Applicant, applicator, and program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of a user in settlement.SOLUTION: An application device comprises: a reception unit which receives settlement information containing identification information identifying a transaction object for which an electronic settlement is performed by means of a user terminal used by a user; a settlement processing unit which executes settlement processing in accordance with the settlement information received by the reception unit; a determination unit which determines the transaction objects to which a coupon which can be used for an electronic settlement service and has already been acquired by the user is not applicable, from among the transaction objects included in the settlement information; a determination unit which determines an application mode of the coupon for the remaining transaction objects excluding the transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable from among the transaction objects included in the settlement information; and an application unit which applies a benefit based on the application mode of the coupon determined by the determination unit to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A technology has been proposed that provides a predetermined benefit to a user who purchases a predetermined transaction object. One example of such a technology is a technology that issues a discount coupon for a desired product and allows the user to pay the discounted amount for the product at the cash register. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-218483 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques are not necessarily convenient for users.

[0005] For example, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, when making a payment, the consumer must present a coupon issued by a coupon issuing device installed in the store, and the coupon information must be read by a coupon usage device, which is not necessarily convenient for the user.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a granting device, a granting method, and a granting program that improve user convenience in payment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The granting device according to the present application includes a payment information receiving unit that receives payment information including identification information for identifying a transaction object that is the subject of electronic payment using a user terminal used by a user; a payment processing unit that executes payment processing in accordance with the payment information received by the payment information receiving unit; a list information receiving unit that receives list information from a provider of a coupon that is usable in the electronic payment and that has been acquired by the user, the list information storing identification information for identifying transaction objects that are to be excluded from application of the coupon; a determination unit that determines whether the identification information of the transaction objects included in the payment information is included in the list information, and determines that, of the transaction objects included in the payment information, transaction objects whose identification information is included in the list information are transaction objects that are not eligible for the coupon; and a determination unit that determines, from the transaction objects included in the payment information, transaction objects that are not eligible for the coupon, excluding the transaction objects that are not eligible for the coupon. but Applying the coupon Benefits granted to said users when conditions are met a determination unit that determines the granted to the user and a granting unit that grants a benefit to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to achieve an effect of improving the convenience of users in making payments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the assignment process according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an account database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the assignment process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the payment server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") of the present application, with reference to the drawings. Note that the present application is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, the same components in the following embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] 1. Embodiment The granting process implemented by the granting device and the like of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the granting process according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, it is assumed that the granting process and the like according to this embodiment are implemented by a payment server 10, which is an example of the granting device according to this embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the granting processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 100, and a store terminal 200. The payment server 10, the user terminal 100, and the store terminal 200 are connected to each other via a network N (see, for example, FIG. 2) so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless means. The network N is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Note that the granting processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of payment servers 10, a plurality of user terminals 100, and a plurality of store terminals 200.

[0013] The payment server 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device that executes the granting process according to the embodiment, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. For example, the payment server 10 provides an electronic payment service related to electronic payments using a user terminal 100. For example, the payment server 10 manages the accounts of providers (businesses) of transaction objects and users to whom transaction objects are provided, and realizes various payments by transferring electronic money between accounts in accordance with payment requests from users. Note that electronic money may be, for example, points or currency used independently by various companies, or electronically tradable currencies provided by countries, such as Japanese yen or dollars.

[0014] Furthermore, the payment server 10 receives coupon information about coupons that are given to users in electronic payment services and that can be used in the electronic payment services from coupon providers (in other words, those who plan, set, etc. the coupons and contribute (provide) the funds for the coupons), and manages the information in a storage unit of the payment server 10. For example, the payment server 10 manages coupon information including application conditions under which the coupons are applied to users (payment destination and payment amount), details of benefits given to users by the coupons (e.g., cashback of a predetermined percentage of the payment amount), and acquisition conditions for users to acquire the coupons.

[0015] The payment server 10 also manages, in a storage unit of the payment server 10, list information indicating a list of transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable. For example, the payment server 10 manages list information set by the coupon provider.

[0016] Furthermore, the payment server 10 associates the user with the coupon acquired by the user, and manages the association in a storage unit of the device.

[0017] The user terminal 100 shown in Fig. 1 is an information processing device used by a user. The user terminal 100 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The user terminal 100 displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application. The example shown in Fig. 1 shows a case where the user terminal 100 is a smartphone.

[0018] When the user terminal 100 receives control information for realizing predetermined information processing from the payment server 10, the user terminal 100 performs the information processing in accordance with the control information. Here, the control information is described in, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a programming language such as Java (registered trademark), or a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Note that the predetermined application itself delivered from the payment server 10 may be regarded as the control information.

[0019] 1 is an information processing device used in a store that provides transaction objects to users. The store terminal 200 is realized, for example, by a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc. The store terminal 200 also displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application.

[0020] 1, the store terminal 200 is a POS terminal installed in a store, and manages transaction object information related to transaction objects provided in the store. For example, the store terminal 200 manages the price of the transaction object by linking it to information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object (identification information for identifying the product).

[0021] 1-1. Payment using the user terminal 100 Here, prior to the granting process executed by the payment server 10, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 100 will be described. Note that the following description will be given of an example in which user U1 makes a payment using the user terminal 100 using a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) placed in store A, which indicates store identification information 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 user terminal 100. Furthermore, the store identification information may be not only a QR code, but also a barcode, a predetermined mark, a number, etc.

[0022] For example, when user U1 makes a payment for using or purchasing a payment object (transaction object) such as various products or services at store A, user U1 launches a payment app pre-installed on user terminal 100. Then, user U1 photographs the store identification information installed in store A via the payment app. In such a case, user terminal 100 displays a screen for inputting the price of the payment object and accepts input of the payment amount from user U1 or a store clerk at store A. Then, user terminal 100 transmits to payment server 10 payment information indicating user identification information that identifies user U1, store identification information (or information indicated by the store identification information, i.e., information indicating store A (or business operator M1 of store A) (e.g., store ID)), and the payment amount.

[0023] In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A indicated by the store identification information. Then, the payment server 10 sends a notification that the payment has been completed to the user terminal 100. In such a case, the user terminal 100 notifies that payment has been made using electronic money by outputting a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed. Here, the payment server 10 may subtract a predetermined fee (such as a management fee) from the account of store A when transferring the electronic money to the account of store A, or at a predetermined timing.

[0024] It should be noted that payment using the user terminal 100 is not limited to the above-described process. For example, payment using the user terminal 100 may be made using a store terminal 200 installed in store A. For example, the user terminal 100 displays user identification information for identifying user U1 on a screen. In such a case, the store terminal 200 installed in store A reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 100 and transmits payment information indicating the user identification information (or information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating user U1 (e.g., user ID)), the payment amount, and information identifying store A to the payment server 10. In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A, and may notify the store terminal 200 or the user terminal 100 of store A that the payment has been completed by displaying a screen or outputting a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0025] Furthermore, the payment using the user terminal 100 may not only be a process of transferring electronic money from an account to which user U1 has previously charged electronic money to the account of store A, but may also be a payment using a credit card that user U1 has previously registered. In such a case, for example, the user terminal 100 may transfer the electronic money of the payment amount to the account of store A, and may also bill the operating company (card company) of user U1's credit card for the payment amount.

[0026] Furthermore, the payment using the user terminal 100 may not only involve a process of transferring electronic money from the account of user U1 to the account of store A, but also, for example, a process in which the payment server 10 withdraws electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the account of user U1 and deposits the amount of cash obtained by subtracting a predetermined fee (such as a management fee) from the payment amount into the bank account of store A. In such a case, for example, the payment server 10 manages the payment amount from each user to store A as sales information of store A, and at a predetermined timing, based on the sales information, deposits cash into the bank account of store A in the amount obtained by subtracting a predetermined fee from the sales amount (the total payment amount indicated by the sales information).

[0027] In addition, when the source of funds for the coupon used at the time of payment is borne by store A, when depositing cash into store A's bank account or transferring electronic money to store A's account, the payment server 10 may execute a process to subtract the cash amount borne by store A from the payment amount and deposit it into the bank account, or to subtract the electronic money amount borne by store A from the payment amount and transfer it to store A's account.

[0028] 1-2. Overview of the embodiment Here, as an example of a technology for providing a predetermined benefit to a user who purchases a predetermined transaction object, a technology has been proposed in which a discount coupon for a desired product is issued and the discounted payment for the product is made at the time of payment at the register. However, with this technology, at the time of payment, the consumer must present a coupon issued by a coupon issuing device installed in the store, and the coupon information must be read by a coupon using device, which is not necessarily convenient for the user.

[0029] Therefore, the payment server 10 executes the granting process according to the embodiment. The granting process executed by the payment server 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. In the following description, an example is shown in which the user terminal 100 is used by the user U1 and the store terminal 200 is installed in store A. In the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the same as the user U1. In other words, in the following, the user U1 may also be read as the user terminal 100.

[0030] In the following explanation, it is assumed that the payment server 10 acquires the identification information of the transaction object indicated by the JAN code and the information of the transaction object (such as name) linked to the JAN code from an external server (such as a JAN code integrated product information database), and stores the acquired information in the memory of its own device as transaction object information. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the payment server 10 receives the transaction object information including the identification information indicated by the in-store code uniquely assigned by the business operator M1 that manages store A, and the name of the transaction object, from the business operator terminal used by the business operator M1, and stores it in the memory of its own device.

[0031] In the following description, it is assumed that the payment server 10 receives coupon information regarding coupon #1 that can be used in payments using the above-mentioned payment app, as well as list information #1 indicating a list of transaction targets that are excluded from the application of coupon #1, from the business terminal used by business M1, and stores the information in the storage unit of its own device. For example, the payment server 10 provides content indicating the transaction target information stored in the storage unit of its own device to the business terminal, and receives the coupon information and list information #1 via the content. In the example of Figure 1, it is assumed that the application condition of coupon #1 is set as "payment of 1,000 yen or more at store A" and the benefit content is set as "cash back of 10% of the payment amount."

[0032] In the following description, it is assumed that user U1, who meets the conditions for obtaining coupon #1, launches a payment application pre-installed on the user terminal 100 and performs a predetermined operation to obtain the distributed coupon #1. In this case, the payment server 10 associates the user ID indicating user U1 with coupon #1 and manages them in the storage unit of its own device.

[0033] First, the store terminal 200 reads the barcode and user ID of each transaction object purchased by user U1 who visits store A (step S1). For example, at the time of payment, the store terminal 200 uses a barcode reader or the like to read the identification information indicated by the barcode attached to the transaction object and the user ID displayed on the user terminal 100.

[0034] Next, the payment server 10 receives payment information related to the payment made by user U1 to store A from the store terminal 200 (step S2). For example, the payment server 10 receives payment information including the store ID of store A, the identification information of the transaction objects read by the store terminal 200 in step S1, the total price (payment amount) of each transaction object linked to the identification information, and the user ID of user U1. In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the payment server 10 receives payment information including the identification information of transaction object #1, which is priced at "400 yen," transaction object #2, which is priced at "600 yen," and transaction object #3, which is priced at "500 yen," as well as the payment amount of "1,500 yen."

[0035] Next, the payment server 10 determines whether the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1 (step S3). Next, the payment server 10 determines the application mode of coupon #1 based on the determination result (step S4). Here, if transaction object #1 indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1 and transaction objects #2 and #3 are not included in list information #1, the payment server 10 determines the application mode of coupon #1 based on the payment amount "1,100 yen" obtained by subtracting the price of transaction object #1, "400 yen," from the payment amount "1,500 yen." In this case, the payment server 10 applies coupon #1 to user U1 because the payment amount "1,100 yen" satisfies the application conditions of coupon #1, and determines the amount of profit to be granted to user U1 to be "110 yen," which is 10% of "1,100 yen."

[0036] Furthermore, if transaction object #2 indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1, but transaction objects #1 and #3 are not included in list information #1, the payment server 10 determines the application mode of coupon #1 based on the payment amount "900 yen" obtained by subtracting the price of transaction object #2, "600 yen," from the payment amount "1,500 yen." In such a case, the payment server 10 determines not to apply coupon #1 to user U1 because the payment amount "900 yen" does not satisfy the application conditions of coupon #1.

[0037] Furthermore, if the transaction objects #1 to #3 indicated by the payment information are not included in the list information #1, the payment server 10 determines the application mode of coupon #1 based on the payment amount "1,500 yen." In this case, since the payment amount "1,500 yen" satisfies the application conditions of coupon #1, the payment server 10 applies coupon #1 to user U1 and determines the amount of profit to be granted to user U1 to be "150 yen," which is 10% of "1,500 yen."

[0038] Next, the payment server 10 executes a payment process based on the payment information and grants the benefit based on coupon #1 to user U1 (step S5). For example, the payment server 10 executes a process to transfer electronic money equivalent to the payment amount of 1,500 yen from user U1's account to store A's account. Then, the payment server 10 grants user U1 a benefit according to the application mode determined in step S4. For example, if transaction object #1 indicated in the payment information is included in list information #1 but transaction objects #2 and #3 are not included in list information #1, the payment server 10 deposits electronic money equivalent to 110 yen into the account held by user U1 in the payment app. On the other hand, if transaction objects #1 to #3 indicated in the payment information are not included in list information #1, the payment server 10 deposits electronic money equivalent to 150 yen into the account held by user U1 in the payment app. If the transaction object #2 indicated by the payment information is included in the list information #1, and the transaction objects #1 and #3 are not included in the list information #1, the payment server 10 does not award a profit.

[0039] As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment applies coupons to users based on list information indicating a list of transaction objects to which coupons are not applicable. As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can apply coupons to users and provide benefits without having to make separate payments for transaction objects included in the list information and transaction objects not included in the list information. In other words, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can improve user convenience in payments.

[0040] [2. Payment Server Configuration] Next, the configuration of the payment server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the payment server 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0041] (Regarding the communication unit 20) The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, etc.

[0042] (Regarding the storage unit 30) The storage unit 30 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. 4, the storage unit 30 has an account database 31, a list information database 32, a coupon information database 33, and a user information database 34.

[0043] (Regarding Account Database 31) The account database 31 stores various information related to accounts held by users, stores (businesses), etc. in electronic payment services. An example of the information stored in the account database 31 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an account database according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, the account database 31 has items such as "account ID," "owner information," and "account balance."

[0044] "Account ID" indicates identification information for identifying an account. "Owner information" indicates information about the owner of the account, and for example, stores identification information for identifying the owner. "Account balance" indicates the balance of the account.

[0045] That is, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the information of the owner of the account identified by the account ID "AID#1" is "User #1" and the account balance is "7,800 yen."

[0046] (Regarding List Information Database 32) The list information database 32 stores information indicating a list of transaction targets that are excluded from coupon application. An example of information stored in the list information database 32 will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a list information database according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the list information database 32 has items such as "coupon ID" and "list information."

[0047] "Coupon ID" indicates identification information for identifying a coupon. "List Information" indicates a list of transaction objects that are excluded from coupon application, and stores, for example, identification information for identifying transaction objects.

[0048] That is, FIG. 4 shows an example in which the transaction object to be excluded from the application object of the coupon identified by the coupon ID "CID#1" is "List Information #1."

[0049] (About coupon information database 33) The coupon information database 33 stores various information related to coupons that can be applied to users. An example of information stored in the coupon information database 33 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon information database according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 5, the coupon information database 33 has items such as "business ID" and "coupon information."

[0050] "Business ID" indicates identification information for identifying the business requesting the distribution of the coupon to the user (in other words, the business providing the funds for the coupon). "Coupon information" indicates information about the coupon, and includes items such as "Coupon ID," "Benefit details," and "Conditions for acquisition." "Coupon ID" indicates identification information for identifying the coupon. "Benefit details" indicates the details of the benefit granted to the user by the coupon. "Conditions for acquisition" indicates the conditions for the user to acquire the coupon (for example, demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, payment history).

[0051] That is, Figure 5 shows an example in which a coupon provided by a business identified by business ID "MID#1" is identified by coupon ID "CID#1", the benefit content is "Benefit content #1", and the acquisition condition is "Acquisition condition #1".

[0052] (Regarding User Information Database 34) The user information database 34 stores various information related to users of the electronic payment service provided by the payment server 10. Here, an example of the information stored in the user information database 34 will be described using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, the user information database 34 has items such as "user ID," "payment history," and "acquired coupons."

[0053] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Payment history" indicates the history of payments made using electronic payment services, and stores information such as the payment destination and payment amount. "Acquired coupons" indicates coupons that the user has acquired from the coupon information stored in coupon information database 33, and stores identification information for identifying the coupons, for example.

[0054] That is, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the payment history of a user identified by a user ID "UID#1" is "payment history #1" and the acquired coupon is "acquired coupon #1."

[0055] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the payment server 10 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 40 is also a controller, and is realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 40 according to the embodiment has a reception unit 41, a determination unit 42, a decision unit 43, a payment processing unit 44, and an assignment unit 45, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

[0056] (Regarding Reception Section 41) The reception unit 41 receives payment information including identification information that identifies a transaction object that is the subject of payment using a user terminal used by a user. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information including identification information that identifies a transaction object that is the subject of payment using a payment app pre-installed on the user terminal 100.

[0057] The reception unit 41 may also receive payment information including identification information read by a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction object. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information including the identification information of the transaction object read by a barcode reader or the like of the store terminal 200 and the user ID displayed on the user terminal 100.

[0058] The reception unit 41 may also receive payment information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object from the store terminal 200.

[0059] The reception unit 41 may also receive payment information including identification information uniquely set by the provider of the transaction object. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the reception unit 41 receives, from the store terminal 200, payment information including identification information indicated by an in-store code uniquely assigned by the business entity M1.

[0060] Furthermore, the reception unit 41 may receive payment information that includes identification information standardized by a predetermined organization as information for identifying the object of transaction. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information from the store terminal 200 that includes identification information indicated by a barcode conforming to the JIS standard.

[0061] (Regarding the determination unit 42) The determination unit 42 determines whether the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in list information that indicates a list of transaction objects that are excluded from coupon application. For example, in the example of Figure 1, the determination unit 42 refers to the list information database 32 and determines whether the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1.

[0062] The determination unit 42 may also determine whether the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in list information set by the coupon provider. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the determination unit 42 determines whether the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1 received from the business terminal used by business M1.

[0063] The determination unit 42 may also determine whether the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in list information that lists categories of transaction objects that are excluded from coupon application. For example, the determination unit 42 determines whether the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in the category of transaction objects indicated by the list information. As a specific example, the storage unit 30 stores the identification information of the transaction object in association with the category to which the transaction object belongs. The determination unit 42 then identifies a category associated with the transaction object indicated by the payment information and determines whether the identified category is included in the list information. As a more specific example, if the category associated with the transaction object indicated by the payment information is "cigarettes," the determination unit 42 determines whether the category "cigarettes" is included in the list information.

[0064] The transaction object categories indicated by the list information can be of any granularity. For example, if the transaction objects provided by a store are classified into categories with a predetermined hierarchical relationship, transaction objects belonging to a category of any hierarchy may be excluded from coupon application.

[0065] (Regarding the decision unit 43) If the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in the list information, the determination unit 43 determines the application mode of the coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information excluding the transaction object included in the list information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, if transaction object #1 indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1 and transaction objects #2 and #3 are not included in list information #1, the determination unit 43 refers to the coupon information database 33 and determines the application mode of coupon #1 based on the payment amount "1,100 yen" obtained by subtracting the price "400 yen" of transaction object #1 from the payment amount "1,500 yen."

[0066] Furthermore, if the transaction object indicated by the identification information is not included in the list information, the determination unit 43 may determine the application mode of a coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, if transaction objects #1 to #3 indicated by the payment information are not included in list information #1, the determination unit 43 determines the application mode of coupon #1 based on the payment amount "1,500 yen."

[0067] Furthermore, the determination unit 43 may determine the application mode of a coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment amount indicated in the payment information, excluding the price of the transaction object included in the list information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the determination unit 43 applies coupon #1 to user U1 and determines the amount of profit to be granted to user U1 to be "110 yen", which is 10% of "1,100 yen", because the payment amount "1,100 yen", obtained by subtracting the price "400 yen" of transaction object #1 included in list information #1 from the payment amount "1,500 yen", satisfies the application condition of coupon #1.

[0068] (Regarding the payment processing unit 44) The payment processing unit 44 executes payment processing in accordance with the payment information received by the reception unit 41. For example, the payment processing unit 44 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the user's account indicated by the user ID to the store's account indicated by the store ID.

[0069] (Regarding the granting unit 45) The granting unit 45 grants a benefit to the user based on the application mode determined by the determination unit 43. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , if transaction object #1 indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1 and transaction objects #2 and #3 are not included in list information #1, the granting unit 45 grants electronic money worth 110 yen to user U1. Also, if transaction objects #1 to #3 indicated by the payment information are not included in list information #1, the granting unit 45 grants electronic money worth 150 yen to user U1. Note that if transaction object #2 indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1 and transaction objects #1 and #3 are not included in list information #1, the granting unit 45 does not grant a benefit.

[0070] [3. Granting process flow] The procedure of the granting process of the payment server 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the granting process according to the embodiment.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 7, payment information including identification information for identifying a transaction object is accepted (step S101). Next, the payment server 10 determines whether the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in the list information (step S102). If the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in the list information (step S102; Yes), the payment server 10 determines the application mode of the coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information excluding the transaction object included in the list information (step S103). Next, the payment server 10 grants a benefit based on the determined application mode (step S105) and ends the process.

[0072] On the other hand, if the transaction object indicated by the payment information is not included in the list information (step S102; No), the payment server 10 determines the application mode of the coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information (step S104). Subsequently, the payment server 10 grants a benefit based on the determined application mode (step S105), and ends the process.

[0073] [4. Modifications] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0074] [4-1. List Information] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the determination unit 42 determines whether the category "cigarettes" indicated by the list information and the transaction object indicated by the payment information are included, but the transaction objects indicated by the list information are not limited to such examples and may include any transaction type. For example, the list information may include transaction objects belonging to the category "alcohol" and transaction objects provided by dispensing (e.g., medicines provided based on a prescription).

[0075] The list information may also include usage fees for specified services as items to be excluded from coupon application. For example, the determination unit 42 determines whether the payment amount includes fees (utility charges) charged to the user for use of water, electricity, gas, etc. If the payment amount includes utility charges, the determination unit 43 determines the coupon application mode based on the payment amount excluding the utility charges.

[0076] [4-2. Processing mode] Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information, including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above text 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0079] [5. Effects] As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment includes a receiving unit 41, a judging unit 42, a deciding unit 43, a payment processing unit 44, and an granting unit 45. The receiving unit 41 accepts payment information including identification information identifying a transaction object that is the subject of payment using a user terminal used by the user. The receiving unit 41 also accepts payment information including identification information read by a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction object. The deciding unit 42 determines whether the transaction object identified by the identification information is included in list information that lists transaction objects to be excluded from coupon application. If the transaction object identified by the identification information is included in the list information, the deciding unit 43 determines the application mode of a coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information excluding the transaction object included in the list information. If the transaction object identified by the identification information is not included in the list information, the deciding unit 43 determines the application mode of a coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information. The deciding unit 43 also determines the application mode of a coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment amount indicated in the payment information, excluding the price of the transaction object included in the list information. The payment processing unit 44 executes payment processing in accordance with the payment information received by the receiving unit 41. The granting unit 45 grants the benefit based on the application mode determined by the determining unit 43 to the user.

[0080] As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can apply coupons to users and grant them benefits without having to make separate payments for transaction items included in the list information and transaction items not included in the list information, thereby improving the convenience of users in making payments.

[0081] In the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the reception unit 41 receives payment information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object. The reception unit 41 also receives payment information including identification information uniquely set by the provider of the transaction object. The reception unit 41 also receives payment information including identification information standardized by a predetermined organization as information identifying the transaction object.

[0082] As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can receive various types of identification information, determine the application mode of the coupon, and grant the benefit, thereby improving convenience.

[0083] In the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the determination unit 42 determines whether the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in list information set by the coupon provider. The determination unit 42 also determines whether the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in list information indicating a list of categories of transaction objects to be excluded from coupon application targets.

[0084] As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can exclude any transaction object from the application of the coupon, thereby improving convenience.

[0085] [6. Hardware Configuration] The payment server 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 8. The payment server 10 will be described below as an example. Fig. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the payment server. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a ROM 1200, a RAM 1300, an HDD 1400, a communication interface (I / F) 1500, an input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and a media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0086] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on programs stored in the ROM 1200 or the HDD 1400. The ROM 1200 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0087] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by such programs, etc. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a communication network 500 (corresponding to the network N in the embodiment) and sends the data to the CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.

[0088] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to the output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0089] Media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in recording medium 1800 and provides it to CPU 1100 via RAM 1300. CPU 1100 loads the program or data from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1300 via media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. Recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0090] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the payment server 10, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded on the RAM 1300 to realize the functions of the control unit 40. The HDD 1400 also stores various data in the storage device of the payment server 10. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via a predetermined communication network.

[0091] [7. Other] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that include the embodiments described in the Disclosure of the Invention section and that have undergone various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0092] Furthermore, the above-described payment server 10 can be flexibly configured to call an external platform or the like using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing, depending on the function.

[0093] Furthermore, the term "unit" in the claims can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a reception unit can be read as a reception means or a reception circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 Payment Server 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31 Account Database 32 List Information Database 33 Coupon Information Database 34 User Information Database 40 Control Unit 41 Reception 42 Judgment section 43 Decision Section 44 Payment processing section 45 Granting Department 100 user terminals 200 store terminals

Claims

1. a payment information receiving unit that receives payment information including identification information for identifying a transaction object that is the subject of electronic payment using a user terminal used by a user; a payment processing unit that executes payment processing in accordance with the payment information accepted by the payment information accepting unit; a list information receiving unit that receives, from a provider of a coupon that can be used in the electronic payment and that has been acquired by the user, list information that stores identification information for identifying transaction objects that are to be excluded from application of the coupon; a determination unit that determines whether or not the identification information of the transaction object included in the payment information is included in the list information, and determines, among the transaction objects included in the payment information, the transaction object whose identification information is included in the list information as a transaction object to which the coupon is not applicable; a determination unit that determines a benefit to be granted to the user when the remaining transaction objects, excluding transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable, from among the transaction objects included in the payment information, satisfy the application conditions of the coupon; and a granting unit that grants the benefit to the user determined by the determination unit; An application device comprising:

2. The determination unit determines a benefit to be given to the user based on the total payment amount of the remaining transaction objects included in the payment information, excluding transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable.

2. The application device of claim 1.

3. Originally, all transaction objects included in the payment information are eligible for the coupon, After receiving the payment information, the determination unit determines transaction objects that are not eligible for the coupon to exclude transaction objects that are set in the list information as not eligible for the coupon from among the transaction objects included in the payment information.

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

4. the determination unit determines whether each of the transaction objects included in the payment information is a transaction object shown in the list information; The determination unit determines the profit to be given to the user for the remaining transaction objects, excluding the transaction objects shown in the list information, from the transaction objects included in the payment information.

4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is a nozzle.

5. The list information can be updated at any time by receiving new list information.

5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is a nozzle.

6. The coupon is set not to be applied to any transaction object to which the coupon is applied, but to be excluded from the application of the coupon.

6. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The coupon allows the user to change the transaction objects excluded from the coupon application even after the user has acquired the coupon.

7. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The coupon is set to provide a cash back of a predetermined percentage of the payment amount when the total payment amount of the remaining transaction objects, excluding transaction objects to which the coupon does not apply, is equal to or exceeds a predetermined amount for a predetermined store, The determination unit determines to cash back a predetermined percentage of the total payment amount of the remaining transaction objects excluding the transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable when the total payment amount of the remaining transaction objects excluding the transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount for a predetermined store.

8. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The granting unit applies the coupon to the user and grants the user the benefit to be granted to the user without the user having to separately settle the transaction object to which the coupon is not applicable and the transaction object to which the coupon is not applicable, which are conditional on the payment amount.

9. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 1. A computer-implemented method of granting, comprising: a payment information receiving step of receiving payment information including identification information for identifying a transaction object that is the subject of electronic payment using a user terminal used by a user; a payment processing step of executing payment processing in accordance with the payment information received in the payment information receiving step; a list information receiving step of receiving, from a provider of a coupon that can be used in the electronic payment and that has been acquired by the user, list information that stores identification information for identifying transaction objects that are to be excluded from application of the coupon; a determining step of determining whether or not the identification information of the transaction object included in the payment information is included in the list information, and determining that, among the transaction objects included in the payment information, the transaction object whose identification information is included in the list information is not eligible for the coupon; a determination step of determining a benefit to be granted to the user when the remaining transaction objects, excluding transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable, from among the transaction objects included in the payment information, satisfy the application conditions of the coupon; a granting step of granting the benefit to the user determined in the determination step to the user; An application method characterized by comprising:

11. a payment information receiving step of receiving payment information including identification information for identifying a transaction object that is the subject of electronic payment using a user terminal used by a user; a payment processing procedure for executing a payment process in accordance with the payment information received in the payment information receiving procedure; a list information receiving step of receiving, from a provider of a coupon that can be used in the electronic payment and that the user has acquired, list information that stores identification information for identifying transaction objects that are to be excluded from application of the coupon; a determination step of determining whether or not the identification information of the transaction object included in the payment information is included in the list information, and determining that, among the transaction objects included in the payment information, the transaction objects whose identification information is included in the list information are transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable; a determination step for determining a benefit to be granted to the user when the remaining transaction objects, excluding transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable, satisfy the application conditions of the coupon from among the transaction objects included in the payment information; a granting step of granting the benefit to the user determined by the determination step to the user; A program for causing a computer to execute the above.

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