Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus capable of appropriately managing a charge amount according to behavior of a user.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus is provided with a store entry detection unit that detects the probability of entry of a user to a store; a store information acquisition unit that obtains store information about a corresponding store when the probability of the entry of the user to the store is detected by the store entry detection unit; a charging condition determination unit that establishes charging conditions based on the store information obtained by the store information acquisition unit; and a support processing unit that assists with charges using a prepaid card or wallet associated with the user based on the charging conditions determined by the charging condition determination unit. The charging condition determination unit can determine charging conditions based on conditions registered by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic money system having a function of charging electronic money.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above system, it is not possible to appropriately manage the charge amount according to the user's behavior.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that can appropriately manage the charge amount according to the user's behavior.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) In one aspect, an information processing apparatus comprising: an entrance detection unit that detects the probability of a user entering a store; a store information acquisition unit that acquires store information related to the corresponding store when the probability is detected by the entrance detection unit; a charge condition determination unit that determines a charge condition based on the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit; and a support processing unit that executes a charge support process for supporting a charge to a prepaid card or wallet associated with the user based on the charge condition determined by the charge condition determination unit.

[0007] (2) In the above embodiment, preferably, The store entry detection unit is characterized by detecting the probability based on sensor information from a sensor built into the user terminal.

[0008] (3) In the above embodiment, preferably, The charge support process is characterized by including a process to automatically charge the balance to a predetermined amount or more based on the charge conditions.

[0009] (4) In the above embodiment, preferably, The charge support process is characterized by including a process that presents a recommended charge amount based on the charge conditions and charges the recommended charge amount or another amount based on input from the user.

[0010] (5) In the above embodiment, preferably, The charge support process is characterized in that it is executed automatically or in response to a charge instruction input from a user when the probability is detected by the store entry detection unit.

[0011] (6) In the above embodiment, preferably, The charge condition determination unit is characterized by determining the charge conditions based on past usage information of the user at the store they entered.

[0012] (7) In the above embodiment, preferably, The charge condition determination unit is characterized by determining the charge condition based on the attributes of the store entered.

[0013] (8) In the above embodiment, preferably, The charge condition determination unit is characterized by determining the charge condition based on the conditions registered by the user.

[0014] (9) In the above aspect, preferably, It is characterized by being constituted by a combination of either one or both of the user terminal and the server computer.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] On one hand, according to the present invention, the charging amount can be appropriately managed according to the user's behavior.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system including the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram exemplifying the data configuration of the store information stored in the store information storage unit. [Figure 3] It is a diagram exemplifying the data configuration of the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the processing in the information processing server. [Figure 4A] It is a diagram showing an example of a display for notifying the completion of the payment process. [Figure 5] It is a diagram exemplifying the data configuration of the registration conditions stored in the registration condition storage unit. [Figure 5A] It is a diagram exemplifying the data configuration of the registration conditions stored in the registration condition storage unit. [Figure 6] It is a diagram exemplifying a display screen for confirming the registration conditions. [Figure 7] It is a diagram exemplifying a display screen for setting the registration conditions.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system including the information processing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system comprises an information processing server 10 as a server computer constituting the information processing device of this embodiment, user terminals 20 for users receiving services from the information processing device of this embodiment, payment terminals 30 set up in each store, and a communication path 50 including the internet, to which the information processing server 10, user terminals 20, and payment terminals 30 are connected. An electronic money server 60 is also connected to the communication path 50.

[0020] The user terminal 20 is pre-equipped with the necessary functions to receive the above-mentioned services, for example, by implementing application software.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing server 10 includes: an entry detection unit 11 that detects the probability of a user entering a store; a store information acquisition unit 12 that acquires store information relating to the corresponding store when the entry detection unit 11 detects the probability; a charge condition determination unit 13 that determines the charge conditions based on the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit 12; and a support processing unit 14 that executes a charge support process to assist in charging a prepaid card or wallet associated with the user based on the charge conditions determined by the charge condition determination unit 13.

[0022] Furthermore, the information processing server 10 includes a store information storage unit 16 that stores store information for each store, a usage history storage unit 17 that stores the usage history of prepaid cards or wallets for each user, and a registration condition storage unit 18 that stores registration conditions registered by the user.

[0023] In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the information processing device of this embodiment is configured with an information processing server 10. However, all or some of the components of the information processing device may be provided on the user terminal 20. Alternatively, some of the components of the information processing device may be provided on the payment terminal 30 set up in each store.

[0024] In this invention, the term "wallet" broadly encompasses a mechanism that enables the use of economic value (amount) at a store, up to the limit of the charged balance. For example, it includes a mechanism that enables the use of economic value at a store, up to the limit of the charged balance at that time, by having the payment terminal 30 recognize the user terminal 20 itself, information presented via the user terminal 20, or a predetermined medium such as an IC card.

[0025] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of store information stored in the store information storage unit.

[0026] In the example in Figure 2, the store information includes store location information, store attributes, and business hours, all associated with a store ID that identifies the store. The store location information indicates the store's location (coordinates), and the store attributes indicate the store's characteristics, such as being a cafe, supermarket, outlet mall, convenience store, or clothing store. Store information may also include details such as the presence or absence of Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth® communication equipment, and the genre of music used as background music. Business hours indicate the days of the week the store is open, whether it is open on specific days such as holidays, and the operating hours within a day.

[0027] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 3, the usage history includes a store ID, date and time of use, amount spent, and weather information, all associated with a user ID that identifies the user. The date and time of use indicates the date and time the prepaid card or wallet was used, and the amount spent (corresponding to the amount spent information) indicates the amount spent at that store at that date and time. The weather information is information related to the weather at the time the prepaid card or wallet was used, and may include, for example, weather information that can be obtained via the internet or information that can be obtained by sensors built into the user terminal 20, such as whether it is sunny or rainy, temperature, humidity, wind direction, and wind speed.

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing in the information processing server.

[0030] In step S102 of Figure 4, the store entry detection unit 11 determines whether or not the probability of a user entering the store has been detected. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0031] The store entry detection unit 11 detects the probability of a user entering a store by capturing events that occur before or during the entry of a specific user into that store.

[0032] The store entry detection unit 11 can detect the above probability based on sensor information from sensors built into the user terminal 20. For example, the store entry detection unit 11 compares the location information (coordinates) of the user terminal 20 obtained via the communication path 50 with the store location information included in the store information, and affirms the judgment in step S102 when the location of the user terminal 20 approaches the store, for example, when the distance between the user terminal 20 and the store becomes smaller than a predetermined distance (for example, 50 meters). The location information of the user terminal 20 is obtained, for example, by a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor installed in the user terminal 20.

[0033] Furthermore, the store entry detection unit 11 can detect the above probability based on the communication status obtained from the user terminal 20 via the communication path 50. For example, the store entry detection unit 11 can affirm the decision in step S102 if a communication connection with a communication device set up in the store, such as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication connection, is confirmed.

[0034] Furthermore, the store entry detection unit 11 can detect the likelihood of a user entering a store based on voice data acquired via the communication path 50. For example, if the voice data obtained via the microphone (voice sensor) built into the user terminal 20 is recognized as music likely to be used as background music in the store, or as a specific genre of music likely to be used as background music in the store, such as modern jazz, the likelihood of entering the store can be detected. Alternatively, the likelihood of entering the store may be detected based on the sound pressure level (sound pressure level of ambient sound) indicated by the voice data. For example, if the store is quiet, the likelihood of entering the store may be detected by noticing a decrease in the sound pressure level. The range of sound pressure levels expected for each store may be defined in correspondence with the store attributes included in the store information.

[0035] Furthermore, the store entry detection unit 11 can detect the above probability based on the usage history in addition to the above information. For example, if a user frequently uses a particular store, the probability of entering that particular store may be detected even if there are other stores near the user terminal 20.

[0036] Furthermore, the store entry detection unit 11 may detect the likelihood of store entry by considering the time period during which the prepaid card or wallet is used at the specific store, as indicated by the usage date and time in the usage history. For example, if usage is concentrated in certain time slots or on certain days of the week, the unit may consider whether the current time falls within those time slots.

[0037] Furthermore, the store entry detection unit 11 can detect the above probability based on the store information stored in the store information storage unit 16. For example, the store entry detection unit 11 makes a judgment based on the business hours included in the store information, and if the current time does not fall within the business hours, the above probability is denied (not detected).

[0038] Furthermore, the store entry detection unit 11 can detect the probability of entering a store by combining the above-mentioned multiple pieces of information.

[0039] In step S104, the store information acquisition unit 12 acquires store information from the store information storage unit 16 for stores where the probability of entry has been detected by the store entry detection unit 11.

[0040] In step S106, the charge condition determination unit 13 determines the charge conditions based on the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit 12.

[0041] The charging conditions specify the balance (recommended charge amount) on the prepaid card or wallet.

[0042] For example, the charge condition determination unit 13 can determine the charge balance based on the registration conditions registered by the user.

[0043] Figures 5 and 5A illustrate the data structure of registration conditions stored in the registration condition storage unit. In the example in Figure 5, the registration conditions are associated with the user ID, store attributes, and charge balance. In the example in Figure 5A, the registration conditions are associated with the user ID, store ID, and charge balance. The data structures shown in Figures 5 and 5A may be combined. For example, for stores not specified by the user, the charge balance for each store attribute may be applied (Figure 5), and for stores specified by the user, such as stores frequently used by the user, the charge balance specified by the user may be applied (Figure 5A). Registration conditions associated with the user ID, store attributes, and charge balance (Figure 5) may be provided as a default, and users may be able to edit the registration conditions by modifying them.

[0044] In the registration conditions registered by the user, the location of the store to be used, the season (spring, summer, autumn, winter, rainy season, etc.), the time (morning, azalea, afternoon, evening, night, etc.), the weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy, stormy, etc.) can be registered as conditions for charging. These conditions may be defined for each store attribute. If weather is included in the registration conditions, the charge condition determination unit 13 may, when determining the charge balance, determine the weather in the area (the area where the store is located) based on weather information for that area (the area where the store is located) obtained via the internet, for example.

[0045] Based on the registration conditions set by the user, it is possible to set spending limits for each store or store attribute. For example, monthly or daily spending limits can be set for each store or store attribute. In this case, the charge balance will be limited by these limits.

[0046] Furthermore, the charge condition determination unit 13 can determine the charge balance based on the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit 17. For example, the charge condition determination unit 13 determines the charge balance based on the usage history, specifically the usage history at a particular store (store ID) or the usage history at a particular store attribute (store attribute associated with the store ID). The charge condition determination unit 13 can also determine the charge balance by considering the usage date and time included in the usage history. For example, if the statistical value of the usage amount at a particular store (e.g., the average value) differs depending on the day of the week, time of day, season, weather, etc., the charge condition determination unit 13 can determine a charge balance that reflects the day of the week at the current time.

[0047] In the charge condition determination unit 13, the algorithm for determining the charge balance based on usage history is arbitrary, but artificial intelligence (AI) may be used to determine the charge balance. In this case, when determining the charge balance based on the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit 17, a reasonable charge balance can be derived without having to prepare a complex table consisting of combinations of values ​​of multiple parameters (store ID, usage date and time, usage amount, etc.). This is particularly effective when there is a large amount of usage history data related to the store being used.

[0048] Alternatively, the charge condition determination unit 13 may determine the charge balance by combining the registration conditions registered by the user with the usage history.

[0049] In step S108, the support processing unit 14 transmits the charge balance determined by the charge condition determination unit 13 to the user terminal 20 via the communication path 70, and displays it on the user terminal 20's display screen as the recommended charge amount. If charging is not possible due to conditions such as the upper limit of the amount used (i.e., the recommended charge amount is zero), the support processing unit 14 may display on the user terminal 20 that charging is not possible and the reason why charging is not possible.

[0050] In step S110, the support processing unit 14 determines whether or not there has been an operation by the user to instruct a change in the charge amount. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S112; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0051] Here, the user can change the charge amount by operating the user terminal 20. For example, the user can increase or decrease the recommended charge amount displayed on the user terminal 20 by a predetermined amount. In this case, the user may be able to increase or decrease the charge balance in increments of a fixed amount (for example, 500 yen or 1000 yen) from the recommended charge amount with each operation.

[0052] In step S112, the support processing unit 14 changes the charge amount according to the operation on the user terminal 20.

[0053] In step S114, the support processing unit 14 determines whether or not there was an operation by the user to cancel the charge. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S102; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0054] Here, the user can cancel the charge by operating the user terminal 20. For example, if a cancel button is displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 20 and the user operates the cancel button, the judgment in step S114 may be affirmed.

[0055] In step S116, the support processing unit 14 determines whether or not there has been a user operation (charge instruction input) instructing the determination of the charge amount. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S118; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0056] Here, the user can determine the remaining balance by operating the user terminal 20. For example, if a confirmation button is displayed on the user terminal 20's screen, and the user presses the confirmation button, the decision in step S114 may be affirmed.

[0057] In step S118, the support processing unit 14 performs a charge process so that the charge balance on the prepaid card or wallet becomes the determined charge balance, and proceeds to step S102. In this charge process, the charge to the prepaid card or wallet is performed so that the charge balance after the charge process becomes the amount determined (judgment affirmed) in step S116. For example, if there was a charge balance before the charge process, the insufficient charge amount is charged, or the excess charge balance is reduced. Here, the charge process may be performed so that the charge balance after the charge process becomes an amount greater than the amount determined (judgment affirmed) in step S116. For example, the charge process may be performed so that the amount becomes a round number close to the amount determined (judgment affirmed) in step S116, for example, an amount rounded up to the nearest 100 yen or 1000 yen.

[0058] The charge process includes a deposit request to the electronic money server 60. The deposit request may be executed, for example, via the support processing unit 14. After the deposit process is completed, the support processing unit 14 receives a report from the electronic money server 60 and can notify the user that the deposit process is complete on the display screen of the user terminal 20.

[0059] Figure 4A shows an example of a display indicating the completion of a deposit transaction. In this example, the notification indicating the completion of the deposit transaction includes the amount charged in this transaction, the name of the cafe used, and the remaining number of times that can be charged to use that cafe on the same day.

[0060] Furthermore, if the user has completed payment at the store, or if the user has left the store without making a payment, for example, if the determination made by the store entry detection unit 11 in step S102 (Figure 4) is negated, the support processing unit 14 may execute a process to set the charge balance to zero.

[0061] Next, an example of a display screen shown on the user terminal 20 will be described. The functions for displaying the following screens and accepting input operations on the display screens are based on the processing of the support processing unit 14.

[0062] Figure 6 is an example of a display screen for confirming registration conditions (corresponding to "Auto-charge conditions" in Figure 6). This display screen is shown on the user terminal 20 in accordance with the user's instructions to the user terminal 20.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 6, area 71 of the display screen shows that a daily spending limit of 1,000 yen is associated with the convenience store "Seven-Eleven △△△△". Area 72 of the display screen shows that a monthly spending limit of 5,000 yen is associated with the clothing store "Uni××". Area 73 of the display screen shows the conditions for charging a prepaid card or wallet upon entering "Uni××" (between 9 am and 5 pm on holidays), the charge amount (5,000 yen), and the charging frequency (once a month). Area 73 of the display screen also shows the conditions for the entry detection unit 11 to detect the probability of entering "Uni××".

[0064] Furthermore, area 74 of the display screen shows that a daily spending limit of 1,000 yen is associated with the store attribute "cafe," and also shows the conditions for charging a prepaid card or wallet when entering a cafe (between 3 PM and 8 PM on holidays), the charge amount (1,000 yen), and the frequency of charging (once a day).

[0065] Furthermore, area 75 of the display screen shows that a maximum spending limit of 3,000 yen is associated with the store attribute "supermarket" every two days, and area 76 of the display screen shows that a maximum spending limit of 6,000 yen is associated with the store attribute "outlet mall".

[0066] Figure 7 illustrates a display screen for setting registration conditions (corresponding to "Auto-charge conditions" in Figure 7). This display screen is shown on the user terminal 20 according to the user's instructions.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 7, the attribute of the store being used is a cafe, and in area 81 of the display screen, the user is allowed to set conditions such as the cafe's location, season, day of the week, time, and weather as conditions for executing the charge process.

[0068] Furthermore, area 82 of the display screen accepts the setting of the charge balance. The charge balance set here corresponds to the recommended charge amount displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 20 in step S108 of Figure 4. In the example shown in Figure 7, the user can select the recommended charge amount from an amount (1000 yen) specified by the registration conditions (corresponding to "setting conditions" in Figure 7), an amount calculated based on usage history (800 yen), the amount of the previous usage at the cafe (700 yen), and an amount arbitrarily set by the user's input (custom amount).

[0069] Additionally, area 83 of the display screen accepts settings for the frequency of charges incurred when using the cafe.

[0070] Furthermore, in area 84 of the display screen, the system accepts settings for the conditions under which the entry detection unit 11 detects the probability of entering a cafe. This allows the user to customize the detection operation of the entry detection unit 11.

[0071] When the display screen shown in Figure 7 is opened, the currently registered registration conditions are displayed as the default. However, the corresponding conditions can be changed according to the user's input operations for each area 81 to 83. Changes to the conditions are confirmed when the user operates the confirm button displayed in area 85 of the display screen, and the confirmed changes to the conditions are reflected in the registration conditions by the support processing unit 14.

[0072] As described above, according to the information processing device of this embodiment, when the probability of a user entering a store is detected, the support processing unit 14 automatically performs a charge according to the charge conditions corresponding to the store being entered. Therefore, the charge amount can be appropriately managed according to the user's actions, and complicated operations for charging are unnecessary. In addition, it is possible to avoid situations where unnecessary charge balances, especially high charge balances, are unintentionally maintained. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent wasteful spending using prepaid cards or wallets.

[0073] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. Furthermore, it is possible to combine all or more of the components of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 10. Information Processing Server 11. Entry detection unit 12 Store information acquisition department 13. Charge Condition Determination Unit 14. Support Processing Unit 16 Store information storage section 17. Usage history storage unit 18. Registration Condition Storage Unit 20 User Terminals

Claims

1. An entry detection unit for detecting the probability of a user entering a store, wherein the probability is detected based on at least one of sensor information from a sensor built into the user terminal, communication status obtained from the user terminal via a communication path, and voice data obtained from the user terminal via a communication path, When the aforementioned store entry detection unit detects the probability, the store information acquisition unit acquires store information relating to the corresponding store. A charge condition determination unit determines charge conditions that define the charge balance for the prepaid card or wallet based on the usage history of the prepaid card or wallet associated with the user in the store ID or store attribute included in the store information obtained by the store information acquisition unit, Information processing device comprising: a support processing unit that, based on the charge conditions determined by the charge condition determination unit, performs a charge support process to support charging the prepaid card or the wallet, which involves charging the insufficient amount or reducing the excess charge balance so that the charge balance after the charge process becomes the charge balance specified in the charge conditions, or so that the charge balance after the charge process becomes greater than the charge balance specified in the charge conditions.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the charge support process includes a process of automatically charging so that the charge balance after the charge process is equal to or greater than the charge balance specified in the charge conditions.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the charge support process includes presenting the charge balance specified in the charge conditions to the user terminal as a recommended charge amount, and charging the recommended charge amount or another amount based on input from the user.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the charge support process is executed automatically when the probability is detected by the store entry detection unit, or in response to a charge instruction input from the user.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the charge condition determination unit determines the charge condition based on the amount of usage information included in the past usage history of the user at the store where the probability was detected.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the charge condition determination unit determines the charge condition based on the store attributes of the store in which the probability has been detected, which include at least one of a cafe, supermarket, outlet mall, convenience store, and clothing store.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the charge condition determination unit determines the charge condition based on registration conditions registered by the user, in lieu of or in addition to the usage history.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a user terminal or a combination of both a user terminal and a server computer.

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