Server device and program

Abstract

To provide a server device and a program capable of promoting provision of information according to a user.SOLUTION: A server device comprises: first reception means which receives settlement identification information for identifying a settlement method chosen by a settlement terminal, portable identification information for identifying each portable terminal included in a radio wave transmitted from one or the plurality of portable terminals located in a predetermined distance from the settlement terminal, and strength information indicating radio wave strength of the radio wave received by the settlement terminal, from the settlement terminal; association means which associates the portable identification information related to the strength information having the strongest radio wave strength received by the first reception means with the settlement identification information; storage control means which makes a storage unit store settlement recording information which associates the settlement identification information with the portable identification information; estimation means which estimates the settlement method used for each portable terminal, on the basis of the plurality of pieces of settlement recording information stored in the storage unit; and transmission means which transmits the settlement method estimated by the estimation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a server device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in stores such as supermarkets, users such as customers visiting the store are required to install a dedicated application on their mobile devices, and information tailored to the user is transmitted to the mobile device and displayed thereon.

[0003] However, users who are highly conscious about protecting their personal information are reluctant to install dedicated applications on their mobile devices, which has made it difficult for services that provide information tailored to users from stores and the like to become widespread. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a server device and a program capable of promoting the provision of information tailored to a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The server device of the embodiment includes a first receiving means for receiving from the payment terminal payment identification information for identifying the payment method used by the payment terminal, mobile identification information for identifying each of the mobile terminals contained in radio waves transmitted from one or more mobile terminals located within a predetermined distance from the payment terminal, and strength information indicating the radio wave strength of the radio waves received by the payment terminal, an associating means for associating the mobile identification information related to the strength information with the strongest radio wave strength received by the first receiving means with the payment identification information, a memory control means for storing payment record information associating the payment identification information with the mobile identification information in a memory unit, an estimation means for estimating the payment method used for each mobile terminal based on the multiple payment record information stored in the memory unit, and a transmission means for transmitting the payment method estimated by the estimation means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a notification system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the distance to the beacon and the strength of the radio waves from the beacon. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a signage terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the payment terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of each device in the notification system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the guide screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the proposal screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a recording process executed by the payment terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the estimation process executed by the management server of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a server device and a program will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of a server device and a program, and the configuration, functions, etc. thereof do not limit the invention.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a notification system 1 according to the present embodiment. The notification system 1 is a system that notifies customers of a payment method that is likely to be used by them in a store such as a retail store. The notification system 1 includes a management server 10 (an example of a server device), a registration device 20, a signage terminal 30, and a payment terminal 40. The management server 10 is placed in a management area (e.g., a backyard of a store) where an administrator of the notification system 1 is stationed. The registration device 20, the signage terminal 30, and the payment terminal 40 are placed in the store. In the store, the payment terminals 40 are provided for each payment method. A payment method is a method of making a payment by specifying a type of payment, and examples of such methods include a cash payment method, a credit card payment method, and a contactless payment method.

[0009] Furthermore, the management server 10, the registration device 20, the signage terminal 30, and the payment terminal 40 are connected to each other via wired or wireless communication. The configuration of the notification system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an example, and the notification system 1 may include any number of each device. The signage terminal 30 and the payment terminal 40 can be connected to a mobile terminal 50 carried by a customer via short-range wireless communication to send and receive data and information.

[0010] The mobile terminal 50 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The mobile terminal 50 transmits mobile identification information for identifying the mobile terminal 50 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The mobile identification information of the mobile terminal 50 is, for example, a public address of a Bluetooth (registered trademark) device address or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) MAC (Media Access Control) address. For example, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a beacon (radio wave) including the mobile identification information.

[0011] The output value of the beacon transmitted by the mobile terminal 50 is set to a predetermined value (for example, 25 mW) by the standard. Therefore, the transmitted beacon can reach up to about 5 m square from the mobile terminal 50, but the radio waves weaken and cannot reach any farther away.

[0012] The registration device 20 is a device that executes a product registration process to register products for sale that are sold in a store. For example, the registration device 20 is a device such as a POS (Point of Sales) terminal. The registration device 20 transmits product registration information indicating the products registered by the product registration process.

[0013] The signage terminal 30 is a display device that displays various information to customers. The signage terminal 30 is an example of a first device. When the mobile terminal 50 enters a receivable range where communication is possible by short-distance wireless communication, the signage terminal 30 receives mobile identification information from the mobile terminal 50. For example, the receivable range is a range of 5 meters from the signage terminal 30. The receivable range may be changed arbitrarily.

[0014] The signage terminal 30 identifies the customer viewing the signage terminal 30 based on the mobile identification information received from the mobile terminal 50. Here, in the store shown in Fig. 1, a payment terminal 40 is provided for each payment method. Therefore, the signage terminal 30 displays a screen that guides the customer to the payment terminal 40 corresponding to the payment method that is estimated to be used by the customer.

[0015] The payment terminal 40 is an accounting device that executes a payment process to pay for the product specified by the product registration process. The payment terminal 40 is an example of a second device. That is, the payment terminal 40 executes a payment process based on the product registration information that the registration device 20 has performed the product registration process for. For example, the payment terminal 40 is a device such as a POS terminal. In addition, when the mobile terminal 50 enters a receivable range where communication is possible by short-range wireless communication, the payment terminal 40 receives a beacon (radio wave) including mobile identification information from the mobile terminal 50. For example, the receivable range of the beacon is, for example, a range of 5 meters from the payment terminal 40, as with the signage terminal 30, because the output value of the beacon is specified. The closer the distance between the payment terminal 40 and the mobile terminal 50, the stronger the radio wave strength of the beacon received by the payment terminal 40. The farther the distance between the payment terminal 40 and the mobile terminal 50, the weaker the radio wave strength of the beacon received by the payment terminal 40.

[0016] 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the radio wave strength of a beacon that payment terminal 40 receives from mobile terminal 50 and the distance between payment terminal 40 and mobile terminal 50. When the distance between payment terminal 40 and mobile terminal 50 is shorter than 1 meter (for example, 3 cm to several tens of cm), payment terminal 40 receives the beacon with a relatively high radio wave strength. However, when the distance between payment terminal 40 and mobile terminal 50 becomes about 1 meter or more, the radio wave strength of the beacon received by payment terminal 40 rapidly weakens. This indicates that when mobile terminal 50 becomes more than several tens of cm away from payment terminal 40, the radio wave strength of the beacon reaching payment terminal 40 rapidly weakens.

[0017] For example, when the mobile terminal 50 is held up to a predetermined location of the payment terminal 40, the payment terminal 40 receives a beacon with strong radio wave strength because the distance between the payment terminal 40 and the mobile terminal 50 is within tens of centimeters, but the mobile terminal 50 carried by a person passing near the payment terminal 40 is not within tens of centimeters, so the payment terminal 40 does not receive a beacon with strong radio wave strength. That is, the radio wave strength of the beacon received by the payment terminal 40 from the mobile terminal 50 of the customer who has made a payment at the payment terminal 40 is stronger than the radio wave strength of the beacon received from the mobile terminal 50 carried by another customer located within 5 meters. That is, the radio wave strength of the beacon received from the mobile terminal 50 of the customer who has made a payment at the payment terminal 40 is the strongest. Note that the customer who makes the payment is located closest to the payment terminal 40, so even if the customer does not hold up the mobile terminal 50, the payment terminal 40 receives a beacon with the strongest radio wave strength from the mobile terminal 50 carried by the customer who made the payment. The payment terminal 40 transmits payment identification information indicating the payment method processed by the payment terminal 40, as well as mobile identification information of the mobile terminal 50 carried by the customer who made the payment and strength information indicating the radio wave strength.

[0018] The receivable ranges of payment terminal 40 and signage terminal 30 may be different in size. The receivable ranges may be changed arbitrarily.

[0019] The payment terminal 40 identifies the customer who is using the payment terminal 40 based on the mobile identification information included in the received beacon. The payment terminal 40 also displays the payment methods that are presumed to be used by the customer. The customer then selects the desired payment method from the displayed payment methods.

[0020] When a payment process for a product is executed using the selected payment method, the payment terminal 40 transmits to the management server 10 payment identification information for identifying the payment method, mobile identification information, and strength information (e.g., information that numerically represents the strength of the received radio wave) that indicates the radio wave strength of the received beacon related to the mobile identification information. Here, when there are multiple customers around the payment terminal 40 at the time of payment, that is, when multiple mobile terminals 50 are present within the receivable range of the payment terminal 40, the payment terminal 40 receives mobile identification information from each of the multiple mobile terminals 50. In this case, the payment terminal 40 transmits to the management server 10 the payment identification information, the multiple mobile identification information, and strength information related to each mobile identification information. In other words, when the payment process is executed, the payment terminal 40 transmits the mobile identification information and strength information of the mobile terminals 50 held by customers who are within the receivable range of the payment terminal 40, and the payment identification information indicating the payment method.

[0021] The management server 10 is a server device such as a personal computer or cloud computing. The management server 10 is not limited to a single server device, and may be configured with multiple server devices. When the management server 10 receives payment identification information, one or more pieces of mobile identification information, and strength information from the payment terminal 40, the management server 10 stores the payment identification information in association with one piece of mobile identification information having the strongest radio wave strength.

[0022] Furthermore, when management server 10 receives an estimation request requesting estimation of a payment method of a customer who has mobile terminal 50 identified by the mobile identification information, management server 10 estimates the customer's payment method based on the stored information. Then, management server 10 transmits the estimated payment method to signage terminal 30 and payment terminal 40. As a result, signage terminal 30 and payment terminal 40 display information related to the payment method estimated to be used by the customer.

[0023] Next, the hardware configuration of each device included in the notification system 1 will be described.

[0024] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the management server 10. The management server 10 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, a display unit 140, and an operation unit 150. These units are connected to each other via a system bus 160 such as a data bus or an address bus.

[0025] The control unit 110 is a computer that controls the overall operation of the management server 10 and realizes various functions of the management server 10. The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU controls the overall operation of the management server 10. The ROM is a storage medium that stores various programs and data. The RAM is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The CPU executes programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 120, etc., using the RAM as a work area.

[0026] The storage unit 120 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 120 stores a control program 121 and a payment record table 122. The payment record table 122 may be stored in another device, not limited to the management server 10.

[0027] The control program 121 is a program for implementing the functions of the operating system and the management server 10. The control program 121 includes a program for implementing the characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0028] The payment record table 122 is an information table that registers payment identification information indicating the payment method executed by the payment terminal 40 and information related to the mobile terminal 50 that was present around the payment terminal 40 at the time of the payment. More specifically, the payment record table 122 stores the payment identification information in association with one mobile identification information with the strongest radio wave strength.

[0029] The communication unit 130 is an interface that executes communication with an external device. For example, the communication unit 130 executes communication with the signage terminal 30 and the payment terminal 40.

[0030] The display unit 140 is a display device that displays various screens. For example, the display unit 140 is a liquid crystal display.

[0031] The operation unit 150 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse that accepts various operations.

[0032] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of signage terminal 30. Signage terminal 30 includes control unit 310, storage unit 320, communication unit 330, short-range wireless communication unit 340, display unit 350, and operation unit 360. These units are connected to each other via system bus 370 such as a data bus or address bus.

[0033] Control unit 310 is a computer that controls the overall operation of signage terminal 30 and realizes various functions of signage terminal 30. Control unit 310 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU comprehensively controls the operation of signage terminal 30. The ROM is a storage medium that stores various programs and data. The RAM is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The CPU uses the RAM as a work area to execute programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 320, etc.

[0034] Storage unit 320 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Storage unit 320 stores control program 321. Control program 321 is a program for implementing an operating system and functions of signage terminal 30. Control program 321 includes a program for implementing characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0035] The communication unit 330 is an interface that executes communication with an external device. For example, the communication unit 330 executes communication with the management server 10.

[0036] The short-range wireless communication unit 340 communicates with the mobile terminal 50 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 340 receives a beacon (radio wave) including mobile identification information from the mobile terminal 50.

[0037] The display unit 350 is a display device that displays various screens. For example, the display unit 350 is a liquid crystal display.

[0038] The operation unit 360 is an input device that accepts various operations. For example, the operation unit 360 is a touch pad or hardware buttons provided on the display unit 350.

[0039] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of payment terminal 40. Payment terminal 40 includes control unit 410, storage unit 420, communication unit 430, short-range wireless communication unit 440, display unit 450, operation unit 460, deposit / withdrawal unit 470, and printing unit 480. These units are connected to each other via system bus 490 such as a data bus or address bus.

[0040] The control unit 410 is a computer that controls the overall operation of the payment terminal 40 and realizes the various functions of the payment terminal 40. The control unit 410 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU controls the overall operation of the payment terminal 40. The ROM is a storage medium that stores various programs and data. The RAM is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The CPU executes programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 420, etc., using the RAM as a work area.

[0041] The storage unit 420 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 420 stores a control program 421. The control program 421 is a program for implementing an operating system and functions of the payment terminal 40. The control program 421 includes a program for implementing characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0042] The communication unit 430 is an interface that communicates with an external device. For example, the communication unit 430 communicates with the management server 10 and the registration device 20.

[0043] The short-range wireless communication unit 440 executes communication with the mobile terminal 50 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 440 receives a beacon (radio wave) including mobile identification information from the mobile terminal 50. The control unit 410 measures the radio wave intensity of the received beacon and generates intensity information indicating the radio wave intensity.

[0044] The display unit 450 is a display device that displays various screens. For example, the display unit 450 is a liquid crystal display.

[0045] The operation unit 460 is an input device that accepts various operations. For example, the operation unit 460 is a touch pad or hardware buttons provided on the display unit 450.

[0046] The deposit / withdrawal unit 470 is an automatic change machine that deposits and dispenses money when a settlement process is performed using the cash settlement method. The deposit / withdrawal unit 470 stores money, such as coins and bills, deposited through a deposit port in a storage unit. The deposit / withdrawal unit 470 also dispenses money, such as coins and bills, from the storage unit to a withdrawal port as change.

[0047] Printing unit 480 is a printer that prints various information, for example, printing unit 480 prints receipts.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of the functions of each device in the notification system 1. Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device in the notification system 1.

[0049] A CPU included in control unit 310 of signage terminal 30 loads control program 321 stored in storage unit 320 into RAM, and generates each functional unit in RAM by operating according to control program 321. Thus, control unit 310 of signage terminal 30 includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 3001, a short-range wireless communication control unit 3002, and a display control unit 3003.

[0050] The communication control unit 3001 controls the communication unit 330 to communicate with the management server 10. For example, the communication control unit 3001 transmits an estimation request to the management server 10 to request estimation of a payment method of a customer carrying a mobile terminal 50 identified by mobile identification information. The estimation request includes mobile identification information that identifies the mobile terminal 50 to be estimated. In addition, the communication control unit 3001 receives estimation result information indicating the payment method estimated by the estimation request from the management server 10 as a response to the estimation request.

[0051] The short-range wireless communication control unit 3002 controls the short-range wireless communication unit 340 to receive mobile identification information that specifies (identifies) the mobile terminal 50 from the mobile terminal 50. More specifically, when the mobile terminal 50 enters a receivable range where communication is possible by short-range wireless communication, the short-range wireless communication control unit 3002 receives the mobile identification information from the mobile terminal 50.

[0052] The display control unit 3003 controls the display unit 350 to display various screens. When the short-range wireless communication control unit 3002 receives mobile identification information, the display control unit 3003 causes the communication control unit 3001 to transmit an estimation request including the received mobile identification information. For example, the display control unit 3003 may cause the short-range wireless communication control unit 3002 to transmit an estimation request every time the short-range wireless communication control unit 3002 receives mobile identification information, may cause the communication control unit 3001 to transmit an estimation request every time a certain time has elapsed, may cause the operation unit 360 to receive an operation, or may cause the communication control unit 3001 to transmit an estimation request at other timings.

[0053] When the communication control unit 3001 receives the estimation result information, the display control unit 3003 displays the guide screen 2100 based on the estimation result information. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the guide screen 2100. The guide screen 2100 is a screen that guides to a place where the payment terminal 40 is installed according to the payment method. Here, the estimation result information includes one or more pieces of payment method information indicating the payment method estimated to be used. In addition, a probability value of use is set for each of the one or more pieces of payment method information. The display control unit 3003 displays the guide screen 2100 based on the probability value of the one or more pieces of payment method information included in the estimation result information. For example, the display control unit 3003 displays the payment method on the guide screen 2100 by adjusting the size according to the probability value of the estimated payment method. The guide screen 2100 shown in FIG. 7 shows a state in which the estimated probability value of the payment method A is 50 percent, the estimated probability value of the payment method B is 25 percent, and the estimated probability value of the payment method C is 25 percent. That is, the display control unit 3003 displays guidance to a payment terminal 40 suitable for payment method A in a large size, and displays guidance to payment terminals 40 suitable for payment method B and payment method C in a smaller size than the payment terminal 40 suitable for payment method A. Note that although the guidance screen 2100 shown in Fig. 7 displays three payment methods, the number of payment methods displayed on the guidance screen 2100 may be any number in ascending order of the estimated probability value of the payment method, and the number may also be changed.

[0054] The CPU of the control unit 410 of the payment terminal 40 loads the control program 421 stored in the storage unit 420 into the RAM, and generates each functional unit in the RAM by operating according to the control program 421. As a result, the control unit 410 of the payment terminal 40 has, as functional units, a communication control unit 4001, a short-range wireless communication control unit 4002, a display control unit 4003, a payment control unit 4004, and a payment method notification unit 4005.

[0055] The communication control unit 4001 controls the communication unit 430 to execute communication with the management server 10. For example, the communication control unit 4001 transmits an estimation request to the management server 10, requesting estimation of a payment method of a customer who has a mobile terminal 50 identified by the mobile identification information. In addition, the communication control unit 4001 receives, as a response to the estimation request, estimation result information having the payment method estimated by the estimation request from the management server 10.

[0056] Furthermore, when a payment is executed, the communication control unit 4001 transmits to the management server 10 payment identification information indicating the payment method (payment type) of the executed payment, one or more mobile identification information received at the time of the payment, and strength information indicating the received radio wave strength, together with a recording request requesting storage. Note that the communication control unit 4001 is not limited to a recording request associating the payment identification information with one or more mobile identification information, and the payment identification information, one or more mobile identification information, and strength information may be transmitted separately to the management server 10. In this case, by transmitting the time when the payment identification information was acquired and the time when the one or more mobile identification information and strength information were acquired, the management server 10 can associate the payment identification information with one or more mobile identification information and strength information.

[0057] The short-range wireless communication control unit 4002 controls the short-range wireless communication unit 440 to receive mobile identification information from the mobile terminal 50. More specifically, when the mobile terminal 50 enters a receivable range where communication is possible by short-range wireless communication, the short-range wireless communication control unit 4002 receives the mobile identification information from the mobile terminal 50. In addition, the short-range wireless communication control unit 4002 stores the received mobile identification information in the storage unit 420 or the like.

[0058] When the short-range wireless communication control unit 4002 receives mobile identification information, the communication control unit 4001 measures the radio wave strength of each received mobile identification information, generates strength information representing the radio wave strength, and associates it with each mobile identification information.

[0059] The display control unit 4003 controls the display unit 450 to display various screens. The display control unit 4003 also causes the communication control unit 4001 to transmit an estimation request including the received mobile identification information. For example, the display control unit 4003 may transmit an estimation request every time the short-range wireless communication control unit 4002 receives mobile identification information, may transmit an estimation request when the operation unit 460 accepts an operation, or may transmit an estimation request at other timings.

[0060] When the communication control unit 4001 receives the estimation result information, the display control unit 4003 displays a screen 2200 proposing a payment method based on the estimation result information. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the proposal screen 2200. The proposal screen 2200 is a screen that provides a payment method. The display control unit 4003 displays the proposal screen 2200 based on one or more payment methods and their respective probability values ​​included in the estimation result information. For example, the display control unit 4003 adjusts the size of the payment method in the proposal screen 2200 according to the probability value. The proposal screen 2200 shown in FIG. 8 shows a state in which the probability value of the payment method A is 50 percent, the probability value of the payment method B is 25 percent, and the probability value of the payment method C is 25 percent. That is, the display control unit 4003 displays the display of the payment method A large, and displays the payment method B and the payment method C smaller than the payment method A. Note that, although the proposal screen 2200 shown in FIG. 8 displays three payment methods, the number of payment methods displayed on the proposal screen 2200 may be changed arbitrarily.

[0061] The payment control unit 4004 executes a payment process for paying for the product registered in the registration device 20. More specifically, the payment control unit 4004 accepts an operation for acquiring product registration information indicating the product registered in the product registration process. For example, the payment control unit 4004 accepts an operation for inputting identification information indicating the product registration information. In addition, if the payment control unit 4004 has a reading device such as a scanner, the payment control unit 4004 may acquire the product registration information by reading a two-dimensional code issued by the registration device 20 and including the product registration information of the product registered. Then, the payment control unit 4004 executes a payment process for paying for the product included in the product registration information. For example, the payment control unit 4004 executes a payment process by the payment method selected on the proposal screen 2200.

[0062] When the payment control unit 4004 executes the payment process, the payment method notification unit 4005 causes the communication control unit 4001 to transmit a recording request. More specifically, when the payment control unit 4004 executes the payment process, the payment method notification unit 4005 specifies the mobile identification information received by the short-range wireless communication control unit 4002 at the time of the payment. Here, the time of payment at which the mobile identification information is specified is not limited to the same as the time of the payment, but may be within a predetermined time from the time of the payment. For example, the payment method notification unit 4005 may specify the mobile identification information included in the beacon received within a set time around the time of the payment as the mobile identification information received at the time of the payment. Then, the payment method notification unit 4005 causes the communication control unit 4001 to transmit a recording request including the payment identification information indicating the payment method of the payment executed by the payment control unit 4004, and one or more mobile identification information and strength information for each mobile identification information received by the short-range wireless communication control unit 4002 at the time of the payment.

[0063] The CPU of the control unit 110 of the management server 10 loads the control program 121 stored in the storage unit 120 into the RAM, and generates each functional unit in the RAM by operating according to the control program 121. As a result, the control unit 110 of the management server 10 includes a communication control unit 1001, a storage control unit 1002, and a payment method estimation unit 1003 as functional units.

[0064] The communication control unit 1001 controls the communication unit 130 to communicate with the signage terminal 30 and the payment terminal 40. The communication control unit 1001 receives an estimation request requesting an estimation of a payment method of a customer who has a mobile terminal 50 identified by the mobile identification information. The communication control unit 1001 is an example of a second receiving means. For example, the communication control unit 1001 receives the estimation request from the signage terminal 30 or the payment terminal 40.

[0065] Furthermore, when the communication control unit 1001 receives an estimation request, it transmits, as a response, estimation result information having an estimation result of a payment method estimated to be used by a customer having a mobile terminal 50 identified by the mobile identification information included in the estimation request. The communication control unit 1001 transmits the estimation result by the payment method estimation unit 1003. The communication control unit 1001 is an example of a transmitting means. For example, the communication control unit 1001 transmits the estimation result by the payment method estimation unit 1003 to the signage terminal 30 or the payment terminal 40.

[0066] The communication control unit 1001 also receives payment identification information for identifying a payment method, and mobile identification information and strength information for identifying the mobile terminal 50. The communication control unit 1001 is an example of a first receiving means. That is, the communication control unit 1001 receives a recording request from the payment terminal 40, including the payment identification information, one or more pieces of mobile identification information, and strength information for each piece of mobile identification information.

[0067] The storage control unit 1002 selects the mobile identification information included in the beacon with the strongest radio wave intensity based on the mobile identification information and strength information received as the recording request. The storage control unit 1002 associates the selected mobile identification information with the received payment identification information. That is, the storage control unit 1002 associates the payment identification information with the mobile identification information included in the beacon with the strongest radio wave intensity. The storage control unit 1002 is an example of an association means. The storage control unit 1002 stores the payment record information in which the payment identification information is associated with the mobile identification information in the storage unit 120. The storage control unit 1002 is an example of a storage control means. More specifically, when the communication control unit 1001 receives a recording request including the payment identification information and one or more mobile identification information, the storage control unit 1002 stores the payment record information in which the payment identification information included in the recording request is associated with the selected mobile identification information in the payment record table 122. Alternatively, when the memory control unit 1002 receives the payment identification information and one or more mobile identification information and strength information separately, it stores payment record information in the payment record table 122 that associates the payment identification information with one selected mobile identification information based on the payment identification information and the mobile identification information and strength information received within a set time centered on the payment time when the payment of the payment identification information was executed.

[0068] The payment method estimation unit 1003 estimates the payment method frequently used for each mobile terminal 50 and the probability of using the method, based on multiple pieces of payment record information stored in the memory unit 120. The payment method estimation unit 1003 is an example of an estimation means. In other words, the payment method estimation unit 1003 estimates the payment method used by the customer who owns the mobile terminal 50 that is the target of the estimation request received by the communication control unit 1001.

[0069] A customer often pays using a specific payment method desired by the customer. For example, a certain customer often pays using a desired credit card. For example, if the customer forgets his / her credit card, the customer pays using a different payment method. In this way, customers tend to pay using a specific payment method that is determined to a certain extent by the customer. In the case of the above customer, the proportion (or number of times) of payments using a credit card is greater than the proportion (or number of times) of payments using other media. Therefore, the payment record information that the storage control unit 1002 associates with the mobile identification information tends to be biased toward payment record information related to a specific payment method for each mobile identification information (i.e., for each customer). In other words, the mobile identification information stored in the payment record table 122 tends to be associated with the mobile identification information that specifies the payment method desired (usually used) by the customer. The payment method estimation unit 1003 utilizes such a tendency to estimate the payment method related to the customer.

[0070] The payment method estimation unit 1003 estimates the payment method based on the number of payment identification information associated with mobile identification information indicating the mobile terminal 50 that is the target of the estimation request, among the payment record information in the payment record table 122. That is, the payment method estimation unit 1003 estimates the payment method based on the proportion of payment identification information associated with the mobile identification information possessed by the estimation request, among the payment record information in the payment record table 122. In other words, the payment method estimation unit 1003 estimates that the greater the number (proportion) of payment identification information associated with the mobile identification information of a payment method, the more likely the payment method is to be executed by the mobile terminal 50 specified by the mobile identification information.

[0071] Specifically, when the payment method estimation unit 1003 receives an estimation request from the payment terminal 40 or the signage terminal 30, it searches for all payment identification information stored in association with the memory unit 120 (specifically, the payment record table 122) based on the mobile identification information included in the received estimation request, and estimates the payment identification information with the largest number of payment identification information associated with the mobile identification information (for example, the three most common types of payment identification information) as the payment method used by the customer identified by the mobile identification information.

[0072] When the payment method estimation unit 1003 estimates a payment method, it causes the communication control unit 1001 to transmit estimation result information including the estimated payment method. The estimation result information includes the percentage (probability value) of past payments made using each estimated payment method. The more payment identification information that is associated, the higher the probability value. Note that the estimation result information is not limited to probability values, and may include information indicating the top payment methods with a high probability of being used, or may be a ranking of payment methods according to the probability of being used, or may be other information.

[0073] Next, a description will be given of the storage process executed by the payment terminal 40. Here, Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the storage process executed by the payment terminal 40 of the embodiment.

[0074] The payment control unit 4004 determines whether or not the payment process has been executed (step S11).

[0075] If the payment process is not being executed (step S11; No), the payment control unit 4004 waits in step S11.

[0076] When it is determined that the payment process has been executed (step S11; Yes), the payment method notifying unit 4005 identifies all mobile identification information received during the payment process (step S12).

[0077] The payment method notification unit 4005 transmits a record request including the payment identification information indicating the payment method of the executed payment process, and the specified mobile identification information and strength information to the management server 10 (step S13).

[0078] With the above, payment terminal 40 ends the recording process.

[0079] Next, a description will be given of the estimation process executed by the management server 10. Here, Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the estimation process executed by the management server 10 according to the embodiment.

[0080] The communication control unit 1001 determines whether or not a recording request has been received (step S21).

[0081] When a record request is received (step S21; Yes), the memory control unit 1002 selects the mobile identification information with the highest radio wave intensity from the received mobile identification information, and associates the selected mobile identification information with the received payment identification information (step S22). Next, the memory control unit 1002 stores the associated payment identification information and mobile identification information, that is, the payment record information, in the memory unit 120 (more precisely, the payment record table 122) (step S23).

[0082] If the recording request has not been received (step S21; No), the communication control unit 1001 determines whether or not an estimation request has been received (step S23). If the estimation request has not been received (step S23; No), the communication control unit 1001 proceeds to step S21.

[0083] When it is determined that the estimation request has been received (step S23; Yes), the payment method estimation unit 1003 estimates the payment method used by the customer who carries the mobile terminal 50 whose mobile identification information is included in the estimation request (step S24).

[0084] The communication control unit 1001 transmits the estimation result to the signage terminal 30 or the payment terminal 40 that transmitted the estimation request (step S25).

[0085] Then, the management server 10 proceeds to step S21.

[0086] As described above, the management server 10 according to the embodiment includes a communication control unit 1001 (first receiving means) that receives from the payment terminal 40 payment identification information for identifying the payment method used by the payment terminal 40, mobile identification information for identifying each mobile terminal 50 contained in radio waves transmitted from one or more mobile terminals 50 located within a predetermined distance from the payment terminal 40, and strength information indicating the radio wave strength of the radio waves received by the payment terminal 40, a memory control unit 1002 (association means) that associates the mobile identification information related to the strength information with the strongest radio wave strength received by the communication control unit 1001 with the payment identification information, a memory control unit 1002 (storage control means) that stores payment record information that associates the payment identification information with the mobile identification information in the memory unit 120, a payment method estimation unit 1003 (estimation means) that estimates the payment method used for each mobile terminal 50 based on the multiple payment record information stored in the memory unit 120, and a communication control unit 1001 (transmission means) that transmits the payment method estimated by the payment method estimation unit 1003.

[0087] According to the management server 10 of this embodiment, the received payment identification information is stored in association with the mobile identification information having the strongest radio wave strength. Then, the management server 10 estimates and transmits a payment method based on the mobile identification information received in response to an estimation request. The user, who is a customer, can be provided with information on the estimated payment method. In other words, the management server 10 can provide information appropriate to the user without installing a dedicated application on the user's mobile terminal 50.

[0088] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0089] For example, in the embodiment, the registration device 20 and the payment device 40 are described as separate devices. However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the registration device 20 may perform product registration processing and the payment device 40 may perform payment processing in a single device.

[0090] The programs executed by each device in the above embodiment are provided by being pre-installed in a storage medium (ROM or storage unit) included in each device, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the programs may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer or an embedded system, but also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted via a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or the like is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

[0091] In addition, the programs executed by each device in the above embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Notification System 10 Management Server 20 Registration device 30 Signage terminal 40 Payment terminals 50 Mobile Devices 110 Control section 120 Storage section 122 Payment Record Table 140 Display section 150 Operation section 310 Control section 320 Storage section 340 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 350 Display section 360 Control unit 410 Control section 420 Storage section 440 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 450 Display section 460 Operation section 1001 Communication control unit 1002 Memory control unit 1003 Payment Method Estimation Department 2100 Information screen 2200 Proposal screen 3001 Communication control section 3002 Short-distance wireless communication control unit 3003 Display control unit 4001 Communication control unit 4002 Short-distance wireless communication control unit 4003 Display control unit 4004 Payment control unit 4005 Payment Method Notification Department [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0093] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-123005 A

Claims

1. a first receiving means for receiving from the payment terminal payment identification information for identifying the payment method used by the payment terminal, mobile identification information for identifying each of the mobile terminals contained in radio waves transmitted from one or more mobile terminals located within a predetermined distance from the payment terminal, and strength information indicating the radio wave strength of the radio waves received by the payment terminal; an association means for associating the mobile identification information related to the strength information of the strongest radio wave strength received by the first receiving means with the payment identification information; a storage control means for storing, in a storage unit, payment record information in which the payment identification information and the mobile identification information are associated with each other; an estimation means for estimating a payment method to be used for each of the mobile terminals based on a plurality of pieces of payment record information stored in the storage unit; a transmission means for transmitting the payment method estimated by the estimation means; A server device comprising:

2. The mobile terminal device further includes a second receiving means for receiving an estimation request for estimating a payment method of a customer having the mobile terminal identified by the mobile identification information, The estimation means estimates a payment method used by the customer having the mobile terminal based on the mobile identification information included in the estimation request received by the second receiving means, The transmission means transmits the payment method estimated by the estimation means. The server device according to claim 1 .

3. The second receiving means receives the estimation request from a first device that displays a guidance screen that guides the user to a location where a payment terminal corresponding to the payment method is located, The transmission means transmits the payment method estimated by the estimation means to the first device. The server device according to claim 2.

4. The second receiving means receives the estimation request from a second device that displays a proposal screen offering a payment method; The transmission means transmits the payment method estimated by the estimation means to the second device. The server device according to claim 2.

5. The estimation means estimates the payment method based on the number of payment identification information pieces associated with the mobile identification information pieces indicating the mobile terminals that are the targets of the estimation request, among the payment record information. The server device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The computer as a server device is a first receiving means for receiving from the payment terminal payment identification information for identifying the payment method used by the payment terminal, mobile identification information for identifying each of the mobile terminals contained in radio waves transmitted from one or more mobile terminals located within a predetermined distance from the payment terminal, and strength information indicating the radio wave strength of the radio waves received by the payment terminal; an association means for associating the mobile identification information related to the strength information of the strongest radio wave strength received by the first receiving means with the payment identification information; a storage control means for storing, in a storage unit, payment record information in which the payment identification information and the mobile identification information are associated with each other; an estimation means for estimating a payment method to be used for each of the mobile terminals based on a plurality of pieces of payment record information stored in the storage unit; a transmission means for transmitting the payment method estimated by the estimation means; A program to make it function as such.

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