Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of performing promotion for giving interest or pleasure to a customer, and a program.SOLUTION: An information processing device of an embodiment comprises: a setting unit which sets a lottery rate defined for a commodity; a commodity identification information acquisition unit which acquires commodity identification information read by a terminal device held by a customer; a selection unit which selects promotion information on the basis of the lottery rate defined for the commodity identified by the commodity identification information on condition that the commodity identification information acquisition unit acquires the commodity identification information; and an output unit which outputs the promotion information selected by the selection unit to the terminal device which has read the commodity identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, stores and the like that sell products or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "products") have been conducting various activities (promotions) to promote sales of the products. For example, a product information display device has been proposed that reads the identification information of a product that a customer is considering purchasing and then displays information about the product and advertising information (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology merely presents information to customers, and does not provide interest or enjoyment to customers, and therefore is not necessarily effective in increasing purchasing motivation. For this reason, promotions that provide interest and enjoyment to customers are desired. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a program that are capable of carrying out promotions that will interest and entertain customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device of the embodiment includes a setting unit that sets a lottery rate determined for a product, a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information read by a terminal device carried by a customer, a selection unit that selects promotional information based on the lottery rate determined for the product identified by the product identification information, provided that the product identification information acquisition unit has acquired the product identification information, and an output unit that outputs the promotional information selected by the selection unit to the terminal device that read the product identification information. The commodity identification information acquisition unit acquires commodity identification information that has been confirmed for purchase by the terminal device from among the commodity identification information read by the terminal device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the entire system including the store system of the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main hardware configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a main hardware configuration of a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the product master stored in the storage unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the member master stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a promotion management table stored in the storage unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data configuration of a product lottery table stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a lottery rate table stored in the storage unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the inventory quantity correction value table stored in the storage unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a customer information correction value table stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of an event information distribution management table stored in the storage unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a lottery rate setting process performed by the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the lottery rate setting process by the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a promotion information transmission process performed by the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an event information distribution process performed by the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An information processing device and a program according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in the embodiments described below, an example will be described in which the terminal device carried by the customer is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the customer, but the terminal device may also be a mobile terminal such as a tablet provided by the store.

[0008] In the embodiment described below, the information processing device is an example of a server device that functions as a store server, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information processing device may be a management server installed outside the store. The information processing device may also be configured with multiple computers.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire system including a store system 100. The store system 100 of this embodiment is applied to a store that sells products, such as a supermarket. The store system 100 is communicably connected to a management server 200 managed by a company that operates the store.

[0010] The store system 100 includes a terminal device 1, a checkout device 2, and a server device 3. The checkout device 2 and the server device 3 are connected to each other via a network N such as a local area network (LAN) so that they can communicate with each other. The terminal device 1 is connected to the checkout device 2 and the server device 3 via a wireless LAN or the like so that they can communicate with each other.

[0011] The terminal device 1 is configured, for example, as a smartphone owned by customer C. A shopping application program (hereinafter also referred to as a "shopping app") is installed on the terminal device 1. By running the shopping app inside the store, the terminal device 1 can connect to the store's wireless LAN and perform processes for shopping at the store and for obtaining promotional information.

[0012] For example, the terminal device 1 reads a product ID from a code symbol such as a barcode attached to a product through an operation by the customer C, and performs product registration. Product registration means obtaining product information (product name, price, etc.) from a product master based on the input product ID and registering (storing) it in a storage unit. The product master is a master file that associates product IDs with product information, and may be stored in the terminal device 1 or in the server device 3. The product ID is information that identifies a product, and is an example of product identification information.

[0013] The terminal device 1 also transmits the read product ID to the server device 3 and receives promotion information from the server device 3. The promotion information is information used by the store to promote product sales, such as information about the store's unique electronic character (hereinafter simply referred to as "character"), discount coupons, gift coupons, and other benefits. Having received the product ID, the server device 3 performs a lottery (selection) based on a lottery rate (probability of winning) determined for each product ID, and transmits promotion information according to the lottery result to the terminal device 1. In this embodiment, the promotion information is information about the character, such as the lottery result or the character.

[0014] Customer C is provided with promotional information based on the lottery, so he or she can enjoy shopping with excitement and interest, wondering whether or not he or she will win a character, and if so, whether or not he or she will get the character of his or her choice. In particular, by transmitting promotional information based on the lottery when Customer C reads the product ID from the code symbol attached to the product in order to purchase the product, it is expected that the purchasing motivation of Customer C while shopping in the sales area of ​​the store will be increased. For example, if Customer C does not win a character, it is expected that Customer C will purchase a new product in order to have a chance to obtain the character.

[0015] Furthermore, the terminal device 1 receives event information from the server device 3. The event information is information notifying an event related to promotional information and is determined based on the lottery rate for selecting the promotional information. The event information is, for example, information notifying that the lottery rate for a specific character called a rare character has been changed and increased, information notifying that the lottery rate for a specific product has been set high, information notifying that the lottery rate for a specific time period has been set high, etc.

[0016] The checkout device 2 is a so-called self-service checkout device where, for example, customer C performs the checkout operation themselves. Based on the checkout information received from the terminal device 1, the checkout device 2 performs checkout processing related to payment by cash or cashless payment such as credit card payment. The checkout processing is the process for paying for the products purchased by customer C. Note that the checkout device 2 may also be a point-of-sale (POS) terminal operated by a store clerk.

[0017] The server device 3 functions as a store server that manages store information. The server device 3 receives payment information, such as product information about products paid for in the checkout process and payment method information, from each checkout device 2, and manages store sales information. The server device 3 also obtains product inventory information and customer information about customer C from the management server 20 as needed.

[0018] Furthermore, the server device 3 selects promotion information based on a predetermined lottery rate, on the condition that the product ID read by the terminal device 1 has been acquired, and transmits the selected promotion information to the terminal device 1. Here, "on the condition that the product ID read by the terminal device 1 has been acquired" means that in addition to the condition that the product ID read by the terminal device 1 has been acquired, the condition also includes the condition that payment for the product with the product ID has been completed.

[0019] In this embodiment, when the server device 3 acquires a product ID from the terminal device 1, it selects and transmits promotion information to the terminal device 1. As described above, this is expected to increase the purchasing motivation of customer C while shopping in the sales area. However, the server device 3 may select and transmit the promotion information only upon acquiring a product ID and information indicating that payment for the product associated with the product ID has been completed. In this case, the server device 3 may acquire the product ID from the checkout device 2.

[0020] The server device 3 also distributes the above-mentioned event information to the terminal device 1. The server device 3 may distribute the event information to customers C in the store via wireless LAN, or may distribute the event information to all members via a public line. The timing at which the event information is distributed can be set arbitrarily. For example, the event information may be distributed before the store opens or the day before the event. The server device 3 is an example of an information processing device.

[0021] The management server 200 is a server that manages information on multiple stores, and manages product inventory information for each store, customer information for registered members, sales information for each store, etc. The inventory information is updated as needed in response to transaction processing at the transaction device 2 of each store, and is the real-time number of items in stock. Customer information includes the number of times a member has visited each store, purchase history (purchased products, purchase amounts, etc.), etc. The information managed by the management server 200 may also be managed by the server device 3 of each store.

[0022] Next, the configuration and functions of the terminal device 1 will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the terminal device 1. The terminal device 1 includes a control unit 10, a display unit 11, an operation unit 12, a scanner 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The control unit 10, the display unit 11, the operation unit 12, the scanner 13, the communication unit 14, and the storage unit 15 are connected to one another via a bus 16 or the like.

[0023] The control unit 10 is configured as a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101, the ROM 102, and the RAM 103 are connected to each other via a bus 16.

[0024] The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 1. The ROM 102 stores various programs, such as a program used to drive the CPU 101, and various data. The RAM 103 is used as a work area for the CPU 101, and loads various programs and data stored in the ROM 102 and the storage unit 15. The control unit 10 executes various control processes for the terminal device 1 by the CPU 101 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 102 and the storage unit 15 and loaded in the RAM 103.

[0025] The RAM 103 also includes a product information section 1031. The product information section 1031 stores product information related to the product ID read by the scanner 13. Storing the product information in the product information section 1031 executes product registration.

[0026] The display unit 11 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. For example, the display unit 11 displays product information of registered products. The display unit 11 also displays a registration screen for registering products that do not have barcodes.

[0027] The operation unit 12 is used to input information into the control unit 10, and is composed of a touch panel or the like provided on the surface of the display unit 11. For example, the operation unit 12 inputs the product ID of a product that does not have a barcode into the control unit 10. The operation unit 12 also inputs information to the control unit 10 instructing it to send registered product information to the checkout device 2.

[0028] The scanner 13 includes an optical imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The scanner 13 reads a product ID from a code symbol such as a barcode attached to a product and inputs the product ID to the control unit 60. Specifically, the scanner 13 recognizes the code symbol such as a barcode attached to a product purchased by the customer C optically or by imaging the code symbol. The scanner 13 then decodes the recognized code symbol and reads the product ID indicated by the code symbol. The control unit 10 may decode the code symbol recognized by the scanner 13. The scanner 13 may also read (recognize) the product ID by general object recognition (object recognition).

[0029] The communication unit 14 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the accounting device 2 and the server device 3. By connecting the control unit 10 to external devices via the communication unit 14, the control unit 10 can send and receive information (data) to and from the external devices.

[0030] The storage unit 15 is configured with a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and maintains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 15 stores a control program 151 and a member ID 152.

[0031] The control program 151 is a shopping application, etc. The member ID is information uniquely assigned by the store to the customer C who is a member. The member ID is an example of customer identification information that identifies the customer C.

[0032] Next, a description will be given of the main functional configuration of the control unit 10 of the terminal device 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 10 of the terminal device 1. The control unit 10 functions as an input unit 1001, a registration unit 1002, a transmission / reception unit 1003, and a display control unit 1004 by the CPU 101 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the storage unit 15. Note that each of these functions may be configured by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0033] Various types of information are input to the input unit 1001 from the operation unit 12 and the scanner 13. For example, an application launch instruction, a checkout instruction, etc. are input to the input unit 1001 from the operation unit 12. The application launch instruction is information that instructs the start of a shopping application. The checkout instruction is information that instructs the sending of checkout information, including information registered in the product information unit 1031, to the checkout device 2. The product ID read by the scanner 13 is also input to the input unit 1001 from the scanner 13.

[0034] The registration unit 1002 executes product registration. Specifically, the registration unit 1002 transmits the product ID input to the input unit 1001 to the server device 3 via the transmission / reception unit 1003, and acquires product information corresponding to the product ID in response. The registration unit 1002 then registers the acquired product information in the product information unit 1031. The product information registered in the product information unit 1031 includes the product ID.

[0035] If the terminal device 1 stores the product master 322 (see FIG. 5), the registration unit 1002 may read out the product information corresponding to the product ID from the product master 322 to acquire the product information.

[0036] The transmission / reception unit 1003 transmits and receives information to and from external devices. For example, the transmission / reception unit 1003 transmits transaction information, including product information registered in the product information unit 1031, to the checkout device 2. The transmission / reception unit 1003 also transmits a product information request to the server device 3, associating the product ID entered into the input unit 1001 with the member ID stored in the storage unit 15. The transmission / reception unit 1003 then receives product information corresponding to the transmitted product ID and promotion information from the server device 3 in response to the product information request. The transmission / reception unit 1003 also receives event information distributed by the server device 3 at any time.

[0037] The display control unit 1004 causes various types of information to be displayed on the display unit 11. For example, the display control unit 1004 causes the display unit 11 to display product information registered by the registration unit 1002. The display control unit 1004 also causes the display unit 11 to display various controls for inputting information such as an instruction to launch an app or an instruction to pay.

[0038] Next, a detailed description will be given of the configuration and functions of the server device 3. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device 3. The server device 3 includes a control unit 30, a communication unit 31, and a storage unit 32. The control unit 30, the communication unit 31, and the storage unit 32 are connected to each other via a bus 33 or the like.

[0039] The control unit 30 is configured as a computer including a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 are connected to one another via a bus 33.

[0040] The CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the server device 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs, such as a program used to drive the CPU 301, and various data. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301, and loads various programs and data stored in the ROM 302 and the storage unit 32. The control unit 30 executes various control processes of the server device 3 by the CPU 301 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 302 and the storage unit 32 and loaded in the RAM 303.

[0041] The storage unit 32 is configured with a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when power is cut off. The storage unit 32 stores a control program 321, a product master 322, a member master 323, a promotion information management table 324, a product / lottery table 325, a lottery probability table 326, an inventory quantity correction value table 327, a customer information correction value table 328, and an event information distribution management table 329.

[0042] The control program 321 is a program for realizing functions such as setting a lottery rate determined for a product, acquiring a product ID, selecting promotional information based on the lottery rate, and outputting promotional information to the terminal device 1.

[0043] The product master 322 is a master file that stores information about products handled by a store. Since the products handled by a store change daily, the product master 322 is updated as appropriate. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product master 322. The product master 322 stores product IDs, product names, and prices in association with each other.

[0044] Member master 323 is a master file that stores information about store members. A member is a customer C who uses the store and has registered as a member. The information registered in member master 323 is acquired from customer C when customer C registers as a member. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of member master 323. Member master 323 stores member IDs, names, and notification destinations in association with each other.

[0045] The notification destination indicates the destination of information for the member, and is, for example, the communication address of the terminal device 1 owned by the member. When sending information to the terminal device 1 of customer C, the server device 3 refers to the notification destination in the member master 323.

[0046] The promotion information management table 324 is a data table that manages promotion information to be sent to customer C. The information registered in the promotion information management table 324 can be set and updated as desired by the store. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the promotion information management table 324. The promotion information management table 324 stores character IDs, character names, and characters (images) in association with each other.

[0047] The character ID is information that identifies a character. A character is a distinctive image issued by a store and is an example of promotional information. The store issues a large number of characters and gives a character selected by lottery to customer C. By using the characters as promotional information, the store can, for example, run a promotion such as giving a prize to customer C if he or she acquires a certain number or more types of characters.

[0048] The promotion information management table 324 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7. For example, the promotion information management table 324 may manage coupons as promotion information. In this case, the promotion information management table 324 stores coupon IDs and coupon details (such as discount amounts) in association with each other. Various other benefits for customer C can also be used as promotion information.

[0049] The product / lottery table 325 is a data table that manages the lottery probability determined for the product that has been purchased or is about to be purchased by customer C. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the product / lottery table 325. The product / lottery table 325 stores product IDs and lottery probability table IDs in association with each other.

[0050] The product / lottery table 325 can be set and updated as desired, and the same lottery rate table ID may be associated with multiple product IDs. For example, if a store wants to apply the same lottery rate table to all products, the product / lottery table 325 associates the same lottery table ID with all product IDs.

[0051] The lottery rate table 326 is a data table that manages the lottery rate for each character. The same number of lottery rate tables 326 as the number of lottery rate table IDs set in the product lottery table 325 are prepared. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the lottery rate table 326. Fig. 9 shows lottery rate table IDs 901 and 902. The lottery rate table 326 stores character IDs and lottery rates in association with each other.

[0052] The lottery rate can be set arbitrarily in the lottery rate table 326. For example, for a product with a product package that has a similar color distribution to the character, the lottery rate for that character can be set high.

[0053] The stock quantity correction value table 327 is a data table that stores a correction coefficient for rewriting the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 according to the stock quantity of the product. The lottery rate is corrected by multiplying the correction coefficient by the lottery rate. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the stock quantity correction value table 327. The stock quantity correction value table 327 stores stock quantities and correction coefficients in association with each other. The stock quantity correction value table 327 can be set and updated as desired. Note that the stock quantity correction value table 327 may be set for each product. If the purchase quantity and the stock quantity to be secured differ for each product, it is desirable for a store to prepare a stock quantity correction value table 327 for each product.

[0054] In Figure 10, stock quantity X is a value larger than stock quantity Y, and the stock quantity is classified into three states. When the stock quantity is less than Y, which is the lowest, the correction coefficient is set to none, in other words, the correction coefficient is set to 1. In other words, even when processing is performed to correct the lottery probability according to the stock quantity, if the stock quantity is less than Y, the lottery probability in lottery probability table 326 will remain unchanged.

[0055] When the stock quantity is equal to or greater than Y but less than X, which is the next lowest, the correction coefficient is set to 0.9. That is, the lottery rate registered in the lottery rate table 326 is corrected to 90 percent. When the stock quantity is equal to or greater than X, which is the highest, the correction coefficient is set to 0.8. That is, the lottery rate registered in the lottery rate table 326 is corrected to 80 percent. When correcting the lottery rate, all lottery rates other than the losing ones registered in the lottery rate table 326 may be corrected, or only some of the lottery rates other than the losing ones may be corrected. For example, only the lottery rate corresponding to the character ID of the character with the lowest lottery rate (hereinafter also referred to as a "rare character") may be corrected.

[0056] In the example of FIG. 10, the higher the stock quantity, the lower the lottery probability, making it more difficult to win a character. This is expected to increase customer C's purchasing motivation by losing the lottery, that is, customer C will be motivated to purchase the product by hoping to win next time. This makes it possible to promote sales of products with a high stock quantity, in other words, products that the store wants to sell. However, the stock quantity correction value table 327 is not limited to the example of FIG. 10.

[0057] For example, the opposite of the example in Figure 10 may be true: the larger the inventory quantity, the higher the lottery winning rate. In this case, for example, by notifying customer C of the increased lottery winning rate as event information, it is expected that customer C's purchasing motivation will be increased. The correction coefficient is set arbitrarily according to the store's sales strategy.

[0058] The customer information correction value table 328 is a data table that stores correction coefficients for rewriting the lottery probability in the lottery probability table 326 according to customer information. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the customer information correction value table 328. The customer information correction value table 328 stores the number of visits and the correction coefficients in association with each other. The number of visits is an example of customer information.

[0059] 11, if the number of visits per month is less than the set value Z, the correction coefficient is set to none, in other words, the correction coefficient is set to 1. In other words, even when processing is performed to correct the lottery probability according to the number of visits, if the number of visits is less than the set value Z, the lottery probability in the lottery probability table 326 is maintained as is. Note that the number of visits per month may be the number of visits in the previous month, or the average number of visits in the most recent specified period (for example, 3 months, 6 months, etc.).

[0060] If the number of visits per month is equal to or greater than the set value Z, the correction coefficient is set to 1.1. In other words, the lottery probability registered in the lottery probability table 326 is corrected to increase it by 10 percent. This makes it possible to give preferential treatment to customer C who visits the store frequently. When correcting the lottery probability, all lottery probability other than the losing lottery probability registered in the lottery probability table 326 may be corrected, or only some of the lottery probability other than the losing lottery probability may be corrected, just like when correcting based on the inventory quantity.

[0061] The customer information set in the customer information correction value table 328 is not limited to the number of visits. For example, monthly purchase amounts, number of items purchased, etc. can also be used as customer information. The customer information correction value table 328 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 11. For example, the lottery winning rate may be increased if the number of visits is low, as opposed to the example shown in FIG. 11, and the correction coefficient is set arbitrarily according to the store's sales strategy.

[0062] The event information distribution management table 329 is a data table that sets the conditions for distributing an event. Specifically, it is a data table for determining whether or not to distribute event information when the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 is changed. The lottery rate may be changed when the lottery rate table 326 is updated by inputting data at the discretion of the store, or when the lottery rate table 326 is automatically updated based on the inventory quantity correction value table 327 or the customer information correction value table 328. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the event information distribution management table 329. The event information distribution management table 329 stores the specific character lottery rate and whether or not to distribute event information, in association with each other.

[0063] The specific character lottery rate is, for example, the lottery rate for a rare character. In the example of FIG. 12, if the lottery rate is changed and the rare character lottery rate is set to a value equal to or greater than the set value V, event information is distributed. The distributed event information may be information notifying that the rare character lottery rate has increased. In other words, the content and distribution of the event information are determined according to the lottery rate. Here, the lottery rate for a specific character is not limited to the lottery rate for a rare character, but may be the lottery rate for any one or more characters.

[0064] Next, a description will be given of the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the server device 3. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the server device 3. The control unit 30 functions as a setting unit 3001, an acquisition unit 3002, a product information extraction unit 3003, a selection unit 3004, an event information determination unit 3005, and a transmission / reception unit 3006, as a result of the CPU 301 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 302 or the storage unit 32. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0065] The setting unit 3001 sets a lottery probability determined for a product. Specifically, the setting unit 3001 registers (stores) information in the product / lottery table 325 and the lottery probability table 326. The setting unit 3001 sets the lottery probability by registering the input lottery probability (a lottery probability determined by the store or product manufacturer). The setting unit 3001 also corrects the registered lottery probability according to inventory information and customer information and sets the corrected lottery probability as a new lottery probability.

[0066] The acquisition unit 3002 acquires the product identification information read by the terminal device 1. Specifically, the acquisition unit 3002 receives the product ID read by the terminal device 1 from the terminal device 1 via the transmission / reception unit 3006. The acquisition unit 3002 may also receive the product ID read by the terminal device 1 from the checkout device 2 via the transmission / reception unit 3006. The acquisition unit 3002 is an example of a product identification information acquisition unit.

[0067] The acquisition unit 3002 also acquires inventory information indicating the number of items in stock. Specifically, the acquisition unit 3002 transmits an inventory request to the management server 200 via the transmission / reception unit 3006, and receives inventory information from the management server 200. The acquisition unit 3002 is an example of an inventory information acquisition unit.

[0068] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 3002 acquires customer identification information that identifies customer C. Specifically, the acquisition unit 3002 receives the member ID stored in the terminal device 1 from the terminal device 1 via the transmission / reception unit 3006. The acquisition unit 3002 is an example of a customer identification information acquisition unit. The acquisition unit 3002 also transmits a customer information request including the member ID to the management server 200 via the transmission / reception unit 3006, and receives customer information from the management server 200. The acquisition unit 3002 is an example of a customer information acquisition unit.

[0069] The product information extraction unit 3003 extracts, from the product master 322, product information corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 3002 from the terminal device 1.

[0070] The selection unit 3004 selects promotion information based on a lottery probability determined for the product identified by the product identification information, on the condition that the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired the product identification information. Specifically, when the acquisition unit 3002 acquires the product ID read by the terminal device 1, the selection unit 3004 extracts a lottery table ID corresponding to the product ID from the product / lottery table 325 shown in FIG. 8.

[0071] Next, the selection unit 3004 performs a lottery based on the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 for the extracted lottery table ID, and selects either a character ID or a "lose." If the selection unit 3004 selects any character ID, it selects a character (image) corresponding to that character ID from the promotion information management table 324.

[0072] The event information determination unit 3005 determines the event information to be notified to the customer C based on the lottery rate set by the setting unit 3001. Specifically, when the lottery rate set by the setting unit 3001 is changed, the event information determination unit 3005 refers to the event information distribution management table 329 and determines whether the lottery rate of the specific character changed in each lottery rate table 326 is equal to or greater than the set value V.

[0073] Next, the event information determination unit 3005 extracts the lottery rate table ID from the lottery rate table 326 where the lottery rate for the specific character is equal to or greater than the set value V as a result of the change in the lottery rate. Then, the event information determination unit 3005 refers to the product / lottery table 325 and reads out the product ID corresponding to the extracted lottery rate table ID.

[0074] The event information determination unit 3005 determines, as event information, information notifying that the lottery rate of a specific character has increased when the product with the read product ID is purchased. For example, the event information determination unit 3005 determines, as event information to be transmitted to the terminal device 1, a message stating "We are currently holding an event to increase the appearance rate of character XX for product XX." Note that the method of determining event information is not limited to the above, and any method may be used as long as it determines event information based on the lottery rate.

[0075] The transmitting / receiving unit 3006 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 3006 receives a product information request including a product ID and a member ID from the terminal device 1. The transmitting / receiving unit 3006 also transmits product information, promotion information, event information, and the like to the terminal device 1. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 3006 transmits a stock information request and a customer information request to the management server 200, and receives stock information and customer information from the management server 200 in response to these requests. The transmitting / receiving unit 3006 is an example of an output unit.

[0076] Next, a description will be given of how to set the lottery probability in the server device 3 configured as above. In this embodiment, there are three methods for setting the lottery probability as follows.

[0077] In the first setting method, the store sets a predetermined lottery probability for each product. For example, the store inputs data of the product / lottery table 325 shown in Fig. 8 and the lottery probability table 326 shown in Fig. 9 to the server device 3, and the setting unit 3001 stores the input data in the storage unit 32.

[0078] The second setting method corrects the lottery probability set in the lottery probability table 326 in accordance with the number of items in stock. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the lottery probability setting process according to the second setting method.

[0079] The control unit 30 determines whether the setting unit 3001 has detected a trigger (step S1), and if not (N in step S1), returns to the processing of step S1 and waits. Here, the trigger is information that instructs the start of the lottery rate setting process, and, for example, if the lottery rate setting process is set to be executed at a set time, it is information that indicates that the set time has arrived. The trigger may also be an input by a store clerk instructing the start of the lottery rate setting process.

[0080] When a trigger is detected (Y in step S1), the transmitting / receiving unit 3006 transmits a stock information request to the management server 200 (step S2), and receives stock information from the management server 200 as a response to the stock information request (step S3).

[0081] Next, the setting unit 3001 calculates the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 set for each product using the correction coefficient set in the stock quantity correction value table 327 (step S4). In detail, the setting unit 3001 reads out the lottery rate table 326 corresponding to the product whose stock quantity has been acquired from the product / lottery table 325, and reads out the correction coefficient corresponding to the stock quantity of the product from the stock quantity correction value table 327. Then, the setting unit 3001 calculates the lottery rate by multiplying the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 by the correction coefficient. The setting unit 3001 calculates the lottery rate for the lottery rate table 326 corresponding to all products.

[0082] The setting unit 3001 rewrites the lottery probability in the lottery probability table 326 with the calculated lottery probability, and updates the lottery probability table 326 (step S5). Note that the setting unit 3001 may generate a new lottery probability table 326 based on the calculated lottery probability. Then, the control unit 30 ends the lottery probability setting process.

[0083] The third setting method corrects the lottery rate set in the lottery rate table 326 in accordance with the member information. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of lottery rate setting processing according to the third setting method.

[0084] The control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired the member ID (step S11), and if not (N in step S11), returns to the process of step S11 and waits. The member ID is transmitted from the terminal device 1, for example, when customer C visits the store and launches the shopping app.

[0085] When the member ID is acquired (Y in step S11), the transmitting / receiving unit 3006 sends a member information request including the member ID acquired by the acquiring unit 3002 to the management server 200 (step S12), and receives member information of the member identified by the member ID from the management server 200 as a response to the member information request (step S13). In this embodiment, the member information is the number of times the member visits the store per month.

[0086] Next, the setting unit 3001 calculates the lottery probability in the lottery probability table 326 set for each product using the correction coefficient set in the customer information correction value table 328 (step S14). In detail, the setting unit 3001 reads out the correction coefficient corresponding to the number of visits acquired by the acquisition unit 3002 from the customer information correction value table 328. Then, the setting unit 3001 calculates the lottery probability by multiplying the lottery probability in each lottery probability table 326 by the correction coefficient.

[0087] The setting unit 3001 stores the new lottery rate table 326 based on the calculated lottery rate in association with the member ID. The setting unit 3001 stores the new lottery rate table 326 for all lottery rate tables 326. Then, the control unit 30 ends the lottery rate setting process.

[0088] Next, the transmission of promotion information in the server device 3 configured as described above will be explained. In this embodiment, when a customer C reads a product ID from a code symbol attached to a product, that is, when registering the product, the promotion information is transmitted to the terminal device 1, assuming that the product will be purchased. This is expected to increase the purchasing motivation of customer C who is shopping in the sales floor.

[0089] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the promotion information transmission process.

[0090] The control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired the product ID and member ID (step S21), and if not (N in step S21), returns to the processing of step S21 and waits. More specifically, the control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired the product ID and member ID included in the product information request received by the transmission / reception unit 3006.

[0091] When the acquisition unit 3002 acquires the product ID and the member ID (Y in step S21), the product information extraction unit 3003 extracts the product information (step S22). Specifically, the product information extraction unit 3003 reads out the product information corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 3002 from the product master 322.

[0092] Next, the selection unit 3004 selects a lottery rate table 326. Specifically, the selection unit 3004 reads out the lottery rate table 326 corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 3002 from the product / lottery table 325. Next, the selection unit 3004 performs a character lottery (step S24). Specifically, the selection unit 3004 performs a character lottery at the lottery rate set in the lottery rate table 326 read out in step S24.

[0093] The transmitting / receiving unit 3006 transmits the product information extracted in step S22 and character information based on the result of the lottery executed in step S24 to the terminal device 1 (step S25). The transmitting / receiving unit 3006 transmits the product information and character information to the notification destination corresponding to the member ID acquired in step S21 in the member master 323. Here, the character information transmitted is information related to the character, and if any character is selected, it is the character (image), and if no character is selected, it is information indicating that the character was not selected. Then, the control unit 30 terminates the promotion transmission process.

[0094] In this embodiment, customer C can obtain promotional information at the time when he / she reads the product ID from the code symbol attached to the product, that is, before the payment for the product has been completed. Therefore, it is conceivable that a malicious customer C may obtain promotional information without purchasing the product. As an example, it is conceivable that he / she may read the product ID, obtain the promotional information, and then cancel the product registration. Therefore, measures may be taken to prevent this.

[0095] For example, the terminal device 1 may be configured to display a purchase confirmation button corresponding to each read product ID, and the product registration may be set so that it cannot be canceled after the purchase confirmation button is operated, and a request for promotional information about the product whose purchase has been confirmed when the purchase confirmation button is operated may be sent to the server device 3.

[0096] Next, a description will be given of distribution of event information in the server device 3 configured as described above. In this embodiment, a change in the lottery probability in any of the lottery probability tables 326 is used as a trigger to execute the event information distribution process.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the event information distribution process.

[0098] The control unit 30 determines whether the lottery rate of any of the lottery rate tables has been changed (step S31), and if it has not been changed (N in step S31), returns to the processing of step S31 and waits. In detail, the control unit 30 determines whether any of the lottery rate tables 326 has been rewritten by the setting unit 3001.

[0099] When the lottery rate is changed (Y in step S31), the event information determination unit 3005 reads out the lottery rate of the specific character from the lottery rate table 326 after the lottery rate has been changed (step S32). Next, the event information determination unit 3005 determines whether the lottery rate read out in step S32 is equal to or greater than a set value V (step S33).

[0100] If the lottery rate of the specific character is equal to or greater than the set value V (Y in step S33), the event information determination unit 3005 determines the event information (step S34). In detail, for a product whose lottery rate of the specific character is equal to or greater than the set value V, the event information determination unit 3005 determines information notifying that the lottery rate of the specific character is increasing as the event information.

[0101] The transmitting / receiving unit 3006 distributes the event information to members whose information is registered in the member master 323 via a public line such as the Internet (step S35). Then, the control unit 30 ends the event information distribution process. Note that, in step S33, if the lottery rate for the specific character is not equal to or greater than the set value V (N in step S33), the control unit 30 skips the processes of steps S34 and S35 and ends the event information distribution process.

[0102] As described above, according to the server device 3 of this embodiment, when a customer C attempts to purchase a product at the sales floor and reads the product ID from the code symbol attached to the product, a character lottery is held and character information such as the lottery result is transmitted to the customer C's terminal device 1. This allows the customer C to enjoy the experience of purchasing a product while shopping at the sales floor. Furthermore, the store can expect the customer C's acquisition of character information to increase their purchasing motivation.

[0103] As described above, the server device 3 of this embodiment includes a setting unit 3001 that sets the lottery rate determined for the product, and a setting unit 3002 that reads the product identification information ( The device includes a product identification information acquisition unit (acquisition unit 3002) that acquires a product identification information (product ID), a selection unit 3004 that selects promotion information based on a lottery rate determined for the product identified by the product identification information, provided that the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired the product identification information, and an output unit (transmission / reception unit 3006) that outputs the promotion information selected by the selection unit 3004 to the terminal device 1 that read the product identification information.

[0104] In this way, the server device 3 can provide promotion information based on a lottery to the customer C, thereby enabling a promotion that will interest and entertain the customer C. As a result, it is expected that the customer C's desire to purchase will be increased.

[0105] Furthermore, the setting unit 3001 of the server device 3 of this embodiment can set a lottery rate for each product.

[0106] This allows stores to change the lottery probability for each product in accordance with their sales strategies. For example, stores can implement promotions that fit their sales strategies by differentiating the lottery probability for products they want to sell more aggressively from the lottery probability for other products.

[0107] Furthermore, the server device 3 of this embodiment further includes an inventory information acquisition unit (acquisition unit 3002) that acquires inventory information indicating the number of products in stock, and the setting unit 3001 sets the lottery rate based on the inventory information acquired by the inventory information acquisition unit.

[0108] This allows stores to set the lottery rate according to the product's inventory status. For example, for products with a large inventory, it is possible to set a lottery rate that is thought to promote sales. Moreover, since the lottery rate can be automatically set according to inventory information, promotions can be carried out efficiently.

[0109] In addition, the server device 3 of this embodiment further includes a customer identification information acquisition unit (acquisition unit 3002) that acquires customer identification information (member ID) that identifies customer C, and the setting unit 3001 sets the lottery rate based on customer information regarding customer C identified by the customer identification information.

[0110] This allows the store to set a lottery rate according to customer C, enabling more flexible promotions.

[0111] In addition, the server device 3 of this embodiment further includes an event information determination unit 3005 that determines the event information to be notified to customer C based on the lottery rate set by the setting unit 3001, and the output unit (transmission / reception unit 3006) outputs the event information.

[0112] This allows the store to determine the event information to be notified to customer C regarding the promotion information by utilizing the lottery rate used to select the promotion information. Therefore, the store does not need to separately consider the event information, and can efficiently distribute the event information.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the control programs executed by the terminal device 1 and the server device 3, which is an information processing device, may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and provided. Also, the control programs executed by the terminal device 1 and the server device 3 in the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0114] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 Terminal device 3. Server device (information processing device) 3001 Settings Department 3002 Acquisition unit (product identification information acquisition unit, inventory information acquisition unit, customer identification information acquisition unit) 3004 Selection Section 3005 Event Information Decision Unit 3006 Transmitter / receiver (output unit) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0116] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-94598

Claims

1. a setting unit that sets a lottery rate determined for each product; a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information read by a terminal device carried by a customer; a selection unit that selects promotion information based on a lottery probability determined for a product identified by the product identification information, on the condition that the product identification information acquisition unit has acquired the product identification information; an output unit that outputs the promotion information selected by the selection unit to the terminal device that reads the product identification information; Equipped with The product identification information acquisition unit acquires product identification information that has been confirmed to be purchased by the terminal device from the product identification information read by the terminal device.

2. The setting unit is capable of setting a lottery rate for each product. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The system further includes an inventory information acquisition unit that acquires inventory information indicating the number of products in stock, the setting unit sets a lottery rate based on the inventory information acquired by the inventory information acquisition unit.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. a customer identification information acquisition unit for acquiring customer identification information for identifying a customer; the setting unit sets a lottery probability based on customer information relating to the customer identified by the customer identification information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. an event information determination unit that determines event information to be notified to customers based on the lottery probability set by the setting unit, The output unit outputs the event information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. A program for controlling an information processing device by a computer, The computer a setting unit that sets a lottery rate determined for each product; a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information read by a terminal device carried by a customer; a selection unit that selects promotion information for a product identified by the product identification information based on the lottery rate set by the setting unit, on the condition that the product identification information acquisition unit has acquired the product identification information; an output unit that outputs the promotion information selected by the selection unit to the terminal device that reads the product identification information; and make it work, The product identification information acquisition unit acquires product identification information that has been confirmed to be purchased by the terminal device from the product identification information read by the terminal device.

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