Information processing systems and programs

Abstract

We provide information processing systems and other technologies that can promote cashless payments. [Solution] The system comprises a user location information acquisition unit that acquires the user's location information, a merchant location information acquisition unit that acquires the location information of merchants that accept cashless payments, and an output unit that searches for and outputs a route that the user can visit, which includes stops at spots that include merchants, based on the user location information acquired by the user location information acquisition unit and the merchant location information acquired by the merchant location information acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation device that proposes detours to a user group based on the average age of the user group and the age difference between users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the navigation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot promote cashless settlement.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system or the like that can promote cashless settlement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect, a user position information acquisition unit that acquires the position information of a user; a store position information acquisition unit that acquires the position information of stores where cashless settlement is possible; an output unit that searches for and outputs a route that the user can travel, based on the position information of the user acquired by the user position information acquisition unit and the position information of the store acquired by the store position information acquisition unit, and that allows the user to stop at spots including the store; An information processing system including the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one respect, the present invention can facilitate cashless payments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system in this embodiment. [Figure 1A] This figure shows payment information during business hours. [Figure 1B] This diagram shows payment information that reveals peak hours and times of congestion. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the search process. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the route output from the output unit. [Figure 4A] This diagram shows an example of a route change. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] The information processing system disclosed herein provides a service that suggests sightseeing routes to users, including stops at locations that accept cashless payments such as credit card payments. For example, the information processing system disclosed herein can present users visiting a city with an optimal sightseeing route that connects stores and other locations where cashless payments can be used, tailored to their needs. This can make it easier for visitors, as well as residents, to use stores and other locations, thereby revitalizing commerce and promoting the adoption of cashless payments. Stores that accept cashless payments include not only retail stores, restaurants, and accommodations, but also amusement facilities, cultural facilities, and local information centers. Locations may also include amusement facilities, cultural facilities, and local information centers that do not accept cashless payments.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the information processing system in this embodiment.

[0012] The information processing system in this embodiment is configured using a server 10 that can communicate with a user 21's terminal 20. Both the server 10 and the terminal 20 are equipped with programs for performing the necessary processing.

[0013] Server 10 includes a user location information acquisition unit 11 that acquires the location information of user 21 (terminal 20), a merchant location information acquisition unit 12 that acquires the location information of merchants that accept cashless payments, a user information acquisition unit 13 that acquires information related to user 21's consumption behavior and other user information, a spot information acquisition unit 14 that acquires spot information including the congestion status of spots, and an output unit 15 that searches for and outputs a route (touring route) that user 21 can visit, which includes stops at spots including merchants, based on the information acquired by the user location information acquisition unit 11, the merchant location information acquisition unit 12, the user information acquisition unit 13, and the spot information acquisition unit 14.

[0014] The user location information acquisition unit 11 acquires the location information of the terminal 20 (for example, GPS coordinate information) and associates it with the current time as the location information of the user 21. In addition, the user location information acquisition unit 11 can acquire the location information included in the most recent payment information of the user 21 from the payment information database 32. Furthermore, the user location information acquisition unit 11 may identify the location of the user 21 based on a photo or the like taken by the terminal 20. In this case, a predetermined application for identifying the location of the user 21 may be installed on the terminal 20.

[0015] The affiliated store location information acquisition unit 12 can acquire, for example, the location information of affiliated stores that support cashless payment from the affiliated store database 31 managed by a credit company. The affiliated store database 31 stores the basic information of affiliated stores including location information.

[0016] The user information acquisition unit 13 can acquire user information from the user information database 33. In the user information database 33, the user 21 may be able to register their preferences, desires, and preferred means of transportation (such as trains, buses, taxis, cars, walking, etc.) in advance.

[0017] In addition, the user information database 33 can store, as user information, the characteristics of the consumption behavior of the user 21 extracted from the payment information in the payment information database 32. The payment information may include an affiliated store identification code, usage date and time, usage amount, and point usage status. As the characteristics of the consumption behavior of the user 21, the frequency of using cashless payment may be used. Also, attributes such as frequent purchase of souvenirs can be used as user information.

[0018] In addition, as user information, a history indicating the usage status of the service may be stored in the user information database 33. As the history, the location information of the user 21 and the presented route may be associated and recorded. This makes it possible to determine, for example, how much the user 21 has used the information (such as a route) proposed by the service.

[0019] As user information, preferences of the user 21 extracted from the payment information in the payment information database 32 or obtained from responses from the user 21, such as attributes like having an interest in historical exploration or gourmet, may be registered in the user information database 33. Based on the information of the SNS transmitted by the user 21 or the information related to the photos taken by the user 21 (e.g., the scenery or store in the photo), the preferences of the user 21, etc. may be acquired (estimated) and registered in the user information database 33. In this case, a predetermined application for acquiring the preferences, etc. of the user 21 may be installed on the terminal 20.

[0020] The spot information acquisition unit 14 can acquire spot information from the spot information database 34 that has acquired and stored spot information, in addition to the franchise store database 31 and the payment information database 32. The spot information includes the location information of each spot including the store, the evaluations of users for each spot, business hours, business days, time zones when congestion is expected, etc.

[0021] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate the payment information included in the payment information database. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the payment information during business hours, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the payment information from which the time zones of congestion, etc. can be inferred.

[0022] From the payment times in the cashless stores shown in the payment information database 32, the business days, business hours, congestion times, etc. can be efficiently estimated. For example, in the example of FIG. 1A, the business situation from around 9 o'clock to around 20 o'clock can be inferred. In the example of FIG. 1B, the business hours are from around 9 o'clock to around 20 o'clock, and it can be inferred that it is congested around 12 o'clock. That is, from the distribution of the payment times, etc., the business hours, the time zones when congestion is expected, and the business situation by day of the week can be inferred. Also, if there is a day of the week without payment information for a certain store, it can be determined that that day is the store's closing day. Thus, by utilizing the payment information database 32, for example, the burden of acquiring spot information such as business hours, business days, and time zones when congestion is expected from each store, etc. can be avoided.

[0023] The output unit 15 outputs a route based on the information acquired by the user location information acquisition unit 11, the merchant location information acquisition unit 12, the user information acquisition unit 13, and the spot information acquisition unit 14. The output unit 15 also acquires map information from the map information database 35 and outputs the route displayed on the map. The output unit 15 outputs a route that reflects the location information and current time attributes (time, season, day of the week, etc.) of the terminal 20, for example, a route that, naturally, allows the user 21 to visit each spot during business hours.

[0024] Furthermore, the output unit 15 may acquire real-time congestion information for each spot, including stores, and for public transportation. In this case, the acquisition method is arbitrary, but for example, congestion information may be acquired (estimated) based on the distribution of location information of multiple users 21 acquired by the user location information acquisition unit 11. The acquired congestion information is reflected in the output route. In addition, the output unit 15 can transmit via the terminal 20 and reflect the requests of the acquired users 21 in the route. The requests of the users 21 include not only those acquired when using the service, but also those acquired in advance.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an example where an information processing system is configured using a server 10. However, an information processing system can be configured using one or more computers. For example, some or all elements of the information processing system may be configured using terminals 20. Furthermore, an information processing system can also be configured using multiple servers.

[0026] Next, an example of the operation of the information processing system in this embodiment will be described.

[0027] Figure 2 shows the main processing flowchart.

[0028] In step S102 of Figure 2, the output unit 15 determines whether or not a search request has been received from user 21. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S200; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S104. User 21 can make a search request, i.e., a request for route information, at any time by operating terminal 20.

[0029] In step S104, the output unit 15 determines whether there is a route that has been searched and presented (output) by the search process (step S200). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S106; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0030] In step S106, the output unit 15 acquires the location information of the user 21 via the user location information acquisition unit 11.

[0031] In step S108, the output unit 15 compares the location information of user 21 obtained in step S106 with the route currently presented to user 21 to determine whether user 21 is in a location outside the presented route. If the determination is affirmative, the output unit 15 proceeds to step S200; otherwise, it proceeds to step S110. Here, the determination is affirmative if user 21's movement path is different from the presented route. The determination may also be affirmative if user 21 is moving along the presented route, but is moving too slowly or too quickly. This allows, for example, the system to re-present user 21 with a route that allows them to arrive at a predetermined spot at an appropriate time.

[0032] In step S110, the output unit 15 acquires the congestion status of each spot and the congestion status of public transportation related to the presented (output) route.

[0033] In step S112, the output unit 15 determines whether or not a route change is necessary based on the congestion status obtained in step S110. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S200; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0034] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the search process (step S200).

[0035] In step S202 of Figure 3, the output unit 15 acquires the location information of the terminal 20 via the user location information acquisition unit 11.

[0036] In step S204, the output unit 15 obtains user information from the user information database 33 via the user information acquisition unit 13.

[0037] In step S206, the output unit 15 obtains the location information of merchants from the merchant database 31 via the merchant location information acquisition unit 12. Here, the output unit 15 obtains the location information of merchants that matches the location information, current time attribute, and user information obtained in step S202 and step S204.

[0038] In step S208, the output unit 15 obtains spot information from the spot information database 34 via the spot information acquisition unit 14. Here, the output unit 15 obtains spot information for spots that match the location information, current time attributes acquired in step S202, and user information acquired in step S204.

[0039] In step S210, the output unit 15 obtains map information from the map information database 35. Here, the output unit 15 obtains map information that includes the area corresponding to the location information obtained in step S202 and the user information obtained in step S204.

[0040] In step S212, the output unit 15 retrieves the user 21's requests sent from the terminal 20. The user 21's requests may include attributes of stores or facilities they wish to visit (e.g., ramen shops), specific store or facility designations, transportation options, and time constraints. The user 21's requests include those sent during the use of the service as well as those sent in advance from the terminal 20. The service may also allow users to post photos of places they have visited or guide them on a route that includes places they have not yet visited based on their cashless payment history.

[0041] In step S220, the output unit 15 searches for and outputs a route that user 21 can take, based on the information acquired in steps S202 to S212, that includes stops at spots containing affiliated stores whose location information has been acquired, and returns it (proceeding to step S102). The route is shown by the information displayed on the display screen of terminal 20. The displayed information may include the estimated arrival time at each spot, the time required for travel, and the user's rating of each spot (number of stars, etc.).

[0042] Here, the output unit 15 transmits one or more promising route candidates extracted by the search to the terminal 20. The terminal 20's display screen shows the route candidates on a map based on the map information acquired in step S210 and presents them to the user 21. The user 21 can select a route from the candidates. Alternatively, the user 21 can, for example, add a request and make another search request (step S102).

[0043] Figure 4 is an example of a route output from the output unit, and Figure 4A is an example of a route change, showing the stops and the order in which they are visited before and after the route change. In Figures 4 and 4A, spots X1, X2, and X3 represent stores, etc., where cashless payment is possible, spots Y1, Y2, and Y3 represent information dissemination locations such as amusement facilities and cultural facilities, and spot Z1 represents stores, etc., that do not support cashless payment.

[0044] Figure 4A shows an example of setting a route when it is known that user 21, A, is interested in photography, based on pre-registered hobbies and preferences. As shown in Figure 4, the set and updated route is displayed on the screen of A's terminal 20 along with map information.

[0045] In the example in Figure 4A, at 9:00 AM, a route is proposed to Person A that passes through spots Y1 and Y2, which are suitable for photography. This route is intended for a morning tour. However, if the shops along the route are crowded, a revised route with modified stops will be presented, for example, at 12:00 PM. In this case, since store X2 is crowded, spot Y3, which is suitable for photography, is suggested instead. Also, for a route for an afternoon tour, at 3:00 PM, considering the short operating hours of store X3 and the need to arrive in time for photography at spot Y2, a route in the reverse direction of the 9:00 AM proposal is suggested.

[0046] Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to search for a route that user 21 can take, which includes visits to affiliated stores and other spots such as amusement facilities, cultural facilities, and local information centers, and propose it to user 21.

[0047] By applying the information processing system described in this disclosure, it is possible, for example, to revitalize the local economy.

[0048] Currently, many regional cities located far from major metropolitan areas are experiencing population decline and aging. Furthermore, the number of visitors from outside the city, in addition to residents, is decreasing, leading to stagnation in urban economic activity. Consequently, the city's ability to disseminate information is declining. Moreover, despite delays in adopting cashless payment systems, the business environment, particularly for commercial businesses, is becoming increasingly challenging due to population decline and aging, reducing the willingness to implement cashless payment systems. As a result, convenience for visitors from outside the region is not being improved. Additionally, a lack of information about the city for outsiders is hindering visitor numbers. For example, visitors who rely on their own information to explore the city may miss out on key attractions and enjoyable experiences, preventing them from developing a positive impression of the city.

[0049] According to the information processing system disclosed herein, for example, it is possible to present users visiting a city with an optimal sightseeing route that connects stores and other establishments where cashless payments can be used, tailored to their needs. This makes it easier for both residents and visitors to use stores and other establishments, thereby revitalizing commerce and promoting the adoption of cashless payments. By increasing the number of visitors through the dissemination of information originating from the local area, it is possible to revitalize the local economy.

[0050] Furthermore, this invention may be realized through collaboration between payment institutions such as card companies and electronic money payment companies that hold payment information, and local governments that want to revitalize towns and regions through town tours. Local governments have information on tourist spots and unique shops that do not yet accept cashless payments. More precisely, local governments do not have information on whether each shop accepts cashless payments, but they do have information on long-established local shops and workshops and shops of artisans and artists with unique skills. It is envisioned that a "Place to Visit DB (not shown) I" will be constructed by integrating such information held by local governments with information on cashless payment-accepting shops (merchants) held by payment institutions.

[0051] Therefore, when suggesting a recommended route to user 21 around 12:00, if it is known that merchant X2 will be crowded at that time, it is possible to suggest a city tour by including a nearby store Z1 that does not accept cashless payments but has distinctive features, instead of merchant X2. Collaboration could involve jointly creating a "places to visit database" that stores merchants, tourist spots, and stores that do not accept cashless payments, which are referenced when suggesting routes. Joint operation of the information processing system of the present invention is also an example of collaboration.

[0052] The data structure of the "Place to Visit DB (not shown) I," which aggregates information on stores and tourist spots and allows users to search for potential places to visit other than cashless payment-compatible stores within the present invention, can be considered as follows: Possible data includes "Place to Visit ID," "Place to Visit Name," "Location Information" indicating the latitude and longitude or address of the store or tourist spot, and "Characteristics" of the store or tourist spot that is the place to visit.

[0053] As explained above, this embodiment outputs a route that allows users to stop at spots including merchants that accept cashless payments, thereby promoting cashless payments.

[0054] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is possible to combine all or more of the components of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 10 servers 11. User location information acquisition unit 12 Member store location information acquisition department 13. User Information Acquisition Unit 14. Spot Information Acquisition Department 15 Output section

Claims

1. A user location information acquisition unit that acquires the user's location information, A merchant location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of merchants that accept cashless payments, Based on the user's location information acquired by the user location information acquisition unit and the merchant's location information acquired by the merchant location information acquisition unit, an output unit searches for and outputs a route that the user can visit, which includes stops at spots that include the merchant. An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned spot includes locations other than the aforementioned affiliated stores.

3. The system includes a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information relating to the user's consumption behavior, preferences, or past activities. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs a route that reflects the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit.

4. The system includes a spot information acquisition unit that acquires spot information, including the congestion status of the aforementioned spot. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs a route that reflects the spot information acquired by the spot information acquisition unit.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs a route that reflects the attributes of the current time.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs a route that reflects the user's request.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs a route that reflects the distribution of multiple user location information acquired by the user location information acquisition unit.

8. A user location information acquisition step to obtain the user's location information, The merchant location information acquisition step obtains the location information of merchants that accept cashless payments, Based on the user's location information obtained in the user location information acquisition step and the merchant's location information obtained in the merchant location information acquisition step, the output step searches for and outputs a route that the user can visit, which includes stops at spots that include the merchant. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

Images