Control device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus, method and program for control capable of suitably gathering and making use of information concerned with a particular form of utilization of a user terminal, together with suitably supporting the particular form of utilization of the user terminal.SOLUTION: An apparatus for control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an accepting section that accepts an active action related to a particular form of utilization using a user terminal and an acquiring section that acquires information concerned with the particular form of utilization using the user terminal from the user terminal if the accepting section accepted the active action.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a coupon distribution system that can provide information on stores in a specific business type desired by a user that distribute coupons in order of proximity to the user's location, allowing the user to reliably obtain coupons from stores in the specific business type and improving the effectiveness of advertising. This coupon distribution system concludes store advertising contracts with multiple stores in each business type that distribute coupons with limited expiration dates that can be used when visiting the store, distributes store advertising information for the store in response to access by the user from a terminal device, and when the user accesses a store by specifying the location and business type of the user's terminal device, distributes store advertising information in order of proximity to the location of the user's terminal device, and distributes store coupons for the accessed store to the user's terminal device if the user wishes to obtain a coupon for the accessed store. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-288506 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 has a problem in that while the store can grasp the actual usage of coupons (number of uses), the coupon distribution system cannot fully grasp the actual usage of coupons (number of uses). For example, coupons are distributed by displaying a coupon number and / or a barcode on the screen of a user's terminal device, and coupon usage history data is saved when the store types in the coupon number and / or reads it with a barcode reader. On the other hand, a coupon distribution system that simply displays the coupon number and / or barcode on the screen of a user's terminal device can grasp the number of coupons distributed (number of displays on screen), but cannot fully grasp the actual usage of coupons (number of uses) (number of displays on screen ≠ number of coupon uses).

[0005] It is possible for stores to make an agreement to report the actual usage (number of uses) of coupons to the coupon distribution system, but there is a risk that the reports will not be made in accordance with the agreement, or even if they are made in accordance with the agreement, they may lack credibility, raising concerns that the coupon distribution system will not be able to accurately grasp the actual usage (number of uses) of coupons.

[0006] The above technical issues are not limited to coupon distribution systems such as those described in Patent Document 1, but apply to all "specific modes of use" of user terminals, such as stamp rallies, flat-rate monthly discount services (subscription-type services) that bundle multiple stores, and roaming events within complex facilities.

[0007] Therefore, one of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a control device, a control method, and a control program that can favorably support specific modes of use of a user terminal and can favorably collect and utilize information related to specific modes of use of a user terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a reception unit that receives an active action related to a specific mode of use using a user terminal, and an acquisition unit that, when the reception unit receives the active action, acquires information related to the specific mode of use using the user terminal from the user terminal. the reception unit is installed at each facility that provides the specific mode use, and the acquisition unit acquires, for each facility, a user analysis report from the user terminal, the user analysis report including information on the specific mode use using the user terminal and information on the user or the user terminal; It is characterized by: A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by having a reception unit that receives an active action related to specific mode use using a user terminal, an acquisition unit that, when the reception unit receives the active action, acquires information related to the specific mode use using the user terminal from the user terminal, and a pre-reception permission unit that queries the user as to whether or not to permit the information related to the specific mode use using the user terminal to be used for marketing, and, when the user's permission is obtained, enables the specific mode use using the user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a control device, a control method, and a control program that can favorably support specific modes of use of a user terminal and favorably collect and utilize information related to specific modes of use of the user terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the current state of coupon usage using a user terminal. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of current technical issues regarding coupon usage using a user terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an internal configuration of a server-side device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first mode of operation of the control device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second mode of operation of the control device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third aspect of the operation of the control device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth mode of operation of the control device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth mode of operation of the control device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth mode of operation of the control device. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seventh mode of operation of the control device. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an eighth mode of operation of the control device. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal and a server-side device according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a user terminal, a server-side device, and the like according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating an example of a current state of coupon usage using a user terminal. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, when a coupon is used using a user terminal, coupon information is displayed on the display of the user terminal under the control of a coupon distribution device. The coupon information includes the details of benefits for a product or service (e.g., discount information for the purchase of a certain product or service, additional option information for the purchase of a certain product or service, accumulated points information for the purchase of a certain product or service, etc.) located at the center of the display. The coupon information also includes a coupon number and / or a barcode as coupon identification information for the store. In the example of Store X in FIG. 1A, the coupon number (coupon identification information) is displayed at the top right of the display. In the example of Store Y in FIG. 1B, the barcode (coupon identification information) is displayed at the bottom center of the display. In the example of Store Z in FIG. 1C, the coupon number (coupon identification information) is displayed at the top right of the display and the barcode (coupon identification information) is displayed at the bottom center of the display. In this way, coupons are managed differently for each store (coupon number alone, barcode alone, or a combination of coupon number and barcode). When coupons are issued from multiple coupon distribution devices to the same store, different coupon numbers and / or barcodes may be set for each coupon distribution device.

[0013] When managing coupons using barcodes, barcode source marking and in-store marking can be used. Source marking refers to the printing of a JAN code on product packaging or containers by the manufacturer or distributor during the production and packaging stage. Most food and daily necessities sold in supermarkets are source marked with a JAN code. To source mark products, a company code registration application is required. In-store marking is used only within a specific store, such as a supermarket. For example, fresh food items (such as vegetables and meat) in a supermarket have different prices depending on their weight, so they are labeled with the supermarket's unique in-store marking. In-store marked products (such as vegetables and meat) are only sold within that store, so there is no need to obtain a manufacturer code and the data structure can be freely configured. Barcodes can also include the price.

[0014] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate examples of current technical issues with coupon usage using user terminals. As shown in Figure 2A, at Store X, where coupon numbers are used, the coupon number displayed on the user's terminal display is presented to a store clerk, who then enters the coupon number into the register. In this case, the store's POS register can track the number of coupons used, but the coupon service provider can only track the number of coupon numbers displayed on the user's terminal display, and cannot track the actual number of coupons used. As shown in Figure 2B, at Store Y, where barcodes are used, the barcode displayed on the user's terminal display is presented to a store clerk, who then reads and inputs the barcode. In this case, the store's POS register can track the number of coupons used, but the coupon service provider can only track the number of barcodes displayed on the user's terminal display, and cannot track the actual number of coupons used. Thus, whether coupon numbers or barcodes are used, the problem is that while the store can track the actual number of coupons used (the number of uses), the coupon distribution system (coupon service provider) cannot fully track the actual number of coupons used (the number of uses).

[0015] It is possible for stores to enter into an agreement to report the actual usage (number of uses) of coupons to the coupon distribution system (coupon service provider), but there is a risk that the reports will not be made in accordance with the agreement, or even if they are made in accordance with the agreement, they may lack credibility, raising concerns that the coupon distribution system (coupon service provider) will not be able to accurately grasp the actual usage (number of uses) of coupons.

[0016] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned problem is regarded as an important technical issue, and a control device, a control method, and a control program are realized that suitably support specific mode use of a user terminal (for example, provision of a product or service that receives a benefit through a coupon) and suitably collect and utilize information related to the specific mode use of a user terminal. More specifically, a reception unit that receives active actions related to specific mode use using a user terminal (for example, provision of a product or service that receives a benefit through a coupon) is installed in a facility such as a store, and when the reception unit receives an active action related to specific mode use using a user terminal, information related to specific mode use using the user terminal (for example, coupon use information) is transmitted from the user terminal to the coupon distribution system (coupon service provider) and automatically acquired without omission.

[0017] Here, "specific use" includes the provision of goods or services that receive benefits from the coupons described above (for example, a discount on the price when purchasing a certain product or service, an additional option when purchasing a certain product or service, or accumulated points when purchasing a certain product or service). "Specific use" also includes stamp rallies, flat-rate monthly discount services (subscription-type services) that bundle multiple stores, and events that circulate within a complex.

[0018] Furthermore, "specific use" may refer to use of a specific application that results in a positive experience for the user, such as a "good experience, a good deal, or a sense of accomplishment," such as a discount on the cost of using the specific application on a user device or receiving some kind of benefit for using the specific application. In this sense, "specific use" may be interpreted as "preferential use." An example of preferential use is use of an application with a coupon. Furthermore, a specific application may include not only the specific application itself, but also previous or subsequent versions of the specific application, and applications that have some kind of relationship (association) with the specific application.

[0019] Furthermore, an "active action related to specific mode use using a user terminal" means, for example, expressing an intention to use a specific mode using a user terminal (e.g., using a coupon) and / or an intention to provide information related to specific mode use using a user terminal (e.g., coupon use information) by bringing the user terminal close to an NFC (Near Field Communication) sticker, NFC tag, or NFC reader serving as a receiving unit and performing short-range wireless communication. However, the "active action related to specific mode use using a user terminal" is not limited to this and may be other actions such as vibrating the user terminal at a predetermined position. Furthermore, the method of short-range wireless communication using a user terminal is not limited to NFC and may be other methods. In this way, the "receiving unit" may be any unit that receives an active action related to specific mode use using a user terminal (e.g., using a coupon), and the specific mode is flexible and various design changes are possible.

[0020] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a control device 1 according to an embodiment. The term "control device" may be read as "control system" (these terms may be synonymous). The control method and control program according to an embodiment are realized by causing a computer (CPU: Central Processing Unit) included in the control device 1 to execute various processing steps.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3 , the control device 1 includes a user terminal 10, an NFC sticker (reception unit, NFC tag) 20, a server-side device (coupon management device) 30, and a network 40 connecting the user terminal 10, the NFC sticker 20, and the server-side device 30. In FIG. 3 , the user terminal 10 and the server-side device 30 are depicted as a simplified single unit for ease of illustration. In reality, the user terminal 10 and the server-side device 30 have more complex hardware and software configurations than those depicted in FIG. 3 . Details will be described later, but for example, the server-side device 30 may be configured to include multiple servers, databases, and the like. Furthermore, while FIG. 3 depicts the NFC sticker 20 as a single unit, one or more NFC stickers 20 may be installed at a single facility offering a specific mode of use (coupon use), or one or more NFC stickers 20 may be installed at each of multiple facilities offering a specific mode of use (coupon use). In other words, the number and installation locations of the NFC stickers 20 are flexible, allowing for various design changes.

[0022] The control device (control system) 1 may be understood as a configuration including a user terminal 10, an NFC sticker 20, and a server-side device 30, or as a configuration including only the NFC sticker 20 and the server-side device 30 without including the user terminal 10. In other words, the user terminal 10 is not an essential component of the control device 1.

[0023] The user terminal 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal (mobile communication terminal) such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. In other words, the user terminal 10 in this specification is a communication device capable of performing various types of communication with the server-side device 30. The user terminal 10 may be, for example, a wired and / or wireless (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE), th The user terminal 10 may communicate with a network (such as the Internet) via Generation New Radio (5G NR), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. The user terminal 10 executes a browser and various other applications in response to a user operation.

[0024] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 has a wireless communication unit 11, an NFC communication unit 12, a coupon receiving unit 13, a user information storage unit 14, a coupon usage information storage unit 15, and an information synthesis unit 16.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 11 exchanges various information and signals with the server-side device 30 by wirelessly communicating with the server-side device 30 via the network 40. The NFC communication unit 12 exchanges various information and signals with the NFC sticker 20 by performing short-range wireless communication. The coupon receiving unit 13 receives pre-used coupons issued by the server-side device 30. The user information storage unit 14 stores information about the user and the user terminal (e.g., the user's address, gender, age, and car model, as well as identification information (ID, ADID) of the user terminal 10). The coupon usage information storage unit 15 stores information about specific usage modes using the user terminal 10, in this case, coupon usage information received by the coupon receiving unit 13. The information synthesis unit 16 synthesizes the information about the user and the user terminal stored in the user information storage unit 14 with the information about specific usage modes using the user terminal 10 (coupon usage information) stored in the coupon usage information storage unit 15. The combined information by the information combining unit 16 may be, for example, a user analysis report including, for each facility (store), information on specific mode use using the user terminal 10 (coupon use information) and information on the user and the user terminal 10. The information on specific mode use using the user terminal 10 (coupon use information) held by the coupon use information holding unit 15 and the combined information by the information combining unit 16 (e.g., user analysis report) are transmitted to the server-side device 30 via the wireless communication unit 11.

[0026] The NFC sticker 20 exchanges various information and signals by performing short-range wireless communication with the NFC communication unit 12 of the user terminal 10. More specifically, the NFC sticker 20 accepts active actions related to specific mode use using the user terminal 10 (for example, provision of a product or service for which a coupon provides a benefit) by performing short-range wireless communication with the NFC communication unit 12 of the user terminal 10. Furthermore, when the NFC sticker 20 performs short-range wireless communication with the NFC communication unit 12 of the user terminal 10, the NFC sticker 20 may store information related to specific mode use using the user terminal 10 (coupon use information) in the coupon use information storage unit 15, cause the information synthesis unit 16 to generate synthesized information (user analysis report) containing information related to the user and the user terminal 10, and transmit an instruction signal to wirelessly transmit this information from the wireless communication unit 11 to the server-side device 30.

[0027] The NFC sticker 20 may be installed at each facility that offers a specific mode of use (e.g., coupon use). One or more NFC stickers 20 may be installed at a single facility that offers a specific mode of use (e.g., coupon use), or one or more NFC stickers may be installed at each of multiple facilities that offer a specific mode of use (e.g., coupon use). The NFC sticker 20 may include one or both of an unmanned NFC sticker and an attended NFC sticker. Alternatively, multiple NFC stickers with different settings and registrations may be installed at each of multiple facilities that offer a specific mode of use (e.g., coupon use).

[0028] The server-side device 30 may be any communication device capable of performing various types of communication with the user terminal 10, and may be interpreted as a device, a circuit, etc. In particular, the server-side device 30 performs various types of communication with the user terminal 10 to control the collection and use of information related to specific mode use using the user terminal 10 (for example, coupon usage information).

[0029] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the server-side device 30. The server-side device 30 has a wireless communication unit 31, a coupon issuing unit 32, a pre-acceptance permission unit 33, and a specific mode use information acquisition unit (coupon use information acquisition unit) 34.

[0030] The wireless communication unit 31 exchanges various information and signals by wirelessly communicating with the wireless communication unit 11 of the user terminal 10 via the network 40. The coupon issuing unit 32 issues a pre-used coupon and transmits the pre-used coupon to the coupon receiving unit 13 of the user terminal 10.

[0031] The pre-acceptance permission unit 33 inquires the user as to whether or not to permit the use of information relating to specific mode use using the user terminal 10 (e.g., coupon use information) for marketing purposes, and if the user's permission is obtained, enables specific mode use (e.g., coupon use) using the user terminal 10.

[0032] When the NFC sticker 20 receives an active action (when the user terminal 10 and the NFC sticker 20 communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication), the specific mode usage information acquisition unit 34 acquires information related to specific mode usage using the user terminal 10 (for example, coupon usage information held by the coupon usage information holding unit 15).

[0033] The specific mode usage information acquisition unit 34 acquires information on specific mode usage using the user terminal 10 (for example, coupon usage information held by the coupon usage information holding unit 15), as well as at least one of the user's address, gender, age, and car model, and identification information of the user terminal 10 (for example, user information held by the user information holding unit 14). For example, the specific mode usage information acquisition unit 34 acquires a user analysis report for each facility (store) synthesized by the information synthesis unit 16 of the user terminal 10, which includes information on specific mode usage using the user terminal 10 (coupon usage information) and information on the user and the user terminal 10 (user information).

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a first mode of operation of the control device 1. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a store that uses barcodes. First, a coupon for a free drink and a barcode corresponding to the coupon are displayed on the display of the user terminal 10. Furthermore, a message stating "Present this screen to the cashier and touch your smartphone to the presented NFC sticker" is displayed on the display of the user terminal 10 as a usage instruction. Next, the user indicates their intention to use the coupon to the cashier. After receiving the cashier's approval, the user brings the user terminal 10 close to the NFC (reception unit) 20 installed at the cashier to perform near-field wireless communication (presenting the NFC sticker). Then, information related to the specific usage mode using the user terminal 10 (e.g., coupon usage information) is transmitted from the user terminal 10 to the server-side device 30, and the specific-mode usage information acquisition unit 34 of the server-side device 30 acquires the information. Furthermore, the status of the coupon usage is changed to "used" via the server (smartphone-side server) on the user terminal 10 side. Then, the barcode displayed on the display of the user terminal 10 is presented to a store clerk, who then reads and inputs the barcode, allowing the store's POS register to grasp information (e.g., coupon usage information) relating to the specific mode of use using the user terminal 10. In this way, both the coupon service provider and the store can automatically, completely, and reliably grasp information (coupon usage information, number of coupon usages) relating to the specific mode of use using the user terminal 10.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a second mode of operation of the control device 1. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a store using a coupon number. First, a coupon for a free drink and the coupon number corresponding to the coupon are displayed on the display of the user terminal 10. Furthermore, a message stating "Present this screen to the cashier and touch your smartphone to the presented NFC sticker" is displayed on the display of the user terminal 10 as a usage instruction. Next, the user indicates their intention to use the coupon to the cashier. After receiving the cashier's approval, the user brings the user terminal 10 close to the NFC (reception unit) 20 installed at the cashier to perform near-field wireless communication (presenting the NFC sticker). Then, information related to the specific usage mode using the user terminal 10 (e.g., coupon usage information) is transmitted from the user terminal 10 to the server-side device 30, and the specific-mode usage information acquisition unit 34 of the server-side device 30 acquires the information. Furthermore, the status of the coupon usage is changed to "used" via the server (smartphone-side server) on the user terminal 10 side. Then, the coupon number displayed on the display of the user terminal 10 is presented to a store clerk, who then enters the coupon number into the register, allowing the store's POS register to grasp information (e.g., coupon usage information) relating to the specific mode of use using the user terminal 10. In this way, both the coupon service provider and the store can automatically, completely, and reliably grasp information (coupon usage information, number of coupons used) relating to the specific mode of use using the user terminal 10.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third mode of operation of the control device 1. In FIG. 8, information previously acquired from the user terminal 10 (here, the user's address, gender, age, and car model, as well as the user terminal 10's identification information (smartphone terminal ID (ADID)))) is combined with information related to specific mode usage by the user terminal 10 (here, coupon usage acquisition information for hamburger company A, beef bowl company B, and drug store company C) to generate a user analysis report of coupon users at each facility (each store). In the example of FIG. 8, the information previously acquired from the user terminal 10 (user information) and information related to specific mode usage by the user terminal 10 (coupon usage information) are aggregated by the smartphone server and acquired by the specific mode usage information acquisition unit 34 of the server-side device 30. The user analysis report allows a comprehensive understanding of the attributes and trends of users at each facility (store). For example, if a user who is the subject of a user analysis report uses a coupon (here, a 10% off coupon) at a new art museum, the attributes and trends of the museum's users can be obtained, such as that the majority of users are men in their 50s, or that the majority of users are drugstore users.

[0037] In this way, the specific-mode usage information acquisition unit 34 of the server-side device 30 may acquire from the user terminal 10 at least one of the user's address, gender, age, and car model, and the identification information of the user terminal 10, in addition to information related to specific-mode usage (e.g., coupon usage) using the user terminal 10. Furthermore, the NFC sticker 20 may be installed at each facility (e.g., hamburger company A, beef bowl company B, drugstore company C, art museum, etc.) that offers specific-mode usage (e.g., coupon usage), and the specific-mode usage information acquisition unit 34 of the server-side device 30 may acquire from the user terminal 10, for each facility, a user analysis report including information related to specific-mode usage (e.g., coupon usage) using the user terminal 10 and information related to the user or the user terminal 10 (attribute information and tendency information). By transmitting the information related to the user or the user terminal 10 (attribute information and tendency information) from the user terminal 10 to the server-side device 30, the store side does not obtain the information, which is also useful from the perspective of protecting personal information. It should be noted that the information (attribute information and tendency information) relating to the user or the user terminal 10 is not limited to the examples given here, and various other types of information can be used.

[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth mode of operation of the control device 1. First, a message stating, "We will provide you with a coupon in exchange for utilizing your coupon usage data for marketing purposes," is displayed on the display of the user terminal 10, prompting the user to select either "Accept" or "Reject." If "Reject" is selected, the coupon usage is not permitted and processing ends. If "Accept" is selected (first authorization), a coupon for a free drink and the coupon number corresponding to the coupon are displayed on the display of the user terminal 10. Furthermore, as a usage instruction, a message stating, "Present this screen to the cashier and touch your smartphone to the presented NFC sticker" is displayed on the display of the user terminal 10. Next, the user indicates their intention to use the coupon to the cashier, and after receiving the cashier's approval, they bring the user terminal 10 close to the NFC (reception unit) 20 installed at the cashier to perform near-field wireless communication (present the NFC sticker) (second authorization). Then, information related to the specific mode use using the user terminal 10 (for example, coupon use information) is transmitted from the user terminal 10 to the server-side device 30, and the specific mode use information acquisition unit 34 of the server-side device 30 acquires the information. In addition, the status of the coupon use is changed to "used" via the server on the user terminal 10 side (smartphone-side server).

[0039] In this way, the pre-acceptance permission unit 33 of the server-side device 30 inquires of the user whether or not to permit the use of information (coupon use information) related to specific mode use using the user terminal 10 for marketing, and if the user's permission is obtained, enables the specific mode use (coupon use) using the user terminal 10. In these days when regulations related to personal information are prone to change and methods of "user permission" are being sought, by obtaining a first permission (pre-acceptance permission, advance permission) to utilize information (coupon use information) related to specific mode use using the user terminal 10 for marketing, and then using the user's voluntary presentation of an NFC sticker (NFC TOUCH) as a second confirmation of intent to grant permission, it becomes possible to further utilize the "user permission" method for marketing use of coupon usage data.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth mode of operation of the control device 1. In FIG. 10, a combination of an unmanned reception unit (NFC sticker) and a manned reception unit (NFC sticker) is proposed for advanced use. More specifically, unmanned reception units (NFC stickers) are provided in areas where management of user movement is not required, while manned reception units (NFC stickers) with cashiers or other personnel are provided in areas where prevention of unauthorized use, such as the exchange of special offers, is required, thereby achieving highly secure operation. In the example of FIG. 10, four unmanned reception units (NFC stickers) are provided in the user's movement area. A user can use a special offer (collect stamps) at each of the four unmanned reception units (NFC stickers) and redeem the collected stamps for a coupon. On the other hand, the redeemed coupon can be used at a manned reception unit (NFC sticker) and used in a special way (coupon redemption) based on NFC touch to receive a special offer related to a product or service (here, a free drink).

[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a sixth mode of operation of the control device 1. In FIG. 11, the system is intended for use in a monthly flat-rate discount service (subscription-type service) that aggregates multiple different stores. More specifically, a "differently configured reception unit (NFC sticker)" is distributed to each participating store AG, allowing the service provider to ascertain the correct number of uses and the stores where the specific usage (coupon usage) occurred. In the example of FIG. 11, when a paying member visits a qualifying store AG using the app, the one-coin lunch subscription service is available up to four times a month for 500 yen. Furthermore, by using the service four times a month at store AG, four stamps are collected and can be exchanged for a coupon. Furthermore, by taking the exchanged coupon to a staffed reception unit (NFC sticker) and using the specific usage (coupon usage) based on NFC touch, a special benefit related to a product or service (in this case, a free 500 yen one-coin lunch) can be redeemed. In this way, the NFC sticker (reception unit) 20 may be installed at each of multiple facilities (e.g., store AG) that provide specific usage (e.g., subscription-type services), and may have multiple NFC stickers (reception units) with different settings registered.

[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates a seventh mode of operation of the control device 1. In FIG. 12, when encouraging multiple tenants to visit a facility such as a department store, shopping mall, or housing exhibition center, the service provider can accurately ascertain the "correct number of facility visits" and "visited stores." This also enables post-event analysis of visitors by matching the visitor's profile information with the service provider's profile information. In the example of FIG. 12, a complex (housing exhibition center) including a facility (housing) AE is depicted. Users who have pre-registered their personal information in the app on the user terminal 10 visit the complex. Each facility AE is equipped with a reception desk (NFC sticker) with the same or different settings. The display of the user terminal 10 displays a message encouraging users to view the facility (housing) AE, such as "View 4 properties and receive a free gift." The display also displays a message stating "How to use": "Present this screen at each booth and touch your smartphone to the provided NFC sticker." When a user visits facility (residence) E for a preview and establishes short-range wireless communication (smartphone TOUCH) between the reception unit (NFC sticker) installed in facility (residence) E and the user terminal 10, the service provider can grasp the visitor's visit to facility (residence) E through the short-range wireless communication (NFC contact) in which the facility information has been set in advance. Furthermore, the smartphone TOUCH changes the status of facility (residence) E on the display of the user terminal 10 to "viewed." Additionally, the home builder can grasp the interior of the facility (residence) by entering customer information through the home builder's server, and furthermore, can analyze visitors by integrating this information with the profile information held by the service provider.

[0043] FIG. 13 illustrates an eighth mode of operation of the control device 1. In FIG. 13, for example, an advanced application is being proposed for tracking booth visits and gifts at exhibition events. In FIG. 13, when visitors visit a booth at an exhibition event, they touch an NFC sticker at each booth (near-field wireless communication with the user terminal 10), allowing the system to track users' booth visits. Furthermore, by receiving visitor information from the service provider after the event, participating companies can manage facility visit information without entering customer information, thereby reducing operational burden. The example in FIG. 13 depicts an exhibition event including booth ADs, where users who have pre-registered their personal information in the app on the user terminal 10 visit the exhibition event. Each booth AD is equipped with a reception desk (NFC sticker) with the same or different settings registered. The display of the user terminal 10 displays a message encouraging users to visit the booth AD, such as "You can receive a gift at each exhibition hall," along with a message stating "How to use": "Present this screen at each booth and touch your smartphone to the provided NFC sticker." When a user visits booth D and establishes short-range wireless communication (smartphone TOUCH) between the reception unit (NFC sticker) installed at booth D and the user terminal 10, the service provider can grasp the visitor's visit to booth D from the short-range wireless communication (NFC contact) that has been set up in advance with facility information. In addition, the smartphone TOUCH changes the status of booth D on the display of the user terminal 10 to "visited." Furthermore, by receiving visitor information from the service provider after the fact, booth participating companies (booth exhibitors) can handle facility visit information without having to enter customer information, thereby reducing operations.

[0044] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 and the server-side device 30 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the user terminal 10 and the server-side device 30 include a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, an input unit 140, and an output unit 150. Note that Fig. 14 shows an example of functional blocks of the user terminal 10 and the server-side device 30, and the user terminal 10 and the server-side device 30 may include other functional blocks not shown in Fig. 14. Furthermore, the configuration may not include some of the functional blocks.

[0045] The control unit 110 controls the user terminal 10 and / or the server-side device 30. The control unit 110 can be configured by a controller, a control circuit, or a control device that is described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0046] The storage unit 120 stores information used by the user terminal 10 and / or the server-side device 30. The storage unit 120 can be configured, for example, by a memory, storage, storage device, etc. that are described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0047] The communication unit 130 performs communication between the user terminal 10 and / or the server-side device 30 (e.g., mutual communication between the two). The communication unit 130 can be configured by a transmitter / receiver, a transmission / reception circuit, or a transmission / reception device, which are described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. Note that the communication unit 130 may be configured by a transmission unit and a reception unit.

[0048] The input unit 140 accepts inputs from the user terminal 10 and / or the server-side device 30. The input unit 140 may also be connected to a predetermined device, storage medium, etc., and accept data input. The input unit 140 may output the input results to, for example, the control unit 110. The input unit 140 may be configured with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and buttons, input / output terminals, input / output circuits, etc., which are explained based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. The input unit 140 may also be configured as an integrated unit with a display unit (for example, a touch panel).

[0049] The output unit 150 performs output in the user terminal 10 and / or the server-side device 30. For example, the output unit 150 may be configured to include a display unit that displays images, an audio output unit that outputs audio, etc. The display unit may be configured, for example, by a display device such as a monitor or the like that is described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. Furthermore, the audio output unit may be configured by an output device such as a speaker that is described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0050] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the means for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by a single physically coupled device, or may be realized by two or more physically separate devices connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0051] For example, an apparatus (such as the user terminal 10 or the server-side apparatus 30) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the control method of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10, the server-side apparatus 30, or the like according to an embodiment. The above-described user terminal 10, the server-side apparatus 30, or the like may be physically configured as a computer apparatus including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, or the like.

[0052] In this disclosure, the terms apparatus, circuit, device, unit, server, etc. may be interchangeable. The hardware configuration of the user terminal 10, server-side device 30, etc. may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0053] For example, although only one processor 1001 is shown, there may be multiple processors. Furthermore, processing may be performed by one processor, or processing may be performed by two or more processors simultaneously, serially, or in other ways. Furthermore, processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips.

[0054] Each function in the user terminal 10, server side device 30, etc. is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as processor 1001, memory 1002, etc., so that processor 1001 performs calculations and controls communication via communication device 1004, reading and / or writing of data in memory 1002 and storage 1003, etc.

[0055] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Note that each unit such as the control unit 110 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0056] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the control unit 110 may be realized by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be made for other functional blocks.

[0057] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured by at least one of, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically EEPROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable storage medium. The memory 1002 may also be referred to as a register, a cache, a main memory, or the like. The memory 1002 may store executable programs (program codes), software modules, and the like for implementing a method according to one embodiment.

[0058] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be configured by at least one of, for example, a flexible disk, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM)), a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a removable disk, a hard disk drive, a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a magnetic stripe, a database, a server, or other suitable storage medium. Storage 1003 may also be called an auxiliary storage device. Note that the above-mentioned storage unit 120 may be realized by memory 1002 and / or storage 1003.

[0059] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may include a SIM card. Note that the above-mentioned communication unit 130 may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0060] The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, etc.) that performs output to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one unit (for example, a touch panel). The above-mentioned input unit 140 and output unit 150 may be realized by the input device 1005 and the output device 1006, respectively.

[0061] Furthermore, each device such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002 is connected by a bus 1008 for communicating information. The bus 1008 may be configured as a single bus, or may be configured as different buses between the devices.

[0062] Furthermore, the user terminal 10, the server-side device 30, etc. may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented by at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0063] (Variation) In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and / or terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0064] The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or other corresponding information. Furthermore, the names used for parameters, etc. in this disclosure are not limiting in any way.

[0065] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure 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.

[0066] Information, signals, etc. may be input / output via multiple network nodes. The input / output information, signals, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a table. The input / output information, signals, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or added. Output information, signals, etc. may be deleted. Input information, signals, etc. may be transmitted to another device.

[0067] Furthermore, notification of specified information (e.g., notification that "it is X") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be made implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the specified information or by notifying other information).

[0068] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0069] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted and received via a transmission medium and / or signal waveform. 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.

[0070] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably.

[0071] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Furthermore, the order of the processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed 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 specific order presented.

[0072] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0073] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0074] When used in this disclosure, the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0075] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0076] Although the invention according to the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The invention according to the present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the description of the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not impose any limiting meaning on the invention according to the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Control device (control system) 10 User terminal 11. Wireless Communication Section 12 NFC communication unit 13 Coupon Receipt Section 14 User information storage unit 15 Coupon usage information storage unit 16 Information Synthesis Unit 20 NFC stickers (reception area, NFC tags) 30 Server side device (coupon management device) 31 Radio Communication Department 32 Coupon Issuance Department 33 Pre-approval Department 34 Specific mode use information acquisition unit (coupon use information acquisition unit) 40 Network

Claims

1. a reception unit that receives an active action regarding specific mode use using a user terminal; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the specific mode of use using the user terminal from the user terminal when the acceptance unit accepts the active action; and The reception unit is installed at each facility that provides the specific mode use, the acquisition unit acquires, for each facility, from the user terminal, a user analysis report including information on the specific mode of use using the user terminal and information on the user or the user terminal; A control device characterized by:

2. a reception unit that receives an active action regarding specific mode use using a user terminal; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the specific mode of use using the user terminal from the user terminal when the acceptance unit accepts the active action; a pre-acceptance permission unit that queries the user as to whether or not the user consents to the use of information related to the specific mode use using the user terminal for marketing, and enables the specific mode use using the user terminal when the user consents; A control device comprising:

3. The acquisition unit acquires from the user terminal at least one of the user's address, gender, age, and car model, and identification information of the user terminal, in addition to the information related to the specific mode of use using the user terminal.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The reception unit includes an unmanned reception unit and a manned reception unit.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control device for controlling a vehicle.

5. The reception unit is installed in each of a plurality of facilities that provide the specific mode use, and has a plurality of reception units with different settings and registrations.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control device for controlling a vehicle.

6. The specific use includes the provision of products or services that receive benefits from coupons, 6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control device for controlling a vehicle.

7. the accepting unit is a short-range wireless communication unit, and accepts the active action regarding the specific mode use using the user terminal via short-range wireless communication with the user terminal; 7. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control device for controlling a vehicle.

8. A step of accepting active actions regarding the specific mode of use using a user terminal by a reception unit installed in each facility that provides the specific mode of use; When the active action is received by the receiving unit, an acquiring unit acquires information related to the specific mode of use using the user terminal from the user terminal; and In the acquiring step, a user analysis report including information on the specific mode of use using the user terminal and information on the user or the user terminal is acquired from the user terminal for each facility. A control method characterized in that a computer executes various processes such as those described above.

9. A step of accepting an active action regarding a specific mode of use using a user terminal by a accepting unit; When the active action is received by the receiving unit, an acquiring unit acquires information related to the specific mode of use using the user terminal from the user terminal; a step of inquiring of the user by a pre-acceptance permission unit as to whether or not the user consents to the use of information related to the specific mode use using the user terminal for marketing, and enabling the specific mode use using the user terminal when the user consents; A control method characterized in that a computer executes various processes having the above-mentioned steps.

10. A step of accepting an active action regarding the specific mode of use using a user terminal by a reception unit installed in each facility that provides the specific mode of use; When the active action is received by the receiving unit, an acquiring unit acquires information related to the specific mode of use using the user terminal from the user terminal; and In the acquiring step, a user analysis report including information on the specific mode of use using the user terminal and information on the user or the user terminal is acquired from the user terminal for each facility. A control program that causes a computer to execute various processes such as the above.

11. A step of accepting an active action regarding a specific mode of use using a user terminal by a accepting unit; When the active action is received by the receiving unit, an acquiring unit acquires information related to the specific mode of use using the user terminal from the user terminal; a step of inquiring of the user by a pre-acceptance permission unit as to whether or not the user consents to the use of information related to the specific mode use using the user terminal for marketing, and enabling the specific mode use using the user terminal when the user consents; A control program that causes a computer to execute various processes having the above-mentioned features.

Images