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

Abstract

To provide appropriate content regarding the usage status of a stamp card.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to an aspect of embodiments comprises a tallying unit configured to tally the usage status of a stamp card given stamps when payment is made using a user terminal, and a provision unit for providing tallied information tallied by the tallying unit via a predetermined tool.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a user shops at a franchise store, there is a system that gives stamps to a stamp card. In such a system, when the number of stamps reaches a predetermined number, a privilege is given to the user, and the amount of burden on each franchise store is calculated according to the number of stamps given at each franchise store (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there was room for improvement in the prior art. For example, in the prior art, although the status of the stamp card is aggregated and managed, for example, appropriate content regarding the usage status of the stamp card, such as the customer attraction effect of the stamp card, has not been considered.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can provide appropriate content regarding the usage status of a stamp card.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the information processing device according to the present invention comprises an aggregation unit that aggregates the usage status of a stamp card to which stamps are awarded when a payment is made using a user terminal, and a provision unit that provides the aggregated information aggregated by the aggregation unit via a predetermined tool. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide appropriate content regarding the usage status of stamp cards. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of content according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of content according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a payment server according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of an account information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a registration information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a stamp card database according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of an aggregated information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the addition process according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of a payment server according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program relating to this application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). However, these embodiments do not limit the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program relating to this application.

[0010] [1. Embodiments] The information processing realized by the information processing device of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment. In Figure 1, it is assumed that the information processing according to the embodiment is realized by the payment server 10 according to this embodiment.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 50, a store terminal 200, and a business operator terminal 300. The payment server 10, user terminal 50, store terminal 200, and business operator terminal 300 are connected to each other via a network, either by wired or wireless means, enabling communication. The network is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 may include multiple units each of the payment server 10, user terminal 50, store terminal 200, and business operator terminal 300.

[0012] The payment server 10 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device that performs information processing according to the embodiment, and is realized by a server device or a cloud system. For example, the payment server 10 is a server device that provides electronic payment services related to electronic payments using the user terminal 50 and performs various types of payments, and is realized by a server device or a cloud system. For example, the payment server 10 manages the accounts of the providers (businesses) of the transaction targets and the users to whom the transaction targets are provided, and realizes various types of payments by transferring electronic money between accounts in accordance with payment requests from users. Note that electronic money may be, for example, stamps or currencies used independently by various companies, or it may be currency provided by a country such as Japanese yen or US dollars that can be traded electronically.

[0013] Furthermore, the payment server 10 receives benefit information regarding benefits (coupons, etc.) that are granted to users in the electronic payment service and usable in the electronic payment service from the benefit providers (in other words, those who plan, set up, etc., coupons and invest (provide) the funds for the coupons), and manages it in the storage unit of its device.

[0014] Furthermore, the payment server 10 manages area information, including information about stores (merchants of the electronic payment service) located in each area, in its own storage unit. For example, the payment server 10 stores area information including identification information (area ID) that identifies each area, location information of each area (location and range, etc.), road information within each area, route information within each area, and stores located in each area. Note that an area may be set to any size as appropriate. For example, an area may be divided into a grid (mesh) of similar size based on latitude and longitude. That is, an area may be an area demarcated by a regional mesh. In this case, a regional mesh code may be used for the area ID. Note that the above is just an example, and areas may be set based on various information, not limited to regional meshes. For example, an area may be set based on administrative divisions such as "town," "ward," "city," or "prefecture." Also, an area may be set for each facility such as a store, or for each street or shopping district.

[0015] The user terminal 50 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus used by the user U1. The user terminal 50 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), or the like.

[0016] The store terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus used by a store that provides a transaction target to a user. The store terminal 200 is realized by, for example, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like. Further, the store terminal 200 displays the information distributed by the settlement server 10 by means of a web browser or an application. In the example shown in FIG.  1, the case where the store terminal 200 is a POS terminal is shown.

[0017] Note that when the user terminal 50 and the store terminal 200 receive control information for realizing predetermined information processing from the settlement server 10, they realize the information processing according to the control information. Here, the control information is described by, 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), a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language), or the like. Note that a predetermined application itself distributed from the settlement server 10 may be regarded as the control information.

[0018] The business terminal 300 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device used, for example, by a business operator managing individual stores. The business terminal 300 can be implemented using a smartphone, tablet, notebook PC, desktop PC, mobile phone, PDA, etc. Furthermore, the business terminal 300 displays information distributed by the payment server 10 via a web browser or application. Note that the example shown in Figure 1 illustrates the case where the business terminal 300 is a notebook PC.

[0019] [1-1. Regarding payment using user terminal 50] Here, prior to the provision processing performed by the payment server 10, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 50 will be described. In the following description, we will explain an example in which user U makes a payment using the user terminal 50 with a two-dimensional code (QR code® registered trademark) placed in store A, which is a two-dimensional code indicating store identification information that identifies store A. However, 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 50. Furthermore, the store identification information may be not only a QR code, but also a barcode, a predetermined mark, a number, etc.

[0020] For example, when user U makes a payment for the use or purchase of various goods and services at store A, user U launches a payment application pre-installed on user terminal 50. Then, user U takes a picture of the store identification information installed at store A via the payment application. In this case, user terminal 50 displays a screen for entering the price of the payment item and accepts the payment amount from user U or a store employee at store A. Then, user terminal 50 sends payment information to payment server 10, including user identification information that identifies user U, store identification information (or information indicated by the store identification information, i.e., information indicating store A (or the business operator of store A) (e.g., store ID)), and the payment amount.

[0021] In such cases, the payment server 10 transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U, indicated by the user identification information, to the account of store A, indicated by the store identification information. The payment server 10 then sends a notification to the user terminal 50 that the payment has been completed. In such cases, the user terminal 50 notifies the user that the payment has been made using electronic money by displaying a screen or outputting a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0022] It should be noted that payment using the user terminal 50 is not limited to the process described above. For example, payment using the user terminal 50 may also be made using the store terminal 200 installed at store A. For example, the user terminal 50 displays user identification information on its screen to identify user U. In such a case, the store terminal 200 installed at store A reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 50 and sends payment information to the payment server 10, which includes the user identification information (or the information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating user U (e.g., user ID)), the payment amount, and information identifying store A. In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the payment amount from user U's account, indicated by the user identification information, to store A's account, and may notify store A's store terminal 200 or user terminal 50 that payment has been completed by displaying a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that payment has been completed.

[0023] Furthermore, payment using the user terminal 50 may involve not only transferring electronic money from an account where user U has pre-charged electronic money to store A's account, but also, for example, payment using a credit card that user U has registered in advance. In such a case, for example, the user terminal 50 may transfer the payment amount in electronic money to store A's account and also bill the user U's credit card company (card company) for the payment amount.

[0024] [1-2. Information processing according to the embodiment] The payment server 10 according to this embodiment performs various information processing related to the stamp card service. Here, the stamp card service is, for example, a service provided by the payment server 10 in which a stamp is awarded to a stamp card given to a user when the user makes a payment at a target store that meets the conditions for awarding stamps.

[0025] Furthermore, with the stamp card service, when the number of stamps on the stamp card reaches a predetermined number, stamp rewards are distributed to the user. This is expected to help secure repeat customers and increase sales for the participating stores.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, the payment server 10 according to this embodiment can distribute stamp cards to users designated by the target store by using the registration information of the payment service, thereby efficiently supporting the target store's marketing activities.

[0027] Incidentally, while stamp cards have been issued for some time, with the widely used paper cards, it is impossible to track the number of stamps a user has, nor is it possible to compile data on the amount paid to earn a single stamp. Therefore, the effectiveness of introducing stamp cards can only be estimated using rough indicators, such as comparing daily sales before and after the introduction of stamp cards.

[0028] In response to this, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment solves these problems by providing a new business that combines payment services with stamp card services. In particular, the payment server 10 provides aggregated information on the usage status of stamp cards to the stamp card operators and each participating store, making it possible to visualize the number of stamps each user has on their stamp cards and the effectiveness of introducing stamp cards as concrete numerical values.

[0029] For example, as shown in Figure 1, when user U1 makes a payment at a store, the store terminal 200 notifies the payment server 10 of payment information including user identification information, store identification information, and payment amount (step S1).

[0030] Next, the payment server 10 performs a payment process based on the notified payment information, transferring the electronic money amount of the payment from the user U's account registered in the account database to the store's account (step S2).

[0031] Next, the payment server 10 refers to the stamp card database and determines whether the current payment transaction is eligible for stamping the stamp card. If it determines that it is eligible, it adds a stamp (point) to the store's stamp card held by the user U1 (step S3).

[0032] More specifically, the payment server 10 first refers to the stamp card database and searches for a stamp card that corresponds to the store used by user U1 from the stamp cards U1 has already acquired. For example, if the search results show that the store's stamp card is not among the stamp cards U1 has already acquired, the payment server 10 determines whether the store issues stamp cards, and if so, issues a new stamp card to user U1.

[0033] Furthermore, if the payment server 10 finds that user U1 has a stamp card for the store in their collection, based on the results of the above search, it selects that stamp card. Next, the payment server 10 determines whether the current payment meets the conditions for awarding stamps set on the stamp card.

[0034] The payment server 10 will then determine that the payment meets the conditions for earning stamps on the stamp card, and will award a stamp to the stamp card if it determines that the conditions are not met.

[0035] For example, when the payment server 10 adds a stamp to a stamp card, it notifies the user terminal 50 of the current status of the stamp card. The payment server 10 may also display the current status of the stamp card on the user terminal 50 when the user U1 operates the payment application on the user terminal 50 and transitions to the stamp card confirmation screen.

[0036] The payment server 10 then aggregates the usage status of the stamp cards at predetermined intervals (step S4). At this time, the payment server 10 aggregates payment information related to payments associated with the stamp cards. Payments associated with stamp cards here refer to payments made by users who possess a stamp card at participating merchants of the stamp card. Payment information includes, for example, information about the amount paid by the user, but it is a concept that includes not only the payment itself but also information about the user who made the payment.

[0037] In other words, the payment server 10 can visualize what kind of purchasing behavior users who have earned stamp cards have engaged in by aggregating payment information linked to stamp cards.

[0038] The payment server 10 then notifies the business terminal 300 and the operator terminal 400 of the aggregated information, which includes usage status and payment information (step S5). The business terminal 300 is a terminal belonging to a person involved with a stamp card participating store, and the operator terminal 400 is a terminal device of the operator who runs the stamp card service.

[0039] For example, the payment server 10 provides aggregated information to the merchant terminal 300 and the operator terminal 400, respectively, via a merchant tool and an operator tool. The merchant tool and the operator tool are tools that output various indicators related to stamp cards.

[0040] Here, an example of content related to aggregated information according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of content related to aggregated information according to an embodiment.

[0041] First, content related to aggregated information for franchise stores will be described using FIG. 2. In the content for franchise stores shown in FIG. 2, basic information about the stamp card, such as "Stamp Card ID", "Publication Period", "Target Store", etc., is listed in the upper section. Note that the business operators of each franchise store can also freely set the design of the stamp card.

[0042] The "Stamp Card ID" is an identifier for identifying the stamp card, and the "Publication Period" indicates the period during which the stamp card is published, that is, the expiration period. The "Target Store" indicates the target store of the corresponding stamp card.

[0043] Also, on the left side of the middle section of the content for franchise stores shown in FIG. 2, stamp information related to the number of stamps, such as "Number of Stamps Granted", "Benefit Granted", "Benefit Exchanged", etc., is displayed.

[0044] The "Number of Stamps Granted" indicates the number of stamps granted to the corresponding stamp card. "Benefit Granted" indicates the number of stamp benefits granted for the corresponding stamp card, and "Benefit Exchanged" indicates the number of times the stamp benefit has been exchanged.

[0045] Also, on the right side of the middle section of the content for franchise stores shown in FIG. 2, information on items such as "Amount Obtained via", "Total Amount of Exchanged Benefits", "Benefit Reduction Rate", etc., is displayed. "Amount Obtained via" indicates the usage amount of the settlement service by the user who holds the stamp card, and "Total Amount of Exchanged Benefits" indicates the cost required to exchange the stamp benefits (unit price of the benefit × number of exchanged benefits).

[0046] The "Benefit Reduction Rate" indicates the ratio of the total amount of redeemed benefits to the amount obtained through referrals. These are values calculated based on the aggregated information obtained by aggregating the settlement information of settlements linked to the stamp card.

[0047] That is, in the content for franchise stores, by displaying items such as "Amount Obtained Through Referrals", "Total Amount of Redeemed Benefits", and "Benefit Reduction Rate", it is possible to present the cost-effectiveness and other aspects related to the usage status of the stamp card in each franchise store as specific numerical values.

[0048] In the content for franchise stores, for example, it may be decided to display the difference from the previous period in an arbitrary period such as one day or one month. When the period is one day, the comparison with the previous day is displayed as the difference.

[0049] Also, on the lower left side of the content for franchise stores shown in Figure 2, the "Number of People Given per Number of Stamps" is displayed in a graph, and on the lower right side, the "Stores with a Large Number of Stamps Given" is displayed as a ranking. As a result, each franchise store can easily grasp, for example, the usage status of the stamp card of each user and the status of stamp giving in each store.

[0050] Next, the content for operators will be explained using Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the content for operators publishes the aggregated results obtained by integrating and aggregating the usage status of the stamp card in all franchise stores on a daily (Daily) and monthly (Monthly) basis, as well as the aggregated results for all periods (Total).

[0051] For example, the content for operators shown in Figure 3 publishes the aggregated results of items such as "Number of Stamps Obtained", "Number of Settlements", "Number of Present Tickets Obtained", "Number of Present Tickets Exchanged", "GMV (Gross Merchandise Value)", "Number of UUs (Unique Users) Obtained", "Number of UUs for Settlements", "Number of UUs (Unique Users) Obtained for Present Tickets", and "Number of Days Required to Obtain Tickets", together with the comparison with the previous day (that is, the difference from the previous period).

[0052] "Number of stamps obtained" indicates the number of stamp cards distributed, and "Number of transactions" indicates the number of transactions that met the conditions for stamping (granting) a stamp. "Number of gift tickets obtained" indicates the number of gift tickets obtained, corresponding to the number of rewards granted as shown in Figure 2. "Number of gift tickets exchanged" indicates the number of gift tickets exchanged, corresponding to the number of rewards redeemed as shown in Figure 2.

[0053] GMV represents the total amount of transactions that meet the stamp collection criteria. "Acquired UU" indicates the number of unique users who newly acquired a stamp card, while "Payment UU" indicates the number of unique users who met the stamp collection criteria.

[0054] "Number of unique users who acquired a gift ticket" indicates the number of unique users who acquired a gift ticket, and "Number of unique users who exchanged a gift ticket" indicates the number of unique users who exchanged a gift ticket. In addition, "Number of days required to acquire a ticket" indicates the average number of days required from the initial stamping to acquiring a gift ticket. The payment server 10 can appropriately assist operators in analyzing stamp cards by providing this operator-oriented content to the operator terminal 400.

[0055] As described above, the payment server 10 according to this embodiment provides a stamp card service linked to the payment service, aggregates the usage status of the stamp card, and provides the aggregated information through various tools (tools for merchants and tools for operators).

[0056] Therefore, according to the payment server 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate content regarding the usage status of the stamp card.

[0057] [2. Example of a payment server configuration] Next, an example of the configuration of the payment server 10 will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment server 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the payment server 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0058] The communication unit 20 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with user terminals 50, store terminals 200, etc.

[0059] The storage unit 30 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. As shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 30 includes an account database 31, a registration information database 32, a stamp card database 33, and an aggregation information database 34.

[0060] The account database 31 is a database that stores account information for each user U in the payment service. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the account database 31 according to the embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, for example, the account database 31 stores information on items such as "account ID," "owner information," "account balance," and "settlement history" in association with each other. "Account ID" indicates identification information for identifying an account. "Owner information" indicates information about the owner who owns the account, and for example, identification information for identifying the owner is stored there. "Account balance" indicates the balance of the account, and "settlement history" indicates the settlement history of the corresponding account.

[0062] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, let's describe the registration information database 32. The registration information database 32 is a database that stores the registration information of stamp cards. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the registration information database 32 according to the embodiment.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, for example, the registration information database 32 stores information such as "card ID," "validity period," "merchant information," "granting conditions," and "benefit information" in a manner that associates them with each other. "Card ID" indicates identification information for identifying the stamp card. "Validity period" is the validity period of the corresponding stamp card.

[0064] "Participating Store Information" is information about stores where the corresponding stamp card can be used. "Eligibility Requirements" are the conditions for awarding (stamping) stamps to the corresponding stamp card. "Benefit Information" is information about the stamp benefits of the corresponding stamp card.

[0065] Furthermore, businesses can arbitrarily set the "merchant information," "granting conditions," and "reward information." For example, regarding the granting conditions, they could link conditions to the weather, such as double stamps, or to user attributes or days of the week, such as Ladies' Day.

[0066] Similarly, the reward information could also be configured to allow different stamp rewards to be set depending on the user's attributes. For example, different stamp rewards could be distributed to men and women.

[0067] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, let's describe the stamp card database 33. The stamp card database 33 is a database that stores the usage status of each user's stamp card.

[0068] Figure 7 shows an example of a stamp card database 33 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, for example, the stamp card database 33 stores information such as "Card #1" and "Card #2" that represent each stamp card, in association with each other, for each "Account ID".

[0069] In the example shown in the diagram, the user's account identified by account ID "AID#1" has "3" stamps added to the stamp card identified by "Card#1", while the stamp card identified by "Card#2" has not been distributed.

[0070] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, let's describe the aggregated information database 34. The aggregated information database 34 is a database that stores aggregated information from stamp cards. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the aggregated information database 34 according to the embodiment.

[0071] As shown in Figure 8, for example, the aggregated information database 34 stores information such as "card ID" and "usage status" in a manner that associates them with each other. The "card ID" is an identifier used to identify the stamp card.

[0072] "Usage Status" indicates the usage status of the stamp card. As shown in the diagram, for example, "Usage Status" includes items such as "Distribution Status," "Issuance Status," "Reward Status," and "Redemption Status."

[0073] "Distribution Status" indicates the distribution (acquisition) status of stamp cards, and "Issuance Status" indicates the issuance (stamping) status of stamps on stamp cards. "Reward Status" indicates the distribution (acquisition) status of stamp rewards (gift tickets), and "Redemption Status" indicates the redemption status of stamp rewards (gift tickets).

[0074] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, the control unit 40 will be described. The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized by various programs stored in the storage device inside the payment server 10 being executed using RAM as the working area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), for example. Alternatively, the control unit 40 can be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 40 according to this embodiment has a payment processing unit 41, an allocation unit 42, a distribution unit 43, an aggregation unit 44, and a provision unit 45, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0075] The payment processing unit 41 executes payment processing based on payment information related to payments made using the user terminal 50. First, when a payment is made using the user terminal 50 at a store, the payment processing unit 41 obtains payment information from the store terminal 200, including user identification information, store identification information, and information regarding the payment amount.

[0076] Next, the payment processing unit 41 processes the payment by sending electronic money corresponding to the payment amount included in the payment information, with the user's account as the sender and the store's account as the recipient. For example, once the payment processing unit 41 has finished processing the payment, it notifies the user terminal 50 or the store terminal 200 of the payment details.

[0077] The payment processing unit 41 may, for example, perform a discount based on coupons or stamps held by the user before processing the payment. The coupons and stamps held by the user shall be linked to each account in the account database 31.

[0078] The stamping unit 42 awards stamps to the stamp card based on payment information related to the payment made using the user terminal 50. For example, the stamping unit 42 determines whether or not the current payment is eligible for stamp awarding based on user identification information, store identification information, and payment amount.

[0079] Then, if the stamping unit 42 determines that the current payment is eligible for stamp issuance, it adds a stamp to the stamp card linked to the store identification information of the user identification information. In addition, once the stamping unit 42 adds a stamp to the stamp card, it notifies the user terminal 50 of the information regarding the stamp card after the stamp has been added.

[0080] The distribution unit 43 distributes stamp cards to the user terminal 50. The distribution unit 43 distributes stamp cards through pre-distribution and simultaneous distribution with payment. Pre-distribution is a distribution method in which stamp cards are distributed to users in advance.

[0081] For example, in pre-distribution, the distribution unit 43 distributes stamp cards to user terminals 50 of users who meet the granting conditions (see Figure 6). In other words, in pre-distribution, distributing stamp cards before users visit the store is expected to have an advertising effect to promote the store.

[0082] Furthermore, in simultaneous payment and distribution, for example, when a user makes a payment using the user terminal 50, the distribution unit 43 distributes the corresponding stamp card to the user terminal 50 based on the user identification information and store identification information.

[0083] In other words, with simultaneous payment distribution, a stamp card is automatically issued once a user makes a payment at a store. Since stamp cards are distributed to customers who have used the store, simultaneous payment distribution can be expected to have a customer acquisition effect, such as securing repeat customers.

[0084] The aggregation unit 44 aggregates the usage status of stamp cards and the payment information of transactions linked to the stamp cards. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the aggregation unit 44 aggregates items such as "number of stamps awarded" and "rewards awarded" for each "stamp card ID" based on the usage status of stamp cards, and then adds the payment information of transactions linked to the stamp cards to aggregate items such as "rewards redeemed," "amount acquired via," "total amount of redeemed rewards," and "reward redemption rate" on a per-merchant basis.

[0085] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 44 aggregates items such as "number of stamps acquired," "number of transactions," "number of gift tickets acquired," "number of gift tickets exchanged," "GMV," "number of unique users acquired," "number of unique users making transactions," "number of unique users acquiring gift tickets," "number of days required to acquire tickets," "value acquired via the service," "total value of redeemed rewards," and "reward return rate" at predetermined intervals (daily or monthly), as shown in Figure 3.

[0086] In addition to the examples above, the aggregation unit 44 may also aggregate GMV for pre-distribution and simultaneous payment distribution separately. That is, the aggregation unit 44 may aggregate the payment amount for each stage at which the user acquired the stamp card (for example, pre-distribution and simultaneous payment distribution).

[0087] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 44 may aggregate the frequency of visits and GMV for users who possess a stamp card and users who do not possess a stamp card, or the frequency of visits and GMV of users before and after acquiring a stamp card. For example, the frequency of visits can be identified from the payment date and time in the payment information. The frequency of visits and GMV correspond to an example of how users use the store. In addition, the amount paid per visit may be included as an example of how users use the store.

[0088] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 44 may aggregate these items for each user attribute. For example, the user attributes to be aggregated may be specified in advance by the business terminal 300. In other words, aggregation may be performed based on personas set by the business operator.

[0089] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 44 may, for example, perform aggregation for each user's number of stamp cards. This makes it possible to visualize, for example, the correlation between the number of stamp cards held and payment information. In other words, it is possible to visualize trends in stamp card usage and payment amounts between users with many cards and users with few cards.

[0090] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 44 may also aggregate the number of days required to acquire the next stamp for each stamp accumulated. In this case, for example, it becomes easy to formulate marketing strategies such as determining which users, based on their accumulated stamp count, would be most efficient to conduct individual campaigns for.

[0091] Alternatively, for example, multiple stamp cards with different conditions for awarding stamps and stamp rewards may be distributed at the same store, and the aggregation unit 44 may aggregate the usage status and the attributes of the users of each stamp card.

[0092] The provision unit 45 provides aggregated information compiled by the aggregation unit 44. For example, the provision unit 45 provides aggregated information to each merchant's business terminal 300 via a merchant tool, and provides aggregated information to the operator terminal 400 via an operator tool.

[0093] For content intended for merchants, it may be possible to switch to a graph display in response to a request from the merchant terminal 300, or to display different items on the same graph.

[0094] For example, in the content for franchise stores, regarding the number of stamps cards obtained, the daily values of the pre-distribution quantity, the quantity distributed simultaneously with settlement, and the total distribution quantity (pre-distribution quantity + quantity distributed simultaneously with settlement) are displayed as a graph (line graph or bar graph), or, for example, the daily values of items such as the number of settlement times and the number of users who obtain stamps are displayed on the same graph so that each item can be compared, and the display mode can be arbitrarily changed.

[0095] In addition, in the content for franchise stores, the business operator terminal 300 may receive requests for stamp cards. Examples of requests here include various condition changes regarding stamp cards, notifications (electronic bulletin notifications) to promote store usage for users with a predetermined number of stamps or users with a predetermined user attribute.

[0096] Also, in the content for franchise stores, for example, as a request, the business operator terminal 300 can receive the end of the stamp card. In this case, for example, in order to notify the user of the end of the stamp card, it may be ended after a predetermined period has elapsed (for example, 30 days later).

[0097] [3. Regarding the processing procedure of the information processing according to the embodiment] Next, an example of the processing procedure executed by the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment will be described using FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the granting process according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the providing process according to the embodiment.

[0098] First, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the settlement server 10 acquires settlement information (step S101) and executes a settlement process based on the settlement information (step S102). Subsequently, the settlement server 10 determines whether the settlement information is a granting condition for granting a stamp to the stamp card (step S103).

[0099] If the payment server 10 determines that the payment information meets the conditions for adding a stamp to the stamp card (step S103; Yes), it adds a stamp to the stamp card (step S104). If the payment server 10 determines that the payment information does not meet the conditions for adding a stamp to the stamp card (step S103; No), it terminates the stamping process.

[0100] As shown in Figure 10, first, the payment server 10 determines whether or not it is the aggregation cycle (step S111). If the payment server 10 determines that it is the aggregation cycle (step S111: Yes), it proceeds to step S112. If it determines that it is not the aggregation cycle (step S111: No), it terminates the provision process.

[0101] Next, the payment server 10 aggregates the usage status of the stamp cards (step S112), provides aggregated information regarding the aggregation results (step S113), and then terminates the process.

[0102] [4. Variations] By the way, the above-described embodiment focused on physical stores (offline stores), but it is not limited to this. For example, a stamp card service may also be provided to offline stores. Alternatively, a stamp card service may be provided to stores that offer a combination of online and offline sales.

[0103] [5. Effects] The payment server 10 (an example of an information processing device) according to this embodiment includes an aggregation unit 44 that aggregates the usage status of a stamp card to which stamps are awarded when a payment is made using a user terminal 50, and a provision unit 45 that provides the aggregated information aggregated by the aggregation unit 44 via a predetermined tool. Therefore, according to the payment server 10 according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate content regarding the usage status of the stamp card.

[0104] In addition, the aggregation unit 44 according to the embodiment aggregates the usage status for each franchise of the stamp card, and the provision unit 45 provides the aggregated information to the franchise via a tool for franchises. Therefore, according to the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment, appropriate content can be provided to each franchise.

[0105] In addition, the aggregation unit 44 according to the embodiment aggregates the usage status in all franchises for the operator of the stamp card, and the provision unit 45 provides the aggregated information to the operator via a tool for operators. Therefore, according to the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment, appropriate content can be provided to the operator.

[0106] In addition, the aggregation unit 44 according to the embodiment aggregates settlement information related to settlements associated with the stamp card, and the provision unit provides aggregated information regarding the usage status and the settlement information. Therefore, according to the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment, by aggregating the usage status of the stamp card and the settlement information, for example, content visualizing cost-effectiveness and the like can be provided.

[0107] In addition, the provision unit 45 according to the embodiment provides content related to the number of stamps given to the stamp card. Therefore, according to the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment, appropriate content regarding the usage status of the stamp card can be provided.

[0108] In addition, the provision unit 45 according to the embodiment provides content related to the number of benefits of stamp benefits obtained by using the stamp card. Therefore, according to the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment, appropriate content regarding the usage status of the stamp card can be provided.

[0109] In addition, the provision unit 45 according to the embodiment provides content related to the exchange status of the stamp benefits. Therefore, according to the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment, appropriate content regarding the usage status of the stamp card can be provided.

[0110] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 45 according to this embodiment provides content related to the reward rate given to the user as a stamp reward. Therefore, according to the payment server 10 according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate content related to the usage status of the stamp card.

[0111] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 45 according to the embodiment provides content related to the number of users for each number of stamps awarded on the stamp card. Therefore, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate content related to the usage status of the stamp card.

[0112] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 45 according to the embodiment provides content related to the number of days it took for the number of stamps on the stamp card to reach a predetermined number. Therefore, according to the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate content related to the usage status of the stamp card.

[0113] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 44 according to the embodiment aggregates the usage patterns of users at stores based on whether or not they have a stamp card, and the provision unit 45 provides content related to the comparison results of store usage patterns based on whether or not they have a stamp card. Therefore, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate content related to the usage status of stamp cards.

[0114] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 45 according to the embodiment provides content related to the comparison results of the user's visit frequency or payment amount based on whether or not they have a stamp card. Therefore, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate content related to the usage status of the stamp card.

[0115] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 44 according to the embodiment aggregates the payment amount at each store at the time the user acquires a stamp card, and the provision unit 45 provides content related to the payment amount at each store at each time. Therefore, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate content regarding the usage status of the stamp card.

[0116] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 44 according to the embodiment aggregates the usage status of the stamp card at predetermined aggregation cycles, and the provision unit 45 provides content related to the difference from the previous cycle. Therefore, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate content related to the usage status of the stamp card.

[0117] Furthermore, the aggregation unit 44 according to the embodiment acquires user identification information, which is user identification information displayed on the user terminal 50, store identification information identifying the store, and payment details from the store terminal 200 that has been allowed to read the user identification information, or acquires user identification information, store identification information, and payment details from the user terminal 50 that has been allowed to read the store identification information. When a payment is made based on the payment details, transferring electronic money according to the payment details from the user's account indicated by the user identification information to the account indicated by the store identification information, the aggregation unit 44 aggregates the usage status of the stamp card, which awards stamps according to the payment details.Therefore, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment makes it possible to construct a new business model that links a payment service and a stamp card service.

[0118] Furthermore, the information processing method according to the embodiment is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes an aggregation step of aggregating the usage status of a stamp card, to which stamps are awarded when a payment is made using the user terminal 50, and a provision step of providing content related to the usage status aggregated by the aggregation step. Therefore, according to the information processing method according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate content related to the usage status of the stamp card.

[0119] Furthermore, the information processing program according to the embodiment causes the computer to execute an aggregation procedure for aggregating the usage status of a stamp card, to which stamps are awarded when a payment is made using the user terminal 50, and a provision procedure for providing content related to the usage status aggregated by the aggregation procedure. Therefore, according to the information processing program according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate content related to the usage status of the stamp card.

[0120] [6. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment described above is implemented by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the payment server 10 according to the embodiment. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0121] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, controlling various components. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0122] The HDD1400 stores programs executed by the CPU1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface1500 receives data from other devices via the network (communication network) N and sends it to the CPU1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU1100 to other devices via the network N.

[0123] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice (in Figure 11, output devices and input devices are collectively referred to as "input / output devices") via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0124] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0125] For example, when computer 1000 functions as a payment server 10 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 40 by executing programs loaded on RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via the network N.

[0126] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0127] [7. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0128] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0129] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0130] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 1. Information Processing System 10 Payment Server 31 Account Database 32 Registration Information Database 33 Stamp Card Database 34 Aggregated Information Database 41 Payment Processing Unit 42 Granting section 43 Distribution Section 44. Aggregation Department 45 Providing Department 50 User terminals 200 store terminals 300 carrier terminals 400 Operator terminals

Claims

1. When a payment is made using a user terminal, a compilation unit compiles the usage status of a stamp card to which stamps are awarded. A providing unit provides aggregated information compiled by the aforementioned aggregation unit, and provides aggregated information regarding the number of days it took until the next stamp was awarded for each number of stamps awarded on the stamp card. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. A summarization unit that, when a payment is made using a user terminal, aggregates the usage status of a stamp card to which stamps are awarded, and aggregates the amount paid by the user depending on whether the stamp card was acquired in advance before visiting the store or acquired at the time of payment. A providing unit that provides the aggregated information compiled by the aforementioned aggregation unit. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

3. The aforementioned aggregation unit, The usage status of the stamp card is compiled for each participating store, The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide member stores with the aggregated information on a per-member store basis. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

4. The aforementioned aggregation unit, The operator of the aforementioned stamp card will be informed of the usage status at all participating stores, The aforementioned supply unit is, Provide the operator with the aforementioned aggregated information for all member stores. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

5. The aforementioned aggregation unit, The payment information related to the payment made by the user who possesses the stamp card is compiled, The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide the aggregated information relating to the aforementioned usage status and the aforementioned payment information. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

6. The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide aggregated information regarding the number of stamps given on the aforementioned stamp card. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

7. The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide the aggregated information regarding the number of stamp rewards earned through the use of the stamp card. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

8. The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide the aggregated information regarding the redemption status of the aforementioned stamp rewards. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by the following:

9. The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide aggregated information regarding the reward rate, which is the ratio of the amount of stamp rewards redeemed for users to the amount of payment service usage. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by the above.

10. The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide the aggregated information relating to the number of users for each number of stamps awarded on the stamp card. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

11. The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide the aggregated information relating to the number of days it took for the number of stamps on the stamp card to reach a predetermined number. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that

12. The aforementioned aggregation unit, The usage patterns of customers at stores based on whether or not they have the aforementioned stamp card will be compiled. The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide aggregated information relating to the results of a comparison of store usage patterns based on the presence or absence of the stamp card. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

13. The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide aggregated information regarding the results of comparing the frequency of visits or payment amounts of users based on whether or not they have the aforementioned stamp card. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by the above.

14. The aforementioned aggregation unit, The amount paid by the user is tallied separately for cases where the user acquired the stamp card before visiting the store (pre-acquisition) and cases where the stamp card was acquired at the time of payment (simultaneous acquisition). The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide aggregated information regarding the payment amount, aggregated for both the case of pre-acquisition and the case of simultaneous payment acquisition. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

15. The aforementioned aggregation unit, The usage status of the stamp card is compiled at a predetermined aggregation period, The aforementioned supply unit is, To provide information regarding the difference between the aggregated information for the previous cycle and the aggregated information for the current cycle. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

16. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A process for aggregating the usage status of stamp cards, which are awarded when a payment is made using a user terminal, A provision step provides the aggregated information compiled by the aforementioned aggregation step, and provides the aforementioned aggregated information regarding the number of days it took until the next stamp was awarded for each number of stamps awarded on the stamp card. An information processing method characterized by including

17. A computer-based information processing method, The system includes a process for aggregating the usage status of stamp cards, which are awarded when a payment is made using a user terminal, and for aggregating the amount paid by the user, separately for cases where the stamp card was acquired in advance (before visiting the store) and cases where it was acquired simultaneously with the payment (at the time of payment). A provisioning step that provides the aggregated information aggregated by the aforementioned aggregation step. An information processing method characterized by including

18. A procedure for aggregating the usage status of stamp cards, which award stamps when payments are made using the user's terminal, and A procedure to provide aggregated information compiled by the aforementioned aggregation procedure, and to provide aggregated information regarding the number of days it took until the next stamp was awarded for each number of stamps awarded on the stamp card. An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

19. A procedure for aggregating the usage status of a stamp card to which stamps are awarded when a payment is made using a user terminal, and for aggregating the amount paid by the user when the user acquired the stamp card in advance (before visiting the store) and when the user acquired it at the time of payment (simultaneous acquisition during payment), A provisioning procedure for providing aggregated information compiled by the aforementioned aggregation procedure. An information processing program characterized by including the following.

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