Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

To effectively utilize a sales promotion object for providing a coupon.SOLUTION: Displaying a setting screen for inputting a coupon ID of a coupon applied to an object of promotion in an electronic settlement service and location information regarding a location where a promotional item is posted; and outputting image two-dimension of the promotional item to which a merchandise code including coupon information corresponding to the coupon ID and information corresponding to the location information is added.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Cashless payments, which do not require the use of currency when paying for goods or services, are becoming increasingly common. In particular, electronic payments using payment applications (hereinafter referred to as electronic payment apps) that can be installed on terminal devices such as smartphones are attracting attention due to their high convenience.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for automatically following up on the affiliated store that provided the coupon in an electronic payment service after the coupon is provided. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for automatically applying coupons that can be used at the store where the payment is processed when making an electronic payment using a terminal device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-058000 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-004122 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the field of electronic payment services, there is a need for an effective method of utilizing promotional materials that provide coupons.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to effectively utilize promotional materials that provide coupons. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that it causes an information processing device to function as a display control unit that displays a setting screen for inputting a coupon ID of a coupon that can be applied to a promotional item in an electronic payment service and location information regarding the location where the promotional item will be displayed, and an output control unit that outputs image data of a promotional item to which a two-dimensional code containing coupon information corresponding to the coupon ID and information corresponding to the location information has been added. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, promotional materials that provide coupons can be effectively utilized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the flow of creating promotional materials. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of the terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of a server. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of electronic payment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of electronic payment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating coupon information. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the status of coupon acquisition by users. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a table showing the correspondence between coupon IDs and location information. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of creating promotional materials. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a promotional item. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of creating a sales promotion item. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the publication location and the number of accesses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Embodiment 1> Preferred embodiments of an information processing device, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing device, the information processing method, the program, and the information processing system according to the present disclosure are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] An example of an application that can be installed on a terminal device such as a smartphone is an electronic payment application. Note that hereinafter, an application may be simply referred to as an app.

[0012] Electronic payment apps are operated and managed by service providers that provide electronic payment services. A store or service provider that has a contract with a service provider that provides electronic payment services is called an affiliated store. Examples of affiliated stores include organizations that operate multiple physical stores or online shops. Users can make payments using the electronic payment app at affiliated stores. The store manager of the affiliated store (hereinafter referred to as the store manager) can use a dedicated interface (or a store management app) to distribute information on special offers, such as coupons that can be used at the store, as well as other information. In addition, affiliated stores sometimes promote sales by posting posters in their stores that include two-dimensional codes for obtaining special offers (coupons). Users check the posters posted in the storefront of the affiliated store and, to receive such special offers, operate the electronic payment app and perform operations to receive the special offers within the electronic payment app.

[0013] As mentioned above, a management app is provided for use in stores. Store managers can use the store management app for various purposes, but one of the main uses is to create coupon and other special offer information for promotional items. Specifically, it is possible to create promotional items that include coupon information. Examples of promotional items include posters that are posted in stores. Store customers (users) can check the coupons available at a store from the posters posted in the store. Users can also actually use coupons by scanning the two-dimensional code on the poster and going to a coupon usage screen provided by the server.

[0014] Affiliated stores often post posters in various locations throughout the store for various sales promotions. For example, posters may be posted in front of cash registers or at the store entrance. The size of the posters may also vary depending on the location. The location where users use a posted poster to obtain benefits varies depending on various factors specific to each store. In other words, the location where promotional materials are most effective depends on the individual circumstances of each store. Until now, store managers have posted promotional materials in their stores based on their own experience, but have not been able to determine whether they are actually being posted in effective locations. Being able to identify effective locations for promotional materials would be more useful in store design. The following embodiment provides an example of providing a useful method for utilizing promotional materials. The following describes the flow for generating promotional materials in this embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the flow of creating promotional items in this embodiment. Using FIG. 1, we will briefly explain each setting screen and the flow of generating promotional items. By operating the store terminal device, the store manager can generate promotional items to be placed in the store from each setting screen of the management app. The store manager inputs information required to generate the promotional items on a display screen of the management app. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, by inputting information on a coupon setting screen 110 and a location information setting screen 120, the management app generates image data 130 of the promotional items.

[0016] In this embodiment, the coupon setting screen 110 is a setting screen for inputting the background design of the promotional material, the coupon content, and store information. The background design can be selected from multiple background types displayed by pressing a sample selection button 111. The coupon setting screen 110 has a coupon ID input field 112 and a store ID input field 114. The coupon ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying a distributed coupon. In other words, once the coupon ID is determined, the store ID is also determined. Therefore, by entering a coupon ID managed in advance on the server into the coupon ID input field 112 and pressing the search button 113, the store ID corresponding to the coupon ID is automatically entered into the store ID input field 114. This completes the input on the coupon setting screen.

[0017] The location information setting screen 120 is a setting screen for inputting the location of the promotional material. Any location can be input as the location in the location input field 121, but by pressing the sample selection button 122, examples of the location can be displayed and the displayed example can be selected.

[0018] When the necessary information is entered on the coupon setting screen 110 and the location information setting screen 120, the management application generates image data 130 of the promotional item based on the input. The generated promotional item is provided with a two-dimensional code 131 for transitioning to the coupon screen.

[0019] In this embodiment, the two-dimensional code 131 is used for different purposes by the store user and the store manager. First, from the store user's perspective, by reading the two-dimensional code 131, the user can transition to a display screen for obtaining coupon information. The content of the coupon is based on the information set on the coupon setting screen 110.

[0020] Meanwhile, the store manager can grasp the reading status of the two-dimensional code 131 for each posting location. This is realized based on the settings made on the location information setting screen 120. The posting location entered on the location information setting screen 120 becomes the posting location information (location information) of the two-dimensional code 131 attached to the image data 130 of the generated promotional item. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the store manager posts the promotional item in the posting location entered in the management app. Using the two-dimensional code 131 containing this location information, the store manager can grasp how many times the two-dimensional code of the promotional item posted in which location is read by users. This can then be used to analyze which locations should be prioritized for the installation of promotional items. Details of how promotional items are generated based on the input on each setting screen will be described later.

[0021] It should be noted that there are other settings and setting screens for creating promotional items in addition to the coupon setting screen 110 and the location information setting screen 120, but a description thereof will be omitted in this embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. The configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The information processing system includes a store terminal device 1 (200), a store terminal device 2 (201), a server 203, and a user terminal device 204. These devices are connected to each other via a network N, either wired or wirelessly, so that they can communicate with each other. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Hereinafter, the store terminal device 1, the store terminal device 2, and the user terminal device may be collectively referred to as information processing devices.

[0023] The information processing device may have a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, a camera function, etc. The information processing device can provide location information acquired by the GPS function to other devices. The information processing device can provide code information (information such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes) acquired by the camera function to other devices.

[0024] In this embodiment, the store terminal device 1 (200) and the store terminal device 2 (201) are used for different purposes in one store. A management application is installed on the store terminal device 1 (200) and the store terminal device 2 (201) is used to create coupons, etc. Details will be described later using FIG. 11. The store terminal device 2 (201) is installed in a store, for example, and is used to make electronic payments at a user terminal. Details will be described later using FIG. 7.

[0025] Server 203 is an information processing device that provides electronic payment services, such as processing electronic payments and distributing information related to electronic payments. Users can receive electronic payment services by installing an electronic payment application on user terminal device 204. The electronic payment service can also be used by accessing a page provided by server 203 using a general web browser.

[0026] Using the electronic payment app, users can pay for goods or services at stores, view and acquire special offers distributed by stores or affiliated stores, and view recommendation information. Hereinafter, users who receive electronic payment services will be referred to as PS users. A PS user is, for example, a user who has acquired an account within the electronic payment app. The acquired account is managed by server 203.

[0027] For example, the server 203 manages the electronic accounts of affiliated stores and the electronic accounts of PS users, and realizes various payments by transferring electronic money between the electronic accounts.

[0028] The server 203 also functions when creating a promotional item in the management application. As described above, in this embodiment, the information entered to create the promotional item is sent to the server 203. Based on the acquired information, the server 203 sends each piece of data for creating image data of the promotional item and a two-dimensional code to the store terminal device 1 (200). Details will be described later using the sequence diagram in FIG. 11.

[0029] In FIG. 2, for the sake of simplicity, two store terminal devices and one user terminal device are shown, but this is merely an example and is not limiting. That is, there may be two or more terminal devices in an information processing system. The terminal device can connect to the network N via a wireless communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), a 4G (4th Generation) mobile communication system, or a 5G mobile communication system, and communicate with other devices. The terminal device can connect to the network N via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and wireless LAN, and communicate with other devices.

[0030] Information transmitted and received between terminal devices, servers, and other devices may be written in a scripting language such as JavaScript (registered trademark). The transmitted and received information may be written in a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) or a programming language such as Java (registered trademark). The transmitted and received information may be written in a markup language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language) or HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Alternatively, the information may be converted into a data description language such as JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and then transmitted and received.

[0031] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store terminal device 1 (200). The store terminal device 1 (200) has a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a storage device 304, an input / output I / F 305, and a network I / F 306. Each component is connected to one another via a system bus.

[0032] The CPU 301 reads a program stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executes the read program to realize various controls. The CPU 301 may be an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The CPU 301 may also be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like.

[0033] The ROM 302 stores control programs such as a startup program for the store terminal device 1 (200). The RAM 303 temporarily stores control programs or data when the CPU 301 executes various controls. The RAM 303 is used as a work memory. The storage device 304 is a memory for storing applications, software, various data, and the like. Examples of the storage device 304 include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), a flash memory, and storage.

[0034] The input / output I / F 305 is an interface for transmitting output information to an output device such as a display unit 310. Examples of the display unit 310 include a display and a projector. The display unit 310 may be provided outside the store terminal device 1 (200) as shown in FIG. 3, or may be provided within the store terminal device 1 (200).

[0035] The input / output I / F 305 is an interface for receiving input information from an input device such as the input unit 311. Examples of the input unit 311 include a mouse, a keyboard, a button, and a touch panel. The input unit 311 may be provided outside the information processing device 300 as shown in FIG. 3, or may be provided in the store terminal device 1 (200).

[0036] The input / output I / F 305 may be connected to the display unit 310 and the input unit 311 wirelessly or via a wire. The input / output I / F 305 may be configured as an input I / F and an output I / F. The network I / F 306 is an interface for receiving data from other devices via the network N and transmitting data generated by or stored in the store terminal device 1 (200) to other devices via the network N.

[0037] The store terminal device 1 (200) is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3. For example, it may be provided with a camera unit for realizing a camera function, a positioning unit for realizing a GPS function, and a microphone unit and a speaker unit for realizing a call function.

[0038] The store terminal device 1 (200) may also include a media I / F (not shown). The media I / F reads programs and data stored in a storage device (not shown) connected by wire or wirelessly, and provides them to the CPU 301 via RAM 303. The CPU 301 can read the provided programs from the storage device onto RAM 303 via the media I / F and execute the read programs. The storage device may be, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), or a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk). The storage device may also be a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0039] The CPU 301 of the store terminal device 1 (200) executes programs read onto the RAM 303 to realize various functions of the information processing device 300. The CPU 301 reads and executes these programs from a storage device, but as another example, it may also acquire these programs from another device via a predetermined communication network. Needless to say, the store terminal device 1 (200) is provided with the configuration necessary to realize the information processing of this embodiment. The block diagram shown in FIG. 3 may also be applied to the hardware configuration of the store terminal device 2 (201), the server 203, and the user terminal device 204 in addition to the store terminal device 1 (200).

[0040] 4 is a functional block diagram of the store terminal device 1 (200). The store terminal device 1 has a communication unit 401, a display control unit 402, an output control unit 403, and a storage unit 404.

[0041] The communication unit 401 communicates with the server 203 and other devices via the network N. The communication unit 401 also functions as a transmission unit that transmits requests, information, and the like to the server 203 and other devices via the network N. The communication unit 401 also receives instructions, information, and the like from the server 203 and the like via the network N.

[0042] The display control unit 402 controls the display unit 310 of the store terminal device 1 (200) and can perform screen display.

[0043] The output control unit 403 can generate image data of a promotional item using the coupon information and two-dimensional code obtained from the server 203 and display it on the display unit 310. The output control unit 403 can also send the generated image data of the promotional item to an external device to display it on a display of the external device. The output control unit 403 can also send the generated image data of the promotional item to a printing device to print it on a recording medium such as paper.

[0044] The storage unit 404 can store applications, software, various data, etc. It can also store setting information input by the user in the process of generating image data for promotional materials.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a software configuration diagram of server 203. Server 203 includes, for example, a communication unit 510, a payment content providing unit 520, a payment processing unit 530, an information management unit 540, and a storage unit 570. Server 203 also includes a code generating unit 550 and a counting unit 560. The components other than communication unit 510 and storage unit 570 are implemented by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). They may also be implemented by a combination of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device with a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a removable storage medium (a non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the storage device by inserting the storage medium into a drive.

[0046] The storage unit 570 is a HDD, flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 570 may be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that the server 203 can access via a network. The storage unit 570 stores information such as user information 572, payment content information 574, affiliated store / shop information 576, and coupon information 578.

[0047] The communication unit 510 is a communication interface for connecting to the network NW, and is, for example, a network interface card.

[0048] The payment content providing unit 520 has, for example, the functionality of a web server, and provides the user terminal device 204 with information (content) for displaying various screens for the electronic payment service. The payment content providing unit 520 reads out necessary content from payment content information 574 as appropriate and provides it to the user terminal device 204. The user terminal device 204 accepts various inputs from the user while content is being played by the electronic payment app, and transmits the above-mentioned payment information and the like to the server 203. The payment content providing unit 520 also provides the store terminal device 2 (201) with information (content) for displaying various screens for creating coupons, which will be described later. The payment processing unit 530 performs payment processing based on the payment information transmitted by the user terminal device 204 or the store terminal device 1 (200). The payment processing unit 530 performs payment processing while referring to the user information 572.

[0049] The code generation unit 550 generates a two-dimensional code based on information acquired from the store terminal device 1 (200). The two-dimensional code generated in this embodiment includes coupon information, location information, and the like.

[0050] The counting unit 560 reads the two-dimensional code generated by the code generating unit 550 and counts the number of times the coupon information has been accessed. The counting is performed for each coupon ID and for each posting location. In other words, the counting unit 560 counts from which posting location the user terminal transitioned to the coupon display screen. The counted number of accesses is linked to the coupon information and stored as counted information 580.

[0051] The design information 590 is information indicating the background design of the sales promotion item. The design information 590 is also information input in the creation pattern on the coupon setting screen 110. The server 203 stores a template of the background design of the coupon in the memory unit 570. The server 203 obtains the template of the background design corresponding to the input design information and transmits it to the store terminal device 1 (200).

[0052] 6 and 7 are sequence diagrams illustrating the general flow of electronic payment. There may be two patterns for electronic payment: pattern 1 and pattern 2.

[0053] The case of pattern 1 (hereinafter referred to as user scan) shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

[0054] In S601, the user terminal device 204 decodes a store code image using its optical reading function while the electronic payment app is running. The store code image contains store URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information. This store URL is the domain of the electronic payment service to which information that can identify the store has been added, and is associated with the affiliated store ID and other store IDs in the server 203. The affiliated store ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the affiliated store.

[0055] In S602, the electronic payment app sends first payment information including the store URL and account ID to server 203. In S603, server 203 searches for store information using the affiliated store ID and store ID corresponding to the store URL to obtain the affiliated store name and store name. In S604, server 203 sends the obtained information to the electronic payment app.

[0056] In S605, the store user enters the payment amount into the user terminal device 204 on a screen displaying the member store name and store name. In S606, the user terminal device 204 generates second payment information including at least the payment amount and transmits it to the server 203. In S607, the server 203 performs electronic payment based on the received second payment information. In S608, the server 203 transmits a payment completion notice (information for displaying a payment completion screen) to the electronic payment app.

[0057] In S609, the electronic payment app displays a payment completion screen. Note that the store code image may contain not only the store URL but also information on the payment amount. In this case, the user does not need to input the payment amount, and the payment amount information is included in the first payment information and sent to server 203. Information on the affiliated store name and store name may be displayed on the payment completion screen.

[0058] The case of pattern 2 (hereinafter referred to as store scan) shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

[0059] In S701, the electronic payment application sends a request to issue a one-time code to server 203. The request is made when the electronic payment application is launched, when a payment operation is performed in the electronic payment application, when an automatic update occurs (e.g., every minute), and at other times.

[0060] In S702, the server 203 generates a one-time code. In S703, the server 203 transmits the one-time code to the electronic payment application. In S704, the electronic payment application displays a code image, such as a two-dimensional code or barcode, generated based on the one-time code.

[0061] In S705, the user holds (presents) the display surface of the user terminal device 204 over the store terminal device 2 (201), and the store terminal device 2 (201) decodes the code image using its optical reading function and obtains a one-time code, etc. In S706, the store terminal device 2 (201) generates payment information including the one-time code, payment amount, affiliated store ID, store ID, etc., and transmits it to the server 203. The payment amount information has been obtained in advance by reading a barcode or manually entering it.

[0062] In S707, the server 203 identifies the user corresponding to the one-time code based on the received information and performs the electronic payment. In S708, the server 203 sends a payment completion notice to the electronic payment app. In S709, the electronic payment app displays a payment completion screen.

[0063] Note that electronic payments may be made using only one of the above patterns. The "account ID" may also be other information (e.g., a phone number) that can be used to identify the user. The store scan may omit issuing a one-time code, and the electronic payment app may display a code image generated based on the user's account ID. In this case, the server 203 identifies the user corresponding to the account ID instead of the one-time code.

[0064] Next, a detailed description will be given of coupon information DB 578 that server 203 has. Coupon information DB 578 stores coupon information distributed in electronic payment services.

[0065] 8 is a diagram illustrating coupon information. Coupon information 802 is stored in the coupon information DB 578 in association with a coupon ID 801, a store ID 803, and an affiliated store ID 804.

[0066] Coupon ID 801 is an identifier for uniquely identifying a distributed coupon. In other words, coupon ID 801 makes it possible to uniquely determine the store where the coupon can be used and the contents of the coupon. As shown in FIG. 8, coupon ID 801 is linked to store ID 803 of the store that distributed the coupon and affiliated store ID 804 of that store. Coupon information 802 is information that indicates the contents of the coupon. Coupon information 802 includes, for example, the coupon expiration date, the products or services to which the coupon can be applied, the coupon discount rate, the conditions for recipients of the coupon, and the conditions for applying the coupon.

[0067] The coupon expiration date is the date and time when the coupon can be used. For example, the coupon expiration date is expressed as "year / month / day / day". The goods or services to which the coupon can be applied are expressed as, for example, daily necessities, furniture, and home appliances, or dining at store X, or using △△ at store X. The coupon discount rate is the discount rate relative to the amount paid when the coupon is applied. For example, the coupon discount rate is expressed as 100 yen off, 10% off, or 1000 yen return.

[0068] The conditions for recipients of a coupon are, for example, the conditions for target users set by a store manager when distributing a coupon. For example, the conditions for recipients of a coupon may include users aged 20 or over, women only, and users who live in a certain area. The conditions for coupon application are the conditions under which the coupon can be used. For example, the conditions for coupon application may include products worth 1,000 yen or more, food and drink worth 2,000 yen or more, or first-time use at a certain store. The conditions for recipients of a coupon may also be set by the service provider providing the electronic payment service.

[0069] FIG. 9 shows the status of coupon acquisition by PS users. When the server 203 grants a coupon to a PS user, it manages the coupon by linking the PS user ID 901 with the coupon ID 801, as shown in FIG. 9. The linking information between the PS user ID 901 and the coupon ID 801 shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the coupon information DB 578, for example, along with the distributed coupon information described above. FIG. 9 shows that one PS user has acquired multiple coupons. For convenience, FIG. 9 shows the linking information for one PS user, but it goes without saying that the linking information for all PS users is stored in the coupon information DB 578.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the server 203 may issue coupons (C0002 and C0003) having similar coupon information 2 ("an example of the same benefit information") multiple times to the same user. For example, suppose a PS user is issued a coupon with a 10% discount rate (an example of coupon information 2) that can be used at a certain store. Thereafter, at any time, the PS user may be issued another coupon with a 10% discount rate that can be used at the same store.

[0071] In addition, the server 203 may simultaneously grant to the same user multiple coupons (C0001 and C0002) indicating coupon information 1 and coupon information 2 (examples of mutually different benefit information). For example, the same PS user may simultaneously be granted a coupon (C0001) with a 10% discount that can be used at a certain store and a coupon (C0002) with a 3% discount.

[0072] During electronic payment processing (at the time of payment), server 203 may automatically apply coupons from coupon IDs 801 shown in Fig. 9. For example, server 203 may preferentially apply coupons with an upcoming expiration date or coupons with a high discount rate.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a table diagram that stores coupon ID location information and count values ​​for each posting location. This table diagram is information stored for each coupon ID as aggregate information 580 in server 203. Location information 1001 is information about the posting location contained in two-dimensional code 131 attached to image data 130 of the promotional item, as described in FIG. 1. Therefore, this table information is updated and stored in server 203 according to coupon ID 801 entered on coupon setting screen 110 and the posting location entered on location information setting screen 120. Furthermore, when a two-dimensional code is read on user terminal device 204 and the display screen of user terminal device 204 transitions to the coupon display screen, the count value of the corresponding location information is updated to increment by 1. For example, if coupon ID 801 is "C0001" and a two-dimensional code is read on a promotional item whose posting location corresponds to "Location 2," the count value for Location 2 in FIG. 10 will increase from 5 to 6. For convenience, the names of the places listed in the location information 1001 are referred to as "Location 1," "Location 2," etc. However, in reality, for example, in a supermarket that handles a wide range of household goods such as groceries, daily necessities, and clothing, it is expected that the names of the places listed would be "cashier," "meat section," "vegetable section," "daily goods section," or "parking lot."

[0074] The coupon display screen displays the same content regardless of where the store customer reads the two-dimensional code attached to the promotional material. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, it is possible to associate one coupon ID 801 with multiple location information 1001.

[0075] In FIG. 10, five pieces of location information are associated with the coupon ID "C0001," but this is because it is assumed that the promotional material will be displayed in five locations. In reality, this is not limited to this. For example, if a promotional material is to be displayed in ten locations, the location information for each of the ten locations can be entered using the management app, allowing corresponding promotional materials to be created. In this case, the location information 1001 in this table will store ten pieces of information, for example, "Location 1" to "Location 10," for the coupon ID 801 "C0001."

[0076] Also, the above description is for the case where coupon ID 801 is "C0001", but as shown in the figure, this table exists for the number of coupon IDs 801.

[0077] The reason for associating one coupon ID with multiple location information is for use by the store manager. As explained in FIG. 5, when a store customer scans the two-dimensional code of a promotional item posted in location 1, for example, information indicating the scan is sent to server 203, and the scan is tallied (counted) by tallying unit 560. Tallying information 580 tallied by tallying unit 560 is stored in server memory 570. This allows the store manager to grasp how many times users have scanned the two-dimensional code of a promotional item posted in which location. This allows the store manager to analyze which locations should be prioritized for placing promotional items.

[0078] Therefore, when creating a promotional material that allows coupon information to be obtained for a certain product, the store manager must first decide in which location the promotional material will be displayed. For example, if it is decided to display the promotional material in three locations, location 1, location 3, and location 5, the store manager will create the promotional material three times using the store terminal device 1. That is, the coupon ID 801 (benefit information) on the coupon setting screen 110 is the same, and promotional materials will be created for each of the locations where "Location 1," "Location 3," and "Location 5" are entered in the display location input field 121 on the location information setting screen 120. As a result, promotional materials with the same content will be created for each display location.

[0079] Specifically, the content of the two-dimensional code attached to the created promotional material includes a portion indicating coupon information and a portion indicating the posting location. Explaining the example of posting in the three locations mentioned above, the portion indicating coupon information is the same (common) for the two-dimensional code of the promotional material posted in each posting location. On the other hand, the portion indicating the posting location will have different information depending on the posting location. As a result, when the user terminal reads the two-dimensional code, the portion indicating coupon information contained in the read two-dimensional code transitions to a coupon display screen provided by server 203. Furthermore, the counting unit 560 of server 203 counts the number of accesses for each posting location using the portion indicating location information.

[0080] There are various methods for counting the number of times a two-dimensional code is scanned. Here, an example using a shortened URL will be described. Information indicating coupon information and information indicating a posting location are associated with the shortened URL on the server 203 side. That is, for the same coupon information, shortened URL-A is used for posting location A, and shortened URL-B is used for posting location B. The two-dimensional code is an encoded version of this shortened URL. The server 203 redirects a terminal that reads the two-dimensional code and accesses shortened URL-A, returning information for obtaining the coupon (e.g., information for transitioning to a page for obtaining a coupon in an electronic payment application). Similarly, the server 203 redirects a terminal that reads the two-dimensional code and accesses shortened URL-B, returning information for obtaining the coupon (e.g., information for transitioning to a page for obtaining a coupon in an electronic payment application). In this way, a store customer can obtain the same coupon information even if they scan two-dimensional codes on promotional materials from different posting locations. Meanwhile, the server 203 can count the number of accesses for each posting location depending on whether they accessed shortened URL-A or shortened URL-B. Note that such a shortened URL is merely an example, and is not limited to this example. Any mechanism can be used as long as the server 203 is configured to be able to grasp the read two-dimensional code.

[0081] 10 shows in which posting location a promotional item was created for one coupon ID 801. Therefore, when creating a new promotional item with the same coupon content as a promotional item created in the past, this can be used as a reference for determining in which posting location the promotional item should be created.

[0082] 11 is a sequence diagram of the process in this embodiment when the store terminal device 1 (200) generates a promotional item with a two-dimensional code containing location information. This process is started by the store manager using the store terminal device 1 (200) operating the management app installed in the store terminal device 1 (200). In the following description of each process, "S" indicates a step in a flowchart.

[0083] In S1101, the store terminal device 1 (200) accepts input of setting information by a user operation. The setting information is information (i.e., coupon ID 801, store ID 803, design information 590, and location information 1001) input on the coupon setting screen 110 and location information setting screen 120 shown in FIG.

[0084] In S1102, the store terminal device 1 (200) transmits the input information to the server.

[0085] In S1103, the server 203 generates a two-dimensional code based on the coupon ID 801 and the location information 1001 acquired from the store terminal device 1 (200).

[0086] In S1104, the server 203 acquires the coupon information 802, store information, and design information 590 associated with the coupon ID 801 from the storage unit 570, and transmits them together with the generated two-dimensional code to the store terminal device 1 (200). In S1105, the store terminal device 1 (200) generates image data of the promotional item using the various data and two-dimensional code acquired from the server 203. Specifically, the store terminal device 1 (200) generates design data of the promotional item based on the coupon information 802 linked to the coupon ID 801 acquired from the server 203, the store information, and the design information 590. The two-dimensional code acquired from the server 203 is added to this design data, thereby completing the generation of the image data of the promotional item. After that, the processing of this sequence diagram ends.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing examples of promotional materials generated by the process of FIG. 11. Promotional material 1201 is a poster-type promotional material. For example, it is displayed in a location in the store where it is easily visible to customers. Promotional material 1202 is a card-type promotional material, which is placed, for example, next to the cash register in the store to catch the eye of customers before they pay. Promotional material 1203 is a POP-type promotional material, which is intended to be placed on a product shelf, for example. As shown in FIG. 12, the promotional material has a two-dimensional code attached to it, and store customers can read the two-dimensional code to display and use a coupon on their terminal device. When outputting image data of the generated promotional material to promotional materials of various sizes, store terminal device 1 (200) performs a process to appropriately change the display content according to the size of each promotional material.

[0088] As mentioned above, promotional materials in this embodiment are assigned a two-dimensional code specific to each posting location. If "Location 1" is entered in the posting location input field 121 and a poster is created, the poster must be posted somewhere within the range of Location 1. Similarly, if another location is entered in the posting location input field 121, the promotional material must be placed in a location corresponding to the posting location. This makes it possible to grasp the number of accesses for each posting location.

[0089] However, even if the content of the two-dimensional code is different, the appearance of the promotional material itself is the same, so when the promotional material is completed, the store manager needs to accurately manage where each promotional material is displayed. Therefore, for example, the location information entered on the location information setting screen 120 may be written as text in the upper or lower corner of the completed promotional material. If the display location is written on the promotional material, the store manager can smoothly display the promotional material corresponding to the display location.

[0090] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the process performed by the store terminal device 1 (200) in this embodiment to generate a promotional item having a two-dimensional code.

[0091] The series of processes shown in this flowchart is performed by the CPU 301 of the store terminal device 1 (200) by loading the program code of the management app stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executing it. This process is started by, for example, a store manager operating the management app on the store terminal device 1 (200).

[0092] In S1301, the CPU 301 of the store terminal device 1 (200) displays the coupon setting screen 110 and the location information setting screen 120 and accepts input of setting information. The coupon setting screen 110 and the location information setting screen 120 may be displayed in any order.

[0093] In step S1302 , the CPU 301 transmits the setting information to the server 203 .

[0094] In S1303, the CPU 301 acquires the two-dimensional code and each piece of data (coupon information 802 linked to the coupon ID 801, store information, and design information 590) from the server 203.

[0095] In S1304, the CPU 301 generates image data of the promotional material based on the information acquired in S1303. The generated image data is output by the store manager as a poster, pop-up, card, digital signage, or the like. In this embodiment, the output product is the promotional material. Thereafter, the CPU 301 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0096] 14 is an example of a graph showing the number of accesses to a two-dimensional code for each posting location, which is tallied by the tallying unit 560 of the server 203. This graph is generated by the server 203 based on the tallied information 580 held by the server 203, and is transmitted to the store terminal device 1 (200).

[0097] The store shown in Figure 14 has five locations where promotional materials are posted. As can be seen from Figure 14, the two-dimensional code of the promotional material posted in location 1 has been scanned twice. It can also be seen that the two-dimensional code of the promotional material posted in location 3 has currently been scanned the most. By graphing the number of accesses for each of these posting locations and providing this information to the store manager, it is expected that the efficiency of posting promotional materials will increase.

[0098] In addition to graphs, it is also possible to output the number of hits as a pie chart. In this case, it is possible to display the percentage of hits for each listing location. In addition to this, it is conceivable that the number of hits for each listing location can be visualized in various ways.

[0099] As described above, according to this embodiment, promotional materials that provide coupons can be effectively utilized. Specifically, by attaching a two-dimensional code containing location information of the publication location to the promotional material, it becomes possible to grasp the number of accesses to the two-dimensional code for each publication location.

[0100] <Other embodiments> In the above description, the store terminal device 1 (200) transmits the setting information to the server 203, and the store terminal device 1 (200) acquires each data and the two-dimensional code and generates image data of the promotional item. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the server 203 may use the setting information to generate image data of the promotional item with a two-dimensional code attached, and transmit the image data to the store terminal device 1 (200).

[0101] In addition, although the two-dimensional code has been described as being generated by the server 203 based on coupon information and location information, this is not limiting, and the two-dimensional code generated in an external device may be acquired by the server 203 or the store terminal device 1 (200). In this case, for example, the store terminal device 1 (200) may directly transmit information for generating the two-dimensional code to the external device, or only the server 203 may communicate with the outside.

[0102] In addition, although the server 203 has been described as counting the number of accesses accumulated by reading the two-dimensional code, this is not limited to this. When the user terminal reads the two-dimensional code, an external device may count the number of accesses. In this case, the content of the two-dimensional code and information indicating that the two-dimensional code has been read may be transmitted to the external device.

[0103] Furthermore, although an example has been described in which server 203 providing electronic payment services tally up the counts, the server that tallys up the counts may be provided separately from server 203 providing electronic payment services.

Claims

1. An information processing device a display control unit that displays a setting screen for inputting a coupon ID of a coupon that can be applied to a promotional item in the electronic payment service and location information regarding a location where the promotional item is to be displayed; an output control unit that outputs image data of a promotional item to which a two-dimensional code containing coupon information corresponding to the coupon ID and information corresponding to the location information is added; A program characterized by functioning as

2. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that the output control unit transmits the information entered on the setting screen to a server that provides the electronic payment service and obtains the two-dimensional code generated on the server.

3. The program described in claim 2, characterized in that the output control unit displays or prints the image data of the promotional item generated in the server to include the two-dimensional code, or the image data of the promotional item generated using the two-dimensional code obtained from the server.

4. the setting screen is configured to further input design information of the promotional item and store information that handles the promotional item; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein design data indicating a design of the promotional item is created based on the design information, the store information, and the coupon information input on the setting screen.

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the output control unit outputs the image data of the promotional item by adding a two-dimensional code corresponding to the location information to the design data.

6. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that the two-dimensional code contains information that, when read, causes the screen of the user terminal using the electronic payment service to transition to a screen for obtaining a coupon.

7. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code contains information that, when read, is used to tally the number of accesses to each location where the promotional material is displayed.

8. 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein the aggregated number of accesses for each location of the promotional material is output in a visualized manner.

9. 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the output control unit outputs the image data including text indicating the publication location.

10. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the image data of the promotional material is output as a poster, a card, or digital signage.

11. a display control unit that displays a setting screen for inputting a coupon ID of a coupon that can be applied to a promotional item in the electronic payment service and location information regarding a location where the promotional item is to be displayed; an output control unit that outputs image data of a promotional item to which a two-dimensional code containing coupon information corresponding to the coupon ID and information corresponding to the location information is added; An information processing device comprising:

12. a display control step of displaying a setting screen for inputting a coupon ID of a coupon to be applied to an object of sales promotion in the electronic payment service and location information regarding a location where the sales promotion item is to be displayed; an output control step of outputting image data of a promotional item to which a two-dimensional code including coupon information corresponding to the coupon ID and information corresponding to the location information is added; 10. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

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