Generation apparatus, generation method, and generation program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of a user in settlement.SOLUTION: An apparatus for generation according to the present application comprises: a storage section that stores object-of-transaction information including identification information used to identify an object of transaction in settlement; an accepting section that accepts setting information about setting of a coupon applicable to the object of transaction from a provider of the object of transaction; and a generating section that generates a coupon applicable in settlement means that uses a user terminal a user uses, based on the setting information accepted by the accepting section and the object-of-transaction information, in which the settlement means identifies the object of transaction using the identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a generation device, a generation method, and a generation program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for giving a predetermined profit to a user who purchases a predetermined transaction target is known. As an example of such a technique, a technique has been proposed in which a discount coupon for an arbitrary product is issued and the discounted settlement of the corresponding product is performed at the time of settlement at the cash register.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above conventional technology, it is not always convenient for the user.

[0005] For example, in the above conventional technology, at the time of settlement, the consumer needs to present a coupon issued by a coupon issuing device installed in the store, and the coupon using device needs to read the coupon information, which is not always convenient for the user.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a generation device, a generation method, and a generation program that improve the convenience of the user in settlement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The generating device according to the present invention is characterized by having: a storage unit that stores transaction target information including identification information used to identify the transaction target at the time of settlement; a receiving unit that receives setting information relating to the setting of coupons applicable to the transaction target from the provider of the transaction target; and a generating unit that generates coupons usable in a payment means that uses a user terminal used by a user and identifies the transaction target using the identification information, based on the setting information received by the receiving unit and the transaction target information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment, the effect is to improve user convenience in payment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the generation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a payment server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of an account database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a transaction target information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a coupon information database according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a user information database according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps of the generation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of a payment server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for implementing the generation apparatus, generation method, and generation program according to the present application. Note that these embodiments do not limit the generation apparatus, generation method, and generation program according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] [1. Embodiments] The generation process implemented by the generation device of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the generation process according to the embodiment. In Figure 1, the generation process according to the embodiment is implemented by a payment server 10, which is an example of the generation device according to this embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the generation processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 100, a store terminal 200, and a business operator terminal 300. The payment server 10, user terminal 100, store terminal 200, and business operator terminal 300 are connected to each other via wired or wireless connections through a network N (see, for example, Figure 2). The network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Note that the generation processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 may include multiple payment servers 10, multiple user terminals 100, multiple store terminals 200, and multiple business operator terminals 300.

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

[0014] Furthermore, the payment server 10 receives coupon information (for example, identification information (product ID) that identifies the transaction item (product) to which the coupon applies, the details of the benefits granted to the user by the coupon, the conditions for the user to acquire the coupon, etc.) from the coupon provider (in other words, the person who plans and sets up the coupon and invests (provides) the funds for the coupon) and manages it in the storage unit of its device. For example, the payment server 10 manages information indicated by barcodes (such as JAN codes and in-store codes) attached to transaction items as identification information.

[0015] Furthermore, the payment server 10 links users with the coupons they have acquired and manages them in its own storage unit.

[0016] The user terminal 100 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device used by the user. The user terminal 100 can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, tablet, notebook PC (Personal Computer), desktop PC, mobile phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The user terminal 100 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 user terminal 100 is a smartphone.

[0017] In addition, when the user terminal 100 receives control information for realizing predetermined information processing from the settlement server 10, it realizes 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 store terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus used in 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.

[0019] In the example shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the store terminal 200 is a POS terminal installed in the store and manages transaction target information regarding the transaction target provided in the store. For example, the store terminal 200 manages the price of the transaction target in association with the information indicated by the barcode attached to the transaction target (identification information for identifying the product).

[0020] The business terminal 300 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device used by businesses that provide transaction items to users. The business terminal 300 can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, tablet, notebook PC (Personal Computer), desktop PC, mobile phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The business terminal 300 also displays information distributed by the payment server 10 via a web browser or application. In the example shown in Figure 1, the business terminal 300 is a desktop PC.

[0021] [1-1. Regarding payment using user terminal 100] Here, prior to the generation process executed by the payment server 10, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 100 will be described. In the following description, we will explain an example in which user U1 makes a payment using the user terminal 100 with a two-dimensional code (QR code®) 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 payment example described below can also be applied when any user makes a payment at any store using any user terminal 100. Furthermore, the store identification information may be not only a QR code, but also a barcode, a predetermined mark, a number, etc.

[0022] For example, when user U1 makes a payment for the use or purchase of various goods and services at store A, user U1 launches a payment application pre-installed on user terminal 100. Then, user U1 takes a picture of the store identification information installed at store A via the payment application. In this case, user terminal 100 displays a screen for entering the price of the payment item and accepts the payment amount from user U1 or a store employee at store A. Then, user terminal 100 transmits payment information to payment server 10, including user identification information that identifies user U1, store identification information (or information indicated by the store identification information, i.e., information indicating store A (or the business operator M1 of store A) (e.g., store ID)), and the payment amount.

[0023] In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1, indicated by the user identification information, to the account of store A, indicated by the store identification information. The payment server 10 then sends a notification to the user terminal 100 that the payment has been completed. In such a case, the user terminal 100 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. At this point, the payment server 10 may deduct a predetermined fee (such as a management fee) from the account of merchant A when transferring the electronic money to the account of store A, or at a predetermined timing.

[0024] It should be noted that payment using the user terminal 100 is not limited to the process described above. For example, payment using the user terminal 100 may also be made using the store terminal 200 installed at store A. For example, the user terminal 100 displays user identification information on its screen to identify user U1. In such a case, the store terminal 200 installed at store A reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 100 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 U1 (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 U1'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 100 that payment has been completed by displaying a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that payment has been completed.

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

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

[0027] Furthermore, if the source of funds for the coupons used during payment is borne by store A, the payment server 10 may perform a process to deduct the amount of cash borne by store A from the payment amount and deposit it into the bank account, or to deduct the amount of electronic money borne by store A from the payment amount and transfer it to store A's account, when depositing cash into store A's bank account or transferring electronic money to store A's account.

[0028] [1-2. Overview of the Embodiments] Here, as an example of a technology that provides a predetermined benefit to users who purchase a predetermined transaction item, a technology has been proposed in which a discount coupon for a specific product is issued and the discount is applied to the payment for that product at the time of checkout. However, with such a technology, at the time of payment, the consumer must present a coupon issued by a coupon issuing device installed in the store, and a coupon redemption device must read the coupon information, which is not necessarily convenient for the user.

[0029] Therefore, the payment server 10 executes the generation process according to the embodiment. The generation process executed by the payment server 10 will be explained below with reference to Figure 1. In the following explanation, an example is shown in which the user terminal 100 is used by user U1, the store terminal 200 is installed in store A, and the business terminal 300 is used by business operator M1 which manages store A. In addition, in the following explanation, the user terminal 100 may be treated as the same as user U1 and the business terminal 300 as the same as business operator M1. That is, in the following, user U1 can be read as user terminal 100 and business operator M1 as business terminal 300.

[0030] Furthermore, in the following explanation, it is assumed that the payment server 10 obtains the identification information of the transaction target indicated by the JAN code and the transaction target information (name, etc.) linked to the JAN code from an external server (such as a JAN code integrated product information database), and stores the obtained information as transaction target information in the storage unit of its own device.

[0031] First, the payment server 10 receives transaction information, including identification information of the transaction object, from the business terminal 300 (step S1). For example, the payment server 10 receives transaction information, including identification information indicated by an in-store code uniquely assigned by business M1, and the name of the transaction object, and stores it in the storage unit of its device.

[0032] Next, the payment server 10 provides content indicating transaction target information stored in its own memory unit in response to a request from the business terminal 300 (step S2). For example, the payment server 10 provides the business terminal 300 with content indicating transaction target information linked to the in-store code received from the business terminal 300 and transaction target information linked to the JAN code. The payment server 10 may also provide content indicating transaction target information managed by the store terminal 200 from among the transaction target information linked to the JAN code.

[0033] Next, the payment server 10 receives configuration information from the business terminal 300 regarding the settings of coupons applicable to transactions provided by store A, via the content provided in step S2 (step S3). For example, the payment server 10 receives configuration information including store ID of store A, identification information of transactions to which the coupon will be applied, the details of the benefits granted to the user by the coupon (discount amount, cashback amount, etc.), and the conditions for the user to acquire the coupon. To give a specific example, the payment server 10 receives information indicating the attributes (segments) of users who are eligible to acquire the coupon as an acquisition condition.

[0034] Next, the payment server 10 generates a coupon based on the configuration information and transaction target information (step S4). For example, the payment server 10 generates coupon #1 that can be used for payment using the payment application described above to store A, and stores coupon information (configuration information, etc.) related to coupon #1 in the storage unit of its device.

[0035] Next, the payment server 10 distributes coupon #1 via the payment application (step S5). In the example shown in Figure 1, it is assumed that user U1, who meets the conditions for acquiring coupon #1, launches the payment application pre-installed on the user terminal 100 and performs the prescribed operation to acquire the distributed coupon #1. In this case, the payment server 10 associates the user ID representing user U1 with coupon #1 and manages it in the storage unit of its device.

[0036] Here, in the example in Figure 1, let's assume that user U1 wishes to make the above-mentioned payment to store A, which is performed by the store terminal 200 reading the user identification information (user ID). In this case, the store terminal 200 reads the barcode of each transaction item that user U1 purchases and user U1's user ID (step S6). For example, at the time of payment, the store terminal 200 reads the identification information indicated by the barcode attached to the transaction item and the user ID displayed on the user terminal 100 using a barcode reader or the like.

[0037] Next, the payment server 10 receives payment information from the store terminal 200 regarding user U1's payment to store A (step S7). For example, the payment server 10 receives payment information including the store ID of store A, the identification information of the transaction items read by the store terminal 200 in step S6, the total amount of the prices of each transaction item linked to the identification information (payment amount), and the user ID of user U1.

[0038] Next, the payment server 10 identifies coupons applicable to user U1 based on the payment information (step S8). For example, the payment server 10 identifies coupons that are applicable to the transaction indicated by the payment information among the coupons acquired by user U1 by comparing the coupon information corresponding to the coupons acquired by user U1 with the payment information.

[0039] Here, in the example in Figure 1, coupon #1 is identified as the coupon applicable to user U1. In this case, the payment server 10 executes the payment processing based on the payment information received in step S7 and grants the benefit based on coupon #1 to user U1 (step S9). For example, the payment server 10 executes the process of transferring the amount of electronic money indicated by the payment amount from user U1's account to store A's account. Then, the payment server 10 grants the benefit based on coupon #1 (such as a predetermined amount of cashback) to user U1.

[0040] Next, the payment server 10 sends information indicating the benefits granted to user U1 to the store terminal 200 (step S10). For example, the payment server 10 sends the details of the benefits granted to user U1 and coupon information related to coupon #1.

[0041] Next, the store terminal 200 prints a receipt (step S11). For example, the store terminal 200 prints a receipt that includes the payment information and the information sent from the payment server 10 in step S10. Then, the store clerk of store A provides the printed receipt to user U1.

[0042] As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment provides the business operator with content indicating transaction target information managed by its own device, and generates coupons usable in payments using the payment application based on the setting information received through said content, and distributes them to the user. As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can automatically apply coupons arbitrarily set by the business operator to the user. In other words, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can improve the convenience of the user in payments.

[0043] [2. Configuration of the payment server] Next, the configuration of the payment server 10 will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a payment server according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the payment server 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0044] (Regarding Communications Section 20) 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 100, store terminals 200, business terminals 300, etc.

[0045] (Regarding memory unit 30) 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 4, the storage unit 30 includes an account database 31, a transaction target information database 32, a coupon information database 33, and a user information database 34.

[0046] (Regarding account database 31) The account database 31 stores various information about accounts held by users, stores (businesses), etc., in the electronic payment service. Here, an example of the information stored in the account database 31 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an account database according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 3, the account database 31 has items such as "account ID", "owner information", and "account balance".

[0047] "Account ID" indicates identification information used to identify the account. "Owner Information" indicates information about the owner of the account, such as identification information used to identify the owner. "Account Balance" indicates the balance of the account.

[0048] In other words, Figure 3 shows an example where the account holder identified by the account ID "AID#1" is "User#1" and the account balance is "7,800 yen".

[0049] (Regarding the Transaction Information Database 32) The transaction information database 32 stores various types of information about the transaction items provided by the business operator. For example, the transaction information database 32 stores transaction information, including identification information used to identify the transaction item at the time of settlement. To give a specific example, in the example in Figure 1, the transaction information database 32 stores transaction information, including identification information for identifying the transaction item, which is acquired (received) from the business operator terminal 300 or an external server.

[0050] Furthermore, the transaction information database 32 may store transaction information that includes identification information read by a store terminal used by the store providing the transaction. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the transaction information database 32 stores transaction information that includes identification information read by a barcode reader or the like on the store terminal 200.

[0051] Furthermore, the transaction information database 32 may store transaction information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction item. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the transaction information database 32 stores transaction information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction item.

[0052] Furthermore, the transaction information database 32 may store transaction information that includes identification information uniquely set by the provider. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the transaction information database 32 stores transaction information that includes identification information indicated by an in-store code uniquely assigned by business operator M1.

[0053] Furthermore, the transaction target information database 32 may store transaction target information that includes identification information standardized by a predetermined organization as information that identifies the transaction target. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the transaction target information database 32 stores transaction target information that includes identification information indicated by a JIS standard barcode.

[0054] Here, using Figure 4, we will explain an example of the information stored in the transaction target information database 32. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction target information database according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 4, the transaction target information database 32 has items such as "business ID", "name", "price", "identification information", and "coupon information".

[0055] "Business ID" indicates identification information used to identify the business. "Name" indicates the name of the item being traded. "Price" indicates the price of the item being traded. "Identification Information" indicates the identification information shown by the barcode attached to the item being traded. "Coupon Information" indicates information about coupons to which the item being traded is applicable.

[0056] In other words, Figure 4 shows an example where the name of the transaction item provided by the business ID "MID#1" is "Name#1", the price is "1,000 yen", the identification information indicated by the barcode is "Identification Information#1", and the information regarding applicable coupons is "Coupon Information#1".

[0057] (Regarding Coupon Information Database 33) The coupon information database 33 stores various information about coupons applicable to users. Here, an example of the information stored in the coupon information database 33 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon information database according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 5, the coupon information database 33 has items such as "Business ID" and "Coupon Information".

[0058] The "Business ID" indicates identification information used to identify the business that requests the distribution of coupons to users (in other words, the business that provides the funds for the coupons). The "Coupon Information" shows information about the coupon and includes items such as "Coupon ID," "Identification Information," "Benefit Details," and "Acquisition Conditions." The "Coupon ID" indicates identification information used to identify the coupon. The "Identification Information" indicates the information shown by the barcode attached to the transaction item to which the coupon applies, such as the JAN code attached to the product by the manufacturer of the transaction item, or the in-store code uniquely assigned by each merchant of the electronic payment service. The "Benefit Details" indicates the content of the benefit granted to the user by the coupon. The "Acquisition Conditions" indicate the conditions under which the user can acquire the coupon (for example, demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, payment history).

[0059] In other words, Figure 5 shows an example where a coupon provided by a business identified by the business ID "MID#1" is identified by the coupon ID "CID#1", the identification information of the applicable transaction is "Identification Information#1", the benefit details are "Benefit Details#1", and the acquisition conditions are "Acquisition Conditions#1".

[0060] (Regarding User Information Database 34) The user information database 34 stores various information about users of the electronic payment service provided by the payment server 10. Here, an example of the information stored in the user information database 34 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 6, the user information database 34 has items such as "User ID", "Payment History", and "Acquired Coupons".

[0061] "User ID" indicates identification information used to identify the user. "Payment History" shows the history of payments made using the electronic payment service, and stores information such as the payment destination and payment amount. "Acquired Coupons" shows the coupons acquired by the user from the coupon information stored in the coupon information database 33, and stores identification information used to identify the coupon, for example.

[0062] In other words, Figure 6 shows an example where the payment history of a user identified by the user ID "UID#1" is "Payment History #1," and acquired coupons are "Acquired Coupons #1."

[0063] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized by executing various programs stored in the storage device inside the payment server 10 using RAM as a working area, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Alternatively, the control unit 40 is a controller, and is 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 receiving unit 41, a providing unit 42, a generation unit 43, a specification unit 44, a payment processing unit 45, an assignment unit 46, and a transmission unit 47, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0064] (Regarding Reception Desk 41) The reception unit 41 receives identification information that identifies the transaction subject to payment using the user terminal used by the user. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information that indicates the identification information of the transaction subject to payment using a payment application pre-installed on the user terminal 100.

[0065] Furthermore, the reception unit 41 may receive setting information regarding the settings of coupons applicable to the transaction target from the provider of the transaction target. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the reception unit 41 receives setting information from the business terminal 300, including the store ID of store A, identification information of the transaction target to which the coupon will be applied, the details of the benefits granted to the user by the coupon, and the conditions for the user to obtain the coupon.

[0066] Furthermore, the reception unit 41 may receive configuration information via content provided by the provision unit 42. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the reception unit 41 receives configuration information regarding the settings of coupons applicable to the transaction targets provided by store A via content provided by the provision unit 42, which will be described later.

[0067] Furthermore, the reception unit 41 may accept setting information regarding coupons applicable to transaction items belonging to a predetermined category. For example, the reception unit 41 accepts setting information regarding coupons applicable to transaction items belonging to the category "foodstuffs". Note that any level of granularity can be used for the category to which the transaction items belong. For example, if the transaction items provided by a store are classified into categories with a predetermined hierarchical relationship, the reception unit 41 may accept setting information regarding coupons applicable to transaction items belonging to categories at any level. To give a specific example, the reception unit 41 may accept setting information regarding coupons applicable to transaction items belonging to "milk," which is a subcategory of the category "foodstuffs."

[0068] Furthermore, the reception unit 41 may receive the aforementioned setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to multiple transaction targets. For example, the reception unit 41 may receive setting information regarding the setting of a single coupon applicable to multiple transaction targets. To give a specific example, if the reception unit 41 sets up a 10% cashback coupon for rice balls, it will receive setting information that includes the specification of multiple transaction targets to which the coupon applies, such as pickled plum rice balls and mentaiko rice balls, for a single coupon ID. Then, the generation unit 43, which will be described later, will generate a coupon that associates the identification information of each of the multiple transaction targets, such as pickled plum rice balls and mentaiko rice balls, with a single coupon ID.

[0069] Furthermore, the reception unit 41 may accept configuration information including information about users who are eligible to receive coupons. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the reception unit 41 accepts information indicating the attributes (segments) of users who are eligible to receive coupons. Specifically, the reception unit 41 accepts information indicating users who have never used the store (for example, new customers who have not made a payment using a payment app at the store). The reception unit 41 also accepts information indicating users who have not used the store for a predetermined period of time (for example, dormant customers who have not made a payment using a payment app at the store for a predetermined period of time).

[0070] The reception unit 41 may also accept setting information to designate users who are eligible to receive the coupon, depending on the transaction to which the coupon applies. For example, if the coupon applies to alcohol or tobacco, the reception unit 41 will accept setting information indicating the attribute of the user who is eligible to receive the coupon, namely "20 years of age or older."

[0071] (Regarding Section 42) The provisioning unit 42 provides content that shows transaction target information. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provisioning unit 42 refers to the transaction target information database 32 and provides the business terminal 300 with content that shows transaction target information linked to the in-store code received from the business terminal 300 and transaction target information linked to the JAN code.

[0072] The provisioning unit 42 may also provide content that includes coupon information related to coupons generated in relation to the transaction target.

[0073] (Regarding the generation unit 43) The generation unit 43 generates coupons that can be used in a payment method that uses a user terminal used by a user and identifies the transaction target using identification information, based on the setting information received by the reception unit 41 and the transaction target information. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the generation unit 43 refers to the transaction target information database 32 and generates coupon #1 that can be used in payment to store A using the payment application described above, based on the setting information and the transaction target information, and stores the coupon information related to coupon #1 in the coupon information database 33.

[0074] (Regarding Section 44) When the identification unit 44 receives payment information, including identification information that identifies the transaction target to be paid using the payment method, from a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction target, it identifies coupons that the user has previously acquired that are applicable to the user, based on the identification information. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the generation unit 43 refers to the coupon information database 33 and the user information database 34 and compares the coupon information corresponding to the coupons acquired by user U1 with the payment information to identify coupons that user U1 has acquired that are applicable to the transaction target indicated by the payment information.

[0075] Furthermore, the identification unit 44 may identify coupons that are applicable to the user from among the coupons the user has previously acquired, based on the identification information of the store (provider) indicated by the payment information. For example, the identification unit 44 may identify coupons that the user has already acquired, based on the setting information received from the store, based on the identification information of the store indicated by the payment information.

[0076] (Regarding the settlement processing unit 45) The payment processing unit 45 executes payment processing according to the payment information received by the reception unit 41. For example, the payment processing unit 45 transfers electronic money of the amount indicated by the payment amount from the user's account indicated by the user ID to the store's account indicated by the store ID.

[0077] (Regarding the attachment section 46) The granting unit 46 grants the user the benefit based on the coupon identified by the identification unit 44. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the granting unit 46 grants the user U1 the benefit based on coupon #1.

[0078] (Regarding the transmitting unit 47) The transmission unit 47 transmits to the store terminal information that indicates the benefit granted by the granting unit 46, which will be printed on the receipt output from the store terminal. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the transmission unit 47 transmits to the store terminal 200 the details of the benefit granted to user U1 and coupon information related to coupon #1 as information to be printed on the receipt output from the store terminal 200.

[0079] [3. Flow of the generation process] The procedure for generating the payment server 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for generating the payment server 10 according to this embodiment.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, content indicating transaction target information is provided (step S101). Next, the settlement server 10 receives setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to the transaction target from the provider of the transaction target (step S102). Subsequently, based on the setting information and transaction target information, coupons usable with a predetermined payment method are generated (step S103), and the process ends.

[0081] [4. Variations] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0082] [4-1. Regarding the processing method] Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above text 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not contradictory.

[0085] [5. Effects] As described above, the payment server 10 according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 30, a receiving unit 41, a providing unit 42, a generation unit 43, a specification unit 44, a payment processing unit 45, an assignment unit 46, and a transmission unit 47. The storage unit 30 stores transaction target information, including identification information used to identify the transaction target at the time of payment. The storage unit 30 also stores transaction target information, including identification information read by a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction target. The storage unit 30 also stores transaction target information, including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction target. The storage unit 30 also stores transaction target information, including identification information uniquely set by the provider. The storage unit 30 also stores transaction target information, including identification information standardized by a predetermined organization as information to identify the transaction target. The receiving unit 41 receives setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to the transaction target from the provider of the transaction target. The receiving unit 41 also receives setting information via content provided by the providing unit 42. The provision unit 42 provides content indicating transaction target information. The generation unit 43 generates coupons usable in a payment method that uses a user terminal used by the user and identifies the transaction target using identification information, based on the setting information received by the reception unit 41 and the transaction target information. The identification unit 44, when payment information including identification information that identifies the transaction target that is the subject of payment using the payment method is received from a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction target, identifies coupons that the user has previously acquired that are applicable to the user, based on the identification information. The granting unit 46 grants the user the benefit based on the coupon identified by the identification unit 44. The transmission unit 47 transmits information indicating the benefit granted by the granting unit 46, which will be printed on the receipt output from the store terminal, to the store terminal.

[0086] As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can provide the business operator with content indicating transaction target information managed by its own device, and based on the configuration information received through said content, it can generate coupons that can be used for payments using the payment application and distribute them to the user, thereby improving the convenience of the user in payments.

[0087] Furthermore, in the payment server 10 according to this embodiment, for example, the receiving unit 41 receives setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to transaction targets belonging to a predetermined category. The receiving unit 41 also receives setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to multiple transaction targets. The receiving unit 41 also receives setting information including information about users who can acquire coupons.

[0088] As a result, the payment server 10 according to this embodiment can accept arbitrary configuration information, generate coupons, and distribute them to users, thereby improving the convenience for providers.

[0089] [6. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the payment server 10 according to each embodiment described above is implemented by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 8. The following explanation will use the payment server 10 as an example. Figure 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of a payment server. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, ROM 1200, RAM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0090] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1200 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1200 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.

[0091] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via the communication network 500 (corresponding to network N in this embodiment) and sends it to the CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.

[0092] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, 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 data it generates to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0093] 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 1300. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1300 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.

[0094] For example, when computer 1000 functions as a payment server 10, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 implements the functions of the control unit 40 by executing a program loaded onto RAM 1300. The HDD 1400 stores the data from the payment server 10's storage device. 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 a predetermined communication network.

[0095] [7. Other] 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.

[0096] Furthermore, the aforementioned payment server 10 can be flexibly configured to implement certain functions by calling external platforms, etc., via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or network computing.

[0097] Furthermore, the term "part" in the claims can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. For example, "reception part" can be replaced with "reception means" or "reception circuit." [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 Payment Server 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31 Account Database 32 Transaction Information Database 33 Coupon Information Database 34. User Information Database 40 Control Unit 41 Reception Department 42 Providing Department 43 Generation part 44 Specific part 45 Payment Processing Unit 46 Granting section 47 Transmitter 100 User Terminals 200 store terminals 300 carrier terminals

Claims

1. A generation unit receives setting information from a provider regarding the setting of coupons applicable to a specified transaction target, and stores the setting information in its own memory unit by linking it with a predetermined code related to the identification information of the transaction target, which is stored in the memory unit in advance, and the transaction target information linked to that code, thereby generating a coupon that can be provided to the specified transaction target and can be used for payment using a payment application. The storage unit stores a link between a user who has performed a prescribed operation related to acquiring a coupon and the coupon, When payment information, including identification information for each transaction subject to settlement and user identification information, is received from a provider terminal used by the provider, an identification unit identifies coupons that are applicable to the user from among the coupons the user has acquired, by comparing the payment information with coupon information corresponding to coupons acquired by the user based on the identification information for each transaction subject. A granting unit that grants the user the benefit based on the coupon and A generating apparatus characterized by having the following features.

2. The provisioning unit that provides content showing the aforementioned transaction target information. It further possesses, The configuration information is received via the content provided by the aforementioned provisioning unit. The generating apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned storage unit is The system stores the transaction target information, including identification information read by a store terminal used by the store that provides the transaction target. The generating apparatus according to feature 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned storage unit is The system stores the transaction item information, including the identification information indicated by the barcode attached to the transaction item. A generating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned storage unit is The system stores the transaction target information, including identification information uniquely set by the provider. A generating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned storage unit is The system stores the aforementioned trading target information, which includes identification information standardized by a designated institution as information that identifies the aforementioned trading target. A generating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 5.

7. The system accepts the aforementioned setting information regarding the setting of coupons applicable to transactions belonging to a specified category. A generating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 6.

8. The system accepts the aforementioned configuration information regarding the setting of coupons that can be applied to multiple transaction targets. A generating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 6.

9. The system accepts the aforementioned configuration information, which includes information about users who are eligible to receive coupons. A generating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 7.

10. The specified part is, In a payment method using a user terminal used by a user, if payment information including identification information used to identify the transaction object at the time of payment and user identification information is received from a store terminal used by a store providing the transaction object, then, based on the identification information, the system identifies the coupons that the user has previously acquired that are applicable to the user. The aforementioned attachment unit, The benefits based on the coupon identified by the specified unit are granted to the user. A transmission unit transmits information indicating the benefit granted by the granting unit, which is to be printed on a receipt output from the store terminal, to the store terminal. The generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the above.

11. A generation method performed by a computer, Upon receiving setting information from a provider regarding the setting of coupons applicable to a predetermined transaction target, the system generates coupons that can be provided to the predetermined transaction target and that can be used for payments using a payment application by linking the setting information to a predetermined code related to the identification information of the transaction target, which is stored in the system's memory, and storing it in the memory. A storage process that links and stores the user who performed the prescribed operation related to obtaining the coupon with the coupon, When payment information, including identification information for each transaction subject to payment and user identification information, is received from a provider terminal used by the provider, the provider performs an identification step to identify coupons that are applicable to the user from among the coupons the user has acquired, by comparing the payment information with coupon information corresponding to coupons acquired by the user based on the identification information for each transaction subject. A granting process in which the benefits based on the coupon are granted to the user. A method for generating a product, characterized by including the following:

12. The generation procedure involves receiving setting information from a provider regarding the setting of coupons applicable to a specified transaction target, and then linking the setting information to a predetermined code related to the identification information of the transaction target, which is stored in the device's own memory, and storing it in the memory, thereby generating a coupon that can be provided to the specified transaction target and is usable in payments using a payment application. A memory procedure that links and stores the user who performed the prescribed operation related to obtaining the coupon with the coupon, When payment information, including identification information for each transaction subject to payment and user identification information, is received from a provider terminal used by the provider, the provider performs an identification step to identify coupons that are applicable to the user from among the coupons the user has acquired, by comparing the payment information with coupon information corresponding to coupons acquired by the user based on the identification information for each transaction subject. The procedure for granting the benefits based on the coupon to the user: A generation program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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