Service providing device, service providing method, service providing program, program for user terminal device, service providing system, and user terminal device

Abstract

To provide a technique that can increase the stay time at a facility by a user who uses a benefit for inducing facility use.SOLUTION: An exemplary service providing device of the present invention distributes a benefit that sets, as a use condition, a required stay time during which a user must stay at a facility, and sets a penalty for a violation of the use condition related to the benefit on a user who has used the benefit and whose stay time at the facility is shorter than the required stay time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for distributing rewards such as points and coupons to attract visitors to facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for giving users rewards such as points according to the length of time they stay in a facility, with the aim of guiding them to a facility such as a store (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for dispersing congestion in a predetermined area (such as a store) by calculating points to be distributed based on the length of time the user stays in the predetermined area (such as a store) and the congestion rate of the predetermined area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-27087 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, facilities that distribute special offers (coupons) want users to stay at the facility for a long time and make full use of the facility (shopping, dining, etc.). For example, when distributing special offers to attract users to a facility in order to reduce congestion on roads around an event venue or at the nearest station, it is necessary to have users stay at the facility for a certain period of time. In other words, simply attracting users to a facility is not enough; a system is needed to encourage users to stay at the facility long enough to reduce congestion. If such a system could be realized, the facility could also expect benefits such as increased sales.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables users who use facility use incentives to stay longer at a facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An exemplary service providing device of the present invention distributes a benefit that sets a required stay time, which is the amount of time a user must stay at a facility, as a condition of use, and imposes a penalty related to the benefit on users who violate the conditions of use by staying at the facility for less than the required stay time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the exemplary present invention, users can obtain benefits that can be used at a facility before visiting the facility. This is expected to increase the number of users who consider staying at a facility using the benefits, and as a result, the number of users of the benefits can be expected to increase. Furthermore, according to the exemplary present invention, since users who stay for a short period of time are penalized, it is expected that users will try to stay at the facility for at least the required time to avoid being penalized. As a result of the above, it is expected that the number of users who stay at the facility for a long period of time in order to use the benefits will increase, which can, for example, disperse people and improve the effectiveness of using the benefits to alleviate congestion. Furthermore, the facility can expect to see an increase in sales. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a service providing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a service providing device; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user information table. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a facility information table; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a benefit information table. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a time-conditional benefit [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a penalty setting process flow. [Figure 8]Flowchart illustrating an example of an operation flow related to a penalty in a user terminal device [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a service providing device according to a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <1. Service provision system overview> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a service provision system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The service provision system 100 is a system that provides services to users registered in the system. In detail, the provision of services includes granting to users benefits provided by facilities participating in the service provision system 100. In other words, the service provision system 100 can be referred to as a benefit provision system. Benefits are provided with the aim of guiding users to facilities.

[0011] It should be noted that the term "benefit" broadly includes anything that provides special treatment. Benefits are provided, for example, to promote the sale of products or the use of services. Benefits may be, for example, coupons or points that can be used at facilities such as stores. Coupons are, for example, exchange vouchers, discount coupons, and complimentary coupons. Benefits are provided, for example, for each facility such as a store. Furthermore, the facility that provides the benefit is not limited to an individual store, but may also be a complex that includes multiple stores, such as a shopping center, shopping mall, or shopping district. Benefits provided by a complex facility may be common to multiple stores, etc. included in the complex facility.

[0012] As an example, the service provision system 100 is used as a system (people flow control system) that controls the flow of people exiting a venue where an event is held (event venue). The service provision system 100 used in this way can also be called a people flow control system. In the service provision system 100 used as a people flow control system, benefits are provided for the purpose of directing people flow to alleviate congestion. Benefits are provided in accordance with the holding of an event. Those who receive the benefits are expected to stop by facilities located around the event venue or the nearest station. It is also expected that those who receive the benefits will stop by the facilities, thereby alleviating congestion on roads, stations, etc. around the event venue.

[0013] An event is, for example, a sporting event, an artist concert, etc. An event venue is a venue where a sporting event or a concert is held, and is a place where many people gather.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the service providing system 100 of this embodiment includes a service providing device 1, a user terminal device 2, and a facility device 3.

[0015] The service providing device 1 grants privileges to users who use the service providing system 100, with the aim of controlling (guiding) people flow to alleviate congestion, and performs processing related thereto. The service providing device 1 can also be called a privilege granting device or a people flow control device. The service providing device 1 is provided so as to be connectable to a communication network 4, such as the Internet or a telephone network, by wire or wirelessly. Details of the service providing device 1 will be described later.

[0016] The user terminal device 2 is a terminal device used by each user who registers with the service providing system 100. In this embodiment, the users are participants in the event. The user terminal device 2 is a mobile terminal device carried by each user who participates in the event. The user terminal device 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a laptop computer.

[0017] In detail, the user terminal device 2 comprises a controller including a processor that performs arithmetic processing, and a memory that stores programs and various data (neither of which is shown). The various functions of the user terminal device 2 are obtained by the controller (computer device) executing arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs stored in the memory. The user terminal device 2 also comprises a display unit that displays information, a communication unit that enables communication with the service providing device 1 and a beacon device 32 (described later), and an input unit that inputs commands (neither of which is shown).

[0018] The user terminal device 2 is provided so as to be connectable to the communication network 4 by wire or wirelessly (preferably wirelessly). The user terminal device 2 is capable of communicating with the service providing device 1 via the communication network 4. The user terminal device 2 appropriately transmits user information, which is information relating to the user, to the service providing device 1 via the communication network 4. The user terminal device 2 is provided so as to be able to receive various information relating to benefits from the service providing device 1.

[0019] In this embodiment, application software (app) required to use the service providing system 100 is installed in the user terminal device 2 by downloading or the like. A user can receive a benefit from the service providing device 1 by using the app installed in the user terminal device 2.

[0020] 1 shows only one user terminal device 2 connectable to the communication network 4. However, the number of user terminal devices 2 connectable to the communication network 4 is usually plural.

[0021] The facility device 3 is a device installed in a facility that participates (registers) in the service providing system 100. In this embodiment, the facility is located, for example, near an event venue or near a transportation stop (such as a station) that is closest to the event venue. The facility is located, for example, between the event venue and the nearest station. The facility is, for example, a restaurant, a general store, an entertainment facility, or a complex that combines these.

[0022] In detail, the facility device 3 includes a usage information transmitting device 31 and a beacon device 32. That is, the service providing system 100 includes the usage information transmitting device 31 and the beacon device 32. Of the usage information transmitting device 31 and the beacon device 32, at least the usage information transmitting device 31 is provided so as to be connectable to the communication network 4 by wire or wirelessly. Of the usage information transmitting device 31 and the beacon device 32, at least the usage information transmitting device 31 is capable of communicating with the service providing device 1 via the communication network 4. Note that only one facility device 3 connected to the communication network 4 is shown in FIG. 1 . However, the number of facility devices 3 provided so as to be connectable to the communication network 4 is usually plural.

[0023] The usage information transmitting device 31 transmits benefit usage information to the service providing device 1. The benefit usage information is benefit usage information of a user registered in the service providing system 100, and more specifically, is a usage log showing the user's benefit usage history. The usage log includes, for example, the benefit ID (Identification Data), the ID of the user who used the benefit, the ID of the facility where the benefit was used, and the time the benefit was used. An example of a method by which the usage information transmitting device 31 acquires the benefit usage log will be described later. The service providing device 1 determines the user's use of a benefit based on the information (usage log) from the usage information transmitting device 31. The usage information transmitting device 31 can be configured to be provided in a settlement device installed in the facility, for example.

[0024] Note that the privilege usage information may be transmitted from the user terminal device 2 to the service providing device 1, rather than from a device provided in the facility. That is, the user terminal device 2 may also serve as the usage information transmitting device. In such a configuration, the facility device 3 does not need to be provided with the usage information transmitting device 31. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the facility device 3 is provided with the usage information transmitting device 31 and the facility that provides the privilege is a complex, it is preferable that the usage information transmitting device 31 be installed in each store (facility) included in the complex.

[0025] The beacon device 32 is provided to determine (estimate) the length of time a user stays at a facility. The beacon device 32 is placed at an appropriate location in the facility. Specifically, the beacon device 32 is placed at the entrance / exit of the facility. Here, placing the beacon device 32 at the entrance / exit includes placing the beacon device 32 at each of the entrance and exit, and placing the beacon device 32 at a single entrance that serves as both the entrance and exit. If the facility is a complex, the beacon device 32 may be placed at the entrance / exit of each store (facility) included in the complex, or at the entrance / exit of the entire complex.

[0026] The beacon device 32 transmits a beacon signal at a predetermined interval (for example, several hundred msec to several tens of sec). A short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used to transmit the beacon signal. The user terminal device 2 is provided so as to be able to receive the beacon signal from the beacon device 32. When the user terminal device 2 receives the beacon signal, it transmits to the service providing device 1 a reception result including the reception time of the beacon signal and the ID of the beacon device 32 that transmitted the beacon signal (beacon device ID described later).

[0027] Since the beacon device 32 is arranged at the entrance and exit of the facility, the service providing device 1 can obtain the user's time of entry into the facility and the time of exit from the facility by information transmission from the user terminal device 2 in response to reception of a signal from the beacon device 32. For example, assume that the beacon device 32 is arranged at one entrance that serves as both the entrance and exit of a certain facility (facility A). If there is a transmission from the user terminal device 2 in response to reception of a signal from the beacon device 32 arranged in facility A when there is no record of the entry time into facility A, the service providing device 1 presumes that the user entered facility A at the time the beacon signal was received from the user terminal device 2. If there is a transmission from the user terminal device 2 in response to reception of a signal from the beacon device 32 arranged in facility A when there is already a record of the entry time into facility A, the service providing device 1 presumes that the user exited facility A at the time the beacon signal was received from the user terminal device 2. Then, from these two times (entrance time and exit time), the service providing device 1 can obtain (estimate) the user's stay time in facility A. That is, the service providing device 1 can estimate the length of time the user will stay at the facility based on the information from the user terminal device 2.

[0028] In addition, if beacon devices 32 are placed at both the entrance and exit of a facility, the time of entry and exit to the facility can be obtained by assigning separate IDs to the beacon devices 32 at the entrance and the beacon devices 32 at the exit.

[0029] In the example shown above, the user terminal device 2 that receives the beacon signal from the beacon device 32 transmits information to the service providing device 1, but this is an example. The beacon device 32 may transmit information to the service providing device 1 in response to a reply from the user terminal device 2 that receives the beacon signal from the beacon device 32. In this case, too, it can be said that the service providing device 1 estimates the user's staying time at the facility based on the information from the user terminal device 2, albeit indirectly.

[0030] Furthermore, the user's stay time at a facility may be estimated using a location information acquisition function of the user terminal device 2, without using the beacon device 32. The location information acquisition function can be obtained, for example, by providing the user terminal device 2 with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. For example, the time the user entered and left the facility can be estimated from the relationship between the location of the user terminal device 2 (user) obtained using the GPS receiver and the location of the facility in pre-stored map information, and the user's stay time at the facility can be estimated. When the location information acquisition function of the user terminal device 2 is used, the facility device 3 does not need to be equipped with a beacon device 32.

[0031] As can be seen from the above description, the facility device 3 is not essential to the service providing system 100, and the service providing system 100 may be configured without the facility device 3. In addition, the facility device 3 may be configured to include only either the usage information transmitting device 31 or the beacon device 32.

[0032] <2. Service providing device> The service providing device 1 of this embodiment is a server configured by a computer device. The service providing device 1 may be a physical server or a cloud server. The service providing device 1 may be configured by a single server or by multiple servers. The service providing device 1 may also be configured not only by a server, but also by a server and a terminal that is capable of communicating with the server.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a service providing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 2 shows components necessary for explaining the features of the service providing device 1 according to the embodiment, and a description of general components is omitted. As shown in Fig. 2, the service providing device 1 includes a controller 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. Note that the service providing device 1 may also include an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a display.

[0034] The controller 11 is configured to include an arithmetic circuit that performs arithmetic processing. More specifically, the controller 11 includes a processor that performs arithmetic processing and the like. The processor may be configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 11 may be configured with one processor or multiple processors. When configured with multiple processors, the processors only need to be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0035] The memory 12 is configured to include volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. The volatile memory is specifically RAM (Random Access Memory). The nonvolatile memory is specifically ROM (Read Only Memory). The nonvolatile memory may also include flash memory or a hard disk drive. The nonvolatile memory stores computer-readable programs (computer programs) and data. The computer programs include a service provision program 121, which will be described later. The data includes a user information table 122, a facility information table 123, and a benefit information table 124, which will be described later.

[0036] The communication unit 13 is configured as a communication interface having an interface circuit for connecting to the communication network 4 .

[0037] The controller 11 includes, as its functions, an acquisition unit 111, a privilege information distribution unit 112, a privilege granting unit 113, a stay time calculation unit 114, and a penalty setting unit 115. In this embodiment, the functions of the controller 11 are realized by a processor executing arithmetic processing in accordance with a program (more specifically, a service provision program 121) stored in the memory 12. The number of programs that realize the functions of the controller 11 may be one or more.

[0038] The program stored in memory 12 may be provided by, for example, a computer-readable nonvolatile recording medium. The nonvolatile recording medium may be, for example, the nonvolatile memory described above, an optical recording medium (for example, an optical disk), a magneto-optical recording medium (for example, a magneto-optical disk), a USB memory, or an SD card. As another example, the program stored in memory 12 may be provided from a program providing server via a communication line such as the Internet (provided by so-called download).

[0039] The functions of the controller 11 may be realized by an arithmetic circuit executing arithmetic processing according to a program, i.e., by software, but may also be realized by other methods. At least some of the functions of the controller 11 may be realized using, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). That is, at least some of the functions of the controller 11 may be realized by hardware using a dedicated IC or the like. At least some of the functions of the controller 11 may also be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0040] Furthermore, each of the functional units 111 to 115 is a conceptual component. A function executed by one component may be distributed among multiple components. Furthermore, the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component.

[0041] The acquisition unit 111 acquires information from outside the service providing device 1. The acquisition unit 111 acquires information from outside via, for example, the communication network 4 and the communication unit 13. Information acquired via the communication network 4 or the like includes information from the user terminal device 2 and the usage information transmitting device 31. The acquisition unit 111 may also acquire information from outside by manual input using an input device. The input device is an external device connected to the service providing device 1 or a device included in the service providing device 1. The acquisition unit 111 may also acquire information from outside by reading information from a recording medium such as an optical disc.

[0042] The acquisition unit 111 appropriately stores information acquired from the outside in the memory 12. Specifically, the acquisition unit 111 stores at least a part of the information acquired from the outside in the memory 12 as a database. Note that at least a part of the information stored in the memory 12 as a database may be deleted after an arbitrarily set period of time has elapsed. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 111 appropriately acquires user information, facility information, and benefit information from the outside, and stores them in the memory 12 as table information 122 to 124, respectively.

[0043] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the user information table 122. The user information table 122 is information obtained by tabulating the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 and storing it in the memory 12. The user information is information about a person (user) who has registered as a user with the aim of using the service providing system 100. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the user information from, for example, the user terminal device 2 via the communication network 4. The user information may include information manually input using an input device and information read from a recording medium.

[0044] 3, the information items held in user information table 122 include user ID, acquired privilege ID, facility entry time, facility exit time, privilege usage history, and penalty information. Other information items held in user information table 122 may include the user's name, place of residence, contact information such as email address, age, gender, hobbies, preferences, location information, etc. The registered information for each item in user information table 122 is updated as appropriate.

[0045] The "User ID" item stores identification information that identifies each user. The "User ID" serves as the primary key of the user information table 122. A data record is generated for each user ID. The data record stores information corresponding to each user ID, such as "Acquired Benefit ID," "Facility Entry Time," "Facility Exit Time," and "Benefit Usage History."

[0046] The "Acquired Benefit ID" field stores the benefit ID of the benefit currently acquired by each user. Benefit IDs will be described later. The "Acquired Benefit ID" field for each user is blank if the user has not acquired any benefits. In FIG. 3, blank fields are indicated by the symbol "-".

[0047] The "facility entry time" field stores the time of entry into a facility (benefit providing facility) where the user can use the benefit acquired. The "facility exit time" field stores the time of exit from the benefit providing facility. As described above, the user's facility entry time and facility exit time can be obtained using a combination of the beacon device 32 and the user terminal device 2. The "facility entry time" field for each user is blank if the user has not entered the facility. The "facility exit time" field for each user is blank if the user has not exited the facility.

[0048] The "Benefit Usage History" item stores the history of when a user has used a benefit acquired by the user at a benefit-providing facility. In the example shown in Figure 3, the history is configured to store the time when the benefit was used. If the usage time exists in the "Benefit Usage History" column for each user, it can be determined that the benefit has been used. The time when the benefit was used can be obtained by transmitting a benefit usage log from the usage information transmission device 31 described above. Note that the "Benefit Usage History" column for each user will be blank if the user has not used the corresponding benefit.

[0049] The "Penalty Information" item stores information about penalties imposed on users. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the information about penalties stores whether or not a penalty has been set, and if a penalty has been set, the number of days remaining in the penalty setting period and the details of the penalty. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the details of the penalty are displayed as a rank, and details of the penalty can be obtained by referring to a penalty rank table (not shown). The penalty is a penalty related to the granting of a benefit, and details of the penalty will be described later.

[0050] From the user information table 122 shown in FIG. 3, for example, the following can be seen for a user identified by the user ID "US01." User "US01" obtained the benefit with benefit ID "TO01," entered the benefit-providing facility at "16:00," and exited the facility at "17:00." User "US01" also used the benefit with benefit ID "TO01" at "16:30." No penalty has been set for user "US01."

[0051] 3, each user acquires one privilege (privilege ID), but the same user may have multiple privileges. In this case, the facility entry time, facility exit time, and privilege usage history are stored for each privilege (privilege ID).

[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the facility information table 123. The facility information table 123 is information obtained by tabulating facility information obtained by the obtaining unit 111 and storing it in the memory 12. The facility information is information about facilities that have registered to participate in the service providing system 100. The obtaining unit 111 may obtain the facility information from a facility terminal device (not shown) owned by each facility via the communication network 4, for example. The above-mentioned usage information transmitting device 31 may also function as the facility terminal device. The facility information may include information manually input using an input device or information read from a recording medium.

[0053] 4, the information items held in the facility information table 123 include a facility ID, a beacon device ID, and a provided benefit ID. The information items held in the facility information table 123 may also include other information such as the facility name, facility location, contact information, business hours, popularity, etc. The registered information for each item in the facility information table 123 is updated as appropriate.

[0054] The "facility ID" field stores identification information for identifying each facility. The "facility ID" serves as the primary key of the facility information table 123. A data record is generated for each facility ID. The data record stores information corresponding to each facility ID, such as a "beacon device ID" and a "provided benefit ID." If the facility is a complex containing multiple stores, an item may be provided for storing additional identification information that can identify each store (facility) included in the complex, and the facility information table 123 shown in FIG. 4 may be further subdivided.

[0055] The item "beacon device ID" stores identification information for identifying the beacon device 32 installed in each facility. The beacon device ID is included in the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon device 32. As described above, in response to receiving the beacon signal from the beacon device 32, the user terminal device 2 transmits the reception result to the service providing device 1. The beacon device ID is included in the information transmitted from the user terminal device 2 to the service providing device 1.

[0056] The item "Provided Benefit ID" stores the benefit ID of the benefit provided by each facility. Benefit IDs will be described later.

[0057] 4, for example, the following can be seen for a facility identified by the facility ID "SH01": The facility "SH01" is equipped with a beacon device 32 with a beacon device ID "BE01" and is offering a benefit with a benefit ID "TO01".

[0058] The number of beacon device IDs provided in a facility is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, if the entrance and exit of the facility are separate, or if the facility has multiple entrances and exits, multiple beacon devices 32 may be installed in one facility. In this way, a facility equipped with multiple beacon devices 32 will have multiple beacon IDs for one facility ID. In addition, although the type of benefit provided by each facility is one in the example shown in FIG. 4, multiple types may be provided.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the benefit information table 124. The benefit information table 124 is information obtained by the acquisition unit 111 in the form of a table and stored in the memory 12. The benefit information is information about benefits provided by facilities that have registered for participation in the service providing system 100. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire the benefit information from, for example, a facility terminal device (not shown) owned by each facility that provides the benefit. The above-mentioned usage information transmission device 31 may also function as the facility terminal device. The benefit information may include information manually input using an input device or information read from a recording medium. A portion of the benefit information may be information generated by the controller 11.

[0060] 5, the information items stored in the benefit information table 124 include a benefit ID, a facility ID, benefit details, and a maximum number of benefits to be provided. The information items stored in the benefit information table 124 may also include other information such as conditions for using the benefit (such as the required stay time described below) and the remaining number of benefits that can be provided. The registered information for each item in the benefit information table 124 is updated as appropriate.

[0061] The "Benefit ID" item stores identification information for identifying each benefit. The "Benefit ID" is the same identification information used for the "Acquired Benefit ID" in the user information table 122 and the "Provided Benefit ID" in the facility information table 123 described above. In other words, the benefit information table 124 can be used in association with the user information table 122 and the facility information table 123. The "Benefit ID" serves as the primary key of the benefit information table 124. A data record is generated for each benefit ID. Information corresponding to each benefit ID, such as the "Providing facility ID," "Benefit content," and "Maximum number of benefits provided," is stored in the data record.

[0062] The item "Providing facility ID" stores information about the facility that provides the benefit. The "Providing facility ID" is indicated using the same identification information as the "Facility ID" in the facility information table 123 described above. In other words, in this respect, the benefit information table 124 can be used in association with the facility information table 123.

[0063] The item "Benefit Details" stores specific details of the benefit. Examples of specific benefits include discounts on services or products. Also, examples of specific benefits include the provision of specific food or drinks free of charge.

[0064] The item "Maximum number of benefits provided" stores the maximum number of benefits that can be provided for each benefit. Benefits will not be provided to a user in excess of the maximum number of benefits provided.

[0065] From the benefit information table 124 shown in Figure 5, for example, the following can be seen for a benefit identified by the benefit ID "TO01". Benefit "TO01" is provided by a facility with a facility ID of "SH01". The benefit content of benefit "TO01" is "10% discount on products". The maximum number of benefits that can be provided for benefit "TO01" is "100".

[0066] Returning to FIG. 2, the privilege information distribution unit 112 distributes privilege information to the user terminal device 2. The distributed privilege information is information indicating privileges that the user can currently acquire. The distributed privilege information is, for example, information that lists the privileges that the user can currently acquire. The user can look at the distributed privilege information (for example, the privilege information list) to find the privilege that he or she wants.

[0067] The bonus information distribution unit 112 generates bonus information for distribution, for example, by referring to the bonus information table 124. For example, when a distribution request is made by a user (specifically, the user terminal device 2), the bonus information distribution unit 112 distributes the bonus information to the user terminal device 2 that has made the distribution request.

[0068] The delivery request from the user may be automatically executed, for example, by the user opening an app for the service providing system 100 on the user terminal device 2 that the user owns. As another example, the delivery request may be executed by the user operating a delivery request button (for example, a software button) that is displayed when the user opens the app for providing the service.

[0069] The privilege granting unit 113 grants a privilege to a user in response to a request from the user. In detail, the privilege granting unit 113 delivers a privilege to the user terminal device 2 in response to a request for granting a privilege from the user terminal device 2. In other words, the user terminal device 2 receives a privilege from the service providing device 1.

[0070] Specifically, the provision of a benefit is achieved by directly or indirectly distributing data that can be used as the benefit itself (benefit data) to the user terminal device 2. In this specification, the direct or indirect distribution of benefit data to the user terminal device 2 for the purpose of providing a benefit is referred to as benefit distribution. Note that direct distribution of benefit data refers to sending the benefit data to the user terminal device 2. An example of indirect distribution of benefit data is sending information (URL information, etc.) that enables downloading of the benefit data to the user terminal device 2.

[0071] In this embodiment, the benefit delivered to the user is a benefit intended to alleviate congestion after the event. Taking this into consideration, the benefit delivered to the user includes a benefit that encourages the user to stay longer at facilities located around the event venue or the nearest station. Specifically, such a benefit can be acquired before the user visits (stays) at the facility, making it easier for the user to visit the facility after the event. Furthermore, such a benefit is a benefit that requires the user to stay at the facility for a predetermined period of time as a condition for using the benefit (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a time-conditional benefit). That is, the service providing device 1 of this embodiment is configured to deliver a benefit (time-conditional benefit) that sets a required stay time, which is the amount of time the user must stay at the facility, as a condition for use before the user begins their stay at the facility. Note that, if the benefit is not intended to alleviate congestion, the benefit with a required stay time may be delivered to the user while the user is staying at the facility, rather than before.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a time-conditional benefit. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows an example of a benefit screen displayed on the display unit 21 of the user terminal device 2 of a user who has acquired a time-conditional benefit. As shown in FIG. 6, the time-conditional benefit displays the name of the facility where the benefit can be used, the details of the benefit, and a required stay time as a condition for granting the benefit. The conditional benefit also states that a penalty will be imposed if the user leaves the facility without fulfilling the required stay time.

[0073] The required stay time may be a predetermined fixed value, or may be automatically determined by the controller 11 in consideration of the implementation status of the event, the congestion record after past events, etc. In this case, the flow of people after the event may be estimated using known software for simulating people flow, and the required stay time may be determined based on the estimated result of the flow of people.

[0074] In addition, the time-conditional benefit has a benefit execution unit 5 that effectively handles benefit usage. The benefit execution unit 5 also has the function of notifying the service provider device 1 that a user has used a benefit. This prevents the same benefit from being repeatedly used. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the benefit execution unit 5 is configured as a one-dimensional code. A user can use a benefit by having a reading device installed in the facility read the one-dimensional code (benefit execution unit 5) displayed on the screen of the user terminal device 2. For example, the reading device is linked to a payment machine, and the product price is discounted by the discount rate displayed on the benefit (10% in the example shown in FIG. 6). Furthermore, upon reading the one-dimensional code, the reading device transmits a benefit usage log to the service provider device 1. In this example, the reading device corresponds to the usage information transmission device 31 described above. The reading device may also be configured as part of the payment machine, in which case the payment machine corresponds to the usage information transmission device 31.

[0075] The reward effect unit 5 may be a two-dimensional code instead of a one-dimensional code. If the reward effect unit 5 is a usage code such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, the usage code is checked against, for example, the verification data of the service providing device 1 or the payment machine (for example, data included in the reward data table 124 in FIG. 5). This allows for confirmation of the coupon type (contents) and whether it is genuine or fraudulent. The reward effect unit 5 may also be a virtual button (software button) or virtual bar (software bar) operated by the user or a facility employee (clerk). If the reward effect unit 5 is a virtual button or the like, the above-mentioned reading device is not necessary, and the user terminal device 2 also serves as the usage information transmission device 31.

[0076] A time-conditional benefit such as that shown in FIG. 6 is particularly useful when it is available at multiple stores (facilities) in a complex such as a shopping mall. A user can visit multiple stores where the benefit is available and thus earn time spent there, thereby satisfying the required time spent there. Since the user has already obtained the benefit, if the user finds an item they want to buy while visiting multiple stores, they can use the benefit to make a purchase even if their time spent there does not meet the required time spent there. Users find the benefit convenient because they do not have to stay in a specific location because they do not meet the required time spent there, or they do not have to turn back later to shop. On the other hand, with such a time-conditional benefit, if a user makes a purchase while visiting multiple stores, they may accidentally leave the facility even though they have not met the required time spent there. Taking these points into consideration, the system is configured to impose a penalty on the use of a time-conditional benefit, as described above.

[0077] Returning to FIG. 2, the stay time calculation unit 114 calculates the time the user stays at the facility for which the benefit is available. Calculation of such stay time is related to the penalty setting process. The stay time can be calculated from the facility entry time and facility exit time stored in the user information table 122. In detail, the stay time is obtained as the difference between the facility exit time and facility entry time.

[0078] The penalty setting unit 115 determines whether to set a penalty based on the relationship between the required stay time set for the time-conditional benefit and the user's facility stay time calculated by the stay time calculation unit 114, and the user's benefit usage status obtained from the user information table 122. Specifically, when it is determined that the user's stay time at the facility after using the benefit is shorter than the required stay time, the penalty setting unit 115 sets a penalty for the benefit as a violation of the terms of use. On the other hand, the penalty setting unit 115 does not set a penalty when the user does not use the benefit or when the user's stay time at the facility after using the benefit is equal to or longer than the required stay time. When the penalty setting unit 115 sets a penalty, it notifies the user terminal device 2 that a penalty has been set.

[0079] That is, the service providing device 1 sets a penalty related to a privilege for a user who has used a privilege and whose stay time at a facility is shorter than the required stay time, violating the terms of use. Furthermore, when the service providing device 1 determines that the stay time at a facility of a user who used a privilege is shorter than the required stay time, it notifies the user terminal device 2 of the user who has the short stay time of the penalty related to the privilege.

[0080] With this configuration, users are expected to be careful not to forget the required stay time and leave the facility too soon, because they will be penalized if their stay time at the facility is too short.In other words, with this configuration, it is expected that users who visit the facility to take advantage of the benefits will stay at the facility for a longer period of time.Furthermore, if users visit the facility to take advantage of such benefits and stay at the facility for a long time, it is possible to disperse the flow of people after the event and alleviate congestion.

[0081] Setting a penalty specifically includes setting the period for which the penalty will be applied and the content of the penalty.

[0082] The application period of the penalty may be set to a predetermined fixed period (for example, five days). However, the penalty period is not limited to this, and may be changed depending on the degree of violation of the conditions for use of the benefit (required stay time). The penalty setting unit 115 (service providing device 1) may be configured to set a longer application period of the penalty the shorter the stay time at the facility of the user who violated the conditions for use. Such a configuration can give users a sense of fairness. It can also be expected that users will try to stay at the facility as long as possible.

[0083] To give a specific example, the penalty application period may be extended by two days for every 10-minute increase in the shortfall (the shorter the stay, the greater the penalty), which is calculated as the difference between the requested stay time and the user's actual stay time at the facility. In this example, the penalty application period for a user who requested a stay time of 60 minutes but left (exited the facility) after 50 minutes would be two days (= shortfall of stay time 10 minutes / 10 minutes x 2 days). Similarly, the penalty application period for a user who requested a stay time of 60 minutes but left after 10 minutes would be 10 days (= shortfall of stay time 50 minutes / 10 minutes x 2 days).

[0084] The number of days in the penalty application period may be counted, for example, by counting consecutive days from the day the penalty was applied. In this case, if a penalty occurs on December 1st and the penalty application period is 10 days, the penalty will be applied until December 10th. As another example, the number of days in the penalty application period may be counted only on the days when the event is held.

[0085] The penalty may be, for example, a reduction in the number of available benefits or the restriction of using only penalty coupons with small benefits. The penalty may also be a suspension of time-conditional benefits. In other words, the penalty may limit the use or acquisition of benefits compared to when no penalty is set. This configuration is expected to encourage users to avoid violating the terms of use because coupons become less convenient to use.

[0086] Furthermore, the content of the penalty may be changed depending on the length of time the user who violated the terms of use stayed at the facility. In this configuration, the severity of the penalty can be increased depending on the degree of violation of the terms of use of the benefit (required stay time). Specifically, the greater the degree of violation of the terms of use of the benefit (required stay time), the greater the restrictions on the use and acquisition of the benefit. Note that a greater degree of violation is synonymous with a longer insufficient stay time, as in the case of determining the penalty application period described above.

[0087] <3. Service provision method> Next, a description will be given of a service providing method executed by the service providing device 1. Here, a description will be given of a penalty setting process, which is a particularly characteristic feature of the service providing method executed by the service providing device 1.

[0088] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a penalty setting process. The process shown in FIG. 7 is realized by the controller 11 (computer) included in the service providing device 1 executing arithmetic processing in accordance with the service providing program 121 (see FIG. 2). It is assumed that the controller 11 (privilege information distribution unit 112) has started distributing privilege information at the start of the process shown in FIG. 7. In other words, it is assumed that the user is in a state where he or she can receive a privilege from the service providing device 1. As a specific example, the start of FIG. 7 is immediately after the end of an event or shortly before the end of the event (e.g., 15 minutes before), when information distribution (guidance) of a time-conditional privilege to alleviate congestion has started.

[0089] In the case of a benefit for congestion relief measures after an event, the condition for granting the benefit is preferably that the user is at the event venue, and benefit information (benefit information) is distributed to users (user terminal devices 2) at the event venue. For example, the user terminal device 2 performs a matching process between the location condition data included in the distributed benefit information and its own current location, and if it is determined that the location condition is met, the benefit information is distributed. Then, once the benefit information is distributed, the user can request the provision of the benefit.

[0090] 7 is executed separately for each user registered in the service providing system 100. The service providing device 1 may execute the process shown in FIG. 7 for multiple users at the same time.

[0091] In step S0, the controller 11 (acquisition unit 111) monitors whether or not there is a request from the user to grant a privilege (a privilege with a time condition). In particular, the request from the user to grant a privilege is made via network communication using the user terminal device 2. If there is a request from the user to grant a privilege (Yes in step S0), the process proceeds to the next step S2. If there is no request from the user to grant a privilege (No in step S0), the process continues with step S0.

[0092] In step S1, the controller 11 (acquisition unit 111) acquires penalty information of the user who has requested the provision of a benefit from the user information table 122 (see FIG. 3). After acquiring the penalty information, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

[0093] In step S2, the controller 11 (benefit granting unit 113) delivers (grant) a benefit to the user terminal device 2 that has requested the granting of a benefit, in response to a request from the user. That is, the service provision program 121 (service provision method) causes the computer to deliver a benefit, which has a required stay time at the facility set as a usage condition, to the user before the user begins their stay at the facility. Note that the delivery (granting) of the benefit is based on penalty information. The content of the delivered benefit differs depending on whether a penalty is set or not. Once the benefit has been delivered, processing proceeds to the next step S3.

[0094] In step S3, the controller 11 (acquisition unit 111) monitors whether the user has entered a facility (privilege-eligible facility) where the user can use the privilege he or she has acquired. Specifically, monitoring whether the user has entered the privilege-eligible facility is monitoring whether information has been transmitted from the user terminal device 2 in response to a beacon signal from the beacon device 32 installed in the privilege-eligible facility. If the information has been transmitted (Yes in step S3), the controller 11 determines that the user has entered the facility, and proceeds to the next step S4. If the information has been transmitted, the controller 11 records the time information included in the information transmission (information on the time the beacon signal was received by the user terminal device 2) as the entry time in the user information table 122. On the other hand, if the information has not been transmitted (No in step S3), the controller 11 determines that the user has not entered the facility, and continues the processing of step S3.

[0095] In step S4, the controller 11 (acquisition unit 111) monitors whether the user has left the facility where the benefit is to be used. Specifically, monitoring whether the user has left the facility where the benefit is to be used is monitoring whether information has been transmitted from the user terminal device 2 in response to a beacon signal from the beacon device 32 installed in the facility where the benefit is to be used. If the information has been transmitted (Yes in step S4), the controller 11 determines that the user has left the facility, and proceeds to the next step S5. If the information has been transmitted, the controller 11 records the time information included in the information transmission (information on the time the beacon signal was received by the user terminal device 2) as the exit time in the user information table 122. On the other hand, if the information has not been transmitted (No in step S4), the controller 11 determines that the user has not left the facility, and continues the processing of step S4.

[0096] In step S5, the controller 11 (staying time calculation unit 114) calculates the user's staying time at the facility from the entry time and exit time acquired in steps S3 and S4 (which are recorded in the user information table 122). Once the user's staying time at the facility has been calculated, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

[0097] In step S6, the controller 11 (penalty setting unit 115) determines whether the user's stay time at the facility calculated in step S5 is less than the required stay time set for the time-conditional benefit. If the user's stay time is less than the required stay time (Yes in step S6), the process proceeds to the next step S7. If the user's stay time is equal to or greater than the required stay time (No in step S6), there is no need to set a penalty, and the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0098] In step S7, the controller 11 (penalty setting unit 115) determines whether the user has used a time-conditional benefit. Whether the user has used a time-conditional benefit can be determined by checking the item "Benefit Usage History" in the user information table 122. If a time-information-based benefit has been used (Yes in step S7), the process proceeds to the next step S8. If a time-conditional benefit has not been used (No in step S7), there is no need to set a penalty, and the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0099] In step S8, the controller 11 (penalty setting unit 115) calculates the insufficient stay time, which is the difference between the requested stay time and the actual stay time of the user at the facility. Once the insufficient stay time is calculated, the process proceeds to the next step S9.

[0100] In step S9, the controller 11 (penalty setting unit 115) determines the application period of the penalty according to the shortfall in time calculated in step S8. Once the application period of the penalty has been determined, the process proceeds to the next step S10. The application period of the penalty may be a uniform, preset period regardless of the shortfall in time, in which case the processes of steps S8 and S9 are unnecessary. In this example, the content of the penalty is a uniform, preset period regardless of the shortfall in time (such as stopping the delivery of time-conditional benefits), but the content of the penalty may also be changed according to the shortfall in time, in which case the process of step S9 may include a process of determining the content of the penalty.

[0101] In step S10, the controller 11 (penalty setting unit 115) sets a penalty for the user who violates the conditions. When the penalty is set, the stored contents of the "penalty information" item in the user information table 122 (see FIG. 3) are updated. The process of updating the penalty information (process of erasing the penalty setting) upon the end of the penalty period may be a process using a timer, for example. In detail, the current time is checked at predetermined intervals, and if the penalty period has ended, the process of erasing the penalty setting (information update) may be performed. By setting the penalty, the user is placed in a state where a penalty is imposed, and the user is placed in a state where the use and acquisition of benefits are restricted compared to the normal state. Furthermore, when the penalty is set, the controller 11 notifies the user of this fact. This ends the penalty setting process shown in FIG. 7.

[0102] As can be seen from the above, the service provision program 121 (service provision method) causes a computer to set a penalty for a user who violates the terms of use by staying at a facility for less than the required stay time. With this configuration, it is expected that users will use time-conditional benefits in accordance with the rules so as not to be penalized. In other words, with this configuration, it is expected that users who visit a facility to use benefits will stay at the facility for a longer period of time. Furthermore, the occurrence of users who visit a facility to use benefits and stay at the facility for a long period of time can disperse the flow of people after the event, thereby alleviating congestion.

[0103] <4. Operation of user terminal device> Next, the operation of the user terminal device 2 regarding the penalty will be described.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow related to a penalty in the user terminal device 2. The process shown in FIG. 8 is realized by a controller (computer) included in the user terminal device 2 executing arithmetic processing in accordance with a user terminal device program (not shown). The user terminal device program is, in detail, an application for the service providing system 100 installed in the user terminal device 2. The process shown in FIG. 8 is executed when the application is running. It is assumed that the service providing device 1 has started distributing benefit information at the start of the process shown in FIG. 8. In other words, it is assumed that the user is in a state where he or she can receive a benefit using the user terminal device 2. As a specific example, the start of FIG. 8 is immediately after the end of an event or shortly before the end of the event (e.g., 15 minutes before the end), when distribution of a time-conditional benefit to alleviate congestion has started.

[0105] In step S11, the user terminal device 2 (controller) monitors an instruction from the user to acquire a benefit (a benefit with a time condition). For example, the user displays a list of benefit information distributed by the service providing device 1 on the screen of the user terminal device 2 and selects the benefit they want by touching the screen. The selection of a benefit by this touch operation corresponds to an instruction to acquire a benefit. If an instruction to acquire a benefit is given (Yes in step S11), processing proceeds to the next step S12. If an instruction to acquire a benefit is not given (No in step S11), processing continues with step S11.

[0106] In step S12, in response to the instruction to acquire the privilege, the user terminal device 2 performs processing to transmit a privilege grant request to the service providing device 1. In response to this, the privilege is distributed from the service providing device 1 to the user terminal device 2. Once the privilege grant request has been transmitted, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

[0107] In step S13, the user terminal device 2 acquires the benefit distributed from the service providing device 1. That is, the program for the user terminal device causes the user terminal device 2 (controller) to execute the program to acquire the benefit distributed from the service providing device 1 and having a required stay time at the facility set as a condition of use. By acquiring the benefit, the user can display a benefit screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, on the screen using the function of an app installed on the user terminal device 2. That is, the user is able to use the benefit. The user visits the facility to use the acquired benefit. Once the benefit has been acquired, processing proceeds to the next step S14.

[0108] In step S14, the user terminal device 2 monitors whether or not a beacon signal has been received from a beacon device 32 installed in the facility. For convenience of explanation, in this example, the configuration is such that the beacon signal reception monitoring starts after the privilege is acquired, but in reality, the reception monitoring is performed regardless of whether the privilege is acquired. If a beacon signal is received (Yes in step S14), the process proceeds to the next step S15. If a beacon signal is not received (No in step S14), the process continues with step S14.

[0109] In step S15, the user terminal device 2 performs processing to transmit the reception result of the beacon signal to the service providing device 1. Upon receiving the reception result of the beacon signal, the service providing device 1 acquires the entry time of the user into the facility. When the transmission processing of the reception result of the beacon signal is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S16.

[0110] In step S16, the user terminal device 2 receives the facility entry time from the service providing device 1. As a result, the user terminal device 2 acquires the official facility entry time of the user. Once the facility entry time is received, the process proceeds to the next step S17.

[0111] Upon receiving the notification of the facility entry time, the user terminal device 2 may display the facility entry time on the screen to inform the user of the facility entry time. Furthermore, upon receiving the notification of the facility entry time, the user terminal device 2 may start counting the user's stay time at the facility and display the user's stay time at the facility on the screen.

[0112] After entering the facility, the user can use the benefit by displaying the benefit screen as needed. When the benefit is used, the service providing device 1 acquires a benefit usage log to detect the use of the benefit. At the time the use of the benefit is detected, the benefit usage history may be transmitted to the user terminal device 2. Upon receiving the benefit usage history, the user terminal device 2 may display a screen notifying the user that the use of the benefit has been officially accepted. The screen display may include the time when the benefit was used, etc.

[0113] In step S17, the user terminal device 2 determines whether a beacon signal has been received from the beacon device 32 installed in the facility. If a beacon signal has been received (Yes in step S17), the process proceeds to the next step S18. If a beacon signal has not been received (No in step S17), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0114] In step S18, the user terminal device 2 performs a process of transmitting the reception result of the beacon signal to the service providing device 1. Upon receiving the reception result of the beacon signal, the service providing device 1 acquires the user's exit time from the facility. As a result, the service providing device 1 obtains the user's entry time into the facility and the exit time from the facility, and can thereby acquire the user's stay time at the facility. In other words, the program for the user terminal device causes the user terminal device 2 to transmit information to the service providing device 1 that enables acquisition of the user's stay time at the facility. Upon completion of the process of transmitting the reception result of the beacon signal, the user terminal device 2 proceeds to the next step S19.

[0115] In step S19, the user terminal device 2 receives the facility exit time from the service providing device 1. As a result, the user terminal device 2 acquires the user's official facility exit time. Once the facility exit time is received, the process proceeds to the next step S20.

[0116] Upon receiving notification of the time to leave the facility, the user terminal device 2 may display the time to leave the facility on its screen to inform the user of the time to leave the facility. The user terminal device 2 may also display the length of time the user stayed at the facility on its screen in conjunction with the display of the time to leave the facility.

[0117] In step S20, the user terminal device 2 determines whether or not a notification of penalty setting has been received. If a penalty has been set (Yes in step S20), the process proceeds to the next step S21. If a penalty has not been set (No in step S20), the user terminal device 2 ends the process shown in Fig. 8. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 8, the configuration is such that whether or not a penalty has been set is determined only once, but this is merely an example, and in consideration of emergencies such as communication failures, the determination of whether or not a penalty has been set may be performed multiple times at time intervals.

[0118] In step S21, the user terminal device 2 displays information about the penalty on a screen. The display includes, for example, information that a penalty has been set, the period for which the penalty applies, and the details of the penalty. As can be seen from the above, the program for the user terminal device causes the user terminal device 2 to display the penalty set by the service providing device 1 when a special offer is used despite the user's stay time at the facility being shorter than the required stay time.

[0119] In step S22 (a process performed if the result of step S17 is No), the user terminal device 2 performs a process of notifying the user of time information related to the penalty. Specifically, the user terminal device 2 acquires (calculates) time information about the time until the penalty related to the privilege will no longer be imposed, based on the current stay time of the user who acquired the privilege at the user terminal device 2 at the facility and the required stay time set for the privilege. The current stay time of the user at the facility can be calculated from the time the user entered the facility and the current time. The time information about the time until the penalty will no longer be imposed is calculated from the difference between the required stay time and the current stay time. The user terminal device 2 then notifies the user of the acquired time information (the time information about the time until the penalty will no longer be imposed). This notification may be performed, for example, by displaying on a screen or outputting audio. Notification of the time information can increase the likelihood that the user will extend their stay at the facility so as not to be penalized. When the process of step S22 is completed, the user has not yet left the facility, so the process returns to step S17.

[0120] By making users aware of the existence of penalties through the process shown in FIG. 8, it is expected that users will use the time-conditional benefits that are distributed in advance to improve usability in a manner that follows the rules.

[0121] <5. Variations> [5-1. First Modification] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a service providing device 1A of a first modified example. The service providing device 1A of the first modified example shown in Fig. 9 includes a points management unit 116. This point is different from the above-described embodiment. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0122] The point management unit 116 manages points held by a user. The point management unit 116 manages user points using management items such as "Number of held points" that are added to the user information table 122 shown in FIG. 3. Points are given uniquely to participants in an event and are used to exchange for benefits. That is, in this modified example, benefits are made available for acquisition in exchange for points held by the user. The amount of points required to exchange for a benefit (value of the benefit) is determined, for example, by the provider of the benefit. In this modified example, "Number of exchange points" is added to the items in the benefit information table 124 shown in FIG. 5. The number of points required to acquire a benefit is stored in the item "Number of exchange points".

[0123] A user acquires points by performing an action that satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may be, for example, entering an event venue, staying at the event venue, or shopping at the event venue. For example, to enter an event venue, a user must scan a two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of the user's user terminal device 2 into a dedicated terminal installed at the venue. In such a case, points are awarded in conjunction with the user's action of scanning the two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal device 2 into the dedicated terminal. Points are also awarded according to the length of time the user stays at the event venue after the event has ended. For example, 100 points are awarded for every 10 minutes spent at the venue after the event has ended.

[0124] These points are a privilege granted only to event participants, providing users with an incentive to exchange points for benefits and use them. As more users visit the facility to use the benefits, it is expected that the flow of people will be dispersed, easing congestion on roads and at stations around the event venue. However, with this configuration, situations may arise where those hoping to obtain the benefits do not have enough points to obtain the benefits. While it is possible to accumulate points by staying at the venue after the event, there is a possibility that more people will consider simply waiting at the event venue a waste of time and give up on using the benefits due to a lack of points. As a result, it may be difficult to attract people to stores and other facilities, potentially resulting in ineffective efforts to alleviate congestion.

[0125] Taking the above points into consideration, in this modified example, even if a user does not have enough points to exchange for a benefit, the benefit is delivered to the user in advance, with the condition for using the benefit being that the user stays at the facility for a required length of time corresponding to the shortfall. With this configuration, even if a user does not have enough points to exchange for the benefit, the user can use the benefit by staying at the facility for the specified length of time while enjoying shopping, etc., at the facility. As a result, it is expected that an increase in users will visit the facility to use the benefit, and congestion on roads and at stations around the event venue will be alleviated.

[0126] In this modified example, the required stay time at the facility is determined according to the shortage of points to be exchanged for the benefit. Specifically, the greater the shortage of points, the longer the required stay time at the facility. This differs from the time-conditional benefit in the above-described embodiment. For example, suppose 100 points are accumulated for every 10 minutes spent at the facility. Furthermore, suppose the shortage of points required to exchange for the benefit is 500 points. In this case, the required stay time at the facility is 50 minutes (= 10 minutes × 500 points / 100 points).

[0127] However, in the configuration of this modified example, since the benefit is granted in advance, there is a possibility that users who use the benefit without fulfilling the required stay time may inadvertently leave the facility, thereby violating the rules, as in the above-described embodiment. Taking such points into consideration, the configuration of this modified example also imposes a penalty on users who violate the terms of use by not adhering to the required stay time determined according to the points shortfall.

[0128] The penalty setting (application period and content) may be the same as in the above-described embodiment. However, in this modified example, points are used, so a penalty related to the points can be set. For example, the setting of a penalty may be configured to lower the point award rate to the user compared to when no penalty is set. In such a case, too, it is expected that users will stay at the facility longer to avoid the disadvantages caused by the imposition of a penalty.

[0129] For example, under normal circumstances (when no penalty is set), 100 points are accumulated for every 10 minutes spent at a facility. When a penalty is set, 100 points may be accumulated for every 20 minutes spent at a facility, or 50 points may be accumulated for every 10 minutes spent at a facility, etc.

[0130] [5-2. Second Modification] In the above, when a penalty is set, the use and acquisition of benefits are restricted during the period in which the penalty is applied. However, this configuration is merely an example, and it is also possible to exceptionally configure the facility (store) to cancel the penalty setting even during the penalty period. This cancellation may be temporary or may completely cancel the penalty setting. Specific examples of facility operations include deleting the penalty information item shown in Figure 3, issuing a command to redistribute benefits, and individually applying the relevant benefits by operating a cash register installed in the store.

[0131] <6. Points to note> Various technical features disclosed in the description of the present invention may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. Furthermore, multiple embodiments and modifications disclosed in the description of the present invention may be combined to the extent possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1, 1A... Service providing device 2. User terminal device 31. Usage information transmission device 100···Service provision system 121···Service Delivery Program

Claims

1. The service delivers benefits that set a required stay time, which is the amount of time that a user must stay at the facility as a condition of use. setting a penalty related to the benefit for a user who has used the benefit and whose stay time at the facility is shorter than the required stay time and who violates the terms of use; Service providing device.

2. The service providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the shorter the stay time of the user violating the terms of use at the facility, the longer the period for which the penalty is applied is set.

3. The service providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the setting of the penalty restricts the use or acquisition of the benefit compared to when the penalty is not set.

4. The service providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the content of the penalty is changed depending on the length of time the user who violates the terms of use stays at the facility.

5. The benefit is provided so that it can be acquired in exchange for points held by the user, The service providing device according to claim 1, wherein even if the points to be exchanged for the benefit are insufficient, the benefit is pre-delivered to the user with the condition that the user must stay for the required stay time corresponding to the shortfall as a condition for using the benefit.

6. The service providing device according to claim 5 , wherein the setting of the penalty reduces a rate at which the points are awarded to the user compared to a case in which the penalty is not set.

7. The service delivers benefits that set a required stay time, which is the amount of time that a user must stay at the facility as a condition of use. setting a penalty related to the benefit for a user who has used the benefit and whose stay time at the facility is shorter than the required stay time and who violates the terms of use; Service delivery methods.

8. Delivering a benefit with a required stay time set as a condition of use, which is the amount of time the user must stay at the facility; setting a penalty related to the benefit for a user who has used the benefit and whose stay time at the facility is shorter than the required stay time, in violation of the terms of use; A service provision program that causes a computer to execute the above.

9. Acquiring a benefit distributed from a service providing device, the benefit having a required stay time set as a condition for use, the required stay time being a time required to stay at a facility; transmitting information to the service providing device that enables acquisition of the user's stay time at the facility; displaying a penalty set by the service providing device when the privilege is utilized even though the stay time is shorter than the required stay time; A program for a user terminal device that causes the user terminal device to execute the above.

10. a service providing device that distributes a benefit with a required stay time set as a usage condition, the required stay time being a time required to stay at a facility; a user terminal device to which the benefit is distributed from the service providing device; a usage information transmitting device that transmits the privilege usage information to the service providing device; Equipped with the service providing device, Deliver the benefits, determining whether the user is using the benefit based on the information from the usage information transmitting device; estimating the user's stay time at the facility based on information from the user terminal device; When it is determined that the stay time of the user who has used the benefit is shorter than the required stay time, a penalty related to the benefit is notified to the user terminal device of the user who has the short stay time. Service delivery system.

11. Obtain a benefit with a required stay time, which is the amount of time you must stay at the facility as a condition of use, acquires information about the time until a penalty related to the privilege is no longer imposed based on the current stay time of the user who has obtained the privilege using the device and the requested stay time at the facility; notifying the time information; User terminal equipment.

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