Information provision device, information provision system, information provision program, and information provision method

Abstract

This technology provides participants with real-time access to relevant information about the stamp rally they are participating in. [Solution] The information providing device comprises: a storage unit that stores participant information including stamp history information, which associates a customer identifier that identifies a stamp rally participant with the store identifier of a stamp rally participating store visited by the participant; a stamp rally management unit that stores in the stamp history information when it receives visit information including the customer identifier and the store identifier; a presentation information determination unit that determines the information of participating stores to be presented to the participant; and a presentation information management unit that presents the information of participating stores. The presentation information determination unit excludes stores included in the stamp history information related to the customer identifier from among the participating stores, and has a predetermined generation AI service propose stores that are recommended to be visited after the store identified by the store identifier, and determines them as the target to be presented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing system, an information providing program, and an information providing method.

Background Art

[0002] As a sales promotion event in a predetermined area such as a shopping arcade, a stamp rally event may be held. The stamp rally event includes various devices to entertain customers. Customers can enjoy such devices and obtain incentives such as discounts, and stamp rally affiliated stores can obtain incentives for customers and sales promotion opportunities. For example, when a customer visits a predetermined number or more of stamp rally affiliated stores, the customer can obtain a stamp at the store, and a typical stamp rally is one where the customer can obtain a prize or receive a service by visiting a predetermined number of stores. In recent years, such a stamp rally is carried out using an information processing terminal (such as a smartphone) used by a customer, and while recording the visited store information as a stamp, technologies that can inform predetermined information and display stamp rally affiliated store information are also being realized.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a "notification server including a control unit, a communication unit, and a database. The communication unit receives information on a geofence transmitted from the outside and sends it to the control unit, and the control unit records the received geofence information in the database. The communication unit receives a geofence information request message transmitted from an external stamp rally terminal and sends it to the control unit. The control unit searches the geofence information in the database based on the position of the stamp rally terminal in the geofence information request message, selects geofence information near the stamp rally terminal, and sends it to the communication unit. The communication unit transmits the geofence information to the stamp rally terminal."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-004338 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the above technology, geofencing allows organizers to disseminate stamp rally information based on geographical conditions. In other words, it is possible to advertise related stamp rally events within a designated geofenced area. However, it does not include a mechanism to inform participants about the area while they are actually participating in the stamp rally.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a technology that allows participants to obtain appropriate information (such as recommended stores) related to the stamp rally they are participating in in real time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention includes several means for solving at least part of the above problems, but an example thereof is as follows. An information providing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a storage unit that stores participant information including stamp history information which associates a customer identifier that identifies a stamp rally participant with a store identifier of a stamp rally participating store visited by the stamp rally participant; a stamp rally management unit that, upon receiving visit information including the customer identifier and the store identifier, stores it in the stamp history information; a presentation information determination unit that determines information of the stamp rally participating stores to be presented to the stamp rally participant; and a presentation information management unit that presents information of the stamp rally participating stores, wherein the presentation information determination unit excludes stores included in the stamp history information related to the customer identifier from among the stamp rally participating stores, and has a predetermined generating AI service propose stores that are recommended to be visited after the store identified by the store identifier, and determines them as targets for presentation.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above-described information provision device, the information presentation determination unit may acquire weather information near the store identified by the store identifier from an external device, provide the weather information to the generating AI, and have it prioritize suggesting stores that are less likely to be affected by rain when traveling from the store identified by the store identifier.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above-described information provision device, the information presentation determination unit may acquire weather information near the store identified by the store identifier from an external device, provide the weather information to the generating AI, and have it prioritize suggesting stores that are less exposed to sunlight when traveling from the store identified by the store identifier.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned information provision device, the information presentation determination unit may acquire information on periods of increased consumption from an external device, provide the generating AI with information on periods of increased consumption, and, if it is a period of increased consumption, have the AI ​​prioritize suggesting stores that handle high-priced goods and services.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-described information provision device, the information presentation determination unit may acquire information on the period when demand for each product or service is expected to increase, and information on that product or service, from an external device, provide the generating AI with the information on the period when demand is expected to increase and information on that product or service, and cause the AI ​​to prioritize suggesting stores that handle the product or service during the period when demand is expected to increase.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described information provision device, the information presentation determination unit may acquire information on the purchase history of stamp rally participants identified by the customer identifier from an external device, provide the purchase history information to the generating AI, and have the AI ​​prioritize suggesting stores that handle products that align with the consumer preferences of the participant at the time, as estimated from the purchase history.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-described information provision device, the information presentation determination unit may prioritize suggesting stores that are primarily located in the direction traveled by other stamp rally participants, excluding those identified by the customer identifier.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above-described information provision device, the information presentation determination unit may prioritize suggesting stores that are not primarily located in the direction traveled by other stamp rally participants, excluding the stamp rally participant identified by the customer identifier.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above-described information provision device, the information presentation determination unit may acquire information on the intake restrictions of stamp rally participants identified by the customer identifier from the storage unit, provide the information on the intake restrictions to the generating AI, and have the AI ​​prioritize suggesting stores that meet the intake restrictions.

[0016] Furthermore, an information provision system according to another aspect of the present invention is an information provision system comprising a participant terminal used by a stamp rally participant and an information provision device communicately connected to the participant terminal, wherein the information provision device includes a storage unit that stores participant information including stamp history information, which associates a customer identifier that identifies the stamp rally participant with a store identifier of a stamp rally participating store visited by the stamp rally participant; a stamp rally management unit that, upon receiving stopover information including the customer identifier and the store identifier from the participant terminal, stores it in the stamp history information; a presentation information determination unit that determines information of the stamp rally participating stores to be presented to the stamp rally participant; and a presentation information management unit that presents information of the stamp rally participating stores, wherein the presentation information determination unit excludes stores included in the stamp history information relating to the customer identifier from among the stamp rally participating stores, and has a predetermined generating AI service propose stores that are recommended to be visited after the store identified by the store identifier, and determines them as targets for presentation.

[0017] Furthermore, an information provision program according to another aspect of the present invention is an information provision program that enables an information provision function in an information processing device, wherein the information processing device includes a storage unit that stores participant information including stamp history information which associates a customer identifier that identifies a stamp rally participant with a store identifier of a stamp rally participating store visited by the stamp rally participant, and a processing unit, wherein when the processing unit receives visit information including the customer identifier and the store identifier, it performs a stamp rally management step which stores the information in the stamp history information, a presentation information determination step which determines the information of the stamp rally participating store to be presented to the stamp rally participant, and a presentation information management step which presents the information of the stamp rally participating store, wherein in the presentation information determination step, the store included in the stamp history information related to the customer identifier is excluded from the stamp rally participating store, and a predetermined generating AI service is asked to propose a store that is recommended to be visited after the store identified by the store identifier, and the AI ​​service is asked to determine which store to present.

[0018] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention relates to an information provision method for which an information processing device implements an information provision function, wherein the information processing device includes a storage unit that stores participant information including stamp history information which associates a customer identifier that identifies a stamp rally participant with a store identifier of a stamp rally participating store visited by the stamp rally participant, and a processing unit, wherein when the processing unit receives visit information including the customer identifier and the store identifier, it performs a stamp rally management step which stores the information in the stamp history information, a presentation information determination step which determines the information of the stamp rally participating store to be presented to the stamp rally participant, and a presentation information management step which presents the information of the stamp rally participating store, wherein in the presentation information determination step, the store included in the stamp history information relating to the customer identifier is excluded from the stamp rally participating store, and a predetermined generating AI service is asked to propose a store that is recommended to be visited after the store identified by the store identifier, and the AI ​​service is asked to determine which store to present. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, for participants, appropriate information (such as recommended stores, etc.) regarding the stamp rally they are participating in can be obtained in real time.

[0020] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is an example of a block diagram of an information providing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of participant information. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of store information. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of stamp rally franchise store information. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information providing device. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a participant terminal. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the flow of stamp recording processing (read at the store terminal). [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of an information presentation screen. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the flow of stamp recording processing (read at the participant terminal). [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the flow of presentation information specifying processing. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a prompt when instructing a generation AI service.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, an information providing system 1 to which an embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Generally, for stores participating in a stamp rally, informing and introducing information about other participating stores to participants is useful in making the stamp rally event as a whole more exciting. On the other hand, for stores participating in a stamp rally, prioritizing the promotion and introduction of affiliated stores, sister stores, or stores they wish to support is also meaningful in terms of customer retention and increasing customer traffic for stores with which they have a cooperative relationship.

[0024] Using the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment, participants can obtain appropriate information (such as recommended stores) related to the stamp rally they are participating in in real time. Furthermore, participating stores can prioritize informing prospective customers who are highly likely to purchase products or use services, making it beneficial for both the stamp rally event as a whole and the participating stores.

[0025] Figure 1 is an example of a block diagram of the information provision system according to this embodiment. The information provision system 1 includes an information provision device 100, a participant terminal 200, a store terminal 300, and a generation AI service 400.

[0026] The participant terminal 200 is a terminal owned and used by participants in the stamp rally. The store terminal 300 is connected to the information provision device 100 via the network 50 and is a terminal used by participating stores in the stamp rally for payment and stamp recording.

[0027] The participant terminal 200 may be a smartphone or other device owned and used by a stamp rally participant, i.e., a customer of the store, unrelated to the stamp rally. The store terminal 300 may be a cash register, tablet, smartphone, or other device owned and used by the stamp issuer of the stamp rally, i.e., a participating store.

[0028] Network 50 is a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or a mobile phone network. Network 50 may also be a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on a wireless communication network such as a mobile phone network.

[0029] The information providing device 100 is a so-called server device. However, it is not limited to this, and the information providing device 100 may be any kind of information processing device, such as a personal computer, smartphone, workstation, PDA (Personal Data Assistant), or tablet device.

[0030] The information provider 100 receives visit information, including information identifying the participant who visited the store, from the store terminal 300 (which may be a participant terminal 200 as described later) via the network 50, and realizes the stamp rally function by recording the stamp of the store in the participant's stamp history. In addition, once the information provider 100 has recorded the stamp in the stamp history, it transmits information about other stamp rally participating stores different from the store the participant visited to the participant terminal 200, and has the participant present it.

[0031] The store terminal 300 is, for example, a personal computer or a tablet device. However, it is not limited to these, and each device may be various information processing devices such as smartphones, workstations, or PDAs.

[0032] When the participant terminal 200 and the store terminal 300 receive instructions from the information provision device 100 via the network 50 to output a predetermined screen, they perform output processing. In addition, the participant terminal 200 and the store terminal 300 transmit input information received from input devices, etc., provided in their own devices (described later), to the information provision device 100 via the network 50.

[0033] The Generative AI Service 400 is a service that provides the functions of so-called generative AI, such as GPT and Gemini, via an API (Application Programming Interface). The Generative AI Service 400 obtains the desired result by giving commands (prompts) in natural language to the generative AI.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the generation AI service 400 receives instructions, for example via an API, it causes the generation AI to generate information on recommended stores and sends the result to the source of the instructions as a return value of the API. At that time, the generation AI receives information on stores participating in the stamp rally and stamp information obtained by stamp rally participants, i.e., information on stores already visited, identifies the store identifier of the most suitable store among the unvisited stamp rally participating stores, and returns it as a recommended store.

[0035] For example, the generating AI service 400 may be given RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) information in advance, including the stamp rally participating store information 123, store information 122, and participant information 121 described later, as information about stores participating in the stamp rally. Alternatively, it may be given similar information via prompts, or it may be learned in advance. Or, the generating AI service 400 may obtain similar information at runtime by searching for it from other devices via the internet or the like.

[0036] Furthermore, the store identifier identified by the generating AI only needs to be "optimal" from various perspectives. For example, it might identify a nearby store that is frequently visited by participants with similar progress in the stamp rally as the optimal store, or conversely, it might identify a store that is not frequently visited by other participants in order to avoid congestion or to ensure fairness among stores as the optimal store.

[0037] Furthermore, the information presentation determination unit 112 of the information provision device 100 can acquire weather information near the store identified by the store identifier from an external device, provide the weather information to the generating AI service 400, and have it prioritize suggesting stores that are less likely to be hit by rain when traveling from the store identified by the store identifier as the next recommended store. In this way, it is possible to recommend stores that take rainfall countermeasures into consideration, which can contribute to a more enjoyable stamp rally experience for customers.

[0038] Furthermore, the information display unit 112 can acquire weather information near the store identified by the store identifier from an external device, provide the weather information to the generating AI service 400, and have it prioritize suggesting stores that are less exposed to sunlight when moving from the store identified by the store identifier as the next recommended store. In this way, it is possible to recommend stores that take into consideration measures against extreme heat, which can contribute to a more enjoyable stamp rally experience for customers.

[0039] Furthermore, the information presentation unit 112 can obtain information from an external device about periods when consumption increases (which may vary depending on the country or region, but in Japan, for example, June, July, December, and January, known as bonus seasons, or other periods such as Silver Week and Golden Week), and provide this information to the generation AI service 400. If it is a period when consumption increases, the AI ​​service can prioritize suggesting stores that handle high-priced goods and services as the next recommended stores. In this way, it is possible to recommend stores that take into account periods of increased demand, and this can contribute to increasing the event benefits for stores participating in the stamp rally.

[0040] Furthermore, the information presentation unit 112 can acquire information on periods of increased demand and products / services (which may vary depending on the country and region, but in Japan, for example, ice cream, watermelon, somen noodles, chilled ramen, and other seasonal summer foods and drinks) from an external device, and provide this information to the generating AI service 400. This allows the AI ​​service 400 to prioritize suggesting stores that handle products / services during periods of increased demand as the next recommended stores. In this way, it is possible to recommend stores that take into account seasonal periods of increased demand, which can contribute to expanding the event benefits for stores participating in the stamp rally.

[0041] Furthermore, the information presentation unit 112 can acquire purchase history information of stamp rally participants identified by customer identifiers from an external device, provide this purchase history information to the generation AI service 400, and cause it to prioritize suggesting stores that handle products and services that align with the consumer preferences of the time period estimated from the purchase history as the next recommended store. In this way, it is possible to recommend stores that take into consideration measures against extreme heat, contributing to a more enjoyable stamp rally experience for customers.

[0042] Furthermore, the information presentation unit 112 can instruct the generation AI service 400 to prioritize suggesting stores located in the direction primarily traveled by stamp rally participants other than those identified by customer identifiers. In this way, store recommendations can be made that take into account the participation patterns of the main participants, contributing to a more enjoyable stamp rally experience for customers.

[0043] Furthermore, the information presentation unit 112 can instruct the generating AI service 400 to prioritize suggesting stores that are not primarily located in the direction traveled by other stamp rally participants, excluding those identified by customer identifiers. This helps avoid excessive concentration of visitors at specific facilities, allows for store recommendations that take overtourism into consideration, and contributes not only to an enjoyable stamp rally experience for customers but also to expanding the event benefits for participating stores.

[0044] Furthermore, the information presentation unit 112 can obtain information on the dietary restrictions of stamp rally participants identified by the customer identifier from the participant information 121, provide this information to the generating AI service 400, and have it prioritize suggesting stores that meet the dietary restrictions. In this way, it can contribute to a more enjoyable stamp rally experience for customers.

[0045] The information providing device 100 includes a processing unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130. The processing unit 110 includes a stamp rally management unit 111, a display information determination unit 112, a display information management unit 113, a store registration unit 114, and a participant registration unit 115. The storage unit 120 includes participant information 121, store information 122, and stamp rally participating store information 123.

[0046] Figure 2 shows an example of the data structure of participant information. Participant information 121 includes stamp history information that associates a customer identifier that identifies a stamp rally participant with the store identifier of the stamp rally participating store visited by the stamp rally participant. Specifically, participant information 121 stores the following associated information: rally identifier 121a, customer identifier 121b, customer name 121c, gender 121d, age 121e, email address 121f, address 121g, stamp history 121h, and intake restrictions 121j.

[0047] The rally identifier 121a is information that identifies the stamp rally in which the participant is participating. The customer identifier 121b is information that identifies the participant. The customer name 121c, gender 121d, age 121e, email address 121f, and address 121g are information that identifies the participant's name, gender, age, email address, and address, respectively. The stamp history 121h is information that associates the store identifier of the stamp rally participating store visited by the stamp rally participant with the stamp identifier. For example, the stamp history 121h stores information that associates the date and time of the stamp rally participant's visit with the store identifier of the stamp rally participating store and the stamp identifier, according to the number of visits. The dietary restrictions 121j is information that identifies the dietary restrictions of the stamp rally participant. For example, dietary restrictions may include religious reasons such as halal or immunological reasons such as allergies. Dietary restrictions 121j may not be limited to dietary restrictions and may include places that cannot be visited or other restrictions. For example, restrictions on visiting temples, shrines, churches, etc., may be included in dietary restrictions.

[0048] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of store information. Store information 122 includes related information concerning a store identifier that identifies stores that may be participating in the stamp rally. Specifically, store information 122 stores the store identifier 122a, store name 122b, address 122c, telephone number 122d, store series 122e, store genre 122f, representative product 122g, and push advertisement 122h in association with each other. Store identifier 122a is information that identifies the store. Store name 122b, address 122c, and telephone number 122d are information that identifies the store's name, such as its trade name, the store's address, and the telephone number that serves as the store's contact information.

[0049] Store chain 122e is information that identifies a group of stores linked by capital relationships, franchise agreements, or other affiliations such as chambers of commerce. Store genre 122f is information that identifies the genre of the store, such as the types of goods or services it offers. For example, store genres include predetermined genres such as "restaurants," "cafes," "souvenirs," "accommodations," "general merchandise," and "cosmetics." Featured product 122g contains information about the products or services the store wants to promote. Push advertisement 122h contains information about advertisements that the store wants to show to participants (for example, flyers, still images, videos, audio, or a combination thereof).

[0050] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure for stamp rally participating store information. The stamp rally participating store information 123 contains information about a unique stamp identifier for each participating store. Specifically, the stamp rally participating store information 123 stores the store identifier 123a, the store name 123b, and the stamp identifier 123c in association with each other. The store identifier 123a is information that identifies the store. The store name 123b is the name of the store, such as its trade name. The stamp identifier 123c is the identifier of the store in the stamp rally.

[0051] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the stamp rally management unit 111 receives visit information including a customer identifier and a store identifier, and stores it in the stamp history information.

[0052] The information presentation unit 112 queries the generation AI service 400 to determine which stores to present to stamp rally participants. The information presentation unit 112 also excludes stores from the stamp rally participating stores that are included in the stamp history information related to the customer identifier from the information to be presented. Furthermore, based on the results of the query to the generation AI service 400, the information presentation unit 112 determines which stores to present as recommended stores.

[0053] The Information Management Unit 113 displays information about participating stores in the stamp rally.

[0054] The store registration unit 114 receives information on stores participating in the stamp rally and stores it in the stamp rally participating store information 123. The store registration unit 114 also receives information on stores that may potentially participate in the stamp rally and stores it in the store information 122. Furthermore, the store registration unit 114 provides functions for adding, editing, and deleting information (advertising information such as flyers) for stores stored in the stamp rally participating store information 123.

[0055] Specifically, the store registration unit 114 provides a function to accept arbitrary, real-time changes to the stamp rally participating store information 123 via the store terminal 300, etc. Furthermore, when using such a change function, the store registration unit 114 performs authentication on the stamp rally participating store and verifies the authority to update the table (stamp rally participating store information 123).

[0056] The participant registration unit 115 receives information on stamp rally participants and stores it in the participant information unit 121. The participant registration unit 115 also provides functions for adding, editing, and deleting participant information in the participant information unit 121.

[0057] The communication unit 130 communicates with other devices, namely participant terminals 200, store terminals 300, and generation AI service 400, via the network 50.

[0058] The participant terminal 200 includes a display unit 210, an input receiving unit 220, a communication unit 230, and a stamp rally processing unit 240. The display unit 210 receives screen information in a predetermined format instructed to be displayed by the information providing device 100 from the communication unit 230 and displays it on the display device. The display unit 210 also displays screen information such as flat barcodes instructed by the stamp rally processing unit 240 on the display device. The input receiving unit 220 receives input instructions from the operator of the participant terminal 200, for example, a participant, and transmits them to the information providing device 100. The communication unit 230 communicates with the information providing device 100, which is another device, via the network 50.

[0059] The stamp rally processing unit 240 implements the stamp rally function by combining the display unit 210, the input reception unit 220, and the communication unit 230. Specifically, the stamp rally processing unit 240 converts information including the customer identifier into a flat barcode using a predetermined algorithm and displays it on the display unit 210. The stamp rally processing unit 240 associates the participant's email address when they participate in the stamp rally. This enables the stamp rally processing unit 240 to receive push notifications from the information provision device 100. The stamp rally processing unit 240 also displays information such as stamp rally participating stores presented by the information provision device 100. However, the stamp rally processing unit 240 is not limited to associating the participant's email address when they participate in the stamp rally; it may also associate various types of information that enable destination-specific push delivery, such as the recipient of a short message (telephone number), an SNS (Social Networking Service) account, the identifier of the participant terminal 200, or the app ID of the stamp rally processing unit 240.

[0060] The store terminal 300 includes a processing unit 310 and a communication unit 320. The processing unit 310 includes a purchasing processing unit 311 and a code reading unit 312. The purchasing processing unit 311 implements POS (Point of Sales) register functions, for example, by inputting the type and quantity of goods to be sold and performing accounting processing. The code reading unit 312 reads the flat barcode displayed on the display unit 210 of the participant terminal 200, decodes it to extract the customer identifier, generates visit information including the combination of the store identifier and the customer identifier, and transmits it to the information providing device 100.

[0061] The communication unit 320 communicates with another device, the information providing device 100, via the network 50.

[0062] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information providing device. The information providing device 100 includes a processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, communication device 104, and a bus 105 connecting the devices. In addition, the information providing device 100 may also include an input device.

[0063] The processor 101 is a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and it performs processing according to a program recorded in memory 102 or storage 103. In the information providing device 100, processing is performed by the processor 101, which operates according to a program read from memory 102 or storage 103. The processing unit 110, the stamp rally management unit 111, the information display determination unit 112, the information display management unit 113, the store registration unit 114, and the participant registration unit 115 each realize their respective functions by having the processor 101 execute a program.

[0064] Memory 102 is a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, and functions as a storage area where programs and data are temporarily read. Storage 103 is a writable and readable storage device. The storage unit 120's functions are realized by either memory 102 or storage 103. Alternatively, the storage unit 120 may be realized by a storage device connected via communication device 104.

[0065] The communication device 104 is an interface for connecting the information provision device 100 to an external device. For example, the communication device 104 uses an antenna that can utilize predetermined radio waves (e.g., 5GHz band, 2.4GHz band, etc.) to establish a connection with the store terminal 300 and the generation AI service 400 using the Wi-Fi standard, and performs wireless communication.

[0066] Furthermore, the processing of each component of the information providing device 100 may be performed on one piece of hardware or on multiple pieces of hardware. Also, the processing of each component of the information providing device 100 may be implemented by one program or by multiple programs.

[0067] The processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, and communication device 104 are connected to each other by connecting wires such as a bus 105.

[0068] The storage unit 120 of the information providing device 100 described above is implemented by memory 102 and storage 103. Furthermore, the communication unit 130 of the information providing device 100 is implemented by communication device 104. The above is an example of the hardware configuration of the information providing device 100.

[0069] Each component of the information providing device 100 can be further classified into many more components depending on the processing content. Alternatively, each component can be classified to perform even more processing.

[0070] Furthermore, each processing unit (processing unit 110, stamp rally management unit 111, presentation information determination unit 112, presentation information management unit 113, store registration unit 114, participant registration unit 115) may be constructed using dedicated hardware (ASIC, GPU, etc.) to realize its respective function. Also, the processing of each processing unit may be executed on a single piece of hardware or on multiple pieces of hardware.

[0071] Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a participant terminal. The participant terminal 200 includes an input device 201, a processor 202, storage 203, memory 204, a display 205, a communication device 206, a camera 207, and a bus 208 connecting each device.

[0072] The input device 201 is a variety of input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. The input reception unit 220 of the participant terminal 200 is realized by the input device 201, the processor 202, and the camera 207. The processor 202 is a computing device such as a CPU or GPU, and it performs processing according to a program recorded in the memory 204 or storage 203. In the participant terminal 200, processing is performed by the processor 202, which operates according to the program read from the memory 204 or storage 203. The stamp rally processing unit 240 realizes its respective functions by having the processor 202 execute a program.

[0073] Memory 204 is a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, and functions as a storage area where programs and data are temporarily read. Storage 203 is a writable and readable storage device.

[0074] The display 205 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 210 is realized by the display 205 and the processor 202.

[0075] The communication device 206 is an interface for connecting the participant terminal 200 to an external device. For example, the communication device 206 uses an antenna that can utilize predetermined radio waves (e.g., 5GHz band, 2.4GHz band, etc.) to establish a connection with the information provision device 100 using the Wi-Fi standard to perform wireless communication. The communication unit 230 of the participant terminal 200 is realized by the communication device 206 and the processor 202.

[0076] Furthermore, the processing of each component of the participant terminal 200 may be performed on one piece of hardware or on multiple pieces of hardware. Also, the processing of each component of the participant terminal 200 may be implemented by one program or by multiple programs.

[0077] The input device 201, processor 202, storage 203, memory 204, display 205, communication device 206, and camera 207 are connected to each other by connecting wires such as a bus 208. The above is an example of the hardware configuration of the participant terminal 200.

[0078] Each participant terminal 200 can be further classified into many more components depending on the processing content. Alternatively, each component can be classified to perform even more processing.

[0079] Furthermore, each processing unit (display unit 210, input reception unit 220, communication unit 230, stamp rally processing unit 240) may be constructed using dedicated hardware (ASIC, GPU, etc.) to realize its respective function. Also, the processing of each processing unit may be executed on a single piece of hardware or on multiple pieces of hardware.

[0080] Since the store terminal 300 has essentially the same hardware configuration as the participant terminal 200, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0081] The Generative AI Service 400 is a service provided outside of the Information Provision System 1, which uses Generative AI. However, it is not limited to this, and it may also use Generative AI maintained by the Information Provision System 1. In that case, the Generative AI includes Generative AI that uses a large-scale language model. The Generative AI is a pre-trained model, such as GPT-4, which has been trained in advance using language data to create a large-scale language model using a neural network (NN) through machine learning or deep learning. The Generative AI is not limited to a neural network (NN), and other known methods may be used. Furthermore, it is desirable to use a Generative AI that has been tuned to achieve high accuracy in program code generation through techniques such as Few-shot Learning and fine-tuning.

[0082] Furthermore, the information presentation unit 112 may also pass participant information 121, store information 122, and stamp rally participating store information 123 to the generating AI as RAG information resulting from the search.

[0083] Next, the operation of the information provision system 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0084] First, participating stores in the stamp rally access the information provision device 100 via a store terminal 300 or the like, and set any changes to the store information 122 and the stamp rally participating store information 123. When such changes are made, the store registration unit 114 performs various authentications such as password authentication and biometric authentication on the stamp rally participating stores and verifies their authority to update the tables (store information 122 and stamp rally participating store information 123). The store registration unit 114 also adds, deletes, and modifies the set store information 122 and stamp rally participating store information 123 by inserting new records according to the changes made, or by deleting specified records. As a result, the store information 122 and stamp rally participating store information 123 are updated, and preparations are made for the stamp recording process (read by the store terminal) described later.

[0085] Figure 7 shows the flow of the stamp recording process (read by the store terminal). The stamp recording process (read by the store terminal) is initiated when a stamp rally participant visits a participating store and displays a flat barcode containing information including the customer identifier on the display unit 210 of the participant terminal 200, and presents it to the store terminal 300 of the participating store. Note that the stamp recording process is not limited to cases where a flat barcode is displayed on the display unit 210 of the participant terminal 200, but also applies when a flat barcode containing information including the store identifier, which is placed as printed material in the store, is presented to the participant terminal 200.

[0086] First, the stamp rally processing unit 240 causes the display unit 210 to display a code including the customer identifier (step S001). Specifically, the stamp rally processing unit 240 encodes information including the participant identifier previously provided to the participant terminal 200 using a predetermined algorithm to create a flat barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark), and displays it on the display unit 210.

[0087] Then, the code reading unit 312 of the store terminal 300 reads the presented code (step S002). Specifically, the code reading unit 312 reads the presented flat barcode using a camera or the like.

[0088] Then, the code reading unit 312 of the store terminal 300 extracts the customer identifier from the code (step S003). Specifically, the code reading unit 312 of the store terminal 300 decodes the read flat barcode using a predetermined algorithm and extracts the customer identifier contained therein.

[0089] Then, the code reading unit 312 of the store terminal 300 generates visit information including the store identifier and the customer identifier (step S004). Specifically, the code reading unit 312 generates predetermined visit information including the store identifier that has been pre-assigned to the store terminal 300 and the customer identifier extracted in step S003.

[0090] Then, the code reading unit 312 transmits the stopover information (step S005). Specifically, the code reading unit 312 transmits the stopover information generated in step S004 to the information providing device 100.

[0091] Then, the stamp rally management unit 111 of the information providing device 100 receives the visit information, which includes a combination of a store identifier and a customer identifier (step S006). Specifically, the stamp rally management unit 111 receives the visit information transmitted in step S005.

[0092] Then, the stamp rally management unit 111 identifies the customer's stamp history (step S007). Specifically, the stamp rally management unit 111 refers to the participant information 121 related to the customer identifier included in the visit information to identify the stamp history 121h.

[0093] The stamp rally management unit 111 then determines whether the customer is visiting the store for the first time (step S008). Specifically, the stamp rally management unit 111 refers to the stamp history 121h identified in step S007, and if there is no stamp information related to the store identifier included in the visit information, it determines that the customer is visiting the store for the first time. If the customer is not visiting the store for the first time (if the answer is "No" in step S008), the stamp rally management unit 111 proceeds to step S010, which will be described later.

[0094] If it is the customer's first visit to the store (if the answer is "Yes" in step S008), the stamp rally management unit 111 adds a stamp to the customer's stamp history (step S009). Specifically, the stamp rally management unit 111 identifies the stamp identifier 123c related to the store identifier included in the visit information in the stamp rally participating store information 123, generates information associating the date and time the stamp rally participant visited, the store identifier of the stamp rally participating store, and the stamp identifier, and adds it to the stamp history 121h.

[0095] Then, the information presentation determination unit 112 determines the information to present to the customer using the generation AI service 400 (step S010). Specifically, the information presentation determination unit 112 passes the stamp history 121h identified in step S007, the store information 122, and the stamp rally participating store information 123 to the generation AI service 400. The information presentation determination unit 112 then identifies the store identifier of the most suitable store among the unvisited stamp rally participating stores and instructs the generation AI service 400 to return it as a recommended store. This instruction is given using prompt commands. The information presentation determination unit 112 then receives the information of the recommended store, which is the result of querying the generation AI service 400, decides to present it to the customer, and obtains the push advertisement 122h of the store information 122 as information of the participating store.

[0096] The information display unit 112 may also be configured to instruct the generation AI service 400 to display multiple recommended stores. By doing so, the information of the received stores is displayed sequentially, making it easier for the customer to select a store that interests them.

[0097] Then, the Information Management Unit 113 presents information about participating stores in the stamp rally to the customer (participant) (step S011). Specifically, the Information Management Unit 113 uses a customer identifier to refer to participant information 121 and obtain an email address 121f, and sends a push notification via the stamp rally processing unit 240 of the participant terminal 200 associated with that email address, transmitting the information to be presented to the customer determined by the Information Determination Unit 112 in step S010. In other words, information about push advertisements for one or more recommended participating stores is transmitted to the participant terminal 200 by the Information Management Unit 113.

[0098] Then, the stamp rally processing unit 240 displays the received information (step S012). Specifically, the stamp rally processing unit 240 displays information on push advertisements from one or more recommended participating stores on the display unit 210.

[0099] The stamp rally processing unit 240 then determines whether or not it has received an instruction to switch to different information (step S013). Specifically, if the information presented to the customer includes multiple participating stores, the stamp rally processing unit 240 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to switch to different information within a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) to switch the display to the information of the next participating store after the currently displayed participating store. If it has not received an instruction to switch to different information, or if it has received an instruction to end the display (if the result is "No" in step S013), the stamp rally processing unit 240 ends the screen displaying the push advertisement information.

[0100] Then, if a command to switch to different information is received (if "Yes" is selected in step S013), the stamp rally processing unit 240 switches the displayed information (step S014). Specifically, if the information presented to the customer includes multiple participating stores, the stamp rally processing unit 240 switches the display to the information of the next participating store after the currently displayed participating store.

[0101] The above is an example of the stamp recording process (read by store terminal). This stamp recording process allows participants to receive real-time information about the stamp rally they are participating in (such as recommended stores).

[0102] Figure 8 shows an example of an information display screen. The information display screen 500 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 210 of the participant terminal 200 in step S012 of the stamp recording process (read by the store terminal). The information display screen 500 includes store information 510, route guidance information 520 from the participant's current location to the store, a "Next Recommendation" button 530, and a "Close" button 540.

[0103] Store information 510 displays the store name 122b, address 122c, telephone number 122d, store genre 122f, representative product 122g, and push advertisement 122h information included in store information 122.

[0104] The route guidance information 520 displays the route from the participant terminal 200's current location to the address indicated by the address information 122c in the store information 510, superimposed on the map. The information display determination unit 112 may, for example, use the location of a store that the participant terminal 200 has visited as the participant terminal 200's current location to search for a route. The next recommendation button 530, upon receiving input, generates an instruction to switch to different information. The close button 540, upon receiving input, generates an instruction to end the display and closes the information display screen 500.

[0105] The information provision system 1, which applies an embodiment of the present invention, has been described above. According to this embodiment, participants can obtain appropriate information (such as recommended stores) regarding the stamp rally they are participating in in real time.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments described above can be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the store terminal 300 reads a code including a customer identifier displayed on the participant terminal 200, but in order to enable the stamp rally function even at affiliated stores that do not have a store terminal 300, the participant terminal 200 may be configured to read a code including a store identifier displayed at the storefront of the affiliated store. Such embodiments will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0107] Figure 9 shows the flow of the stamp recording process (read by the participant's terminal). The flow of the stamp recording process (read by the participant's terminal) is basically the same as the flow of the stamp recording process (read by the store terminal), but there are some differences in the process. The following will explain the differences in detail.

[0108] First, the stamp rally processing unit 240 of the participant terminal 200 reads a code containing a store identifier displayed at the storefront of a participating store (step S101). Specifically, the stamp rally processing unit 240 reads the displayed flat barcode using a camera or the like.

[0109] Then, the stamp rally processing unit 240 extracts the store identifier from the code (step S102). Specifically, the stamp rally processing unit 240 decodes the read flat barcode using a predetermined algorithm and extracts the included store identifier.

[0110] Then, the stamp rally processing unit 240 generates stopover information including the store identifier and customer identifier (step S103). Specifically, the stamp rally processing unit 240 generates predetermined stopover information including the store identifier extracted in step S102 and the participant identifier.

[0111] Then, the stamp rally processing unit 240 transmits the stopover information (step S104). Specifically, the stamp rally processing unit 240 transmits the stopover information generated in step S103 to the information providing device 100.

[0112] The processing from step S006 onward is the same as the flow for stamp recording processing (read by the store terminal).

[0113] The above is an example of the stamp recording process (read by participant's terminal). According to this stamp recording process (read by participant's terminal) flow, the stamp rally function can be implemented even in member stores that do not own a store terminal 300.

[0114] Figure 10 shows an example of the flow of the presentation information identification process. The presentation information identification process is performed by the presentation information determination unit 112 in step S010 of the stamp recording process (read by the store terminal). Specifically, the presentation information determination unit 112 generates a prompt to give instructions to the generation AI service 400, and passes participant information 121, store information 122, stamp rally participating store information 123, etc. as RAG information to the generation AI service 400 and executes the prompt. Then, the presentation information determination unit 112 receives a response from the generation AI service 400 and determines the presentation information.

[0115] First, the information display unit 112 acquires information on the weather (including weather, temperature, probability of precipitation, etc.), the date, the purchase history information of the buyer, information on periods of increased demand for goods and services, and information on the direction in which stamp rally participants primarily move (step S201). Specifically, the information display unit 112 acquires information on the weather near the store identified by the store identifier where the stamp rally participant identified by the customer identifier recorded their stamp, information on periods of increased consumption, information on periods of increased demand for each product / service and information on those products / services, information on the purchase history of the stamp rally participant identified by the customer identifier, and the direction in which other stamp rally participants, excluding the stamp rally participant identified by the customer identifier, primarily move, from an external device (another device that can communicate via the network 50). The direction in which other stamp rally participants primarily move is determined by the external device using pedestrian flow data obtained by analyzing the order in which participants visited stores using the stamp history 121h. However, it is not limited to this, and pedestrian flow data for the relevant area obtained by general pedestrian flow analysis may also be used.

[0116] Then, the information display unit 112 creates instructions for the generation AI service 400 to prioritize stores that are not affected by rain along the travel route if the weather is rainy (step S202). Specifically, the information display unit 112 adds the instruction "Since the weather today is rainy, please prioritize facilities along the route that goes through the arcade." to the prompt.

[0117] Then, the information display determination unit 112 creates instructions for the generation AI service 400 to prioritize stores that are less exposed to sunlight along the travel route in the case of extreme heat (step S203). Specifically, the information display determination unit 112 adds the instruction "Due to the extreme heat today, please prioritize facilities that are shaded along the travel route." to the prompt.

[0118] Then, the information presentation determination unit 112 creates instructions for the generation AI service 400 to prioritize stores that handle high-priced goods, especially during bonus periods (July, December, etc.) (step S204). Specifically, the information presentation determination unit 112 adds the instruction "Prioritize facilities with high-priced goods" to the prompt.

[0119] Then, the information presentation unit 112 creates instructions for the AI ​​generation service 400 to prioritize products that are in a period of increased demand according to the date (step S205). Specifically, the information presentation unit 112 adds the instruction "Today is July 1st. Please prioritize facilities that provide products and services appropriate for the time of year." to the prompt.

[0120] Then, the information presentation unit 112 creates instructions for the AI ​​generation service 400 to prioritize products that match the buyer's purchasing history and consumer preferences (step S206). Specifically, the information presentation unit 112 adds the instruction "Prioritize services for people who tend to purchase ○○" to the prompt. ○○ is a product, service, or its category.

[0121] Then, the information presentation unit 112 creates instructions for the generation AI service 400 to prioritize stores along the main travel routes of stamp rally participants, and if those stores are crowded, to prioritize stores not along the main travel routes (step S207). Specifically, the information presentation unit 112 adds the instruction "Prioritize facilities along the main travel routes of stamp rally participants. However, if those stores are crowded, prioritize stores not along the main travel routes." to the prompt.

[0122] Then, the information presentation unit 112 creates instructions for the generating AI service 400 to prioritize stores that meet the purchaser's intake restrictions (step S208). Specifically, the information presentation unit 112 adds the instruction "Prioritize facilities that comply with halal standards" to the prompt.

[0123] Then, the information presentation unit 112 sends instructions to the generation AI service 400 using prompts to which instructions were added in steps S202 to S209, and obtains the result (step S209). At that time, the information presentation unit 112 sends information including participant information 121, store information 122, and stamp rally participating store information 123 to the generation AI service 400 as RAG information. In addition, the information presentation unit 112 sends to the generation AI service 400 information on the weather near the store identified by the store identifier where the stamp rally participant identified by the customer identifier obtained in step S201 recorded their stamp, information on the period when consumption increases, the period when demand increases for each product / service and information on that product / service, information on the purchase history of the stamp rally participant identified by the customer identifier, and the direction in which other stamp rally participants, excluding the stamp rally participant identified by the customer identifier, mainly travel.

[0124] Then, the information presentation determination unit 112 determines the information to be presented using the acquired results (step S210). Specifically, the information presentation determination unit 112 determines the acquired results as the target to be presented to the customer and acquires the push advertisement 122h of the store information 122 as the information of the affiliated store.

[0125] The above is an example of the flow for identifying the information to be presented. Through this information identification process, participants can obtain information (such as recommended stores) that is deemed appropriate by the generating AI related to the stamp rally they are participating in, in real time.

[0126] Figure 11 shows an example of a prompt used to instruct the generation AI service. The prompt 700 can take various forms. The prompt 700 is written in natural language. For example, the prompt 700 includes a part that presents background information, such as "Store A is located in the △△ shopping street in ×× town, ○○ city," a part that gives instructions, such as "Please suggest 5 recommended facilities to visit next from Store A, excluding those already visited. When making recommendations, please consider the following," and a supplementary part in which instructions were added in steps S202 to S209. RAG information to be sent to the generation AI service 400 may also be added to the prompt 700.

[0127] Furthermore, the technical elements of the embodiments described above may be applied individually, or they may be divided into multiple parts, such as program components and hardware components, and applied accordingly.

[0128] The present invention has been described above, focusing on its embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 1... Information provision system, 50... Network, 100... Information provision device, 110... Processing unit, 111... Stamp rally management unit, 112... Display information determination unit, 113... Display information management unit, 114... Store registration unit, 115... Participant registration unit, 120... Memory unit, 121... Participant information, 122... Store information, 123... Stamp rally participating store information, 130... Communication unit, 200... Participant terminal, 210... Display unit, 220... Input reception unit, 230... Communication unit, 240... Stamp rally processing unit, 300... Store terminal, 310... Processing unit, 311... Purchase processing unit, 312... Code reading unit, 320... Communication unit, 400... Generation AI service.

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores participant information including stamp history information, which associates a customer identifier that identifies a stamp rally participant with the store identifier of a stamp rally participating store visited by the stamp rally participant, The stamp rally management unit, upon receiving visit information including the customer identifier and the store identifier, stores it in the stamp history information. A display information determination unit that determines the information of participating stores in the stamp rally to be presented to the stamp rally participants, The information management unit presents information on participating stores in the stamp rally, Equipped with, The information presentation unit excludes stores from the stamp rally participating stores that are included in the stamp history information related to the customer identifier, and has a predetermined generation AI service propose stores that are recommended to be visited after the store identified by the store identifier, and determines them to be presented. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

2. An information providing device according to claim 1, The information presentation unit obtains weather information near the store identified by the store identifier from an external device, provides the weather information to the generating AI, and causes it to prioritize suggesting stores where the travel time from the store identified by the store identifier is less likely to be affected by rain. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

3. An information providing device according to claim 1, The information presentation unit obtains weather information near the store identified by the store identifier from an external device, provides the weather information to the generating AI, and causes it to prioritize suggesting stores that are less exposed to sunlight when traveling from the store identified by the store identifier. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

4. An information providing device according to claim 1, The aforementioned information presentation unit acquires information on periods of increased consumption from an external device, provides the generating AI with this information, and, if it is a period of increased consumption, has the AI ​​prioritize suggesting stores that handle high-priced goods and services. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

5. An information providing device according to claim 1, The aforementioned information presentation unit acquires information on the period when demand for each product or service will increase, and information on that product or service, from an external device. It then provides the generating AI with the information on the period when demand will increase and information on that product or service, and causes the AI ​​to prioritize suggesting stores that handle the product or service during the period when demand will increase. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

6. An information providing device according to claim 1, The information presentation unit obtains information on the purchase history of stamp rally participants identified by the customer identifier from an external device, provides the purchase history information to the generating AI, and causes it to prioritize suggesting stores that handle products that align with the consumer preferences of the participant at the time, as estimated from the purchase history. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

7. An information providing device according to claim 1, The information presentation unit prioritizes suggesting stores located in the direction that other stamp rally participants, excluding those identified by the customer identifier, primarily travel. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

8. An information providing device according to claim 1, The information presentation unit prioritizes suggesting stores that are not primarily located in the direction traveled by other stamp rally participants, excluding those identified by the customer identifier. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

9. An information providing device according to claim 1, The information presentation unit obtains information on the intake restrictions of stamp rally participants identified by the customer identifier from the storage unit, provides the information on the intake restrictions to the generating AI, and causes it to prioritize suggesting stores that meet the intake restrictions. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

10. An information provision system including a participant terminal used by stamp rally participants and an information provision device that is communicatively connected to the participant terminal, The aforementioned information providing device is A storage unit that stores participant information including stamp history information, which associates a customer identifier that identifies a stamp rally participant with the store identifier of a stamp rally participating store visited by the stamp rally participant, The stamp rally management unit receives visit information including the customer identifier and the store identifier from the participant terminal and stores it in the stamp history information. A display information determination unit that determines the information of participating stores in the stamp rally to be presented to the stamp rally participants, The information management unit presents information on participating stores in the stamp rally, Equipped with, The information presentation unit excludes stores from the stamp rally participating stores that are included in the stamp history information related to the customer identifier, and has a predetermined generation AI service propose stores that are recommended to be visited after the store identified by the store identifier, and determines them to be presented. An information provision system characterized by the following features.

11. An information provision program that enables an information provision function in an information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is The system includes a storage unit that stores participant information, including stamp history information, which associates a customer identifier that identifies a stamp rally participant with the store identifier of a participating stamp rally store visited by the stamp rally participant, and a processing unit, In the aforementioned processing unit, A stamp rally management step in which, upon receiving visit information including the customer identifier and the store identifier, the information is stored in the stamp history information. A step of determining the information to be presented to the stamp rally participant, A step for managing information to display information about participating stores in the stamp rally, They will implement this, In the step of determining the information to be presented, among the participating stores in the stamp rally, stores included in the stamp history information related to the customer identifier are excluded, and a predetermined generating AI service is asked to propose stores that are recommended to be visited after the store identified by the store identifier, and these stores are then determined to be the items to be presented. An information provision program characterized by the following features.

12. An information provision method that enables an information provision function in an information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is The system includes a storage unit that stores participant information, including stamp history information, which associates a customer identifier that identifies a stamp rally participant with the store identifier of a participating stamp rally store visited by the stamp rally participant, and a processing unit, In the aforementioned processing unit, A stamp rally management step in which, upon receiving visit information including the customer identifier and the store identifier, the information is stored in the stamp history information. A step of determining the information to be presented to the stamp rally participant, A step for managing information to display information about participating stores in the stamp rally, They will implement this, In the step of determining the information to be presented, among the participating stores in the stamp rally, stores included in the stamp history information related to the customer identifier are excluded, and a predetermined generating AI service is asked to propose stores that are recommended to be visited after the store identified by the store identifier, and these stores are then determined to be the items to be presented. A method for providing information characterized by the following features.

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