Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve user convenience. [Solution] An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the first settlement amount of electronic payments of electronic payment services at a merchant for a predetermined period, and the second settlement amount of electronic payments from the first settlement amount that are expected to satisfy the application conditions for the target benefit; and a processing unit that performs calculation processing using the first settlement amount and the second settlement amount to derive a first evaluation index that indicates the ease of use of the benefit, which is an evaluation index for the benefit, and displays the first evaluation index on the display unit of a terminal device relating to the merchant.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been disclosed to provide a coupon to a user in an electronic payment service using code information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technology, there were cases where benefits such as coupons could not be accurately evaluated or appropriate proposals according to the evaluation could not be made. For this reason, the convenience of users (users of stores or services) may not have been sufficiently high.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and one of its purposes is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can improve the convenience of users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a first settlement amount of electronic payments of an electronic payment service at a merchant for a predetermined period, and a second settlement amount of electronic payments from the first settlement amount that are assumed to satisfy the application conditions for the target benefit; and a processing unit that performs calculation processing using the first settlement amount and the second settlement amount to derive a first evaluation index that indicates the ease of use of the benefit, which is an evaluation index for the benefit, and displays the first evaluation index on the display unit of a terminal device relating to the merchant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of a configuration for implementing an electronic payment service. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram (part 1) illustrating the general flow of electronic payments. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram (part 2) illustrating the general flow of electronic payments. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the configuration of payment server 100. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the contents of user information 172. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the contents of merchant / store information 176. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the contents of history information 178. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the contents of coupon information 180. [Figure 9] This is the target information used for processing obtained from history information 178. [Figure 10] This diagram explains the relationships between each indicator and the indicators that can be derived from each indicator. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the relationship between CGMV, TGMV, CAM, and CUI. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of the content of the index information 182. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the provided information (1). [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the provided information (2). [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the provided information (3). [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the provided information (4). [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing the provided information (5). [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing the provided information (6). [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing the interface screen IF1 displayed on the display unit. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing an example of each index for each number of franchise stores. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing of the processing unit 150. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of the interface screen.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various apparatuses such as "servers" that appear below for providing services to users or performing internal analysis may be realized by a decentralized group of apparatuses, and the operators of each apparatus may be different. Also, the holder of the hardware of the apparatus (provider of the cloud server) and the operator who actually operates the apparatus may be different. The application program and the settlement server cooperate to provide an electronic payment service. In the following description, the application program is referred to as a payment application. The electronic payment service is a service that supports settlement related to the purchase of goods and services in a store. The store is, for example, a physical store (actual store) existing in the real space, but may include a virtual store for e-commerce. The virtual store may include those provided by a subject different from the operator of the electronic payment service. In that case, when making a purchase settlement in the virtual store, it is controlled to transition to the interface screen of the electronic payment service. In the electronic payment service, the store is, for example, treated as belonging to a franchise (brand), and processing such as settlement when a purchase action is performed in the store is mainly carried out between the user and the franchise. Instead of this, processing such as settlement may be carried out between the user and the store.

[0010] [Electronic Payment Service] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic payment system in which an electronic payment service is realized. The electronic payment service is realized centering around a settlement server 100. An electronic payment system for realizing the electronic payment service includes, for example, one or more user terminal devices 10, one or more first store terminal devices 50, one or more second store terminal devices 70, a settlement server 100, and an administrator terminal device 200. These devices communicate with each other via, for example, a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless base station, a provider device, and the like.

[0011] Some or all of the functional components included in an electronic payment system may be distributed across multiple devices in any form, or integrated into any device. For example, some or all of the functional components of payment server 100 may be included in other devices.

[0012] [User terminal device] The user terminal device 10 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet. The user terminal device 10 is a computer device having at least optical reading function, communication function, display function, input reception function, and program execution function. In the following description, the components for realizing these functions will be referred to as a camera, communication device, touch panel, CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. In the user terminal device 10, the payment application 20 is executed by a processor such as the CPU, and it operates in cooperation with the payment server 100 to provide electronic payment services to the user. The payment application 20 is installed on the user terminal device 10, for example, from an application store, and controls the camera, communication device, touch panel, etc.

[0013] [Store Terminal Device #1] The first store terminal device 50 is installed, for example, in a store. The first store terminal device 50 is a computer device having at least a product price acquisition function, an optical reading function, a program execution function, and a communication function. The first store terminal device 50 may include a so-called POS (Point of Sale) device, and the product price acquisition function and optical reading function may be realized by the POS device. The store code image 60 is placed in the store and is a code image (code information) such as a QR code (registered trademark) printed on a paper or plastic medium. The store code image 60 may also be displayed on a display placed in the store (which may be the display of a terminal device such as a smartphone).

[0014] [Second store terminal device] The second store terminal device 70 is used by the operator of the affiliated store. The second store terminal device 70 is a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc. The affiliated store interface 72 operates on the second store terminal device 70. The affiliated store interface 72 may be an affiliated store application or a browser. The affiliated store interface 72 accepts coupon settings etc. from the affiliated store operator and transmits them to the payment server 100. The second store terminal device 70, which is a smartphone, has the function of displaying a code image corresponding to a store code image by running the affiliated store application, or reading a code image displayed by the user terminal device 10.

[0015] [Payment Server] The payment server 100 implements electronic payment based on payment information received from the user terminal device 10 or the first store terminal device 50. The first store terminal device 50 may include a POS device and a merchant server, in which case payment information is transmitted from the POS device to the payment server 100 via the merchant server. In the following description, this distinction will not be made, and it will be assumed that payment information is transmitted from the first store terminal device 50.

[0016] Figures 2 and 3 are sequence diagrams illustrating the general flow of electronic payments. There may be two patterns for electronic payments: Pattern 1 and Pattern 2. Details of Pattern 1, shown in Figure 2, will be discussed later.

[0017] In the case of Pattern 1 shown in Figure 2 (hereinafter referred to as user scan), the user terminal device 10 decodes the store code image 60 using its optical reading function (S1). The store code image 60 contains information about the store URL (Uniform Resource Locator). This store URL is an electronic payment service domain to which information that can identify the store has been added, and is associated with the merchant ID and store ID, etc., at the payment server 100 (described later). The payment application 20 sends first payment information, including the store URL and account ID, to the payment server 100 (S2). The payment server 100 searches for store information (described later) from the merchant ID and store ID corresponding to the store URL, obtains the merchant name and store name information (S3), and sends it to the payment application 20 (S4). The user enters the payment amount into the user terminal device 10 on the screen where the merchant name and store name are displayed (S5). The user terminal device 10 then generates second payment information, including at least the payment amount, and sends it to the payment server 100 (S6). The payment server 100 performs electronic payment based on the received second payment information (S7). The payment server 100 then sends a payment completion notification (information for displaying the payment completion screen) to the payment application 20 (S8), and the payment application 20 displays the payment completion screen (S9). If the store code image 60 is displayed on a display placed in the store, the store code image 60 may include payment amount information as well as the store URL. In this case, the procedure for the user to enter the payment amount is omitted, and the payment amount information is included in the first payment information and sent to the payment server 100. Merchant name and store name information may be included and displayed on the payment completion screen.

[0018] In the case of Pattern 2 shown in Figure 3 (hereinafter referred to as Store Scan), when the payment app 20 is launched, when a payment operation is performed in the payment app 20, when it is time for an automatic update (for example, every minute), and at other times, the payment app 20 sends a request to the payment server 100 to issue a one-time code (S11). The payment server 100 generates a one-time code (S12) and sends it to the payment app 20 (S13). The payment app 20 displays a code image such as a QR code or barcode that was generated based on the one-time code (S14). The user holds the display surface of the user terminal device 10 over the first store terminal device 50 (presents it), and the first store terminal device 50 decodes the code image using its optical reading function and obtains the one-time code, etc. (S15). Then, the first store terminal device 50 generates payment information including the one-time code, payment amount, merchant ID, store ID, etc., and sends it to the payment server 100 (S16). The payment amount information is obtained in advance by barcode scanning or manual input. Based on the received information, the payment server 100 identifies the user corresponding to the one-time code and performs the electronic payment (S17). The payment server 100 then sends a payment completion notification to the payment app 20 (S18), and the payment app 20 displays a payment completion screen (S19).

[0019] Furthermore, electronic payment may be performed using only one of the above patterns. Also, the "account ID" explained in Figure 2 may be other information that can be used as user identification information (for example, a phone number). In addition, the issuance of a one-time code may be omitted during store scanning, and the payment app 20 may display a code image generated based on the user's account ID. In that case, the payment server 100 will identify the user corresponding to the account ID instead of identifying the user corresponding to the one-time code.

[0020] [Payment Server Functional Configuration] Figure 4 is a diagram of the configuration of the payment server 100. The payment server 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, a content provision unit 120, a payment processing unit 130, an information management unit 140, a processing unit 150, and a storage unit 170. Components other than the communication unit 110 and the storage unit 170 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and SOC (System On Chip), or by the cooperation of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance on a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory (a storage device equipped with a non-transient storage medium), or it may be stored on a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM (a non-transient storage medium) and installed on the storage device when the storage medium is inserted into the drive device. The information management unit 140 is an example of an "acquisition unit".

[0021] The storage unit 170 can be an HDD, flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 170 may also be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that the payment server 100 can access via the network. The storage unit 170 stores information such as user information 172, content information 174, merchant / store information 176, history information 178, coupon information 180, and indicator information 182.

[0022] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for connecting to a network NW. The communication unit 110 is, for example, a network interface card.

[0023] The content provider unit 120, for example, has the functionality of a web server and provides information (content) for displaying various screens of the electronic payment service to the user terminal device 10. The content provider unit 120 reads the necessary content from the content information 174 as appropriate and provides it to the user terminal device 10. The user terminal device 10 accepts various inputs from the user while the content is being played by the payment application 20 and transmits the aforementioned payment information to the payment server 100. The above content may also be generated by the payment application 20. In this case, the content provider unit 120 provides the payment application 20 with the information necessary for generating the content.

[0024] The payment processing unit 130 performs payment processing based on payment information transmitted by the user terminal device 10 or the first store terminal device 50. The payment processing unit 130 performs payment processing while referring to the user information 172.

[0025] [User information] Figure 5 shows an example of the contents of User Information 172. User Information 172 is an example of user registration information. User Information 172 includes, for example, user URL, account ID, telephone number, password, as well as information such as email address, user ID, name, address, date of birth, registration date, charge balance, credit payment settings, credit payment limit, credit payment amount, available credit payment amount, payment method settings, bank account, credit card number, charge history information, and payment history information. The user URL is used for money transfer processing between users. When registering for a new electronic payment service, registration of a telephone number and password is mandatory. The account ID is issued to the user by the payment server 100, and the user ID is an ID that the user can set at will (or does not have to set). Similarly, the email address and name, address, and date of birth are also information that the user can set at will (or does not have to set). The registration date is the date the user registered for the electronic payment service (the date the account was created). Hereafter, the user instance (electronic payment account) to which this information is associated will be referred to as an account.

[0026] The charge balance is information indicating the balance of electronic money set by the user by sending money to their account in advance. Methods of sending money include sending from an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) of a designated provider (bank) and sending from a registered bank account. The credit payment setting indicates whether or not the user has completed the setup to enable electronic payments by credit card, and is set to either "Completed" or "Not Completed". The credit payment limit is the monthly limit for credit payments, the credit payment amount is the amount already used for credit payments in the current month, and the available credit payment amount is the amount available for credit payments in the current month, calculated by subtracting the credit payment amount from the credit payment limit. While the diagram shows only one credit payment limit, in reality there are also daily limits, and the lower of these may be set as the credit payment limit. The payment method setting indicates whether the user will use electronic payment with the charge balance or payment by credit card at that time. The bank account and credit card number, respectively, are information about the bank account or credit card number (account number, card number) to which funds can be deposited into the electronic payment service. Charge history information is a record of when a user has previously sent money to an electronic payment service to increase their balance. Payment history information shows the details of each payment made by the user (date and time, store ID of the store where the purchase was made, payment amount, payment method, etc.).

[0027] [Franchise / Store Information] Figure 6 shows an example of the contents of the merchant / store information 176. The merchant / store information 176 includes, for example, a first table 176A in which the merchant ID and store ID are associated with the store URL, a second table 176B in which the merchant name and sales amount (as described above) are associated with the merchant ID, and a third table 176C in which the store name is associated with the store ID. In addition to this information, the merchant / store information 176 may also include information such as the merchant or store category, the store's location, and payment patterns.

[0028] [Electronic payment] When the payment processing unit 130 obtains payment information from the user terminal device 10 or the first store terminal device 50, it refers to the user information 172 to obtain the user's "payment method setting". For users whose "payment method setting" is set to "charge balance", the payment processing unit 130 performs electronic payment as follows: For example, the payment processing unit 130 performs electronic payment by decreasing the charge balance, which is managed in association with the user ID, and increasing the value of the merchant's sales proceeds item. For example, the value of the merchant's sales proceeds item is not used as electronic money itself, but rather the amount corresponding to the value of the sales proceeds item is transferred to the bank account in a cycle according to the agreement between the merchant and the electronic payment service.

[0029] The payment processing unit 130 performs electronic payment as follows for users whose "settings information" is set to "credit payment". Credit payment is a payment method that is carried out in cooperation with a credit card company, which is a separate entity from the operator of the electronic payment service. The operator of the electronic payment service acts as the donor and allows electronic payment that does not depend on the charge balance within the credit payment limit. In order to use the credit payment service, it may be required to obtain a credit card provided by the operator of the electronic payment service. The amount used by credit payment is settled in a lump sum for the month on the payment date of the following month, for example, by withdrawal from a bank account. In this case, the payment processing unit 130 performs a provisional settlement by adding the settlement amount to the amount used by credit payment and subtracting the same amount from the available credit payment limit. When the closing date arrives, it processes the payment for the current month to be withdrawn on the payment date of the following month as described above, or requests the credit card company operator to perform the said process. If the settlement amount exceeds the available credit payment limit at the time of provisional settlement, an error notification is sent back to the payment application 20.

[0030] The Information Management Unit 140 acquires information provided by other server devices and terminal devices. Based on the information acquired from the user terminal device 10 and the second store terminal device 70, the Information Management Unit 140 manages user information 172 and affiliated store / store information 176. The Information Management Unit 140 performs operations such as adding, editing, and deleting new records for user information 172 and affiliated store / store information 176.

[0031] [History Information] Figure 7 shows an example of the contents of the history information 178. The history information 178 is, for example, information on the history of electronic payments for each merchant. For example, it is information associated with the merchant's payment ID, payment amount, information on applied coupons (if applicable), the content of the coupon benefits, and the coupon ID (not shown). The payment server 100 can derive various indicators, which will be described later, by referring to the history information 178, coupon information 180, etc.

[0032] [Coupon Information] Figure 8 shows an example of the contents of coupon information 180. Coupon information 180 is a collection of information such as coupon ID, merchant ID, benefit details, usage conditions, expiration date, maximum number of uses, and maximum grant limit. The benefit details indicate the content of the benefit provided by the coupon corresponding to the coupon ID. For example, in the case of coupon ID "0001", users can receive a 10% rebate on the payment amount by using the coupon. The usage conditions indicate the conditions under which the coupon can be used at the time of payment. For example, in the case of coupon ID "0001", users can use the coupon for payments of 500 yen or more.

[0033] The availability period indicates the period during which the coupon can be used. The maximum number of uses indicates the maximum number of times a user can receive rewards by using the coupon during the availability period. The reward limit is the maximum amount of rewards a user can receive by using the coupon during the availability period. For example, for coupon ID "0001", the maximum reward a user can receive is 500 points.

[0034] Figure 8 shows an example where each coupon is issued for each participating store ID (each participating store), but this embodiment is not limited to such a configuration, and each coupon may be issued for each participating store's store ID (each store).

[0035] [Processing related to evaluation metrics] The processing unit 150 executes some or all of the processes (1) to (3) described below, for example, using the following information and indicators.

[0036] Figure 9 shows the target information used for processing obtained from historical information 178. The target information includes TGMV (Total Gross Merchandise Value), CGMV (Coupon Gross Merchandise Value), and TAM (Total Addressable Market).

[0037] [TGMV] TGMV represents the total settlement amount at the participating merchants over a specified period. The total settlement amount is the transaction amount for electronic payments using the electronic payment service.

[0038] [CGMV] CGMV represents the transaction amount of electronic payments made using electronic payment services where coupons from eligible merchants were used, out of the total payment amount mentioned above.

[0039] For example, let's say a target merchant A has a specified period from January 1st to January 31st. If the merchant makes 1 million yen worth of electronic payments using the electronic payment service during this specified period, then 1 million yen is "TGMV". If a coupon is applied to 200,000 yen of that electronic payment, then 200,000 yen is "CGMV". The specified period is, for example, the coupon's validity period. The specified period may include the coupon's validity period, or it may include a portion of the validity period.

[0040] TAM is the total payment amount assuming that coupons are applied to all electronic payments within TGMV that meet the coupon usage conditions (application conditions). For example, it is the total payment amount assuming that all users who made electronic payments at a participating store obtained coupons and used them. If multiple coupons are issued and available at a participating store, it is assumed that the coupon with the highest priority (e.g., the coupon with the highest reward rate) will be applied. In addition, if multiple coupons are issued, it may be assumed that some or all of the coupons will be applied (can be used in combination).

[0041] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationships between each indicator and the indicators derived from each indicator. TAM is less than or equal to TGMV. CGMV is less than or equal to TAM and is either "0" or greater than "0".

[0042] [CUI (First Evaluation Metric)] (1) The processing unit 150 performs calculations using the TGMV (first payment amount) of electronic payments of the electronic payment service at the merchant for a predetermined period (for example, the period during which the coupon is valid) and the TAM (second payment amount) of electronic payments from the TGMV (first payment amount) that are assumed to meet the application conditions for the coupon, in order to derive the CUI (Captured Usability Index: first evaluation index), which is an evaluation index for the coupon and indicates the ease of use of the benefit. The CUI is an index that is less than or equal to "1" and greater than or equal to "0".

[0043] The processing unit 150 calculates the CUI, for example, by dividing TAM by TGMV. The processing unit 150 may also calculate the CUI by applying a predetermined value to the divided value, or it may calculate the CUI by performing other operations using TAM and TGMV.

[0044] The processing unit 150, for example, causes the CUI to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device related to the merchant. The terminal device related to the merchant is, for example, the second store terminal device 70 or the administrator terminal device 200. The administrator terminal device 200 is a terminal device used by, for example, the administrator of the electronic payment service or a support person (e.g., a sales representative) who supports the merchant.

[0045] As described above, by referring to the CUI, it is possible to easily recognize how easy a coupon is to use. For example, if the CUI is high, it can be recognized that the merchant has created a coupon that is easy for users to use, and if the CUI is low, it can be recognized that the merchant has created a coupon that is difficult for users to use.

[0046] [CAM (Second Evaluation Metric)] (2) The processing unit 150 performs calculations using the TGMV (first payment amount) of electronic payments of the electronic payment service at the affiliated store during a predetermined period (for example, the period during which the coupon is valid), the TAM (second payment amount) of electronic payments that are expected to meet the conditions for applying the benefit, and the CGMV (third payment amount) of electronic payments for which the benefit was actually used, to derive CAM (Captured Addressable Market: second evaluation index), which is an evaluation index for the benefit and indicates the benefit utilization rate. CAM is an index that is less than or equal to "1" and greater than or equal to "0". In other words, CAM is an index that indicates the capture rate.

[0047] The processing unit 150 calculates CAM by, for example, dividing CGMV by TAM. The processing unit 150 may also calculate CAM by applying a predetermined value to the divided value, or it may calculate CAM by performing other calculations using CGMV and TAM.

[0048] The processing unit 150, for example, causes the CAM to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device relating to the affiliated store.

[0049] As described above, by referring to the CAM (Customer Acquisition Rating), it is possible to easily recognize the coupon's usage rate. For example, if the CAM is high, it can be recognized that the merchant is creating coupons with a high usage rate, and if the CAM is low, it can be recognized that the merchant is creating coupons with a low usage rate.

[0050] [CAM×CUI (Integrated Evaluation Index)] Figure 11 illustrates the relationship between CGMV, TGMV, CAM, and CUI. The index obtained by dividing CGMV by TGMV is equal to the index obtained by multiplying CAM by CUI.

[0051] (3) The processing unit 150 performs calculations using the CUI (first evaluation indicator) and the CAM (second evaluation indicator) to derive an integrated evaluation indicator for the benefits, which is an evaluation indicator for the benefits. The processing unit 150 displays the integrated evaluation indicator on the display unit of the terminal device related to the member store.

[0052] As described above, by referring to the integrated evaluation metrics, it is easy to recognize whether a coupon is a highly-rated coupon or not. For example, if the integrated evaluation metrics are high, it can be recognized that the merchant is creating a highly-rated coupon, and if the integrated evaluation metrics are low, it can be recognized that the merchant is creating a low-rated coupon.

[0053] As described above, the processing unit 150 derives each indicator for each member store at predetermined timings and generates indicator information 182 by aggregating the results derived. Figure 12 shows an example of the contents of the indicator information 182. For example, the indicator information 182 includes TGMV, TAM, CGMV, CAM, CUI, and CUI×CAM for each member store over a predetermined period.

[0054] The processing unit 150 uses the above-mentioned indicator information 182 to provide various information to the terminal device related to the member store. The information provided to the terminal device related to the member store will be described below.

[0055] The processing unit 150 may display either or both of the TGMV and CGMV in addition to the indicator (evaluation indicator) on the display unit. The processing unit 150 may also display the indicator (evaluation indicator) for a predetermined or set period in chronological order on the display unit.

[0056] [Provided information (1)] Figure 13 shows the provided information (1). The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the indicator (level of evaluation), and the horizontal axis represents time. Provided information (1) shows the monthly trends of CUI and CAM. By referring to provided information (1), viewers can easily check the evaluation of the coupons they have created. For example, by referring to the coupons they have created and checking the magnitude of CUI and CAM, viewers can easily recognize which coupons have high utilization rates and which coupons are easy to use. Furthermore, viewers can easily recognize coupons that have high utilization rates but are difficult to use, and coupons that are easy to use but have low utilization rates. Provided information (1) may include one or more of the following: TGMV, CGMV, TAM, and CUI×CAM, or one of CUI or CAM may be omitted.

[0057] [Provided information (2)] Figure 14 shows the provided information (2). The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the indicator (level of evaluation), and the horizontal axis represents time. Provided information (2) shows the monthly trends of the percentage of TAM in TGMV and the percentage of CGMV in TGMV. By referring to provided information (2), viewers can confirm the correlation between the percentage of TAM and the percentage of CGMV. In the example in Figure 14, there is a positive correlation between the percentage of TAM and the percentage of CGMV. Furthermore, by referring to provided information (1) and provided information (2), the relationship between CUI or CAM and TAM and CGMV can be confirmed. For example, by checking the trend of TAM and CGMV in months when CUI or CAM increased, it can be confirmed that the evaluation was high and that coupons were actually used and created. Note that provided information (2) may include one or more pieces of information from TGMV, CUI, CAM, and CUI × CAM, or one of TAM or CGMV may be omitted.

[0058] [Provided information (3)] Figure 15 shows the provided information (3). The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the indicator, and the horizontal axis represents time. Provided information (3) shows the changes in TGMV, CUI, CAM, and CUI×CAM over time. By referring to provided information (3), viewers can easily confirm whether TGMV increased as a result of creating coupons with high CUI, CAM, CUI×CAM, etc. (highly rated coupons). For example, it is easy to evaluate whether the coupons contributed to sales. Note that provided information (3) may include other indicators (TAM, CGMV) as mentioned above, or some indicators may be omitted. The same applies to subsequent provided information.

[0059] [Provided information (4)] Figure 16 shows the provided information (4). The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the indicator, and the horizontal axis represents time. Provided information (4) shows the time series of TGMV, CGMV, and the percentage of CGMV within TGMV. By referring to provided information (4), viewers can easily recognize changes in the degree of coupon usage and the correlation between the degree of coupon usage and the payment amount. Depending on the time of year and season, for example, if the payment amount increases when the degree of coupon usage increases, it can be inferred that the created coupons contributed to the increase in the payment amount.

[0060] [Provided information (5)] Figure 17 shows the provided information (5). The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the indicator, and the horizontal axis represents time. Provided information (5) shows the monthly CGMV for the target year, the monthly CGMV for the previous year, and the percentage increase or decrease (%) of the previous year's CGMV compared to the target year's CGMV for each month. By referring to these indicators, the effectiveness of the coupons for the target year and the coupons for the previous year can be easily verified. For example, if the CGMV for the target year has increased compared to the CGMV for the previous year, it can be inferred that the coupons created in the target year were favorable to users.

[0061] [Provided information (6)] Figure 18 shows the provided information (6). The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the indicator, and the horizontal axis represents time. Provided information (6) shows the monthly TAM for the target year, the monthly TAM for the previous year, and the percentage increase or decrease (%) of the previous year's TAM relative to the target year's TAM for each month. By referring to these indicators, it is easy to recognize the ease of application of coupons created in the target year and the ease of application of coupons created in the previous year.

[0062] Furthermore, by referring to Figure 17 and other figures mentioned above, it is easy to recognize whether the coupons are being used appropriately. For example, if the Total Ample Money (TAM) for a given month in the target year in Figure 18 shows an upward trend compared to the TAM for a given month in the previous year, and if the CGMV for a given month in the target year in Figure 17 also shows an upward trend compared to the CGMV for a given month in the previous year, then it can be confirmed that the coupons are functioning appropriately.

[0063] As described above, merchants and administrators can easily understand coupon usage rates, ease of use, and transaction amounts using coupons by referring to some or all of the information provided. Furthermore, merchants and administrators can compare and verify coupon-related metrics with trends from the previous year and the current year. By referring to each of the above metrics, merchants and administrators can consider strategies such as coupon creation and issuance.

[0064] [Selection by the merchant or administrator] The processing unit 150 may display the indicator selected (or requested) by the merchant or administrator on the display unit. Figure 19 shows the interface screen IF1 displayed on the display unit. The interface screen IF1 includes buttons for selecting indicators such as CAM, CUI, CAM×CUI, TAM, CGMV, and TGMV. In addition, it may include buttons for selecting periods, yearly, monthly, daily, etc. The processing unit 150 acquires the indicators, periods, and display methods (such as monthly) corresponding to the buttons selected by the merchant or administrator, and displays the acquired indicators on the display unit.

[0065] As described above, the processing unit 150 can display the indicator selected by the merchant or administrator on the display unit. This allows the merchant or administrator to easily view the desired indicator.

[0066] Furthermore, when viewed by an administrator, the information of desired member stores may be displayed on the display unit. The desired member stores may be all member stores or member stores in a specified region. The specified member stores may be member stores in a specified industry or member stores of a specified brand.

[0067] [Providing metrics in response to changes] The processing unit 150 may display information indicating the degree of improvement in an indicator that changes in response to changes in the items included in the application conditions (such as payment amount, available period, maximum number of uses, and maximum grant limit), or the changed indicator, on the display unit.

[0068] For example, if a merchant changes the maximum number of times a coupon can be used when creating a coupon, the processing unit 150 may display information on the display unit indicating that the 10% CUI has improved and the information of the improved CUI.

[0069] For example, when a merchant creates a coupon and changes the maximum number of uses for the coupon, the processing unit 150 may display on the display unit that the CAM has improved by 10% and the information of the improved CAM. The CGMV is used to derive the CAM, but for example, an index is determined for each type of coupon being created, and the CGMV is obtained by multiplying this index by the past TGMV. The index may differ depending on the industry and size (number of stores). The CGMV may also be determined based on coupons previously created by the merchant and their corresponding CGMVs. For example, if the merchant has previously created a coupon with the same or similar content (benefits, usage conditions, maximum number of uses, grant limit, etc.) as the coupon being created, the CGMV of the previously created coupon may be used. The CGMV of previously created coupons may be the CGMV of coupons created by other merchants, or a CGMV corresponding to a pre-set coupon type (type of coupon being created).

[0070] [Statistical processing] The processing unit 150 statistically processes each of the above-mentioned indicators based on predetermined criteria and provides the information of the statistical processing results to the franchisee or administrator. For example, as shown in Figure 20 described later, each indicator may be derived for each number of franchisee stores, or each indicator may be derived for each category of franchisee. For example, indicators may be derived for franchisees with sales within the same sales range.

[0071] Figure 20 shows an example of various indicators for each number of stores of a franchisee. For example, franchisees are categorized into online stores and by the number of stores, such as "1", "2", "3-5", ... "501-1000", and "1000 or more". Each indicator is derived for each franchisee categorized by the number of stores, and further indicators are derived by statistically processing these indicators. For example, predetermined indicators such as the median of CAM, the median of CUI, and the median of CAM × CUI are derived for each categorized franchisee. In addition to the median, the mean or other indicators may also be calculated.

[0072] [Suggestions regarding coupons] The processing unit 150 may evaluate the coupon. The processing unit 150 may determine whether the coupon meets the criteria. If the indicator (evaluation indicator) does not meet the criteria indicator, the processing unit 150 notifies the merchant's terminal device of a suggestion to make the indicator meet the criteria indicator, based on suggestion information including pre-set suggestions. The criteria indicator is an indicator set based on one or more of the following payment histories: the payment history of merchants in the same industry as the merchant; the payment history of merchants with the same number of stores as the merchant; and the payment history of merchants with the same sales range as the merchant's sales.

[0073] The processing unit 150 may make suggestions regarding the coupon to improve the coupon-related metrics. For example, if the coupon does not meet the criteria as described below, the processing unit 150 may make suggestions.

[0074] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing performed by the processing unit 150. For example, a user creates a coupon by inputting various conditions related to the coupon using the merchant interface 72. The processing unit 150 retrieves the conditions of the created coupon (S100).

[0075] The processing unit 150 performs a simulation using past payment history to determine the CUI, CAM, and CUI×CAM (S102, S104). The processing unit 150 then determines the CUI, CAM, and CUI×CAM that are to be created in this instance.

[0076] For example, processing unit 150 calculates the CUI using past TGMVs and the TAM of the current coupon corresponding to the past TGMVs. Past TGMVs may belong to the target merchant or to a merchant similar to the target merchant. Similar merchants are determined based on predetermined criteria such as industry, category, sales trends, and size.

[0077] For example, the processing unit 150 calculates the CAM using the TAM corresponding to past TGMVs (TAM for the current coupon) and the CGMV corresponding to the coupon. The CGMV corresponding to the coupon is calculated, for example, as follows. The processing unit 150 determines which of the multiple coupons (comparison coupons) with different pre-prepared contents (benefit details, usage conditions, maximum number of uses, grant limit, etc.) the target coupon corresponds to or is similar to. For example, the processing unit 150 compares the contents of the target coupon with pre-set criteria and identifies the comparison coupon corresponding to the target coupon based on the comparison result. For example, coupons with similar contents are identified. The processing unit 150 identifies the indicators of the identified comparison coupons by referring to pre-prepared indicator information. Indicator information is information to which indicators are pre-associated for each comparison coupon. Indicator information may be prepared, for example, for each type of merchant, category, or store size, and indicator information for similar stores may be used. The processing unit 150 calculates the CGMV of the target coupon based on the identified indicators and the TAM. For example, if the index is 0.5, then CGMV is 0.5 × TAM.

[0078] Furthermore, if a participating store has previously created a designated coupon and attempts to create the same or similar coupon, the processing unit 150 derives CUI, CAM, and CUI×CAM using the previously created coupon and the history information 178 at that time. If the derived indicators are below a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 150 may notify the participating store or administrator that the indicators are low and suggest improvements.

[0079] The processing unit 150 calculates CUI×CAM using the CAM and CUI obtained as described above. Note that the above derivation methods for CAM, CUI, and CUI×CAM are just examples, and each value may be obtained by other derivation methods.

[0080] Next, the processing unit 150 compares each of the above CAM, CUI, and CUI×CAM with a reference value (S106). The reference value is a pre-set value. The reference value may be determined for each type, category, and size (e.g., number of stores) of the affiliated store. The reference value may be obtained, for example, by statistically processing the CAM, CUI, and CUI×CAM of coupons created so far. For example, it may be the average or median of the CAM, CUI, and CUI×CAM of coupons created so far. The reference value may be obtained, for example, based on the CAM, CUI, and CUI×CAM of coupons created so far that have increased the affiliated store's sales by a predetermined degree or more. For example, it may be the average or median of the CAM, CUI, and CUI×CAM of coupons that have increased the affiliated store's sales by a predetermined degree or more, or it may be a value determined based on the average or median.

[0081] Next, the processing unit 150 makes a proposal to the merchant based on the comparison results in S106 (S108). For example, if CAM is below a certain threshold, the processing unit 150 notifies the merchant that the coupon usage rate may be low and proposes measures to improve the usage rate. Measures to improve the usage rate include, for example, increasing publicity, improving the value of the coupon for users (improving the benefits, relaxing the conditions for granting coupons, relaxing the maximum number of uses, etc.), and making it easier to obtain coupons. In this way, the processing unit 150 makes a proposal regarding benefits if CAM (second evaluation indicator) does not meet the threshold indicator. The interface screen IF1 in Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of an interface screen provided to the merchant.

[0082] For example, if the CIU (Customer Use Unit) is below a certain threshold, the processing unit 150 will notify the merchant that the coupon is difficult to use and propose measures to make the coupon easier to use. Measures to make the coupon easier to use include, for example, relaxing the conditions for using the coupon or providing consulting to sales representatives. In this way, if the CUI (First Evaluation Indicator) does not meet the threshold, the processing unit 150 will propose relaxing the conditions for applying the benefit. The application conditions include the payment amount, the period of use, the maximum number of uses, and the maximum amount granted. Figure 23 shows an example of an interface screen IF2 provided to the merchant.

[0083] For example, if the CIU×CAM is below a certain threshold, the processing unit 150 will notify the merchant that the coupon is poorly rated and propose measures to improve the coupon's rating. Measures to improve the coupon's rating include measures to increase the usage rate as described above, and measures to make the coupon easier to use. In this way, if the CIU×CAM (integrated evaluation index) does not meet the threshold, the processing unit 150 will propose either relaxing the conditions for applying the benefit or making an announcement regarding the benefit, or both.

[0084] As described above, the payment server 100 can improve convenience for merchants by comparing the coupon's CUI, CAM, and CUI×CAM with benchmark values ​​and providing merchants with information based on the comparison results. Furthermore, by referring to the above information, merchants can offer more attractive coupons to users, thereby improving user convenience.

[0085] For example, this embodiment provides coupon-related indicators (CUI, CAM) from a novel perspective. These indicators allow for accurate evaluation of coupons, taking into account constraints and attractiveness, and reflecting their ease of acquisition and use.

[0086] According to the embodiment described above, the payment server 100 performs calculations using the first payment amount of electronic payments for the electronic payment service at the merchant over a predetermined period and the second payment amount of electronic payments from the first payment amount that are expected to meet the application conditions for the target benefit, thereby deriving a first evaluation index that indicates the ease of use of the benefit, which is an evaluation index for the benefit. By displaying the first evaluation index on the display unit of the terminal device related to the merchant, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0087] Although embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above using examples, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10. User terminal device 20 Payment Apps 50. First store terminal device 100 Payment Servers 120 Content Provision Department 130 Payment Processing Unit 140 Information Management Department 150 Processing Unit 178 History Information 180 Coupon Information 182 Indicator information

Claims

1. The first payment amount of electronic payments made using the electronic payment service at a participating merchant during a specified period, An acquisition unit that acquires the second payment amount of the electronic payment that is expected to satisfy the application conditions for the target benefit from the first payment amount, Using the first payment amount and the second payment amount, a calculation is performed to derive a first evaluation index that indicates the ease of use of the benefit, which is an evaluation index for the benefit. A processing unit that causes the first evaluation indicator to be displayed on the display unit of a terminal device relating to a member store, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The second transaction amount of electronic payments that is expected to meet the eligibility requirements for the applicable benefits, out of the first transaction amount of electronic payments using the electronic payment service at the participating store during a specified period, An acquisition unit that acquires the third payment amount from the first payment amount in which the benefit was actually used, Using the second and third settlement amounts, a calculation is performed to derive a second evaluation index that indicates the utilization rate of the benefit, which is an evaluation index for the benefit. A processing unit that causes the second evaluation indicator to be displayed on the display unit of a terminal device relating to a member store, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

3. The first payment amount of electronic payments made using the electronic payment service at a participating merchant during a specified period, The second payment amount of the electronic payment that is expected to meet the eligibility requirements for the applicable benefit from the first payment amount, An acquisition unit that acquires the third payment amount from the first payment amount in which the benefit was actually used, A calculation is performed using the first payment amount and the second payment amount to derive a first evaluation index indicating the ease of using the benefits. A second evaluation index indicating the utilization rate of the aforementioned benefit is derived by performing calculations using the second payment amount and the third payment amount. By performing calculations using the first evaluation index and the second evaluation index, an integrated evaluation index for the benefit, which is an evaluation index for the benefit, is derived. A processing unit that causes the aforementioned integrated evaluation indicator to be displayed on the display unit of a terminal device relating to a member store, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

4. The processing unit causes the requested evaluation indicator from among the first evaluation indicator, the second evaluation indicator, and the integrated evaluation indicator to be displayed on the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The processing unit displays, in addition to the evaluation index, the first settlement amount and the third settlement amount from which the benefit was actually used, or both, on the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The processing unit causes the evaluation indicators for a predetermined or set period to be displayed on the display unit in chronological order. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned processing unit, If the evaluation indicator does not meet the standard indicator, the terminal device is notified of a proposal to make the evaluation indicator meet the standard indicator, based on proposal information including pre-set proposals. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The aforementioned standard indicators are, The payment history of merchants in the same industry as the aforementioned merchant, The payment history of the same number of affiliated stores as the number of stores mentioned above, This is an index set based on one or more transaction histories from merchants with the same sales range as the aforementioned merchant, The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The processing unit proposes to relax the conditions for applying the benefit if the first evaluation indicator does not meet the standard indicator. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned application conditions include the payment amount, the period of availability, the maximum number of uses, and the maximum amount granted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The processing unit causes the display unit to display information indicating the degree of improvement of the first evaluation index, which changes in accordance with the changes in the content of the items included in the application conditions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The processing unit proposes to issue a notification regarding the benefits if the second evaluation indicator does not meet the standard indicator. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

13. The processing unit proposes that if the integrated evaluation indicator does not meet the standard indicator, it will either relax the conditions for applying the benefit or provide notification regarding the benefit, or both. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

14. Computers The first payment amount of electronic payments made using the electronic payment service at a participating merchant during a specified period, The second payment amount of the electronic payment that is expected to meet the eligibility requirements for the applicable benefit from the first payment amount is obtained, Using the first payment amount and the second payment amount, a calculation is performed to derive a first evaluation index that indicates the ease of use of the benefit, which is an evaluation index for the benefit. The first evaluation indicator is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device relating to the member store. Information processing methods.

15. On the computer, The first payment amount of electronic payments made using the electronic payment service at a participating merchant during a specified period, The second payment amount of the electronic payment that is expected to meet the eligibility requirements for the target benefit from the first payment amount is obtained, A calculation process is performed using the first payment amount and the second payment amount to derive a first evaluation index that indicates the ease of use of the benefit, which is an evaluation index for the benefit. The first evaluation indicator is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device relating to the member store. program.

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