Program for reward management device, reward management method, and terminal

Abstract

This invention provides a score management device, a reward management method, and a terminal program that can improve user convenience. [Solution] In the reward management server 30, which is a reward management device, the granting unit 311 grants coupons to multiple target users who are eligible to receive coupons, based on coupon information relating to coupons granted by stores. The acquisition unit 312 acquires transfer information relating to the transfer of coupons from the first user to the second user among the multiple target users. The transfer unit 313 transfers the coupon from the first user to the second user based on the transfer information.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a privilege management device, a privilege management method, and a program for a terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in cashless payment services, there is a function for a user to give some or all of the points held by the user himself / herself to the user's acquaintance. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a function of sending the balance or points by personal transactions to an acquaintance using a smartphone application.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of improving the convenience for the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A reward management device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises: a granting unit that grants rewards to a plurality of target users who are eligible to receive the rewards based on reward information relating to rewards granted by a store; an acquisition unit that acquires transfer information relating to the transfer of the rewards from a first user to a second user among the plurality of target users; and a transfer unit that transfers the rewards from the first user to the second user based on the transfer information.

[0007] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a reward management method performed by a computer, which grants a reward to a plurality of target users who are eligible to receive the reward, based on reward information relating to a reward granted by a store, obtains transfer information relating to the transfer of the reward from a first user to a second user among the plurality of target users, and transfers the reward from the first user to the second user based on the transfer information.

[0008] A terminal program according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention causes a terminal processing unit held by a user to function as a display unit that displays a first image on a display device, which includes a first button selected by the user when transferring the balance of an electronic account to another user, a second button selected by the user when transferring the balance of points in the electronic account to the other user, and a third button selected by the user when transferring a store-provided benefit to the other user, and a reception unit that receives a selection operation in which the user selects one of the first, second, and third buttons. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The reward management device, reward management method, and terminal program according to the present invention can improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the benefits management system, including the benefits management server, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the user terminal device in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the store device in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the privilege management server in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the coupon management server in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the settlement management server in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the customer management server in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the authentication server in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the transfer method selection screen. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the coupon selection screen. [Figure 11] It is an example of the transferable user screen on which transferable users are displayed. [Figure 12] It is a sequence chart showing an example of the first operation of the entire privilege management system. [Figure 13] It is a sequence chart showing an example of the second operation of the entire privilege management system. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the privilege management server according to Modification 2. [Figure 15] It is an example of the transfer destination candidate user screen on which the transfer destination candidate user and the coupon amount to be sent are displayed.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] 1. First Embodiment Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, the configuration of the privilege management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] 1.1. Configuration of the First Embodiment 1.1.1. Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a privilege management system 1 including a privilege management server according to the first embodiment. The privilege management system 1 includes a user terminal device 10, a store device 20, a privilege management server 30, a coupon management server 40, a settlement management server 50, a customer management server 60, an authentication server 70, and a communication network NET.

[0013] The user terminal device 10 includes user terminal devices 10[1] and 10[2]. Here, in the present embodiment, the configurations of the user terminal devices 10[1] and 10[2] are the same as each other. Note that the user terminal device 10 is not limited to two of the user terminal devices 10[1] and 10[2]. The number of user terminal devices 10 may be arbitrary. Also, the user terminal device 10 may include terminal devices with different configurations.

[0014] The user who uses the user terminal device 10[1] is user U[1], and the user who uses the user terminal device 10[2] is user U[2]. When referring to an unspecified number of users or all users, the user is also denoted as user U. The user U uses the privilege management service provided by the privilege management system 1 using the user terminal device 10.

[0015] The user terminal device 10 includes a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a smartwatch, and the like.

[0016] The store device 20 is a device installed in a store that can use code settlement. The store device 20 includes a cashless settlement terminal, a POS register device, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and the like.

[0017] The privilege management server 30 is managed by a settlement service provider. The settlement service provider includes, for example, an agent for electronic settlement and the like. In the present embodiment, a case where the privilege management server 30 is a server managed by an electronic settlement business operator will be described as an example. In other words, in the present embodiment, the privilege management service is provided by the privilege management server 30.

[0018] The coupon management server 40 is managed by the payment service provider. In this embodiment, the case in which the coupon management server 40 is managed by an electronic payment service provider will be described as an example. That is, in this embodiment, the administrator of the coupon management server 40 and the administrator of the rewards management server 30 are the same person.

[0019] The payment management server 50 is a server that manages code payments made between the store and the user U. The payment management server 50 is managed by the payment service provider. In other words, in this embodiment, the administrator of the payment management server 50, the administrator of the rewards management server 30, and the administrator of the coupon management server 40 are the same person.

[0020] The customer management server 60 manages customers who operate stores. The customer management server 60 is managed by the payment service provider. That is, in this embodiment, the administrator of the customer management server 60, the administrator of the benefits management server 30, the administrator of the coupon management server 40, and the administrator of the payment management server 50 are the same person. Note that the payment service provider and the communication service provider may also be the same person. In this embodiment, the payment service provider and the communication service provider are the same person. In this embodiment, the communication service provider provides mobile communication services. User U can use the mobile communication service by entering into a line contract with the mobile communication service provider. When using the mobile communication service, User U registers their account.

[0021] The authentication server 70 is a server that authenticates user U. The authentication server 70 is managed by the communication service provider. That is, in this embodiment, the administrator of the authentication server 70 is the same as the administrator of the benefits management server 30, the administrator of the coupon management server 40, the administrator of the payment management server 50, and the administrator of the customer management server 60.

[0022] A communication network (NET) is a telecommunications line, such as a mobile communication network, managed by a telecommunications carrier providing communication services. A communication network (NET) includes either or both wired and wireless communication networks. For example, a communication network (NET) may be connected to other networks (not shown) managed by other telecommunications carriers via the Internet.

[0023] In the rewards management system 1, the user terminal device 10, the store device 20, the rewards management server 30, the coupon management server 40, the payment management server 50, the customer management server 60, and the authentication server 70 are connected to each other via the communication network NET. The rewards management system 1 is a system that provides rewards services to any user U who possesses the user terminal device 10.

[0024] 1.1.2. Configuration of the terminal device Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the user terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal device 10 comprises a processing unit 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, and an imaging device 16. Each element of the user terminal device 10 is interconnected by one or more buses for communicating information. The user terminal device 10 is an example of a terminal. In this specification, the term "device" may be replaced with other terms such as circuit, device, unit, etc.

[0025] The processing unit 11 is a processor that controls the entire user terminal device 10, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing unit 11 is configured using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes, for example, interfaces with peripheral devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 11 may be implemented by hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processing unit 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0026] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Volatile memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0027] The storage device 12 stores multiple programs, including the control program PR1 and the application program PRA, which are executed by the processing unit 11. The storage device 12 also functions as a work area for the processing unit 11.

[0028] Control program PR1 is a program that controls the entire processing unit 11. Application program PRA is a program for using all electronic payment services provided by payment service providers. Application program PRA can handle QR code payments, deposit and withdrawal procedures, display of electronic account balances, etc.

[0029] The communication device 13 is hardware that acts as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, network controller, network card, or communication module. The communication device 13 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 13 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0030] The display device 14 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 14 displays various images based on control by the processing device 11. For example, various display panels such as liquid crystal panels and organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panels are preferably used as the display device 14.

[0031] The input device 15 accepts input from user U. For example, the input device 15 includes a pointing device such as a keyboard, touchpad, touch panel, or mouse. If the input device 15 includes a touch panel, it may also function as the display device 14.

[0032] The imaging device 16 outputs imaging information obtained by imaging the external environment. The imaging device 16 includes, for example, a lens, an image sensor, an amplifier, and an AD converter. Light focused through the lens is converted into an analog imaging signal by the image sensor. The amplifier amplifies the imaging signal and outputs it to the AD converter. The AD converter converts the amplified analog imaging signal into digital imaging information.

[0033] The processing unit 11 functions as a reception unit 111, a communication unit 112, and a display control unit 113, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR1 from the storage device 12.

[0034] The reception unit 111 receives various operations from user U to the application program PRA via the input device 15. For example, the reception unit 111 receives operations from user U to transfer the balance of an electronic account, the balance of points, or coupons to another user. Specifically, the reception unit 111 receives a selection operation to select one of the following buttons: the first button B11, the second button B12, and the third button B13.

[0035] When user U issues a coupon transfer instruction, the communication unit 112 transmits the coupon transfer instruction to the rewards management server 30 via the communication device 13. The communication unit 112 receives coupon transferable user information from the rewards management server 30 via the communication device 13. Transferable user information is information about users to whom the coupon can be transferred. The communication unit 112 transmits a payment code generation request to the payment management server 50 via the communication device 13. The communication unit 112 receives payment code information from the payment management server 50 via the communication device 13.

[0036] The display control unit 113 displays a transfer method selection image IM1, which includes a first button B11, a second button B12, and a third button B13, on the display device 14. The transfer method selection image IM1 is an example of a first image. The first button B11 is selected by user U[1] when transferring the balance of an electronic account to another user. The second button B12 is selected by user U[1] when transferring the balance of points in an electronic account to another user. The third button B13 is selected by user U[1] when transferring a coupon provided by a store to another user. A coupon is an example of a reward.

[0037] When the user U[1] selects the third button B13, the display control unit 113 displays a coupon selection image IM2 containing one or more coupons on the display device 14.

[0038] When a coupon is selected by user U[1] in the coupon selection image IM2, the display control unit 113 displays a transferable user image IM3 containing one or more transfer destination candidate user buttons on the display device 14. The transferable user image IM3 is an example of the second image.

[0039] 1.1.3. Store Equipment Configuration Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the store device 20 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the store device 20 comprises a processing unit 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display device 24, and an input device 25. Each element of the store device 20 is interconnected by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0040] The processing unit 21 is a processor that controls the entire store device 20, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing unit 21 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 21 may be implemented by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 21 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0041] The storage device 22 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is, for example, ROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. Volatile memory is, for example, RAM.

[0042] The storage device 22 stores multiple programs, including the control program PR2, which is executed by the processing unit 21. The storage device 22 also functions as a work area for the processing unit 21.

[0043] The communication device 23 is hardware that acts as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 23 is also called, for example, a network device, network controller, network card, or communication module. The communication device 23 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 23 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0044] The display device 24 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 24 displays various images based on control by the processing device 11. For example, various display panels such as liquid crystal panels and organic EL panels are preferably used as the display device 24.

[0045] The input device 25 accepts input from user U. For example, the input device 25 includes a pointing device such as a keyboard, touchpad, touch panel, or mouse. If the input device 25 includes a touch panel, it may also function as the display device 24.

[0046] The processing unit 21 functions as a receiving unit 211, a data entry unit 212, a notification unit 213, and a display control unit 214, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR2 from the storage device 22.

[0047] The reception unit 211 accepts various operations from store staff or user U via the input device 25. These operations include selecting a payment method and selecting a type of QR code payment. Payment methods include cash, credit card, and QR code payment.

[0048] There are two types of QR code payments: consumer-presented mode (CPM) and merchant-presented mode (MPM). In consumer-presented mode QR code payments, payment is made by reading the QR code displayed on the display device 14 of the user terminal device 10[1] with a scanner at the store. In merchant-presented mode QR code payments, payment is made by reading the QR code displayed on the display device 24 of the store device 20 using the imaging device 16 of the user terminal device 10[1].

[0049] The submission unit 212 submits a coupon to the customer management server 60 when a QR code payment is used and certain conditions are met. These conditions include the purchase of a product eligible for the coupon and the purchase of a product during the coupon distribution campaign period.

[0050] When a user-presented two-dimensional code payment is used, the notification unit 213 notifies the payment management server 50 of a transaction request message when the code payment process is completed between the user terminal device 10[1] and the notification unit 213.

[0051] The display control unit 214 displays a two-dimensional code on the display device 24 when store-presented two-dimensional code payment is used. In this embodiment, the following explanation will be given using the case where user-presented two-dimensional code payment is used as an example.

[0052] 1.1.4. Configuration of the benefits management server Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the benefits management server 30 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the benefits management server 30 comprises a processing unit 31, a storage device 32, and a communication device 33. Each element of the benefits management server 30 is interconnected by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0053] The processing unit 31 is a processor that controls the entire benefits management server 30, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing unit 31 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 31 may be implemented by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 31 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0054] The storage device 32 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 31. The storage device 32 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is, for example, ROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. Volatile memory is, for example, RAM.

[0055] The storage device 32 stores multiple programs, including the control program PR3 for execution by the processing device 31, the payment information database DB1, and the coupon information database DB2. The storage device 32 also functions as a work area for the processing device 31.

[0056] The payment information database DB1 stores payment result information related to payment results received from the payment management server 50. This payment result information includes the payment amount, company code, store code, etc. The company code is a code unique to the payment service provider. The store code is a code unique to the store that actually submitted the coupon. A retention period of approximately 5 minutes is preferable for the payment result information. The payment information database DB1 stores multiple account identification information and multiple tokens linked together. This allows user U, who had registered multiple accounts, to consolidate them into one account, as multiple tokens are linked to that single account, making user U's past payment result information accessible. Note that the retention period for payment result information is not limited to approximately 5 minutes.

[0057] The coupon information database DB2 stores coupon information received from the coupon management server 40. The coupon information includes information such as the applicable period, applicable region, applicable product, benefit details, and segment information. The applicable period information is information about the period during which the coupon can be used. The applicable region information is information about the region in which the coupon can be used. The applicable products may be specific products, specific product groups, or all products in the store. Coupon information is an example of benefit information.

[0058] The reward details information concerns the content of the rewards obtained by using the coupon. Reward details include product giveaways, discount rates, and discount amounts. The coupon information also includes segment information. Segment information defines the segment of users U to whom the coupon is distributed. Segments are classified, for example, by user U's age, age group, gender, occupation, preferences, etc. In other words, the coupon information includes information about the target users' ages.

[0059] The retention period for coupon information is preferably a few days. In the coupon information database DB2, multiple account identification information and multiple tokens are linked and stored. This means that even if user U, who had registered multiple accounts, merges those accounts into one, multiple tokens will be linked to that one account, allowing user U's past coupon information to be accessed. Note that the retention period for coupon information is not limited to a few days.

[0060] The communication device 33 is hardware that acts as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 33 is also called, for example, a network device, network controller, network card, or communication module. The communication device 33 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 33 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0061] The processing unit 31 functions as a granting unit 311, an acquisition unit 312, a transfer unit 313, a determination unit 314, and a notification unit 315, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR3 from the storage device 32.

[0062] The granting unit 311 grants coupons to multiple eligible users based on the coupon information. Multiple eligible users are users who are eligible to receive coupons.

[0063] The acquisition unit 312 acquires transfer information. The transfer information is information relating to the transfer of a coupon from user U[1] to user U[2] among a group of target users. The transfer information includes at least information about the source user, information about the destination user, and information about the coupon to be transferred. In this embodiment, the transfer information is based on a transfer instruction from user U[1].

[0064] A transfer instruction by user U[1] is generated by user U[1]'s operation of the application program PRA on the user terminal device 10[1]. In other words, a transfer instruction by user U[1] is generated when user U[1] specifies the coupon to be sent and the recipient to be sent to via the application program PRA. Therefore, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 312 acquires transfer information from the user terminal device 10[1] via the communication device 33.

[0065] The transfer unit 313 transfers the coupon from user U[1] to user U[2] based on the transfer information.

[0066] By the way, coupons are sometimes limited to users who can receive them. In other words, coupons with limited distribution can only be received by users who meet the eligibility requirements. For example, a coupon whose distribution is limited to users in their 20s can only be transferred to users in their 20s. If the coupon that user U[1] wishes to transfer is limited to users in their 20s, user U[1] needs to know whether the person to whom they want to send the coupon, for example user U[2], is in their 20s.

[0067] Therefore, the decision unit 314 determines, based on the coupon information, whether or not user U[2] is eligible to receive the coupon. More specifically, the decision unit 314 determines whether or not not only user U[2], but all users registered by user U[1] as recipients of the coupon, are eligible to receive the coupon. In other words, the decision unit 314 determines that of the one or more candidate recipient users, including user U[2], one or more users are eligible to receive the coupon.

[0068] The transfer unit 313 transfers the coupon from user U[1] to user U[2] when the determination unit 314 determines that user U[2] is eligible to receive the coupon, and user U[1] selects user U[2] as the transfer destination.

[0069] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 312 acquires a payment completion notification from the payment management server 50. Upon acquiring the payment completion notification from the payment management server 50, the acquisition unit 312 stores the payment result information in the payment information database DB1. The storage period for the payment result information in the payment information database DB1 is approximately 5 minutes.

[0070] The acquisition unit 312 acquires coupon information from the coupon management server 40. After acquiring the coupon information from the coupon management server 40, the acquisition unit 312 stores the coupon information in the coupon information database DB2. The coupon information in the coupon information database DB2 is stored for approximately one week.

[0071] The decision unit 314 determines, based on the coupon information, whether or not multiple transfer destination candidate users, including user U[2], are eligible to receive the coupon.

[0072] If the decision unit 314 determines that at least user U[2] is eligible to receive the coupon, the notification unit 315 notifies the user terminal device 10[1] owned by user U[1] that user U[2] is eligible to receive the coupon. More specifically, the notification unit 315 notifies the user terminal device 10[1] owned by user U[1] about one or more transferable users, including user U[2], that have been determined by the decision unit 314 to be eligible to receive the coupon. As a result, one or more transferable users are displayed on the user terminal device 10[1].

[0073] 1.1.5. Configuration of the Coupon Management Server Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the coupon management server 40 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the coupon management server 40 comprises a processing unit 41, a storage device 42, and a communication device 43. Each element of the coupon management server 40 is interconnected by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0074] The processing unit 41 is a processor that controls the entire coupon management server 40, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing unit 41 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 41 may be implemented by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 41 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0075] The storage device 42 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 41. The storage device 42 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is, for example, ROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. Volatile memory is, for example, RAM.

[0076] The storage device 42 stores multiple programs, including the control program PR4, which is executed by the processing unit 41. The storage device 42 also functions as a work area for the processing unit 41.

[0077] The communication device 43 is hardware that acts as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 43 is also called, for example, a network device, network controller, network card, or communication module. The communication device 43 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 43 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0078] The processing unit 41 functions as a device that performs the following processes, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR4 from the storage device 42.

[0079] The processing unit 41 obtains submission information from the customer management server 60. The submission information is information about coupons submitted from the store device 20. Based on the submission information, the processing unit 41 issues coupons.

[0080] When the processing unit 41 receives a coupon information request from the rewards management server 30, if a coupon matching the payment information included in the coupon information request has been issued, it transmits coupon information for that matching coupon to the rewards management server 30 via the communication device 43. The payment information includes information such as the payment amount, company code, and store code. The company code is a code unique to the company that manages the store. The store code is a code unique to the store that actually submitted the coupon.

[0081] 1.1.6. Configuration of the Payment Management Server Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the payment management server 50 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 6, the payment management server 50 comprises a processing unit 51, a storage device 52, and a communication device 53. Each element of the payment management server 50 is interconnected by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0082] The processing unit 51 is a processor that controls the entire payment management server 50, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing unit 51 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 51 may be implemented by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 51 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0083] The storage device 52 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 51. The storage device 52 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is, for example, ROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. Volatile memory is, for example, RAM.

[0084] The storage device 52 stores multiple programs, including the control program PR5, which is executed by the processing unit 51. The storage device 52 also functions as a work area for the processing unit 51.

[0085] The communication device 53 is hardware that acts as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 53 is also called, for example, a network device, network controller, network card, or communication module. The communication device 53 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 53 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0086] The processing unit 51 functions as a device that performs the following processes, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR5 from the storage device 52.

[0087] When the processing unit 51 receives a payment code generation request from the user terminal device 10[1], it generates a payment code and transmits the information of the generated payment code to the user terminal device 10[k] via the communication device 53.

[0088] The processing unit 51 acquires a transaction request message transmitted from the store device 20 after the store device 20 has read the payment code displayed on the display device 14 of the user terminal device 10[1]. In response to the acquired transaction request message, the processing unit 51 notifies the rewards management server 30 of the completion of payment via the communication device 53.

[0089] 1.1.7. Customer Management Server Configuration Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the customer management server 60 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 7, the customer management server 60 comprises a processing unit 61, a storage device 62, and a communication device 63. Each element of the customer management server 60 is interconnected by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0090] The processing unit 61 is a processor that controls the entire customer management server 60, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing unit 61 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 61 may be implemented by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 61 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0091] The storage device 62 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 61. The storage device 62 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is, for example, ROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. Volatile memory is, for example, RAM.

[0092] The storage device 62 stores multiple programs, including the control program PR6, which is executed by the processing unit 61. The storage device 62 also functions as a work area for the processing unit 61.

[0093] The communication device 63 is hardware that acts as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 63 is also called, for example, a network device, network controller, network card, or communication module. The communication device 63 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 63 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0094] The processing unit 61 functions as a device that performs the following processes, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR6 from the storage device 62.

[0095] The processing unit 61 accepts coupon submissions from stores. The processing unit 61 transmits submission information about the submitted coupons to the coupon management server via the communication device 63. The processing unit 61 may also use the customer management server 60 as a dashboard for stores to submit coupons.

[0096] 1.1.8. Authentication Server Configuration Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the authentication server 70 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 8, the authentication server 70 comprises a processing unit 71, a storage device 72, and a communication device 73. Each element of the authentication server 70 is interconnected by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0097] The processing unit 71 is a processor that controls the entire authentication server 70 and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing unit 71 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 71 may be implemented by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 71 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0098] The storage device 72 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 71. The storage device 72 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is, for example, ROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. Volatile memory is, for example, RAM.

[0099] The storage device 72 stores multiple programs, including the control program PR7 for execution by the processing unit 71, and an account information database DB3. The storage device 72 also functions as a work area for the processing unit 71.

[0100] The account information database DB3 is a database that stores attribute information of user U[k] who has an account with the electronic payment service, along with user U[k]'s account information. Attribute information includes, for example, user U[k]'s age, gender, occupation, address, preferences, etc.

[0101] The communication device 73 is hardware that acts as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 73 is also called, for example, a network device, network controller, network card, or communication module. The communication device 73 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 73 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0102] The processing unit 71 functions as a device that performs the following processes, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR7 from the storage device 72.

[0103] When the processing unit 71 receives a request for attribute information about a candidate user for transfer from the benefits management server 30, it transmits attribute information about the candidate user for transfer to the benefits management server 30 via the communication device 73. In this embodiment, the candidate user for transfer is a user registered as a transfer destination from user U[1] or a user with whom U[1] has had past transactions.

[0104] 1.2. Operation of the user terminal device and benefit management server according to the first embodiment The operation of the user terminal device 10[1] and the benefits management server 30 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

[0105] For example, a coupon whose distribution is limited to users in their 20s can only be transferred to users in their 20s. If the coupon that user U[1] wishes to transfer is limited to users in their 20s, the display device 14 of the user terminal device 10[1] will display only users in their 20s who are eligible to receive the coupon as transferable users.

[0106] Figure 9 shows an example of the transfer method selection screen SC1. The transfer method selection screen SC1 is a screen in which the transfer method selection image IM1 is displayed on the display device 14. As shown in Figure 9, the transfer method selection image IM1 shows a "Send" button B01, a "Receive" button B02, a transfer type selection button B10, a transfer method selection button B20, etc. The "Send" button T11 is the button selected when user U[1] sends electronic account balance, points, or coupons from another user U. The "Receive" button B02 is the button selected when user U[1] receives electronic account balance, points, or coupons from another user U. User U[1] can select either the "Send" button B01 or the "Receive" button B02. In Figure 9, the "Send" button B01 is selected. The transfer method selection image IM1 is an example of the first image.

[0107] The transfer type selection button B10 includes the first button B11, the second button B12, and the third button B13. The first button B11 is for selecting to transfer part or all of the electronic account balance. The second button B12 is for selecting to transfer part or all of the points held. The third button B13 is for selecting to transfer part or all of the coupons. In Figure 9, the third button B13 is selected.

[0108] The transfer method selection button B20 includes the 4th button B21, the 5th button B22, the 6th button B23, and the 7th button B24. The transfer method selection button B20 can be selected when the transfer type is either the transfer of part or all of the electronic account, or the transfer of part or all of the points held.

[0109] The fourth button, B21, is for specifying a phone number as the destination. When user U[1] selects the fourth button, B21, the screen transitions to a screen for entering the destination phone number. The fifth button, B22, is for reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the destination user U's user terminal device 10. When user U[1] selects the fifth button, B22, the screen transitions to a screen for reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the destination user U's user terminal device 10. The sixth button, B23, is for specifying an SNS (Social Networking Service) account or email address as the destination. When user U[1] selects the sixth button, B23, the screen transitions to a screen for entering an SNS account or email address. The seventh button, B24, is a button displayed based on past transfer history. When user U[1] selects the seventh button, B24, the transfer destination is specified.

[0110] On the other hand, if the transfer type is set to transfer part or all of the coupons, that is, if user U[1] selects the third button B13, the screen transitions to the coupon selection screen. Therefore, if user U[1] selects the third button B13, the operation of the transfer method selection button B20 by user U[1] will not be accepted.

[0111] Figure 10 shows an example of the coupon selection screen SC2. The coupon selection screen SC2 is a screen in which the coupon selection image IM2 is displayed on the display device 14. As shown in Figure 10, the coupon selection image IM2 shows the coupons available to user U[1].

[0112] Figure 10 shows, for example, three coupons. The first coupon, C01, is a two-month free coupon for a subscription service. The second coupon, C02, is a discount coupon for sweets. The third coupon, C03, is a 100-yen discount coupon usable at Store A and is limited to users in their 20s. In other words, the eligibility requirement is that the user must be between 20 and 29 years old.

[0113] The following explanation uses the case where user U[1] selects the third coupon C03 as an example. Figure 11 is an example of the transferable user screen SC3 where transferable users are displayed. The transferable user screen SC3 is a screen in which the transferable user image IM3 is displayed on the display device 14. As shown in Figure 11, the transferable user image IM3 shows a candidate user button B30, a "Send" button B41, and a "Cancel" button B42. The transferable user image IM3 is an example of the second image.

[0114] Candidate User Button B30 includes the First Candidate Button B31, the Second Candidate Button B32, and the Third Candidate Button B33. Each of the Candidate User Buttons B30 displays the name of a transferable user. Users displayed as transferable users are either users who meet the above-mentioned eligibility requirements among those pre-registered by user U[1] as target users for transfer, or users with whom user U[1] has previously transacted who meet the above-mentioned eligibility requirements. As described above, transferable users are determined by the benefit management server 30.

[0115] The "Send" button B41 is used to decide whether to send the coupon to the selected user. After one of the first candidate buttons B31, second candidate button B32, or third candidate button B33 is selected, tapping the "Send" button B41 will send the coupon to the recipient indicated by the selected candidate user button.

[0116] The "Cancel" button B42 is used to cancel the transfer of the coupon. When the "Cancel" button B42 is pressed by user U[1], the transfer of the coupon to the selected transferable user is canceled.

[0117] 1.3. Operation of the benefit management server according to the first embodiment 1.3.1. First operation of the benefits management system 1 Figure 12 is a sequence chart showing an example of the first operation of the entire rewards management system 1. The first operation of the rewards management system 1 will be explained below with reference to Figure 12. The first operation is a series of actions from when payment is made via consumer-presented mode (CPM) code payment until the coupon is obtained.

[0118] In step S11, the user terminal device 10[1] starts the application program PRA in response to the operation of the input device 15 by user U[1].

[0119] When the startup process of the application program PRA begins, in step S12, the user terminal device 10[1] requests the payment management server 50 to generate a payment code. That is, in step S12, the user terminal device 10[1] sends a payment code generation request to the payment management server 50.

[0120] When the payment management server 50 receives a payment code generation request and authentication of the user terminal device 10[1] is completed, in step S13, the payment management server 50 generates a payment code and sends data indicating the payment code to the user terminal device 10[1].

[0121] When the user terminal device 10[1] receives data indicating a payment code, in step S14, the user terminal device 10[1] displays the payment code on the display device 14.

[0122] Subsequently, in step S15, the displayed payment code is presented by user U[1], and in step S16, the payment code is read by the store device 20.

[0123] Upon reading the payment code, in step S17, the store device 20 sends a transaction request message to the payment management server 50.

[0124] Once the authentication of the transaction request message is complete, the settlement management server 50 sends a settlement completion notification to the rewards management server 30 in step S18.

[0125] When the rewards management server 30 receives a payment completion notification, in step S19, it stores the payment information contained in the payment completion notification in the payment information database DB1.

[0126] In step S20, the rewards management server 30 requests the coupon management server 40 for a coupon related to the payment information.

[0127] In step S21, the coupon management server 40 sends the coupon related to the payment information to the rewards management server 30.

[0128] In step S22, the reward management server 30 stores the acquired coupon information in the coupon information database DB2.

[0129] 1.3.2. Second operation of the benefits management system 1 Figure 13 is a sequence chart showing an example of the second operation of the entire rewards management system 1. The second operation of the rewards management system 1 will be explained below with reference to Figure 13. The second operation is a series of actions from the time a coupon is submitted by a store until it is transferred to another user.

[0130] In step S31, the coupon is submitted from the store device 20 to the customer management server 60 through an operation at the store.

[0131] In step S32, the customer management server 60 sends the submission information to the coupon management server 40 based on the information regarding the submitted coupon.

[0132] In step S33, the coupon management server 40 sends coupon information to the rewards management server 30.

[0133] In step S34, the rewards management server 30 stores the acquired coupon information in the coupon information database DB2.

[0134] In step S35, a coupon based on coupon information is displayed on the user terminal device 10[1].

[0135] In step S36, the user terminal device 10[1] accepts the operation to transfer the coupon by user U[1]. The operation by user U[1] is, for example, selecting the "Send Coupon" button displayed on the display device 14.

[0136] In step S37, the instruction to transfer the coupon is sent from the user terminal device 10[k] to the rewards management server 30.

[0137] In step S38, the rewards management server 30 requests coupon information regarding the coupon from the coupon management server 40.

[0138] In step S39, the coupon management server 40 responds to the coupon information request by sending the coupon information to the rewards management server 30.

[0139] In step S40, the rewards management server 30 requests attribute information regarding the coupon from the authentication server 70.

[0140] In step S41, the authentication server 70 responds to the attribute information request by sending the attribute information to the benefits management server 30.

[0141] In step S42, the benefits management server 30 determines the users who can be transferred based on the coupon information and attribute information.

[0142] In step S43, the benefits management server 30 notifies the user terminal device 10[1] of the determined transferable user information. That is, the benefits management server 30 transmits the determined transferable user information to the user terminal device 10[1].

[0143] In step S44, the user terminal device 10[1] displays the transferable users on the display device 14 based on the acquired transferable user information.

[0144] 1.4. Effects of the First Embodiment As described above, the reward management server 30 according to the first embodiment comprises a granting unit 311, an acquisition unit 312, and a transfer unit 313. The granting unit 311 grants coupons to multiple target users who are eligible to receive coupons, based on coupon information relating to coupons granted by a store. The acquisition unit 312 acquires transfer information relating to the transfer of coupons from user U[1] to user U[2] among the multiple target users. The transfer unit 313 transfers the coupons from user U[1] to user U[2] based on the transfer information.

[0145] According to this embodiment, user U[1] can transfer coupons obtained from stores to user U[2], thereby improving user convenience.

[0146] Furthermore, the reward management server 30 according to the first embodiment further comprises a determination unit 314 and a notification unit 315. The determination unit 314 determines, based on the coupon information, whether or not user U[2] is eligible to receive a coupon. If the determination unit 314 determines that user U[2] is eligible to receive a coupon, the notification unit 315 notifies the user terminal device 10[1] owned by user U[1] that user U[2] is eligible to receive a coupon.

[0147] According to this configuration, coupons can be transferred only to users who meet the usage conditions included in the coupon information, thus encouraging stores to encourage coupon use among their target users.

[0148] Additionally, the coupon information includes information about the target user's age.

[0149] According to this configuration, by setting age restrictions on users to whom coupons can be transferred, stores can encourage the use of coupons by targeting specific users.

[0150] Furthermore, the reward management method according to the first embodiment is a method executed by a computer. The reward management method grants coupons to multiple target users who are eligible to receive coupons based on coupon information relating to coupons granted by a store, obtains transfer information relating to the transfer of coupons from user U[1] to user U[2] among the multiple target users, and transfers the coupons from user U[1] to user U[2] based on the transfer information.

[0151] According to this embodiment, user U[1] can transfer coupons obtained from stores to user U[2], thereby improving user convenience.

[0152] Furthermore, according to the above description, the application program PRA of the user terminal device 10[1] according to the first embodiment causes the processing unit 11 of the user terminal device 10[1], which is held by the user U[1], to function as a display control unit 113 and a reception unit 111. The display control unit 113 displays a transfer method selection image IM1, which includes a first button B11, a second button B12, and a third button B13, on the display device 14.

[0153] The first button B11 is selected by user U[1] when transferring the balance of an electronic account to another user. The second button B12 is selected by user U[1] when transferring the balance of points in an electronic account to another user. The third button B13 is selected by user U[1] when transferring a coupon provided by a store to another user. The reception unit 111 accepts the selection operation in which user U[1] selects one of the buttons from the first button B11, the second button B12, and the third button B13.

[0154] In this embodiment, a third button B13 for transferring coupons is displayed together with a first button B11 for transferring electronic account balances and a second button B12 for transferring point balances. Therefore, user U[1] can easily transfer coupons in the same way as transferring electronic account balances or point balances. In other words, this embodiment improves user convenience.

[0155] Furthermore, if the display control unit 113 receives notification from the rewards management server 30, which manages the granting and transfer of coupons, that another user is eligible to transfer a coupon, it displays the transferable user image IM3, which indicates the other user as a candidate user, on the display device 14.

[0156] In this embodiment, users who cannot be transferred are not displayed on the display device 14, and only users who can be transferred are displayed, making it easier to select the user to whom the transfer will take place.

[0157] 2. Variations This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments illustrated above. Specific variations are illustrated below. Two or more embodiments may be arbitrarily selected from the following examples and combined. Furthermore, the embodiments described above and the variations described below can be combined arbitrarily as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0158] 2.1. Variation 1 In the first embodiment, when attempting to transfer a coupon for which usage conditions are set, a configuration was shown in which only transferable users who satisfy the usage conditions among the registered users registered by user U[1] are displayed on the display device 14. In this configuration, the coupon can be transferred by user U[1] selecting one of the displayed target users.

[0159] However, the configuration is not limited to the above. In other cases, all registered users previously registered by user U[1] may be displayed on the display device 14, and when user U[1] selects user U[2] from among the registered users, the reward management server 30 may determine whether the selected user U[2] is an eligible user. If it is determined that the selected user U[2] is an eligible user, the coupon may be transferred from user U[1] to user U[2].

[0160] In other words, the transfer unit 313 may transfer the coupon from user U[1] to user U[2] if the determination unit 314 determines that user U[2] is eligible to receive the coupon.

[0161] 2.2. Variation Example 2 In the first embodiment, an example of transferring one coupon to another user was described, but the coupon may be transferred in parts. If the coupon is for a discount amount when purchasing a product, the coupon may be transferred to other users in parts of the discount amount. For example, if the coupon is for a 200 yen discount, 100 yen of the 200 yen can be transferred to another user.

[0162] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the rewards management server 30A according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 14, the rewards management server 30A comprises a processing unit 31A, a storage device 32A, and a communication device 33. Each element of the rewards management server 30A is interconnected by one or more buses for communicating information. The parts that have the same configuration as the example configuration of the rewards management server 30 in Figure 4 will not be explained.

[0163] The processing unit 31A is a processor that controls the entire benefits management server 30A. The storage device 32A is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing unit 31A. The storage device 32A stores multiple programs, including the control program PR3A for execution by the processing unit 31A, the payment information database DB1, and the coupon information database DB2. The storage device 32 also functions as a work area for the processing unit 31.

[0164] The processing unit 31A functions as an assignment unit 311, an acquisition unit 312, a transfer unit 313, a determination unit 314, a notification unit 315, and a division unit 316, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR3A from the storage device 32A.

[0165] The functions of the assignment unit 311, acquisition unit 312, transfer unit 313, determination unit 314, and notification unit 315 are the same as those of the assignment unit 311, acquisition unit 312, transfer unit 313, determination unit 314, and notification unit 315 of the processing device 31 according to the first embodiment, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0166] The splitting unit 316, when the coupon is a coupon relating to the discount amount when purchasing a product, divides the discount amount according to the instructions of user U[1].

[0167] Figure 15 shows an example of a candidate user screen SC4, which displays the candidate user to transfer to and the amount of the coupon to send. The candidate user screen SC4 is a screen in which the candidate user image IM4 is displayed on the display device 14. The following explanation will refer to Figure 15 and describe the case in which user U[1] has a 200 yen discount coupon and wants to send 100 yen of it to the recipient. As shown in Figure 15, the candidate user image IM4 shows a candidate user button B50, a coupon balance display field F11, a coupon amount input field F12, a "Send" button B41, and a "Cancel" button B42.

[0168] Candidate User Button B50 includes the 4th Candidate Button B51, the 5th Candidate Button B52, the 6th Candidate Button B53, and the 7th Candidate Button B54. Each of the Candidate User Buttons B50 displays the name of the transfer candidate user. The users displayed as transfer candidate users are either users previously registered as transfer targets by user U[1] or users with whom user U[1] has previously transacted. Note that the 200 yen discount coupon in this example is not distributed to any specific target audience.

[0169] The coupon balance display field F11 shows the current coupon balance. The coupon amount input field F12 allows you to set the amount arbitrarily, up to the coupon balance displayed in the coupon balance display field F11.

[0170] In this example, the coupon balance display field F11 shows 200 yen as the coupon balance. The coupon amount input field F12 has 100 yen entered as the coupon amount. Therefore, in this case, 100 yen of the 200 yen coupon will be sent to the selected user from the list of candidate users.

[0171] As described above, the benefit management server 30 according to the modified example 2 further includes a division unit 316. The division unit 316 divides the discount amount according to the instructions of user U[1] when the coupon is a coupon relating to the discount amount when purchasing a product. When the discount amount of the coupon is divided by the division unit 316, the transfer unit 313 transfers the divided amounts to user U[2].

[0172] In this embodiment, user U[1] can send a portion of the discount amount shown on the coupon to user U[2], so that both user U[1] and user U[2] can receive the discount benefit.

[0173] 3. Others (1) In the embodiments described above, the storage devices 12, 22, 32, 32A, 42, 52, 62, and 72 are exemplified by ROM and RAM, but can also be flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital multipurpose disks, Blu-ray® disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy® disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, and other suitable storage media. The program may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line. The program may also be transmitted from a communication network NET via a telecommunications line.

[0174] (2) In the embodiments described above, the information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be mentioned throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0175] (3) In the embodiments described above, the input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. The input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. The output information may be deleted. The input information may be transmitted to other devices.

[0176] (4) In the embodiments described above, the determination may be made by a value represented using 1 bit (0 or 1), by a boolean value (true or false), or by a numerical comparison (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0177] (5) The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., exemplified in the embodiments described above may be rearranged in order, as long as they do not contradict each other. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present various step elements using an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order presented.

[0178] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 1 to 15 is implemented by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of implementing each function block is not particularly limited. That is, each function block may be implemented using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be implemented using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A function block may also be implemented by combining the above one device or the above multiple devices with software.

[0179] (7) The programs illustrated in the embodiments described above should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages ​​or by other names.

[0180] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0181] (8) In each of the above-mentioned forms, the terms “system” and “network” shall be used interchangeably.

[0182] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information.

[0183] (10) In the embodiments described above, the user terminal device 10 may be a mobile station (MS). A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms. In this disclosure, terms such as “mobile station,” “user terminal,” “user equipment (UE),” and “terminal” may be used interchangeably.

[0184] (11) In the embodiments described above, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0185] (12) In the embodiments described above, the phrase “based on” does not mean “based solely on” unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase “based on” means both “based solely on” and “based at least on.”

[0186] (13) The terms “determining” and “determining” as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database or other data structure), and ascertaining. “Determining” may also include, for example, receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0187] (14) Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in the embodiments described above, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to be exclusive OR.

[0188] (15) In the present disclosure, if articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the present disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0189] (16) In this disclosure, the term “A and B are different” may mean “A and B are different from each other.” The term may also mean “A and B are each different from C.” Terms such as “separate” and “combine” may be interpreted in the same way as “different.”

[0190] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described herein may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed in practice. Furthermore, notification of certain information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not providing such notification).

[0191] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the descriptions in the present disclosure are illustrative and not restrictive in any way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0192] 1... Reward management system, 10,10[1],10[2]... User terminal device, 20... Store device, 30... Reward management server, 111... Reception unit, 113... Display control unit, 311... Granting unit, 312... Acquisition unit, 313... Transfer unit, 314... Decision unit, 315... Notification unit, 316... Splitting unit, B11... First button, B12... Second button, B13... Third button, L11L12... Usage details, IM1... Transfer method selection image, IM3... Transferable user image, U,U[1],U[2]... User.

Claims

1. A granting unit grants the aforementioned benefits to multiple eligible users who are eligible to receive the aforementioned benefits, based on benefit information regarding the benefits granted by the store. An acquisition unit that acquires transfer information regarding the transfer of the aforementioned benefits from the first user among the multiple target users to the second user, A transfer unit that transfers the benefits from the first user to the second user based on the transfer information, A rewards management device equipped with the following features.

2. A determination unit that determines whether the second user is eligible to transfer the benefit based on the benefit information, When the determination unit determines that the second user is eligible to receive the benefit, a notification unit notifies the terminal held by the first user that the second user is eligible to receive the benefit, Furthermore, The benefit management device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned benefit information includes information regarding the age of the target user. The benefit management device according to claim 2.

4. In cases where the aforementioned benefit is a benefit related to the discount amount when purchasing a product, The device includes a division unit that divides the discount amount according to the instructions of the first user, The transfer unit transfers the divided amount to the second user. The benefit management device according to claim 1.

5. A method performed by a computer, Based on the benefit information regarding the benefits provided by the store, the benefits are granted to multiple eligible users who are eligible for the benefits. Transfer information regarding the transfer of the aforementioned benefits from the first user among the multiple target users to the second user is obtained. Based on the transfer information, the benefits are transferred from the first user to the second user. How to manage rewards.

6. The processing unit of a device owned by the user, A display control unit that displays a first image on a display device, including a first button selected by the user when transferring the balance of an electronic account to another user, a second button selected by the user when transferring the balance of points in the electronic account to another user, and a third button selected by the user when transferring benefits provided by a store to another user; A receiving unit that receives a selection operation in which the user selects one of the first button, the second button, and the third button, A program for a terminal that enables it to function.

7. When the display control unit receives notification from the benefit management device, which manages the granting and transfer of the benefits, that the other user is eligible to receive the benefits, it displays a second image on the display device indicating the other user as a candidate user. The terminal program according to claim 6.

Images