Systems, methods, and programs for managing coupons

Abstract

Support stores in issuing ongoing coupons. [Solution] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupon management server 10 provides information about multiple stores. The store information service is provided to the user via the user terminal 30. The service involves the issuance of coupons by each store and the use of those coupons by users (consumers). Includes a function to manage the user. Server 10 will respond to the user's use of the coupon. The program will award coins to participating stores, allowing stores to gain benefits other than attracting customers through coupons. This can be obtained. As a result, server 10 supports the continuous issuance of coupons by stores. do.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a method, and a program for managing coupons. There is.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various systems for managing electronic coupons used via a mobile terminal such as a smartphone have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In such a system, typically, a store such as a restaurant pays the operator the usage fee of the system to attract customers using coupons. There are. In such a system, typically, a store such as a restaurant pays the operator the usage fee of the system to attract customers using coupons. There is.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional system, there are cases where a store that cannot feel the effect of attracting customers using coupons immediately stops using the system (issuing coupons). For example, by giving a store benefits other than attracting customers using coupons, it is considered that each store is more likely to continue using the system (issuing coupons). There is. For example, by giving a store benefits other than attracting customers using coupons, it is considered that each store is more likely to continue using the system (issuing coupons). There is.

[0005] One of the objects of the present invention is to support continuous coupon issuance by stores. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification. There is.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a coupon management system for managing coupons. This refers to user information relating to each of multiple users, and is associated with each user. Information configured to store at least the user information, which includes information that can identify the store. The information storage unit and, in response to the user's use of the coupon, at least based on the user information The system includes a store identification unit configured to identify the store associated with the user, and the identified store It includes a reward distribution unit configured to award rewards to participating stores.

[0007] According to this configuration, when a user uses a coupon, the associated data for that user is... Since rewards are given to stores that participate, stores can gain benefits other than attracting customers through coupons. This allows for the continuous issuance of coupons by stores. do.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above system, the reward granting unit grants coupons to the specified stores in addition to the specified stores. The system may be configured to reward users who utilize it. This will encourage users to use coupons.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above system, coupons are used in accordance with the user's use of the coupon. It may also be possible to include a billing section for charging the stores that are being charged. If you use the coupon, the store where the coupon is used (the issuer of the coupon) will be responsible for the coupon's usage. It will be possible to charge the store.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above system, the store identification unit determines that the store associated with the user is In the case where it does not exist (when no store is associated), the coupon (for this time) may be configured to associate the store where it is used with the user. By doing so For example, the store where the user first uses the coupon is associated with the user, and the store is rewarded according to the use of the coupon by the user at other stores. As a result, the store can obtain an incentive to encourage the user to make the first use of the coupon.

[0011] Also, in the above system, the information storage unit is configured to store at least coupon information regarding each of a plurality of coupons in addition to the user information, and the coupon information includes information capable of identifying stores where the coupon can be used, and the store identification unit is configured to identify the store where the coupon is used based on at least the coupon information. By doing so, it becomes possible to identify the store where the coupon is used based on the coupon information.

[0012]

[0013] Also, in the above system, the reward granting unit may be configured to grant virtual currency as a reward. By doing so, the use of virtual currency (including cryptocurrency, coins, or points, etc.) can be promoted.

[0013] The method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a coupon management method for managing coupons. At least a part of the one or more computers is configured to store at least the user information including information capable of identifying stores associated with each of a plurality of users and associated with each user. ​​ It is possible to access an information storage device, and the method includes, in response to the use of a coupon by a user, a process of identifying a store associated with the user based at least on the user information, and a process of granting a reward to the identified store.

[0014] According to this configuration, in response to the use of a coupon by a user, a reward is granted to the store associated with the user, so that the store can obtain benefits other than attracting customers by the coupon. As a result, the above method supports the continuous issuance of coupons by the store.

[0015] A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a coupon management program for managing coupons, and is configured to store at least the user information including information capable of identifying a store associated with each of a plurality of users in one or more computers at least partially accessible to an information storage device, and perform a process of identifying a store associated with the user based at least on the user information and a process of granting a reward to the identified store in response to the use of a coupon by the user.

[0016] According to this configuration, in response to the use of a coupon by a user, a reward is granted to the store associated with the user, so that the store can obtain benefits other than attracting customers by the coupon. As a result, the above program supports the continuous issuance of coupons by the store.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] Various embodiments of the present invention support the continuous issuance of coupons by stores. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a coupon management server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the information managed in the user information table TA1. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the information managed in the coupon information table TA2. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the information managed in the store information table TA3. [Figure 5] This sequence diagram illustrates the processes executed by server 10 and user terminal 30 when a user uses a coupon. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating store screen 50. [Figure 7] This is an example diagram of the coupon list screen 60. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the individual coupon screen 70. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating an information display object 80. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the coupon screen 70 after receiving a completion notification from server 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative for illustrating the present invention and do not limit the present invention to these embodiments. This is not the intention. Furthermore, the present invention is capable of various modifications without departing from its essence. That is the case.

[0020] Figure 1 shows the network configuration including a coupon management server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration. Server 10 communicates via the Internet, etc., as shown in the diagram. The user terminal 30 is connected to the network NW in a way that allows communication. Although only one user terminal 30 is shown in the illustration, the server 10 can handle multiple user terminals 30. It is connected in a way that allows it to communicate with the other devices. The coupon management server 10 provides information about multiple stores. The store information service is provided to the user via the user terminal 30. The services provided include the issuance of coupons by each store and the use of such coupons by users (consumers). Includes features for managing usage.

[0021] The coupon management server 10 has a configuration similar to a typical computer. Specifically, Server 10, as shown in Figure 1, is a computer configured as a CPU or GPU. The processor 11 and the memory chip, which consists of DRAM and other components, temporarily store data and programs. The in-memory 12, the communication interface 14 for controlling wired or wireless communication, and the magnetic disk Storage, which consists of a screen or flash memory, etc., and stores data and programs. The computer processor 11 has 15 and the like. The program is loaded into main memory 12, and the instructions contained in the program are executed.

[0022] Communication I / F14 includes hardware such as network adapters and various communication software. A. It is implemented as a combination of these.

[0023] In this embodiment, storage 15 is used to utilize coupons as shown in Figure 1. User information table TA1 manages information about the consumer, and information about coupons The coupon information table TA2 manages the information, and the information provided in the store information provision service. It has a store information table TA3 that manages information about the target store.

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates the information managed in the user information table TA1. As shown in the diagram, cable TA1 is associated with a "User ID" that identifies an individual user. "Basic information" including name, contact information, payment information (credit card information, etc.), and "reward stores" Manages information such as "Store ID," "Coin Count," and "Coupon Usage History." "Reward Store ID" This is information that identifies the store where coins are awarded in response to the user's use of the coupon. Yes, there are. Coins are electronic / virtual items that can be used at the designated store, for example. It can be used for payments at each store.

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates the information managed in the coupon information table TA2. As shown in the diagram, the information table TA2 is associated with a "coupon ID" that identifies individual coupons. In response, the store identification "Issuing Store ID" of the issuing store of this coupon, this coupon Information related to the corresponding image, such as "image information," "description," and "expiration date." This information is managed by the issuing store.

[0026] Figure 4 illustrates the information managed in the store information table TA3. As shown in the diagram, TA3 associates the store name with the "store ID" that identifies an individual store. This includes "basic information" such as contact information and payment information (credit card information, etc.), business hours, and budget. This includes "business information" such as introductory text, "coin count," and billing information for this store. It manages information such as "billing information". In this embodiment, the store uses coins as real currency. It can be replaced with this.

[0027] Returning to Figure 1, the coupon management server 10 stores programs in storage 15, etc. The computer processor 11 executes the instructions contained in the m, as shown in the diagram. The following are included: Coupon Management Department 112, Store Identification Department 114, Reward Granting Department 116, and Billing Department 1 It is configured to function as 18.

[0028] The coupon management unit 112 is configured to perform various processes related to coupon management. For example, the coupon management unit 112 responds to a request from a user and processes the coupons. It is configured to display a list. Also, for example, the coupon management unit 112, to the user Therefore, in response to the user's request to use the specified coupon, the user's coupon It is configured to update the usage history of the service.

[0029] The store identification unit 114 handles various processes related to identifying the stores where users are eligible for discounts. It is configured to execute the logic. For example, the store identification unit 114 is configured to execute the coupons made by the user. Depending on the user's usage, the store where the user receives a reward will be stored in the user information table TA1 under the reward store ID. It is configured to identify based on [something].

[0030] The reward distribution unit 116 performs various processes related to the distribution of rewards to users and stores. It is configured to do so. For example, the reward granting unit 116 grants a reward when a user uses a coupon. Accordingly, a predetermined number of coins will be awarded to the user and the store where the user makes a purchase. It is structured in this way.

[0031] The billing unit 118 performs various processes related to billing in the store information provision service. It is configured to perform the following actions. For example, the billing unit 118 will process the user's coupon usage. Depending on the use, a fee (coupon management function usage fee) will be charged to the issuing store of the coupon. It is also possible to do so. ) It is configured to claim.

[0032] The user terminal 30 has the configuration of a general computer. Specifically, the user As shown in Figure 1, terminal 30 is a computer processor configured as a CPU or GPU The main memory consists of 31 and DRAM, etc., which temporarily store data and programs. Memory 32, input / output interface 33 for exchanging information with the user, etc. A communication interface 34 that controls line or wireless communication, and a magnetic disk or flash memory It is equipped with storage 35 which is composed of Mori and other components and stores data and programs. The computer processor 31 stores programs in storage 35, etc., as the main memory. Load the program into R32 and execute the instructions contained within it.

[0033] The input / output interface 33 is, for example, an information keyboard, mouse, and touch panel. Information input devices, audio input devices such as microphones, image input devices such as cameras, displays This includes image output devices such as speakers and audio output devices such as speakers. Communication I / F34 is a network Hardware such as work adapters, various communication software, or combinations thereof It will be implemented in this way.

[0034] The user terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a wearable device. It is configured as a chair, etc. The user terminal 30 is installed on storage 35, etc. This involves communication with server 10 via a web browser or other application. Then, various screens are displayed.

[0035] Next, we will describe the operation of the coupon management server 10 of this embodiment, which is configured in this way. Figure 5 shows how, when a user uses a coupon, the server 10 and the user terminal 30 communicate... This is a sequence diagram illustrating the process that is executed. First, the user terminal 30 is accessed by the user. The system accepts the selection of coupons (ST100). The user can select the coupon. This is done via the screen displayed on terminal 30.

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates a store screen 50 displayed on the user terminal 30. This screen 50 is , displaying information about a specific store, and that store is, for example, displayed on a map. The user selects from among multiple stores, and one of the stores displayed by keyword search is selected. The user selects a store from among several stores, or the store has a beacon installed. It is identified based on the beacon signal from the location.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the store screen 50 has an image display area 52 that displays images related to the store and , menu button 54, coupon button 56, and information display showing store information. It has area 58. Menu button 54 provides information about products handled by the corresponding store. This is an object for displaying information. The information display area 58 can also display, for example, budget and sales information. Display business information such as hours and a brief description.

[0038] The coupon button 56 is an object for using coupons issued by the participating store. This is an effect. When the button 56 is selected by the user, a coupon as illustrated in Figure 7 is displayed. The list screen 60 is displayed on the user terminal 30. As shown in the figure, It has a list display area 62 that displays a list of coupons. Each of the coupons in this area 62 is an individual coupon One or more individual display areas 621 for displaying information about the product are arranged vertically. The individual display area 621 displays the image of the corresponding coupon and the details of the offer (as shown in the example in Figure 7). (Includes "One free drink" and "100 yen discount on food menu items"), expiration date, return carp The number of coupons will be displayed. Note that among the coupons issued by the participating stores, the corresponding users will be... Coupons that have already been used (Coupon usage history in user information table TA1) For which the individual display area 621 is not displayed (which can be identified by reference), the corresponding individual display area 621 is not displayed. This indicates that the area 621 is used, or information indicating that it has been used is added.

[0039] When any of the individual display areas 621 displayed in the list display area 62 is selected, Figure 8 The individual coupon screen 70 shown as an example is displayed on the user terminal 30. The screen 70 is As shown in the diagram, information about the corresponding coupon (image, details of the offer, expiration date, redemption) It has an information display area 72 that displays the number of coins, etc., and a coupon use button 74. By selecting button 74, the user can use the corresponding coupon. It can be specified as such.

[0040] Returning to the sequence diagram in Figure 5, once the coupon specification is accepted, the user terminal 30 then... , read the NFC tag installed at the store where the specified coupon is to be used (ST1 02). Figure 9 shows the selection of the coupon use button 74 on the individual coupon screen 70. An example of an information display object 80 superimposed on surface 70 is shown. (Object 80) This displays the text message, "Please touch the store's tag." With object 80 displayed, the user brings user terminal 30 close to the NFC tag. When this happens, the user terminal 30 reads the information written on the NFC tag. In the implementation configuration, the NFC tag has the store ID of the store where the tag is installed written on it. In other words, reading the NFC tags installed in stores indicates an actual visit to that store. This indicates.

[0041] Returning to the sequence diagram in Figure 5, the user terminal 30 then sends a coupon to the server 10. A request for use of the coupon is made (ST104). Along with the request for use of the coupon, the specified coupon The coupon ID and the store ID read from the NFC tag are transmitted.

[0042] Next, server 10 verifies the stores where the coupons will be used (ST106). In essence, the issuer of the coupon is identified by the coupon ID received from the user terminal 30. The store ID (managed in the coupon information table TA2), and the user's terminal The store ID read from the NFC tag received from the end of the 30th will be compared with this. If the store IDs do not match (for example, if the issuer store of the coupon specified by the user is N If the FC tag is not installed (i.e., if it is not the store you visited), the specified error will occur. —The process is performed.

[0043] Next, server 10 updates the coupon usage history (step S107). In the user information table TA1, the coupon usage history of the corresponding user is used. The use of this coupon will be reflected (for example, the combination of coupon ID and date of use will be used). (This will be added to the usage history.)

[0044] Next, server 10 bills the store where the coupon is used (step S1 08). Specifically, a predetermined amount (for example, 300 yen) is paid to the store that issued the coupon. The invoice will be issued, and the invoice will be reflected in the invoice information of the store information table TA3. The invoice amount is: For example, a different value may be set for each coupon used. Also, this billing amount is determined by the store. Usage fees for the coupon management function in the information provision service (a usage-based fee depending on the coupon usage) It can be said that it is gold.

[0045] Then, server 10 awards coins to the user (step S110). In essence, a predetermined number of coins are awarded to the user, and this award is recorded in the user information table. This will be reflected in the number of coins in TA1. The number of coins awarded to a user will be, for example, The value is set based on the billing amount to the issuing store of the Pon, for example, 1 / 3 of the billing amount. The corresponding number of coins (for example, 100 coins if the billing amount is 300 yen) will be given to the user. It is awarded to. Also, for example, the number of coins awarded to a user is the number of coins used. A different value may be set for each coupon. Thus, in this embodiment, depending on the use of the coupon Since coins are awarded to users, this encourages users to use coupons.

[0046] Next, if there is no designated store for the corresponding user (in ST112) YES), set the stores where this coupon can be used as participating stores (ST114). Specifically, the corresponding user's reward store ID is set in the user information table TA1. If not, use the store ID of the store where the coupon will be used as the store ID for the redemption. The issuer store ID of the coupon, or the store ID read from the NFC tag, will be set. In other words, in this embodiment, the stores that are set for the user are the stores that provide store information. When a user of the service uses a coupon available for the service for the first time, the coupon This is the store that issued the coupon. For example, each store provides users with a store information service. To encourage customers to join the service and use coupons available for their store within that service. Therefore, the store is set as a reward store for the user, and once it is set as a reward store, the user You will earn coins by using coupons at other stores of The.

[0047] Then, server 10 awards coins to the participating stores (step S116). In essence, a predetermined number of coins are awarded to participating stores, and this award is recorded in the store information table. This will be reflected in the number of coins in TA3. The number of coins awarded to participating stores will be, for example, A value is set based on the billing amount at the store where the coupon is used, for example, the billing amount A number of coins equivalent to 1 / 6 of the total amount (for example, 50 coins if the billing amount is 300 yen) The rewards are awarded to participating stores. Also, for example, the number of coins awarded to participating stores is calculated based on usage. Different values ​​may be set for each coupon. Coins will be awarded to participating stores. Then, a completion notification (success response) is sent from server 10 to user terminal 30.

[0048] Next, the user terminal 30 displays the coupon usage completion screen (ST118). Figure 10 This is the coupon screen 70 (coupon usage completion screen) after receiving a completion notification from server 10. This is an example. In this state, the coupon screen 70 replaces the coupon use button 74 mentioned above with The text "Usage Completed" is displayed. The user sees the coupon image in this state. Present coupon number 70 to the staff to receive the corresponding benefit.

[0049] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 reads the NFC tag installed in the store. We have implemented a method to obtain the store ID of the store that was actually visited, but how to obtain this store ID This is just one example and is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, stores Reading of two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademarks) displayed on printed materials, etc. The store ID is obtained through the store, or from the beacon device installed in the store. The store ID is obtained via the computer signal.

[0050] In this embodiment, in response to the user's use of the coupon, the user and the participating stores will be compensated accordingly. We have implemented a system where coins are awarded, but these coins are just one example of a reward and are not limited to this. No. Furthermore, no rewards are given to users based on their use of coupons. It is also possible to prevent this from happening.

[0051] The coupon management server 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above allows users to use coupons Depending on the user's usage, the store associated with that user will receive the rewards. By awarding coins (rewards), stores can gain profits other than those from attracting customers through coupons. This enables the server 10 to support the continuous issuance of coupons by the stores. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 10...Coupon management server, 11...Computer processor, 112...Coupon management department , 114...Store Identification Department, 116...Reward Payment Department, 118...Billing Department, 15...Storage, 30...User terminal, 50...Store screen, 60...Coupon list screen, 70...Individual coupon screen 80... Information display object, TA1... User information table, TA2... Coupon information table Table, TA3... Store information table.

Claims

1. A coupon management system for managing coupons, User information for each of multiple users, and the stores associated with each user. Information storage unit configured to store at least the user information, including identifiable information. and, In response to a user's use of a coupon, the user will be informed of the user's usage based at least on the user information. A store identification unit configured to identify the store associated with it, A reward distribution unit configured to award rewards to specified stores, Coupon management system.

2. The reward distribution unit will provide rewards to users who have used coupons, in addition to the specified stores. It is configured to grant rewards. A coupon management system according to claim 1.

3. The store where the coupon is used will be charged based on the user's use of the coupon. It also includes a billing section. A coupon management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned store identification unit, if no store is associated with the user, will issue a coupon. It is configured to associate the stores where it is used with the user. A coupon management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In addition to the user information, the information storage unit also stores coupons related to each of the multiple coupons. It is configured to store at least some information. The aforementioned coupon information includes information that can identify the stores where the coupon can be used. The aforementioned store identification unit, based at least on the coupon information, identifies the store where the coupon can be used. It is configured to identify the location. A coupon management system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The aforementioned reward granting unit is configured to grant virtual currency as a reward. A coupon management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A coupon management system run by one or more computers for managing coupons. It is a method, At least some of the one or more computers mentioned above are users of each of the multiple users The user information, which includes information that can identify the store associated with each user. Accessible to an information storage device configured to store at least the information, The aforementioned method, In response to a user's use of a coupon, the user will be informed of the user's usage based at least on the user information. The process of identifying the stores associated with the store, The process includes a step of providing compensation to the identified stores, How to manage coupons.

8. A coupon management program for managing coupons, User information for each of multiple users, and the stores associated with each user. Information storage device configured to store at least the user information, including identifiable information One or more computers that have access to at least a portion of the location, In response to a user's use of a coupon, the user will be informed of the user's usage based at least on the user information. The process of identifying the store associated with it, The process of granting rewards to the identified stores is executed. Coupon management program.

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