Benefit management device, benefit management method, and terminal program

Abstract

A score management device, a benefit management method, and a terminal program that can improve user convenience are provided. [Solution] In a benefit management server (30) that is a benefit management device, an granting unit (311) grants coupons to multiple target users to whom coupons are to be granted, based on coupon information related to coupons granted by stores. An acquiring unit (312) acquires transfer information related to the transfer of a coupon from a first user to a second user among the multiple target users. A transfer unit (313) transfers the coupon from the first user to the second user based on the transfer information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a privilege management device, a privilege management method, and a terminal program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, cashless payment services have a function that allows a user to give some or all of the points they have to their acquaintances. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a function that allows a user to send balances or points from person-to-person transactions to an acquaintance using a smartphone application. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Mercari and Merpay launch the ‘Send / Receive’ feature, allowing users to send Merpay balances and points to family and friends,” [online], July 13, 2020, Press Release, [Retrieved June 4, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / about.mercari.com / press / news / articles / 20200713_moneytransfer / > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the function of Non-Patent Document 1 allows a user to send balances or points to their acquaintances, but does not allow distributed coupons such as discount coupons to be sent to their acquaintances, which poses a problem in terms of user convenience.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an information processing device and an information processing method that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a benefit management device that includes an awarding unit that awards a benefit to multiple target users to whom the benefit is to be awarded based on benefit information regarding the benefit awarded by a store; an acquisition unit that acquires transfer information regarding the transfer of the benefit from a first user to a second user among the multiple target users; and a transfer unit that transfers the benefit from the first user to the second user based on the transfer information.

[0007] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a method for managing benefits that is executed by a computer, which grants benefits to multiple target users to whom the benefits are to be granted based on benefit information regarding the benefits granted by a store, obtains transfer information regarding the transfer of the benefit from a first user among the multiple target users to a second user, and transfers the benefit from the first user to the second user based on the transfer information.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the terminal program of the present invention causes the processing device of the terminal held by a user to function as: a display control unit that displays on a display device a first image including a first button that is selected by the user when transferring the balance of an electronic account to another user, a second button that is selected by the user when transferring the balance of points in the electronic account to the other user, and a third button that is selected by the user when transferring a benefit granted by a store to the other user; and a reception unit that receives a selection operation by the user to select one of the first button, the second button, or the third button. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The benefit management device, benefit management method, and terminal program according to the present invention can improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a benefit management system including a benefit management server according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal device in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-store device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a benefit management server in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a coupon management server shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment management server of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a customer management server shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an authentication server in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer method selection screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon selection screen. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a transferable user screen on which transferable users are displayed. [Figure 12] 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of a first operation of the entire benefit management system. [Figure 13] 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of a second operation of the entire benefit management system. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a benefit management server according to Modification 2. [Figure 15] 10 is an example of a transfer destination candidate user screen on which transfer destination candidate users and the amount of a coupon to be sent are displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1. First embodiment The configuration of the benefit management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0012] 1.1. Configuration of the First Embodiment 1.1.1. Overall structure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a benefit management system 1 including a benefit management server according to the first embodiment. The benefit management system 1 includes a user terminal device 10, a store device 20, a benefit management server 30, a coupon management server 40, a payment management server 50, a customer management server 60, an authentication server 70, and a communication network NET.

[0013] The user terminal device 10 includes user terminal devices 10[1] and 10[2]. In this embodiment, the configurations of the user terminal devices 10[1] and 10[2] are identical to each other. The user terminal devices 10 are not limited to the two user terminal devices 10[1] and 10[2]. The number of user terminal devices 10 may be any number. Furthermore, the user terminal devices 10 may include terminal devices that do not have the same configuration.

[0014] A user who uses the user terminal device 10[1] is called user U[1], and a user who uses the user terminal device 10[2] is called user U[2]. When referring to an unspecified number of users or all users, the user is also referred to as user U. User U uses the user terminal device 10 to use the benefit management service provided by the benefit management system 1.

[0015] The user terminal device 10 includes a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a smart watch, and the like.

[0016] The in-store device 20 is a device installed in a store where code payment is available. The in-store device 20 includes a cashless payment terminal, a POS register, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and the like.

[0017] The benefit management server 30 is managed by a payment service provider. Payment service providers include, for example, electronic payment agents. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the benefit management server 30 is a server managed by an electronic payment provider. In other words, in this embodiment, the benefit management server 30 provides a benefit management service.

[0018] The coupon management server 40 is managed by a payment service provider. In this embodiment, the coupon management server 40 is managed by an electronic payment service provider. In other words, in this embodiment, the administrator of the coupon management server 40 and the administrator of the benefit management server 30 are the same person.

[0019] The payment management server 50 is a server that manages code payments made between a store and a user U. The payment management server 50 is managed by a payment service provider. That is, in this embodiment, the administrator of the payment management server 50, the administrator of the benefit management server 30, and the administrator of the coupon management server 40 are the same person.

[0020] The customer management server 60 manages customers who run stores. The customer management server 60 is managed by a payment service provider. That is, in this embodiment, the administrator of the customer management server 60, the administrator of the benefit management server 30, the administrator of the coupon management server 40, and the administrator of the payment management server 50 are the same person. Note that the payment service provider and the communication service provider may be the same person. In this embodiment, the payment service provider and the communication service provider are the same person. In this embodiment, the communication service provider provides a mobile communication service. A user U can use the mobile communication service by signing a line contract for the mobile communication service. When using the mobile communication service, the user U registers his / her account.

[0021] The authentication server 70 is a server that authenticates the user U. The authentication server 70 is managed by a communication service provider. That is, in this embodiment, the administrator of the authentication server 70 is the same as the administrator of the benefit management server 30, the administrator of the coupon management server 40, the administrator of the payment management server 50, and the administrator of the customer management server 60.

[0022] The communication network NET is a telecommunications line such as a mobile communication network managed by a telecommunications carrier that provides communication services. The communication network NET includes one or both of a wired communication network and a wireless communication network. For example, the communication network NET may be connected via the Internet to another network (not shown) managed by another telecommunications carrier.

[0023] In the benefit management system 1, a user terminal device 10, a store device 20, a benefit management server 30, a coupon management server 40, a payment management server 50, a customer management server 60, and an authentication server 70 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication network NET. The benefit management system 1 is a system that provides benefit services to any user U who possesses a user terminal device 10.

[0024] 1.1.2. Terminal Device Configuration Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the user terminal device 10 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the user terminal device 10 includes a processing device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, and an imaging device 16. The elements included in the user terminal device 10 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information. The user terminal device 10 is an example of a terminal. Note that the term "device" in this specification may be replaced with other terms such as circuit, device, unit, etc.

[0025] The processing device 11 is a processor that controls the entire user terminal device 10, and is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing device 11 is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 11 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processing device 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0026] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM).

[0027] The storage device 12 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR1 and an application program PRA to be executed by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 also functions as a work area for the processing device 11.

[0028] The control program PR1 is a program that controls the entire processing device 11. The application program PRA is a program for using all electronic payment services provided by payment service providers. The application program PRA is capable of two-dimensional code payment, deposit and withdrawal procedures, display of electronic account balances, etc.

[0029] The communication device 13 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 13 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 13 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0030] The display device 14 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 14 displays various images under the control of the processing device 11. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal panel and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel are suitably used as the display device 14.

[0031] The input device 15 receives operations from the user U. For example, the input device 15 includes a keyboard, a touchpad, a touch panel, and a pointing device such as a mouse. Here, if the input device 15 includes a touch panel, it may also serve as the display device 14.

[0032] The imaging device 16 outputs imaging information obtained by capturing an image of the external world. The imaging device 16 includes, for example, a lens, an imaging element, an amplifier, and an AD converter. Light collected through the lens is converted into an imaging signal, which is an analog signal, by the imaging element. The amplifier amplifies the imaging signal and outputs it to the AD converter. The AD converter converts the amplified imaging signal, which is an analog signal, into imaging information, which is a digital signal.

[0033] The processing device 11 functions as a reception unit 111, a communication unit 112, and a display control unit 113, for example, by reading out a control program PR1 from the storage device 12 and executing it.

[0034] The reception unit 111 receives various operations by the user U on the application program PRA via the input device 15. For example, the reception unit 111 receives an operation by the user U to transfer the balance of an electronic account, the balance of points, or a coupon to another user. Specifically, the reception unit 111 receives a selection operation to select one of the first button B11, the second button B12, and the third button B13.

[0035] When user U issues a coupon transfer instruction, communication unit 112 transmits the coupon transfer instruction to benefit management server 30 via communication device 13. Communication unit 112 receives coupon transferable user information from benefit management server 30 via communication device 13. Transferable user information is information about users to whom coupons can be transferred. Communication unit 112 transmits a payment code generation request to payment management server 50 via communication device 13. Communication unit 112 receives payment code information from payment management server 50 via communication device 13.

[0036] The display control unit 113 displays a transfer method selection image IM1 including a first button B11, a second button B12, and a third button B13 on the display device 14. The transfer method selection image IM1 is an example of a first image. The first button B11 is selected by the user U[1] when transferring the balance of the electronic account to another user. The second button B12 is selected by the user U[1] when transferring the balance of points in the electronic account to another user. The third button B13 is selected by the user U[1] when transferring a coupon provided by a store to another user. The coupon is an example of a benefit.

[0037] When the third button B13 is selected by the user U[1], the display control unit 113 displays on the display device 14 a coupon selection image IM2 including one or more coupons.

[0038] When one coupon is selected by the user U[1] in the coupon selection image IM2, the display control unit 113 displays a transferable user image IM3 including one or more transfer destination candidate user buttons on the display device 14. The transferable user image IM3 is an example of a second image.

[0039] 1.1.3. Store equipment configuration Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the in-store device 20 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the in-store device 20 includes a processing device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display device 24, and an input device 25. The elements included in the in-store device 20 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0040] The processing device 21 is a processor that controls the entire in-store device 20, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 21 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 21 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 21 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0041] The storage device 22 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0042] The storage device 22 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR2 to be executed by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 also functions as a work area for the processing device 21.

[0043] The communication device 23 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 23 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 23 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 23 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0044] The display device 24 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 24 displays various images under the control of the processing device 11. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal panel and an organic EL panel are suitably used as the display device 24.

[0045] The input device 25 receives operations from the user U. For example, the input device 25 includes a keyboard, a touchpad, a touch panel, and a pointing device such as a mouse. Here, if the input device 25 includes a touch panel, it may also serve as the display device 24.

[0046] The processing device 21 functions as a reception unit 211, a manuscript submission unit 212, a notification unit 213, and a display control unit 214, for example, by reading and executing a control program PR2 from the storage device 22.

[0047] The reception unit 211 receives various operations from the store clerk or the user U via the input device 25. The various operations include an operation to select a payment method, an operation to select a type of two-dimensional code payment, etc. Payment methods include cash, credit card, two-dimensional code payment, etc.

[0048] There are two types of two-dimensional code payments: consumer-presented mode (CPM) and merchant-presented mode (MPM). In consumer-presented two-dimensional code payments, a two-dimensional code displayed on the display device 14 of the user terminal device 10[1] is read by a store scanner to make the payment. In merchant-presented two-dimensional code payments, a two-dimensional code displayed on the display device 24 of the in-store device 20 is read by the imaging device 16 of the user terminal device 10[1] to make the payment.

[0049] When two-dimensional code payment is used and specific conditions are met, the submission unit 212 submits a coupon to the customer management server 60. The specific conditions include purchasing a product that is eligible for the coupon, purchasing the product during a campaign period for coupon distribution, etc.

[0050] When a customer-presented two-dimensional code payment is used, the notification unit 213 notifies the payment management server 50 of a transaction request message when code payment processing is performed between the user terminal device 10[1].

[0051] When store-presented two-dimensional code payment is used, the display control unit 214 displays a two-dimensional code on the display device 24. In the following, the present embodiment will be described taking as an example a case where customer-presented two-dimensional code payment is used.

[0052] 1.1.4. Configuration of the Reward Management Server Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the benefit management server 30 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the benefit management server 30 includes a processing device 31, a storage device 32, and a communication device 33. The elements included in the benefit management server 30 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0053] The processing device 31 is a processor that controls the entire benefit management server 30, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 31 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 31 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 31 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0054] The storage device 32 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 31. The storage device 32 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0055] The storage device 32 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR3 to be executed by the processing device 31, a payment information database DB1, and a coupon information database DB2. The storage device 32 also functions as a work area for the processing device 31.

[0056] The payment information database DB1 stores payment result information regarding payment results received from the payment management server 50. The payment result information includes the payment amount, company code, store code, etc. The company code is a code unique to the payment service provider. The store code is a code unique to the store that actually submitted the coupon. The payment result information is preferably stored for approximately five minutes. The payment information database DB1 stores multiple account identification information linked to multiple tokens. As a result, even if a user U who has registered multiple accounts merges the multiple accounts into one account, multiple tokens are linked to the single account, making it possible to refer to the user U's past payment result information. Note that the storage period for payment result information is not limited to approximately five minutes.

[0057] The coupon information database DB2 stores coupon information related to coupons received from the coupon management server 40. The coupon information includes target period information, target area information, target product information, benefit content information, segment information, etc. Target period information is information related to the period during which a coupon can be used. Target area information is information related to the area during which a coupon can be used. Target product information is information related to products eligible for coupon use. Products eligible for coupon use may be specific products, a specific group of products, or all products in the store. Coupon information is an example of benefit information.

[0058] The benefit content information is information about the benefits that can be obtained by using a coupon. The benefit content includes the gift of a product, discount rate, discount amount, etc. The coupon information includes segment information. The segment information is information that defines the segment of user U to whom the coupon will be distributed. Segments are classified, for example, by user U's age, generation, gender, occupation, preferences, etc. In other words, the coupon information includes information about the age of the target user.

[0059] The coupon information is preferably stored for a period of several days. In the coupon information database DB2, multiple pieces of account identification information are linked to multiple tokens and stored. As a result, even if a user U who has registered multiple accounts merges the multiple accounts into one account, multiple tokens are linked to the single account, so that the user U's past coupon information can be referenced. Note that the coupon information storage period is not limited to a period of several days.

[0060] The communication device 33 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 33 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 33 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 33 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0061] The processing device 31 functions as an assigning unit 311, an acquiring unit 312, a transferring unit 313, a deciding unit 314, and a notifying unit 315, for example, by reading and executing a control program PR3 from the storage device 32.

[0062] The granting unit 311 grants coupons to a plurality of target users based on the coupon information. The plurality of target users are users to whom coupons are to be granted.

[0063] The acquisition unit 312 acquires transfer information. The transfer information is information related to the transfer of a coupon from user U[1] of multiple target users to user U[2]. The transfer information includes at least information about the user from which the coupon is to be transferred, information about the user to which the coupon is to be transferred, and information about the coupon to be transferred. In this embodiment, the transfer information is based on a transfer instruction from user U[1].

[0064] A transfer instruction by user U[1] is generated by user U[1]'s operation of the application program PRA of the user terminal device 10[1]. In other words, a transfer instruction by user U[1] is generated by user U[1] specifying the coupon to send and the recipient through the application program PRA. Therefore, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 312 acquires transfer information from the user terminal device 10[1] via the communication device 33.

[0065] The transfer unit 313 transfers the coupon from user U[1] to user U[2] based on the transfer information.

[0066] However, coupons may be distributed only to certain users. In other words, coupons with limited distribution targets can only be received by users who meet the usage conditions. For example, a coupon that is distributed only to users in their 20s can only be transferred to other users in their 20s. If the coupon that user U[1] wishes to transfer is only available to users in their 20s, user U[1] needs to know whether the person to whom he or she wants to send the coupon, for example, user U[2], is also in their 20s.

[0067] Therefore, the determination unit 314 determines whether or not user U[2] is a target to which the coupon can be transferred, based on the coupon information. More specifically, the determination unit 314 determines whether or not not only user U[2] but all users registered by user U[1] as transfer destinations of the coupon are targets to which the coupon can be transferred. In other words, the determination unit 314 determines, from among one or more transfer destination candidate users including user U[2], targets to which the coupon can be transferred as one or more transfer-enabled users.

[0068] The transfer unit 313 transfers the coupon from user U[1] to user U[2] when the determination unit 314 determines that user U[2] is a target to which the coupon can be transferred and user U[1] selects user U[2] as the transfer destination.

[0069] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 312 acquires a payment completion notification from the payment management server 50. When the acquisition unit 312 acquires the payment completion notification from the payment management server 50, it stores the payment result information in the payment information database DB1. The storage period for the payment result information in the payment information database DB1 is approximately 5 minutes.

[0070] The acquisition unit 312 acquires coupon information from the coupon management server 40. When the acquisition unit 312 acquires the coupon information from the coupon management server 40, the acquisition unit 312 stores the coupon information in the coupon information database DB2. The coupon information is stored in the coupon information database DB2 for about one week.

[0071] The determination unit 314 determines, based on the coupon information, whether or not a plurality of transfer destination candidate users including user U[2] are eligible to transfer the coupon.

[0072] When the determination unit 314 determines that at least user U[2] is eligible to transfer the coupon, the notification unit 315 notifies the user terminal device 10[1] owned by user U[1] that user U[2] is eligible to transfer the coupon. More specifically, the notification unit 315 notifies the user terminal device 10[1] owned by user U[1] of one or more transferable users who have been determined by the determination unit 314 to be eligible to transfer the coupon, among one or more transfer-destination candidate users including user U[2]. As a result, one or more transferable users are displayed on the user terminal device 10[1].

[0073] 1.1.5. Coupon Management Server Configuration Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the coupon management server 40 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the coupon management server 40 includes a processing device 41, a storage device 42, and a communication device 43. The elements included in the coupon management server 40 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0074] The processing device 41 is a processor that controls the entire coupon management server 40, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 41 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 41 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 41 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0075] The storage device 42 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 41. The storage device 42 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0076] The storage device 42 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR4 to be executed by the processing device 41. The storage device 42 also functions as a work area for the processing device 41.

[0077] The communication device 43 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 43 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 43 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 43 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0078] The processing device 41 functions as a device that executes the following processes by, for example, reading and executing the control program PR4 from the storage device 42.

[0079] The processing device 41 acquires submission information from the customer management server 60. The submission information is information about coupons submitted from the in-store device 20. The processing device 41 issues coupons based on the submission information.

[0080] When the processing device 41 receives a coupon information request from the benefit management server 30, if a coupon matching the payment information included in the coupon information request has been issued, the processing device 41 transmits coupon information about the matching coupon to the benefit management server 30 via the communication device 43. The payment information includes information such as the payment amount, company code, and store code. The company code is a code unique to the company that manages the store. The store code is a code unique to the store that actually submitted the coupon.

[0081] 1.1.6. Payment Management Server Configuration Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment management server 50 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the payment management server 50 includes a processing device 51, a storage device 52, and a communication device 53. The elements included in the payment management server 50 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0082] The processing device 51 is a processor that controls the entire payment management server 50, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 51 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 51 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 51 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0083] The storage device 52 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 51. The storage device 52 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0084] The storage device 52 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR5 to be executed by the processing device 51. The storage device 52 also functions as a work area for the processing device 51.

[0085] The communication device 53 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 53 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 53 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 53 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0086] The processing device 51 functions as a device that executes the following processes by, for example, reading and executing a control program PR5 from the storage device 52.

[0087] When the processing device 51 receives a payment code generation request from the user terminal device 10[1], it generates a payment code and transmits information about the generated payment code to the user terminal device 10[k] via the communication device 53.

[0088] The processing device 51 acquires a transaction request message sent from the in-store device 20 after the in-store device 20 reads the payment code displayed on the display device 14 of the user terminal device 10[1]. In response to the acquired transaction request message, the processing device 51 notifies the benefit management server 30 via the communication device 53 of a payment completion notification.

[0089] 1.1.7. Customer Management Server Configuration Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the customer management server 60 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the customer management server 60 includes a processing device 61, a storage device 62, and a communication device 63. The elements included in the customer management server 60 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0090] The processing device 61 is a processor that controls the entire customer management server 60, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 61 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 61 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 61 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0091] The storage device 62 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 61. The storage device 62 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0092] The storage device 62 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR6 to be executed by the processing device 61. The storage device 62 also functions as a work area for the processing device 61.

[0093] The communication device 63 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 63 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 63 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 63 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0094] The processing device 61 functions as a device that executes the following processes by, for example, reading and executing a control program PR6 from the storage device 62.

[0095] The processing device 61 accepts coupon submissions from stores. The processing device 61 transmits submission information about the submitted coupons to the coupon management server via the communication device 63. The processing device 61 may cause the customer management server 60 to function as a dashboard when stores submit coupons.

[0096] 1.1.8.Authentication Server Configuration Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the authentication server 70 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the authentication server 70 includes a processing device 71, a storage device 72, and a communication device 73. The elements included in the authentication server 70 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0097] The processing device 71 is a processor that controls the entire authentication server 70, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 71 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 71 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 71 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0098] The storage device 72 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 71. The storage device 72 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0099] The storage device 72 stores a plurality of programs, including a control program PR7, to be executed by the processing device 71, and an account information database DB3. The storage device 72 also functions as a work area for the processing device 71.

[0100] The account information database DB3 is a database that stores attribute information of a user U[k] who has an account with the electronic payment service, along with the account information of the user U[k]. The attribute information includes, for example, information such as the age, gender, occupation, address, and preferences of the user U[k].

[0101] The communication device 73 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 73 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 73 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 73 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0102] The processing device 71 functions as a device that executes the following processes by, for example, reading and executing the control program PR7 from the storage device 72.

[0103] When the processing device 71 receives a request for attribute information about a transfer destination candidate user from the benefit management server 30, it transmits the attribute information about the transfer destination candidate user to the benefit management server 30 via the communication device 73. In this embodiment, the transfer destination candidate user is a user who is registered as a transfer destination from user U[1] or a user with whom the transfer destination candidate user has had a transaction in the past.

[0104] 1.2. Operation of the User Terminal Device and the Benefit Management Server According to the First Embodiment Hereinafter, the operation of the user terminal device 10[1] and the benefit management server 30 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0105] For example, a coupon that is only available to users in their 20s can only be transferred to users in their 20s. If the coupon that user U[1] wishes to transfer is only available to users in their 20s, the display device 14 of the user terminal device 10[1] will display only users in their 20s who are eligible to receive the coupon as transferable users.

[0106] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a transfer method selection screen SC1. The transfer method selection screen SC1 is a screen on which a transfer method selection image IM1 is displayed on the display device 14. As shown in FIG. 9, the transfer method selection image IM1 displays a "Send" button B01, a "Receive" button B02, a transfer type selection button B10, a transfer method selection button B20, and the like. The "Send" button T11 is a button selected when user U[1] sends an electronic account balance, points, or coupons to another user U. The "Receive" button B02 is a button selected when user U[1] receives an electronic account balance, points, or coupons from another user U. User U[1] can select either the "Send" button B01 or the "Receive" button B02. In FIG. 9, the "Send" button B01 is selected. The transfer method selection image IM1 is an example of a first image.

[0107] The transfer type selection button B10 includes a first button B11, a second button B12, and a third button B13. The first button B11 is a button for selecting the transfer of part or all of the electronic account balance. The second button B12 is a button for selecting the transfer of part or all of the owned points. The third button B13 is a button for selecting the transfer of part or all of the coupons. In FIG. 9, the third button B13 is selected.

[0108] The transfer method selection button B20 includes a fourth button B21, a fifth button B22, a sixth button B23, and a seventh button B24. The transfer method selection button B20 can be selected when the transfer of part or all of the electronic account or the transfer of part or all of the held points is selected as the transfer type.

[0109] The fourth button B21 is a button for specifying a telephone number as the destination. When the user U[1] selects the fourth button B21, the screen transitions to a screen for inputting the destination telephone number. The fifth button B22 is a button for reading a two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal device 10 of the destination user U. When the user U[1] selects the fifth button B22, the screen transitions to a screen for reading a two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal device 10 of the destination user U. The sixth button B23 is a button for specifying an SNS (Social Networking Service) account or email address as the destination. When the user U[1] selects the sixth button B23, the screen transitions to a screen for inputting the SNS account or email address. The seventh button B24 is a button that is displayed based on the history of past relocations. When the user U[1] selects the seventh button B24, the relocation destination is specified.

[0110] On the other hand, if the transfer type is selected as the transfer of all or part of the coupon, that is, if the user U[1] selects the third button B13, the screen transitions to the coupon selection screen. Therefore, if the user U[1] selects the third button B13, the operation of the transfer method selection button B20 by the user U[1] is not accepted.

[0111] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon selection screen SC2. The coupon selection screen SC2 is a screen on which a coupon selection image IM2 is displayed on the display device 14. As shown in Fig. 10, the coupon selection image IM2 displays coupons that can be used by the user U[1].

[0112] FIG. 10 shows, for example, three coupons. The first coupon C01 is a coupon for two months free of charge for a subscription service. The second coupon C02 is a discount coupon for sweets. The third coupon C03 is a 100 yen discount coupon that can be used at Store A and is limited to those in their 20s. In other words, the condition for use is that the age must be between 20 and 29 years old.

[0113] The following describes an example in which user U[1] selects the third coupon C03. FIG. 11 is an example of a transferable user screen SC3 on which a transferable user is displayed. The transferable user screen SC3 is a screen on which a transferable user image IM3 is displayed on the display device 14. As shown in FIG. 11, the transferable user image IM3 displays a candidate user button B30, a "Send" button B41, and a "Cancel" button B42. The transferable user image IM3 is an example of a second image.

[0114] The candidate user button B30 includes a first candidate button B31, a second candidate button B32, and a third candidate button B33. The candidate user button B30 displays the name of each transferable user. The users displayed as transferable users are either users who have been pre-registered by user U[1] as transferees and who meet the above-mentioned availability conditions, or users with whom user U[1] has previously traded and who also meet the above-mentioned availability conditions. As described above, transferable users are determined by the benefit management server 30.

[0115] The "Send" button B41 is a button for deciding to send a coupon to a selected user. After selecting one of the first candidate button B31, second candidate button B32, and third candidate button B33, tapping the "Send" button B41 sends the coupon to the person indicated by the selected candidate user button.

[0116] The "Cancel" button B42 is a button for canceling the transfer of the coupon. When the "Cancel" button B42 is operated by the user U[1], the transfer of the coupon to the selected transfer-enabled user is canceled.

[0117] 1.3. Operation of the benefit management server according to the first embodiment 1.3.1. First Operation of Benefit Management System 1 Figure 12 is a sequence chart showing an example of a first operation of the entire benefit management system 1. The first operation of the benefit management system 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 12. The first operation is a series of operations from when payment is made using code payment in consumer-presented mode (CPM) to when a coupon is obtained.

[0118] In response to an operation of the input device 15 by the user U[1], the user terminal device 10[1] starts the application program PRA in step S11.

[0119] When the startup process of the application program PRA starts, in step S12, the user terminal device 10[1] requests the payment management server 50 to generate a payment code. That is, in step S12, the user terminal device 10[1] sends a payment code generation request to the payment management server 50.

[0120] When the payment management server 50 receives the payment code generation request and completes authentication of the user terminal device 10[1], in step S13, the payment management server 50 generates a payment code and transmits data indicating the payment code to the user terminal device 10[1].

[0121] When the user terminal device 10[1] receives the data indicating the payment code, the user terminal device 10[1] displays the payment code on the display device 14 in step S14.

[0122] Thereafter, in step S15, the user U[1] presents the displayed payment code, and in step S16, the payment code is read by the in-store device 20.

[0123] When the payment code is read, the in-store device 20 transmits a transaction request message to the payment management server 50 in step S17.

[0124] When the authentication of the transaction request message is completed, the settlement management server 50 transmits a settlement completion notice to the benefit management server 30 in step S18.

[0125] Upon receiving the payment completion notice, the benefit management server 30 stores the payment information included in the payment completion notice in the payment information database DB1 in step S19.

[0126] In step S20, the benefit management server 30 requests the coupon management server 40 for a coupon related to the payment information.

[0127] In step S21, the coupon management server 40 transmits the coupon associated with the payment information to the benefit management server 30.

[0128] In step S22, the benefit management server 30 stores the acquired coupon information in the coupon information database DB2.

[0129] 1.3.2. Second Operation of Benefit Management System 1 Fig. 13 is a sequence chart showing an example of a second operation of the entire benefit management system 1. Hereinafter, the second operation of the benefit management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The second operation is a series of operations up to the transfer of a coupon submitted by a store to another user.

[0130] In step S31, a coupon is submitted to the customer management server 60 from the in-store device 20 by an operation at the store.

[0131] In step S32, the customer management server 60 transmits submission information to the coupon management server 40 based on the information about the submitted coupon.

[0132] In step S33, the coupon management server 40 transmits the coupon information to the benefit management server 30.

[0133] In step S34, the benefit management server 30 stores the acquired coupon information in the coupon information database DB2.

[0134] In step S35, the coupon based on the coupon information is displayed on the user terminal device 10[1].

[0135] In step S36, the user terminal device 10[1] accepts the operation of transferring the coupon by the user U[1]. For example, the operation by the user U[1] is to select the "Send Coupon" button displayed on the display device 14.

[0136] In step S37, an instruction to transfer the coupon is sent from the user terminal device 10[k] to the benefit management server 30.

[0137] In step S38, the benefit management server 30 requests the coupon management server 40 for coupon information relating to the coupon.

[0138] In step S39, the coupon management server 40 transmits the coupon information to the benefit management server 30 in response to the coupon information request.

[0139] In step S40, the benefit management server 30 requests attribute information relating to the coupon from the authentication server 70.

[0140] In step S41, the authentication server 70 transmits the attribute information to the benefit management server 30 in response to the attribute information request.

[0141] In step S42, the benefit management server 30 determines the transferable users based on the coupon information and attribute information.

[0142] In step S43, the benefit management server 30 notifies the user terminal device 10[1] of information about the determined transferable user. That is, the benefit management server 30 transmits the determined transferable user information to the user terminal device 10[1].

[0143] In step S44, the user terminal device 10[1] displays the transferable users on the display device 14 based on the acquired transferable user information.

[0144] 1.4. Advantages of the First Embodiment As described above, the benefit management server 30 according to the first embodiment includes an granting unit 311, an acquiring unit 312, and a transfer unit 313. The granting unit 311 grants coupons to multiple target users to whom the coupons are to be granted, based on coupon information related to coupons granted by stores. The acquiring unit 312 acquires transfer information related to the transfer of a coupon from user U[1], one of the multiple target users, to user U[2]. The transfer unit 313 transfers the coupon from user U[1] to user U[2] based on the transfer information.

[0145] According to this embodiment, user U[1] can transfer a coupon acquired from a store to user U[2], thereby improving user convenience.

[0146] The benefit management server 30 according to the first embodiment further includes a determination unit 314 and a notification unit 315. The determination unit 314 determines whether or not user U[2] is eligible to transfer the coupon, based on the coupon information. When the determination unit 314 determines that user U[2] is eligible to transfer the coupon, the notification unit 315 notifies the user terminal device 10[1] possessed by user U[1] that user U[2] is eligible to transfer the coupon.

[0147] According to this aspect, the coupon can be transferred only to users who satisfy the usage conditions included in the coupon information, so that the store can encourage its target users to use the coupon.

[0148] The coupon information also includes information about the age of the target user.

[0149] According to this aspect, by setting a limit on the age of the user who transfers the coupon, the store can encourage its target users to use the coupon.

[0150] The benefit management method according to the first embodiment is a computer-executable method. The benefit management method grants coupons to multiple target users based on coupon information about coupons granted by a store, acquires transfer information about the transfer of the coupon from user U[1] to user U[2], and transfers the coupon from user U[1] to user U[2] based on the transfer information.

[0151] According to this embodiment, user U[1] can transfer a coupon acquired from a store to user U[2], thereby improving user convenience.

[0152] Furthermore, according to the above explanation, the application program PRA of the user terminal device 10[1] according to the first embodiment causes the processing device 11 of the user terminal device 10[1] possessed by the user U[1] to function as a display control unit 113 and a reception unit 111. The display control unit 113 displays on the display device 14 a relocation method selection image IM1 including a first button B11, a second button B12, and a third button B13.

[0153] The first button B11 is selected by the user U[1] when transferring the balance of the electronic account to another user. The second button B12 is selected by the user U[1] when transferring the balance of points in the electronic account to another user. The third button B13 is selected by the user U[1] when transferring a coupon provided by a store to another user. The reception unit 111 receives a selection operation by the user U[1] to select one of the first button B11, the second button B12, and the third button B13.

[0154] According to this embodiment, the third button B13 for transferring coupons is displayed together with the first button B11 for transferring electronic account balances and the second button B12 for transferring point balances. Therefore, user U[1] can easily transfer coupons in the same way as transferring electronic account balances or point balances. In other words, according to this embodiment, user convenience can be improved.

[0155] In addition, when the display control unit 113 receives notification from the benefit management server 30, which manages the granting and transfer of coupons, that another user is eligible to transfer the coupon, it displays on the display device 14 a transferable user image IM3, which indicates the other user as a candidate user.

[0156] According to this embodiment, users who cannot be transferred are not displayed on the display device 14, and only users who can be transferred are displayed, making it easy to select a user to transfer to.

[0157] 2. Variations The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be combined. Furthermore, the above-described exemplary embodiments and the following modified embodiments may be combined in any combination as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0158] 2.1. Variation 1 In the first embodiment, when a coupon with usage conditions is to be transferred, only transferable users who satisfy the usage conditions among the registered users registered by user U[1] are displayed on the display device 14. In the above embodiment, user U[1] can transfer the coupon by selecting one of the displayed target users.

[0159] However, not limited to the above embodiment, all registered users previously registered by user U[1] may be displayed on the display device 14, and when user U[1] selects user U[2] from among the registered users, the benefit management server 30 may determine whether the selected user U[2] is a target user, and if it is determined that the selected user U[2] is a target user, a coupon may be transferred from user U[1] to user U[2].

[0160] That is, when the determination unit 314 determines that the user U[2] is a target to which the coupon can be transferred, the transfer unit 313 may transfer the coupon from the user U[1] to the user U[2].

[0161] 2.2. Variation 2 In the first embodiment, an example of transferring one coupon to another user has been described, but the coupon may be divided and transferred. If the coupon is a coupon related to a discount amount when purchasing a product, the coupon may be divided and transferred to another user. For example, if the coupon is a coupon for a 200 yen discount, 100 yen of the 200 yen can be transferred to another user.

[0162] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a benefit management server 30A according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 14, the benefit management server 30A includes a processing device 31A, a storage device 32A, and a communication device 33. The elements included in the benefit management server 30A are interconnected by a single or multiple buses for communicating information. Explanations of parts that are similar in configuration to the example configuration of the benefit management server 30 in Figure 4 will be omitted.

[0163] The processing device 31A is a processor that controls the entire benefit management server 30A. The storage device 32A is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 31A. The storage device 32A stores multiple programs including the control program PR3A to be executed by the processing device 31A, a payment information database DB1, and a coupon information database DB2. The storage device 32A also functions as a work area for the processing device 31A.

[0164] The processing device 31A functions as an assigning unit 311, an acquiring unit 312, a transferring unit 313, a deciding unit 314, a notifying unit 315, and a dividing unit 316, for example, by reading and executing a control program PR3A from the storage device 32A.

[0165] The functions of the assignment unit 311, acquisition unit 312, transfer unit 313, determination unit 314, and notification unit 315 are the same as the functions of the assignment unit 311, acquisition unit 312, transfer unit 313, determination unit 314, and notification unit 315 of the processing device 31 according to the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions of these will be omitted.

[0166] If the coupon is a coupon for a discount amount when purchasing a product, the dividing unit 316 divides the discount amount according to an instruction from the user U[1].

[0167] FIG. 15 is an example of a transfer-destination candidate user screen SC4 that displays transfer-destination candidate users and the coupon amount to be sent. The transfer-destination candidate user screen SC4 is a screen on which a transfer-destination candidate user image IM4 is displayed on the display device 14. Below, with reference to FIG. 15, we will explain the case where user U[1] divides a 200 yen discount coupon he holds into 100 yen portions and sends them to the other party. As shown in FIG. 15, the transfer-destination candidate user image IM4 displays a candidate user button B50, a coupon remaining amount display field F11, a coupon amount input field F12, a "Send" button B41, and a "Cancel" button B42.

[0168] The candidate user buttons B50 include a fourth candidate button B51, a fifth candidate button B52, a sixth candidate button B53, and a seventh candidate button B54. The candidate user buttons B50 each display the name of a transfer destination candidate user. The users displayed as transfer destination candidate users are either users previously registered by user U[1] as transfer destination targets or users with whom user U[1] has previously conducted transactions. Note that the 200 yen discount coupon in this example is not particularly limited to recipients.

[0169] The coupon remaining amount display field F11 displays the current remaining coupon amount. The coupon amount input field F12 can be set to any amount up to the coupon remaining amount displayed in the coupon remaining amount display field F11.

[0170] In this example, the remaining coupon amount of 200 yen is displayed in the coupon remaining amount display field F11. The coupon amount input field F12 has 100 yen entered as the coupon amount. Therefore, in this case, of the 200 yen coupon, 100 yen worth of coupon is sent to the selected user from among the candidate users.

[0171] As described above, the benefit management server 30 according to the second modification further includes a dividing unit 316. When the coupon relates to a discount amount for purchasing a product, the dividing unit 316 divides the discount amount in accordance with instructions from user U[1]. When the coupon discount amount is divided by the dividing unit 316, the transfer unit 313 transfers the divided amount to user U[2].

[0172] According to this embodiment, user U[1] can send a portion of the discount amount indicated on the coupon to user U[2], so that both user U[1] and user U[2] can receive the discount benefit.

[0173] 3.Other (1) In the above-described embodiment, storage devices 12, 22, 32, 32A, 42, 52, 62, and 72 are exemplified by ROM and RAM, but may be flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray (registered trademark) discs), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, or other suitable storage media. The program may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line. The program may also be transmitted from a communications network NET via a telecommunications line.

[0174] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the described information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0175] (3) In the above-described embodiment, input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, a memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0176] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the determination may be made by a value (0 or 1) represented using one bit, by a Boolean value (true or false), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0177] (5) The order of the process procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be rearranged unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0178] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 1 to 15 is realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized by using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.). A functional block may also be realized by combining software with the one device or the multiple devices.

[0179] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.

[0180] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0181] (8) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0182] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0183] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the user terminal device 10 may be a mobile station (MS). A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate term. In this disclosure, terms such as "mobile station," "user terminal," "user equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0184] (11) In the above-described embodiments, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variations thereof refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0185] (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0186] (13) As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0187] (14) In the above embodiments, when "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0188] (15) In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are plural.

[0189] (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0190] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0191] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 1...benefit management system, 10, 10[1], 10[2]...user terminal device, 20...store device, 30...benefit management server, 111...reception unit, 113...display control unit, 311...granting unit, 312...acquisition unit, 313...transfer unit, 314...determination unit, 315...notification unit, 316...division unit, B11...first button, B12...second button, B13...third button, L11L12...usage details, IM1...transfer method selection image, IM3...transferable user image, U, U[1], U[2]...user.

Claims

1. an awarding unit that awards a benefit to a plurality of target users who are to receive the benefit based on benefit information regarding the benefit to be awarded by the store; an acquisition unit that acquires transfer information regarding a transfer of the benefit from a first user to a second user among the plurality of target users; a transfer unit that transfers the benefit from the first user to the second user based on the transfer information; a determination unit that determines whether the second user is eligible to transfer the benefit based on the benefit information; Equipped with The transfer information includes at least information about the first user who is a transfer source, information about the second user who is a transfer destination, and information about the benefit to be transferred; The benefit information includes information about the age group of the target user, When the distribution target of the benefit is limited to the target user's age group, the determination unit determines that the second user who matches the target user's age group is a target to which the benefit can be transferred. Benefits management device.

2. A notification unit that notifies a terminal held by the first user that the second user is a target to which the benefit can be transferred when the determination unit determines that the second user is a target to which the benefit can be transferred; Further provided with The benefit management device according to claim 1 .

3. In the case where the benefit is a benefit related to a discount when purchasing a product, a division unit that divides the discount amount in accordance with an instruction from the first user; The transfer unit transfers the divided amount to the second user. The benefit management device according to claim 1 .

4. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: Based on benefit information regarding a benefit to be granted by the store, grant the benefit to a plurality of target users to whom the benefit is to be granted; acquiring transfer information regarding a transfer of the benefit from a first user to a second user among the plurality of target users; Transferring the benefit from the first user to the second user based on the transfer information; Determine whether the second user is eligible to transfer the benefit based on the benefit information; The transfer information includes at least information about the first user who is a transfer source, information about the second user who is a transfer destination, and information about the benefit to be transferred; The benefit information includes information about the age group of the target user, If the distribution target of the benefit is limited to the age group of the target user, determining that the second user who matches the age group of the target user is a target to which the benefit can be transferred; Benefits management methods.

Images