Information processing methods, information processing devices, information processing programs

Abstract

To provide technology that enables the combined use of coupons and payment via one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes. [Solution] The information processing device performs the following processes: acquiring location information of an information processing terminal used by a user; identifying multiple stores where the benefit can be used within a predetermined range of the location information; displaying the benefits available at each of the multiple stores; associating the benefit with the user according to the user's selection; acquiring a payment request from the user to one of the multiple stores; and automatically applying the benefit to the payment if the user and the benefit are associated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, services that provide coupons online are widely carried out. A user can use a coupon by displaying the coupon held by the user on a screen of a smartphone or the like and having the coupon read by a reader installed in a store. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique capable of efficiently distributing coupons in accordance with a store visit cycle or the like.

[0003] Next, as a service related to payment, a service called QR code (registered trademark) settlement has been started. In QR code (registered trademark) settlement, settlement is performed by reading a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on a screen of a smartphone with a POS (Point of Sale system) terminal in a store. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique that enables easier settlement of the cost of a product using a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Currently, when using both coupons and QR code (registered trademark) payments, the POS terminal must first scan the coupon to apply a discount, and only after the discount is complete can the QR code payment be processed. This creates a complex process, as it requires canceling the coupon if QR code payment fails for any reason. Furthermore, users must present both the coupon and the QR code separately, which is inconvenient for them.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide technology that enables the combined use of coupons and payment via one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes.

[0007] Furthermore, as QR code payments become more widespread and payment transactions become easier, it is expected that the provision of online coupons usable at the time of payment will also increase. With the proliferation of online coupons, users will likely end up with numerous coupons stored on their devices, making it cumbersome to find usable coupons.

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that can notify users of coupons they hold that are usable at nearby stores.

[0009] Furthermore, as QR code payments become more widespread and payment transactions become easier, it is expected that the provision of online coupons usable at the time of payment will also increase. However, with the increased provision of online coupons, it is expected that users may not be able to use the coupons they possess before their expiration date, resulting in wasted coupons.

[0010] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that allows users to transfer coupons that are nearing their expiration date.

[0011] Furthermore, as QR code payments become more widespread and payment transactions become easier, it is expected that the provision of online coupons usable at the time of payment will also increase. With the proliferation of online coupons, it is expected that users will end up with a large number of coupons on their devices, making it troublesome to find usable coupons. In addition, it is expected that users will not be able to use the coupons they possess before their expiration date, resulting in wasted coupons.

[0012] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that can notify users of coupons they hold that are nearing their expiration date and can be used at nearby stores. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information processing device that performs the following steps: acquiring location information of an information processing terminal used by a user; identifying a plurality of stores where the benefit can be used within a predetermined range of the location information; displaying the benefit available at each of the plurality of stores; associating the benefit with the user according to the user's selection; acquiring a payment request from the user to one of the plurality of stores; and, if the user and the benefit are associated, automatically applying the benefit to the payment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment of the system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device and POS terminal related to this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a user management database, a coupon management database, and a payment management database according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]It is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration block diagram of a terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processing procedures performed by a communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a settlement screen displayed on a terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processing procedures performed by a communication system according to the first example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration block diagram of a server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a store management DB according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration block diagram of a terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processing procedures performed by a communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processing procedures performed by a communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration block diagram of a server according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of a friend management DB and a transfer history DB according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration block diagram of a terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processing procedures performed by a communication system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processing procedures performed by a communication system according to the third embodiment. [[ID=4l]] [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration block diagram of a server according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing an example of a user management DB according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21]This figure shows an example of a sequence of processing steps performed by the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] <Legal compliance> The disclosures contained herein, if implemented, will be made in compliance with the laws and regulations of each country in which they are implemented. Furthermore, the disclosures contained herein will be made with all changes, substitutions, modifications, alterations, and modifications that a person skilled in the art could make to comply with the laws and regulations of each country.

[0016] The configuration for implementing the communication system 1 related to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows the configuration of a communication system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As disclosed in Figure 1, in the communication system 1, servers 110A and 110B are connected to terminals 120A, 120B and 120C, and POS terminals 130A and 130B are connected via a network N.

[0018] In this disclosure, if it is not necessary to distinguish between server 110A and server 110B, both server 110A and server 110B may be referred to as server 110.

[0019] In this disclosure, if it is not necessary to distinguish between terminal 120A, terminal 120B, and terminal 120C, terminal 120A, terminal 120B, and terminal 120C may each be referred to as terminal 120.

[0020] In this disclosure, if it is not necessary to distinguish between POS terminal 130A and POS terminal 130B, POS terminal 130A and POS terminal 130B may both be referred to as POS terminal 130.

[0021] In this disclosure, if it is not necessary to distinguish between the server 110 and the terminal 120, the server 110 and the terminal 120 may each be referred to as an information processing device 200. The number of information processing devices 200 connected to the network N is not limited.

[0022] Server 110 provides predetermined services to terminals 120 used by users via network N. These predetermined services include, but are not limited to, payment services, e-commerce services, social networking services (SNS) such as instant messengers, content provision services such as music, videos, and books, and coupon provision services. By users utilizing these predetermined services via terminals 120, Server 110 can provide predetermined services to one or more terminals 120.

[0023] If necessary, the terminal used by user X will be referred to as terminal 120X, and the user information in a specified service associated with user X or terminal 120X will be referred to as user information X. User information refers to information about a user associated with the account used by the user in a specified service. User information may include, but is not limited to, information associated with a user, such as the user's name, user icon image, user's age, user's gender, user's address, user's hobbies and preferences, and user identifier, which are entered by the user or assigned by the specified service, and may include any one of these or a combination thereof.

[0024] Network N plays the role of connecting two or more information processing devices 200. Network N refers to a communication network that provides a connection path so that terminals 120 can send and receive data after connecting to server 110. Furthermore, server 110 and POS terminal 130 are connected via Network N.

[0025] One or more parts of network N may be wired or wireless networks. Network N may include, but is not limited to, an ad hoc network, intranet, extranet, virtual private network (VPN), local area network (LAN), wireless LAN (WLAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless WAN (WWAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), part of the internet, part of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), mobile phone network, ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), wireless LANs, LTE (Long Term Evolution), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), Bluetooth (registered trademark), satellite communication, or two or more combinations thereof. Network N may include one or more networks N. In addition, a gateway device provided by a payment service provider may be included between server 110 and POS terminal 130.

[0026] The information processing device 200 may be any information processing device capable of implementing the functions and / or methods described herein.

[0027] The information processing device 200 includes, but is not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones (feature phones), computers (including, but is not limited to, desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.), server equipment, media computer platforms (including, but is not limited to, cable, satellite set-top boxes, digital video recorders, etc.), handheld computer devices (including, but is not limited to, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), email clients, etc.), wearable devices (including, but is not limited to, glasses-type devices, watch-type devices, etc.), other types of computers, or communication platforms.

[0028] The POS terminal 130 is a terminal used by a user (such as a store employee) to receive payments from a user (customer) at a store. It is equipped with a two-dimensional code reader and has the function of transmitting the scanned two-dimensional code to the server 110.

[0029] <Hardware (HW) Configuration> Using Figure 2, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 200 and the POS terminal 130 included in the communication system 1 will be explained.

[0030] The information processing device 200 and the POS terminal 130 include a processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output interface (I / F) 204, and communication interface (Communication I / F) 205. The hardware components of the information processing device 200 and the POS terminal 130 are interconnected via bus B, not limited to, but as an example.

[0031] The information processing device 200 and the POS terminal 130, in cooperation with the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output I / F 204, and communication I / F 205, realize the functions and / or methods described in this disclosure.

[0032] The processor 201 executes functions and / or methods realized by code or instructions contained in a program stored in the storage 203. The processor 201 may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., and may realize each process disclosed in each embodiment by logic circuits (hardware) or dedicated circuits formed on an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), etc. Furthermore, these circuits may be realized by one or more integrated circuits, and the multiple processes shown in each embodiment may be realized by a single integrated circuit. In addition, LSIs may be referred to as VLSI, Super LSI, Ultra LSI, etc., depending on the degree of integration.

[0033] Memory 202 temporarily stores programs loaded from storage 203 and provides a workspace for processor 201. Memory 202 also temporarily stores various data issued by processor 201 while it is executing programs. Memory 202 includes, but is not limited to, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0034] Storage 203 stores programs. Storage 203 includes, but is not limited to, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), flash memory, and others.

[0035] Communication I / F 205 transmits and receives various types of data via network N. This communication may be performed via wired or wireless connection, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the two devices is possible. Communication I / F 205 has the function of communicating with other information processing devices via network N. Communication I / F 205 transmits various types of data to other information processing devices according to instructions from processor 201. Communication I / F 205 also receives various types of data transmitted from other information processing devices and transmits them to processor 201.

[0036] The input / output interface 204 includes an input device for inputting various operations to the information processing device 200 and the POS terminal 130, and an output device for outputting processing results processed by the information processing device 200 and the POS terminal 130. The input / output interface 204 may have the input device and output device integrated, or they may be separated into an input device and an output device.

[0037] The input device is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of receiving user input and transmitting the information related to said input to the processor 201. The input device includes, but is not limited to, hardware keys such as touch panels, touch displays, and keyboards, pointing devices such as mice, cameras (for image-based operation input), and microphones (for voice-based operation input). In the case of the POS terminal 130, the input device includes a two-dimensional barcode reader.

[0038] The output device is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of outputting the processing results processed by processor 201. When the processing results are output as video and / or moving images, the output device is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of displaying the display data written to the frame buffer. The output device includes, but is not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, monitors (including, but is not limited to, liquid crystal displays, OLEDs (Organic Electroluminescence Displays), etc.), head-mounted displays (HDMs), projection mapping, holograms, devices capable of displaying images, text information, etc. in air (which may also be a vacuum), speakers (audio output), printers, etc. These output devices may also be capable of displaying the display data in 3D.

[0039] The programs of each embodiment of this disclosure may be provided stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium is a “tangible medium that is not temporary” on which the program can be stored. The program includes, but is not limited to, software programs and computer programs.

[0040] The storage medium may include, where appropriate, one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (including, but not limited to, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical discs, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical discs, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tape, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards or drives, any other suitable storage medium, or any two or more suitable combinations thereof. The storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate.

[0041] Furthermore, the program of this disclosure may be provided to the information processing device 200 via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves).

[0042] Furthermore, each embodiment of this disclosure can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0043] The programs disclosed herein may be implemented using, but are not limited to, scripting languages ​​such as ActionScript and JavaScript®, object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Objective-C and Java®, and markup languages ​​such as HTML5.

[0044] At least a portion of the processing performed by the information processing device 200 may be implemented by cloud computing, which consists of one or more computers.

[0045] The information processing device 200 may be configured to perform at least a portion of its processing on another information processing device. In this case, at least a portion of the processing of each functional unit implemented by the processor 201 may be performed on another information processing device.

[0046] <Other> Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the configuration of the determination in the embodiments of this disclosure is not essential, and a predetermined process may be performed if the determination conditions are met, or if the determination conditions are not met.

[0047] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or indicated by context, “or” is inclusive, not exclusive. Therefore, in this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or indicated by context, “A or B” means “A, B, or both.” Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or indicated by context, “and” means both joint and several. Therefore, in this specification, unless otherwise specified or indicated by context, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally.” Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or indicated by context, “a,” “an,” or “the” means “one or more.” Therefore, in this specification, unless otherwise specified or indicated by context, “an A” or “the A” means “one or more A.”

[0048] This disclosure includes all modifications, substitutions, alterations, modifications and changes that a person skilled in the art may make to the embodiments and / or examples of this disclosure. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims include all modifications, substitutions, alterations, modifications and changes that a person skilled in the art may make to the embodiments and / or examples of this disclosure. Furthermore, this disclosure includes any combination of one or more features of the embodiments and / or examples in this disclosure and one or more features of other embodiments and / or examples in this disclosure that a person skilled in the art may make.

[0049] In addition, any reference in the appended claims to a device or system or component of a device or system that is adapted, positioned, capable, configured, available, operable, or capable of performing a particular function includes that device, system, or component, regardless of whether the device, system, component or any particular function of it is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that device, system, or component is adapted, positioned, capable, configured, available, operable, or capable in that manner.

[0050] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment is an embodiment in which, when both coupon application and payment by one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code are performed at the time of payment in a store, etc., the deduction processing for coupon application and the payment processing are performed together. Note that the one-dimensional code may be a barcode, not an exhaustive example. Similarly, the two-dimensional code may be a QR code (registered trademark), AztecCode, PDF417, etc., not an exhaustive example. In the following description, for the sake of explanation, the description will be based on the premise that payment is made by two-dimensional code, but the first embodiment (and the second to fourth embodiments as well) can also be applied to payment by one-dimensional code.

[0051] The coupon comes with a specified benefit. This benefit is a discount that is applied to the payment amount at the time of settlement. The benefit is not limited to a specific one and may be an example of a discount amount or discount rate (e.g., 10% off). For the sake of explanation, the following explanation assumes that the benefit provided with the coupon is a discount amount, but the first embodiment (and the second to fourth embodiments as well) can be applied to any benefit that is applied to the payment amount at the time of settlement.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the payment processing using a two-dimensional code performed by the server 110 and terminal 120 is referred to as "two-dimensional code payment." The data used to generate the two-dimensional code used in the payment processing is referred to as a "one-time code."

[0053] In the first embodiment, a two-dimensional code is issued that allows payment to be made by applying a coupon. This makes it possible to apply the coupon and process the payment together when paying with a two-dimensional code, rather than performing the coupon application and payment processing separately.

[0054] Furthermore, by combining coupon application and payment processing, the processing speed for discounts and payments is improved. Additionally, cumbersome screen operations such as displaying the coupon and then the QR code are eliminated, resulting in a smoother payment process.

[0055] Furthermore, while conventionally it was necessary to perform a discount processing for coupon use on the POS or coupon issuance system installed in the store before performing QR code payment, according to the first embodiment, since the coupon discount processing and payment processing can be performed together on the server 110, it is possible to reduce the number of communications performed by the POS terminal 130.

[0056] Furthermore, in conventional methods where a discount is applied by the POS or coupon issuance system before QR code payment, if the QR code payment fails, the POS or coupon issuance system must revert (roll back) the discount applied by the coupon, resulting in a complex processing procedure. However, according to the first embodiment, since the coupon discount and payment processing are performed together on the server 110, even if a similar situation occurs, a rollback can be performed with a simple procedure.

[0057] Furthermore, the payment screen displayed on terminal 120 explicitly indicates whether the payment will be made without applying the coupon or with the coupon applied. This allows users to visually recognize that the coupon has been applied if they choose to apply the coupon after the QR code has been displayed on the payment screen.

[0058] <Functional configuration of the first embodiment> (1) Server Functional Configuration The functional configuration of server 110 will be explained using Figure 3. The functional units disclosed in Figure 3 are realized through the cooperation of the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output interface 204, and communication interface 205 of the information processing device 200.

[0059] Server 110 includes an input / output unit 311, a communication unit 312, a coupon management unit 313, an issuance unit 314, a settlement processing unit 315, and a storage unit 316. The input / output unit 311, the communication unit 312, the coupon management unit 313, the issuance unit 314, and the settlement processing unit 315 are realized by the processor 201 reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 316. The storage unit 316 is realized using memory 202 and / or storage 203.

[0060] The storage unit 316 stores a program executed by the server 110 according to the first embodiment, a user management DB (Database) for managing users who use two-dimensional code payment, a coupon management DB for managing coupons held by users, and a payment management DB for managing the history of payment processing performed by users.

[0061] Figure 4(a) shows an example of a user management database. The "User ID" field stores the ID (Identifier) ​​that the server 110 uses to uniquely identify the user. The "Balance" field stores the balance of money held by the user. The "One-Time Code" field stores the one-time code issued by the server 110 for two-dimensional code payment, or the one-time code issued by the server 110 for both coupon application and two-dimensional code payment. The one-time code becomes invalid and is deleted when payment is completed or when the expiration date has passed. The "Expiration Date" field stores the expiration date until which the one-time code is valid.

[0062] Figure 4(b) shows an example of a coupon management database. The "User ID" field stores an ID used by the server 110 to identify the user. The "Coupon ID" field stores an ID used by the server 110 to identify the coupon. The "Discount Amount" field stores the amount that will be deducted from the payment amount when the coupon is applied. The "Available Store ID" field stores a store ID indicating the store where the coupon can be used. Note that the store ID is an ID used by the server 110 to identify the store. The "Expiration Date" field stores the expiration date until which the coupon can be used. The "One-Time Code" field stores a one-time code issued by the server 110 to perform both coupon application and QR code payment. The "Used Flag" field stores a flag indicating whether the coupon has been used. If the flag is set, it indicates that the coupon has been used; if the flag is not set, it indicates that the coupon is unused.

[0063] Figure 4(c) shows an example of a payment management database. The "Date and Time" column stores the date and time when the QR code payment was completed. The "Store ID" column stores the store ID of the store where the QR code payment was made. The "Payment Amount" column stores the payment amount when the QR code payment was made. If a discount was applied due to a coupon, the payment amount will be the discounted amount.

[0064] The input / output unit 311 has the function of receiving various types of data via the input / output interface 204 and outputting various types of data via the input / output interface 204.

[0065] The communication unit 312 has the function of receiving various data from terminal 120 and POS terminal 130 via the communication interface 205, and transmitting various data to terminal 120 and POS terminal 130 using the communication interface 205.

[0066] Furthermore, the communication unit 312 functions as a receiving unit (first receiving unit) that receives a request for a one-time code from the terminal 120. The communication unit 312 also functions as a transmitting unit that transmits a one-time code issued by the issuing unit 314 for a specific user to the terminal 120 of that specific user. Furthermore, the communication unit 312 functions as a receiving unit (second receiving unit) that receives the one-time code and payment amount read by the POS terminal 130 from the POS terminal 130.

[0067] The coupon management unit 313 has the function of managing coupons held by users. For example, the coupon management unit 313 uses the coupon management DB to perform processes such as issuing new coupons and discarding used coupons.

[0068] The issuing unit 314 has the function of issuing a one-time code (first one-time code) to the user in response to a request for a one-time code received by the communication unit 312 from the terminal 120. More specifically, the issuing unit 314 issues a one-time code for making a payment without applying a coupon (i.e., a normal payment), or a one-time code for making a payment with a coupon applied.

[0069] Furthermore, if the issuing unit 314 issues a one-time code for payment without applying a coupon, it stores the issued one-time code in the "One-Time Code" field of the user record of the user who issued the one-time code in the user management DB.

[0070] On the other hand, when the issuing unit 314 issues a one-time code for making a payment using a coupon, it stores the issued one-time code in both the "One-Time Code" field of the user who issued the one-time code in the user management DB and the "One-Time Code" field of the coupon to be applied in the coupon management DB. In other words, the issuing unit 314 stores the issued one-time code in the coupon management DB (database) in association with the coupon ID (coupon information) that indicates the coupon to be applied at the time of payment and the user making the payment.

[0071] Furthermore, if the issuing unit 314 has already issued a one-time code for payment without applying a coupon before issuing a one-time code for payment with a coupon applied, it may discard the issued one-time code and issue a new one-time code that is different from the discarded one-time code. Alternatively, it may reuse the issued one-time code without discarding it.

[0072] Furthermore, if the communication unit 312 receives a request from the terminal 120 to change the one-time code, the issuing unit 314 may respond to the request to change the one-time code and reissue a one-time code different from the one already issued. If the issued one-time code is a one-time code for making a payment without applying a coupon, the issuing unit 314 will reissue a one-time code for making a payment without applying a coupon. On the other hand, if the issued one-time code is a one-time code for making a payment with a coupon applied, the issuing unit 314 will reissue a one-time code for making a payment with a coupon applied.

[0073] Furthermore, the issuing unit 314 may issue a one-time code that includes the coupon ID of the coupon to be applied at the time of payment. In other words, the coupon ID may be embedded within the one-time code.

[0074] The payment processing unit 315 has functions for performing various processes to execute two-dimensional code payments. Specifically, if the one-time code (second one-time code) received by the communication unit 312 from the POS terminal 130 is the same as the one-time code (first one-time code) issued by the issuing unit 314, the payment processing unit 315 queries the coupon management DB (database) for the coupon ID (coupon information) associated with the one-time code received from the POS terminal 130 to identify the coupon applicable at the time of payment. The payment processing unit 315 also retrieves the discount amount for the coupon applicable at the time of payment from the coupon management DB (database), subtracts the retrieved discount amount from the payment amount, and processes the payment as the amount to be paid by the user.

[0075] Furthermore, if the one-time code (second one-time code) received by the communication unit 312 from the POS terminal 130 is the same as the one-time code (first one-time code) issued by the issuing unit 314, the payment processing unit 315 may identify the coupon applicable at the time of payment by obtaining the coupon ID (coupon information) from the one-time codes received from the POS terminal 130.

[0076] (2) Terminal Functional Configuration The functional configuration of terminal 120 will be explained using Figure 5. The functional parts disclosed in Figure 5 are realized through the cooperation of the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output I / F 204, and communication I / F 205 of the information processing device 200.

[0077] Terminal 120 includes an input / output unit 321, a communication unit 322, a display control unit 323, a detection unit 324, and a storage unit 325. The input / output unit 321, the communication unit 322, the display control unit 323, and the detection unit 324 are realized by the processor 201 reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 325. The storage unit 325 is realized using memory 202 and / or storage 203.

[0078] The input / output unit 321 has the function of receiving various types of data via the input / output interface 204 and outputting various types of data via the input / output interface 204.

[0079] The communication unit 322 has the function of receiving various data from the server 110 via the communication interface 205, and transmitting various data to the server 110 using the communication interface 205. More specifically, the communication unit 322 functions as a transmitter that sends a request to the server 110 to issue a one-time code in response to user instructions. The communication unit 322 also functions as a receiver that receives the issued one-time code from the server 110.

[0080] The communication unit 322 may, upon receiving instructions from the detection unit 324, send a request to the server 110 to change the one-time code.

[0081] The display control unit 323 generates a two-dimensional code from the one-time code received by the communication unit 322 and displays it on the two-dimensional code display screen (hereinafter referred to as the "payment screen"). If the communication unit 322 receives a new one-time code (i.e., the one-time code is changed) while the two-dimensional code is being displayed on the payment screen, the display control unit 323 replaces the two-dimensional code already displayed on the payment screen with the two-dimensional code generated from the new one-time code. At this time, the display control unit 323 may display information on the payment screen indicating that the two-dimensional code has been replaced in order to notify the user that the two-dimensional code has been replaced. Furthermore, if the new one-time code is a one-time code to which a coupon has been applied, the display control unit 323 may display information on the payment screen indicating that it is a two-dimensional code for making a payment with the coupon applied.

[0082] The detection unit 324 has a function to detect triggers that warrant changing the two-dimensional code displayed on the payment screen. Preferably, the trigger for changing the two-dimensional code is the detection of an action that could potentially cause the two-dimensional code displayed on the payment screen to be leaked to an external party.

[0083] The storage unit 325 stores the program that the server 110 executes according to the first embodiment.

[0084] <Operation process of the first embodiment> Referring to Figure 6, the processing of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 6 shows an example of a sequence of processing steps performed by the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The example in Figure 6 is a sequence that assumes a case where the user initially intended to make a payment without applying a coupon and displayed a two-dimensional code (i.e., a two-dimensional code used for normal payments), but then switched to making a payment with a coupon applied. If the user operated the terminal 120 to make a payment with a coupon applied from the beginning, the processing steps S100 to S104 are omitted.

[0085] In step S100, the input / output unit 321 of the terminal 120 receives a request from the user to initiate a QR code payment. For example, the input / output unit 321 receives a request from the user to press a button that displays the payment screen in an application for making a QR code payment.

[0086] In step S101, the communication unit 322 of terminal 120 sends a message to server 110 requesting a one-time code to make a payment without applying a coupon. This message includes the user ID of the user making the payment.

[0087] In step S102, the issuing unit 314 of the server 110 issues a one-time code and stores the issued one-time code in the "One-Time Code" field of the user making the payment in the user management DB.

[0088] In step S103, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 transmits the issued one-time code and the expiration date of the one-time code to the terminal 120.

[0089] In step S104, the display control unit 323 of the terminal 120 generates a two-dimensional code from the received one-time code and displays it on the payment screen. The payment screen displays the expiration date of the one-time code. The expiration date of the one-time code may be displayed as is, or it may display the remaining time until the expiration period expires.

[0090] In addition, in the processing procedure of step S102, the issuing unit 314 may issue a two-dimensional code (two-dimensional code image) along with the one-time code. The issued two-dimensional code is transmitted from the server 20 to the terminal 120 in the processing procedure of step S103, and in the processing procedure of step S104, the display control unit 323 of the terminal 120 may display the received two-dimensional code directly on the payment screen. In other words, the server 110 issuing a one-time code and transmitting it to the terminal 120 may include the server 110 issuing a two-dimensional code and transmitting it to the terminal 120. Similarly, the terminal 120 generating a two-dimensional code from the received one-time code and displaying it on the payment screen may include the terminal 120 displaying the received two-dimensional code on the payment screen.

[0091] In step S105, the input / output unit 321 of terminal 120 receives a request from the user to display a screen that shows a list of coupons owned by the user (hereinafter referred to as the "coupon list screen").

[0092] In step S106, the communication unit 322 of terminal 120 sends a message requesting information to display the coupon list. This message includes the user's user ID.

[0093] In step S107, the coupon management unit 313 of the server 110 searches the coupon management database using the received user ID as a key to extract the coupons owned by the user.

[0094] In step S108, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 transmits the extracted coupon ID, discount amount, expiration date, and usable store ID of the coupon to the terminal 120.

[0095] In step S109, the display control unit 323 of the terminal 120 displays the coupons owned by the user on the coupon list screen. The coupon list screen displays the stores where the coupons can be used, the discount amount, and the expiration date for each coupon.

[0096] In step S110, the input / output unit 321 of terminal 120 receives a selection from the user of a coupon to be applied at the time of payment.

[0097] In step S111, the communication unit 322 of terminal 120 sends a message to server 110 requesting a one-time code to apply the coupon and make a payment. This message includes the user ID of the user making the payment and the coupon ID of the coupon selected by the user in the processing procedure of step S110.

[0098] In step S112, the issuing unit 314 of the server 110 issues a new one-time code. The issuing unit 314 also stores the issued one-time code in the "One-Time Code" field of the user making the payment in the user management DB, and stores the predetermined expiration date specified in the "Expiration Date" field.

[0099] In step S113, the issuing unit 314 of the server 110 stores the issued one-time code in the coupon management DB under "One-Time Code" for the coupon notified in step S112 (i.e., selected by the user).

[0100] In step S114, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 sends a message to the terminal 120 that includes the issued one-time code and the expiration date of the one-time code.

[0101] In step S115, the display control unit 323 of the terminal 120 generates a two-dimensional code from the received one-time code and displays it on the payment screen. At this time, the display control unit 323 may also display information on the payment screen indicating that it is a two-dimensional code for making a payment with a coupon applied. The message received in the processing procedure of step S114 may explicitly include information indicating that the one-time code is a one-time code for making a payment with a coupon applied. Alternatively, the display control unit 323 may implicitly recognize that the one-time code is a one-time code for making a payment with a coupon applied by indicating that it is a response message corresponding to the message sent in the processing procedure of step S111.

[0102] In addition, in the processing procedure of step S112, the issuing unit 314 of the server 110 may issue a new one-time code and generate a new two-dimensional code. The generated new two-dimensional code is transmitted from the server 20 to the terminal 120 in the processing procedure of step S114, and the display control unit 323 of the terminal 120 may display the received new two-dimensional code on the payment screen as is. At this time, the issuing unit 314 of the server 110 may issue a one-time code for payment with a coupon applied such that the display mode associated with the one-time code for payment with a coupon applied (i.e., the display mode of the payment screen where the two-dimensional code with a coupon applied is displayed) is different from the display mode associated with the one-time code for payment without a coupon applied (the display mode of the payment screen where the two-dimensional code without a coupon is displayed). For example, the issuing unit 314 may include information instructing the terminal 120 on the display mode in the one-time code for payment with a coupon applied.

[0103] In step S116, the POS terminal 130 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the payment screen of terminal 120 and decodes the image of the read two-dimensional code to convert it into a one-time code.

[0104] In step S117, the POS terminal 130 sends payment information to the server 110, including the decoded one-time code and the payment amount for the goods purchased by the user.

[0105] In step S118, the payment processing unit 315 of the server 110 accesses the user management DB using the one-time code included in the payment information as a key, and checks whether a record exists that contains a one-time code identical to the one-time code included in the payment information. If an identical one-time code is found, the user ID corresponding to that one-time code is obtained. The payment processing unit 315 also accesses the coupon management DB using the one-time code included in the payment information as a key, and obtains the coupon ID of the applicable coupon.

[0106] In step S119, the payment processing unit 315 of the server 110 accesses the coupon management DB using the acquired coupon ID as a key to obtain the discount amount, expiration date, and used flag. If the expiration date has not passed and the used flag is not set, the payment processing unit 315 subtracts the discount amount from the payment amount included in the payment information.

[0107] In step S120, the settlement processing unit 315 of the server 110 subtracts the payment amount minus the discount from the "balance" of the record for the identified user ID in the user management DB. Next, the settlement processing unit 315 sets a flag in the "used flag" of the coupon management DB. The settlement processing unit 315 also deletes the one-time code included in the payment information from the user management DB and the coupon management DB (i.e., invalidates the one-time code used for payment).

[0108] In step S121, the settlement processing unit 315 of the server 110 notifies the POS terminal 130 that the payment has been completed.

[0109] In step S122, the settlement processing unit 315 of the server 110 notifies the terminal 120 that the payment has been completed. This notification includes the discounted payment amount.

[0110] In step S123, the display control unit 323 of the terminal 120 displays "Payment Complete" and the payment amount on the payment screen.

[0111] <Display configuration for the terminal in the first embodiment> Figure 7 shows an example of a payment screen displayed on the terminal 120 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7(a) shows an example of a payment screen when payment is made without applying a coupon. This payment screen corresponds to the payment screen displayed in the processing procedure of step S104 in Figure 6.

[0112] Figures 7(b) and 7(c) show examples of payment screens when a coupon is applied to the payment. These payment screens correspond to, for example, the payment screen displayed in step S115 of Figure 6. In the payment screens of Figures 7(b) and 7(c), a message indicating that the coupon has been applied is displayed, making it possible to explicitly notify the user that the coupon has been applied. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the message indicating that the coupon has been applied, the color of the QR code may be displayed in a different color than the color of the QR code when paying without applying a coupon. Figure 7(d) shows an example of a payment screen at the completion of the payment. This payment screen displays the payment amount after the discount.

[0113] <First Example> In the processing procedure explained using Figure 6, if a one-time code for payment without applying a coupon has already been issued before issuing a one-time code for payment with a coupon applied, the one-time code (two-dimensional code) may not be changed (reused). In this case, the server 110 omits the processing procedure in step S112 and performs the following processing procedures in steps S113 and S114.

[0114] In step S113, the issuing unit 314 of the server 110 stores the one-time code issued in the processing procedure of step S102 in the "One-Time Code" field of the selected coupon in the coupon management DB. The issuing unit 314 of the server 110 also updates the expiration date stored in the user management DB.

[0115] In step S114, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 sends the one-time code issued in the processing procedure of step S102 and the updated expiration date to the terminal 120.

[0116] Furthermore, in the processing procedure described above, the coupon ID of the coupon to be applied at the time of payment may be embedded in the one-time code. In this case, in the processing procedure of step S112, the issuing unit 314 of the server 110 issues a new one-time code with the coupon ID embedded. Also, in the processing procedure of step S118, the payment processing unit 315 of the server 110 identifies the coupon ID of the applicable coupon by obtaining the coupon ID from the one-time code received from the POS terminal 130 in the processing procedure of step S117.

[0117] <Second Example> In the first embodiment, it may be possible to change the two-dimensional code displayed on the terminal 120 screen at a different time than when the coupon is applied. Figure 8 shows an example of a sequence of steps for changing the two-dimensional code displayed on the terminal 120 screen. The sequence shown in Figure 8 is performed when the detection unit 324 of the terminal 120 detects a trigger that requires changing the two-dimensional code displayed on the payment screen.

[0118] In step S200, the detection unit 324 of the terminal 120 detects a trigger that should change the two-dimensional code displayed on the payment screen. Such triggers may include, but are not limited to, taking a screenshot, pressing a predetermined button, running a specific application on the terminal 120, and detecting a specific sound (such as the sound of someone else taking a picture) via the microphone provided by the terminal 120.

[0119] In step S201, the communication unit 322 of terminal 120 sends a message to server 110 requesting a change to the two-dimensional code. This message includes the user ID.

[0120] In step S202, the issuing unit 314 of the server 110 issues a new one-time code and updates the one-time code stored in the "One-Time Code" field of the user ID record notified in step S201 in the user management DB with the new one-time code. At this time, the "Expiration Date" may or may not be updated. In addition, if the previous one-time code is also stored in the "One-Time Code" field of the coupon management DB, the issuing unit 314 updates that one-time code with the new one-time code.

[0121] In step S203, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 sends a new one-time code and expiration date to the terminal 120.

[0122] In step S204, the display control unit 323 of the terminal 120 generates a two-dimensional code from the received one-time code and replaces the two-dimensional code payment already displayed on the payment screen with the generated two-dimensional code.

[0123] This means that if any activity that could potentially leak the QR code to an external party is detected, the one-time code will be updated, thus preventing security risks such as the QR code being leaked and misused by others.

[0124] <Third Example> In the first embodiment, the two-dimensional code may be changed periodically (i.e., it may be a dynamic two-dimensional code).

[0125] <Fourth Example> In the first embodiment, when the two-dimensional code is not changed (reused) when applying a coupon, if the detection unit 324 of the terminal 120 detects a trigger that should change the two-dimensional code displayed on the payment screen, the processing procedure of steps S201 to S204 in Figure 8 may be executed at the time the trigger is detected, thereby changing the two-dimensional code displayed on the payment screen to a two-dimensional code for applying the coupon and making a payment. This ensures that the processing procedure to change the two-dimensional code is performed only when there is a risk of fraudulent use of the two-dimensional code, etc., thereby reducing the processing load compared to when the two-dimensional code is changed when applying a coupon.

[0126] <Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, the server 110 extracts coupons usable at stores located near the location indicated by the terminal 120's location information from among the one or more coupons held by the user of the terminal 120, and notifies the terminal 120 of the coupons. The terminal 120 displays the coupons notified by the server 110 on its screen, prompting the user that the coupons can be used at nearby stores. The second embodiment can be combined with the first embodiment. In other words, the coupons in the second embodiment may be coupons usable for two-dimensional code payments. In the following description, the second embodiment will be described on the premise that it is combined with the first embodiment.

[0127] In the future, as QR code payments become more widespread and payment transactions become easier, it is anticipated that the provision of online coupons usable at the time of payment will also become more prevalent. With the proliferation of online coupons, it is anticipated that users will end up with a large number of coupons on their devices, making it time-consuming to find usable coupons. According to the second embodiment, it will be possible to notify users of coupons they possess that are usable at nearby stores, thereby improving user convenience.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, it becomes possible to automatically apply coupons that meet certain conditions from among the coupons available at nearby stores at the time of payment, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0129] Furthermore, by integrating the automatic application of coupons and payment processing, the processing speed from coupon selection to payment processing is improved. Additionally, the cumbersome screen operations of selecting a coupon, displaying it on the screen, and then displaying the QR code are eliminated, resulting in a smoother payment process.

[0130] <Functional configuration of the second embodiment> (1) Server Functional Configuration The functional configuration of server 110 will be explained using Figure 9. The functional components disclosed in Figure 9 are realized through the cooperation of the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output I / F 204, and communication I / F 205 of the information processing device 200. In the functional configuration of server 110, aspects not specifically mentioned may be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0131] The storage unit 316 stores a program executed by the server 110 according to the second embodiment, a user management DB, a coupon management DB, a payment management DB, and a store management DB that stores information about the location of stores.

[0132] Figure 10 shows an example of a store management database. The "Store ID" field stores an ID that identifies the store. The "Store Location" field stores information indicating the location where the store is located. In the example in Figure 10, the location of the store may be expressed by latitude and longitude, or by a radio identifier included in a radio signal transmitted by a wireless device installed in the store. The short-range radio identifier may also include, but is not limited to, a beacon ID included in a beacon transmitted by a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) device, an SSID included in a radio signal transmitted by a WiFi (registered trademark) device, or any identification information included in ultrasound.

[0133] The communication unit 312 functions as a receiver that receives location information of terminal 120 from terminal 120. The communication unit 312 also functions as a transmitter that sends information to terminal 120 indicating coupons available in the user's vicinity, which has been extracted by the coupon management unit 313. The communication unit 312 also receives the near-field wireless identifier received by terminal 120 as location information of terminal 120.

[0134] The location identification unit 317 identifies the location of terminal 120 based on the location information of terminal 120 notified by terminal 120. For example, if location information directly indicating the location of terminal 120 (e.g., latitude and longitude) is obtained from terminal 120, the location identification unit 317 identifies the location indicated by said location information as the location of terminal 120. On the other hand, if location information indirectly indicating the location of terminal 120 (specifically, a short-range wireless identifier) ​​is obtained from terminal 120, the location identification unit 317 searches for a store corresponding to the short-range wireless identifier obtained from store management information and identifies the location of the searched store as the location of terminal 120.

[0135] The coupon management unit 313 functions as an extraction unit that extracts coupons usable within a predetermined range from the location of terminal 120 identified by the location identification unit 317, from among one or more coupons held by the user. The coupon management unit 313 may also extract coupons usable at stores located within a predetermined range from the identified location of terminal 120. If the location information of terminal 120 notified by terminal 120 is location information (short-range wireless identifier) ​​that indirectly indicates the location of terminal 120, the coupon management unit 313 may define coupons usable at stores identified as the location of terminal 120 as "coupons usable by terminal 120 within a predetermined range from the location of terminal 120".

[0136] (2) Terminal Functional Configuration The functional configuration of terminal 120 will be explained using Figure 11. The functional components disclosed in Figure 11 are realized through the cooperation of the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output I / F 204, and communication I / F 205 of the information processing device 200. In the functional configuration of terminal 120, those aspects not specifically mentioned may be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0137] The terminal 120 further includes a location information measuring unit 326 and a wireless receiving unit 327. The location information measuring unit 326 and the wireless receiving unit 327 are realized when the processor 201 reads and executes a program stored in the memory unit 325.

[0138] The communication unit 322 functions as a transmitter that transmits to the server 110 the location information of the terminal 120 measured by the location information measurement unit 326, or a nearby wireless identifier detected by the wireless receiver unit 327. The communication unit 322 also functions as a receiver that receives information from the server 110 indicating one or more coupons held by the user that can be used at stores located within a predetermined range from the location indicated by the location information of the terminal 120.

[0139] The storage unit 325 further stores the coupon management DB and the store management DB. The coupon management DB stores records that are identical to the records related to coupons held by users using the terminal 120, which are stored in the coupon management DB on the server 110. The store management DB is identical to the store management DB stored on the server 110. Note that if the server 110 performs the coupon extraction process based on location information, the coupon management DB and the store management DB do not need to be stored in the storage unit 325.

[0140] The display control unit 323 has the function of displaying information on the screen indicating available coupons, which has been received by the communication unit 322.

[0141] The location information measurement unit 326 has a function to measure the location information of the terminal 120's current location. The location information measurement unit 326 measures the latitude and longitude of the terminal 120 as location information of the terminal 120's current location, using GPS (Global Positioning System) as an example, but is not limited to GPS. The location information measurement unit 326 may measure the location information of the terminal 120 using any method, not limited to GPS. For example, the location information measurement unit 326 may measure the location information of the terminal 120 using a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. In addition, the location information measurement unit 326 may measure the location information of the terminal 120 using communication methods such as IMES (Indoor Messaging System), RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier), or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), not limited to GPS. Furthermore, the location information measurement unit 326 may measure the location information of the terminal 120 using a mobile communication system such as LTE or CDMA, not limited to GPS.

[0142] The wireless receiver 327 has a function to extract (detect) a short-range wireless identifier from the received short-range wireless signal when it receives a short-range wireless signal.

[0143] The coupon management unit 328 functions as an extraction unit that extracts coupons usable within a predetermined range from the location of the terminal 120 from among one or more coupons held by the user. The coupon management unit 328 may also identify stores located within a predetermined range from the location of the terminal 120 by searching for stores corresponding to the nearby wireless identifier in the store management DB. Note that if the server 110 performs the coupon extraction process based on location information, the terminal 120 does not need to be equipped with the coupon management unit 328.

[0144] <Operation process of the second embodiment> Referring to Figure 12, the processing of the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 12 shows an example of a sequence of processing steps performed by the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0145] In step S300, the input / output unit 321 of terminal 120 receives a press (tap) from the user of the button to display the coupon list screen. Of course, step S300 may be omitted.

[0146] In step S301, the location information measuring unit 326 of the terminal 120 measures its own location information. Alternatively, the wireless receiving unit 327 of the terminal 120 may detect a nearby wireless identifier by searching for nearby wireless signals.

[0147] In step S302, the communication unit 322 of terminal 120 sends a message to server 110 requesting an available coupon. This message includes the user ID and location information (location information of terminal 120 or near-field wireless identifier) ​​obtained in the processing procedure of step S301.

[0148] In step S303, the location identification unit 317 of the server 110 identifies the location of the terminal 120 based on the location information received from the terminal 120. Subsequently, the coupon management unit 313 accesses the store management DB and extracts stores that are within a predetermined range from the identified location of the terminal 120. The predetermined range is arbitrary and not limited to, but may be, for example, within 100m, within 500m, within 1km, etc. If the location information notified in the processing procedure of step S302 is a short-range wireless identifier, the coupon management unit 313 may consider the stores corresponding to the location of the terminal 120 identified by the location identification unit 317 as "stores that are within a predetermined range from the identified location of the terminal 120". Subsequently, the coupon management unit 313 accesses the coupon management DB and extracts coupons in which the store ID of the extracted stores is included in the usable store ID of each coupon held by the user.

[0149] In step S304, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 sends the extracted coupon to the terminal 120. Specifically, the communication unit 312 sends the coupon ID, discount amount, expiration date, and usable store ID of the extracted coupon to the terminal 120.

[0150] In step S305, the display control unit 323 of terminal 120 displays the coupon list screen. The coupon list screen displays the available stores, discount amount, and expiration date for each coupon.

[0151] Furthermore, the processing steps S300 to S305 in Figure 12 can be incorporated into the processing steps S105 to S109 in Figure 6. That is, after the processing step S305, the processing steps from step S110 onwards in Figure 6 may be performed.

[0152] Figure 13 shows an example of a sequence of processing steps performed by the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, in the second embodiment, the coupon extraction process based on location information may be performed by the terminal 120 instead of the server 110.

[0153] In step S400, the coupon management unit 328 of terminal 120 sends a message to the server 110 requesting coupon information in order to update the coupon management DB of terminal 120. This message includes the user ID.

[0154] In step S401, the coupon management unit 313 of server 110 accesses the coupon management DB and searches for all records corresponding to the received user ID.

[0155] In step S402, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 sends the data contained in the retrieved record from the coupon management DB to the terminal 120.

[0156] Furthermore, the processing procedures in steps S400 to S402 may be executed when the coupon held by the user is updated, or they may be performed periodically.

[0157] The processing procedures for steps S403 and S404 are the same as those for steps S300 and S301 in Figure 12, so their explanation is omitted.

[0158] In step S405, the coupon management unit 328 of terminal 120 accesses the store management DB and extracts stores located within a predetermined range from the location of terminal 120. If the location information notified in the processing procedure of step S302 is a near-field wireless identifier, the coupon management unit of terminal 120 accesses the store management DB and extracts stores corresponding to the same near-field wireless identifier as the notified near-field wireless identifier. Subsequently, the coupon management unit 328 of terminal 120 accesses the coupon management DB and extracts coupons in which the store ID of the extracted store is included in the available store IDs for each coupon held by the user.

[0159] In step S406, the display control unit 323 of terminal 120 displays the extracted coupons on the coupon list screen. The coupon list screen displays the usable stores, discount amount, and expiration date for each coupon.

[0160] Furthermore, the processing steps S403 to S406 in Figure 13 can be incorporated into the processing steps S105 to S109 in Figure 6. That is, after the processing step S406, the processing steps from step S110 onwards in Figure 6 may be performed.

[0161] <First Example> In the second embodiment described above, in the processing procedure of step S305 in Figure 12 or step S406 in Figure 13, the display control unit 323 may accept a selection of coupons from the user if multiple coupons are available, or the display control unit 323 may select one coupon that meets predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions are not limited to but include examples such as the coupon with the highest (or lowest) discount amount (or discount rate), or a coupon whose expiration date is within a predetermined period. A coupon whose expiration date is within a predetermined period may be a coupon whose expiration date is soon (or far away), such as within one month or three months from now. After that, the processing procedure of steps S111 to S114 in Figure 6 is executed, and the display control unit 323 displays a two-dimensional code for applying the selected coupon and making a payment (S115). This makes it possible to automatically select a coupon when multiple coupons are available.

[0162] <Second Example> In the second embodiment described above, if there are multiple coupons found in step S303 of Figure 12 (i.e., multiple usable coupons), the issuing unit 314 of the server 110 may select one coupon that satisfies the predetermined conditions described above, and automatically apply the selected coupon to execute the payment processing in the first embodiment. Specifically, the issuing unit 314 may treat the selected coupon as a coupon selected by the user and perform the processing procedure in step S113 of Figure 6. Alternatively, the settlement processing unit 315 may perform the processing procedures in steps S119 and S120 of Figure 6, applying the selected coupon to perform the payment processing. The user may be able to arbitrarily set whether or not to automatically apply the coupon. By automatically selecting a coupon, the user can use the coupon without wasting it.

[0163] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment is an embodiment that allows a user to transfer a coupon with an approaching expiration date to another user with whom a predetermined relationship has been established, if such a coupon is approaching its expiration date among multiple coupons owned by the user (associated with the user). A predetermined relationship being established means that the users are registered in the server 110 as having established a predetermined relationship. Examples, though not limited to, of the established predetermined relationship include a state where the users mutually approve the relationship, a state where at least one party requests the relationship, a state where the relationship is established based on user information, and a state where the relationship is established under predetermined conditions. For convenience, in the following description, the establishment of a predetermined relationship between users will be referred to as being "friends." Note that the second embodiment can be combined with the first or second embodiment. In other words, the coupon in the third embodiment may be a coupon usable for two-dimensional code payments. In the following description, the third embodiment will be described on the premise that it is combined with at least the first embodiment.

[0164] With the spread of QR code payments making payment transactions easier, it is expected that the provision of online coupons usable at the time of payment will also increase. However, with the increase in the provision of online coupons, it is expected that users may not be able to use the coupons they possess before their expiration date, resulting in wasted coupons. According to the third embodiment, since users can transfer coupons that are nearing their expiration date to users in their friend relationship, it becomes possible to reduce the possibility of coupons going unused and wasted.

[0165] <Functional configuration of the third embodiment> (1) Server Functional Configuration The functional configuration of server 110 will be explained using Figure 14. The functional components disclosed in Figure 14 are realized through the cooperation of the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output I / F 204, and communication I / F 205 of the information processing device 200. In the functional configuration of server 110, points not specifically mentioned may be the same as those of the first or second embodiment. Furthermore, the functional configuration of server 110 may include functional components that are not shown in Figure 14 but are included in the second embodiment.

[0166] The memory unit 316 further stores a friend management DB for managing friendship relationships between users and a transfer history DB for recording which user transferred which coupon.

[0167] Figure 15(a) shows an example of a friend management database. The "User ID" field stores an ID that identifies the user. The "Friend User List" field stores one or more User IDs of users who are friends with the user.

[0168] Figure 15(b) shows an example of a transfer history database. The "Coupon ID" field stores the ID that identifies the coupon. The "Transfer Date and Time" field stores the date and time the coupon was transferred. The "Transferring User" and "Transferee User" fields store the user ID of the transferring user and the user ID of the transferee user (current owner), respectively.

[0169] The communication unit 312 functions as a transmitting unit (first transmitting unit) that transmits information to the terminal 120 indicating coupons that are set to expire within a predetermined period, and a transmitting unit (second transmitting unit) that transmits information to the terminal 120 indicating users who are friends with the user of the terminal 120. The communication unit 312 also functions as a receiving unit that receives information from the terminal 120 indicating the recipient users of coupons that are set to expire within a predetermined period.

[0170] The coupon management unit 313 has the function of an extraction unit that extracts coupons that will expire within a predetermined period from among the one or more coupons owned by a user using terminal 120, and users who are friends with that user. The coupon management unit 313 also has the function of a management unit that changes the owner of a coupon that will expire within a predetermined period from the user using terminal 120 to the recipient user. Furthermore, when the coupon management unit 313 changes the owner of a coupon that will expire within a predetermined period, it records the transferring user and the receiving user in the transfer history DB (change history).

[0171] (2) Terminal Functional Configuration The functional configuration of terminal 120 will be explained using Figure 16. The functional components disclosed in Figure 16 are realized through the cooperation of the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output I / F 204, and communication I / F 205 of the information processing device 200. In the functional configuration of terminal 120, points not specifically mentioned may be the same as those of the first or second embodiment. Furthermore, the functional configuration of terminal 120 may include functional components that are not shown in Figure 16 but are included in the second embodiment.

[0172] Terminal 120 further includes a coupon management unit 328.

[0173] The storage unit 325 further stores the coupon management database. The coupon management database stores records that are identical to the records related to coupons held by users using terminal 120, which are stored in the coupon management database on server 110.

[0174] The coupon management unit 328 has the function of an extraction unit that extracts coupons that will expire within a predetermined period from among the one or more coupons owned by users of the terminal 120.

[0175] Furthermore, the coupon management DB and the coupon management unit 328 are unnecessary if the terminal 120 does not perform the process of extracting coupons that will expire within a predetermined period.

[0176] <Operation process of the third embodiment> Referring to Figure 17, the processing of the communication system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 17 shows an example of a sequence of processing steps performed by the communication system 1 according to the third embodiment. Terminal 120A is a terminal 120 used by the user who is the transferor of the coupon, and terminal 120B is a terminal 120 used by the user who is the recipient of the coupon.

[0177] In step S500, the coupon management unit 313 of server 110 searches the coupon management database to extract coupons that will expire within a predetermined period.

[0178] In step S501, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 transmits the extracted coupon ID, discount amount, expiration date, and usable store ID of the coupon to the terminal 120A.

[0179] In step S502, the display control unit 323 of the terminal 120 displays a message notified by the server 110 indicating that there are coupons that will expire within a predetermined period. The display control unit 323 may also display the message at a predetermined notification timing, which is a predetermined time before the expiration date. If the user gives instructions to transfer the coupon, the process proceeds to step S503.

[0180] In step S503, the communication unit 312 of terminal 120A sends a message to the server 110 requesting a list of users who are friends with it. This message includes the user IDs of the users using terminal 120A.

[0181] In step S504, the coupon management unit 313 of server 110 accesses the friend management DB and extracts the user IDs of users who are friends with the user using terminal 120A.

[0182] In step S505, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 sends a message to the terminal 120A containing the user IDs of the extracted friends.

[0183] In step S506, the input / output unit 321 of terminal 120A accepts the selection of a user to whom the coupon will be transferred from among the users displayed on the friends list screen.

[0184] In step S507, the communication unit 312 of terminal 120A sends a message to server 110 requesting the transfer of the coupon. This message includes the coupon ID, the user ID of the transferring user, and the user ID of the receiving user.

[0185] In step S508, the coupon management unit 313 of server 110 overwrites the "User ID" of the coupon to be transferred in the coupon management DB with the User ID of the transferee user. The coupon management unit 313 also records the current date and time, the coupon ID received in the processing procedure of step S507, the User ID of the transferring user, and the User ID of the transferee user in the transfer history DB.

[0186] In step S509, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 notifies the terminal 120B of the recipient user that the coupon has been transferred.

[0187] Figure 18 shows an example of a sequence of processing steps performed by the communication system 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, in the third embodiment, the terminal 120 may perform the process of extracting coupons that are nearing their expiration date, instead of the server 110.

[0188] The processing procedures for steps S600 to S602 are identical to those for steps S400 to S402 in Figure 13, so their explanation is omitted.

[0189] In step S603, the coupon management unit 328 of terminal 120 searches the coupon management database to extract coupons that will expire within a predetermined period.

[0190] The processing procedures for steps S604 to S611 are identical to the processing procedures for steps S502 to S509 in Figure 17, so their explanation is omitted.

[0191] <First Example> The coupon management unit 313 of server 110 may reduce or increase the discount amount of a coupon (decrease or increase the coupon's benefit) when changing the owner of a coupon. The coupon management unit 313 may also shorten or extend the coupon's expiration date when changing the owner of a coupon. The reduction or increase of the coupon discount amount and the shortening or extension of the coupon's expiration date may be set in any way, and are not limited to, but may include, for example, being set by the coupon issuer, set for each coupon issuer, set uniformly, or set based on the trust level or closeness between users conducting the transfer transaction. In the first embodiment, the coupon issuer can distribute coupons to more users, and users can be prevented from wasting the coupons they possess.

[0192] <Second Example> When changing the owner of a coupon that is due to expire within a predetermined period, the coupon management unit 313 of server 110 may refer to the transfer history DB to search for past owners of the coupon, and if the recipient user is among the past owners of the coupon, it may choose not to change the owner. This makes it possible to deter fraudulent activities such as illegally extending the validity period of a coupon or illegally increasing the discount amount by transferring coupons among multiple users.

[0193] <Third Example> The coupon management unit 313 of server 110 may, when searching for a friend user of the coupon owner, select a potential recipient user based on the friend's coupon usage history and notify the coupon owner user's terminal 120 of the selected user. For example, the coupon management unit 313 may select the user who has used the coupon the most among the coupon owner's friend users as a potential recipient user.

[0194] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment extracts coupons from among multiple coupons owned by the user that have an approaching expiration date and can be used at stores located near the location indicated by the location information of terminal 120, and notifies terminal 120 of the coupons.

[0195] In this scenario, if coupons were offered at virtually every store, it is conceivable that a coupon would always expire at some store, resulting in the terminal 120 constantly receiving notifications about coupons. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, notifications to the terminal 120 may be limited to coupons that are nearing their expiration date, are available at stores located near the location indicated by the terminal 120's location information, and meet the extraction criteria set in advance by the user.

[0196] According to the fourth embodiment, it becomes possible to notify the user only of coupons that have an approaching expiration date, are usable at nearby stores, and meet the extraction criteria set by the user. This makes it possible to avoid a situation where the terminal 120 is constantly notified of coupons.

[0197] The fourth embodiment can be combined with the first to third embodiments. In other words, the coupon in the fourth embodiment may be a coupon usable for two-dimensional code payments. In the following description, the fourth embodiment will be described on the premise that it is combined with at least the first embodiment. <Functional configuration of the fourth embodiment> (1) Server Functional Configuration The functional configuration of server 110 will be explained using Figure 19. The functional units disclosed in Figure 19 are realized through the cooperation of the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output I / F 204, and communication I / F 205 of the information processing device 200. In the functional configuration of server 110, points not specifically mentioned may be the same as those of the first, second, or third embodiment. In addition, the storage unit 316 of server 110 may hold a database, which is included in the third embodiment, although it is not shown in Figure 19.

[0198] The communication unit 312 functions as a transmission unit that transmits the coupons extracted by the coupon management unit 313 to the terminal 120.

[0199] The coupon management unit 313 functions as an extraction unit that extracts coupons from among the one or more coupons held by the user that have an expiration date within a predetermined period and are usable within a predetermined range from the location of the terminal 120. The coupon management unit 313 may also extract coupons that meet extraction conditions (predetermined conditions) set in advance by the user. Specific examples of extraction conditions will be described later.

[0200] The location information management unit 318 has the function of managing the location of the terminal 120 by receiving location information indicating the location of the terminal 120 via the communication unit 312. The location information management unit 318 stores the received location information of the terminal 120 in the user management DB.

[0201] Figure 20 shows an example of a user management database according to the fourth embodiment. The "Location Information" field stores the user's location information (more specifically, the location information of the terminal 120 used by the user). The location information may also store information indicating a specific location (for example, latitude and longitude). The "Extraction Conditions" field contains the conditions set by the user for coupons that the coupon management unit 313 will extract.

[0202] (2) Terminal Functional Configuration The functional configuration diagram of terminal 120 is the same as that of Figure 16, so its explanation is omitted.

[0203] <Operation process of the fourth embodiment> Referring to Figure 21, the processing of the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 21 shows an example of a sequence of processing steps performed by the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In Figure 21, steps S700 to S702 show the processing steps when the server 110 manages the location information of the terminal 120. The processing steps S700 to S702 are repeated at predetermined intervals or in response to the movement of the terminal 120. Steps S710 to S712 show the processing steps when the user sets the extraction conditions. Steps S720 to S722 show the processing steps performed when a coupon to be notified to the user is extracted. These three processing steps are performed asynchronously.

[0204] In step S700, the location information measuring unit 326 of the terminal 120 acquires its own location information.

[0205] In step S701, the communication unit 322 of terminal 120 sends a message to the server 110 notifying the location information. This message includes the user ID and the location information of terminal 120.

[0206] In step S702, the location information management unit 318 of the server 110 updates the "location information" in the user management DB with the received location information.

[0207] In step S710, the input / output unit 321 of terminal 120 accepts the setting of extraction conditions from the user on the screen for setting extraction conditions.

[0208] In step S711, the communication unit 322 of terminal 120 sends a message to server 110 notifying it of the configured extraction conditions.

[0209] In step S712, the coupon management unit 313 of the server 110 stores the received extraction conditions in the "Extraction Conditions" field of the user management database.

[0210] In step S720, the coupon management unit 313 of the server 110 searches the coupon management DB to extract coupons that will expire within a predetermined period. If coupons are extracted, the coupon management unit 313 accesses the user management DB and obtains the location information of the user who owns the extracted coupon. Subsequently, the coupon management unit 313 accesses the store management DB and, based on the location information of the user who owns the extracted coupon, extracts stores that are located within a predetermined range from the user's location (the location of the terminal 120) and where the extracted coupon will expire within a predetermined period can be used. The predetermined range is arbitrary and not limited to any particular range; for example, it could be within 100m, 500m, 1km, etc.

[0211] If available coupons are found, the coupon management unit 313 further checks whether the coupons meet the "extraction conditions" set in the user management DB. If the "extraction conditions" are met, the coupon management unit 313 proceeds to the processing procedure in step S721.

[0212] Here, the extraction criterion may be that the coupon has the highest predetermined rank. The predetermined rank may be a rank assigned to the company providing the coupon, a coupon with high usage frequency, or a rank determined by a monetary bid made by the company providing the coupon.

[0213] Furthermore, the extraction criteria may also include the requirement that the coupon be usable within a range specified by the user. For example, a user can set their own range of activity as an extraction criterion, thereby preventing them from being notified of coupons that cannot be used within their usual range of activity.

[0214] Furthermore, the extraction condition may be that the number of coupons a user receives is less than the maximum number of coupons that can be received per day, as specified by the user. By setting a limit on the number of coupons that can be received, it becomes possible to prevent a large number of coupons from being delivered to terminal 120.

[0215] Furthermore, the extraction criteria may include the fact that the coupon is usable at a store where the user has previously used it, or at a store that has a predetermined relationship with that store. A store with a predetermined relationship may be, for example, a chain store or a store in a similar industry.

[0216] In step S721, the communication unit 312 of the server 110 transmits the extracted coupon ID, discount amount, expiration date, and usable store ID of the coupon to the terminal 120.

[0217] In step S722, the display control unit 323 of terminal 120 displays a coupon notification screen. The coupon list screen displays the available stores, discount amount, and expiration date, etc.

[0218] <Note> (Note 1-1) An information processing method performed by a second information processing device that communicates with a first information processing device used by a user, A first receiving step of receiving a request for a one-time code for making a payment with a coupon applied from the first information processing device, In response to the aforementioned request, an issuance step is to issue a first one-time code for making a payment with the coupon applied, A transmission step of transmitting the issued first one-time code to the first information processing device, A second receiving step in which a second one-time code and payment amount are received from a third information processing device used by the user receiving payment from the aforementioned user, Information processing method comprising: a settlement processing step in which, if the received second one-time code is the same as the first one-time code, the method retrieves the benefit for the coupon to be used for payment from a database that manages the benefits for each coupon, and settles the payment amount calculated based on the retrieved benefit and the payment amount, as the payment amount to be paid by the user.

[0219] (Appendix 1-2) The information processing method described in Appendix 1-1, wherein, if a one-time code for making a payment without applying a coupon has already been issued before issuing the first one-time code, the display mode associated with the first one-time code and the display mode associated with the one-time code for making a payment without applying a coupon are different.

[0220] (Appendix 1-3) The issuance step, if a one-time code for making a payment without applying a coupon has already been issued before issuing the first one-time code, is to issue the first one-time code so that it is a different code from the said one-time code. The information processing method described in Appendix 1-1 or 1-2.

[0221] (Appendix 1-4) The issuance step, if a one-time code for making a payment without applying a coupon has already been issued before issuing the first one-time code, uses that one-time code as the first one-time code. The information processing method described in Appendix 1-1 or 1-2.

[0222] (Appendix 1-5) The issuance step involves recording the issued first one-time code in the database in association with coupon information indicating a coupon applicable at the time of payment. The payment processing step, if the received second one-time code is the same as the first one-time code, queries the database for coupon information associated with the received second one-time code to identify the coupon applicable at the time of payment. The information processing method described in any one of the items 1-1 to 1-4 of the appendix.

[0223] (Appendix 1-6) The issuance step includes issuing the first one-time code which includes coupon information that identifies the coupon applicable at the time of payment, The payment processing step, if the received second one-time code is the same as the first one-time code, identifies the coupon to be applied at the time of payment by obtaining coupon information from the received second one-time code. The information processing method described in Appendix 1-3.

[0224] (Appendix 1-7) A first receiving step of receiving a request to change the one-time code from the first information processing device, The issuance step, in response to the request to change the one-time code, issues a third one-time code, which is a one-time code for making a payment with the coupon applied and is different from the first one-time code, The transmission step involves transmitting the issued third one-time code to the first information processing device. The information processing method described in any one of the items 1-1 to 1-6 of the appendix.

[0225] (Appendix 1-8) The aforementioned benefit is a discount amount or discount rate. The information processing method described in any one of the items 1-1 to 1-7 of the appendix.

[0226] (Appendix 1-9) An information processing device that operates as a second information processing device that communicates with a first information processing device used by the user, A first receiving unit receives a request for a one-time code for making a payment with a coupon applied from the first information processing device, An issuing unit that, in response to the aforementioned request, issues a first one-time code for making a payment with the coupon applied, A transmitting unit that transmits the issued first one-time code to the first information processing device, A second receiving unit receives a second one-time code and a payment amount from a third information processing device used by the user receiving the payment from the aforementioned user, An information processing device having a settlement processing unit that, when the received second one-time code is the same as the first one-time code, retrieves the benefit for the coupon to be used for payment from a database that manages the benefits for each coupon, and settles the payment amount calculated based on the retrieved benefit and the payment amount as the payment amount to be paid by the user.

[0227] (Appendix 1-10) A second information processing device communicates with the first information processing device used by the user. A first receiving step of receiving a request for a one-time code for making a payment with a coupon applied from the first information processing device, In response to the aforementioned request, an issuance step is to issue a first one-time code for making a payment with the coupon applied, A transmission step of transmitting the issued first one-time code to the first information processing device, A second receiving step in which a second one-time code and payment amount are received from a third information processing device used by the user receiving payment from the aforementioned user, A program that, when the received second one-time code is the same as the first one-time code, retrieves the benefit for the coupon to be used for payment from a database that manages the benefits for each coupon, and processes the payment amount calculated based on the retrieved benefit and the payment amount as the payment amount to be paid by the user.

[0228] (Appendix 1-11) A program that communicates with a second information processing device and causes a first information processing device used by a user to execute, A transmission step of sending a request for a one-time code to the second information processing device for making a payment with the coupon applied, A receiving step of receiving a first one-time code from the second information processing device, A display program that performs a display step of replacing the two-dimensional code displayed on a two-dimensional code display screen with a two-dimensional code corresponding to the received first one-time code and displaying it.

[0229] (Appendix 1-12) The display step involves displaying information on the two-dimensional code display screen indicating that it is a two-dimensional code for making a payment with a coupon applied. The display program described in Appendix 1-11.

[0230] (Appendix 1-13) An information processing method that communicates with a second information processing device and is executed by a first information processing device used by a user, A transmission step of sending a request for a one-time code to the second information processing device for making a payment with the coupon applied, A receiving step of receiving a first one-time code from the second information processing device, An information processing method including a display step of replacing the two-dimensional code displayed on a two-dimensional code display screen with a two-dimensional code corresponding to the received first one-time code and displaying it.

[0231] (Appendix 1-14) An information processing device that communicates with a second information processing device and functions as a first information processing device used by a user, The second information processing device includes a transmission unit that transmits a request for a one-time code for making a payment with a coupon applied, A receiving unit that receives a first one-time code from the second information processing device, An information processing device having a display unit that replaces and displays a two-dimensional code displayed on a two-dimensional code display screen with a two-dimensional code corresponding to the received first one-time code.

[0232] (Note 2-1) An information processing method performed by a second information processing device that communicates with a first information processing device used by a user, The first issuance step involves issuing a first one-time code to make a payment without applying a coupon, A step of identifying the location of the first information processing device, An extraction step of extracting coupons that are usable within a predetermined range from the identified first information processing device, out of the one or more coupons held by the user; A transmission step of sending the extracted available coupons to the first information processing device, An information processing method comprising: a second issuance step of issuing a second one-time code, which is different from the first one-time code, for making a payment by applying a coupon selected by the user from among the available coupons.

[0233] (Note 2-2) A transmission step of transmitting the issued second one-time code to the first information processing device, A receiving step in which a third information processing device used by the user receiving payment from the aforementioned user receives a third one-time code and a payment amount, If the received third one-time code is the same as the second one-time code, the payment processing step involves retrieving the benefit for the coupon to be used for payment from a database that manages the benefits for each coupon, and processing the payment amount calculated based on the retrieved benefit and the payment amount as the payment amount to be paid by the user. An information processing method as described in Appendix 2-1, having the following characteristics.

[0234] (Appendix 2-3) The aforementioned identification step involves obtaining a short-range wireless identifier received by the first information processing device from the first information processing device, and then searching for a store corresponding to the obtained short-range wireless identifier in a database that associates short-range wireless identifiers with stores, thereby determining the location of the first information processing device. The information processing method described in Appendix 2-1 or 2-2.

[0235] (Appendix 2-4) An information processing device that operates as a second information processing device that communicates with a first information processing device used by the user, An issuing unit that issues the first one-time code for making a payment without applying a coupon, A location identification unit for identifying the location of the first information processing device, An extraction unit extracts coupons that are usable within a predetermined range from one or more coupons held by the user, from the identified first information processing device, The system includes a transmission unit that transmits the extracted available coupons to the first information processing device, Information processing method, wherein the issuing unit issues a second one-time code, which is different from the first one-time code, for making a payment by applying a coupon selected by the user from among the available coupons.

[0236] (Appendix 2-5) The second information processing device communicates with the first information processing device used by the user. The first issuance step involves issuing a first one-time code to make a payment without applying a coupon, A step of identifying the location of the first information processing device, An extraction step of extracting coupons that are usable within a predetermined range from the identified first information processing device, out of the one or more coupons held by the user; A transmission step of sending the extracted available coupons to the first information processing device, A program that performs a second issuance step of issuing a second one-time code, which is different from the first one-time code, for making a payment by applying a coupon selected by the user from among the available coupons.

[0237] (Appendix 2-6) The first information processing device used by the user, A first display step involves displaying a first QR code for making a payment without applying a coupon, A transmission step of transmitting the location information of the first information processing device to the second information processing device, A receiving step of receiving information from the second information processing device indicating one or more coupons associated with the user that are available within a predetermined range from the location of the first information processing device, A second display step involves displaying the received, available coupon on the screen, A program that performs a third display step of displaying a second two-dimensional code, which is different from the first two-dimensional code, for making a payment by applying the available coupon.

[0238] (Appendix 2-7) The third display step displays a second two-dimensional code for applying a coupon specified in response to the user's operation from among the available coupons and making a payment. The program described in Appendix 2-6.

[0239] (Appendix 2-8) When there are multiple available coupons within a predetermined range from the position of the first information processing device, the second display step displays, on the screen, the coupons that meet a predetermined condition as the available coupons. The program according to Supplementary Note 2-6 or 2-7.

[0240] (Supplementary Note 2-9) The coupon that meets the predetermined condition is the coupon with the highest discount amount or discount rate. The program according to Supplementary Note 2-8.

[0241] (Supplementary Note 2-10) The coupon that meets the predetermined condition is the coupon whose expiration date is within a predetermined period. The program according to Supplementary Note 2-8.

[0242] (Supplementary Note 2-11) The first information processing device is further caused to execute a detection step of detecting an identifier of short-range wireless communication. The transmission step transmits the received identifier of short-range wireless communication to the second information processing device. The program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2-6 to 2-10.

[0243] (Supplementary Note 2-12) An information processing method performed by a first information processing device used by a user, A first display step of displaying a first two-dimensional code for payment without applying a coupon, A transmission step of transmitting the position information of the first information processing device to a second information processing device, A reception step of receiving, from the second information processing device, information indicating available coupons among one or more coupons associated with the user within a predetermined range from the position of the first information processing device, A second display step of displaying the received available coupons on the screen, An information processing method comprising: a third display step of displaying a second two-dimensional code, which is different from the first two-dimensional code, for making a payment by applying the available coupon.

[0244] (Appendix 2-13) An information processing device that operates as a first information processing device used by a user, A display unit that displays a first two-dimensional code for making a payment without applying a coupon, The second information processing device includes a transmission unit that transmits the location information of the first information processing device, The system includes a receiving unit that receives information from the second information processing device indicating one or more coupons associated with the user, which are available within a predetermined range from the location of the first information processing device. The display unit is an information processing device that displays the received available coupon on the screen and displays a second two-dimensional code, which is different from the first two-dimensional code, for making a payment using the available coupon.

[0245] (Note 3-1) An information processing method executed by a second information processing device that communicates with a first information processing device used by a first user, An extraction step of extracting coupons from among the one or more coupons associated with the first user that have an expiration date set within a predetermined period, and one or more second users that have a predetermined relationship with the first user, A first transmission step of transmitting information indicating a coupon with an expiration date set within the predetermined period to the first information processing device, A second transmission step of transmitting information indicating one or more second users with whom a predetermined relationship has been established with the extracted first user to the first information processing device, A receiving step of receiving information from the first information processing device indicating a second user who is the recipient of a coupon whose expiration date is set within the predetermined period, An information processing method comprising a management step of changing the user associated with a coupon whose expiration date is set within the predetermined period from the first user to the second user who is the recipient of the coupon.

[0246] (Appendix 3-2) The management step, when changing the user associated with a coupon whose expiration date is set within the predetermined period from the first user to the second user who is the recipient of the coupon, further reduces or increases the benefits of the coupon. The information processing method described in Appendix 3-1.

[0247] (Appendix 3-3) The management step, when changing the user associated with a coupon whose expiration date is set within the predetermined period from the first user to the second user who is the recipient of the coupon, further extends the expiration date of the coupon. The information processing method described in Appendix 3-1 or 3-2.

[0248] (Appendix 3-4) The management step, when changing the user associated with a coupon that has an expiration date set within the predetermined period from the first user to the second user who is the recipient of the coupon, records the change history of the user associated with the coupon. The information processing method described in any one of the items 3-1 to 3-3 of the appendix.

[0249] (Appendix 3-5) The management step, when changing the user associated with a coupon whose expiration date is set within the predetermined period from the first user to the second user who is the recipient of the coupon, refers to the change history and, if the second user is included in the users previously associated with the coupon, does not change the user associated with the coupon. The information processing method described in Appendix 3-4.

[0250] (Appendix 3-6) An information processing apparatus that operates as a second information processing apparatus and communicates with a first information processing apparatus used by a first user, an extraction unit that extracts, from among one or more coupons associated with the first user, coupons whose expiration dates are set within a predetermined period, and one or more second users having a predetermined relationship with the first user; a first transmission unit that transmits information indicating coupons whose expiration dates are set within the predetermined period to the first information processing apparatus; a second transmission unit that transmits information indicating one or more second users having a predetermined relationship with the extracted first user to the first information processing apparatus; a reception unit that receives, from the first information processing apparatus, information indicating a second user as a transferee who is the transferee of a coupon whose expiration date is set within the predetermined period; and a management unit that changes the user associated with a coupon whose expiration date is set within the predetermined period from the first user to the second user as the transferee. An information processing method.

[0251] (Appendix 3-7) In a second information processing apparatus that communicates with a first information processing apparatus used by a first user, an extraction step of extracting, from among one or more coupons associated with the first user, coupons whose expiration dates are set within a predetermined period, and one or more second users having a predetermined relationship with the first user; a first transmission step of transmitting information indicating coupons whose expiration dates are set within the predetermined period to the first information processing apparatus; a second transmission step of transmitting information indicating one or more second users having a predetermined relationship with the extracted first user to the first information processing apparatus; a reception step of receiving, from the first information processing apparatus, information indicating a second user as a transferee who is the transferee of a coupon whose expiration date is set within the predetermined period; A program that performs an administrative step of changing the user associated with a coupon whose expiration date is set within the predetermined period from the first user to the second user who is the recipient of the coupon.

[0252] (Note 4-1) An information processing method performed by a second information processing device that communicates with a first information processing device used by a user, A management step of managing the location of the first information processing device by receiving location information indicating the location of the first information processing device from the first information processing device, An extraction step of extracting coupons from among the one or more coupons held by the user that have an expiration date set within a predetermined period and that can be used within a predetermined range from the location of the first information processing device, An information processing method comprising: a transmission step of transmitting the extracted available coupons to the first information processing device.

[0253] (Appendix 4-2) The extraction step further extracts coupons that meet predetermined conditions when extracting coupons. The information processing method described in Appendix 4-1.

[0254] (Appendix 4-3) The aforementioned predetermined conditions include having the highest predetermined rank, The information processing method described in Appendix 4-2.

[0255] (Appendix 4-4) The aforementioned predetermined conditions include being available within the scope specified by the user. The information processing method described in Appendix 4-2 or 4-3.

[0256] (Appendix 4-5) The aforementioned predetermined conditions include the fact that the number of coupons received by the user is less than the number determined by the maximum number of coupons that can be received per day as specified by the user. The information processing method described in any one of the items 4-2 to 4-4 of the appendix.

[0257] (Appendix 4-6) The aforementioned conditions include the fact that the coupon can be used at a store where the user has previously used the coupon or at a store that has a predetermined relationship with said store. The information processing method described in any one of the items 4-2 to 4-5 of the appendix.

[0258] (Appendix 4-7) An information processing device that operates as a second information processing device that communicates with a first information processing device used by the user, A management unit manages the location of the first information processing device by receiving location information indicating the location of the first information processing device from the first information processing device, An extraction unit extracts coupons from among the one or more coupons held by the user that have an expiration date set within a predetermined period and that can be used within a predetermined range from the location of the first information processing device, An information processing method comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the extracted available coupons to the first information processing device.

[0259] (Appendix 4-8) The second information processing device communicates with the first information processing device used by the user. A management step of managing the location of the first information processing device by receiving location information indicating the location of the first information processing device from the first information processing device, An extraction step of extracting coupons from among the one or more coupons held by the user that have an expiration date set within a predetermined period and that can be used within a predetermined range from the location of the first information processing device, A program that causes the extraction of available coupons to be transmitted to the first information processing device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0260] 1 Communication system, 100 Communication system, 110 Server, 110A Server, 110B Server, 120 Terminal, 120A Terminal, 120B Terminal, 120C Terminal, 120X Terminal, 130 Terminal, 130A Terminal, 130B Terminal, 200 Information processing device, 201 Processor, 202 Memory, 203 Storage, 204 Input / Output Interface (Input / Output I / F), 205 Communication Interface (Communication I / F), 311 Input / Output Unit, 312 Communication Unit, 313 Coupon Management Unit, 314 Issuance Unit, 315 Payment Processing Unit, 316 Storage Unit, 317 Location Identification Unit, 318 Location Information Management Unit, 321 Input / Output Unit, 322 Communication Unit, 323 Display Control Unit, 324 Detection Unit, 325 Storage Unit, 326 Location Information Measurement Unit, 327 Wireless receiver unit, 328 coupon management unit

Claims

1. Information processing device, The process of obtaining location information of the information processing terminal used by the user, A process to identify multiple stores where the benefit can be used within a predetermined range of the location information, A process to display the benefits available at each of the aforementioned multiple stores, A process to associate the aforementioned benefit with the aforementioned user, according to the user's selection, A process for obtaining a payment request from the user to one of the aforementioned multiple stores, An information processing method that performs a process to automatically apply the aforementioned benefit to the payment when the aforementioned user and the aforementioned benefit are associated.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the benefits available at each of the aforementioned multiple stores are displayed as a list on the information processing terminal.

3. The aforementioned payment request is, The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a two-dimensional code displayed on an information processing terminal used by the user is read and acquired by the information processing device.

4. The aforementioned information processing device The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which involves performing a process to display a payment screen on the information processing terminal when making a payment with the aforementioned benefits applied.

5. The aforementioned information processing device The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: obtaining the discount amount for the benefit applied to the aforementioned payment; and performing a settlement process in which the amount obtained by subtracting the acquired discount amount from the payment amount is used as the payment amount to be paid.

6. The aforementioned information processing device The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in a database that manages benefits associated with the user, if the benefit to be applied to the payment is marked as used, the application of the benefit is not permitted.

7. A location acquisition unit that acquires location information of the information processing terminal used by the user, A store identification unit identifies multiple stores where the benefits can be used within a predetermined range of the location information, A display control unit that displays the benefits available at each of the aforementioned multiple stores, A matching unit that associates the benefit with the user according to the user's selection, A request acquisition unit that acquires a payment request from the user to one of the multiple stores, An information processing device having a determination processing unit that automatically applies the benefit to the payment when the user and the benefit are associated.

8. The location information of the information processing terminal used by the user is obtained, Identify multiple stores where the benefits can be used within a predetermined range of the aforementioned location information, The benefits available at each of the aforementioned stores are displayed, Depending on the user's selection, the benefits and the user are associated, The user's payment request to one of the aforementioned multiple stores is obtained, An information processing program that causes an information processing device to perform a process to automatically apply the aforementioned benefit to the payment when the aforementioned user and the aforementioned benefit are associated.

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