Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of improving convenience of an electronic coupon whose usable number of times is limited.SOLUTION: An information processing server SA presents information of an electronic coupon set in a selectable state to a user. When an electronic coupon set to a usable state according to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user is not used by the user until predetermined time elapses from the selection, processing for returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state is performed at predetermined timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of systems for issuing electronic coupons that can be used by users.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, systems for issuing electronic coupons that can be used for price discounts when purchasing goods, electronic coupons that can be used for point reduction for goods purchases, etc. are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system configured such that the issuance of electronic coupons is performed separately into the issuance of primary coupons and the issuance of secondary coupons. In such a system, after a primary coupon having a long primary expiration date is issued to a user, when a request for issuing a secondary coupon is received from the user's mobile terminal based on the primary coupon, after performing user confirmation and usage location confirmation, a secondary coupon having a short secondary expiration date (usage expiration date) is issued to the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the system as described above, after an electronic coupon is issued in response to a user's issuance request, the purchase of the goods to which the electronic coupon is applicable is postponed, and if the purchase of the goods is determined after the expiration date of the electronic coupon has passed, the user can no longer use the electronic coupon, which is inconvenient. Also, if the user accidentally makes a request for issuing an electronic coupon, the issued electronic coupon will expire against the user's intention without being used, which is inconvenient.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above inconveniences, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can enhance the convenience of electronic coupons whose number of available uses is limited.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] (Application Example 1) In order to solve the above problem, the information processing apparatus according to this application example includes: a presentation means for presenting information of the electronic coupon whose number of available uses is limited and which is set to a selectable state to the user; and a processing means for, in response to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user, performing a process of returning the electronic coupon set to an available state to the selectable state at a predetermined timing when the electronic coupon is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon.

[0007] (Application Example 2) The information processing method according to this application example is an information processing method executed by one or more computers, and includes: a step of presenting information of the electronic coupon whose number of available uses is limited and which is set to a selectable state to the user; a step of determining whether or not the electronic coupon set to an available state is used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon in response to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user; and a step of performing a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing when it is determined that the electronic coupon is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection.

[0008] (Application Example 3) The program according to this application example causes a computer to function as a presenting means for presenting information on the electronic coupon, which has a limited number of available uses and is set to a selectable state, to the user, and, in response to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user, if the electronic coupon set to an available state is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon, to perform a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the convenience of an electronic coupon with a limited number of available uses can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 10

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Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to an information processing system.

[0012] 1. Configuration and Operational Overview of Information Processing System S First, with reference to FIG. 1 and the like, the configuration and outline functions of the information processing system S according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the outline configuration of the information processing system S according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system S includes a store terminal ST, a user terminal UT, an information processing server SA, and the like. The store terminal ST and the user terminal UT can each access the information processing server SA via a network NW. The network NW is constructed by, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication network (including base stations, etc.), and a gateway. In the example of FIG. 1, one store terminal ST and one user terminal UT are shown, but there may be a plurality of them.

[0013] ​​The store terminal ST is configured to include, for example, a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal, and is installed at the cash register of a store that sells goods (such as a supermarket, bookstore, department store, etc.) or a store that provides services (such as a restaurant, hotel, salon, etc.). The store terminal ST has a settlement function for executing settlement processing for the purchase of goods or the use of services, and a management function for managing the settled purchase information (POS data). For the settlement processing, for example, cash, credit card, electronic money card, or point card is used. The purchase information is transmitted to the information processing server SA via the network NW regularly or irregularly. In addition, a code reader (not shown) capable of reading two-dimensional codes such as barcodes or QR codes (registered trademarks) is connected to the store terminal ST.

[0014] In addition, a reader / writer capable of communicating in contact or non-contact with an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip mounted on a settlement card held by a user of the user terminal UT may be connected to the store terminal ST. The settlement card is, for example, a credit card, an electronic money card, or a point card. The points managed by the point card can be used for payment when purchasing goods or using services, similar to electronic money. Note that an IC chip having the function of the settlement card may be mounted on the user terminal UT.

[0015] 1-1. Configuration and Functions of User Terminal UT ​​Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration and functions of the user terminal UT will be described. The user terminal UT is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, for example. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the general configuration of the user terminal UT. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal UT includes a communication unit 1, an operation / display unit 2, a storage unit 3, a control unit 4, and the like. Note that the user terminal UT may be provided with an audio processing unit and a speaker. The communication unit 1 has a wireless communication function and is responsible for controlling communication performed via the network NW. The operation / display unit 2 has, for example, an input function for receiving operations by a user's finger, pen, etc., and a display function for displaying various screens. The storage unit 3 is composed of a non-volatile memory or the like and stores various programs and data. The various programs include an operating system (OS) and an application for displaying coupon information (which may be a web browser). The application for displaying coupon information is an application for displaying on the screen information on electronic coupons that can be used at stores where the store terminal ST is installed.

[0016] Here, the electronic coupon is created as electronic data, associated with a specific product or a specific service, and issued by an information processing server SA or the like. The electronic coupon can be used for purchasing a specific product or using a specific service, and the number of times it can be used is limited (that is, an upper limit value is set in advance). For example, for one user to purchase a specific product or use a specific service, the electronic coupon can be used up to n times (for example, 2 times). Also, the number of times it can be used may be limited to m times (for example, 100 times) for all of a plurality of users. In this case, for example, 100 users in the order of arrival can use the electronic coupon once.

[0017] As coupon types (i.e., types of electronic coupons), for example, there are electronic coupons for point reduction, electronic coupons for price discount, electronic coupons for percentage discount, electronic coupons for prize exchange, and the like. The electronic coupon for point reduction is used for point reduction corresponding to a product or service (i.e., point awarding to the user) after settlement processing. The electronic coupon for price discount or the electronic coupon for percentage discount is used for a predetermined amount of price discount or a predetermined percentage of discount from the price of a product or service during settlement processing. The electronic coupon for prize exchange is used for exchange with a prize corresponding to a product or service after settlement processing. Note that each electronic coupon is assigned a unique coupon ID (identification information).

[0018] The control unit 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control unit 4 accesses the information processing server SA via the communication unit 1 and the network NW according to, for example, a coupon information application stored in the ROM or the storage unit 3, and transmits a coupon presentation request for an electronic coupon that can be used in the store. Then, the control unit 4 causes the information of the electronic coupon transmitted from the information processing server SA in response to the coupon presentation request to be displayed on the screen (application screen) of the operation / display unit 2. Thereby, the information of the electronic coupon that can be used in the store is presented to the user.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen for displaying electronic coupon information. In the application screen AP1 shown in FIG. 3, information C1 of an electronic coupon for point reduction that can be used in the order of arrival, information C2 of an electronic coupon for point reduction that can be used only once, information C3 of a discount electronic coupon that can be used only once, and information C4 of a discount electronic coupon that can be used up to two times are listed and displayed. The information C1 of the electronic coupon for point reduction includes information C11 (in this example, product name and product image) of the product to which the electronic coupon is applicable and the reduced points C12. The information C2 of the electronic coupon for point reduction includes information C21 of the product to which the electronic coupon is applicable and the reduced points C22. The information C3 of the discount electronic coupon includes information C31 of the product to which the electronic coupon is applicable and the discount amount C32. The information C4 of the discount electronic coupon includes information C41 of the product to which the electronic coupon is applicable and the discount rate C42. Buttons B1 to B4 for selecting the respective electronic coupons are displayed in association with the electronic coupon information C1 to C4. In the example of FIG. 3, the buttons B1 to B4 can be selected by the user.

[0020] On the application screen AP1, when the user selects button B1 (i.e., selects the electronic coupon for point reduction), the label of button B1 changes from "Use" (selectable) to "Obtained", and a coupon selection request including the coupon ID of the electronic coupon, the selection time when the electronic coupon was selected (the selection time may be represented by year, month, day, and time), and the user ID of the user is sent to the information processing server SA. As a result, the electronic coupon for point reduction is set to the usable state. That is, in response to the user's selection of the electronic coupon, the electronic coupon is set from the selectable state to the usable state. Here, the usable state of the electronic coupon can also be said to be the acquired state of the electronic coupon (that is, the usable state and the acquired state coincide). In this case, the user can acquire the electronic coupon by selecting the electronic coupon. The information of the electronic coupon set to the usable state can be presented to the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection (selection time) of the electronic coupon and until the expiration date. For example, even after the information of the electronic coupon is displayed and erased from the application screen AP1, it will be redisplayed in response to a predetermined operation by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection (selection time) of the electronic coupon and until the expiration date.

[0021] In some cases, the available state and the acquired state of the other party may not necessarily match. In this case, among the electronic coupons set from the selectable state to the acquired state according to the user's selection, the electronic coupons designated by the user as the use target (this designation is distinguished from the above selection) are set to the available state. That is, the electronic coupon is set from the selectable state to the available state via the acquired state. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example in which an electronic coupon transitions from the selectable state to the available state via the acquired state. In the example of Figure 4, the user selects electronic coupons A, C, and E that are of interest among the electronic coupons A to E in the selectable state, and thus electronic coupons A, C, and E are set from the selectable state to the acquired state. Then, by designating electronic coupons A and C as the use targets among the electronic coupons A, C, and E in the acquired state, electronic coupons A and C are set from the acquired state to the available state. In this case, the electronic coupon E that is not designated as the use target among the electronic coupons set to the acquired state does not have to be presented to the user.

[0022] And when a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the point reduction electronic coupon, the electronic coupon is set to the used state. If the settlement process for the product targeted for use of the electronic coupon is performed before the predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the point reduction electronic coupon, the reduction points are given to the user. As a result, the point reduction electronic coupon is used, and the electronic coupon is set to the used state. Here, the used state means a state in which the electronic coupon cannot be selected. On the other hand, if the electronic coupon is not used by the user before the predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the point reduction electronic coupon (that is, if the settlement process for the product targeted for use of the electronic coupon is not performed), the electronic coupon becomes unusable at least at this point. That is, even if the settlement process for the product is performed after the predetermined time has elapsed, no points are refunded.

[0023] On one hand, in the application screen AP1, when the user selects button B3 (that is, selects the discount electronic coupon), a message M as shown in FIG. 3 is popped up and displayed, and a coupon selection request including the coupon ID of the electronic coupon, the selection time when the electronic coupon is selected, and the user ID of the user is sent to the information processing server SA. Thereby, the discount electronic coupon is set to the usable state. Then, when "Yes" is selected by the user in the message M, as shown in the application screen AP2, the information C3 of the discount electronic coupon is enlarged and displayed, and the notation of button B1 changes from "Use" to "In use" (it may also be acquired or usable). Further, in the information C3 of the discount electronic coupon, a barcode image C33 having the coupon ID and the discount amount of the selected electronic coupon and a time C34 indicating the countdown from the selection of the electronic coupon are additionally displayed. Such a countdown is performed until the timer time (an example of a predetermined time) set in the timer becomes "0" or until the expiration date of the electronic coupon.

[0024] Such timer times are not particularly limited, but are set, for example, between 10 minutes and 60 minutes. Also, when the timer time reaches "0" or the expiration date of the electronic coupon has passed, the barcode image C33 and the time C34 indicating the countdown are erased from the application screen AP2. That is, the discount electronic coupon selected by the user becomes unusable at least at this point. The time C34 indicating the countdown can prevent the electronic coupon being displayed from being used multiple times and can promote the purchase of goods. Note that the barcode image C33 and the time C34 indicating the countdown are redisplayed in response to a predetermined operation by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed from the selection (selection time) of the electronic coupon and until the expiration date, even after being erased from the application screen AP2. Then, if the barcode image C33 is read by the code reader of the store terminal ST before a predetermined time has elapsed from the selection of the discount electronic coupon, the coupon ID and the discount amount of the electronic coupon are acquired by the store terminal ST, and settlement processing is performed based on the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount from the price of the product to which the electronic coupon applies. On the other hand, if the electronic coupon is not used by the user before a predetermined time has elapsed from the selection of the discount electronic coupon (that is, if it is not used for discount in the settlement processing), the electronic coupon becomes unusable at least at this point.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, on the application screen AP1, a button B5 for displaying a list of electronic coupons selected by the user is displayed. When the button B5 is selected by the user, a selected coupon list request including the user ID of the user is transmitted to the information processing server SA. Then, the control unit 4 causes the application screen to display a list of information on one or more electronic coupons transmitted from the information processing server SA in response to the selected coupon list request. Here, the one or more electronic coupons are the electronic coupons selected by the user (that is, the electronic coupons set to the usable state) among the plurality of electronic coupons presented to the user. Also, in the case of the electronic coupon for prize exchange, the processing flow is the same as that of the electronic coupon for point reduction. That is, when the settlement process for the product to which the electronic coupon is applicable is performed within a predetermined time after the selection of the electronic coupon for prize exchange, a prize is provided to the user. For example, an e-mail with digital content (an example of a prize) attached to the e-mail address of the user or an e-mail with a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to the digital content is transmitted.

[0026] 1-2. Configuration and Functions of Information Processing Server SA Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration and functions of the information processing server SA will be described. The information processing server SA is composed of one or more server computers. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the information processing server SA. As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing server SA includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control unit 13, and the like. The communication unit 11 is responsible for controlling communication performed via the network NW. The storage unit 12 is composed of a hard disk drive or the like and stores various programs (including the program of the present invention) and data. Also, in the storage unit 12, a coupon information management database (DB) 121, a user information management database (DB) 122, a purchase information management database (DB) 123, and the like are constructed.

[0027] ​​The coupon information management database 121 is a database for managing information on electronic coupons that can be used in stores. In the coupon information management database 121, for example, information such as the coupon ID of the electronic coupon, the coupon type, the coupon content, the number of available uses, the expiration date, the coupon status for the number of available uses, and the information on the products or services to be used with the electronic coupon (i.e., associated with the electronic coupon) is associated and stored (registered) for each electronic coupon (coupon ID).

[0028] Here, the coupon content is the content of the electronic coupon and varies depending on the coupon type. For example, when the coupon type is an electronic coupon for point reduction, the coupon content is the reduced points. When the coupon type is an electronic coupon for price discount, the coupon content is the discount amount. When the coupon type is an electronic coupon for discount, the coupon content is the discount rate. When the coupon type is an electronic coupon for prize exchange, the coupon content is the prize name. The number of available uses is the upper limit value preset for each electronic coupon (in other words, for each coupon ID). The number of available uses is set, for example, to n times (e.g., 100 times) for all users, but may also include the number of available uses per user (e.g., 2 times). The expiration date is, for example, the date preset for each electronic coupon and may include the time. However, there may be electronic coupons for which no expiration date is set.

[0029] The coupon status indicates one of the states of selectable, usable (= acquired), used, and expired. Alternatively, the coupon status indicates one of the states of selectable, acquired, usable, used, and expired. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon status. In the example of FIG. 6, the coupon status of the electronic coupon with the coupon ID "C0001" is shown. Since the number of available uses of the electronic coupon is 10 for all users, 10 coupon statuses are managed. Each coupon status is assigned one of the serial numbers from No. 1 to No. 10. Here, the serial number is a number indicating how many times the electronic coupon with the coupon ID "C0001" can be used. In the example of FIG. 6, since the serial numbers are from No. 1 to No. 10, it indicates that the electronic coupon can be used 10 times. The coupon statuses with serial numbers No. 1 to No. 3 are set to "USED" (an example of the used state), and the user ID of the user who used the electronic coupon is associated with each coupon status.

[0030] The coupon statuses of serial numbers No. 4 to No. 7 are set to "ACQUIRED" (an example of the acquired state or the usable state), and are associated with the user ID of the user who selected the e-coupon and the selection time of the e-coupon. Such user ID and selection time are included in the coupon selection request. Note that the selection time may be the transmission time of the coupon selection request by the user terminal UT or the reception time of the coupon selection request by the information processing server SA. For example, when a user with user ID "0004" uses the e-coupon, the coupon status "ACQUIRED" associated with user ID "0004" is changed to "USED". The coupon statuses of serial numbers No. 8 to No. 10 are set to "NON-USED" (an example of the selectable state), and no user ID is associated (that is, not selected by the user). Although not shown in FIG. 6, the expired state indicates expiration. The coupon status of the e-coupon that has expired is set to the expired state (for example, changed from the selectable state, usable state, or used state to the expired state).

[0031] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the state transition of the coupon status. In the example of FIG. 7, the coupon status transitions between the selectable state, usable state, used state, and expired state as indicated by the arrows. According to the example of FIG. 7, even if the user with user ID "0004" shown in FIG. 6 does not use the e-coupon until a predetermined time has elapsed from the selection time of the e-coupon, the coupon status "ACQUIRED" associated with user ID "0004" is once changed to "USED". However, if the user with user ID "0004" shown in FIG. 6 does not use the e-coupon until a predetermined time has elapsed from the selection time of the e-coupon, the coupon status "ACQUIRED" associated with user ID "0004" may be maintained and not changed to "USED". In this case, a state transition from the usable state shown in FIG. 7 to the selectable state will occur.

[0032] The information on products eligible for use of the electronic coupon includes the product ID, product name, product image, price, and information on the store selling the product, etc. The information on services eligible for use of the electronic coupon includes the service ID, service name, service image, price, and information on the store providing the service, etc. The information on the store includes the store ID, store name, and location, etc. Note that depending on the electronic coupon, the user attributes to which the coupon is to be presented (hereinafter referred to as "presented user attributes") may be associated with the coupon ID and stored in the coupon information management database 121. The presented user attributes indicate, for example, the age group and gender. The information on the electronic coupon associated with the presented user attributes is presented only to users having the presented user attributes (for example, presented only to women in their 20s).

[0033] The user information management database 122 is a database for managing the user information of users registered as system users. In the user information management database 122, for example, the user ID, password, name, phone number, email address, address, user attributes (for example, age and gender), and granted point information, etc. are associated and stored for each user. Here, the user ID and password are used for the user to log in to the system. The granted point information indicates the remaining balance of the points granted to the user. Note that the user information management database 122 may include the coupon ID of the electronic coupon selected by the user and the coupon ID of the electronic coupon used by the user.

[0034] The purchase information management database 123 is a database for managing purchase information that has been settled at the store terminal ST. In the purchase information management database 123, for example, the store ID of the store, the purchase information for each settlement process, the reception time, etc. are stored in association with each store. Here, the purchase information includes the product ID of the product purchased by the user (or the service ID of the service used), the user ID of the user, the settlement amount, the settlement time, etc. That is, the purchase information includes a pair of the product ID and the user ID (or a pair of the service ID and the user ID). Note that the settlement time may be represented by the year, month, day, and time. Also, when an electronic coupon for discount or a discount electronic coupon is used in the settlement process, the coupon ID of the used electronic coupon will be included in the purchase information. That is, in this case, the purchase information includes a pair of the user ID and the coupon ID.

[0035] The control unit 13 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block in the control unit 13. The control unit 13 functions as, for example, a coupon presentation unit 131 (an example of presentation means), an information processing unit 132 (an example of processing means), and a usage determination unit 133 (an example of determination means) as shown in FIG. 8 according to a program stored in, for example, the ROM or the storage unit 12.

[0036] The coupon presentation unit 131 presents the information of the electronic coupons set in a selectable state among the electronic coupons available for use in the store to the user. For example, in response to a coupon presentation request from the user's user terminal UT, the information of the electronic coupons set in a selectable state among the electronic coupons available for use in the store specified by the user, for example, is transmitted to the user terminal UT via the communication unit 11 and displayed. Note that the coupon presentation unit 131 may present the information of the electronic coupons selected by the user (the electronic coupons set in a usable state) to the user together with the information of the electronic coupons set in a selectable state.

[0037] Here, when the user is identified by login, the coupon presentation unit 131 may obtain the user attributes associated with the user ID of the user from the user information management database 122. In this case, the coupon presentation unit 131 identifies, from the electronic coupons that can be used in the store and are set to the selectable state, the electronic coupon associated with the presented user attributes including the obtained user attributes from the coupon information management database 121, and presents the information of the identified electronic coupon to the user. Thereby, the probability that the user uses the presented electronic coupon can be increased.

[0038] In addition, when the presented discount electronic coupon or the discount electronic coupon is selected by the user, the coupon presentation unit 131 causes the user terminal UT to display the time indicating the countdown from the selection. Thereby, the use of the electronic coupon can be promoted more effectively, and the purchase of the product or the use of the service to which the electronic coupon is applicable can be promoted. Note that the timer control for counting down may be performed by the control unit 4 of the user terminal UT. Further, when the information of a plurality of electronic coupons set to the selectable state is presented to the user, the coupon presentation unit 131 transmits, in response to, for example, a selected coupon list request from the user terminal UT, the information of the electronic coupon set to the usable state in response to the selection of any one or more electronic coupons by the user among the presented plurality of electronic coupons to the user terminal UT and causes it to be displayed in a list. Thereby, the electronic coupon selected by the user can be quickly used by the user.

[0039] Note that the electronic coupon set to the usable state in response to the selection of the electronic coupon refers to an electronic coupon set from the selectable state to the usable state in response to the selection of the electronic coupon, or an electronic coupon set from the selectable state to the usable state via the acquired state in response to the selection of the electronic coupon.

[0040] When the communication unit 11 receives a coupon selection request from the user terminal UT in response to the user's selection of an electronic coupon, the information processing unit 132 sets the coupon status of the electronic coupon specified by the coupon ID included in the coupon selection request to the usable state from the selectable state in the coupon information management database 121. In the example of FIG. 6, the coupon status of the electronic coupon specified by the coupon ID is the coupon status corresponding to any one serial number associated with the selectable state. Further, the information processing unit 132 stores the selection time and the user ID included in the coupon selection request in the coupon information management database 121 in association with the coupon status set to the usable state.

[0041] Then, when the electronic coupon set to the usable state in response to the user's selection of the electronic coupon is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection (the above selection time) of the electronic coupon, the information processing unit 132 performs a process of returning the electronic coupon (that is, the electronic coupon that has become unusable as described above) to the selectable state at a predetermined timing. Thereby, even when the electronic coupon is not used until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon, the convenience of the electronic coupon can be enhanced by resurrecting the electronic coupon at a predetermined timing. For example, the information processing unit 132 resets the coupon status of the electronic coupon to the selectable state from the used state in the coupon information management database 121, and deletes the user ID and the selection time associated with the coupon status. On the other hand, when the electronic coupon set to the usable state is used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon, the information processing unit 132 sets the electronic coupon (coupon status) to the used state from the usable state in the coupon information management database 121. Note that, as will be described later, when an expiration date is set for the electronic coupon, if the expiration date has elapsed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon, the electronic coupon becomes invalid.

[0042] Here, the determination of whether the user has used the electronic coupon during the period until a predetermined time elapses from the above selection is performed by the usage determination unit 133. For example, the usage determination unit 133 acquires the coupon ID of the electronic coupon set to the usable state from the coupon information management database 121 according to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user. Then, the usage determination unit 133 determines (verifies) based on the acquired coupon ID and the purchase information for which settlement processing has been performed for the purchase of a specific product or the use of a specific service by the user, whether the electronic coupon has been used by the user during the period until a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon (details will be described later). Thereby, it is possible to efficiently determine whether the electronic coupon has been used by the user during the period until a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon.

[0043] In addition, when an expiration date is set for the electronic coupon selected by the user, the usage determination unit 133, in response to the selection, if the electronic coupon set to the usable state has not been used by the user during the period until a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon and until the expiration date, performs a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing. On the other hand, the information processing unit 132, in response to the selection, if the electronic coupon set to the usable state has been used by the user during the period until a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon and until the expiration date, sets the electronic coupon to the used state in the coupon information management database 121. Alternatively, the information processing unit 132, in response to the selection, if the expiration date has elapsed during the period until a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon for the electronic coupon set to the usable state, sets the electronic coupon to the invalid state in the coupon information management database 121. Thereby, even if the electronic coupon has not been used during the period until a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon, the convenience of the electronic coupon can be enhanced by resurrecting it at a predetermined timing if it is within the expiration date of the electronic coupon.

[0044] 2. Operations of Information Processing System S Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13, an operation example of the information processing system S according to the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example the case where the coupon status of the electronic coupon indicates any one of the selectable state, usable state, used state, and invalid state. In the operation example described below, it is assumed that the user visits a store that sells goods, but it can be similarly applied to the case where the user visits a store that provides services. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system S according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of the coupon use determination process (in the case of an electronic coupon for discount) executed by the control unit 13. FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing an example of the coupon use determination process (in the case of an electronic coupon for point reduction) executed by the control unit 13.

[0045] First, in the user terminal UT, the user ID and password input through the login screen displayed after the coupon information display application is launched are transmitted to the information processing server SA, and the user logs in through the login process. Next, the user terminal UT transmits a coupon presentation request for an electronic coupon usable at the store to the information processing server SA according to the operation of the logged-in user (step S1). At this time, the user may be before visiting the store or may be in the middle of visiting the store. When the coupon information display application supports a plurality of stores, a coupon presentation request including the store ID of the store designated by the user on the application screen is transmitted to the information processing server SA.

[0046] ​​Next, when the information processing server SA receives a coupon presentation request from the user terminal UT, it refers to the coupon information management database 121 and identifies one or more electronic coupons available for use at the store (for example, identified by the coupon ID) (step S2). Next, the information processing server SA identifies, among the electronic coupons identified in step S2, the electronic coupons for which the coupon status (for example, any one of the serial numbers) is set to the selectable state (step S3). Next, the information processing server SA transmits the information of the electronic coupons identified in step S3 to the user terminal UT (step S4).

[0047] Note that in step S3, if there is an electronic coupon for which the presentation user attribute is associated among the electronic coupons set to the selectable state, the information processing server SA may obtain the user attribute associated with the user ID of the logged-in user from the user information management database 122. In this case, the information processing server SA identifies the electronic coupon associated with the presentation user attribute including the obtained user attribute (step S3), and transmits the information of the identified electronic coupon to the user terminal UT (step S4). Thereby, it is possible to present an electronic coupon that matches the user attribute of the logged-in user.

[0048] Next, when the user terminal UT receives the information of the electronic coupon from the information processing server SA, it displays the information of the electronic coupon on the application screen as described above (step S5). Next, when an electronic coupon is selected by the user on the application screen of the user terminal UT (step S6), the selected selection time is associated with the coupon ID of the electronic coupon and stored (step S7). Next, the user terminal UT transmits a coupon selection request including the coupon ID of the electronic coupon selected in step S6, the selection time when the electronic coupon was selected, and the user ID of the user to the information processing server SA (step S8). Note that the processes of steps S7 and S8 are performed each time an electronic coupon is selected in step S6 until the settlement process of step S12 described later. The user may select an electronic coupon on the application screen before visiting the store, or may select an electronic coupon on the application screen while visiting the store (for example, when making a payment at the cash register).

[0049] Here, in the user terminal UT, when a discount electronic coupon (for example, button B3 shown in FIG. 3) is selected by the user on the application screen AP1, as shown in FIG. 3, a barcode image C33 and a time C34 indicating a countdown are displayed. However, when a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) has elapsed from the selection time stored in step S7, or when the expiration date of the discount electronic coupon has passed, the barcode image C33 and the time C34 indicating the countdown are erased from the display on the application screen AP2. Note that the barcode image C33 and the time C34 indicating the countdown are redisplayed in response to a predetermined operation by the user as long as the predetermined time has not elapsed from the selection time and before the expiration date even after being erased from the display on the application screen AP2.

[0050] Next, when the information processing server SA receives a coupon selection request from the user terminal UT, it refers to the coupon information management database 121 and sets the coupon status (for example, any one of the serial numbers) of the electronic coupon specified by the coupon ID included in the coupon selection request from the selectable state to the usable state (step S9). Next, the information processing server SA associates the selection time and user ID included in the coupon selection request with the coupon status set to the usable state in step S9 and stores them in the coupon information management database 121 (step S10). Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection time stored in step S10, the information processing server SA sets the coupon status of the electronic coupon to the used state (step S11). Note that the process of step S11 may be configured not to be executed.

[0051] On the other hand, after the product is picked up by the user in the store (for example, after being placed in the shopping basket), when the user's payment card or the user terminal UT is held up to the reader / writer of the store terminal ST installed at the cash register, payment information including the user ID of the user is read from the IC chip mounted on the payment card or the user terminal UT. Thereby, the store terminal ST acquires the payment information including the user ID of the user (step S12). Next, the store terminal ST uses the payment information acquired in step S12 to execute a payment process for the product picked up by the user (step S13).

[0052] Here, if the selected electronic coupons in step S6 include a discount electronic coupon that can be used when purchasing the product picked up by the user, and the coupon ID and discount amount of the electronic coupon are acquired by the store terminal ST via the barcode reader until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon, the payment process is performed based on the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount from the price of the product to which the electronic coupon applies.

[0053] Next, the store terminal ST stores the purchase information that has been settled in step S13 (step S14). The purchase information settled using the discount electronic coupon includes, in addition to the user ID of the user who purchased the above product, the coupon ID of the used discount electronic coupon. Next, the store terminal ST transmits the purchase information stored in step S14 to the information processing server SA (step S15). Note that the purchase information stored in the store terminal ST may be collectively transmitted to the information processing server SA at intervals of, for example, a preset time (e.g., 12 hours).

[0054] Next, when the information processing server SA receives the purchase information from the store terminal ST, it stores the purchase information and its reception time in the purchase information management database 123 in association with the store ID of the store where the store terminal ST is installed (step S16). After the purchase information is stored in this way, the control unit 13 (such as the information processing unit 132 and the usage determination unit 133) of the information processing server SA executes coupon usage determination processing at a predetermined timing (e.g., a timing once every 12 hours to 24 hours) (step S17). Here, the details of the coupon usage determination processing will be described below separately for (i) the case of a discount electronic coupon and (ii) the case of a point reduction electronic coupon.

[0055] (i) Coupon usage determination processing for discount electronic coupons When the coupon usage determination processing shown in FIG. 10 is started, the control unit 13 of the information processing server SA acquires the coupon ID of the electronic coupon whose coupon status (at least any one of the serial numbers) is set to the usable state from the coupon information management database 121 (step S101). Next, the control unit 13 acquires the user ID (that is, any one of the user IDs associated with the usable state) and the selection time associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S101 from the coupon information management database 121 (step S102).

[0056] Next, the control unit 13 refers to the purchase information management database 123 and determines whether there is (i.e., whether it is stored) purchase information including the combination of the coupon ID acquired in step S101 and the user ID acquired in step S102 (step S103). If it is determined that there is purchase information including the combination of the coupon ID and the user ID (that is, the user has used it within a predetermined time from the time of selection of the electronic coupon) (step S103: YES), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no purchase information including the combination of the coupon ID and the user ID (step S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0057] In step S104, the control unit 13 sets (changes) the available state associated with the user ID acquired in step S102 to the used state and advances the process to step S107. On the other hand, in step S105, the control unit 13 determines whether the current date and time is within the expiration date associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S101 (the expiration date of the electronic coupon). If it is determined that the current date and time is within the expiration date (step S105: YES), the available state associated with the user ID acquired in step S102 is maintained (and will be determined again in the next coupon usage determination process), and the process proceeds to step S107. If no expiration date is set for the electronic coupon, the process proceeds from step S103: NO to step S107. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current date and time is not within the expiration date (step S105: NO), the available state associated with the user ID acquired in step S102 is set to the invalid state (step S106), and the process proceeds to step S107.

[0058] In step S107, the control unit 13 determines whether there is a user ID that was not acquired (has not been acquired yet) in step S102 among the user IDs associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S101. If it is determined that there is an unacquired user ID (step S107: YES), the process returns to step S102, the user ID and the selection time are acquired, and the subsequent processes are executed in the same manner as above. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unacquired user ID (step S107: NO), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0059] In step S108, the control unit 13 determines whether there is a coupon ID that was not acquired in step S101 among the coupon IDs of the electronic coupons whose coupon status (at least any one of the serial numbers) is set to the available state. If it is determined that there is an unacquired coupon ID (step S108: YES), the process returns to step S101, the coupon ID is acquired, and the subsequent processes are executed in the same manner as above. If it is determined that there is no unacquired coupon ID (step S108: NO), the process proceeds to step S109 shown in FIG. 11.

[0060] In step S109, the control unit 13 acquires the coupon ID of the electronic coupon whose coupon status (at least any one of the serial numbers) is set to the used state from the coupon information management database 121. Next, the control unit 13 acquires the user ID associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S109 from the coupon information management database 121 (step S110).

[0061] Next, the control unit 13 refers to the purchase information management database 123 and determines whether there is purchase information including the combination of the coupon ID acquired in step S109 and the user ID acquired in step S110 (step S111). If it is determined that there is purchase information including the combination of the coupon ID and the user ID (step S111: YES), the used state associated with the user ID is maintained, and the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no purchase information including the combination of the coupon ID and the user ID (step S111: NO), that is, if the used state has become so after a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection time associated with the user ID, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0062] In step S112, the control unit 13 determines whether the current date and time is within the expiration date associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S109. If it is determined that the current date and time is within the expiration date (step S112: YES), the used state associated with the user ID acquired in step S110 is reset to the selectable state (step S113), and the user ID and the selection time acquired in step S110 are deleted from the coupon information management database 121, and the process proceeds to step S115. If no expiration date is set for the electronic coupon, the process proceeds from step S111: NO to step S113, and after the process of step S113 is performed, the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current date and time is not within the expiration date (step S112: NO), the used state associated with the user ID acquired in step S110 is set to the invalid state (step S114), and the process proceeds to step S115.

[0063] The processes of steps S115 and S116 are performed in the same manner as steps S107 and S108 shown in FIG. 10. When it is determined that there is no unacquired coupon ID (step S116: NO), the process shown in FIG. 11 ends. Note that the coupon usage determination process shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 can be executed in the same manner for discount electronic coupons. Incidentally, in the case of a configuration in which, even when a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection time of the electronic coupon, it is not set to the used state and remains in the usable state, when it is determined in step S105 shown in FIG. 10 that it is within the expiration date, the control unit 13 may determine whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) has elapsed since the selection time acquired in step S102. Then, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the selection time, the usable state associated with the user ID acquired in step S102 is reset to the selectable state, and the user ID and selection time acquired in step S102 are deleted from the coupon information management database 121.

[0064] (ii) Coupon usage determination process for point reduction electronic coupons When the coupon usage determination process shown in FIG. 12 is started, the control unit 13 of the information processing server SA acquires the coupon ID of the electronic coupon whose coupon status (at least any one of the serial numbers) is set to the usable state from the coupon information management database 121 (step S121). Next, the control unit 13 acquires the user ID (that is, any one of the user IDs associated with the usable state) and the selection time associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S121 from the coupon information management database 121 (step S122). Next, the control unit 13 acquires the product ID associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S121 (that is, the product ID of the product associated with the electronic coupon) from the coupon information management database 121 (step S123).

[0065] Next, the control unit 13 refers to the purchase information management database 123 and determines whether there is purchase information including the combination of the user ID acquired in step S122 and the product ID acquired in step S123 (step S124). If it is determined that there is purchase information including the combination of the user ID and the product ID (step S124: YES), the settlement time associated with the combination of the user ID and the product ID is acquired (step S125), and the process proceeds to step S126. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no purchase information including the combination of the user ID and the product ID (step S124: NO), the process proceeds to step S129.

[0066] In step S126, the control unit 13 determines whether the difference (time length) from the selection time acquired in step S122 to the settlement time acquired in step S125 is equal to or less than a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes). If it is determined that the difference from the selection time to the settlement time is equal to or less than the predetermined time (step S126: YES), the process proceeds to step S127. On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference from the selection time to the settlement time is not equal to or less than the predetermined time (step S126: NO), the process proceeds to step S129.

[0067] In step S127, the control unit 13 executes a process of awarding points corresponding to the product specified by the product ID acquired in step S123 to the user specified by the user ID acquired in step S122. As a result, in the user information management database 122, the points corresponding to the product are added to the balance indicated by the awarded point information associated with the user ID of the user. Next, the control unit 13 sets the usable state associated with the user ID acquired in step S122 to the used state, and advances the process to step S131.

[0068] In step S129, the control unit 13 determines whether the current date and time is within the expiration date associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S121. If it is determined that the current date and time is within the expiration date (step S129: YES), the process proceeds to step S131. If no expiration date is set for the electronic coupon, the process proceeds from step S126: NO to step S131. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current date and time is not within the expiration date (step S129: NO), the available status associated with the user ID acquired in step S122 is set to the invalid status (step S130), and the process proceeds to step S131.

[0069] The processes of steps S131 and S132 are performed in the same manner as steps S107 and S108 shown in FIG. 10. If it is determined that there is no unacquired coupon ID (step S132: NO), the process proceeds to step S133 shown in FIG. 13.

[0070] In step S133, the control unit 13 acquires the coupon ID of the electronic coupon whose coupon status (at least any one of the serial numbers) is set to the used status from the coupon information management database 121. Next, the control unit 13 acquires the user ID and the selection time associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S133 from the coupon information management database 121 (step S134). Next, the control unit 13 acquires the product ID associated with the coupon ID acquired in step S133 from the coupon information management database 121 (step S135).

[0071] Next, the control unit 13 refers to the purchase information management database 123 and determines whether there is purchase information including the pair of the user ID acquired in step S134 and the product ID acquired in step S135 (step S136). If it is determined that there is purchase information including the pair of the user ID and the product ID (step S136: YES), the settlement time associated with the pair of the user ID and the product ID is acquired (step S137), and the process proceeds to step S138. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no purchase information including the pair of the user ID and the product ID (step S136: NO), the process proceeds to step S139.

[0072] In step S138, the control unit 13 determines whether the difference (time length) from the selection time acquired in step S134 to the settlement time acquired in step S137 is equal to or less than a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes). If it is determined that the difference from the selection time to the settlement time is equal to or less than the predetermined time (step S138: YES), the used state associated with the user ID is maintained, and the process proceeds to step S142. On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference from the selection time to the settlement time is not equal to or less than the predetermined time (step S138: NO), the process proceeds to step S139.

[0073] The processes of steps S139 to S143 are performed in the same manner as steps S112 to S116 shown in FIG. 11. If it is determined that there is no unacquired coupon ID (step S143: NO), the process shown in FIG. 13 ends. Note that the coupon use determination process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 can be executed in the same manner for the prize exchange electronic coupon. In step S127 in this case, the control unit 13 may send an email with digital content attached to the email address of the user specified by the user ID acquired in step S122, or an email in which a URL to the digital content is described.

[0074] As described above, according to the above embodiment, information on the electronic coupon whose available number of uses is limited and which is set to a selectable state is presented to the user, and according to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user, if the electronic coupon set to an available state is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection, a process of returning the electronic coupon to a selectable state is performed at a predetermined timing. Therefore, the convenience of the electronic coupon with a limited available number of uses can be enhanced. That is, even if the purchase of the product to which the electronic coupon is applicable is postponed by the user after the electronic coupon is selected by the user, or the electronic coupon is erroneously selected by the user, and the electronic coupon is not used until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection, the electronic coupon is revived at a predetermined timing, so that the convenience of the electronic coupon can be enhanced.

[0075] Note that the above embodiment is one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications may be made to the above embodiment in terms of various configurations and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention, and in such a case, it is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the case where a product is purchased at a store where the store terminal ST having a settlement function and a management function is installed is taken as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where a product listed on an Internet shopping site is purchased (in this case, the store terminal ST is not required). In this case, the user terminal UT (for example, a personal computer) accesses the shopping site through, for example, a web browser, and the information processing server SA transmits and displays a web page including electronic coupon information to the user terminal UT. When the user selects a desired electronic coupon on the product selection screen of the web page thus displayed, the user terminal UT transmits the above-described coupon selection request to the information processing server SA. Then, when the information processing server SA receives the coupon selection request from the user terminal UT, as described above, it sets the coupon status of the selected electronic coupon from the selectable state to the usable state. If the electronic coupon set to the usable state is not used by the user within a predetermined time from the selection, the information processing server SA performs a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at the above-described timing.

[0076] Here, when the electronic coupon is a discount electronic coupon, a two-dimensional code image having the coupon ID and the discount amount of the selected electronic coupon may be displayed on the product settlement screen of the web page displayed on the user terminal UT. In this case, for example, when the user causes a camera of a mobile terminal other than the user terminal UT to read the two-dimensional code image, information including the read coupon ID, discount amount, and the user ID of the user is transmitted to the information processing server SA. Then, when the user terminal UT receives a purchase instruction for a product targeted for use of the selected electronic coupon from the user on the product settlement screen, the user terminal UT transmits a settlement request including the product ID of the product and the user ID of the user to the information processing server SA. When the information processing server SA receives the settlement request from the user terminal UT, the information processing server SA performs settlement processing based on the amount obtained by discounting the discount amount from the price of the product targeted for use of the electronic coupon.

[0077] Also, in the above embodiment, the information processing server SA presents information on electronic coupons set to a selectable state to the user, and according to the selection of an electronic coupon by the user, if the electronic coupon set to an available state is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection, the information processing server SA is configured to return the electronic coupon to a selectable state at a predetermined timing. However, such processing may be configured to be performed by the user terminal UT. In this case, for example, the coupon ID, expiration date, coupon status, etc. of the electronic coupons that can be presented to the user by a coupon information management application (an example of the program of the present invention) installed in the user terminal UT are managed. Then, the user terminal UT displays information on electronic coupons by a coupon information display application (an example of the program of the present invention). When a desired electronic coupon is selected by the user, the coupon information management application sets the coupon status of the electronic coupon from a selectable state to an available state. If the electronic coupon set to the available state is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection, the user terminal UT performs processing to return the electronic coupon to a selectable state at the above-described timing.

[0078] <Supplementary Note> [1] The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is an electronic coupon with a limited number of available uses, and includes a presenting means for presenting information on the electronic coupon set in a selectable state to the user, and in response to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user, if the electronic coupon set in an available state is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon, a processing means for performing a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing. This can enhance the convenience of the electronic coupon with a limited number of available uses.

[0079] [2] In the information processing apparatus according to [1] above, if the electronic coupon is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon, the electronic coupon becomes unusable, and the processing means performs a process of returning the unusable electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing. This can enhance the convenience of the electronic coupon by resurrecting the electronic coupon at a predetermined timing.

[0080] [3] In the information processing apparatus according to [1] or [2] above, if the electronic coupon is not used by the user until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon, the electronic coupon becomes unusable, and the processing means performs a process of returning the unusable electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing. This can enhance the convenience of the electronic coupon by resurrecting the electronic coupon at a predetermined timing even if the electronic coupon has not been used until a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the electronic coupon, as long as it is within the expiration date of the electronic coupon.

[0081] [4] In the information processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3] above, when the electronic coupon set to the usable state is used by the user before a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon, the processing means sets the electronic coupon from the usable state to the used state.

[0082] [5] In the information processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4] above, the electronic coupon can be used for purchasing a specific product or using a specific service, and in response to the user's selection of the electronic coupon, based on the identification information of the electronic coupon set to the usable state and the purchase information settled for the user's purchase of the specific product or use of the specific service, determination means for determining whether the electronic coupon has been used by the user before a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon is further provided. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently determine whether the electronic coupon has been used by the user before a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon.

[0083] [6] In the information processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5] above, the presentation means causes the time indicating the countdown from the selection of the electronic coupon to be displayed on the terminal used by the user. Thereby, the use of the electronic coupon can be promoted more effectively.

[0084] [7] In the information processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6] above, the presentation means presents the information of a plurality of the electronic coupons set to the selectable state to the user, and in response to the user's selection of any one or more of the presented plurality of the electronic coupons, the information of the electronic coupon set to the usable state is displayed in a list on the terminal used by the user. Thereby, the user can quickly use the electronic coupon selected by the user.

[0085] [8] In the information processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7] above, a user attribute to be presented is preset in the electronic coupon, and the presenting means presents information on the electronic coupon to a user having the user attribute. This can increase the probability that the user will use the presented electronic coupon.

[0086] [9] The information processing method according to the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by one or more computers, and includes presenting information on an electronic coupon, which has a limited number of available uses and is set to a selectable state, to the user; determining whether the electronic coupon set to an available state is used by the user within a predetermined time after the selection of the electronic coupon in response to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user; and when it is determined that the electronic coupon is not used by the user within the predetermined time after the selection, performing a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing.

[0087]

[10] The program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a presenting means for presenting information on an electronic coupon, which has a limited number of available uses and is set to a selectable state, to the user, and a processing means for performing a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing when the electronic coupon set to an available state is not used by the user within a predetermined time after the selection of the electronic coupon in response to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1 Communication unit 2 Operation / display unit 3 Storage unit 4 Control unit 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 13 Control unit 131 Coupon Presentation Unit 132 Information Processing Unit 133 Usage Determination Unit ST Store Terminal UT User Terminal SA Information Processing Server S Information Processing System

Claims

1. An electronic coupon with a limited number of available uses, comprising: presenting means for presenting information on the electronic coupon set in a selectable state to a user; processing means for, in response to the selection of the electronic coupon selected by the user based on the information on the electronic coupon presented to the user, if the electronic coupon set in an available state is not used by the user until a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon, setting the electronic coupon from the available state to a used state, and then performing a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing; and wherein the selectable state means that the user has not yet made the electronic coupon available for use, the available state means that the user can use the electronic coupon, and the predetermined time is different from the expiration date preset for each electronic coupon.

2. If the electronic coupon is not used by the user until a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon, the electronic coupon becomes unusable, and the processing means performs a process of returning the unusable electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing, according to the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The electronic coupon has the expiration date preset therein, and the processing means performs a process of returning the electronic coupon set in the available state to the selectable state at a predetermined timing if the electronic coupon is not used by the user until a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon and until the expiration date, according to the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing means sets the electronic coupon to a used state when the electronic coupon set to the available state is used by the user within a predetermined time after the selection of the electronic coupon.

5. The electronic coupon can be used for purchasing a specific product or using a specific service, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising determination means for determining whether or not the electronic coupon has been used by the user within a predetermined time after the selection of the electronic coupon, based on the identification information of the electronic coupon set to the available state in response to the selection of the electronic coupon by the user and the purchase information settled for the purchase of the specific product or the use of the specific service by the user.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the presentation means causes the terminal used by the user to display a time indicating a countdown from the selection of the electronic coupon.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the presentation means presents information on a plurality of the electronic coupons set to the selectable state to the user, and in response to the selection of any one or more of the electronic coupons presented to the user, causes the terminal used by the user to display a list of information on the electronic coupon set to the available state.

8. The electronic coupon has a user attribute to be presented set in advance, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the presentation means presents the information on the electronic coupon to a user having the user attribute.

9. An information processing method executed by one or more computers, An electronic coupon with a limited number of available uses, comprising the step of presenting information on the electronic coupon set to a selectable state to a user; Based on the information on the electronic coupon presented to the user, determining whether the electronic coupon set to an available state in response to the selection of the electronic coupon selected by the user is used by the user before a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon; If it is determined that the electronic coupon is not used by the user before a predetermined time elapses from the selection, setting the electronic coupon from the available state to a used state, and then performing a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing; including; The selectable state means that the user has not yet made the electronic coupon available for use, the available state means that the user can use the electronic coupon, and the predetermined time is different from the expiration date set in advance for each electronic coupon. A method for information processing characterized by this.

10. A computer, An electronic coupon with a limited number of available uses, comprising a presenting means for presenting information on the electronic coupon set to a selectable state to a user; Based on the information on the electronic coupon presented to the user, when the electronic coupon set to an available state in response to the selection of the electronic coupon selected by the user is not used by the user before a predetermined time elapses from the selection of the electronic coupon, setting the electronic coupon from the available state to a used state, and then performing a process of returning the electronic coupon to the selectable state at a predetermined timing. A program that functions as a processing means; The selectable state means that the user cannot yet use the electronic coupon, and the usable state means that the user can use the electronic coupon. The program is characterized in that the predetermined time is different from the expiration date set in advance for each electronic coupon.

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