Servers and Programs

Abstract

To provide a server and a program for improving the convenience of a paper coupon.SOLUTION: A server includes: a coupon file which stores coupon information indicating a content of a coupon according to coupon specification information which specifies the type of the coupon; a code acquisition unit which acquires, from a mobile terminal, the coupon specification information related to a paper coupon photographed by the mobile terminal; a creation unit which creates digital coupon image information of a digital coupon specified by the coupon specification information, on the basis of the acquired coupon specification information and the coupon information corresponding to the coupon specification information; and a transmission unit which transmits, to the mobile terminal, the created digital coupon information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and mass retailers have distributed coupons to customers to promote sales of products. Coupons are distributed as paper coupons, for example, printed on receipt paper at the time of purchase. Coupons are also distributed as digital coupons, which are electronic coupons, attached to e-mails or the like and sent to mobile terminals or the like via a network.

[0003] However, paper coupons have to be presented to a store clerk to be applied, so if you forget to bring your paper coupon with you, you cannot use it, which is inconvenient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a server and a program that can improve the convenience of paper coupons. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The server of the embodiment includes: a coupon file that stores coupon information indicating the content of a coupon for each coupon identification information that identifies the type of coupon; a coupon ID file that stores information indicating whether or not a paper coupon can be used, in association with individual identification information that individually identifies the coupon; Captured by a mobile device The aforementioned The coupon-specific information relating to the paper coupon and the individual identification information a code acquisition unit that acquires the coupon specifying information from the mobile terminal; , the individual identification information and based on the coupon information corresponding to the coupon specifying information, the coupon specifying information and the individual identification information, a creating unit that creates digital coupon image information of the digital coupon; and a transmitting unit that transmits the created digital coupon image information to the mobile terminal; a paper coupon unusable unit that, when the creation unit creates the digital coupon image information related to the digital coupon, stores unusable information of the paper coupon corresponding to the digital coupon in the coupon ID file corresponding to the individual identification information included in the created digital coupon image information; Equipped with. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first system relating to a mobile terminal and a coupon server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second system relating to a mobile terminal, a store server, and a cash register. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the coupon server. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a memory map showing the configuration of the coupon file. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a memory map showing the configuration of the coupon ID file. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for registering a paper coupon. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment machine. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the mobile terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the mobile terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the coupon server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the coupon server. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the coupon registration process of the coupon server. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the coupon collection process of the coupon server. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing by the store server. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the payment machine. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a memory map showing the configuration of a coupon ID file according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the coupon server. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the coupon registration process of the coupon server. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the payment machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described below. In the first embodiment, a coupon server that manages coupons will be described as an example of a server. Note that the first embodiment is an example for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the present invention.

[0008] 1 is a system diagram of the first system showing the connection relationship between a mobile terminal 1 and a coupon server 3. The mobile terminal 1 and the coupon server 3 can be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line 2 such as an Internet line.

[0009] In FIG. 1, coupon server 3 is a server that manages various coupons that can be used at stores M (see FIG. 2), such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and mass retailers. Coupon server 3 is installed on the cloud or at each store M. In the embodiment, coupon server 3 is installed on the cloud and is a server that manages coupons that can be used at each of multiple stores M, or coupons that can be used commonly at each store. When coupon server 3 is installed at each store M, each coupon server 3 manages coupons that can be used (including commonly usable coupons) at the store M in which it is installed.

[0010] A coupon is a medium issued by store M or a manufacturer to grant a benefit to a customer when the customer makes a purchase at store M. For example, there is a paper coupon P (see FIG. 7) that is printed on receipt paper and distributed as paper media, and a digital coupon D (see FIG. 7) that is electronically distributed as electronic media. When a coupon is used during shopping, the customer who used the coupon is granted the benefit indicated by the coupon. The granting of a benefit includes, for example, a discount (including a discount) on the product when the target product is purchased, a discount (including a discount) from the total amount of the purchase, a gift or discount on a specific product, the provision of a service, the granting of points, etc. In the following embodiments, a coupon that discounts the price of a product and a coupon that discounts the total amount will be described as examples. Note that paper coupons P and digital coupons D may be collectively referred to as coupons.

[0011] The coupon server 3 manages coupon information indicating the content of the coupon, such as the type of coupon that can be used, the discount amount (discount rate), the validity period, the applicable product, image information of the coupon, and information on the store M where the coupon can be used. The coupon server 3 manages the coupon information by coupon code (coupon identification information) that identifies the type of coupon. In other words, the coupon server 3 manages the coupon information by coupon type in association with the coupon code.

[0012] Coupon server 3 also manages distributed paper coupons P and distributed digital coupons D on an individual basis. In other words, coupon server 3 can manage each coupon individually, even if they are the same type of coupon. Each distributed or distributed coupon is assigned a coupon ID (individual identification information) that identifies each coupon individually (individually). Coupon server 3 manages coupons by coupon ID.

[0013] Conventionally, once a paper coupon P is used, it is collected, so there is no need to manage its use. However, in the first embodiment, a digital coupon is created by capturing an image of the paper coupon P, so both the paper coupon P and the digital coupon D are managed. Specifically, in the first embodiment, when the paper coupon P is distributed, the coupon server 3 is assigned a coupon ID for the paper coupon P. The digital coupon D is then created based on an image of the paper coupon P captured using the camera function of the mobile terminal 1. In other words, although it appears as if two types of coupons, the paper coupon P and the digital coupon D, exist, the digital coupon D is a coupon with the same content created from the paper coupon P, and there was originally only one paper coupon P. Therefore, when the coupon server 3 of the first embodiment creates digital coupon image information for the digital coupon D, it manages the paper coupon P so that it cannot be used (prohibited) thereafter. A paper coupon P that has been made unusable cannot be used. Furthermore, the digital coupon D is managed using the coupon ID for the paper coupon P (using the same coupon ID as the paper coupon P). This prevents double use (for example, fraudulent use) of the paper coupon P and the digital coupon D, which may occur when the paper coupon P is digitized to create the digital coupon D.

[0014] The mobile terminal 1 is carried by a customer. The mobile terminal 1 is, for example, a device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The mobile terminal 1 has a camera 20 (see FIG. 3). The camera 20 captures an image of a code symbol K (see FIG. 7), such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, printed on a paper coupon P, or a code symbol attached to a product.

[0015] Dedicated application software is installed on the mobile terminal 1. By installing the dedicated application software on the mobile terminal 1, the mobile terminal 1 is provided with the following functions. In other words, the installed application software can provide the mobile terminal 1 with the following functions. (1) A function to capture an image of the code symbol K printed on the paper coupon P using the built-in camera 20, analyze (acquire) the coupon ID and coupon code contained in the code symbol K, and send the acquired coupon ID and coupon code to the coupon server 3. (2) A function for automatically checking in when a customer enters store M. The check-in function refers to connecting the mobile terminal 1 to a communication line 4 (see FIG. 2) such as a LAN (Local Area Network) present within store M, and enabling communication with the coupon server 3, store server 5, and cashier 7 (all of which are also shown in FIG. 2) via the communication line 2. By checking in, the mobile terminal 1 obtains a store code identifying the store M from the store server 5. The mobile terminal 1 stores the obtained store code in the store code section 134 (see FIG. 3). In other words, by entering each store M and checking in, the mobile terminal 1 obtains and stores the store code identifying the store M. (3) A function to store digital coupon information of one or more digital coupons D that can be used by the customer at the store M, received from the coupon server 3, and to display the digital coupons D, on the condition that the customer has checked in to the store M. The digital coupon information includes at least digital coupon image information and applicable product information related to the digital coupon D. The digital coupon information may further include information such as expiration date information, a customer ID that identifies the customer, and a store code. (4) A function for performing product registration processing for products sold at the store M (a function for purchasing products) on the condition that the user has checked in to the store M. Specifically, the function for performing product registration processing for the product identified by the acquired product code is to acquire a product code (product identification information) for the product based on a code symbol attached to the product sold at the store M and captured by the mobile terminal 1. The product registration processing refers to a process for displaying product information (product code, product name, product price, etc.) for the product based on the acquired product code on the display unit 18 and storing the product information in the product information unit 131 (see FIG. 3). Note that the product registration processing performed by the mobile terminal 1 in the first embodiment may be performed by the store server 5. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 transmits the acquired product code to the store server 5, executes the product registration processing based on the product code received by the store server 5, and outputs the product information to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal 1 displays the received product information on the display unit 18. (5) If digital coupon information of a digital coupon D that can be used for a product for which product registration processing has been performed is stored, a function of applying the digital coupon D to the product and reducing (discounting) the price of the product, provided that the customer has checked in to store M. Note that, when the store server 5 executes the product registration processing in (4), this function is possessed by the store server 5. (6) A function to apply the digital coupon D to the total amount to discount (discount) the total amount, provided that the digital coupon information of the digital coupon D that can be used for the total amount is stored, on the condition that the customer has checked in to the store M. Note that, when the store server 5 executes the product registration process in (4), the store server 5 has this function. (7) A function to transmit product registration data (details will be described later) relating to a product for which product registration processing has been performed to the store server 5 (or the cash register 7) on the condition that the user has checked in to the store M. Note that when the store server 5 performs the product registration processing in (4), the mobile terminal 1 does not have this function. (8) A function for deleting digital coupon information relating to used digital coupon D.

[0016] Figure 2 is a second system diagram showing the connection relationship between the coupon server 3, store server 5, and payment machine 7 when the mobile terminal 1 has checked in. In Figure 2, the mobile terminal 1, store server 5, and payment machine 7 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via communication line 4. The store server 5 and payment machine 7 are installed inside store M.

[0017] The payment machine 7 is a device that processes the payment for products purchased by customers. The payment machine 7 executes the payment process based on the product information received from the mobile terminal 1 via the store server 5. The payment process refers to the closing process for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 during the product registration process, specifically, the display of the total amount, the settlement process using media such as cash or credit card, the process of calculating and displaying the change based on the deposit in the case of cash settlement, the process of instructing the change dispenser to issue the change, and the process of issuing a receipt from the printing unit on which the product information and payment information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, point information related to the number of points the customer has, etc.) are printed. The payment machine 7 sends the product information and payment information after the payment process to the store server 5.

[0018] The store server 5 manages the sales of products at store M based on the product information and transaction information received from the payment machine 7. The store server 5 also transmits the product information and total amount information (product registration data) related to one transaction received from the mobile terminal 1 to the payment machine 7.

[0019] Next, the hardware of the mobile terminal 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile terminal 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, which is an example of a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a memory unit 14, and the like. The CPU 11 is the main controller of the mobile terminal 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the memory unit 14 are connected to one another via a bus 15. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes control processing of the mobile terminal 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 11 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory unit 14 and expanded in the RAM 13.

[0020] The RAM 13 has a product information section 131, a coupon code section 132, a coupon information section 133, a store code section 134, and an account number section 135. The product information section 131 stores product information (product code, product name, product price) and total amount information for products for which product registration processing has been performed. If a digital coupon D is used in the transaction, the product information section 131 stores product information and total amount information that reflects the benefits of the digital coupon D. When the store server 5 executes the product registration processing, the product information section 131 stores the acquired product code.

[0021] The coupon code unit 132 acquires and stores coupon code information that identifies the type of paper coupon P and coupon ID information that individually identifies the paper coupon P from the code symbol K printed on the paper coupon P, which is captured by the camera 20 described below.

[0022] The coupon information unit 133 (storage unit) stores digital coupon information for one or more digital coupons D that can be used at the store M, received from the coupon server 3. The store code unit 134 stores the store code that identifies the store M, which is acquired by the application software when the mobile terminal 1 checks in to the store M. The transaction number unit 135 stores the transaction number that identifies the transaction, which is received from the store server 5 when product information is sent to the store server 5 at the time of transaction.

[0023] The memory unit 14 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 141 that stores a control program, a product master 142, and a customer ID unit 143. The product master 142 stores product information for each product (product name, price, product image, etc.) in association with a product code that identifies the product. The customer ID unit 143 stores a customer ID (customer identification information) that identifies the customer who owns the mobile terminal 1 (i.e., the mobile terminal 1).

[0024] The control unit 100 is also connected to the operation unit 17, display unit 18, and camera 20 via the bus 15 and controller 16. The operation unit 17 is, for example, a touch panel keyboard provided on the display unit 18, and includes a coupon registration key 171, a start key 172, an end key 173, etc. The coupon registration key 171 is operated when creating a digital coupon D based on a paper coupon P. The start key 172 is operated when starting product registration processing on the checked-in mobile terminal 1. When the start key 172 is operated, the mobile terminal 1 becomes able to perform product registration processing for a product whose code symbol is imaged by the camera 20. As a customer moves around the store, they image the code symbol with the mobile terminal 1 when adding a product to their cart. The mobile terminal 1 executes product registration processing based on the product code acquired from the imaged code symbol. The end key 173 is operated when ending the product registration processing on the mobile terminal 1 and proceeding to the checkout process. The camera 20 images the code symbol K printed on the paper coupon P. Furthermore, the camera 20 captures an image of the code symbol attached to the product.

[0025] The control unit 100 is also connected to the communication unit 19 via a bus 15. The communication unit 19 is communicatively connected to the coupon server 3 via a communication line 2. The communication unit 19 is also communicatively connected to the store server 5 and the payment machine 7 via a communication line 4.

[0026] Next, the hardware of the coupon server 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the coupon server 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the coupon server 3 includes a CPU 31, which is an example of a microprocessor, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34, and the like. The CPU 31 is the main controller of the coupon server 3. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to one another via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes the control processing of the coupon server 3, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 32 or the memory unit 34 and loaded in the RAM 33.

[0027] The RAM 33 includes a coupon code section 331 and a digital coupon section 332. The coupon code section 331 stores the coupon code, coupon ID, and customer code received from the mobile terminal 1 to create a digital coupon D related to the paper coupon P. The digital coupon section 332 stores the customer code and store code received from the mobile terminal 1 to extract the digital coupon D.

[0028] The memory unit 34 is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 341 that stores a control program, a coupon file 342, and a coupon ID file 343. The coupon file 342 stores coupon information indicating the content of a coupon identified by a coupon code (e.g., the target product, if any, the discount amount, the coupon expiration date, an image of the coupon including the coupon code, and the store M where the coupon can be used) in association with a coupon code that identifies the type of coupon. The coupon file 342 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. The coupon ID file 343 stores coupon information related to the coupon identified by the coupon ID (e.g., the coupon code, a customer code that identifies the customer who owns the coupon, usability information for the paper coupon P identified by the coupon ID, usage status information for the coupon, target product information, and digital coupon image information) in association with the coupon ID. The coupon ID file 343 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0029] The control unit 300 is also connected to an operation unit 37 and a display unit 38 via a bus 35 and a controller 36. The operation unit 37 is a keyboard operated by an operator of the coupon server 3. The display unit 38 displays information to the operator of the coupon server 3.

[0030] The control unit 300 is also connected to a communication unit 39 via a bus 35. The communication unit 39 is communicably connected to the mobile terminal 1 via a communication line 2 to transmit and receive information.

[0031] Next, the coupon file 342 will be described. Fig. 5 is a memory map showing the configuration of the coupon file 342. As shown in Fig. 5, the coupon file 342 has a coupon code section 3421, a target product section 3422, a discount amount section 3423, an expiration date section 3424, a coupon image section 3425, and a store code section 3426. The information stored in the target product section 3422, the discount amount section 3423, the expiration date section 3424, the coupon image section 3425, and the store code section 3426 is coupon information.

[0032] The coupon code section 3421 stores a coupon code indicating the type of coupon. The target product section 3422 stores a product code that identifies the product that is subject to a discount (discount) by the coupon with the coupon code stored in the coupon code section 3421. If the coupon code section 3421 does not store a product code for the target product, the coupon is a coupon that does not target a specific product, and is, for example, a coupon that can be applied to the total amount of product purchases (a discount from the total amount). The discount amount section 3423 stores information on the amount of discount (discount) when a coupon of the type stored in the coupon code section 3421 is used. The expiration date section 3424 stores the expiration date of the coupon. The coupon image section 3425 stores digital coupon image information that is a display image of the digital coupon D of the type stored in the coupon code section 3421. The digital coupon image information contains an image that is almost identical to the paper coupon P related to the coupon. The store code section 3426 stores a store code that identifies the store M where the coupon can be used. Coupons for which no store code is stored in the store code section 3426 can be used at all stores M. The coupon information stored in the coupon file 342 is common to paper coupons P and digital coupons D for the same coupon code. Each time a new type of coupon is created, the coupon code for that coupon is generated in the coupon code section 3421, and the coupon information for that new coupon is stored in the corresponding target product section 3422, discount amount section 3423, expiration date section 3424, coupon image section 3425, and store code section 3426.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 5, the coupon with coupon code "A001" is for target product A, the discount amount is 50 yen, and the store M where it can be used is store A. The coupon with coupon code "B001" is for target product B, the discount amount is 20 yen, and it can be used at all stores M. The coupon with coupon code "C001" is a coupon that is applied to the total amount because no target product is stored, the discount rate is 10%, and the store M where it can be used is store B.

[0034] Next, the coupon ID file 343 will be described. FIG. 6 is a memory map showing the configuration of the coupon ID file 343. As shown in FIG. 6, the coupon ID file 343 has a coupon ID section 3431, a coupon code section 3432, a customer ID section 3433, a paper coupon section 3434, a usage flag section 3435, a target product section 3436, and a digital image section 3437. The coupon ID section 3431 stores a coupon ID that individually specifies (identifies) a coupon. The coupon code section 3432 stores a coupon code that indicates the type of coupon individually specified by the coupon ID stored in the coupon ID section 3431.

[0035] The customer ID section 3433 stores a customer ID that identifies the customer to whom the paper coupon P was distributed or the customer to whom the digital coupon D was delivered. When a paper coupon P was distributed, the customer ID received from the mobile terminal 1 when the digital coupon D was created from the captured paper coupon P is stored. When a digital coupon D was distributed, the customer ID that identifies the pre-registered customer to whom the coupon was distributed (i.e., the customer who owns the mobile terminal 1) is stored. Note that when a paper coupon P is distributed, if a digital coupon D has not been created from the paper coupon P (if a digital coupon D does not exist for the paper coupon P), the customer ID may not be obtained. In this case, no customer ID is stored in the customer ID section 3433 (it is left blank).

[0036] The paper coupon section 3434 stores information (e.g., flag information) for disabling the paper coupon P of the coupon ID from being used when a digital coupon D is created from an imaged paper coupon P. If the flag "0" is stored in the paper coupon section 3434, the only coupon for the corresponding coupon ID is the paper coupon P, and the paper coupon P is usable. If the flag "1" is stored in the paper coupon section 3434, the coupons for the corresponding coupon ID are the paper coupon P and a digital coupon D created from the paper coupon P, and the digital coupon D is usable if it has not been used, but the paper coupon P is unusable. If no flag information is stored in the paper coupon section 3434 (blank), the only coupon for the corresponding coupon ID is the digital coupon D, and no paper coupon P exists, and the digital coupon D is usable if it has not been used.

[0037] The usage flag section 3435 stores information (e.g., flag information) indicating the usage status of usable coupons. When the flag information is "0", it indicates that the coupon with the coupon ID has not been used. When the flag information is "1", it indicates that the coupon with the coupon ID has been used. The target product section 3436 stores the product code of the product that is the target of the coupon of that type, extracted from the target product section 3422 by the coupon code stored in the coupon code section 3432. The digital image section 3437 stores digital coupon image information of the digital coupon D, including the code symbol of the coupon ID information stored in the corresponding coupon ID section 3431 and the coupon code information stored in the coupon code section 3432.

[0038] Each time a new coupon is distributed or delivered, a coupon ID for that coupon is created in the coupon ID section 3431, and the coupon information for that new coupon is stored in the corresponding coupon code section 3432, customer ID section 3433, paper coupon section 3434, usage flag section 3435, target product section 3436, and digital image section 3437.

[0039] In the example of Figure 6, the coupon with coupon ID "A0011" has coupon code "A001" indicating the type of coupon, the customer who distributed the coupon is customer A, the paper coupon P with coupon ID "A0011" is unusable and the target product is product A, and the digital coupon D with coupon ID "A0011" is unused. Also, the coupon with coupon ID "A0012" has coupon code "A001" indicating the type of coupon (the same type of coupon as the coupon with coupon ID "A0011"), the customer who distributed the coupon is unknown, and the paper coupon P with coupon ID "A0012" is usable and the target product is product A. Furthermore, the coupon with coupon ID "B0011" is digital coupon D with coupon code "B001" indicating the type of coupon, the customer to whom digital coupon D was distributed is customer C, digital coupon D with coupon ID "B0011" is usable, and the target product of digital coupon D with coupon ID "B0011" is product B, which has already been used.

[0040] Next, we will explain how to create (register) a digital coupon D from a paper coupon P. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing how to create a paper coupon P. (7-1) shows a paper coupon P. The paper coupon P is printed with the product name Q of the product that is subject to the discount (discount) and the discount amount R. The paper coupon P also has printed on it a code symbol K containing information about the coupon ID and coupon code associated with the coupon. The mobile terminal 1 captures an image of the code symbol K with the camera 20. (7-2) shows the mobile terminal 1 in a state in which the code symbol K has been captured. The mobile terminal 1 analyzes the image of the captured code symbol K to obtain information about the coupon ID and coupon code associated with the coupon. The mobile terminal 1 then associates the acquired coupon ID and coupon code information with the customer ID stored in the customer ID section 143 of the mobile terminal 1 and transmits them to the coupon server 3 (7-3). Based on the received coupon ID, coupon code, and customer ID, the coupon server 3 stores the received customer ID in the customer ID section 3433 of the coupon ID column created in the coupon ID file 343, and stores flag "1" information in the paper coupon section 3434. The coupon server 3 also stores digital coupon image information of the digital coupon D, including the received coupon ID and coupon code information, in the digital image section 3437. The digital coupon image information is image information for displaying the digital coupon D on the display section 18 of the mobile terminal 1. In this way, a digital coupon D related to the captured paper coupon P is created in the coupon ID file 343.

[0041] When a customer enters store M in this state, mobile terminal 1 is checked in and acquires the store code for store M. Mobile terminal 1 then transmits the stored customer ID and the acquired store code to coupon server 3. Based on the received customer ID and store code, coupon server 3 creates digital coupon information for digital coupon D that can be used by the customer at store M. At this time, coupon server 3 also creates digital coupon information for digital coupon D that can be used by all customers and all stores M. The created digital coupon information includes information on the target product, discount price information, expiration date information, and digital coupon image information.

[0042] The coupon server 3 then transmits (7-4) digital coupon information relating to the extracted digital coupon D to the mobile terminal 1 that transmitted the information in (7-3). The mobile terminal 1 stores the received digital coupon image information and displays it on the display unit 18 (7-5). The customer then captures an image of the code symbol of the product to be purchased using the camera 20 of the mobile terminal 1. The mobile terminal 1 executes product registration processing based on the captured code symbol. Product information of the registered product is displayed on the display unit 18 of the mobile terminal 1. If digital coupon information relating to the registered product is stored, the digital coupon D relating to the digital coupon information is automatically used, and the product is registered at a discounted price (7-6). As shown in (7-6), a coupon is used to discount product A, which costs 500 yen, by 100 yen, and product A is registered at 400 yen.

[0043] The digital coupon D may be used when processing a transaction at the payment machine 7, which will be described later. In this case, the customer operates the displayed digital coupon D to enlarge it (7-7). The customer can then use the code reader 79 (see FIG. 9) provided on the payment machine 7 to read the code symbol K displayed on the display unit 18, thereby using the digital coupon D. In this case, the code symbol K stores information about the applicable product, discount price, and expiration date.

[0044] Next, the hardware of the store server 5 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server 5. As shown in FIG. 8, the store server 5 includes a CPU 51, which is an example of a microprocessor, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, and a memory unit 54. The CPU 51 is the main controller of the store server 5. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and memory unit 54 are connected to one another via a bus 55. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 constitute a control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 executes the control processing of the store server 5, which will be described later, by the CPU 51 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 52 or the memory unit 54 and loaded in the RAM 53.

[0045] RAM 53 includes a sales management unit 531 and a product registration data unit 532. Sales management unit 531 collects and manages sales information on products sold at store M from the payment machine 7. Product registration data unit 532 stores product registration data, such as product information before payment and total amount information, received from mobile terminal 1 and registered for each transaction, along with a transaction number that identifies the transaction. When store server 5 executes product registration processing, product registration data unit 532 stores product registration data for products registered based on the product code received from mobile terminal 1.

[0046] The memory unit 54 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 541 that stores control programs, and a product master 542. The product master 542 stores information with the same content as the product master 142.

[0047] The control unit 500 is also connected to an operation unit 57 and a display unit 58 via a bus 55 and a controller 56. The operation unit 57 is a keyboard operated by the operator of the store server 5. The display unit 58 displays information to the operator of the store server 5.

[0048] The control unit 500 is also connected to the communication unit 59 via the bus 55. The communication unit 59 is communicably connected to the mobile terminal 1 and the payment machine 7 via the communication line 4, and transmits and receives information.

[0049] Next, the hardware of the payment machine 7 will be described. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment machine 7. As shown in Figure 9, the payment machine 7 is equipped with a CPU 71, which is an example of a microprocessor, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a memory unit 74, etc. The CPU 71 is the main controller of the payment machine 7. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and memory unit 74 are connected to one another via a bus 75. The CPU 71, ROM 72, and RAM 73 make up a control unit 700. In other words, the control unit 700 executes the control processing of the payment machine 7, which will be described later, by the CPU 71 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 72 and memory unit 74 and loaded in the RAM 73.

[0050] The RAM 73 is equipped with a product registration information section 731 and a transaction information section 732. The product registration information section 731 stores pre-transaction product information and total amount information for a transaction that has been registered and received from the store server 5. The transaction information section 732 stores product information and transaction information for products that have been processed for transaction based on the received product information.

[0051] The memory unit 74 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 741 that stores a control program.

[0052] The control unit 700 is also connected to an operation unit 77, a display unit 78, a code reader 79, and a card reader 80 via a bus 75 and a controller 76. The operation unit 77 is a keyboard operated by the operator of the payment machine 7. The operation unit 77 includes a checkout key 771. The checkout key 771 is operated when performing a payment process on the payment machine 7. The display unit 78 displays information to the operator of the payment machine 7. The code reader 79 captures an image of a code symbol including transaction number information displayed on the display unit 18 of the mobile terminal 1. The code reader 79 also captures an image of a code symbol K printed on a paper coupon P. The card reader 80 reads the information required for payment from a credit card or other device used for payment.

[0053] The control unit 700 is also connected to a communication unit 81 via a bus 75. The communication unit 81 is communicably connected to the mobile terminal 1 and the store server 5 via a communication line 4, and transmits and receives information.

[0054] Next, the control of the mobile terminal 1 will be described. Figs. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the flow of the control process of the mobile terminal 1. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the control unit 100 of the mobile terminal 1 starts an installed application and displays an initial screen on the display unit 18. Information including a coupon registration key 171 is displayed on the initial screen (S11). Note that at the stage when the initial screen is displayed, the mobile terminal 1 has not yet checked in to store M.

[0055] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the coupon registration key 171 has been operated (S12). If it determines that the coupon registration key 171 has been operated (Yes in S12), it determines whether the code symbol K of the paper coupon P has been imaged by the camera 20 (S13). The control unit waits until the code symbol K is imaged (No in S13), and if it determines that the code symbol K of the paper coupon P has been imaged (Yes in S13), the control unit 100 (coupon acquisition unit) acquires the coupon ID and coupon code associated with the paper coupon P from the imaged code symbol K and stores them in the coupon code unit 132 (S14). Then, the control unit 100 (coupon creation request unit) transmits coupon registration application information including the stored coupon ID and coupon code and the customer ID stored in the customer ID unit 143 to the coupon server 3 (S15).

[0056] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether a digital coupon registration notification has been received indicating that the digital coupon D (digital coupon D corresponding to the paper coupon P) associated with the coupon ID sent in S15 has been created in the coupon server 3 (S16). The control unit 100 waits until the digital coupon registration notification is received (No in S16), and if it determines that the digital coupon registration notification has been received (Yes in S16), the digital coupon registration notification is displayed on the display unit 18 (S17). When the customer sees this display, they recognize that the digital coupon D corresponding to the paper coupon P has been created. Note that the digital coupon registration notification may include digital coupon image information for the registered digital coupon D, and the display unit 18 may display an image of the created digital coupon D.

[0057] Furthermore, if it is determined that the coupon registration key 171 has not been operated (No in S12) or if the processing of S17 has ended, it is determined whether the mobile terminal 1 has checked in (S18). If it is determined that the mobile terminal 1 has not checked in (No in S18), the control unit 100 returns to S12.

[0058] On the other hand, if it is determined that the mobile terminal 1 has checked in (Yes in S18), the control unit 100 stores the store code received from the store server 5 of the store M in the store code unit 134 (S21).Then, the control unit 100 transmits a digital coupon inquiry signal with the stored store code and the customer ID stored in the customer ID unit 143 attached (S22).

[0059] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether digital coupon information for one or more digital coupons D has been received in response to the inquiry of S22 (S23). The control unit 100 waits until digital coupon information is received (No in S23), and if it determines that digital coupon information has been received (Yes in S23), the control unit 100 (coupon storage unit) stores the received digital coupon information in the coupon information unit 133 (S24). The digital coupon D related to the stored digital coupon information is a coupon that the customer can use at the store M. The control unit 100 (coupon display unit) then displays the digital coupon D related to the stored digital coupon information on the display unit 18 (S25). This display allows the customer to check which coupons they can use, and disappears after a predetermined time has passed (or when a predetermined operation is performed).

[0060] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the start key 172 has been operated (S26). The control unit 100 waits until the start key 172 is operated (No in S26). If it determines that the start key 172 has been operated (Yes in S26), the control unit 100 determines whether the camera 20 has captured an image of the code symbol attached to the product (S27). If it determines that the code symbol K has been captured (Yes in S27), the control unit 100 determines whether there is a usable digital coupon D among the digital coupons D for which digital coupon information is stored in the coupon information unit 133, for the product identified by the product code acquired based on the captured code symbol (S28). Specifically, based on the target product information included in the digital coupon information stored in the coupon information unit 133, it determines whether there is a coupon that can be used for the product with the captured code symbol. If it determines that there is a usable digital coupon D (Yes in S28), the control unit 100 (product registration unit) executes a product registration process in which the coupon is used to discount the price of the product (S29). In the process of S29, a pop-up asking whether to use a coupon may be displayed on the display unit 18, and if the customer accepts the use, the coupon may be used to perform product registration processing to discount the product price. Then, the control unit 100 transmits a coupon use signal (including the coupon ID of the used digital coupon D) indicating that the digital coupon D has been used to the coupon server 3 (S30).

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no usable digital coupon D (No in S28), the control unit 100 executes a normal product registration process that does not use the digital coupon D (S31).

[0062] Furthermore, if it is determined that the image is not of a code symbol (No in S27), it is determined whether a digital coupon deletion signal with a coupon ID attached has been received from the coupon server 3 (S32). The digital coupon deletion signal is a signal received from the coupon server 3 to the mobile terminal 1 that transmitted a coupon use signal indicating that a coupon has been used, and instructs the mobile terminal 1 to delete the digital coupon information of the used digital coupon D. If it is determined that a digital coupon deletion signal has been received (Yes in S32), the control unit 100 (coupon deletion unit) deletes the digital coupon information of the digital coupon D identified by the received coupon ID from the coupon information unit 133 (S33). Note that the digital coupon deletion signal may be a signal instructing the digital coupon D to be hidden. In this case, the control unit 100 (coupon deletion unit) hides the digital coupon D identified by the received coupon ID (S33). The digital coupon deletion signal may also be a signal indicating that the digital coupon D has been used. In this case, the control unit 100 (coupon deletion unit) displays the word "used" over the display of the digital coupon D identified by the received coupon ID, and makes the digital coupon D unusable (S33).

[0063] After the processes of S30, S31, and S33, or if the control unit 100 determines that a digital coupon deletion signal has not been received (No in S32), it determines whether the End key 173 has been operated (S34). If it determines that the End key 173 has been operated (Yes in S34), the control unit 100 next determines whether any digital coupons D whose digital coupon information is stored in the coupon information unit 133 are available for use in a discount (discount) on the total price (S35). If it determines that any digital coupons D that can be used in a discount (discount) on the total price are available (Yes in S35), the control unit 100 uses the digital coupons D to perform a discount process (discount process) on the total price (S36). Note that in the process of S36, a pop-up asking whether to use a coupon may be displayed on the display unit 18, and if the customer agrees to use the coupon, the product registration process may be executed using the coupon to discount the total price. Then, the control unit 100 transmits product registration data including product information of the registered product and total price information after discount processing (price reduction processing) to the store server 5 (S37). Furthermore, if it is determined that there is no digital coupon D that can be used to reduce the total price (No in S35), the control unit 100 transmits product registration data including product information of the registered product and total price information to the store server 5 without executing the processing of S36.

[0064] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether it has received transaction number information identifying the transaction from the store server 5 (S38). It waits until it has been received (No in S38), and if it has determined that it has received transaction number information (Yes in S38), it stores the received transaction number information in the transaction number unit 135. The control unit 100 then displays a code symbol containing that transaction number on the display unit 18 (S40). The control unit 100 then ends the process.

[0065] If it is determined that the operation is not the operation of the end key 173 (No in S34), the control unit 100 returns to S27. Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 1 has completed the process, it performs check-out, which ends the check-in, when the customer leaves the store M.

[0066] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the coupon server 3. Fig. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the coupon server 3. As shown in Fig. 12, the control unit 300 of the coupon server 3 functions as a code acquisition unit 301, a creation unit 302, a transmission unit 303, a paper coupon disabling unit 304, and a digital coupon disabling unit 305 by following a control program stored in the ROM 32 or a control program unit 341 of the memory unit 34.

[0067] The code acquisition unit 301 acquires from the mobile terminal 1 a coupon code associated with the paper coupon P imaged by the mobile terminal 1. Specifically, the code acquisition unit 301 stores the coupon ID, coupon code, and customer ID received from the mobile terminal 1 in the coupon code unit 331.

[0068] Based on the acquired coupon code and the coupon information corresponding to the coupon code, the creation unit 302 creates digital coupon image information for the digital coupon D identified by the coupon code. Specifically, the creation unit 302 stores the digital coupon image information in the digital image unit 3437.

[0069] The creation unit 302 also creates digital coupon image information that individually identifies the digital coupon D, which has a code symbol K that includes the received coupon ID. Specifically, the creation unit 302 reads out the digital coupon image information stored in the coupon image unit 3425, and creates digital coupon image information that includes the received coupon ID in the code symbol K.

[0070] The transmitting unit 303 transmits the created digital coupon image information to the mobile terminal 1.

[0071] When the creation unit 302 creates digital coupon image information, the paper coupon disabling unit 304 disables the use of the paper coupon P corresponding to the digital coupon D. Specifically, when the creation unit 302 creates digital coupon image information, the paper coupon disabling unit 304 stores flag information indicating that the paper coupon P cannot be used in the paper coupon unit 3434 related to the digital coupon D.

[0072] When digital coupon D is used, digital coupon disabling unit 305 disables the use of that digital coupon D. Specifically, when digital coupon D is used, digital coupon disabling unit 305 stores flag information indicating that digital coupon D is unusable in use flag unit 3435 related to that digital coupon D. Then, digital coupon disabling unit 305 transmits a digital coupon deletion signal to the mobile terminal 1 that transmitted the coupon use signal, instructing it to delete the digital coupon information of the used digital coupon D. Note that the function of transmitting the digital coupon deletion signal is not essential as a function of digital coupon disabling unit 305.

[0073] Next, we will explain the control of the coupon server 3. Figures 13 to 15 are flowcharts showing the flow of control processing of the coupon server 3. As shown in Figure 13, the control unit 300 of the coupon server 3 determines whether coupon creation application information has been received from the mobile terminal 1 (S41). If it is determined that coupon creation application information has been received (Yes in S41), the control unit 300 executes the coupon creation processing shown in Figure 14 (S42).

[0074] That is, the code acquisition unit 301 stores the coupon ID, coupon code, and customer ID received from the mobile terminal 1 in the coupon code unit 331 (S421). Next, the control unit 300 reads coupon information from the coupon file 342 based on the received coupon code (S422). Then, the creation unit 302 creates digital coupon image information for the digital coupon D identified by the coupon code and coupon ID based on the coupon code, coupon ID, and the read coupon information (S423). Then, the control unit 300 creates a creation notification indicating that the digital coupon D based on the coupon creation request has been created, and sends this to the mobile terminal 1 that sent the coupon creation request information (S424). Then, the paper coupon disabling unit 304 stores flag information (flag "1") indicating that the paper coupon P cannot be used in the paper coupon unit 3434 related to the created digital coupon D (S425). Then, the control unit 300 ends the process.

[0075] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 13, if it is determined that coupon creation application information has not been received from the mobile terminal 1 (No in S41), the control unit 300 determines whether a digital coupon inquiry signal has been received from the mobile terminal 1 (S43). If it is determined that a digital coupon inquiry signal has been received (Yes in S43), the control unit 300 executes the coupon extraction process shown in Fig. 15 (S44).

[0076] That is, the control unit 300 extracts digital coupon information that can be used by the customer at the store M based on the received store code and customer ID (S441). Specifically, the control unit 300 searches the coupon file 342 based on the received store code and extracts the coupon code of a coupon that can be used at the store M for which the store code is stored in the store code section 3426. The control unit 300 then searches the coupon ID file 343 based on the extracted coupon code and extracts the coupon ID of a coupon that can be used by the customer for which the received customer ID is stored in the customer ID section 3433. Note that the control unit 300 may also extract a coupon ID for a digital coupon D that can be used by all customers, for example. The control unit 300 then extracts digital coupon information stored in the digital image section 3437 corresponding to the extracted coupon ID. The transmission unit 303 then transmits the extracted digital coupon information to the mobile terminal 1 that transmitted the digital coupon inquiry signal (S442). The control unit 300 then terminates the process.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 13 , if it is determined that the digital coupon inquiry signal has not been received from the mobile terminal 1 (No in S43), it is determined whether a coupon use signal has been received from the mobile terminal 1 (S45). If it is determined that a coupon use signal has been received (Yes in S45), the digital coupon use disabling unit 305 executes processing to disable use of the digital coupon D corresponding to the used coupon ID (S46). Specifically, based on the coupon ID included in the received coupon use signal, the digital coupon use disabling unit 305 stores flag information of “1” indicating that the digital coupon D has been used in the use flag unit 3435 corresponding to the coupon ID. Then, the digital coupon use disabling unit 305 transmits a digital coupon deletion signal to the mobile terminal 1 that transmitted the coupon use signal, instructing it to delete the digital coupon information for the used digital coupon D (S47). Then, the control unit 300 ends the processing.

[0078] If the control unit 300 determines that the coupon use signal was not received from the mobile terminal 1 (No in S45), it determines whether it has received inquiry information from the payment device 7 regarding the usability of the paper coupon P (S48). If it determines that it has received inquiry information regarding the usability of the paper coupon P (Yes in S48), it determines whether the paper coupon P can be used based on the flag information stored in the paper coupon section 3434 corresponding to the coupon ID of the paper coupon P included in the inquiry information (S49). If the flag information stored in the paper coupon section 3434 is "1," the control unit 300 determines that the paper coupon P cannot be used, and if the flag information stored in the paper coupon section 3434 is "0," it determines that the paper coupon P can be used. The control unit 300 then sends response information including the usability determination result to the payment device 7 that sent the inquiry information regarding the usability of the paper coupon P (S50). The control unit 300 then ends processing. If it is determined that the received information is not an inquiry about whether or not the paper coupon P can be used (No in S48), the control unit 300 returns to S41.

[0079] Next, the control of the store server 5 will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the store server 5. As shown in Fig. 16, the control unit 500 of the store server 5 determines whether the mobile terminal 1 has checked in (S51). If it is determined that the mobile terminal 1 has checked in (Yes in S51), the control unit 500 transmits a store code (stored in the memory unit 54) that identifies the store M to the mobile terminal 1 (S52). Then, the control unit 500 ends the process.

[0080] Furthermore, if it is determined that the check-in is not for the mobile terminal 1 (No in S51), the control unit 500 determines whether product registration data has been received from the mobile terminal 1 (S53). If it is determined that product registration data has been received (Yes in S53), the control unit 500 stores the received product registration data in the product registration data unit 532 (S54). When the store server 5 executes the product registration process, the control unit 500 determines whether a product code for the product to be purchased has been received from the mobile terminal 1 (S53). If it is determined that a product code has been received (Yes in S53), the control unit 500 stores the received product code in the RAM 53. The control unit 500 then executes the product registration process based on the product code stored in the RAM 53. The control unit 500 then stores the product registration data obtained through the product registration process in the product registration data unit 532 (S54).

[0081] Next, the control unit 500 generates a transaction number that identifies the transaction of the product registration data stored in S54 and associates it with the product registration data stored in the product registration data unit 532 (S55). The control unit 500 then transmits information about the generated transaction number to the mobile terminal 1 that transmitted the product registration data (or product code) (S56). The control unit 500 then terminates the process.

[0082] Furthermore, if it is determined that the product registration data has not been received from the mobile terminal 1 (No in S53), the control unit 500 determines whether a product registration data request has been received from the payment machine 7 along with the transaction number (S57). If it is determined that request information has been received (Yes in S57), the control unit 500 transmits the product registration data stored in the product registration data unit 532 in association with the received transaction number to the payment machine 7 (S58). The control unit 500 then ends processing.

[0083] If the control unit 500 determines that the received transaction information was not a product registration data request (No in S57), it then determines whether it has received transaction information from the payment machine 7 (S59). If it determines that it has received transaction information (Yes in S59), it adds the received transaction information to the sales management unit 531 and updates the sales information (S60). The control unit 500 then ends processing. If the control unit 500 determines that the received transaction information was not from the payment machine 7 (No in S59), it returns to S51.

[0084] Next, the control of the payment machine 7 will be described. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the payment machine 7. As shown in Figure 17, the control unit 700 of the payment machine 7 determines whether the code reader 79 has read a code symbol containing a transaction number displayed on the display unit 18 of the mobile terminal 1 (S71). If it determines that a code symbol containing a transaction number has been read (Yes in S71), the control unit 700 sends information about the transaction number contained in the read code symbol to the store server 5 (S72).

[0085] Next, the control unit 700 determines whether product registration data has been received from the store server 5 in response to the transmission of the transaction number (S73). The control unit 700 waits until the product registration data has been received (No in S73), and if it determines that the product registration data has been received (Yes in S73), it stores the product registration data in the product registration information unit 731 (S74). The control unit 700 then ends the process.

[0086] Furthermore, if it is determined that the code symbol was not read (No in S71), the control unit 700 determines whether the checkout key 771 was operated (S75). If it is determined that the checkout key 771 was operated (Yes in S75), the control unit 700 then determines whether the code symbol K of the paper coupon P was read using the code reader 79 (S76). If it is determined that the code symbol K of the paper coupon P was read (Yes in S76), the control unit 700 sends paper coupon inquiry information (including the coupon ID of the read paper coupon P) to the coupon server 3, inquiring whether the read paper coupon P is usable (S77). The control unit 700 then receives a response signal to the inquiry from the coupon server 3 (S78).

[0087] Next, the control unit 700 determines whether the paper coupon P can be used based on the response signal received in S77 (S79). If it determines that the paper coupon P can be used (Yes in S79), the control unit 700 executes transaction processing, applying the paper coupon P to the product registration data stored in the product registration information unit 731 (S80). The control unit 700 then sends the transaction information after the transaction processing to the store server 5 (S81). The control unit 700 then ends the process.

[0088] If the control unit 700 determines that the paper coupon P cannot be used (No in S79), it executes transaction processing (without applying the paper coupon P) based on the product registration data stored in the product registration information unit 731 (S82). The control unit 700 then sends the transaction information from the transaction processing to the store server 5 (S81). The control unit 700 then ends the process.

[0089] Furthermore, if it is determined that the code symbol on a paper coupon P was not read (No in S76), the control unit 700 executes transaction processing based on the product registration data stored in the product registration information unit 731 (S82). The control unit 700 then sends the transaction information from the transaction processing to the store server 5 (S81). The control unit 700 then ends the processing. Furthermore, if it is determined that the checkout key 771 was not operated (No in S75), the control unit 700 returns to S71.

[0090] The coupon server 3 according to the first embodiment includes a coupon file 342 that stores coupon information indicating the content of a coupon for each coupon code that identifies the type of coupon, a code acquisition unit 301 that acquires from the mobile terminal 1 a coupon code relating to a paper coupon P imaged by the mobile terminal 1, a creation unit 302 that creates digital coupon image information for a digital coupon D identified by the coupon code based on the acquired coupon code and the coupon information corresponding to the coupon code, and a transmission unit 303 that transmits the created digital coupon image information to the mobile terminal 1.

[0091] According to the first embodiment, the convenience of the paper coupon P can be improved.

[0092] In addition, in the coupon server 3 of the first embodiment, the code acquisition unit 301 acquires a coupon ID that individually identifies the distributed paper coupon P at the same time as the coupon code, the creation unit 302 creates digital coupon image information that individually identifies the digital coupon D, including the acquired coupon ID, and the coupon server 3 further includes a paper coupon unusability unit 304 that, when the creation unit 302 creates the digital coupon image information, makes the paper coupon P corresponding to the digital coupon D unusable.

[0093] According to the first embodiment, when digital coupon image information for a digital coupon D is created from a paper coupon P, the paper coupon P becomes unusable thereafter.

[0094] In the first embodiment, once a digital coupon D has been used, it becomes unusable, but it may be used multiple times or may be used any number of times until the expiration date. If it can be used multiple times, the coupon ID file 343 stores the number of times it can be used for each coupon ID. When the number of times a coupon has been used reaches its usage limit, the coupon becomes unusable.

[0095] (Second embodiment) From here, the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when a digital coupon D is created from a paper coupon P, the paper coupon P cannot be used thereafter, and when the created digital coupon D is used, the digital coupon D becomes unusable. In the second embodiment, when a digital coupon D is created from a paper coupon P, both the paper coupon P and the digital coupon D can be used thereafter, and when either the paper coupon P or the digital coupon D is used, both the paper coupon P and the digital coupon D become unusable.

[0096] In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. Also, Figures 1 to 5, 7 to 11, 13, 15, and 16 in the twelfth embodiment are common to the second embodiment.

[0097] Figure 18 is a memory map showing the configuration of the coupon ID file 343 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, the coupon ID file 343 in the second embodiment does not have a paper coupon section 3434, unlike the coupon ID file 343 in Figure 6. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the coupon ID file 343 in Figure 6.

[0098] Fig. 19 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the coupon server 3 in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, the control unit 300 of the coupon server 3 functions as a code acquisition unit 301, a creation unit 302, a transmission unit 303, and a coupon disabling unit 306 by following the control program stored in the ROM 32 or the control program unit 341 of the memory unit 34.

[0099] The code acquisition unit 301, creation unit 302, and transmission unit 303 have the same functional configuration as those in the first embodiment.

[0100] When either the paper coupon P or the digital coupon D is used, the coupon disabling unit 306 disables the use of the paper coupon P or the digital coupon D identified by the coupon ID associated with the coupon P or the digital coupon D.

[0101] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the coupon server 3 executes the coupon creation process of Fig. 20. The coupon creation process of Fig. 20 executes the processes of S421 to S424 in the coupon creation process of Fig. 14, but does not execute the process of S425.

[0102] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the payment device 7 executes the process shown in Figure 21. Compared to the process shown in Figure 17, the process shown in Figure 21 adds the process of sending a coupon use signal (S90). That is, if it determines that the paper coupon P is usable (Yes in S79), the control unit 700 executes the transaction process, applying the paper coupon P to the product registration data stored in the product registration information unit 731 (S80). The control unit 700 then sends a coupon use signal (including the coupon ID of the used paper coupon P) to the coupon server 3, indicating that the paper coupon P has been used (S90). The control unit 700 then sends the transaction information from the transaction process to the store server 5 (S81).

[0103] In S46, when the coupon use signal transmitted in S30 is received, or when the coupon use signal transmitted in S90 is received, the coupon use disabling unit 306 of the coupon server 3 executes a process to disable use of the paper coupon P and digital coupon D of the coupon ID (S46). Specifically, based on the coupon ID included in the received coupon use signal, the coupon use disabling unit 306 stores flag information of "1" indicating that the digital coupon D has been used in the use flag unit 3435 corresponding to the coupon ID.

[0104] The coupon server 3 according to the second embodiment includes a coupon file 342 that stores coupon information indicating the content of the coupon for each coupon code that identifies the type of coupon, a code acquisition unit 301 that acquires from the mobile terminal 1 a coupon code relating to the paper coupon P imaged by the mobile terminal 1, a creation unit 302 that creates digital coupon image information for the digital coupon D identified by the coupon code based on the acquired coupon code and the coupon information corresponding to the coupon code, and a transmission unit 303 that transmits the created digital coupon image information to the mobile terminal 1.

[0105] According to the second embodiment, the convenience of the paper coupon P can be improved.

[0106] In addition, in the coupon server 3 of the second embodiment, the code acquisition unit 301 acquires a coupon ID that individually identifies the distributed paper coupon P at the same time as the coupon code, the creation unit 302 creates digital coupon image information that individually identifies the digital coupon D, including the acquired coupon ID, and the coupon server 3 further includes a coupon disabling unit 306 that, when either the paper coupon P or the digital coupon D is used, disables the use of the paper coupon P and digital coupon D identified by the coupon ID associated with that coupon.

[0107] According to the second embodiment, when a digital coupon D is created from a paper coupon P and either one is used, the paper coupon P and the digital coupon D become unusable.

[0108] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims.

[0109] For example, in each embodiment, the coupon server 3 installed on the cloud has been described as an example of a server. However, the server is not limited to this, and the server may be a store server 5 installed in each store M or another coupon server.

[0110] In addition, in each embodiment, a discount on the price of a product or a discount on the total amount has been described as an example of a benefit provided by using a coupon. However, the benefit provided by using a coupon is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a gift of a specific product or souvenir, provision of a service, or award of points.

[0111] In addition, the programs executed by the coupon server 3 in each embodiment are provided as files in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0112] The program executed by the coupon server 3 of each embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the coupon server 3 of each embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0113] Furthermore, the program executed by the coupon server 3 of each embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0114] The invention of the mobile terminal 1 in the first and second embodiments will be described below.

[0115] [Note] [Claim 1] A camera and a coupon information acquisition unit that acquires coupon identification information that identifies the type of the paper coupon based on the code symbol printed on the paper coupon captured by the camera; a coupon creation request unit that requests a server that manages coupons to create digital coupon image information relating to the digital coupon that includes the content of the paper coupon identified by the acquired coupon identification information; a digital coupon storage unit that stores the digital coupon image information received from the server in response to the request; a digital coupon display unit that displays the stored digital coupon image information; A mobile device equipped with [Claim 2] a product registration processing unit that executes product registration processing for the product based on a code symbol that identifies the product photographed by the camera, If the displayed digital coupons include a digital coupon that can be used for the product, the product registration processing unit executes product registration processing using the digital coupon. The mobile terminal according to claim 1. [Claim 3] the coupon information acquisition unit acquires individual identification information that individually identifies the distributed paper coupon at the same time as the coupon identification information; the coupon creation request unit requests creation of the digital coupon image information that includes the acquired individual identification information and that individually identifies the digital coupon; 3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2. [Claim 4] a coupon deletion unit that, when the digital coupon is used, deletes digital coupon information relating to the used digital coupon from the storage unit based on an instruction from the server; 4. The mobile terminal according to claim 3. [Claim 5] A computer as a mobile device with a camera, a coupon information acquisition unit that acquires coupon identification information that identifies the type of the paper coupon based on the code symbol printed on the paper coupon captured by the camera; a coupon creation request unit that requests a server that manages coupons to create digital coupon image information relating to the digital coupon that includes the content of the paper coupon identified by the acquired coupon identification information; a digital coupon storage unit that stores the digital coupon image information received from the server in response to the request; a digital coupon display unit that displays the stored digital coupon image information; A program to make it function as such. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Mobile devices 3 Coupon Server 5. Store Server 7. Cashier 18 Display 20 Camera 79 Code Reader 100 control section 131 Product Information Department 132 Coupon Code Section 133 Coupon Information Department 134 Store Code Section 135 Accounting Number Division 143 Customer ID Department 171 Coupon Registration Key 300 control section 301 Code Acquisition Department 302 Creation Department 303 Transmission Unit 304 Paper coupons cannot be used 305 Digital coupons cannot be used 306 Coupon Unavailable Area 331 Coupon Code Section 332 Digital Coupon Department 342 Coupon File 343 Coupon ID File 500 control section 531 Sales Management Department 532 Product Registration Data Section 700 control section 731 Product Registration Information Department 732 Accounting Information Department 3421 Coupon Code Section 3422 Target Product Department 3423 Discount amount section 3424 Expiration date section 3425 Coupon Image Section 3426 Store Code 3431 Coupon ID section 3432 Coupon Code Section 3433 Customer ID Department 3434 Paper Coupon Section 3435 Usage flag section 3436 Target Product Department 3437 Digital Imaging Department D Digital Coupon K Chord Symbol P Paper Coupon [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0117] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-206776

Claims

1. a coupon file that stores coupon information indicating the content of a coupon for each coupon identification information that identifies the type of coupon; a coupon ID file that stores information indicating whether or not a paper coupon can be used, in association with individual identification information that individually identifies the coupon; a code acquisition unit that acquires, from a mobile terminal, the coupon identification information and the individual identification information related to the paper coupon captured by the mobile terminal; a creation unit that creates digital coupon image information of the digital coupon, including the coupon identification information and the individual identification information, based on the acquired coupon identification information, the individual identification information, and the coupon information corresponding to the coupon identification information; a transmitting unit that transmits the created digital coupon image information to the mobile terminal; a paper coupon unusable unit that, when the creation unit creates the digital coupon image information relating to the digital coupon, stores unusable information of the paper coupon corresponding to the digital coupon in the coupon ID file corresponding to the individual identification information included in the created digital coupon image information; and A server comprising:

2. The coupon ID file stores usability information indicating whether the digital coupon can be used, in association with the individual identification information; and a digital coupon unusable unit that, when the digital coupon is used, stores unusable information of the digital coupon in the coupon ID file corresponding to the individual identification information included in the used digital coupon. The server of claim 1 .

3. A computer as a server including a coupon file that stores coupon information indicating the content of a coupon for each coupon identification information that identifies the type of coupon, and a coupon ID file that stores usability information indicating whether a paper coupon can be used in association with individual identification information that individually identifies the coupon, a code acquisition unit that acquires, from a mobile terminal, the coupon identification information and the individual identification information related to the paper coupon captured by the mobile terminal; a creation unit that creates digital coupon image information of the digital coupon, including the coupon identification information and the individual identification information, based on the acquired coupon identification information, the individual identification information, and the coupon information corresponding to the coupon identification information; a transmitting unit that transmits the created digital coupon image information to the mobile terminal; a paper coupon unusable unit that, when the creation unit creates the digital coupon image information relating to the digital coupon, stores unusable information of the paper coupon corresponding to the digital coupon in the coupon ID file corresponding to the individual identification information included in the created digital coupon image information; A program to make it function as such.

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