Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processor, an information processing method, and an information processing program that allow a user to automatically follow a store of a provision source for a coupon.SOLUTION: An information processor includes a provision unit that provides a coupon, which can be used for settlement means using a terminal device, provided by a store that can use the settlement means, and a distribution unit that automatically distributes, to the terminal device to which the coupon is provided, recommendation information on the store of a provision source for the coupon. The distribution unit automatically distributes, to a terminal device of a user U, recommendation information so that the store of the provision source for the coupon and recommendation information on the coupon are preferentially displayed on a screen of a predetermined site or a predetermined application, when the terminal device displays the predetermined site or starts the predetermined application after distributing a coupon list to the terminal device,.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been disclosed for distributing a list of coupons for each store based on store usage information (purchase frequency, number of purchases, purchase time). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-13575 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology only distributes a list of coupons for each store, and does not take into consideration the issue that users may not follow each store after the coupons are distributed.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to allow users to automatically follow stores that provide coupons. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present application comprises: Use coupons provided by stores terminal device a provision unit that provides the information from the user of the terminal device to the coupon a determination unit that automatically determines that the user has followed a store where the coupon can be used when the determination unit automatically determines that the user has followed a store where the coupon can be used; and a determination unit that automatically determines that the user has followed a store where the coupon can be used when the determination unit automatically determines that the user has followed a store where the coupon can be used. automatically delivered and display it preferentially. and a distribution unit for transmitting the information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to allow a user to automatically follow a store that provides a coupon. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information processing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon selected by a user from a coupon list. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of automatic application of a coupon at the time of payment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user information database. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the payment information database. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the distribution information database. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing device, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] [1. Overview of information processing method] First, an overview of an information processing method performed by an information processing device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information processing method according to an embodiment. Note that Fig. 1 explains an example in which a user is automatically made to follow stores that provide coupons.

[0011] 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and an information providing device 100. The terminal device 10 and the information providing device 100 are connected to each other via a network N (see FIG. 4) in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0012] The terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet used by a user U, and is a portable terminal device capable of communicating with any server device via a wireless communication network such as 4G (4th Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). The terminal device 10 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function, and accepts various operations on displayed data such as content, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling, performed by the user with a finger or a stylus. An operation performed on an area of ​​the screen where content is displayed may be considered an operation on the content. The terminal device 10 may be not only a smart device, but also an information processing device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or a notebook PC.

[0013] The information providing device 100 is an information processing device that provides coupons that can be used with a payment method using the terminal device 10 and are offered by stores that accept the payment method, and automatically tracks the stores that provide the coupons to the user U, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. For example, the information providing device 100 is a payment server that provides electronic payment services related to payments using the terminal device 10. Note that the content of the coupon may be a discount on the payment amount, but in this embodiment, it is assumed to be a rebate. In the case of a discount on the payment amount, it is used once at the time of payment, but in the case of a rebate, rebate points are awarded after payment, which can permanently encourage the user U to use the electronic payment service.

[0014] In this embodiment, the information providing device 100 provides a coupon list that collectively manages coupons that require electronic payment (coupons that can only be used with a specific payment method at the time of payment). When a user U operates the terminal device 10 to select a desired coupon (a coupon that the user U wants to use) from the coupon list, the information providing device 100 automatically determines that the user U has followed the store that provided the coupon, and automatically delivers recommendation information (recommendation information) to the user U. Since the store is automatically followed even if the user U who received the coupon does not use the coupon, the store has an advantage beyond simple coupon distribution, such as being able to send push notifications and provide information to users U (prospective customers, latent customers, etc.) selected as recipients of the coupon. In practice, the information providing device 100 may automatically deliver recommendation information not only to the store that provided the coupon selected by the user U, but also to all stores that provide coupons included in the coupon list.

[0015] Here, the information providing device 100 automatically distributes information about each store and coupon as recommendation information. For example, when a user U displays a predetermined site or launches a predetermined application (app) using the terminal device 10, the information providing device 100 preferentially displays information about the store that provided the coupon (such as an article introducing the store or a notice from the store) and information about the coupon. Examples of the predetermined site or predetermined app include sites and apps for media, maps (including route maps, transfer guides, and route searches), SNS (Social Networking Service), videos, games, etc. For example, the information providing device 100 displays the above information in a prominent location or a predetermined area on the screen of the predetermined site or predetermined app when the user U instructs the terminal device 10 to display the information. Furthermore, if the predetermined site or predetermined app is a map, the information providing device 100 may map the store to a location on the map corresponding to the store.

[0016] Furthermore, the information providing device 100 periodically or at a predetermined timing sends a push notification to the terminal device 10 of the user U that a coupon has been distributed (such as a notification that "A coupon has been issued"). Furthermore, if a coupon has not been used for a certain period of time (for example, one month) since distribution, or if the coupon is nearing its expiration date, the information providing device 100 sends a push notification to the terminal device 10 of the user U that the coupon has been distributed. At this time, the information providing device 100 may send a push notification to the terminal device 10 of the user U with information about the store that provided the coupon and information about the coupon.

[0017] Here, various types of coupons can be applied. For example, a coupon may be a store-resource coupon that uses a two-dimensional code (QR Code (registered trademark)) for payment. In the case of store-resource coupons, when a coupon is used for payment, the "payment amount minus the amount corresponding to the rebate amount or rebate rate stated on the coupon" is deducted from the user's account, and the "payment amount minus the amount corresponding to the rebate amount or rebate rate stated on the coupon" is added to the store's account. A fee may be set for setting the coupon. The fee may be a specified amount (fee amount) or a percentage of the payment amount (fee rate). In this case, the "payment amount minus the amount corresponding to the rebate amount or rebate rate stated on the coupon" is deducted from the user's account, the "payment amount minus the amount corresponding to the rebate amount or rebate rate stated on the coupon and the fee" is added to the store's account, and the "fee" is added to the platform provider's account. The order of the coupons may be changed based on the amount and percentage of the fee. For example, coupons with larger percentage or amount values ​​may be provided preferentially, and the coupon may be displayed in a highlighted manner within a space that is displayed preferentially over other coupons, such as an advertising space.

[0018] Furthermore, electronic payment is payment using the terminal device 10, and includes, for example, electronic money payment, credit card payment, bank payment, carrier payment, ID payment, convenience store payment, etc. However, these are merely examples. In this embodiment, electronic money payment will be described as an example.

[0019] Furthermore, the store may be, for example, a retail store such as a supermarket, convenience store, mass retailer, drug store, discount store, home improvement store, or warehouse-style store; a restaurant, fast food restaurant, cafe, bar, or other eating and drinking establishment; a sales floor or counter on the cosmetics or clothing floor of a department store; a tenant in an office building or commercial building; or a vending machine or self-service drink and food sales service (such as a snack service) in an office. Stores are not limited to being indoors, but may also be outdoors. In other words, a store may be located on a certain outdoor site. For example, a store may be a temporary sales outlet such as a food stall or tent.

[0020] Furthermore, a store may be located at the entrance or exit of a facility, inside the facility, or in the vicinity of the facility. The facility may be, for example, a large commercial facility (department store / shopping center / outlet mall / underground shopping mall), a large leisure facility (theme park / amusement park / game center / zoo / aquarium / swimming pool / bathing facility / park / garden / famous place), a cultural facility (hall / theater / movie theater / art gallery / museum), a train station, an airport, a port (boarding area), a service area (SA), a parking area (PA), etc. Furthermore, a store may be a reception desk, an entrance or exit gate (automatic ticket gate), etc.

[0021] 1-1. Payment using the terminal device 10 Here, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the terminal device 10 will be described prior to the store follow-up automation process after coupon provision executed by the information providing device 100. Note that the following description will be given of an example in which a user U makes a payment using the terminal device 10 using a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) placed in store A, which indicates store identification information C that identifies store A, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The example of payment described below can also be applied when any user makes a payment at any store using any terminal device 10. Furthermore, the store identification information C may be not only a QR code (registered trademark), but also a barcode, a predetermined mark, a number, or the like.

[0022] For example, when user U makes a payment for using or purchasing a payment object (transaction object) such as various products or services at store A, user U launches a payment application (payment app) installed on terminal device 10. Then, user U photographs store identification information C installed in store A via the payment app. In such a case, terminal device 10 displays a screen for inputting the price of the payment object and accepts input of the payment amount from user U or store clerk M of store A. Then, terminal device 10 transmits to information providing device 100 payment information indicating user identification information identifying user U (or information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating user U (e.g., user ID)), store identification information C identifying store A (or information indicated by the store identification information C, i.e., information indicating store A (e.g., store ID)), and the payment amount.

[0023] In such a case, the information providing device 100 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A indicated by store identification information C. Then, the information providing device 100 transmits a notification that the payment has been completed to the terminal device 10. In such a case, the terminal device 10 notifies that the payment has been made using electronic money by outputting a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0024] It should be noted that payment using the terminal device 10 is not limited to the above-described process. For example, payment using the terminal device 10 may be made using a store terminal installed in store A. For example, the terminal device 10 displays user identification information for identifying user U on a screen. In such a case, the store terminal installed in store A reads the user identification information displayed on the terminal device 10 and transmits payment information indicating the user identification information, the payment amount, and information identifying store A to the information providing device 100. In such a case, the information providing device 100 may transfer electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A, and notify store A that the payment has been completed by displaying a screen or outputting a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed on the store terminal of store A or the terminal device 10.

[0025] Furthermore, the payment using the terminal device 10 may not only be a process of transferring electronic money from an account to which the user U has previously charged electronic money to the account of the store A, but may also be a payment using, for example, a credit card registered in advance by the user U. In such a case, for example, the terminal device 10 may transfer the electronic money of the payment amount to the account of the store A, and may also bill the operating company of the user U's credit card for the payment amount.

[0026] [1-2. Automated store follow-up process after coupon issuance] As shown in FIG. 1, the information providing device 100 provides a coupon list (coupon corner) that collectively manages coupons that can be used with a payment method using the terminal device 10 and are provided by stores that accept the payment method (step S1).

[0027] Next, when the user U operates the terminal device 10 to select a desired coupon (a coupon that the user wants to use) from the coupon list, the information providing device 100 automatically determines that the user U has followed the store that provided the coupon (step S2).

[0028] Next, the information providing device 100 automatically distributes recommendation information (recommended information) related to the store that is the provider of the coupon to the terminal device 10 of the user U (step S3).

[0029] For example, the information providing device 100 distributes recommendation information such as introductions to coupon eligible stores and notices from stores (information sent by stores) to the terminal device 10 of the user U. The information providing device 100 may send push notifications of introductions to coupon eligible stores and notices from stores to the terminal device 10 of the user U, or may preferentially display the information on sites, apps, etc. used by the user U.

[0030] In practice, the information providing device 100 may automatically distribute recommendation information about stores that provide all coupons included in the coupon list, regardless of the coupon selection by the user U. Furthermore, the recommendation information may be automatically distributed not only by the information providing device 100 but also by a terminal device or server device on the store side. For example, a terminal device or server device on the store side may generate recommendation information in advance, register it in the information providing device 100, and distribute it via the information providing device 100, or may receive information about the user U from the information providing device 100 and distribute it directly without going through the information providing device 100.

[0031] Next, the user U of the terminal device 10 that has received the recommendation information from the information providing device 100 visits the store A that provided the coupon, and when receiving the transaction object from the store A, reads the store identification information C set up in the store A using the terminal device 10 (step S4). At this time, the coupon is automatically applied regardless of the operation of the user U. The amount of the refund for the coupon is displayed on the terminal device 10 of the user U.

[0032] Next, the information providing device 100 acquires payment information related to payment to store A from the terminal device 10 (step S5). For example, the information providing device 100 acquires payment information (user ID, payment amount to store A, information identifying store A, and information related to coupon usage) in the payment method using the above-mentioned payment app from the terminal device 10.

[0033] Next, the information providing device 100 executes payment processing based on the payment information received from the terminal device 10 of user U (step S6). For example, the information providing device 100 transfers electronic money equal to the payment amount minus the coupon refund amount from the account of user U indicated by user identification information (e.g., user ID) to the account of store A indicated by store identification information C (e.g., store ID). Alternatively, the information providing device 100 transfers electronic money equal to the payment amount from user U's account to store A's account, and also transfers electronic money equal to the coupon refund amount from store A's account to user U's account. For convenience, a description of the "fee" will be omitted.

[0034] [1-3. Regarding coupon selection by users from the coupon list] Next, selection of a coupon from the coupon list by the user U will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of selection of a coupon from the coupon list by the user U.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the user U operates the terminal device 10 to tap the dedicated icon "Coupon" in the payment app (step S11). Next, the user U operates the terminal device 10 to select a coupon to use from the displayed coupon list (coupon corner) (step S12). Next, the user U operates the terminal device 10 to tap the "Get Coupon" button on the desired coupon screen (details screen of the coupon to use) to acquire the coupon (step S13). At this time, any user can view the coupon list itself, but only the target user U can acquire the coupon. The "Get Coupon" button is not displayed (or is inactive) for users other than the target user U. For example, a coupon issued to users in a specific segment can only be acquired by users belonging to that segment. Next, the user U operates the terminal device 10 to check the acquired coupons on the My Coupon management screen (step S14). In this case, the information providing device 100 automatically distributes recommendation information related to the store that provides the coupon included in the my coupon management screen.

[0036] [1-4. Automatic application of coupons at the time of payment] Next, automatic application of coupons at the time of payment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of automatic application of coupons at the time of payment.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the user U operates the terminal device 10 to make a payment as usual at a store where the acquired coupon can be used (step S21). That is, the user U goes to the store that provided the coupon and makes a payment using the terminal device 10 as consideration for purchasing a product or using a service. Next, the terminal device 10 displays on the screen the estimated amount to be obtained when the coupon is applied (step S22). At this time, the information providing device 100 acquires the user ID and the store ID at the time of payment, automatically selects an available coupon from the coupons (acquired coupons) included in the My Coupon Management screen based on the user ID and the store ID, and displays the estimated amount to be obtained when the coupon is used. Then, when the user U taps the "Pay" button, the information providing device 100 automatically applies the coupon upon confirming the payment. That is, since the coupon is automatically applied at the time of payment, the user U does not need to operate the terminal device 10 to present the coupon. Next, when the coupon is automatically applied, the terminal device 10 displays on the screen the amount of rebate equivalent to the coupon (step S23). Subsequently, the information providing device 100 will provide the terminal device 10 with the refund amount of the coupon at a later date (step S24).

[0038] As described above, the information providing device 100 according to the embodiment provides a coupon list that collectively manages coupons whose use is conditional on electronic payment. When the user U operates the terminal device 10 to select a desired coupon (a coupon that the user wants to use) from the coupon list, the information providing device 100 automatically determines that the user U has followed the store that provided the coupon, and automatically delivers recommendation information (recommended information) related to the store to the user U. This allows the user U to automatically follow the store that provided the coupon. In particular, if the coupon is automatically applied at the time of payment and does not require the user U to operate the terminal device 10 to present it, after obtaining the coupon, the user U may not be aware of the existence of the coupon or the store that provided it. Therefore, it is meaningful to automatically have the user U follow the store that provided the acquired coupon and automatically deliver recommendation information related to the store to the user U as appropriate.

[0039] [2. Example of information processing system configuration] Next, a configuration of an information processing system 1 including an information providing device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment includes a terminal device 10 and an information providing device 100. These various devices are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless connection. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

[0040] Furthermore, the number of devices included in the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 4 is not limited to that shown in the figure. For example, in Fig. 4, for the sake of simplicity, only one terminal device 10 is shown, but this is merely an example and is not limiting, and two or more devices may be included.

[0041] The terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by a user U. For example, the terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a feature phone, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a car navigation system, a wearable device such as a smart watch or a head-mounted display, smart glasses, etc.

[0042] In addition, the terminal device 10 can connect to a network N via a wireless communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation: 5th generation mobile communication system), or via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and communicate with the information providing device 100.

[0043] The information providing device 100 is, for example, a PC, a server device, a mainframe, a workstation, etc. The information providing device 100 may be realized by cloud computing.

[0044] [3. Example of terminal device configuration] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10. As shown in Fig. 5, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a positioning unit 14, a sensor unit 20, a control unit 30 (controller), and a storage unit 40.

[0045] (Communications Department 11) The communication unit 11 is connected to a network N (see FIG. 4) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the information providing device 100 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card), an antenna, etc.

[0046] (Display section 12) Display unit 12 is a display device that displays various information such as position information. For example, display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescent display (OLED). Display unit 12 is also a touch panel display, but is not limited to this.

[0047] (Input section 13) The input unit 13 is an input device that accepts various operations from the user U. The input unit 13 also has, for example, buttons for inputting characters, numbers, etc. If the display unit 12 is a touch panel display, a part of the display unit 12 functions as the input unit 13. The input unit 13 may also be a microphone that accepts voice input from the user U. The microphone may be wireless.

[0048] (Positioning unit 14) The positioning unit 14 receives signals (radio waves) transmitted from satellites of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and acquires position information (e.g., latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the terminal device 10, which is the device itself, based on the received signals. That is, the positioning unit 14 positions the position of the terminal device 10. Note that GPS is merely an example of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0049] The positioning unit 14 can also measure the position using various methods other than GPS. For example, the positioning unit 14 may measure the position by using various communication functions of the terminal device 10 as an auxiliary positioning means for position correction, etc., as described below.

[0050] (Wi-Fi positioning) For example, the positioning unit 14 uses a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication function of the terminal device 10 or a communication network provided by each communication company to measure the position of the terminal device 10. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 performs Wi-Fi communication or the like and measures the distance to a nearby base station or access point, thereby measuring the position of the terminal device 10.

[0051] (Beacon positioning) The positioning unit 14 may also measure the position by using a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function of the terminal device 10. For example, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10 by connecting to a beacon transmitter connected by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function.

[0052] (geomagnetic positioning) The positioning unit 14 also measures the position of the terminal device 10 based on a geomagnetic pattern of a structure that has been measured in advance and a geomagnetic sensor that the terminal device 10 has.

[0053] (RFID positioning) Furthermore, for example, if the terminal device 10 has a function of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag equivalent to a contactless IC card used at station ticket gates, in stores, etc., or has a function of reading an RFID tag, the location where the terminal device 10 was used is recorded together with information on the payment or the like made by the terminal device 10. The positioning unit 14 may obtain such information to determine the location of the terminal device 10. Alternatively, the location may be determined by an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like provided in the terminal device 10.

[0054] The positioning unit 14 may measure the position of the terminal device 10 using one or a combination of the above-mentioned positioning means, as needed.

[0055] (Sensor unit 20) The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10. The connection may be wired or wireless. For example, the sensors may be detection devices other than the terminal device 10, such as wearable devices or wireless devices. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the sensor unit 20 includes an acceleration sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, a barometric pressure sensor 23, a temperature sensor 24, a sound sensor 25, a light sensor 26, a magnetic sensor 27, and an image sensor (camera) 28.

[0056] The above-described sensors 21 to 28 are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. That is, the sensor unit 20 may be configured to include some of the sensors 21 to 28, or may include other sensors such as a humidity sensor in addition to or instead of the sensors 21 to 28.

[0057] The acceleration sensor 21 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and detects physical movements of the terminal device 10, such as the direction of movement, speed, and acceleration of the terminal device 10. The gyro sensor 22 detects physical movements of the terminal device 10, such as tilt in three axial directions, based on the angular velocity of the terminal device 10. The air pressure sensor 23 detects, for example, the air pressure around the terminal device 10.

[0058] Since the terminal device 10 includes the acceleration sensor 21, the gyro sensor 22, the atmospheric pressure sensor 23, etc., it is possible to measure the position of the terminal device 10 using a technique such as Pedestrian Dead-Reckoning (PDR) that uses these sensors 21 to 23. This makes it possible to obtain indoor position information that is difficult to obtain using a positioning system such as GPS.

[0059] For example, the number of steps, walking speed, and distance walked can be calculated using a pedometer that uses the acceleration sensor 21. In addition, the direction of travel, line of sight, and body tilt of the user U can be determined using the gyro sensor 22. In addition, the altitude and floor on which the terminal device 10 of the user U is located can be determined from the air pressure detected by the air pressure sensor 23.

[0060] The temperature sensor 24 detects, for example, the temperature around the terminal device 10. The sound sensor 25 detects, for example, the sound around the terminal device 10. The light sensor 26 detects the illuminance around the terminal device 10. The magnetic sensor 27 detects, for example, the geomagnetism around the terminal device 10. The image sensor 28 captures an image around the terminal device 10.

[0061] The above-mentioned air pressure sensor 23, temperature sensor 24, sound sensor 25, light sensor 26, and image sensor 28 can detect the air pressure, temperature, sound, and illuminance, respectively, and capture images of the surroundings, thereby detecting the environment and situation around the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the accuracy of the location information of the terminal device 10 can be improved based on the environment and situation around the terminal device 10.

[0062] (control unit 30) The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, input / output ports, etc., and various other circuits. The control unit 30 may also be configured with hardware such as an integrated circuit, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 includes a transmitting unit 31, a receiving unit 32, and a processing unit 33.

[0063] (Transmitter 31) The transmission unit 31 can transmit, for example, various information input by the user U using the input unit 13, various information detected by each sensor 21 to 28 mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10, and location information of the terminal device 10 measured by the positioning unit 14 to the information providing device 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0064] (Receiver 32) The receiving unit 32 can receive, via the communication unit 11, various types of information provided by the information providing device 100 and requests for sensor information from the information providing device 100.

[0065] (Processing unit 33) The processing unit 33 controls the entire terminal device 10, including the display unit 12. For example, the processing unit 33 can output various information transmitted by the transmission unit 31 and various information received by the reception unit 32 from the information providing device 100 to the display unit 12 for display.

[0066] (Storage unit 40) The storage unit 40 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 40 stores various programs, various information, etc.

[0067] [4. Configuration example of information processing device] Next, the configuration of the information providing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information providing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the information providing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0068] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is also connected to a network N (see FIG. 4) by wire or wirelessly.

[0069] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in Fig. 6, the storage unit 120 has a user information database 121, a payment information database 122, and a distribution information database 123.

[0070] (User Information Database 121) The user information database 121 stores various information related to the user U. For example, the user information database 121 stores various information such as the attributes of the user U. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 121. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user information database 121 has items such as "User ID (Identifier)," "Age," "Gender," "Home," "Workplace," and "Interests."

[0071] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying user U. "Age" indicates the age of user U identified by the user ID. Note that "Age" may also be the specific age of user U identified by the user ID, such as 35 years old. "Gender" indicates the gender of user U identified by the user ID.

[0072] Furthermore, "home" indicates the location information of the home of user U identified by the user ID. In the example shown in FIG. 7, "home" is illustrated as an abstract code such as "LC11," but it may also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Furthermore, for example, "home" may also be the name of an area or an address.

[0073] Furthermore, "workplace" indicates location information of the workplace (school in the case of a student) of user U identified by the user ID. In the example shown in FIG. 7, "workplace" is illustrated as an abstract code such as "LC12," but it may also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Furthermore, for example, "workplace" may also be the name of a region or an address.

[0074] Furthermore, "interests" indicate the interests of user U identified by the user ID. In other words, "interests" indicate subjects in which user U identified by the user ID is highly interested. For example, "interests" may be search queries (keywords) entered by user U into a search engine. In the example shown in FIG. 7, each user U is shown with one "interest," but there may be multiple "interests."

[0075] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the age of user U identified by user ID "U1" is "20s" and the gender is "male." Furthermore, for example, the home address of user U identified by user ID "U1" is "LC11." Furthermore, for example, the workplace of user U identified by user ID "U1" is "LC12." Furthermore, for example, the user U identified by user ID "U1" is interested in "sports."

[0076] 7, abstract values ​​such as "U1", "LC11", and "LC12" are used for illustration, but "U1", "LC11", and "LC12" are assumed to store information such as specific character strings and numerical values. Below, abstract values ​​may also be illustrated in diagrams relating to other information.

[0077] The user information database 121 may store various types of information depending on the purpose, without being limited to the above. For example, the user information database 121 may store various types of information related to the terminal device 10 of the user U. The user information database 121 may also store information related to the user U's attributes, such as demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, geographic attributes, and behavioral attributes. For example, the user information database 121 may store information such as name, family structure, hometown (hometown), occupation, job title, income, qualifications, type of residence (detached house, apartment, etc.), whether or not the user has a car, commuting time, commuting route, commuter pass area (station, line, etc.), frequently used stations (other than the station nearest to home or workplace), extracurricular activities (location, time zone, etc.), hobbies, interests, lifestyle, etc.

[0078] (Payment Information Database 122) The payment information database 122 stores various information related to payments (electronic payments) made using the terminal device 10. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the payment information database 122. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the payment information database 122 has fields such as "user ID," "payment date and time," "store ID," "product ID," "number of items purchased," and "payment amount."

[0079] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying the user U who made the payment. "Payment date and time" indicates the date and time the payment was made. "Store ID" indicates identification information for identifying the store or facility where the payment was made. "Product ID" indicates identification information for identifying the payment object (transaction object) such as various products and services. "Quantity purchased" indicates the number of items (number of items) that are the subject of payment. "Payment amount" indicates the payment amount charged for the payment.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 8, one "store ID," one "product ID," and one "purchase quantity" are shown for each user U, but there may be multiple of them. For example, a "store ID" may be stored for each store used by user U, and a "product ID" and "purchase quantity" may be stored for each product purchased at each store.

[0081] For example, in the example shown in Figure 8, user U identified by user ID "U1" made a payment (electronic payment) using terminal device 10, purchased a quantity of "Purchase quantity #1" of a product identified by product ID "Product #1" at a store identified by store ID "Store #1" on payment date and time "Payment date and time #1", and paid "Payment amount #1" as the payment amount.

[0082] Here, in the example shown in Figure 8, abstract values ​​such as "U1," "payment date and time #1," "store #1," "product #1," "number of items purchased #1," and "payment amount #1" are used for the illustration, but it is assumed that specific information such as character strings and numbers is stored in "U1," "payment date and time #1," "store #1," "product #1," "number of items purchased #1," and "payment amount #1."

[0083] The payment information database 122 may store various types of information depending on the purpose, not limited to the above. For example, the payment information database 122 may store information about payment methods (electronic money, etc.) and payment service providers. The payment information database 122 may also store information about the terminal device 10 used for payment.

[0084] (Distribution Information Database 123) The distribution information database 123 stores various information related to the distribution of recommended information. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution information database 123. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the distribution information database 123 has items such as "user ID," "coupon ID," "store ID," and "recommendation."

[0085] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying user U to whom a coupon is provided. Note that, when identifying users by segment, the "user ID" may be the segment (division) of user U. Also, "coupon ID" indicates identification information for identifying an individual coupon. Note that the "coupon ID" may store identification information for all coupons included in the coupon list, or may store only identification information for a coupon selected by user U from the coupon list. Also, "store ID" indicates identification information for identifying the store or facility that provides the coupon. Also, "recommendation" indicates information delivered to user U as recommendation information related to the coupon and / or the store, etc. Note that, if the timing for delivering recommendation information to user U can be set arbitrarily, "recommendation" may store information related to the timing for delivering recommendation information. Note that the number of "recommendations" is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0086] The distribution information database 123 may store various types of information depending on the purpose, without being limited to the above. For example, the distribution information database 123 may store information regarding the expiration date and conditions of use of a coupon. The distribution information database 123 may also store information regarding whether or not the user U has selected a coupon. The distribution information database 123 may also store a history of coupons that the user U has used in the past.

[0087] (control unit 130) Returning to Fig. 6, the explanation will be continued. The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like, executing various programs (corresponding to examples of information processing programs) stored in a storage device inside the information providing device 100 using a storage area such as a RAM as a working area. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a payment processing unit 132, a provision unit 133, a determination unit 134, and a distribution unit 135.

[0088] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires payment information related to payment using the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires, from the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110, payment information indicating user identification information that identifies the user U (or information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating the user U (e.g., user ID)), store identification information (or information indicated by the store identification information, i.e., information indicating the store (e.g., store ID)), the payment amount, and information regarding coupon usage (e.g., information indicating the amount of rebate).

[0089] (Payment processing unit 132) The payment processing unit 132 performs payment processing for a payment using the terminal device 10 based on the payment information. For example, the payment processing unit 132 transfers electronic money in an amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U indicated by the user identification information to the account of the store indicated by the store identification information. In this embodiment, the payment processing unit 132 transfers electronic money in an amount obtained by subtracting the coupon refund amount from the payment amount from the account of user U to the account of store A. Alternatively, the payment processing unit 132 transfers electronic money in the payment amount from the account of user U to the account of store A, and also transfers electronic money in the coupon refund amount from the account of store A to the account of user U. For convenience, a description of the "fee" will be omitted. The payment processing unit 132 then transmits a notification that the payment has been completed to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 110.

[0090] (Provider 133) The providing unit 133 provides a coupon to the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110. This coupon is a coupon that can be used with a payment method using the terminal device 10 and is provided by a store that accepts the payment method. At this time, the providing unit 133 provides a coupon list that can display coupons all at once to the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110. The providing unit 133 also provides a coupon management screen that can display coupons selected by the user U from the coupon list all at once to the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110.

[0091] (Judgment unit 134) When the user U operates the terminal device 10 to select a desired coupon (a coupon that the user wants to use) from the coupon list, the determination unit 134 automatically determines that the user U has followed the store that provides the coupon.

[0092] (Distribution Section 135) The distribution unit 135 automatically distributes the store that provided the coupon and recommendation information related to the coupon to the terminal device 10 of the user U to whom the coupon was provided, via the communication unit 110. Here, when the user U operates the terminal device 10 to select a desired coupon (a coupon that the user wants to use) from the coupon list (i.e., when it is automatically determined that the user U has followed the store that provided the coupon), the distribution unit 135 automatically distributes the store that provided the coupon and recommendation information related to the coupon to the terminal device 10 of the user U, via the communication unit 110. Note that when the above-mentioned coupon management screen is provided, the distribution unit 135 automatically distributes recommendation information related to the store that provided the coupon included in the coupon management screen.

[0093] For example, the distribution unit 135 distributes, as recommendation information, information introducing a store, information sent by a store, and / or information indicating that a coupon has been provided. Furthermore, if a coupon has not been used for a certain period of time since it was distributed, or if the coupon is nearing its expiration date, the distribution unit 135 distributes information indicating that a coupon has been provided. Note that the distribution method may be push notification.

[0094] Furthermore, after distributing the coupon list to the terminal device 10, when the terminal device 10 displays a predetermined site or launches a predetermined application, the distribution unit 135 automatically distributes recommendation information about the store that provided the coupon and about the coupon to the terminal device 10 of the user U. For example, the distribution unit 135 automatically distributes recommendation information about the store that provided the coupon and about the coupon to the terminal device 10 of the user U so that the recommendation information about the store that provided the coupon and about the coupon is preferentially displayed on the screen of the predetermined site or a predetermined application.

[0095] Here, the text and data that form the recommendation information are provided by the store that provides the coupon. The information providing device 100 generates the recommendation information based on this information. In this case, the information providing device 100 may have a generation unit that generates the recommendation information. Alternatively, a terminal device or server device on the store side may generate the recommendation information in advance, register it in the information providing device 100, and distribute it via the information providing device 100. Alternatively, the information providing device 100 may provide information about the user U from the information providing device 100 and distribute it directly without going through the information providing device 100. Furthermore, the information providing device 100 may introduce information about the store that provides the coupon that is published on SNS or the like as the recommendation information.

[0096] [5. Processing Procedure] Next, a processing procedure performed by the information providing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the control unit 130 of the information providing device 100.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 10, the providing unit 133 of the information providing device 100 provides, via the communication unit 110, to the terminal device 10 of the user U, a coupon list (coupon corner) that collectively manages coupons that can be used with a payment method using the terminal device 10 and are provided by stores that can use the payment method (step S101).

[0098] Next, when the user U operates the terminal device 10 to select a desired coupon (a coupon that the user wants to use) from the coupon list, the judgment unit 134 of the information providing device 100 automatically judges that the user U has followed the store that provided the coupon (step S102).

[0099] Next, the distribution unit 135 of the information providing device 100 automatically distributes recommendation information (recommended information) related to the store that provided the coupon to the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110 (step S103).

[0100] For example, the distribution unit 135 distributes, as recommendation information, introductions to coupon eligible stores, notices from stores (information sent by stores), etc. The information providing device 100 may send push notifications of introductions to coupon eligible stores, notices from stores, etc. to the terminal device 10 of the user U, or may preferentially display the information on sites, apps, etc. used by the user U.

[0101] Specifically, when the user U displays a predetermined site or launches a predetermined application (app) using the terminal device 10, the distribution unit 135 preferentially displays information about the store that provided the coupon (such as an article introducing the store or a notice from the store) and information about the coupon. Examples of the predetermined site or predetermined app include sites and apps for media, maps (including route maps, transfer information, and route searches), SNS (Social Networking Service), videos, games, etc. For example, the distribution unit 135 displays the above information in a prominent location or a predetermined area on the screen of the predetermined site or predetermined app when the user U instructs the terminal device 10. Furthermore, if the predetermined site or predetermined app is a map, the distribution unit 135 may map the store to a location on the map that corresponds to the store.

[0102] Furthermore, the distribution unit 135 periodically or at a predetermined timing pushes information to the terminal device 10 of the user U that a coupon has been distributed (such as a notice that "A coupon has been issued"). Furthermore, if a coupon has not been used for a certain period of time since it was distributed, or if the coupon's expiration date is approaching, the distribution unit 135 pushes information to the terminal device 10 of the user U that the coupon has been distributed. At this time, the distribution unit 135 may push information about the distributed coupon and information about the store that provided the coupon to the terminal device 10 of the user U.

[0103] In practice, the information providing device 100 may automatically distribute recommendation information about stores that provide all coupons included in the coupon list, regardless of the coupon selection made by the user U.

[0104] Next, when a user U of the terminal device 10 that has received the recommendation information from the information providing device 100 visits the store A that provided the coupon and receives a transaction object from the store A, the acquisition unit 131 of the information providing device 100 acquires payment information including coupon usage via the communication unit 110 (step S104). At this time, the coupon is automatically applied regardless of the operation of the user U. The refund amount for the coupon is displayed on the terminal device 10 of the user U. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires, via the communication unit 110, payment information indicating user identification information (e.g., user ID) that identifies the user U, store identification information (e.g., store ID) that identifies the store, the payment amount, and the refund amount for the coupon from the terminal device 10 of the user U.

[0105] Next, the payment processing unit 132 of the information providing device 100 performs payment processing for the payment using the terminal device 10 based on the payment information (step S105). For example, the payment processing unit 132 transfers electronic money equal to the payment amount minus the coupon refund amount from the account of user U indicated by the user identification information to the account of the store indicated by the store identification information. Alternatively, the information providing device 100 transfers electronic money equal to the payment amount from user U's account to store A's account, and also transfers electronic money equal to the coupon refund amount from store A's account to user U's account. For convenience, a description of the "fee" will be omitted. The payment processing unit 132 then transmits a notification that the payment has been completed to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 110.

[0106] [6. Modifications] The terminal device 10 and the information providing device 100 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiment. Therefore, modifications of the embodiment will be described below.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the information providing device 100 may acquire, along with the payment information, various types of information related to the user U that can be acquired based on the payment information. For example, the acquiring unit 131 acquires, as various types of information, attribute information of the user U, history information (log data) related to the behavior of the user U, and location information indicating the current location of the user U, from the terminal device 10, various servers, etc., based on the user ID, etc., included in the payment information. Then, the information providing device 100 may list coupons suitable for the user U based on the payment information and the various types of information, determine the display order, and generate a coupon list.

[0108] In this case, the information providing device 100 acquires a location history, which is a history of the user U's location and date and time, from the terminal device 10. The information providing device 100 also acquires a search history, which is a history of search queries entered by the user U, from a search server (search engine). The information providing device 100 also acquires a browsing history, which is a history of content viewed by the user U, from a content server. The information providing device 100 also acquires a purchase history, which is a history of purchases made by the user U, from an e-commerce server or a payment server. The information providing device 100 also acquires a posting history, which is a history of posts made by the user U, from a posting server that provides a word-of-mouth posting service or an SNS (Social Networking Service) server. The information providing device 100 can acquire various types of information in addition to the information described above. For example, the information providing device 100 acquires information related to the attributes of the user U, such as the user U's age, gender, family structure, and economic situation. The information providing device 100 may then use the various types of information described above as the user U's context.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information providing device 100 may select or generate recommendation information related to the store that provides the coupon, based on payment information and various information related to the user U that can be acquired based on the payment information.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information providing device 100 may perform machine learning on pairs of payment information, coupons (or stores), and recommendation information using a neural network-based machine learning technique or the like to build a learning model for a coupon list. In this case, the information providing device 100 inputs the payment information and coupons (or stores) into a learning model built through machine learning using, for example, a recurrent neural network (RNN) or a long short-term memory (LSTM), and obtains recommendation information as output. The information providing device 100 then distributes this recommendation information to the terminal device 10 of the user U. Note that the information providing device 100 may use, together with the payment information, various types of information about the user U that can be obtained based on the payment information. This may enable the information providing device 100 to select effective recommendation information for the user U from multiple pieces of recommendation information about stores that provide coupons.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the content of the coupon is arbitrary. For example, the content of the coupon is not limited to a rebate or a discount, but may be an exchange for a product, a sample, a novelty, a promotional item, a souvenir, or the like. The coupon may be distributed only to users who win a lottery. The coupon may also be a mini-game that offers a rebate, a discount, or the like as a reward.

[0112] [7. Effects] As described above, the information providing device 100 according to the present application includes a providing unit 133 that provides coupons that can be used with a payment method using the terminal device 10 and that are provided by a store that can use the payment method, and a distribution unit 135 that automatically distributes, to the terminal device 10 to which the coupon has been provided, recommendation information about the store that provided the coupon.

[0113] This allows the user to automatically follow the store that provided the coupon. In particular, if the coupon is automatically applied at the time of payment and does not require the user U to operate the terminal device 10 to present it, after obtaining the coupon, the user U may not be aware of the existence of the coupon or the store that provided it. Therefore, it is meaningful to have the user U automatically follow the store that provided the coupon that the user U obtained, and automatically deliver recommended information about the store to the user U as appropriate.

[0114] [8. Hardware Configuration] The terminal device 10 and the information providing device 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 11, for example. The information providing device 100 will be described below as an example. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which a calculation device 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output I / F (Interface) 1060, an input I / F 1070, and a network I / F 1080 are connected via a bus 1090.

[0115] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The arithmetic device 1030 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0116] The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. The secondary storage device 1050 may be an internal storage device or an external storage device. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be a removable storage medium such as a USB memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be cloud storage (online storage), a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a file server, or the like.

[0117] The output I / F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a display, a projector, a printer, etc., and is realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), etc. The input I / F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a keypad, a button, a scanner, etc., and is realized by a USB, etc.

[0118] Furthermore, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and the input device 1020, respectively. That is, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

[0119] The output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated into one device, such as a touch panel. In this case, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may also be integrated into one device as an input / output I / F.

[0120] The input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0121] The network I / F 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also transmits data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0122] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0123] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information providing device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040 to realize the functions of the control unit 130. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also load a program acquired from another device via the network I / F 1080 onto the primary storage device 1040 and execute the loaded program. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also cooperate with the other device via the network I / F 1080 to call and use the functions and data of a program from another program of the other device.

[0124] [9. Other] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of so-called equivalents. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0125] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0126] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0127] For example, the information providing device 100 described above may be realized using multiple server computers, and depending on the function, the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling an external platform using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing.

[0128] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0129] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, an acquisition unit can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Terminal Equipment 100 Information provision device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 User Information Database 122 Payment Information Database 123 Distribution Information Database 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Payment processing unit 133 Provision Department 134 Judgment section 135 Distribution Department

Claims

1. a providing unit that presents coupons provided by stores to a terminal device of a user; a reception unit that receives an operation to acquire the coupon from a user of the terminal device; a determination unit that automatically determines that the user has followed a store where the coupon can be used when the reception unit receives an operation to acquire the coupon from the user; a distribution unit that automatically distributes information about the store or the coupon to the terminal device of the user and displays it preferentially when the determination unit automatically determines that the user has followed a store where the coupon can be used; An information processing device comprising:

2. The distribution unit manages the user who is automatically determined to have followed the store where the coupon can be used as a potential customer who is interested in the store where the coupon can be used, and automatically distributes and preferentially displays information sent by the store to potential customers to terminal devices of the users who are managed as potential customers who are interested in the store where the coupon can be used.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The distribution unit automatically distributes and preferentially displays information introducing the store as information about the store.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

4. The distribution unit automatically distributes and preferentially displays information transmitted by the store as information related to the store.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

5. When a new coupon is offered by the store, the distribution unit automatically distributes and preferentially displays information that the new coupon has been offered as information about the coupon.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

6. The distribution unit automatically distributes and preferentially displays information that a new coupon is being offered when the new coupon has not been used for a certain period of time since it was offered, or when the expiration date of the new coupon is approaching.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,

7. After it is automatically determined that the store where the coupon can be used has been followed, when the terminal device displays a predetermined site or starts a predetermined application, the distribution unit automatically distributes information about the store or information about the coupon and displays it preferentially.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

8. When the terminal device displays a predetermined site or starts a predetermined application, the distribution unit preferentially displays information about the store or information about the coupon on a screen of the predetermined site or the predetermined application.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The distribution unit pushes information about the store or information about the coupon to the terminal device.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

10. the providing unit presents a coupon list listing coupons provided by each store to the user's terminal device; the accepting unit accepts an operation by the user of the terminal device to select a desired coupon from the coupon list and acquire the coupon; the determination unit automatically determines, when receiving an operation to acquire the coupon, that the user of the terminal device has followed the store that provided the coupon; When it is automatically determined that the store that provides the coupon is followed, the distribution unit automatically distributes information about the store that provides the coupon or information about the coupon to the terminal device of the user and displays it preferentially.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

11. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, a providing step of presenting a coupon provided by a store to a terminal device of a user; a receiving step of receiving an operation to acquire the coupon from a user of the terminal device; a determining step of automatically determining that the user has followed a store where the coupon can be used when an operation to obtain the coupon is received from the user in the receiving step; a distribution step of automatically distributing information about the store or the coupon to the terminal device of the user and displaying the information preferentially when it is automatically determined in the determination step that the user has followed the store where the coupon can be used; An information processing method comprising:

12. a provision step of presenting a coupon provided by a store to a terminal device of a user; a receiving step of receiving an operation to acquire the coupon from a user of the terminal device; a determination step of automatically determining that the user has followed a store at which the coupon can be used when an operation to acquire the coupon is received from the user in the reception step; a delivery step of automatically delivering information about the store or the coupon to the terminal device of the user and displaying it preferentially when it is automatically determined in the determination step that the user has followed the store where the coupon can be used; An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the above.

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