Generation device, generation method, and generation program

Abstract

To improve convenience of a user in settlement.SOLUTION: A generation device according to the present application includes a storage unit configured to store transaction object information including identification information used to identify a transaction object at the time of settlement, a reception unit configured to receive setting information related to setting of a coupon applicable to the transaction object from a provider of the transaction object, and a generation unit configured to generate a coupon usable in a settlement means using a user terminal used by a user, the settlement means identifying the transaction object using the identification information, based on the setting information received by the reception unit and the transaction object information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a generating device, a generating method, and a generating program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed that provides a predetermined benefit to a user who purchases a predetermined transaction object. One example of such a technology is a technology that issues a discount coupon for a desired product and allows the user to pay the discounted amount for the product at the cash register. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-218483 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques are not necessarily convenient for users.

[0005] For example, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, when making a payment, the consumer must present a coupon issued by a coupon issuing device installed in the store, and the coupon information must be read by a coupon usage device, which is not necessarily convenient for the user.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a generation device, a generation method, and a generation program that improve user convenience in payments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The generation device of the present application is characterized by having a memory unit that stores transaction object information including identification information used to identify the transaction object at the time of payment, a reception unit that receives setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to the transaction object from the provider of the transaction object, and a generation unit that generates coupons that can be used in a payment means that uses a user terminal used by a user and identifies the transaction object using the identification information, based on the setting information received by the reception unit and the transaction object information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to achieve an effect of improving the convenience of users in making payments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a generation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an account database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transaction target information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the generation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the payment server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of a generating device, a generating method, and a generating program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the drawings. Note that the generating device, the generating method, and the generating program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] 1. Embodiment A generation process implemented by a generation device or the like according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the generation process according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, it is assumed that the generation process or the like according to this embodiment is implemented by a payment server 10, which is an example of a generation device according to this embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the generation processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 100, a store terminal 200, and a business operator terminal 300. The payment server 10, the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, and the business operator terminal 300 are connected to each other via a network N (see Fig. 2, for example) so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless means. The network N is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Note that the generation processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1 may include a plurality of payment servers 10, a plurality of user terminals 100, a plurality of store terminals 200, and a plurality of business operator terminals 300.

[0013] The payment server 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device that executes the generation process according to the embodiment, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. For example, the payment server 10 provides an electronic payment service related to electronic payments using a user terminal 100. For example, the payment server 10 manages the accounts of providers (businesses) of transaction objects and users to whom transaction objects are provided, and realizes various payments by transferring electronic money between accounts in accordance with a payment request from a user. Note that electronic money may be, for example, points or currency used independently by various companies, or electronically tradable currencies provided by a country, such as Japanese yen or dollars.

[0014] Furthermore, the payment server 10 receives coupon information (e.g., identification information (product ID) that identifies the transaction object (product) to which the coupon applies, the benefits granted to the user by the coupon, and the conditions for the user to obtain the coupon) related to coupons that are granted to users in the electronic payment service and can be used in the electronic payment service from the coupon provider (in other words, the person who plans and sets the coupon and contributes (provides) the funds for the coupon) and manages it in the memory unit of its own device. For example, the payment server 10 manages information indicated by a barcode (such as a JAN code or an in-store code) attached to the transaction object as identification information.

[0015] Furthermore, the payment server 10 associates the user with the coupon acquired by the user, and manages the association in a storage unit of the device.

[0016] The user terminal 100 shown in Fig. 1 is an information processing device used by a user. The user terminal 100 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The user terminal 100 displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application. The example shown in Fig. 1 shows a case where the user terminal 100 is a smartphone.

[0017] When the user terminal 100 receives control information for realizing predetermined information processing from the payment server 10, the user terminal 100 performs the information processing in accordance with the control information. Here, the control information is described in, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a programming language such as Java (registered trademark), or a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Note that the predetermined application itself delivered from the payment server 10 may be regarded as the control information.

[0018] 1 is an information processing device used in a store that provides transaction objects to users. The store terminal 200 is realized, for example, by a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc. The store terminal 200 also displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application.

[0019] 1, the store terminal 200 is a POS terminal installed in a store, and manages transaction object information related to transaction objects provided in the store. For example, the store terminal 200 manages the price of the transaction object by linking it to information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object (identification information for identifying the product).

[0020] The business operator terminal 300 shown in Fig. 1 is an information processing device used by a business operator that provides a transaction object to a user. The business operator terminal 300 is realized, for example, by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The business operator terminal 300 displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application. Note that the example shown in Fig. 1 shows a case where the business operator terminal 300 is a desktop PC.

[0021] 1-1. Payment using the user terminal 100 Here, prior to the generation process executed by the payment server 10, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 100 will be described. Note that the following description will be given of an example in which user U1 makes a payment using the user terminal 100 using a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) placed in store A, which indicates store identification information that identifies store A, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The example of payment described below can also be applied when any user makes a payment at any store using any user terminal 100. Furthermore, the store identification information may be not only a QR code, but also a barcode, a predetermined mark, a number, etc.

[0022] For example, when user U1 makes a payment for using or purchasing a payment object (transaction object) such as various products or services at store A, user U1 launches a payment app pre-installed on user terminal 100. Then, user U1 photographs the store identification information installed in store A via the payment app. In such a case, user terminal 100 displays a screen for inputting the price of the payment object and accepts input of the payment amount from user U1 or a store clerk at store A. Then, user terminal 100 transmits to payment server 10 payment information indicating user identification information that identifies user U1, store identification information (or information indicated by the store identification information, i.e., information indicating store A (or business operator M1 of store A) (e.g., store ID)), and the payment amount.

[0023] In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A indicated by the store identification information. Then, the payment server 10 sends a notification that the payment has been completed to the user terminal 100. In such a case, the user terminal 100 notifies that payment has been made using electronic money by outputting a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed. Here, the payment server 10 may deduct a predetermined fee (such as a management fee) from the account of affiliated store A when transferring the electronic money to the account of store A, or at a predetermined timing.

[0024] It should be noted that payment using the user terminal 100 is not limited to the above-described process. For example, payment using the user terminal 100 may be made using a store terminal 200 installed in store A. For example, the user terminal 100 displays user identification information for identifying user U1 on a screen. In such a case, the store terminal 200 installed in store A reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 100 and transmits payment information indicating the user identification information (or information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating user U1 (e.g., user ID)), the payment amount, and information identifying store A to the payment server 10. In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A, and may notify the store terminal 200 or the user terminal 100 of store A that the payment has been completed by displaying a screen or outputting a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0025] Furthermore, the payment using the user terminal 100 may not only be a process of transferring electronic money from an account to which user U1 has previously charged electronic money to the account of store A, but may also be a payment using a credit card that user U1 has previously registered. In such a case, for example, the user terminal 100 may transfer the electronic money of the payment amount to the account of store A, and may also bill the operating company (card company) of user U1's credit card for the payment amount.

[0026] Furthermore, the payment using the user terminal 100 may not only involve a process of transferring electronic money from the account of user U1 to the account of store A, but also, for example, a process in which the payment server 10 withdraws electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the account of user U1 and deposits the amount of cash obtained by subtracting a predetermined fee (such as a management fee) from the payment amount into the bank account of store A. In such a case, for example, the payment server 10 manages the payment amount from each user to store A as sales information of store A, and at a predetermined timing, based on the sales information, deposits cash into the bank account of store A in the amount obtained by subtracting a predetermined fee from the sales amount (the total payment amount indicated by the sales information).

[0027] In addition, when the source of funds for the coupon used at the time of payment is borne by store A, when depositing cash into store A's bank account or transferring electronic money to store A's account, the payment server 10 may execute a process to subtract the cash amount borne by store A from the payment amount and deposit it into the bank account, or to subtract the electronic money amount borne by store A from the payment amount and transfer it to store A's account.

[0028] 1-2. Overview of the embodiment Here, as an example of a technology for providing a predetermined benefit to a user who purchases a predetermined transaction object, a technology has been proposed in which a discount coupon for a desired product is issued and the discounted payment for the product is made at the time of payment at the register. However, with this technology, at the time of payment, the consumer must present a coupon issued by a coupon issuing device installed in the store, and the coupon information must be read by a coupon using device, which is not necessarily convenient for the user.

[0029] Therefore, the payment server 10 executes a generation process according to the embodiment. The generation process executed by the payment server 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. In the following description, an example will be shown in which the user terminal 100 is used by a user U1, the store terminal 200 is installed in a store A, and the business operator terminal 300 is used by a business operator M1 that manages the store A. In the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the user U1, and the business operator terminal 300 may be regarded as the business operator M1. In other words, in the following, the user U1 may be regarded as the user terminal 100, and the business operator M1 may be regarded as the business operator terminal 300.

[0030] In addition, in the following explanation, it is assumed that the payment server 10 acquires the identification information of the transaction object indicated by the JAN code and the information of the transaction object (such as name) linked to the JAN code from an external server (such as a JAN code integrated product information database), and stores the acquired information in the memory unit of its own device as transaction object information.

[0031] First, the payment server 10 receives transaction object information including identification information of the transaction object from the business operator terminal 300 (step S1). For example, the payment server 10 receives transaction object information including identification information indicated by an in-store code uniquely assigned by the business operator M1 and the name of the transaction object, and stores the information in a storage unit of the payment server 10.

[0032] Next, the payment server 10 provides content indicating the transaction object information stored in the storage unit of its own device in response to a request from the business operator terminal 300 (step S2). For example, the payment server 10 provides content indicating the transaction object information linked to the in-store code received from the business operator terminal 300 and the transaction object information linked to the JAN code to the business operator terminal 300. Note that the payment server 10 may provide content indicating the transaction object information managed in the store terminal 200, out of the transaction object information linked to the JAN code.

[0033] Next, the payment server 10 receives setting information related to the setting of coupons applicable to transaction objects provided by store A from the business operator terminal 300 via the content provided in step S2 (step S3). For example, the payment server 10 receives setting information including the store ID of store A, identification information of the transaction object to which the coupon applies, details of benefits given to the user by the coupon (discount amount, cashback amount, etc.), acquisition conditions for the user to acquire the coupon, etc. As a specific example, the payment server 10 receives information indicating the attributes (segments) of users who are eligible to acquire the coupon as the acquisition conditions.

[0034] Next, the payment server 10 generates a coupon based on the setting information and the transaction target information (step S4). For example, the payment server 10 generates coupon #1 that can be used for payment to store A using the above-mentioned payment app, and stores coupon information (setting information, etc.) related to coupon #1 in the storage unit of the payment server 10.

[0035] Next, the payment server 10 distributes coupon #1 via the payment app (step S5). In the example of Fig. 1, it is assumed that user U1, who meets the conditions for obtaining coupon #1, launches the payment app pre-installed in the user terminal 100 and performs a predetermined operation to obtain the distributed coupon #1. In this case, the payment server 10 associates the user ID indicating user U1 with coupon #1 and manages it in the memory unit of its own device.

[0036] 1, it is assumed that user U1 wishes to make the above-mentioned payment to store A, which is made by the store terminal 200 reading user identification information (user ID). In this case, the store terminal 200 reads the barcode of each transaction object that user U1 will purchase and the user ID of user U1 (step S6). For example, at the time of payment, the store terminal 200 uses a barcode reader or the like to read the identification information indicated by the barcode attached to the transaction object and the user ID displayed on the user terminal 100.

[0037] Next, the payment server 10 receives payment information related to the payment made by user U1 to store A from the store terminal 200 (step S7). For example, the payment server 10 receives payment information including the store ID of store A, the identification information of the transaction objects read by the store terminal 200 in step S6, the total price (payment amount) of each transaction object linked to the identification information, and the user ID of user U1.

[0038] Next, the payment server 10 identifies coupons applicable to the user U1 based on the payment information (step S8). For example, the payment server 10 collates coupon information corresponding to coupons already acquired by the user U1 with the payment information to identify coupons that are applicable to the transaction object indicated by the payment information, among the coupons already acquired by the user U1.

[0039] In the example of Fig. 1, it is assumed that coupon #1 is identified as the coupon applicable to user U1. In this case, the payment server 10 executes a payment process based on the payment information received in step S7, and grants user U1 a benefit based on coupon #1 (step S9). For example, the payment server 10 executes a process to transfer electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from user U1's account to store A's account. Then, the payment server 10 grants user U1 a benefit based on coupon #1 (such as a predetermined amount of cash back).

[0040] Next, the payment server 10 transmits information indicating the benefit granted to the user U1 to the store terminal 200 (step S10). For example, the payment server 10 transmits the content of the benefit granted to the user U1 and coupon information regarding the coupon #1.

[0041] Next, the store terminal 200 outputs a receipt (step S11). For example, the store terminal 200 outputs a receipt on which the payment information and the information transmitted from the payment server 10 in step S10 are printed. Then, the store clerk at store A provides the output receipt to user U1.

[0042] As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment provides content indicating transaction object information managed by the payment server 10 to a business operator, and generates coupons that can be used in payments using a payment app based on setting information received through the content, and distributes the coupons to users. This allows the payment server 10 according to the embodiment to automatically apply coupons arbitrarily set by the business operator to users. In other words, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can improve user convenience in payments.

[0043] [2. Payment Server Configuration] Next, the configuration of the payment server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the payment server 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0044] (Regarding the communication unit 20) The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) etc. The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, the business operator terminal 300 etc.

[0045] (Regarding the storage unit 30) The storage unit 30 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in Fig. 4, the storage unit 30 has an account database 31, a transaction target information database 32, a coupon information database 33, and a user information database 34.

[0046] (Regarding Account Database 31) The account database 31 stores various information related to accounts held by users, stores (businesses), etc. in electronic payment services. An example of the information stored in the account database 31 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an account database according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, the account database 31 has items such as "account ID," "owner information," and "account balance."

[0047] "Account ID" indicates identification information for identifying an account. "Owner information" indicates information about the owner of the account, and for example, stores identification information for identifying the owner. "Account balance" indicates the balance of the account.

[0048] That is, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the information of the owner of the account identified by the account ID "AID#1" is "User #1" and the account balance is "7,800 yen."

[0049] (Regarding Transaction Information Database 32) The transaction object information database 32 stores various information related to transaction objects provided by business operators. For example, the transaction object information database 32 stores transaction object information including identification information used to identify the transaction object at the time of payment. To give a specific example, in the example of Fig. 1, the transaction object information database 32 stores transaction object information acquired (accepted) from the business operator terminal 300 or an external server, which includes identification information for identifying the transaction object.

[0050] The transaction object information database 32 may also store transaction object information including identification information read by a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction object. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the transaction object information database 32 stores transaction object information including identification information read by a barcode reader or the like of the store terminal 200.

[0051] Furthermore, the transaction object information database 32 may store transaction object information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the transaction object information database 32 stores transaction object information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object.

[0052] Furthermore, the transaction object information database 32 may store transaction object information including identification information that is uniquely set by the provider. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the transaction object information database 32 stores transaction object information including identification information indicated by an in-store code that is uniquely assigned by the business entity M1.

[0053] Furthermore, the transaction object information database 32 may store transaction object information including identification information standardized by a predetermined organization as information for identifying the transaction object. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the transaction object information database 32 stores transaction object information including identification information indicated by a barcode conforming to the JIS standard.

[0054] An example of information stored in the transaction target information database 32 will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the transaction target information database according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 4, the transaction target information database 32 has items such as "business ID," "name," "price," "identification information," and "coupon information."

[0055] "Business ID" indicates identification information for identifying the business. "Name" indicates the name of the transaction object. "Price" indicates the price of the transaction object. "Identification information" indicates the identification information indicated by the barcode attached to the transaction object. "Coupon information" indicates information regarding coupons that apply to the transaction object.

[0056] That is, Figure 4 shows an example in which the name of the transaction object provided by the business ID "MID#1" is "Name #1", the price is "1,000 yen", the identification information indicated by the barcode is "Identification Information #1", and the information regarding applicable coupons is "Coupon Information #1".

[0057] (About coupon information database 33) The coupon information database 33 stores various information related to coupons that can be applied to users. An example of information stored in the coupon information database 33 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon information database according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 5, the coupon information database 33 has items such as "business ID" and "coupon information."

[0058] "Business ID" indicates identification information for identifying the business requesting the distribution of a coupon to a user (in other words, the business providing the funds for the coupon). "Coupon Information" indicates information about the coupon, and includes items such as "Coupon ID," "Identification Information," "Benefit Details," and "Conditions for Acquisition." "Coupon ID" indicates identification information for identifying a coupon. "Identification Information" indicates information indicated by the barcode attached to the transaction object to which the coupon applies, such as the JAN code attached to the product by the manufacturer of the transaction object, or the in-store code assigned uniquely by each affiliated store of the electronic payment service. "Benefit Details" indicates the content of the benefit granted to the user by the coupon. "Conditions for Acquisition" indicates the conditions under which a user can acquire a coupon (for example, demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, payment history).

[0059] That is, Figure 5 shows an example in which a coupon provided by a business identified by business ID "MID#1" is identified by coupon ID "CID#1", the identification information of the transaction object to which the coupon is applied is "identification information #1", the benefit content is "benefit content #1", and the acquisition condition is "acquisition condition #1".

[0060] (Regarding User Information Database 34) The user information database 34 stores various information related to users of the electronic payment service provided by the payment server 10. Here, an example of the information stored in the user information database 34 will be described using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, the user information database 34 has items such as "user ID," "payment history," and "acquired coupons."

[0061] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Payment history" indicates the history of payments made using electronic payment services, and stores information such as the payment destination and payment amount. "Acquired coupons" indicates coupons that the user has acquired from the coupon information stored in coupon information database 33, and stores identification information for identifying the coupons, for example.

[0062] That is, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the payment history of a user identified by a user ID "UID#1" is "payment history #1" and the acquired coupon is "acquired coupon #1."

[0063] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the payment server 10 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 40 is also a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 40 according to the embodiment has a receiving unit 41, a providing unit 42, a generating unit 43, an identifying unit 44, a payment processing unit 45, an assigning unit 46, and a transmitting unit 47, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

[0064] (Regarding Reception Section 41) The reception unit 41 receives identification information that identifies a transaction object that is the subject of payment using a user terminal used by a user. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information that indicates the identification information of a transaction object that is the subject of payment using a payment app pre-installed on the user terminal 100.

[0065] The reception unit 41 may also receive setting information related to the setting of a coupon applicable to a transaction object from a provider of the transaction object. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the reception unit 41 receives setting information from the business operator terminal 300, including the store ID of store A, identification information of the transaction object to which the coupon is applied, details of the benefit given to the user by the coupon, and acquisition conditions for the user to acquire the coupon.

[0066] Furthermore, the reception unit 41 may receive the setting information via content provided by the provision unit 42. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the reception unit 41 receives setting information related to setting coupons applicable to transaction objects provided by the store A via content provided by the provision unit 42, which will be described later.

[0067] The reception unit 41 may also receive setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to transaction objects belonging to a predetermined category. For example, the reception unit 41 receives setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to transaction objects belonging to the category "food." The category to which the transaction objects belong may have any granularity. For example, if the transaction objects provided by a store are classified into categories having a predetermined hierarchical relationship, the reception unit 41 may receive setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to transaction objects belonging to a category at any hierarchical level. As a specific example, the reception unit 41 may receive setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to transaction objects belonging to "milk," a category below the category "food."

[0068] The receiving unit 41 may also receive the setting information related to the setting of a coupon applicable to multiple transaction objects. For example, the receiving unit 41 receives setting information related to the setting of one coupon applicable to multiple transaction objects. As a specific example, when a 10% return coupon for rice balls is set, the receiving unit 41 receives setting information including designation of multiple transaction objects to which the coupon applies, such as rice balls with pickled plums and rice balls with mentaiko, for one coupon ID. The generating unit 43, which will be described later, then generates a coupon in which identification information of each of the multiple transaction objects, such as rice balls with pickled plums and rice balls with mentaiko, is associated with one coupon ID.

[0069] Furthermore, the reception unit 41 may receive setting information including information about users who are eligible to acquire coupons. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the reception unit 41 receives information indicating attributes (segments) of users who are eligible to acquire coupons. To give a specific example, the reception unit 41 receives information indicating users who have never used the store (for example, new customers who have not made a payment with the store using a payment app). The reception unit 41 also receives information indicating users who have not used the store for a predetermined period or longer (for example, dormant customers who have not made a payment with the store using a payment app for a predetermined period or longer).

[0070] The reception unit 41 may receive setting information that specifies that a user who is eligible to acquire a coupon corresponds to a transaction object to which the coupon is applicable. For example, if the coupon is applicable to alcohol or tobacco, the reception unit 41 receives setting information that indicates the attribute of a user who is eligible to acquire the coupon, "20 years of age or older."

[0071] (About the provider 42) The providing unit 42 provides content indicating transaction object information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 42 refers to the transaction object information database 32 and provides the business operator terminal 300 with content indicating the transaction object information linked to the in-store code received from the business operator terminal 300 and the transaction object information linked to the JAN code.

[0072] The providing unit 42 may provide content including coupon information related to a coupon generated for the transaction object.

[0073] (Regarding the generation unit 43) The generation unit 43 generates a coupon that can be used in a payment method that uses a user terminal used by a user and identifies a transaction object using identification information, based on the setting information and transaction object information accepted by the acceptance unit 41. For example, in the example of Figure 1, the generation unit 43 references the transaction object information database 32 and generates coupon #1 that can be used in payment using the above-mentioned payment app for store A, based on the setting information and the transaction object information, and stores coupon information related to coupon #1 in the coupon information database 33.

[0074] (Regarding the identification unit 44) When payment information including identification information identifying a transaction object that is the subject of payment using a payment means is received from a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction object, the identification unit 44 identifies coupons that can be applied to the user from among the coupons that the user has previously acquired, based on the identification information. For example, in the example of Figure 1, the generation unit 43 refers to the coupon information database 33 and the user information database 34, and compares coupon information corresponding to coupons that user U1 has already acquired with the payment information, thereby identifying coupons that can be applied to the transaction object indicated by the payment information from among the coupons that user U1 has already acquired.

[0075] The identification unit 44 may identify coupons applicable to the user from among the coupons previously acquired by the user, based on the identification information of the store (provider) indicated by the payment information. For example, the identification unit 44 identifies, from among the coupons already acquired by the user, coupons generated based on the setting information received from the store, based on the identification information of the store indicated by the payment information.

[0076] (Regarding the payment processing unit 45) The payment processing unit 45 executes payment processing in accordance with the payment information accepted by the acceptance unit 41. For example, the payment processing unit 45 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of the user indicated by the user ID to the account of the store indicated by the store ID.

[0077] (Regarding the granting unit 46) The granting unit 46 grants to the user a benefit based on the coupon identified by the identifying unit 44. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the granting unit 46 grants to the user U1 a benefit based on coupon #1.

[0078] (Regarding the transmitter 47) The sending unit 47 sends to the store terminal information indicating the benefit granted by the granting unit 46, which information is to be printed on a receipt output from the store terminal. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the sending unit 47 sends to the store terminal 200 the content of the benefit granted to user U1 and coupon information regarding coupon #1 as information to be printed on a receipt output from the store terminal 200.

[0079] [3. Generation process flow] The procedure of the generation process of the payment server 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the generation process according to the embodiment.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 7, content indicating transaction object information is provided (step S101). Next, the payment server 10 receives setting information related to setting coupons applicable to the transaction object from the provider of the transaction object (step S102). Next, based on the setting information and the transaction object information, a coupon that can be used in a predetermined payment method is generated (step S103), and the process ends.

[0081] [4. Modifications] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0082] [4-1. Processing mode] Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information, including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above text and drawings, can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0083] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0084] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0085] [5. Effects] As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment includes a memory unit 30, a receiving unit 41, a providing unit 42, a generating unit 43, an identifying unit 44, a payment processing unit 45, an assigning unit 46, and a transmitting unit 47. The memory unit 30 stores transaction object information including identification information used to identify the transaction object at the time of payment. The memory unit 30 also stores transaction object information including identification information read by a store terminal used by a store providing the transaction object. The memory unit 30 also stores transaction object information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object. The memory unit 30 also stores transaction object information including identification information uniquely set by the provider. The memory unit 30 also stores transaction object information including identification information standardized by a predetermined organization as information identifying the transaction object. The receiving unit 41 receives setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to the transaction object from the provider of the transaction object. The receiving unit 41 also receives setting information via content provided by the providing unit 42. The providing unit 42 provides content indicating transaction object information. The generating unit 43 generates coupons usable in a payment method using a user terminal used by a user, which identifies the transaction object using identification information, based on the setting information and transaction object information received by the receiving unit 41. When payment information including identification information identifying the transaction object to be paid using the payment method is received from a store terminal used by a store providing the transaction object, the identifying unit 44 identifies coupons applicable to the user from coupons previously acquired by the user based on the identification information. The granting unit 46 grants the user a benefit based on the coupon identified by the identifying unit 44. The transmitting unit 47 transmits information indicating the benefit granted by the granting unit 46 to the store terminal, which information is to be printed on a receipt output from the store terminal.

[0086] As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide the business operator with content indicating the transaction target information managed by the device itself, and based on the setting information received through the content, generate coupons that can be used for payments using the payment app and distribute them to the user, thereby improving the convenience of users in payments.

[0087] In the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the reception unit 41 receives setting information related to the setting of coupons applicable to transaction objects belonging to a predetermined category. The reception unit 41 also receives setting information related to the setting of coupons applicable to multiple transaction objects. The reception unit 41 also receives setting information including information about users who can acquire coupons.

[0088] As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can accept any setting information, generate coupons, and distribute them to users, thereby improving convenience for providers.

[0089] [6. Hardware Configuration] The payment server 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 8. The payment server 10 will be described below as an example. Fig. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the payment server. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a ROM 1200, a RAM 1300, an HDD 1400, a communication interface (I / F) 1500, an input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and a media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0090] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on programs stored in the ROM 1200 or the HDD 1400. The ROM 1200 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0091] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by such programs, etc. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a communication network 500 (corresponding to the network N in the embodiment) and sends the data to the CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.

[0092] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to the output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0093] Media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in recording medium 1800 and provides it to CPU 1100 via RAM 1300. CPU 1100 loads the program or data from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1300 via media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. Recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0094] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the payment server 10, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded on the RAM 1300 to realize the functions of the control unit 40. The HDD 1400 also stores various data in the storage device of the payment server 10. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via a predetermined communication network.

[0095] [7. Other] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that include the embodiments described in the Disclosure of the Invention section and that have been modified and improved in various ways based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0096] Furthermore, the above-described payment server 10 can be flexibly configured to call an external platform or the like using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing, depending on the function.

[0097] Furthermore, the term "unit" in the claims can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a reception unit can be read as a reception means or a reception circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 Payment Server 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31 Account Database 32 Transaction Information Database 33 Coupon Information Database 34 User Information Database 40 Control Unit 41 Reception 42 Providing Department 43 Generation part 44 Specific part 45 Payment processing section 46 Granting Department 47 Transmitter 100 user terminals 200 store terminals 300 Operator terminal

Claims

1. a generation unit that, upon receiving setting information relating to the setting of a coupon applicable to a predetermined transaction object from a provider, links the setting information to a predetermined code relating to identification information of the transaction object stored in advance in its own storage unit and transaction object information linked to the code, and stores the linked setting information in the storage unit, thereby generating a coupon that can be provided to the predetermined transaction object and that can be used in payment using the payment app; the storage unit stores a coupon in association with a user who has performed a predetermined operation related to obtaining the coupon; an identification unit that, when payment information including identification information for each transaction object to be settled is received from a provider terminal used by the provider, identifies coupons applicable to the user from among the coupons acquired by the user by comparing the payment information with coupon information corresponding to coupons acquired by the user based on the identification information for each transaction object; an awarding unit that awards a benefit based on the coupon to the user; A generating device comprising:

2. a providing unit that provides content indicating the transaction target information; and The setting information is received via the content provided by the providing unit. The generating device according to claim 1 .

3. The storage unit The transaction object information including identification information read by a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction object is stored.

3. The generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The storage unit The transaction object information including the identification information indicated by the barcode attached to the transaction object is stored.

4. A generating device according to claim 1, wherein the generating device is a device for generating a plurality of images.

5. The storage unit The transaction object information including the identification information uniquely set by the provider is stored.

5. A generating device according to claim 1, wherein the generating device is a device for generating a plurality of images.

6. The storage unit The transaction object information including identification information standardized by a predetermined organization as information for identifying the transaction object is stored.

6. A generating device according to claim 1, wherein the generating device is a device for generating a plurality of images.

7. The setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to transaction objects belonging to a predetermined category is received.

7. A generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to a plurality of transaction objects is received.

7. A generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The setting information including information about users who can acquire coupons is received.

8. A generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The identification unit When payment information including identification information used by a payment method that uses a user terminal used by a user to identify a transaction object using identification information used to identify the transaction object at the time of payment is received from a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction object, coupons applicable to the user are identified from the coupons previously acquired by the user based on the identification information, The granting unit Providing a benefit to the user based on the coupon identified by the identification unit; a transmitting unit that transmits to the store terminal information indicating the benefit awarded by the awarding unit, the information being printed on a receipt output from the store terminal; 9. The generating device according to claim 1, further comprising:

11. 1. A computer-implemented generation method comprising: a generating step of generating a coupon that can be provided to the predetermined transaction object and can be used for payment using the payment application by receiving setting information related to the setting of a coupon applicable to a predetermined transaction object from a provider and linking the setting information to a predetermined code related to identification information of the transaction object stored in advance in a storage unit of the device and transaction object information linked to the code, and storing the link in the storage unit; a storage step of storing a coupon in association with a user who has performed a predetermined operation related to obtaining the coupon; an identification step of, when payment information including identification information for each transaction object to be settled is received from the provider terminal used by the provider, identifying coupons applicable to the user from among the coupons acquired by the user by comparing the payment information with coupon information corresponding to coupons acquired by the user based on the identification information for each transaction object; an awarding step of awarding the benefit based on the coupon to the user; A generating method comprising:

12. a generation step of receiving setting information relating to the setting of a coupon applicable to a predetermined transaction object from a provider, linking the setting information to a predetermined code relating to identification information of the transaction object stored in advance in a storage unit of the device itself and transaction object information linked to the code, and storing the link in the storage unit, thereby generating a coupon that can be provided to the predetermined transaction object and that can be used in payment using the payment app; a storage step of storing a coupon in association with a user who has performed a predetermined operation related to obtaining the coupon; an identification step of, when payment information including identification information for each transaction object to be settled is received from the provider terminal used by the provider, identifying coupons applicable to the user from among the coupons acquired by the user by comparing the payment information with coupon information corresponding to coupons acquired by the user based on the identification information for each transaction object; a granting step of granting the user a benefit based on the coupon; A generating program that causes a computer to execute the above.

Images