 of FIG. 2, the user goes to a second store, which is a gym, and uses a second coupon, a premium coupon, which comes with a benefit such as "one free cup of gym protein + 10 minutes extra" to make a payment there. The manner of use is the same as in the case of the first coupon, the regular coupon, described above.

[0031] In this way, even when a premium coupon is used, the above-mentioned second coupon distribution process 119 (#1) issues a second coupon, which is a premium coupon with a benefit such as "two free roses" that can be used at a recommended third store (e.g., a florist) in a shopping district in the same area introduced by the second store, as shown in step S206 of Figure 2, and distributes the premium coupon to the user terminal 104 of the user who used the premium coupon in step S205. In this case, as in step S203 of FIG. 2, premium coupons for several stores may be displayed on the user terminal 104 as third stores that the second store (e.g., a gym) has partnered with and introduced, and the user may be allowed to select a favorite store from among them (e.g., a florist) as the third store. As a result, a premium coupon corresponding to the third store selected by the user is issued and distributed to the user terminal 104. In step S206, similarly to step S203, points such as "35 points acquired" are awarded to the user together with the distribution of the premium coupon.

[0032] Next, in the second billing process (#3), when the user uses the second coupon at a store, the coupon usage response unit 119 calculates the second referral fee to be received by the system operator for the use of the second coupon and the third referral fee to be received by the store that issued the second coupon that was used, and charges the store where the second coupon was used (see S616 to S619 in Figure 7 described below).

[0033] For example, in the coupon management server 101 of FIG. 1, a second referral fee (e.g., 70 yen) for the second store is calculated, and a charge is made to the second store to be paid from the second store to the system operator organization in step S207. In practice, as in the case of the first billing process 119 (#2), the billing information for the second referral fee is stored in the coupon management server 101, for example in an external storage device 304 described below, and, for example, on the monthly billing date, the total amount of the second referral fee at the second store is added to the first referral fee and tallied (see S901 to S903 in Figure 9 described below), and an invoice is sent from the system operator to the second store (for example, a florist), and the store operator of the second store makes payment thereto.

[0034] In addition, in the coupon management server 101 of FIG. 1, a third referral fee (e.g., 30 yen) for the second store is calculated, and a charge is made to the second store for payment from the second store to the first store, as in step S208. In reality, the second store does not make a direct payment to the first store, but the system operating organization acts on its behalf. That is, the billing information for the third referral fee is stored in, for example, the external storage device 304 described later in the coupon management server 101, and the total amount of the third referral fee at the second store is tallied, for example, on the billing date of each month (see S904 to S906 in FIG. 9 described later), and an invoice is sent from the system operating organization to the second store, and the store manager of the second store makes payment to the system operating organization in response.

[0035] The total amount of the third referral fee received by the system operating organization on behalf of the customer is added up with other third referral fees for each referring store (see S904, S907, and S908 in Figure 9 described below), and the system operating organization settles the amount for each referring store. More specifically, the system operating organization subtracts the total amount of the third introduction fee for each month from the total amount of the first introduction fee and the second introduction fee for each month that the introducing store should pay to the system operating organization, and the introducing store pays the amount resulting from this subtraction to the system operating organization. If the subtraction results in a negative amount, the negative amount is settled by subtracting it from the total amount of the first introduction fee and the second introduction fee for each month of the following month.

[0036] In addition, instead of the above settlement, each store may be able to submit a request to the system operator for an immediate transfer of the above-mentioned third referral fee that can be earned when the store becomes the referral source through a store management homepage (not shown in the figure, for example, My Page), and the above-mentioned third referral fee may be received in cash via bank transfer within 1 to 3 business days.

[0037] The use of the premium coupon at the third store (step S209), the issuance of a further premium coupon and the allocation of points in response thereto (step S210), and the payment of the second referral fee (step S211) and the payment of the third referral fee (step S212) are also similar to those in steps S205 to S208 at the second store.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the coupon usage support unit 119 may set the total referral fee and the store's referral fee ratio for the store to refer to, and store them in, for example, the external storage device 304 described later. The total referral fee is basic charging data corresponding to the first referral fee charged to the shop, or the total amount of the second referral fee and the third referral fee. The store's referral fee ratio is data that determines the ratio of the second referral fee to the total referral fee when a premium coupon is used at a store and the store is charged a second referral fee and a third referral fee.

[0039] In this case, when the coupon usage response unit 119 executes the first billing process 119(#2), it charges the entire amount of the total referral fee stored corresponding to the store where the first coupon was used as the first referral fee. In addition, when the coupon usage response unit 119 executes the second charging process (#3), it charges the third referral fee by multiplying the total referral fee stored corresponding to the store where the second coupon was used by the store's referral fee ratio, and also charges the amount obtained by subtracting the above multiplication result from the total referral fee as the second referral fee.

[0040] In this way, the total referral fee for the store to refer to is first determined, and when a premium coupon is issued and used, the second referral fee paid to the system operating organization and the third referral fee paid to the referring store are paid by dividing the total referral fee. This makes it possible to distribute the referral fee in a well-balanced manner.

[0041] In the embodiments described above, a customer unit price category for classifying the customer unit price of each store may be set for each store and stored in, for example, the external storage device 304 described later. Furthermore, a set of the above-mentioned total referral fee and shop side referral fee ratio may be set in association with each of one or more customer unit price categories, and may be stored, for example, in the external storage device 304 described later. The coupon usage response unit 119 may then execute a first billing process 119 (#2) and a second billing process (#3) using a set of the total referral fee and the store's referral fee ratio that are further set and stored in correspondence with the customer unit price category that is set and stored for each store where the coupon was used.

[0042] This allows the combination of the total referral fee and the store's referral fee ratio to be determined according to the size of the store's customer unit price, making it possible for even small stores to reasonably utilize the coupon management system.

[0043] Furthermore, rather than determining the above-mentioned overall referral fee and store referral fee ratio based only on the customer unit price category, it may be possible to make it possible to change these values ​​by overwriting them individually when editing store information (for example, store data 155 described below). This allows for more flexible parameter settings according to the individual circumstances of each store.

[0044] In the embodiments described above, the area in which the store is located may be set and stored in association with the store. In response to this, the user registers, via the information input screen of the app being executed by the app execution unit 122 on the user terminal 104, up to three locations, such as the place where the user lives, the company / school where the user commutes to / from work, or a station, area, shopping district, etc. that the user wants to go to or frequently visits, as a user area. More specifically, the application execution unit 122 of the user terminal 104 displays, on the application screen of the display of the user terminal 104, an information input screen that displays, for example, a prefecture, a city, a ward, a town, a village, an address, a station name, a region name, a shopping street name, or a map and allows the user to select one of the locations. The user uses this information input screen to register up to three user areas. The user area registered in the application of the user terminal 104 is notified to the user registration unit 117 of the coupon management server 101 in Fig. 1. The user registration unit 117 sets and stores the notified user area in the user data 154 generated for the user. The first coupon distribution unit 118 and the coupon usage response unit 119, which executes the second coupon distribution process 119 (#1), distribute to the user terminal 104 a first coupon or a second coupon that can be used at a store whose area matches or is stored in a nearby area set in the user data 154 corresponding to the user performing the distribution.

[0045] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to issue regular coupons (first coupons) or premium coupons (second coupons) for stores in the vicinity of an area related to a user. This makes it possible to realize a strategy of attracting local residents, students of local schools or companies, etc. to shopping districts in the surrounding area using the coupon management system according to this embodiment.

[0046] In this case, the system operator can, for example, operate a coupon portal site, which allows the first coupon to be sent to users who are not limited to specific stores, making it possible to implement a coupon strategy aimed at a wide range of users.

[0047] On the other hand, once a user can be guided to, for example, a specific area using the first coupon, premium coupons initiated (created) by local stores can be issued, making it possible to issue coupons based on word of mouth and recommendations from local stores, thereby making it possible to provide users with even better value and service. In this case, the user can receive introductions to premium coupons from several other stores, and can use premium coupons that suit his / her preferences.

[0048] Furthermore, when a premium coupon is used, a third referral fee is kicked back from the referred store to the referring store, thereby making it possible to maintain high motivation for the issuance of premium coupons between stores.

[0049] In the above-described embodiment, for each of the first coupon and the second coupon, a reward type, which is the type of reward benefit the user receives when the coupon is used by the user, and an adjusted store referral commission rate may be set and stored, for example, in the external storage device 304 described below.

[0050] Depending on the reward type, it is possible to provide a variety of benefits, such as a fixed discount on the payment amount, a percentage discount, free of charge, or increased points.

[0051] Then, when executing the second billing process (#3), if the type of reward benefit set for the second coupon used at the store is the point increase type described above, the coupon usage response unit 119 may replace the store's referral fee ratio stored corresponding to the store with the adjusted store's referral fee ratio stored corresponding to the second coupon, and calculate the second referral fee and the third referral fee.

[0052] If the reward type set in the reward type of the used coupon is a point increase type that can increase the points received by the user, the system operating organization will give the user a reward that increases the points given by a certain percentage instead of the store, so there is no burden on the store associated with the reward. Therefore, only when a point increase premium coupon is used, the store's referral fee ratio that determines the referral fee to the introducing store is replaced with the adjusted store's referral fee ratio, making it possible to balance the referral fees paid to the introducing store and the system operating organization.

[0053] In addition, the number of user points to be awarded may be set corresponding to the store, and the point awarding rate may be set corresponding to the first coupon and the second coupon, and each may be stored, for example, in the external storage device 304 described later. The number of user points to be awarded may be set corresponding to each of the above-mentioned customer unit price categories as a pair of the above-mentioned total referral fee and the store side referral fee ratio, and stored. The number of points to be awarded to a user is data for awarding points corresponding to the number of points to be awarded to the user when the user uses the first coupon or the second coupon at a store. The point award multiplier is multiplier data that is multiplied by the number of user points awarded to increase the points awarded to the user when the type of reward benefit set in the reward type of the first coupon or second coupon used at the store is the point increase type described above.

[0054] Then, the user point award number stored in correspondence with the store where the first coupon or the second coupon was used may be awarded to the user who used the coupon and stored, for example, in the external storage device 304 described below.

[0055] As described above in the explanation of step S203 in FIG. 1, the user can exchange the awarded points for, for example, gift certificates that can be used on an e-commerce site, for products on a points exchange site operated by the system operator, or for products offered in a specific region. This makes it possible to motivate the user to continuously use the coupon.

[0056] Furthermore, if the type of reward benefit set in the reward type of the first coupon or second coupon used at a store is the point increase type described above, the number of user points stored corresponding to the store may be multiplied by the point awarding multiplier stored corresponding to the first coupon or the second coupon, and the multiplied number of points may be awarded to the user who used the coupon, and may be stored, for example, in external storage device 304 described below.

[0057] This allows users to enjoy using coupons more, while allowing stores to increase the coupon usage rate and thereby attract more customers and increase sales.

[0058] Next, the operation of the tallying unit 121 in the coupon management server 101 in the coupon management system of FIG. 1 will be described. The tallying unit 121 tallies the first referral fee charged in the first charging process 119 (#2) executed by the coupon usage support unit 119 and the second referral fee charged in the second charging process (#3) so that they can be claimed for each store. The total amount is the fee that the system operating organization receives from each store. The tallying unit 121 also tallies the third referral fee charged in the second charging process (#3) executed by the coupon usage support unit 119 so that it can be claimed by each referred store and can be paid by each referred store. The total amount is the fee that each referred store receives.

[0059] This makes it possible to smoothly settle the first referral fee, the second referral fee, and the third referral fee associated with the use of the first coupon and the second coupon.

[0060] The second coupon distribution unit 124 using QR code (registered trademark) will be described later with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG.

[0061] Next, a description will be given of various data 150 to 160 in Fig. 1 that are used in this embodiment. The various data 150 to 160 that will be described below are stored in, for example, an external storage device 304 in Fig. 3, which will be described later. First, the store data 155 is information related to the store where the first coupon or the second coupon can be used.

[0062] Next, the area data 151 is information relating to an area. In this case, the above-mentioned store data 155 may store area identification information (hereinafter, referred to as "area ID") for identifying the area data 151 corresponding to the area in which the store is located. When the coupon usage response unit 119 recognizes the area in which a store is located as described above, it may search for area data using the above-mentioned area ID stored in the store record corresponding to the store as a key, and recognize the area based on the area information registered there.

[0063] Next, the customer unit price category data 152 is information on a customer unit price category corresponding to a combination of the number of granted user points, the total referral fee, and the store side referral fee ratio. In this case, the above-mentioned store data 155 may store customer unit price category identification information (hereinafter, referred to as "customer unit price category ID") that identifies the customer unit price category data 152 corresponding to the customer unit price of the store. In this case, the coupon usage response unit 119 may search the customer unit price category data 152 using the customer unit price category ID in the store data 155 as a key to obtain the number of user points awarded, the total referral fee, and the store's referral fee ratio from there.

[0064] Next, as the user data 154, at least information regarding points to be given to each user is set.

[0065] This allows the user to check the point balance he or she owns at any time on the user terminal 104.

[0066] Next, the coupon data 156 is coupon information relating to the first coupon or the second coupon.

[0067] This enables detailed coupon setting and management for the first coupon and the second coupon.

[0068] In this case, coupon data 156 may include coupon type information for identifying the first coupon or the second coupon.

[0069] This has the effect of making it easier to distinguish whether each coupon is a regular coupon or a premium coupon.

[0070] Furthermore, for each of the first coupon and the second coupon, the coupon data 156 may include information on a reward type and a point award rate.

[0071] This makes it possible to set detailed reward types for each coupon.

[0072] Furthermore, for the second coupon, if the reward type is a point increase type that can increase the points received by the user, the coupon data 156 may include an adjusted store referral commission rate that replaces the aforementioned store referral commission rate. In this case, when executing the second billing process (#3), the coupon usage response unit 119 replaces the store's referral fee rate with the adjusted store's referral fee rate set in the coupon data 156 corresponding to the second coupon used by the user, and calculates the second referral fee and the third referral fee (see S607 to S611 in Figure 6 described below).

[0073] This makes it possible to increase the motivation for users to use point-increasing coupons.

[0074] Next, the user coupon data 157 is information regarding a first coupon distributed by the first coupon distribution unit 118 and information regarding a second coupon distributed by a second coupon distribution process 119 (#1) executed by the coupon usage response unit 119.

[0075] This makes it possible to efficiently manage information on issued coupons.

[0076] The information regarding the second coupon stored in the above-mentioned user coupon data 157 may include referral source coupon identification information (hereinafter referred to as the "referral source coupon ID") that identifies the first coupon or the second coupon used by the user at the referral source store that issued the second coupon.

[0077] This makes it possible to easily identify the coupon that caused the premium coupon to be issued.

[0078] Next, coupon usage history data 158 is information regarding at least user identification information (hereinafter referred to as "user ID") that identifies a user when a first coupon or a second coupon is used by a user, and coupon identification information (hereinafter referred to as "coupon ID") that identifies the first coupon or second coupon that was used.

[0079] This makes it possible to easily grasp the status of coupon usage.

[0080] Next, the fee history data 159 received by the operator is information regarding the first referral fee charged by the first billing process 119 (#2) and the second referral fee charged by the second billing process (#3) each executed by the coupon usage response unit 119.

[0081] This allows the counting unit 121 to count the first referral fee and the second referral fee by referring to the fee history data received by the operator (see S901 to S905 in FIG. 9, which will be described later).

[0082] This makes it possible to accurately and efficiently manage information regarding the first referral fee and the second referral fee.

[0083] Next, the commission history data 160 received by the store is information on the third referral commission charged by the second charging process (#3) executed by the coupon usage handling unit 119.

[0084] This allows the tallying unit 121 to tally up the third referral fee by referring to the fee history data 160 received by the shop (see S904, S907, and S908 in FIG. 9, which will be described later).

[0085] This makes it possible to accurately and efficiently manage information regarding the third referral fee.

[0086] The system administrator data 150 manages login information when the system administrator logs in from the system administrator terminal 102 .

[0087] The store manager data 153 manages login information when the store manager logs in from the store terminal 105 .

[0088] The "recommendation of the partner store" to which the premium coupon is issued is registered in the referral data 161. The referral data 161 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0089] 1 also includes a system login management unit 110, a customer unit price category registration unit 112, a store registration unit 113, a coupon registration unit 116, and a store login management unit 114. Each of these units manages coupons while appropriately accessing each of the data 150 to 160. Here, the system administrator terminal 102 connects to the coupon management server 101 via the network 106 and accesses each of the functional blocks 110 to 113 in FIG. 1. Also, the store manager terminal 103 is connected to the coupon management server 101 via the network 106, and accesses each of the functional blocks 114 to 116 in FIG. Furthermore, the store terminal 105 connects to the coupon management server 101 via the network 106 and accesses the coupon usage section 119 . Then, the user terminal 104 accesses a first coupon distribution unit 118 , a second coupon distribution process 119 (# 1 ) in a coupon usage response unit 119 , and a coupon display unit 120 via the network 106 . The details of each of the above functional blocks will be described later in order.

[0090] Next, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the coupon management server 101 in Fig. 1. This hardware has a configuration of a server computer in which a processor (central processing unit) 301, a ROM (read only memory) 302 that stores programs, a RAM (random access memory) 303 to which the programs are loaded from the ROM 302 and executed, an external storage device 304 that stores various data 150 to 160 and the like in Fig. 1, a network interface 305 that controls access to the network 106 in Fig. 1, and a user interface 306 including an input unit consisting of a keyboard and a mouse, a display for display, a pre-paid card, and the like, are all connected to each other via a system bus 307.

[0091] The operation of the coupon management system 100 having the configurations of Figures 1 and 3 will be described in detail below. In the following description, the processor 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, etc. will refer to the blocks with the same reference numbers in Figure 3 unless otherwise specified.

[0092] First, the operation of the system administrator of the system operating organization will be described. When a system administrator executes each system management process of the area registration unit 111, the customer unit price category registration unit 112, and the store registration unit 113 enclosed in dashed frames in FIG. 1, the system administrator first logs in and then accesses the system management homepage corresponding to each system management process from a system administrator terminal 102, such as a personal computer for system management, via network 106.

[0093] The login process for the system administrator is executed by the system login management unit 110 in FIG. Furthermore, one or more system administrators can be set. Information on each system administrator is registered as system administrator data 150 in FIG. The system administrator may be able to additionally register the system administrator data 150 as one function of the processing of the system login management unit 110, for example.

[0094] The system administrator data 150 includes at least a system administrator ID and a password for uniquely identifying the system administrator.

[0095] 1, the system administrator accesses each system administration homepage (not shown) corresponding to each process from the system administrator terminal 102. As a result, the system login management unit 110 causes the system administrator terminal 102 to display a login screen (not shown) on the system administrator terminal 102. The system administrator logs in by entering a system administrator ID and password on this login screen. In the processing of system login management unit 110, processor 301 executes a login authentication process to search system administrator data 150 using the set of system administrator ID and password entered from system administrator terminal 102. As a result, if it is confirmed that the set of entered system administrator ID and password matches the registered contents of any of system administrator data 150 and login authentication is successful, processor 301 in the processing of system login management unit 110 permits the system administrator terminal 102 to log in and causes the screen of each system administration homepage to be displayed.

[0096] Next, in FIG. 1, the processing of the area registration unit 111 has a function of setting the area data 151 and storing it in the external storage device 304, for example. The system administrator can access an area registration section home page (not shown) from the system administrator terminal 102 via the network 106 in FIG. 1 and log in via the above-mentioned system login management unit 110 to display an area registration section screen (not shown) on the system administrator terminal 102 and execute processing of the area registration unit 111 in FIG. 1.

[0097] The area data 151 is location data for identifying an area, and includes information such as prefecture, city, ward, town, village, address, station, shopping district, and the like. The area data 151 includes information such as an area ID and an area name. The area ID is set in the store data 155 and is identification information for uniquely identifying and referencing the area data 151 including the area ID from the store data 155.

[0098] Furthermore, the system administrator can use an area data registration form (not shown) displayed on the area registration screen displayed by the processor 301 on the system administrator terminal 102 of FIG. 1 to generate area data 151 in a number corresponding to the number of regions (areas) for which coupons are to be managed, and store the data in, for example, an external storage device 304.

[0099] The area ID is automatically assigned and registered when area data is registered.

[0100] Next, in FIG. 1, the processing of the customer unit price category registration unit 112 has a function of setting the customer unit price category data 152 and storing it in the external storage device 304, for example. The system administrator can access a customer unit price category registration section home page (not shown) from the system administrator terminal 102 via the network 106 in FIG. 1 and log in via the above-mentioned system login management section 110 to display a customer unit price category registration section screen (not shown) on the system administrator terminal 102 and execute processing of the customer unit price category registration section 112 in FIG. 1.

[0101] The customer unit price category data 152 is generated in advance for a plurality of customer unit price categories according to the store category and the range of the customer unit price. The customer unit price category data 152 includes a customer unit price category ID, the number of points given to the user, the total introduction fee, and the store's introduction fee ratio. The customer unit price category ID is set in the store data 155, and is information for uniquely identifying and referencing the customer unit price category data 152 including the customer unit price category ID from the store data 155.

[0102] The system administrator can set the customer unit price category data 152 using a customer unit price category data registration form (not shown) displayed on the customer unit price category registration section screen displayed by the processor 301 on the system administrator terminal 102 in Figure 1, and store the customer unit price category data 152 in, for example, an external storage device 304.

[0103] The customer unit price category ID is automatically assigned and set when customer unit price category data is registered.

[0104] Using each customer unit price category data 152, the system administrator can determine the number of points, the total referral fee, and the store's referral fee ratio, as described above in the explanation of the coupon usage response unit 119 in Figure 1, for each store and for each unit price range.

[0105] Next, in FIG. 1, the process of the store registration unit 115 has a function of setting the store data 155 and causing the external storage device 304, for example. When a store signs a contract with the system operating organization, the system administrator can access a store registration unit homepage (not shown) from system administrator terminal 102 via network 106 in FIG. 1, log in via the system login management unit 110 described above, and display a store registration screen (not shown), thereby executing processing of store registration unit 115 in FIG. 1.

[0106] As the store data 155, information related to the store is collected and set. Store data 155 includes basic information such as store ID, store name, store description, address, telephone number, latitude and longitude, and SNS URL (Uniform Resource Locator), as well as area ID, customer unit price category ID, valid regular coupon ID, next valid regular coupon ID, valid premium coupon ID, next valid premium coupon ID, and premium coupon update period. The store ID is set in coupon data 156, which will be described later, and is identification information for uniquely identifying and referencing store data 155 including the store ID from coupon data 156, etc. The SNS URL indicates the web address of the site for the SNS (social network service) information posted by the store. The area ID is identification information for uniquely identifying and referencing the above-mentioned area data 151 including the area ID. The customer unit price category ID is identification information for uniquely identifying and referencing the above-mentioned customer unit price category data 152 including the customer unit price category ID. The valid regular coupon ID, the next valid regular coupon ID, the valid premium coupon ID, the next valid premium coupon ID, and the premium coupon update cycle will be described later in the explanation of the store editing unit 115 in FIG.

[0107] The system administrator can use the processing of the store registration unit 115 executed by the processor 301 to set store data corresponding to a new store to be registered using a store data registration form (not shown) on the store registration unit screen displayed on the system administrator terminal 102 in FIG. 1, and store the data in, for example, the external storage device 304.

[0108] At this time, the system administrator may press, for example, an area button (not shown) on the store registration screen displayed by processor 301 on system administrator terminal 102, so that processor 301 can access a collection of the above-mentioned area data 151 stored, for example, in external storage device 304, and select the area to which the new store to be registered belongs from a list of areas (region names) (not shown) displayed on system administrator terminal 102. In processing the store registration unit 115, the processor 301 can register, based on the area name selected by the system administrator, the area ID registered in the area data 151 corresponding to that area name in the newly registered store data 155. As a result, the store data 155 is linked to the area data 151 using the area ID as a key, and it is determined which area (region) each store belongs to.

[0109] In addition, the system administrator may, for example, press a customer unit price category button (not shown) displayed on the system administrator terminal 102 on the store registration screen displayed by the processor 301 on the system administrator terminal 102, whereby the processor 301 may access a collection of the above-mentioned customer unit price category data 152 stored, for example, in the external storage device 304, and select a customer unit price category 152 corresponding to the new store to be registered from a list of the contents of the customer unit price category 152 (not shown) displayed on the system administrator terminal 102.

[0110] If there is no appropriate customer unit price category data 152, the system administrator may register and select new customer unit price category data 152.

[0111] In processing the store registration unit 115, the processor 301 can register the customer unit price category ID registered in the customer unit price category data 152 corresponding to the customer unit price category selected by the system administrator in the newly registered store data 155. As a result, the store data 155 is linked to the customer unit price category data 152 using the customer unit price category ID as a key. The customer unit price category data 152 linked in this way is referenced by the coupon usage response unit 119 in Fig. 1 to determine the above-mentioned total referral fee and the store's referral fee ratio, which are the calculation base for the charge to the store when the user uses a regular coupon or premium coupon.

[0112] The store ID is automatically assigned and registered when the store data 155 is registered.

[0113] Next, the operation by the store manager of the store will be described. When the store manager executes each store management process of the store editing unit 115 and the coupon registration unit 116 in FIG. 1, the store manager first logs in and then accesses a store management homepage (for example, a homepage generally called "my page") corresponding to each store management process from a store manager terminal 103, such as a personal computer for store management, a smartphone terminal, or a tablet terminal, via network 106.

[0114] The login process for the store manager is executed by the store login management unit 114 in FIG. As described above, when a new contract is made for a store, the system administrator registers store data 155 via the store registration unit 115 executed by the processor 301. At this time, the system administrator generates store operator data 153 and stores it in, for example, the external storage device 304.

[0115] The store manager data 153 includes at least a store manager ID, a password, and a store ID. The store manager ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the store manager. The store ID is identification information of the store to which the store manager corresponding to the store manager ID belongs.

[0116] One or more store managers can be set. Each store manager data 153 is stored in the external storage device 304, for example. The store manager may be allowed to additionally register store manager data as one of the functions of the store login management unit 114 . Also, as one function of the processing of the store login management unit 114, the store manager may be able to edit the initial password of the first store manager that was initially registered by the system administrator.

[0117] 1, the store manager accesses each store management homepage (not shown) corresponding to each process from the store manager terminal 103. As a result, the store login management unit 114 causes the store manager terminal 103 to display a login screen (not shown). The store manager logs in by inputting a store manager ID and a password on this login screen. In processing by the store login management unit 114, the processor 301 executes a login authentication process by collating the set of the store manager ID and password input from the store manager terminal 103 with the store manager data 153 stored in, for example, the external storage device 304. As a result, if it is confirmed that the set of the input store manager ID and password matches the registered contents of any of the store manager data 153 and login authentication is OK, the processor 301, in processing by the store editing unit 115 or the coupon registration unit 116 described later, permits the store manager terminal 103 to log in and displays a store editing unit screen or a coupon registration screen, not shown in particular.

[0118] Next, in FIG. 1, the process of the store editing unit 115 has a function of editing and updating a part of the store data 155 stored in the external storage device 304, for example. The store manager can access a store editing department homepage (not shown) from the store manager terminal 103 via the network 106 in FIG. 1 and log in via the store login management unit 114 described above, thereby displaying a store editing department screen (not shown) on the store manager terminal 103 and executing the processing of the store editing unit 115 in FIG. 1.

[0119] The store manager can use a store data editing form (not shown) for his / her own store, which is displayed on the store editing screen of the store manager terminal 103 by the store editing unit 115 executed by the processor 301, to edit and update the contents of each store data 155, such as the store description information, address, telephone number, SNS URL, or latitude / longitude.

[0120] Furthermore, the store operator can use the store data editing form to edit the valid regular coupon ID, next valid regular coupon ID, valid premium coupon ID, next valid premium coupon ID, and premium coupon update period contained in the store data 155.

[0121] The valid regular coupon ID is a coupon ID corresponding to a regular coupon that should be selected when the first coupon distribution unit 118 in Fig. 1 distributes a regular coupon (first coupon) related to a store corresponding to the store data 155. This coupon ID specifies coupon data 156, which will be described later. In this embodiment, only one regular coupon is distributed to one store at a time, and the coupon ID of that one regular coupon is held in the valid regular coupon ID.

[0122] The next valid regular coupon ID is a coupon ID that should become a new valid regular coupon ID when the update period for the valid regular coupon ID has elapsed.

[0123] The store manager first sets, as a valid regular coupon ID, the coupon ID in the coupon data 156 corresponding to the coupon that the store manager wants to be distributed as a regular coupon when the store manager's store is selected by the above-mentioned first coupon distribution unit 118. At the same time, the store manager sets, as a next valid regular coupon ID, the coupon ID in the coupon data 156 corresponding to the coupon that the store manager wants to be distributed next as a regular coupon after the update cycle of the regular coupon has elapsed.

[0124] When distributing a regular coupon corresponding to a valid regular coupon ID in the selected store data 155, the first coupon distribution unit 118 switches the valid regular coupon ID to the next valid regular coupon ID after a predetermined update period has elapsed, and distributes a new regular coupon.

[0125] The store manager sets the coupon ID in the coupon data 156 corresponding to the next regular coupon that the store manager wishes to receive as the next valid regular coupon ID before the next update cycle. In this way, regular coupons can be distributed smoothly even across update periods.

[0126] The relationship between the currently valid premium coupon ID and the next valid premium coupon ID is the same as the relationship between the currently valid regular coupon ID and the next valid regular coupon ID.

[0127] The valid premium coupon ID is the coupon ID corresponding to the premium coupon that should be selected when the second coupon distribution process 119 (#1) in Figure 1 distributes a new premium coupon (second coupon) at the store where the coupon was used. As with regular coupons, in this embodiment, only one premium coupon is distributed simultaneously from one store to other affiliated stores, and the coupon ID of that one premium coupon is held in the valid premium coupon ID. As with regular coupons, in this embodiment, only one premium coupon is distributed from one store to other affiliated stores at the same time, and the coupon ID of that one premium coupon is held in the valid premium coupon ID. Also, only one premium coupon can be distributed from the store where the coupon was used to other affiliated stores at the same time, and the coupon ID of that one premium coupon is held in the valid premium coupon ID.

[0128] The next valid premium coupon ID is a coupon ID that should become a new valid premium coupon ID when the update period of the valid premium coupon ID has elapsed.

[0129] When a coupon (regular coupon or premium coupon) is used at the store and the store operator issues and distributes a new premium coupon for the affiliated store through the second coupon distribution process 119 (#1) of the coupon usage response unit 119 described above, the store operator first sets the coupon ID in the coupon data 156 corresponding to the premium coupon to be issued as a valid premium coupon ID. At the same time, the store operator sets the coupon ID in the coupon data 156 corresponding to the coupon that the store operator wants to distribute next as a premium coupon after the update cycle of that premium coupon has elapsed as the next valid premium coupon ID. In the second coupon distribution process 119 (#1), when a new premium coupon corresponding to a valid premium coupon ID in the store data 155 corresponding to the store where the coupon was used is distributed, the valid premium coupon ID is switched to the next valid premium coupon ID after the update period has elapsed, and the premium coupon is distributed. The store manager sets the coupon ID in the coupon data 156 corresponding to the next premium coupon to be distributed as the next valid premium coupon ID before the next update cycle. In this way, the distribution of premium coupons can also be carried out smoothly even across renewal periods. Although the renewal cycle of the regular coupons described above is predetermined, the renewal cycle of the premium coupons can be determined by the store manager by editing the premium coupon renewal cycle using the store data editing form.

[0130] Next, in FIG. 1, the process of the coupon registration unit 116 has a function of registering coupon data 156. By accessing a coupon registration unit homepage (not shown) from the store operator terminal 103 via network 106 in FIG. 1 and logging in via the store login management unit 114 described above, a coupon registration unit screen (not shown) can be displayed on the store operator terminal 103 and processing of coupon registration unit 116 in FIG. 1 can be executed.

[0131] The coupon data 156 includes a coupon ID, a coupon name, coupon description information, a store ID, a remuneration type, a coupon type, and an adjusted store side referral commission rate. The coupon ID is information that uniquely identifies a coupon defined by coupon data 156. The coupon description information includes, for example, information such as the discount amount, the discount percentage, and the free product in the case of a free coupon. The store ID is linked to the store data 155 by this store ID, and is identification information that identifies the store where this coupon data 156 can be used. As described above, the reward type is information that specifies a fixed discount on the payment amount, a percentage discount, free of charge, increased points, or other reward benefits. As described above, the coupon type is information that specifies whether the coupon to be distributed or used is a regular coupon (first coupon) or a premium coupon (second coupon) as described in FIG.

[0132] The store operator registers data such as the coupon name, coupon description information, reward type, and coupon type in a coupon data registration form (not shown) displayed on the coupon registration screen of the store operator terminal 103 by the coupon registration unit 116 executed by the processor 301. The coupon ID is automatically assigned and registered when the coupon data 156 is registered. As the store ID, the store ID of the store data 155 corresponding to the currently accessed store manager is automatically registered. Furthermore, when the store operator inputs "point increase" as the reward type, the system operating organization will give the user a point benefit instead of the store. Then, at this time, when the store operator inputs "premium coupon (second coupon)" as the coupon type, the adjusted store side referral commission rate explained in FIG. 1 for reducing and adjusting the store side referral commission rate associated with the store data 155 corresponding to the store operator is automatically set and registered in the coupon data 156 by the system operating organization. As mentioned above, the store side referral commission rate is referenced from the customer unit price category data 152 corresponding to the customer unit price category ID registered in the store data 155.

[0133] Next, the registration operation of a user who uses a store will be described. When executing the processing of the app in Figure 1, a user downloads and installs an app that can access the coupon management system 100 of this embodiment from an app store website on the Internet (network 106 in Figure 1) that corresponds to the user terminal 104, for example a smartphone, on the user terminal 104. When the application is installed in the user terminal 104, user information such as an email address and a user name set in the application is transmitted from the user terminal 104 in Fig. 1 to the coupon management server 101 via the network 106 by the application execution unit 122, which is a function of a processor (not shown) in the user terminal 104 to execute the application. This user information is processed in the user registration unit 117 in Fig. 1.

[0134] The user registration unit 117 generates user data 154 that is an aggregate of user information notified from the user terminal 104, and stores the data in the external storage device 304, for example. The user data 154 includes a user ID, an email address, a user name, and a point balance. The user ID is identification information that allows the first coupon distribution unit 118, coupon usage support unit 119, and the like in FIG. 1 to uniquely identify and refer to the user data 154 that includes the user ID.

[0135] In the user data 154 generated by the user registration unit 117, for example, an automatically generated user ID is set as the user ID. Alternatively, the email address notified by the app may be set as the user ID. As the email address and user name, the email address and user name notified from the application of the user terminal 104 are stored, respectively. The initial point balance is set to 0 (zero).

[0136] Next, a series of processes when a user uses a coupon will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the first coupon distribution unit 118 in Fig. 1. This processing is processing in which the processor 301 loads a first coupon distribution unit processing program stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executes it. The process of the first coupon distribution unit 118 is executed at regular time intervals (for example, 15 minutes). The processing of the first coupon distribution unit 118 realizes the operation of step S201 in FIG.

[0137] First, the processor 301 reads one piece of user data 154 and acquires the user ID (step S401 in FIG. 4).

[0138] Next, the processor 301 extracts the user coupon data 157 described in FIG. 1, including the user ID acquired in step S401, in descending order of acquisition date and time, and acquires the first data (step S402 in FIG. 4).

[0139] User coupon data 157 is information regarding a first coupon distributed by first coupon distribution unit 118 in FIG. 1, or information regarding a second coupon distributed by second coupon distribution process 119 (#1) executed by coupon usage response unit 119 in FIG. 1.

[0140] The user coupon data 157 includes a user coupon ID, a user ID, a coupon ID, a referral source coupon ID, and an acquisition date and time.

[0141] The user coupon ID is identification information for uniquely identifying this user coupon data 157 . The user ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the user to whom the coupon is distributed. The coupon ID is identification information for uniquely identifying a distributed coupon. The acquisition date and time is the date and time when the coupon was distributed.

[0142] The processor 301 determines whether or not the data acquisition in step S402 has been successful (step S403 in FIG. 4).

[0143] If the determination in step S403 is YES, that is, if user coupon data 157 including the target user ID is found, the acquisition date and time of this user coupon data 157 is newer than the acquisition date and time of any other user coupon data 157 having the same user ID, because this user coupon data 157 is the first data found by searching user coupon data 157 including the same user ID in descending order of acquisition date and time. In other words, the searched user coupon data 157 is data corresponding to the most recently distributed coupon. In this case, the processor 301 determines whether the current date and time is longer than a certain time (for example, 24 hours) from the latest acquisition date and time of the user coupon data 157 found in the process of step S402 (step S404 in FIG. 4).

[0144] If the determination in step S404 is YES, the processor 301 executes a series of processes from step S405 to step S409 in FIG. 4 to obtain and distribute a new coupon to the user corresponding to the user ID obtained in step S401. Also, if no user coupon data 157 corresponding to the user ID obtained in step S401 has yet been registered and the determination in step S403 described above is NO, the processor 301 executes a series of processes from step S405 to step S409 in FIG. 4 below to obtain and distribute a new coupon to the user corresponding to the user ID obtained in step S401.

[0145] In this series of processes, the processor 301 first acquires the above-mentioned user area transmitted from the application of the user terminal 104 of the user corresponding to the user ID acquired in step S401 (step S405 in FIG. 4).

[0146] Next, the processor 301 extracts one or more store data 155 having an area ID that matches the area ID included in the user area acquired in step S405 (step S406 in FIG. 4). By the process of step S406, the user can receive coupons from stores that are close to the user or that belong to an area that the user has been to or wants to visit.

[0147] Next, the processor 301 randomly or cyclically selects one piece of store data 155 from the store data 155 extracted in step S406 (step S407 in FIG. 4). Alternatively, the processor 301 may select, from the above store data 155, store data 155 of a store that has been specially flagged for a sale, event, or the like.

[0148] Then, the processor 301 generates new user coupon data 157 in which the user ID acquired in step S401 is set as the user ID, the aforementioned valid regular coupon ID in one of the store data 155 selected in step S407 is set as the coupon ID, and the current date and time is set as the acquisition date and time, and stores the data in, for example, the external storage device 204. The processor 301 sets the automatically generated user coupon ID in the newly generated user coupon data 157 . Furthermore, when a regular coupon is used, the processor 301 sets the introducer coupon ID of the newly generated user coupon data 157 to a null value (step S408 in FIG. 4).

[0149] Finally, the processor 301 notifies the application of the user terminal 104 corresponding to the user ID acquired in step S401 of information indicating that a new regular coupon has been distributed (step S409 in FIG. 4). As a result, a pop-up notification or the like is displayed in the application on the user terminal 104 to inform the user that a new regular coupon has been distributed.

[0150] If the determination in step S404 is NO because not much time has passed since the acquisition date and time of the latest coupon, the processor 301 proceeds to step S410 without executing the series of processes from step S405 to step S409 described above. Therefore, a new coupon is not distributed.

[0151] After that, the processor 301 determines whether or not acquisition of all the user data 154 has been completed (step S410 in FIG. 4).

[0152] If the determination in step S410 is NO, the processor 301 returns to the process in step S401 in FIG.

[0153] When the determination in step S410 becomes YES because acquisition of all user data 154 has been completed, the processor 301 ends the processing of the first coupon distribution unit 118 in FIG. 1 shown in the flowchart in FIG. 4 for the current distribution timing.

[0154] The coupon distributed to the user by the processing of the first coupon distribution unit 118 described above is displayed on the user terminal 104 as follows, in FIG. 1, by the processing of the application execution unit 122 executed in the user terminal 104 and the processing of the coupon display unit 120 executed in the coupon management server 101.

[0155] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (coupon display unit processing) of the coupon display unit 120 in Fig. 1. This processing is processing in which the processor 301 loads a coupon display unit processing program stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executes it. When a user taps a coupon display button (not shown) on the information screen of the app displayed on the display of the user terminal 104 operated by the user, a coupon display command is sent from the user terminal 104 to the coupon display unit 120 of the coupon management server 101 via the network 106 by the app execution unit 122, which is software executed by a processor (not shown) of the user terminal 104. Upon receiving this notification, the processor 301 starts executing a coupon display unit process exemplified in the flowchart of FIG.

[0156] First, the processor 301 receives the user ID notified from the application execution unit 122 of the user terminal 104 (step S501 in FIG. 5).

[0157] Next, the processor 301 extracts the user coupon data 157 including the user ID received in step S501 in descending order of acquisition date and time, and acquires the first data, in the same manner as in step S402 in Fig. 4. As a result, the processor 301 extracts the user coupon data 157 with the most recent acquisition date and time, and acquires the coupon ID in the user coupon data 157 (step S502 in Fig. 5).

[0158] The processor 301 acquires the coupon data 156 including the coupon ID acquired in step S502 (step S503 in FIG. 5).

[0159] Furthermore, the processor 301 obtains coupon information such as the coupon name, coupon description information, reward type (fixed amount discount / percentage discount / free / increased points, etc.), and free products when the free coupon is applied from the coupon data 156 extracted in step S503 (step S504 in FIG. 5).

[0160] Furthermore, the processor 301 extracts the store data 155 including the store ID from the coupon data 156 extracted in step S503 (step S505 in FIG. 5).

[0161] In addition, the processor 301 acquires store information such as the store name, store description information, address, telephone number, store SNS URL, and map display based on latitude and longitude from the store data 155 extracted in step S505 (step S506 in FIG. 5).

[0162] Furthermore, the processor 301 acquires the point balance in the user data 154 including the user ID received in step S501 (step S507 in FIG. 5).

[0163] Thereafter, the processor 301 causes the display of the user terminal 104 on which the application is being executed via the accessed application execution unit 122 to display the coupon information acquired in step S504, the store information acquired in step S506, and the point balance acquired in step S507 (step S508 in FIG. 5).

[0164] Finally, the processor 301 generates a QR code (registered trademark) in which the user coupon ID in the user coupon data 157 acquired in step S502 is embedded, and displays it on the display of the user terminal 104 via the application execution unit 122 (step S509 in FIG. 5). After that, the processor 301 ends the coupon display process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0165] In this way, the user can check detailed information about the most recently distributed coupon, detailed information about the store, and the current balance of points that the user can use.

[0166] In step S502, not only information regarding the most recently distributed coupon, but also coupon data 156 regarding a specified number of most recently distributed coupons or coupons up to a certain period of time in the past (e.g., one week ago) from the current date and time may be obtained, and information regarding those coupons may be displayed and used.

[0167] 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of processing by the coupon usage handling unit 119 in Fig. 1. This processing is processing in which the processor 301 loads a coupon usage handling unit processing program stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executes it. The processing of the coupon usage response unit 119, as shown in steps S202, S205, or S209 of FIG. 2, realizes a mechanism for issuing a premium coupon that can be used at other affiliated stores to a user when the user uses a regular coupon or premium coupon at a store, which is a feature of the present invention, and a mechanism for charging a referral fee to the system operator or the referring store in response to this operation.

[0168] First, the processor 301 waits until it is determined that the user has used a coupon (a regular coupon or a premium coupon) by receiving a user coupon ID (repeated NO determination in step S601 in FIG. 6).

[0169] The fact that a coupon has been used by a user can be recognized, for example, in the following manner. First, when a user is at a store corresponding to the coupon, the user operates an app on the user terminal 104 operated by the user, and the coupon is displayed on the display of the user terminal 104 by the function of the app execution unit 122 described above executed on the user terminal 104 in Figure 1 and the coupon display unit processing exemplified in Figure 5 executed as the function of the coupon display unit 120 described above on the coupon management server 101. In response, the store staff activates the used coupon information transmission unit 123 from an operation screen (not shown) of the store terminal 105, and scans the QR code (registered trademark) embedded with the user coupon ID of the coupon displayed on the user terminal 104 in step S509 of Figure 5 using a scanner connected to the store terminal 105, thereby inputting the user coupon ID as information regarding the used coupon. Alternatively, the user verbally notifies the store staff of the code of the user coupon ID displayed together with the coupon on the display of the user terminal 104. In response, the store staff inputs the user coupon ID into an input screen (not shown) of the used coupon information transmission unit 123 executed in the store terminal 105 as information regarding the used coupon. As a result, the user coupon ID is notified from the store terminal 105 to the coupon usage section 119 of the coupon management server 101 as information regarding the used coupon.

[0170] Alternatively, conversely to the above, the application execution unit 122 of the user terminal 104 may be provided with the same function as the coupon usage information transmission unit 123, and the store may set up a board or display showing a QR code (registered trademark) with the store ID embedded therein. When a user visits the store, the QR code (registered trademark) may be read by the application of the user terminal 104, and the application execution unit 122 may notify the coupon usage response unit 119 of the coupon management server 101 of the fact that a coupon has been used, together with the store ID embedded in the read QR code (registered trademark).

[0171] If the determination in step S601 is YES, the processor 301 executes a premium coupon issuing process for the user who used the coupon (step S602 in FIG. 6). This process corresponds to the second coupon distribution process 119 (#1) in FIG. This process realizes the operation of step S203, S206, or S210 in FIG.

[0172] The premium coupon issuing process in step S602 of FIG. 6 will be described below.

[0173] First, the store manager accesses the above-mentioned store editing department homepage and registers, as the introduction data 161, the introduction information about other stores that the store manager wishes to introduce on the displayed store editing department screen.

[0174] The referral data 161 includes each piece of data: a referral ID, which is identification information for uniquely identifying the referral text; an "introducing store ID," which is the store ID of the introducing store; an "introduced store ID," which is the store ID of the affiliated store of the receiving store; and a "referral text for the affiliated store."

[0175] The store manager can display a referral data editing form (not shown) from the above-mentioned store editing screen displayed on the store manager terminal 103 in FIG. 1, generate new referral data 161, store it in the external storage device 304 in FIG. 3, and set an "introduction for the affiliated store" in the referral data 161.

[0176] At this time, the store ID of the store itself is automatically set as the aforementioned "introducing store ID" of the newly generated introduction data 161.

[0177] In addition, the store operator can display a list of store names set in a collection of store data 155, for example, a collection of store data 155 with the same area ID, as part of the aforementioned referral data editing form, and select a store name from the list to select store data 155 that includes that store name. The store ID in the store data 155 selected in this manner is set as the aforementioned "introduced store ID" of the newly generated introduction data 161.

[0178] As the introduction ID of the newly generated introduction data 161, an automatically generated introduction ID is set.

[0179] The store manager can register the above-mentioned multiple pieces of referral data 161 in association with multiple other stores that the store manager wishes to refer, and store them in, for example, the external storage device 304 in FIG.

[0180] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the premium coupon issuing process 1 (FIG. 8(a)) in step S602 of FIG. 6 and the premium coupon issuing process 2 (FIG. 8(b)) for receiving a request from the user terminal 104.

[0181] First, the premium coupon issuing process 1 in FIG. 8(a) will be described. Processor 301 first obtains the coupon ID from user coupon data 157, which includes the user coupon ID notified by the store in step S601 of FIG. 6, and then extracts the store ID where the coupon was used from coupon data 156, which includes the coupon ID (step S801 of FIG. 8).

[0182] Then, in step S802, the processor 301 searches for the aforementioned referral data 161 that includes the store ID where the coupon obtained in step S801 was used as the "recommended store ID," and repeatedly executes the series of processes from steps S802 to S807 while the search is successful in step S803, i.e., while the referral data 161 for all other stores that the store wishes to introduce is detected.

[0183] In this series of processes, first, the processor 301 extracts the "introduced store ID" and the "introduction text of the listed store" from the introduction data 161 corresponding to one other store that the processor 301 wishes to introduce, found in step S802 (step S804 in FIG. 8).

[0184] Next, the processor 301 extracts store information such as a valid premium coupon ID, store name, store description information, address, telephone number, SNS URL of the store, and a map display based on latitude and longitude from the store data 155 that includes the "introduced store ID" as a store ID (step S805 in FIG. 8).

[0185] Next, the processor 301 obtains coupon information related to the premium coupon from the coupon data 156 that includes the valid premium coupon ID as the coupon ID, such as the coupon name, coupon description information, reward type (fixed amount discount / percentage discount / free / increased points, etc.), and free product when the free coupon is applied (step S806 in FIG. 8).

[0186] Then, processor 301 creates a premium coupon candidate data set including the store information extracted in step S805, the introduction of the affiliated store extracted in step S804, the coupon information regarding the premium coupon extracted in step S806, and in addition to these, the valid premium coupon ID extracted in step S805 and the user coupon ID notified by the store in step S601 of FIG. 6 (step S807 of FIG. 8).

[0187] Thereafter, the processor 301 returns to the search process of step S802.

[0188] As a result of repeatedly executing the series of processes from step S802 to S807, if it is determined in step S803 that the search is not successful (the judgment is NO), that is, that detection of the recommendation data 161 for all other stores that the store wishes to recommend has been completed, the processor 301 transmits the premium coupon candidate data set created in step S807 for all other stores that the store wishes to recommend to the user terminal 104 corresponding to the user ID obtained in step S801 (step S808 in FIG. 8).

[0189] The application execution unit 122 of the user terminal 104 in FIG. 1 that has used the coupon receives the premium coupon candidate data set transmitted in step S808 by the second coupon distribution process 119 (#1) of the coupon usage handling unit 119. As a result, the application execution unit 122 displays, on the application screen on the display of the user terminal 104, store information and descriptions of multiple affiliated stores introduced by the store where the coupon was used, and coupon information for premium coupons that can be used at those affiliated stores, and displays a screen prompting the user to select one pair of affiliated stores and the premium coupon that can be used there.

[0190] The user selects one of the partner stores and a premium coupon that can be used there on the above-mentioned selection screen on the user terminal 104. As a result, the application execution unit 122 returns, for example, the valid premium coupon ID and user coupon ID (see step S807 in FIG. 8) included in the premium coupon candidate data set corresponding to the partner store selected by the user and the premium coupons that can be used there.

[0191] In response to the reply from the user terminal 104, the processor 301 receives the reply from the user terminal 104 according to a program for a premium coupon issuing process 2 exemplified by the flowchart of FIG. 8(b). The processor 301 constantly executes the program for the premium coupon issuing process 2.

[0192] In the flowchart of FIG. 8(b), the processor 301 first waits until a reply is received from the user terminal 104 (repeated NO determinations in step S810 in FIG. 8).

[0193] If the determination in step S810 is YES due to a reply from the user terminal 104, the processor 301 obtains the user ID and the coupon ID corresponding to the used coupon from the user coupon data 157 including the user coupon ID received from the user terminal 104 (step S811 in FIG. 8).

[0194] Then, the processor 301 sets the user ID acquired in step S811 as the user ID, sets the valid premium coupon ID received from the user terminal 104 as the coupon ID, sets the coupon ID acquired in step S811 as the referral source coupon ID, and sets the current date and time as the acquisition date and time, and newly generates user coupon data 157 corresponding to the premium coupon, and stores the data in, for example, the external storage device 304 of FIG. 3. The processor 301 sets the automatically generated user coupon ID as the user coupon ID of the newly generated user coupon data 157 (above, step S812 in FIG. 8).

[0195] Finally, the processor 301 notifies the application of the user terminal 104 corresponding to the user ID acquired in step S803 of information indicating that a new premium coupon has been distributed (step S813 in FIG. 8). As a result, a pop-up notification or the like is displayed in the application of the user terminal 104 indicating that a new premium coupon has been distributed. Thereafter, the processor 301 returns to the standby process of step S810.

[0196] When the user taps a coupon display button (not shown) on the input screen of the application displayed on the display of the user terminal 104 operated by the user as described above, the application execution unit 122 notifies the coupon display command from the user terminal 104 to the coupon display unit 120 of the coupon management server 101 via the network 106. The processor 301 of the coupon management server 101 executes the coupon display unit process exemplified in the flowchart of FIG. 5 described above to receive the notification of the coupon display command, and can display on the user terminal 104 details of the coupon information for the premium coupon, a QR code (registered trademark) to be presented when using the premium coupon, and details of store information where the premium coupon can be used, in the same manner as in the case of a regular coupon. As a result, the user can use the premium coupon displayed on the user terminal 104 at the store via the QR code (registered trademark) displayed at the same time.

[0197] In this way, by using a regular coupon distributed by the system operating organization at a store, the user can obtain a new premium coupon that can be used at other stores that the store has an alliance with and introduces. In addition, if the user acquires a new premium coupon in addition to the regular coupon and uses it at a new store, steps S601 and S602 in FIG. 6 described above will be executed, allowing the user to obtain further premium coupons that can be used at other stores that are affiliated with the new store. Then, when the user uses the premium coupon at a certain store, the user can read a more heartfelt introduction of the affiliated store written by the store that issued the premium coupon. This business model allows users to explore new stores at great value.

[0198] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 6, after the premium coupon issuance process in step S602, the processor 301 generates new coupon usage history data 158 indicating that the coupon corresponding to the user coupon ID notified in step S601 has been used, and stores the data in, for example, the external storage device 304 in FIG. 3 (step S603 in FIG. 6).

[0199] The coupon usage history data 158 includes a coupon usage history ID, a user ID, and a coupon ID.

[0200] The user ID and coupon ID in the coupon usage history data 158 are the user ID and coupon ID in the user coupon data 157 that includes the user coupon ID notified in step S601. The processor 301 sets the automatically generated coupon usage history ID as the coupon usage history ID of the newly generated coupon usage history data 158.

[0201] Next, the processor 301 extracts the user ID of the user who used the currently used coupon and the coupon ID of that coupon from the user coupon data 157 including the user coupon ID notified in step S601. Furthermore, if the currently used coupon is a premium coupon, processor 301 extracts the referral source coupon ID that caused the premium coupon to be issued. Then, the processor 301 extracts the coupon data 156 including the extracted coupon ID (step S604 in FIG. 6).

[0202] Next, the processor 301 extracts the store ID from the coupon data 156 extracted in step S604, extracts the store data 155 including the store ID, and further extracts the customer unit price category data 152 including the customer unit price category ID from the store data 155. Then, the processor 301 acquires the number of user points given, the total referral commission, and the store side referral commission ratio from the extracted customer unit price category data 152 (step S605 in FIG. 6).

[0203] The number of points awarded to a user is the base value of the number of points awarded to a user when using a coupon.

[0204] The total referral fee obtained in step S605 is the referral fee to be paid to the system operating organization if a regular coupon is used, and is the sum of the referral fees to be paid to the system operating organization and the store that issued the premium coupon if a premium coupon is used.

[0205] The store's commission rate obtained in step S605 is the ratio of the commission to be paid to the store that issued the premium coupon when the premium coupon is used to the total commission, and the commission to be paid to the system operator is the remaining amount.

[0206] Furthermore, the processor 301 acquires the coupon type (regular coupon / premium coupon) and reward type (fixed amount discount / percentage discount / free / point increase, other) from the coupon data 156 extracted in step S604 (step S606 in FIG. 6).

[0207] Then, first, the processor 301 determines whether or not the reward type extracted in step S606 is a point increase type that increases the points held by the user (step S607 in FIG. 6).

[0208] If the reward type of the currently used coupon is the point increase type and the determination in step S607 is YES, the processor 301 obtains the point award rate from the coupon data 156 extracted in step S604 (step S608 in FIG. 6).

[0209] When the user uses a coupon, normally points are given to the user in the amount equal to the number of user points obtained in step S605. Here, if the reward type of the coupon is a point increase type that increases the points held by the user, the number of user points given to the user is increased by the point giving magnification. That is, if the reward type of the coupon is a point increase type, the processor 301 replaces the number of user points awarded with the multiplication result obtained by multiplying the number of user points awarded obtained in step S605 by the point awarding multiplier obtained in step S608 (step S609 in FIG. 6).

[0210] Next, if the reward type of the coupon is a point increase type, the processor 301 obtains the adjusted shop side referral commission rate from the coupon data 156 extracted in step S604 (step S610 in FIG. 6).

[0211] As mentioned above, when a premium coupon is used, the total amount of referral fee obtained in step S605 is usually divided in proportion to the store's referral fee ratio also obtained in step S605, and paid by the store where the premium coupon was used to the store that issued the premium coupon and the system operator. In this case, the store where the premium coupon was used will provide the user with a special benefit, such as a fixed amount or a fixed percentage discount on the price of the product or menu item being sold, depending on the reward type set in the premium coupon. In this case, the store will be responsible for the cost of providing this special benefit to the user. On the other hand, if the reward type of the used coupon is a point increase type, the system operating organization gives the user a bonus to increase the points awarded by a certain percentage on behalf of the store, so there is no burden on the store associated with giving the bonus. Therefore, only when a premium coupon for increased points is used, processor 301 replaces the store's referral fee ratio, which determines the referral fee to the referring store, with the adjusted store's referral fee ratio obtained in step S610 (step S611 in FIG. 6).

[0212] If the reward type of the currently used coupon is not the point increase type and the determination in step S607 is NO, the processor 301 skips the series of processes from step S608 to step S611 and proceeds to step S612 in FIG.

[0213] After the process of step S611 or if the determination in step S607 is NO, the processor 301 updates the point balance in the user data 154 with the number of granted user points acquired in step S605 or increased in step S609 (step S612 in FIG. 7).

[0214] Specifically, the processor 301 updates the point balance of the user data 154 including the user ID in the user coupon data 157 including the user coupon ID received in step S601 by adding the number of user points granted (acquired points) acquired in step S605 or increased in step S609.

[0215] In this way, the user can earn points whether he / she uses a regular coupon or a premium coupon, and when he / she uses a point-increasing coupon, he / she can earn points increased at a rate equal to the point-granting multiplier.

[0216] Users can use these points to exchange for local specialty products, campaign items at local shopping malls, online gift certificates offered at online EC (Electronic Commerce) sites, etc. These point utilization technologies are generally well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0217] After the process of step S612, the processor 301 determines whether the coupon type acquired in step S606 is a regular coupon or a premium coupon (step S613 in FIG. 7).

[0218] If it is determined in step S613 that the coupon type of the used coupon is a regular coupon (the case of step S202 in FIG. 2), the processor 301 executes the following steps S614 and S615. These steps, together with steps S603 to S611 in FIG. 6, correspond to the first billing process 119 (#2) in FIG. 1.

[0219] First, the processor 301 calculates the entire referral fee acquired in step S605 of FIG. 6 as the first referral fee to be paid to the system operator for the use of the regular coupon (step S614 of FIG. 7).

[0220] Then, the processor 301 generates fee history data 159 received by the operator corresponding to the use of the regular coupon, in which the first referral fee to be paid to the system operator for the use of the regular coupon calculated in step S614 is set, and stores the data, for example, in the external storage device 304 of Figure 3 (step S615 of Figure 7).

[0221] The fee history data 159 received by the operator includes the fee history ID received by the operator, the fee, the coupon usage history ID, and the registration date and time.

[0222] Specifically, the processor 301 sets the first referral fee to be paid to the system operator for the use of the regular coupon calculated in step S614 as the fee in the fee history data 159 received by the operator that is newly generated. In addition, the processor 301 sets the coupon usage history ID set in the coupon usage history data 158 corresponding to the currently used regular coupon, which was generated in step S603 of Figure 6, as the coupon usage history ID of the newly generated fee history data 159 received by the operator. Furthermore, the processor 301 sets the current date and time as the registration date and time of the newly generated commission history data 159 received by the operator. Processor 301 sets the automatically generated fee history ID received by the operation as the fee history ID received by the operation of the newly generated fee history data 159 received by the operation.

[0223] In this way, the first referral fee paid to the system operator is registered as the fee history data 159 received by the operator, and the first referral fee for the use of the regular coupon shown in step S204 of Figure 2 is charged by the system operator (the case of step S204 of Figure 2).

[0224] After executing the processes of steps S614 and S615 in FIG. 7 for using the regular coupon in this manner, the processor 301 returns to the process of step S601 in FIG. 6, where the processor 301 waits for the user to use the coupon.

[0225] 7, if it is determined that the coupon type of the used coupon is a premium coupon (the case of step S205 or S209 in FIG. 2), the processor 301 executes a series of processes from step S616 to S619 below. These processes, together with steps S603 to S611 in FIG. 6, correspond to the second billing process (#3) in FIG. 1.

[0226] In the above series of processes, the processor 301 first calculates a second referral fee to be paid to the system operator for the use of the premium coupon by multiplying the total referral fee obtained in step S605 of FIG. 6 by the store referral fee rate obtained in step S605 or replaced by the adjusted store referral fee rate in step S611, and subtracting the result from the total referral fee (step S616 of FIG. 7). When a user uses a premium coupon introduced by another store to visit that store, the store will split the total referral fee and pay a second referral fee and a third referral fee to both the system operator that issued the premium coupon and the referring store (steps S207 and S208, or steps S211 and S212 in FIG. 2). The store's referral commission ratio is the ratio of the third referral commission paid to the referral source through that split to the total referral commission. As mentioned above, if the coupon reward type is a point increase type that increases the user's accumulated points, the system operating organization instead of the store will give the user a benefit for using the coupon, so the above-mentioned store's referral fee ratio is replaced with the adjusted store's referral fee ratio in step S610 of Figure 6 described above, and the second referral fee to be paid to the system operating organization is calculated in step S616 of Figure 7.

[0227] Then, the processor 301 generates fee history data 159 received by the operator, in which the second referral fee to be paid to the system operator for the use of the premium coupon calculated in step S616 is set, as in the case of the regular coupon in step S615, and stores the data, for example, in the external storage device 304 in Figure 3 (step S617 in Figure 7).

[0228] Specifically, the processor 301 sets the second referral fee to be paid to the system operator for the use of the premium coupon calculated in step S616 as the fee in the fee history data 159 newly generated by the operator. In addition, the processor 301 sets the coupon usage history ID set in the coupon usage history data 158 corresponding to the premium coupon used this time, which was generated in step S603 of Figure 6, as the coupon usage history ID of the newly generated fee history data 159 received by the operator. Furthermore, the processor 301 sets the current date and time as the registration date and time of the newly generated management-received fee history data 159. Processor 301 sets the automatically generated fee history ID received by the operation as the fee history ID received by the operation of the newly generated fee history data 159 received by the operation.

[0229] In this way, the second referral fee to be paid to the system operator is set in the fee history data 159 received by the operator, and the second referral fee for the use of the premium coupon shown in step S207 or step S211 of Figure 2 is charged by the system operator.

[0230] Next, processor 301 multiplies the total referral fee calculated in step S616 of FIG. 7 by the store's referral fee ratio, and calculates the result as a third referral fee to be paid to the referring store for the use of the premium coupon (step S618 of FIG. 7).

[0231] Then, the processor 301 generates new commission history data 160 received by the store, in which the third referral commission to be paid to the referring store for the use of the premium coupon calculated in step S618 is set, and stores the data, for example, in the external storage device 304 of FIG. 3 (step S619 of FIG. 6).

[0232] The commission history data 160 received by the store includes the commission history ID received by the store, the commission, the store ID of the introducing store, the coupon usage history ID, and the registration date and time.

[0233] Specifically, the processor 301 sets the third referral commission paid to the referral source store calculated in step S618 as the commission in the commission history data 160 received by the newly generated store. Furthermore, the processor 301 sets the store ID of the introducing store extracted in step S605 of FIG. 6 as the store ID of the newly generated commission history data 160 received by the store. Furthermore, processor 301 sets the coupon usage history ID set in coupon usage history data 158 corresponding to the premium coupon used this time, generated in step S603 of FIG. 6, as the coupon usage history ID of the newly generated fee history data 160 received by the store. Then, the processor 301 sets the current date and time as the registration date and time of the newly generated history data 160 of commission received by the shop. Processor 301 sets an automatically generated store-received fee history ID as the store-received fee history ID of the newly generated store-received fee history data 160.

[0234] In this way, the third referral fee paid to the referring store is registered as the fee history data 160 received by the store, and the third referral fee for the use of the premium coupon shown in step S208 or step S212 of FIG. 2 is paid not only to the system operator (step S207 or step S211 of FIG. 2) but also to the referring store.

[0235] In this manner, processor 301 executes a series of processes from steps S616 to S619 in FIG. 7 for the use of a premium coupon corresponding to steps S207 and S208 or steps S211 and S212 in FIG. 2, and then returns to the process of step S601 in FIG. 6, where processor 301 waits for the user to use the coupon.

[0236] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the tallying unit 121 in Fig. 1. This processing is processing in which the processor 301 loads a tallying unit processing program stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executes it. This processing corresponds to the processing of the tallying unit 121 in Fig. 1. In the processing of the tallying unit 121, the processor 301 of the coupon management server 101 executes the following two tallying processes.

[0237] As the first aggregation process, the processor 301 executes a process of tallying up, for example, on a monthly basis, the first referral fee and the second referral fee received by the operator as exemplified in steps S204, S207, and S211 of FIG. 2, which are recorded as the fee history data 159 received by the operator based on the user's use of regular coupons or premium coupons, and billing each store.

[0238] As a second aggregation process, processor 301 aggregates the third referral fees received by the stores as exemplified in steps S208 and S212 of FIG. 2, which are stored as fee history data 160 received by the stores based on the use of the premium coupon by the user, for example, on a monthly basis, and bills each store where the premium coupon was used, while also executing a process of settling the amount with each store that issued the premium coupon.

[0239] In the process of the flowchart exemplified in FIG. 9, the processor 301 first obtains a relationship between the fee history data 159 and the coupon usage history data 158 received by the operator, using the coupon usage history ID as a key. Next, the processor 301 establishes a relation between the coupon usage history data 158 and the coupon data 156 using the coupon ID as a key. Furthermore, the processor 301 obtains a relation between the coupon data 156 and the store data 155 using the store ID as a key (step S901 in FIG. 9). A method of establishing relationships between data using each of the above IDs as a key can be realized, for example, by configuring each data as each table of an SQL (Structured Query Language) database, and establishing table relationships between common database items corresponding to the ID items used as the above keys set in each table.

[0240] The processor 301 simultaneously takes the three relations set in step S901, and then searches the fee history data 159 received by the operation whose registration date and time falls within the range of the billing month, sorting it in order of store ID in the store data 155, then in order of registration date and time in the fee history data 159 received by the operation, and then in order of coupon ID in the coupon usage history data 158, and extracts table data, for example, consisting of store ID, registration date and time, coupon ID, and fee data, as exemplified by the list table of the first aggregation process in Figure 10(a). In the list of the first aggregation process illustrated in Figure 10(a), data is extracted by store ID, by registration date and time within the same store ID group, and by coupon ID order within the same registration date and time group (above, step S902 in Figure 9). The search and extraction process in step S902 can also be realized by expanding the above data into each table of the above SQL database and performing search and extraction using an SQL statement.

[0241] Processor 301 calculates the first and second referral fees received by the operator as exemplified in steps S204, S207, and S211 of Figure 2 based on the user's use of regular coupons or premium coupons, to be charged to the store corresponding to each store ID in the target month, by adding up the fees (first referral fee and second referral fee) for each store ID group in the table data of the list of the first aggregation process output in step S902 (step S903 in Figure 9). Each shop pays the amount charged in the process of step S903 to the system operating organization as a commission to be received by the operator.

[0242] Next, the processor 301 uses the coupon usage history ID as a key to establish a relationship between the fee history data 159 received by the operator and the coupon usage history data 158 . Next, the processor 301 establishes a relation between the coupon usage history data 158 and the coupon data 156 using the coupon ID as a key. Furthermore, the processor 301 obtains a relation between the coupon data 156 and the store data 155 using the store ID as a key (step S904 in FIG. 9). The method of establishing relationships between data using the IDs as keys can be realized, for example, by a method using an SQL database, similar to the case of step S901.

[0243] Processor 301 simultaneously takes the three relations set in step S904, and then searches the commission history data 160 received by stores whose registration dates and times in Figure 1 are within the range of the billing month, sorting them in order of the store ID of the referred store (the store where the premium coupon was used) in store data 155, then in order of the registration date and time of the commission history data 160 received by the store, and then in order of the coupon ID in coupon usage history data 158, and extracts table data, for example, consisting of the store ID of the referred store, the registration date and time, the coupon ID, and the commission data, as exemplified by the first list of the second aggregation process in Figure 10(b). In the first list of the second aggregation process illustrated in Figure 10(b), data is extracted by the store ID of the referred store (the store where the premium coupon was used), by registration date and time within the same store ID group, and by coupon ID order within the same registration date and time group (above, step S905 in Figure 9). The search and extraction process in step S905 above can also be implemented in the same manner as in step S902 described above, by expanding the above data into the tables of the above SQL database and carrying out search and extraction processes using SQL statements.

[0244] Processor 301 calculates the total of the third referral fees to be paid to the referring stores (stores that issued the premium coupons) illustrated in steps S208 and S212 of Figure 2 based on the user's use of the premium coupon, and to be charged to the stores corresponding to each store ID in the target month, by adding up the fees (third referral fees) for each store ID group of the referred stores (stores where the premium coupons were used) in the table data of the first list of the second aggregation process output in step S905 (step S906 in Figure 9). Each referred store (store where the premium coupon was used) pays the amount calculated in step S906 to the system operating organization acting on behalf of the referred store as the total of the third referral commission to be paid to the referral source.

[0245] Furthermore, processor 301 simultaneously takes the three relations set in step S904, and then searches commission history data 160 received by stores whose registration dates and times are within the range of the billing month, sorting them in order of the store ID of the introducing store (the store that issued the premium coupon) in the commission history data 160 received by the store, then in order of the registration date and time of the commission history data 160 received by the store, and then in order of the coupon ID of coupon usage history data 158, and extracts table data, for example, consisting of the store ID of the introducing store, the registration date and time, the coupon ID, and the commission data, which is exemplified as the second list of the second aggregation process in Figure 10(c). In the second list of the second aggregation process illustrated in Figure 10(c), data is extracted by the store ID of the referring store (the store that issued the premium coupon), by registration date and time within the same store ID group, and by coupon ID order within the same registration date and time group (above, step S907 in Figure 9). The search and extraction process in step S907, like the above-mentioned steps S902 and S905, can be realized as a search and extraction process using an SQL statement by expanding the above-mentioned data into each table of the above-mentioned SQL database, for example.

[0246] Processor 301 calculates the total of the third referral fees to be settled to each referring store illustrated in steps S208 and S212 of FIG. 2 based on the user's use of the premium coupon in the target month by adding up the fees for each store ID group of the referring store (store that issued the premium coupon) in the table data of the second list of the second aggregation process output in step S907 (step S908 in FIG. 9). Each introducing store that has issued the premium coupon receives the amount calculated in step S908 from the system operating organization acting on behalf of the introducing store as the total of the third commission it receives as an introducing store. The system operating organization subtracts the total amount of the third introduction fee calculated in the calculation process of step S908 from the total amount of the first introduction fee and the second introduction fee, for example, for each month, that the introducing store should pay to the system operating organization, calculated in the calculation process of step S903, and the introducing store pays the amount resulting from this subtraction to the system operating organization. If the subtraction results in a negative amount, the negative amount is subtracted in the following month from the total amount of the first introduction fee and the second introduction fee, for example, for each month, calculated in the calculation process of step S903, to settle the amount. As mentioned above, instead of the above settlement, each store may apply to the system operating organization for an immediate transfer request for the third referral fee that can be earned when the store itself becomes a referral source from a store management homepage (not shown in the figure, for example, My Page), and the third referral fee may be received in cash by bank transfer within 1 to 3 business days. In this case, the amount transferred from the system operating organization may be, for example, The total amount of third referral fees to be paid to the store in the target month × Instant transfer fee ratio (e.g., 0.7~0.8) -Bank transfer fees It is said.

[0247] The following describes the second coupon distribution unit 124 using the QR (two-dimensional) code in the coupon management server 101 of Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the second coupon distribution unit 124 using the QR code (registered trademark).

[0248] For example, when the coupon management system 100 of the embodiment is introduced in a specific region, in order to promote the use of coupons by users in that region, the system operating organization issues a QR code (registered trademark) (two-dimensional code) to each store in that region, which has an embedded URL for downloading and installing the above-mentioned application from a specified application store website to the user terminal 104 via the network 106 in FIG. 1 (step S1101 in FIG. 11). Each store places the distributed QR code (registered trademark) in a conspicuous location in the store, such as on a table or at a cash register (step S1102 in FIG. 11).

[0249] This QR code (registered trademark) is read by a user terminal such as a smartphone of a customer who visits the store, and the app is downloaded and installed. The user starts up this app, and on the information input screen of the app, inputs, for example, a user name, an email address, and the like, as well as the QR code (registered trademark) and a store code (for example, the aforementioned store ID) that identifies the store (step S1103 in FIG. 11). The store code may be embedded in the QR code (registered trademark) in advance.

[0250] As a result, as described above in the explanation of Figure 1, the application execution unit 122 in Figure 1, which is a function in which a processor (not specifically shown) in the user terminal 104 executes the application, notifies the user information and store code entered by the user on the information input screen of the application from the user terminal 104 to the user registration unit 117 of the coupon management server 101 via the network 106.

[0251] The user registration unit 117 generates user data 154 that consolidates the user information notified from the user terminal 104 as described above, and stores the user data 154 in the external storage device 304, for example.

[0252] Next, in the coupon management server 101, the second coupon distribution unit 124 using a QR code (registered trademark) issues a second coupon (premium coupon) that can be used at other stores introduced by the store corresponding to the user ID set in the user data 154 generated in the user registration unit 117 and the store ID, which is the notified store code, and distributes the second coupon to the user terminal 104 on which the app is installed.

[0253] For example, as shown in step S1104 of FIG. 11, similar to the case of step S203 of FIG. 2, a second coupon, a premium coupon with a benefit such as "one free cup of gym protein + 10 minutes extension" that can be used at a second recommended store (e.g., a gym) in a shopping district in the same area introduced by the first store whose QR code (registered trademark) is read by the user, is issued and distributed to the user terminal 104 of the user who used the regular coupon in step S202. At this time, similar to the second coupon distribution process 119 (#1) of the coupon usage response unit 119 described above, premium coupons for several stores are displayed on the user terminal 104 as second stores that the first store (e.g., a restaurant) has partnered with and introduced, and the user can select a favorite store from among them (e.g., a gym) as the second store. As a result, a premium coupon corresponding to the second store selected by the user is issued and distributed to the user terminal 104. As in step S203 in FIG. 2, in step S1104 in FIG. 11, points, such as "10 points earned," are awarded to the user together with the distribution of the premium coupon.

[0254] In this way, by scanning the QR code (registered trademark) installed in the first store and downloading and installing the app, the user can obtain a premium coupon that can be used at, for example, a second store introduced by the first store, and can also earn points.

[0255] Here, when the app is downloaded and installed on the user terminal 104, or when a coupon is used for the first time at a store using the app, the second coupon distribution unit 124 using QR code (registered trademark) can, in addition to distributing the second coupon (premium coupon) described above, pay or settle the payment of an app download promotion reward, such as "105 yen," to the first store that has installed the QR code (registered trademark) (step S1105 in FIG. 11).

[0256] The operations performed when a user uses the premium coupon distributed as described above at another store, such as the second store in FIG. 11, are shown in steps S205 to S208 in FIG. 11, similar to the case of FIG. 2 described above.

[0257] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of process 1 (FIG. 12(a)) of the second coupon distribution unit 124 using the QR code (registered trademark) of FIG. 1, and process 2 (FIG. 12(b)) of the second coupon distribution unit 124 using the QR code (registered trademark) to receive a request from the user terminal 104. First, a process 1 of the second coupon distribution unit 124 using the QR code (registered trademark) in FIG. 12(a) will be described.

[0258] First, the processor 301 waits until it receives user information and a store ID, which is a store code, from the user terminal 104 (repeated NO determination in step S1201 in FIG. 12).

[0259] Next, the processor 301 generates user data 154 including the user information notified to the user terminal 104 in step S1201, such as an email address and a user name, and stores the user data 154 in, for example, the external storage device 204 (step S1202 in FIG. 12). As the user ID, for example, an automatically generated user ID is set, or an email address notified from the application may be set as the user ID. The initial point balance is set to 0 (zero).

[0260] Then, in step S1203, the processor 301 searches for the aforementioned recommendation data 161 that includes the store ID read from the QR code (registered trademark) received in step S1201 as the "recommended store ID," and repeatedly executes the series of processes from steps S1203 to S1208 while the search is successful in step S1204, i.e., while the recommendation data 161 for all other stores that the store wishes to introduce is detected. This series of processes is similar to the series of processes from steps S802 to S807 in FIG.

[0261] In this series of processes, first, the processor 301 extracts the "introduced store ID" and the "introduction text of the listed store" from the introduction data 161 corresponding to one other store that the processor 301 wishes to introduce, searched for in step S1203 (step S1205 in FIG. 12).

[0262] Next, the processor 301 extracts store information such as a valid premium coupon ID, store name, store description information, address, telephone number, SNS URL of the store, and a map display based on latitude and longitude from the store data 155 that includes the "introduced store ID" as a store ID (step S1206 in FIG. 12).

[0263] Next, the processor 301 obtains coupon information related to the premium coupon from the coupon data 156 that includes the valid premium coupon ID as the coupon ID, such as the coupon name, coupon description information, reward type (fixed amount discount / percentage discount / free / increased points, etc.), and free product when the free coupon is applied (step S1207 in FIG. 12).

[0264] Then, processor 301 creates a premium coupon candidate data set including the store information extracted in step S1206, the introduction of the affiliated store extracted in step S1205, and the coupon information related to the premium coupon extracted in step S1207, as well as the valid premium coupon ID extracted in step S1206 and the user ID set in user data 154 generated in step S1202 (step S1208 in FIG. 12).

[0265] Then, the processor 301 returns to the search process of step S1203.

[0266] If, as a result of repeatedly executing the series of processes from steps S1203 to S1208, it is determined in step S1204 that the search is not successful (the judgment is NO), that is, that detection of the recommendation data 161 for all other stores that the store wishes to recommend has been completed, the processor 301 transmits the premium coupon candidate data set created in step S1208 for all other stores that the store wishes to recommend to the user terminal 104 corresponding to the user information received in step S1201 (step S1209 in FIG. 12).

[0267] The application execution unit 122 of the user terminal 104 of FIG. 1 that has read the QR code (registered trademark) and installed the application receives the premium coupon candidate data set transmitted in step S1209 by the second coupon distribution unit 124 via QR code (registered trademark). As a result, the application execution unit 122 displays, on the application screen on the display of the user terminal 104, store information and descriptions of multiple affiliated stores introduced by the store where the QR code (registered trademark) is installed, as well as coupon information for premium coupons that can be used at those affiliated stores, and displays a screen that prompts the user to select one pair of affiliated stores and a premium coupon that can be used there.

[0268] The user selects one of the partner stores and a premium coupon that can be used there on the above-mentioned selection screen on the user terminal 104. As a result, the application execution unit 122 returns, for example, the valid premium coupon ID and the user ID (see step S1208 in FIG. 12) included in the premium coupon candidate data set corresponding to the partner store selected by the user and the premium coupon that can be used there.

[0269] In response to the reply from the user terminal 104 described above, the processor 301 receives the reply from the user terminal 104 by the program of process 2 of the second coupon distribution unit 124 using QR code (registered trademark) as exemplified in the flowchart of FIG. 12(b). The processor 301 constantly executes the program for the process 2 of the second coupon distribution unit 124 using this QR code (registered trademark).

[0270] In the flowchart of FIG. 12(b), the processor 301 first waits until a reply is received from the user terminal 104 (repeated NO determinations in step S1210 in FIG. 12).

[0271] Furthermore, the processor 301 newly generates user coupon data 157 corresponding to the premium coupon in which the user ID set in the user data 154 generated in step S1202 is set as the user ID, the valid premium coupon ID extracted in step S1203 is set as the coupon ID, and the current date and time is set as the acquisition date and time, and stores the data in, for example, the external storage device 304 of FIG. 3. The processor 301 sets the automatically generated user coupon ID as the user coupon ID of the newly generated user coupon data 157 (above, step S1204 in FIG. 8).

[0272] Then, the processor 301 notifies the application of the user terminal 104 corresponding to the user ID acquired in step S1204 of information indicating that a new premium coupon has been distributed (step S1212 in FIG. 12). As a result, a pop-up notification or the like is displayed in the application of the user terminal 104 indicating that a new premium coupon has been distributed. Thereafter, the processor 301 returns to the standby process of step S1210.

[0273] As described above in the explanation of step S1105 in FIG. 11, the processor 301 can pay the application download promotion reward or perform settlement in a similar manner as described above to the store corresponding to the store ID notified from the user terminal 104 in step S1201 in FIG. 12.

[0274] Specifically, in accordance with the policy of the system operating organization, at either the time when the app is downloaded and installed on the user terminal 104 or the time when a coupon is used for the first time at a store using the app, the processor 301 records, for example, the store ID notified from the user terminal 104 in step 1201 of FIG. 12, the user ID set in the user data 154 generated in step S1202, and the date and time as app download promotion reward history data (not shown), and then tallys up this by month and by store, and makes payments to each store or settles the accounts for payment.

[0275] Here, when a store that has installed a QR code (registered trademark) wishes to receive the app download promotion reward through settlement, as described above, the system operating organization subtracts the total amount of the monthly app download promotion reward from the total amount of the first and second referral fees, for example, for each month, that should be paid to the system operating organization as a result of the use of the regular coupon or premium coupon at the store that has installed the QR code (registered trademark), and the store pays the amount resulting from this subtraction to the system operating organization. Note that if the result of this subtraction is negative, the negative amount is subtracted from the total amount of the first and second referral fees, for example, for each month, for settlement.

[0276] Furthermore, if a store that has installed a QR code (registered trademark) wishes to receive the app download promotion reward in cash, as described above, the store may be able to make an application download promotion reward immediate transfer request to the system operating organization from a store management homepage (not shown in the figure, for example, My Page), and receive the reward in cash via bank transfer within 1 to 3 business days. In this case, the amount transferred from the system operating organization may be, for example, The total amount of app download promotion fees to be paid to the store in the target month × Instant transfer fee ratio (e.g., 0.7~0.8) -Bank transfer fees It is acceptable to do so.

[0277] The amount of the application download promotion reward may be an amount determined in advance by the system operating organization, or may be set as amount data for each store in the above-mentioned customer unit price category data 152.

[0278] As described above, during special campaigns such as regional launches, when an app is downloaded and installed on a user terminal 104 via a QR code (registered trademark) installed in a store, a premium coupon is issued to the user and points are awarded, and a reward for promoting the app download is paid to the store, making it possible to implement a strategy to ensure that coupons are widely distributed in that region, etc.

[0279] The above-described embodiment of the present invention has the effect that users can develop new stores at a good price, and stores can acquire new customers, support other stores, and receive multi-store introduction fees. As a result, it becomes possible to distribute and use coupons that can be both strategic and introduce between stores. [Explanation of symbols]

[0280] 100 Coupon Management System 101 Coupon Management Server 102 System administrator terminal 103 Store operator terminal 104 User terminal 105 Store terminal 106 Network 110 System Login Management Department 111 Area Registration Department 112 Customer unit price category registration section 113 Store Registration Department 114 Store Login Management Department 115 Store Editorial Department 116 Coupon Registration Section 117 User Registration Section 118 First Coupon Distribution Section 119 Coupon Use Department 120 Coupon display section 121 Counting Department 122 Application execution unit 123 Coupon information transmission unit 124 QR Code (registered trademark) second coupon distribution section 150 System Administrator Data 151 Area Data 152 Customer unit price category data 153 Store operator data 154 User Data 155 Store Data 156 Coupon Data 157 User coupon data 159 Commission history data received by management Historical data on commissions received by 160 stores 161 Referral Data

Claims

1. a first coupon distribution unit that issues a first coupon and distributes it to a user terminal operated by a user; a process of issuing a new coupon usable at other stores introduced by the store as the second coupon when the user uses the first coupon or the second coupon distributed to the user terminal of the user who used the first coupon or the second coupon at the store; and a first charging process for calculating a first referral fee to be received by the system operating organization for the use of the first coupon when the user uses the first coupon at the store, and charging the store where the first coupon was used; a second billing process for calculating a second referral fee to be received by the system operating organization for the use of the second coupon when the user uses the second coupon at the store, and a third referral fee to be received by the store that issued the second coupon used, and billing the store where the second coupon was used; A coupon usage section that executes the above; A coupon management system comprising:

2. storing an area in which the store is located in association with the store; storing one or more areas set by the user via the user terminal as a user area in correspondence with the user; The coupon usage support unit, which executes the distribution process of the first coupon distribution unit and the second coupon, distributes to the user terminal the first coupon or the second coupon that can be used in a store whose area matches or is nearby any of the user areas. The coupon management system according to claim 1 .

3. 2. The coupon management system of claim 1, wherein the coupon usage support unit, in the second coupon distribution process, presents to the user terminal a set of information regarding one or more of the other stores introduced by the store and information regarding the second coupon that can be used at the other stores, issues a new second coupon that can be used at the other store selected from the presented information at the user terminal, and distributes the new second coupon to the user terminal.

4. A total referral fee and a ratio of the second referral fee to the total referral fee are set and stored as a store-side referral fee ratio for the store to refer to; The coupon usage support unit includes: When the first charging process is executed, the total referral fee set and stored in association with the store where the first coupon was used is charged as the first referral fee; When the second charging process is executed, the total referral fee set corresponding to the store where the second coupon was used is multiplied by the store-side referral fee ratio to obtain a multiplication result, which is charged as the third referral fee, and the amount obtained by subtracting the multiplication result from the total referral fee is charged as the second referral fee. The coupon management system according to claim 1 .

5. A customer unit price category for classifying the customer unit price of each store is set and stored; A set of the total introduction fee and the store introduction fee ratio is set and stored in correspondence with each of one or more customer unit price categories; the coupon usage handling unit executes the first charging process or the second charging process by using a set of the total referral fee and the store-side referral fee ratio that is set and stored in correspondence with the customer unit price category that is set and stored in the store where the first coupon or the second coupon is used. The coupon management system according to claim 4.

6. For each of the first coupon and the second coupon, set and store a reward type, which is a type of reward benefit that the user will receive when the coupon is used by the user, and set and store an adjusted store referral commission rate for the second coupon; When executing the second charging process, if the type of the reward benefit set in the second coupon used at the store is the above-mentioned point increase type, the coupon usage response unit replaces the store-side referral commission rate set and stored corresponding to the store with the adjusted store-side referral commission rate set and stored corresponding to the second coupon, and calculates the second referral commission and the third referral commission. The coupon management system according to claim 4.

7. A number of points to be awarded to a user is set and stored in correspondence with the store; setting and storing a point award rate corresponding to the first coupon and the second coupon; The coupon usage support unit includes: The number of points to be awarded to the user, which is set and stored in correspondence with the store where the first coupon or the second coupon was used, is awarded and stored in correspondence with the user; When the type of the reward benefit set in the reward type of the first coupon or the second coupon used at the store is the point increase type, the number of user points to be awarded, which is set and stored in correspondence with the store, is multiplied by the point awarding rate, which is set and stored in correspondence with the first coupon or the second coupon, and the number of points obtained by multiplying the number of points obtained by multiplying the number of user points to be awarded, which is set and stored in correspondence with the first coupon or the second coupon, is awarded and stored in correspondence with the user who used the first coupon or the second coupon. The coupon management system according to claim 6.

8. The first referral fee charged in the first charging process executed by the coupon usage response unit and the second referral fee charged in the second charging process, The amount is calculated so that it can be claimed for each store. The third referral fee charged in the second charging process executed by the coupon usage handling unit is totaled so that it can be claimed for each referred store and is also totaled so that it can be paid for each referred store. Further comprising a counting unit. The coupon management system according to claim 1 .

9. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal includes an application execution unit that executes an application program that displays, on a display of the user terminal, information about the first coupon distributed by the first coupon distribution unit or the second coupon distributed by the second coupon distribution process of the coupon usage support unit.

10. 10. The coupon management system of claim 9, further comprising a used coupon information sending unit provided in the app execution unit of a store terminal installed in the store or the user terminal, and sending information regarding the first coupon or the second coupon used in the store to the coupon usage response unit.

11. a two-dimensional code that is installed in the store and has an embedded URL for allowing the user to download and install the application from a predetermined application store website to the user terminal is read by the user terminal, the application is downloaded and installed, and when a store code that identifies the store in which the two-dimensional code is installed is input, the second coupon is issued and newly distributed to the user terminal; When the two-dimensional code is read by the user terminal and the app is downloaded and installed, or when a coupon is used for the first time at a store using the app, a payment of an app download promotion reward or a settlement for said payment is made to the store that has the two-dimensional code installed. The coupon management system according to claim 9, further comprising a second coupon distribution unit using a two-dimensional code.

12. A coupon issued by the system and distributed to a user terminal operated by a user is defined as a first coupon, and a coupon issued by a store and distributed to the user terminal is defined as a second coupon. a first coupon distribution process for issuing and distributing the first coupon to the user terminal; a second coupon distribution process for issuing a second coupon that can be used at other stores introduced by the store when the user uses the first coupon or the second coupon at the store, and distributing the second coupon to the user terminal of the user who used the first coupon or the second coupon; a first charging process for charging the store where the first coupon is used a first referral fee that the system operating organization should receive for the use of the first coupon when the user uses the first coupon at the store; a second charging process for charging the store where the second coupon is used, when the user uses the second coupon at the store, a second referral fee to be received by the system operating organization for the use of the second coupon and a third referral fee to be received by the store that issued the second coupon where the second coupon is used; A coupon management method to be implemented.

13. A coupon issued by the system and distributed to a user terminal operated by a user is defined as a first coupon, and a coupon issued by a store and distributed to the user terminal is defined as a second coupon. a first coupon distribution process for issuing and distributing the first coupon to the user terminal; a second coupon distribution process for issuing a second coupon that can be used at other stores introduced by the store when the user uses the first coupon or the second coupon at the store, and distributing the second coupon to the user terminal of the user who used the first coupon or the second coupon; a first charging process for charging the store where the first coupon is used a first referral fee that the system operating organization should receive for the use of the first coupon when the user uses the first coupon at the store; a second charging process for charging the store where the second coupon is used, when the user uses the second coupon at the store, a second referral fee to be received by the system operating organization for the use of the second coupon and a third referral fee to be received by the store that issued the second coupon where the second coupon is used; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

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