Information processing equipment, systems, and programs

Abstract

To effectively provide sales promotion information.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a communication processing unit and an information processing unit. The communication processing unit outputs conditions for a preset product to a terminal of a user. The information processing unit provides a user with a privilege that can be used at the time of purchase of the preset product based on operation of the user who registers the preset product.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus, a system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In stores such as supermarkets, systems that allow users to register products themselves while wandering around the store are increasing. Examples of such systems include a shopping cart system having a product registration function or the like, a mobile terminal owned by the user himself / herself, or a self-scanning system using a mobile terminal prepared in advance by the store or the like. Thus, since users use a terminal during shopping, the environment for providing information to users during shopping is being improved.

[0003] Therefore, providing promotional information to users during shopping in stores has been considered.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of effectively providing promotional information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a communication processing unit and an information processing unit. The communication processing unit outputs conditions for preset products to the user's terminal. The information processing unit provides the user with benefits available at the time of purchase of the preset products based on the user's operation of registering the preset products.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a store system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of a server configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of a terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the server processor according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of how a quiz image is displayed on a terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of how a bonus image is displayed in a terminal according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Embodiment] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of the parts in the drawings used in the description of the embodiments may have been changed as appropriate. Also, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used in the description of the embodiments.

[0009] (Example configuration) Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the store system S. The store system S includes a server 1, access point 2, accounting device 3, and terminal 4. Server 1, access point 2, and accounting device 3 are connected to each other via a network NW, enabling communication. The network NW is a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. Figure 1 shows one access point 2, but the store system S can include multiple access points 2. Figure 1 shows one accounting device 3, but the store system S can include multiple accounting devices 3. Figure 1 shows one terminal 4, but the store system S can include multiple terminals 4. The store system S may also refer to a system including at least two devices.

[0010] Server 1 is a device that processes information in a store. Server 1 is an example of an information processing device. An example of the configuration of Server 1 will be described later.

[0011] Access point 2 is a device that can communicate wirelessly with terminal 4. Access point 2 relays communication between server 1 and terminal 4.

[0012] Accounting device 3 is a device that processes the accounting for goods registered by the user using terminal 4. Hereinafter, registered goods will also be referred to as registered products. The registration of goods will also be referred to as product registration. Product registration is the registration of goods that are subject to accounting. Accounting device 3 can process offline cash payments. Accounting device 3 can process online payments using credit cards, debit cards, electronic money, code payments, or points, etc.

[0013] Terminal 4 is a device used by users shopping in a store. Terminal 4 communicates wirelessly with access point 2 and communicates with server 1 via access point 2. Terminal 4 may also communicate with server 1 via a mobile communication network or the internet or other network without going through access point 2. Terminal 4 is mounted on shopping cart C. Shopping cart C is an example of a transport device for carrying goods. Terminal 4 is a tablet device or a smartphone, etc., but is not limited to these. An example configuration of terminal 4 will be described later. Note that terminal 4 does not necessarily have to be mounted on shopping cart C, and may be held and operated by a user shopping in a store.

[0014] In the store system S described above, the user makes a purchase as follows: The user walks around the store with a shopping cart C equipped with a terminal 4. The user registers products using the terminal 4. The user places the registered products into the shopping cart C. After the user finishes registering products, the user goes to the checkout device 3. The user pays for all registered products at the checkout device 3. Alternatively, for example, the terminal 4 may pre-store one or more of the online non-cash payment methods desired by the user (e.g., credit card payment, debit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, or point payment using a point card). Then, when the terminal 4 receives an operation from the user to execute a payment using one of the pre-stored payment methods on the terminal 4, it may execute the payment for the registered products. In this case, the user can complete the payment on the terminal 4 instead of paying for the registered products at the checkout device 3.

[0015] This section describes an example configuration for Server 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic example of the configuration of Server 1. Server 1 includes a processor 10, main memory 11, auxiliary storage device 12, and communication interface 13. In Figure 2, the interface is labeled "I / F".

[0016] The processor 10 corresponds to the central part of server 1. The processor 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of server 1. The processor 10 is composed of various circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 10 is an example of the processing circuit of server 1. The processor 10 expands a program stored in advance in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 to the main memory 11. The program is a program that can cause the processor 10 to execute the processing of each part described later realized by the processor 10. The processor 10 executes various processes by executing the program expanded in the main memory 11.

[0017] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main storage part of server 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of server 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or a program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be appropriately rewritten by the processor 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as the non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as the volatile memory area.

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of server 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc., but is not limited thereto. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processor 10 to perform various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processor 10. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an example of the storage part of server 1.

[0019] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a user information storage area 121. The user information storage area 121 stores user information. The user information includes information such as user identification information, shopping notes, and purchase histories. The user identification information is unique identification information assigned to each user to individually identify the user. The shopping note indicates data of one or more planned purchase items set in advance by the user before shopping. The shopping note includes the product code of each of the one or more planned purchase items set in advance by the user. The purchase history includes information such as information on products purchased by the user in the past and the date and time of purchase. The user information can be updated as appropriate.

[0020] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a transaction information storage area 122. The transaction information storage area 122 stores transaction information for each of a plurality of transactions. A transaction is a product transaction based on the accounting of the product. The transaction information storage area 122 stores the transaction information of the accounted transactions. Accounted includes that shopping using the terminal 4 has been completed based on the accounting of the product. The transaction information storage area 122 stores the transaction information of the unaccounted transactions. Unaccounted means before the accounting of the product and includes that shopping using the terminal 4 is in progress.

[0021] Transaction information includes a transaction ID. The transaction ID is transaction identification information that uniquely identifies a transaction and is issued to terminal 4 for each purchase at the start of a purchase using terminal 4. Transaction information includes a terminal ID. The terminal ID is terminal identification information that uniquely identifies terminal 4 used for shopping. Transaction information for completed transactions includes the product code for each purchased product. "Purchased" corresponds to "completed purchase." Purchased products are products purchased based on accounting. Transaction information for completed transactions includes the number of purchased items for each purchased product. Transaction information for uncompleted transactions includes the product code for each registered product currently being registered. "Registered" is the period from after product registration using terminal 4 until accounting, without any return processing using terminal 4. Transaction information for uncompleted transactions includes the number of registered items for each registered product currently being registered. Transaction information for uncompleted transactions includes benefit information associated with the registered product currently being registered. Benefit information is information regarding discount rates, points awarded, etc., granted to the user based on the registration of a specific product. Reward information may be associated with a specific product. For example, the reward information may be discount information associated with "strawberries" based on the user registering "strawberries." Reward information associated with a product may be reward information for the product itself, or reward information based on the user's purchase amount. Reward information for a product may include, for example, "20% off the price of strawberries." Reward information based on the purchase amount may include, for example, "10% off the purchase amount." Reward information may be granted to the user based on the promotional information described later.

[0022] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a sales information storage area 123. The sales information storage area 123 stores sales information that shows the sales of products over a certain period. The certain period includes morning, afternoon, one day, one week, one month, etc. The sales information includes, for example, information such as the number of products sold and the sales amount. The sales information may include sales information for all stores, sales information for each store, sales information for each department in each store, etc. The departments correspond to areas within the store that are divided by product category. The store sales information may be updated at regular intervals.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a promotional information storage area 124. The promotional information storage area 124 stores promotional information. The promotional information may include promotional information common to all stores, promotional information specific to each store, and promotional information for each department within each store. The promotional information is information that associates information on at least one recommended product and special offer information to the user. The promotional information includes the product code of the recommended product. The product code is product identification information that uniquely identifies the product. Recommended products may be set for each department, each store, or by the company operating the stores. Recommended products may be set dynamically based on sales information. For example, recommended products may include the product with the highest sales over a certain period. They may also be products that are frequently purchased together with the same product based on sales information. Recommended products may be set based on user information. For example, recommended products may be set based on the user's shopping list. In this case, recommended products may be products included in the shopping list, or products related to products included in the shopping list. For example, if the shopping list includes "ice cream," the recommended product may be "ice cream." Related products may be products belonging to the same department, or products that are likely to be purchased together. For example, if "carrots" are included in the shopping list, the recommended product may be "potatoes," which belong to the same department as "carrots." In this case, for example, "potatoes" belong to the same vegetable department as "carrots." Alternatively, "onions," which are likely to be purchased together with "carrots," may also be recommended. In this case, based on sales data, "onions" are an example of products that are frequently purchased together with "carrots." Recommended products are examples of products that have been set in advance. Reward information is information that indicates the benefits offered to the user based on the registration of recommended products by the user. Promotional information may be updated as needed.

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 12 stores map information within the store. The map shows multiple areas within the store. Each area is a virtual region divided according to product category. These areas may be, but are not limited to, areas for fruits, vegetables, seafood, or meat. Areas are also called departments. The map information can be updated as needed.

[0025] The communication interface 13 is an interface for connecting server 1 to other devices so that they can communicate with each other. The communication interface 13 is an example of the communication unit of server 1.

[0026] Note that the hardware configuration of Server 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. Server 1 may, as appropriate, omit or change the above-mentioned components and add new components.

[0027] The various components implemented by the processor 10 will be described below. The processor 10 implements the communication processing unit 101, the position processing unit 102, and the information processing unit 103. Each part implemented by the processor 10 can also be called a function. Each part implemented by the processor 10 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit, which includes the processor 10 and the main memory 11.

[0028] The communication processing unit 101 processes communication with the terminal 4 via the communication interface 13. The communication processing unit 101 outputs information to the terminal 4 via the communication interface 13. The communication processing unit 101 receives information from the terminal 4 via the communication interface 13.

[0029] The location processing unit 102 acquires the location information of terminal 4 in chronological order. The location information of terminal 4 indicates the location of terminal 4 within the store. The location processing unit 102 may acquire the location information of terminal 4 based on the fact that the communication processing unit 101 acquires the location information of terminal 4 from terminal 4. If the store system S includes multiple cameras, the location processing unit 102 may acquire the location information of terminal 4 based on the captured data from the multiple cameras.

[0030] The information processing unit 103 performs various information processing tasks.

[0031] A configuration example for terminal 4 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of terminal 4. Terminal 4 includes a processor 40, main memory 41, auxiliary storage device 42, input device 43, display device 44, shooting device 45, audio input device 46, audio output device 47, communication interface 48, and connection interface 49. In Figure 3, interfaces are labeled "I / F".

[0032] The processor 40 is the central part of the terminal 4. The processor 40 is an element that constitutes the computer of the terminal 4. The processor 40 is composed of various circuits such as a CPU. The processor 40 is an example of the processing circuit of the terminal 4. The processor 40 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 41 or auxiliary storage device 42 into the main memory 41. The program is a program that allows the processor 40 to execute the processing of each part that will be implemented by the processor 40, as described later. The processor 40 executes various processes by executing the program loaded into the main memory 41.

[0033] The main memory 41 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the terminal 4. The main memory 41 is an element that constitutes the computer of the terminal 4. The main memory 41 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 41, the operating system or programs are stored. The main memory 41 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 40. For example, the main memory 41 includes ROM as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 41 includes RAM as a volatile memory area.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 42 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the terminal 4. The auxiliary storage device 42 is an EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or flash memory, but is not limited to these. The auxiliary storage device 42 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processor 40 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing performed by the processor 40. The auxiliary storage device 42 is an example of the storage unit of the terminal 4.

[0035] The input device 43 is a device that can receive instructions based on user operation. The input device 43 may include a pressable button. The input device 43 may also include a touch panel integrated with the display device 44. The input device 43 is an example of the input section of the terminal 4.

[0036] The display device 44 is a device capable of displaying various images. The display device 44 is a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, etc., but is not limited to these. The display device 44 is an example of the display unit of terminal 4.

[0037] The imaging device 45 is a device capable of acquiring image data through imaging. For example, the imaging device 45 is a camera.

[0038] The voice input device 46 is a device capable of receiving voice input. For example, the voice input device 46 is a microphone. The voice input device 46 is an example of an input section of terminal 4.

[0039] The audio output device 47 is a device capable of outputting sound. For example, the audio output device 47 is a speaker. The audio output device 47 is an example of the audio output section of terminal 4.

[0040] The communication interface 48 includes an interface for connecting terminal 4 to other devices for communication. The communication interface 48 may also include an interface capable of receiving beacon signals. The communication interface 48 may also include an interface capable of receiving GPS (Global Positioning System) signals. The communication interface 48 is an example of the communication unit of terminal 4.

[0041] The connection interface 49 is an interface to which a device can be connected. For example, the device is a scanner. A scanner is a device that can read information recorded in a code symbol, such as a barcode symbol or a two-dimensional code symbol.

[0042] The hardware configuration of terminal 4 is not limited to the configuration described above. Terminal 4 may, as appropriate, omit or change the above-described components and add new components.

[0043] The various components implemented by the processor 40 will now be described. The processor 40 implements a communication processing unit 401, a display processing unit 402, a position processing unit 403, and an input processing unit 404. Each part implemented by the processor 40 can also be called a function. Each part implemented by the processor 40 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit, which includes the processor 40 and the main memory 41.

[0044] The communication processing unit 401 processes communication with the server 1 via the communication interface 48. The communication processing unit 401 outputs information to the server 1 via the communication interface 48. The communication processing unit 401 retrieves information from the server 1 via the communication interface 48.

[0045] The display processing unit 402 displays the image on the display device 44.

[0046] The location processing unit 403 acquires the location information of terminal 4 in chronological order. The location processing unit 403 may also acquire the location information of terminal 4 based on beacon signals received at the communication interface 48. In this example, each of the multiple areas of the store is equipped with a transmitter that emits a beacon signal indicating the area. In this example, the communication interface 48 receives beacon signals emitted from the transmitter corresponding to the area where terminal 4 is located. The location processing unit 403 may also acquire the location information of terminal 4 based on GPS signals received at the communication interface 48.

[0047] The input processing unit 404 detects input based on user operations via the input device 43.

[0048] (Example of operation) Next, we will explain the processing performed by the processor 10 of server 1 and the processor 40 of terminal 4, which are configured as described above. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0049] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the processor 10 of server 1.

[0050] The communication processing unit 101 obtains check-in information from terminal 4 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the communication processing unit 101 obtains check-in information based on a check-in operation performed by the user of terminal 4. The check-in information may include the user identification information of terminal 4, the terminal ID of terminal 4, etc. The user of terminal 4 checks in via a check-in device installed at the entrance of the store. For example, when the user launches a dedicated application program on terminal 4, a barcode or two-dimensional code representing the member ID is displayed on the display device 44. The user reads the member ID via the check-in device and checks in. Check-in using the member ID may be performed by a publicly known process.

[0051] The communication processing unit 101 outputs quiz information to the terminal 4 (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the information processing unit 103 generates quiz information based on the information stored in the promotional information storage area 124. The quiz information is an example of conditions for a pre-set product. The pre-set product indicates a recommended product included in the promotional information. The quiz information is an example of a question where the recommended product is the correct answer. The product that corresponds to the correct answer of the quiz corresponds to a recommended product. The quiz information is determined based on sales information, for example. The quiz information includes a question asking to guess the product with the highest sales over a certain period. The quiz information is text information such as, for example, "What is today's number one selling product?"

[0052] In one example, the communication processing unit 101 outputs quiz information to terminal 4 based on a check-in operation by the user of terminal 4. In this example, the communication processing unit 101 may output quiz information common to multiple terminals 4.

[0053] In another example, the communication processing unit 101 outputs quiz information to terminal 4 based on location information obtained from terminal 4. The location processing unit 102 detects the area of ​​the location indicated by the location information of terminal 4 based on the location information of terminal 4. Based on the area detection by the location processing unit 102, the information processing unit 103 obtains promotional information associated with the area of ​​the location indicated by the location information of terminal 4 from the promotional information storage area 124. The information processing unit 103 generates quiz information based on the promotional information. The communication processing unit 101 outputs the quiz information to terminal 4. In this example, the quiz information is text information such as, for example, "What is the best-selling product in the vegetable section today?"

[0054] The communication processing unit 401 of terminal 4 obtains quiz information from server 1. The display processing unit 402 of terminal 4 displays the quiz image on the display device 44 based on the quiz information.

[0055] The location processing unit 102 can detect changes in the area of ​​the location indicated by the location information of terminal 4, based on the location information of terminal 4. For example, the location processing unit 102 detects movement from a first area to a second area that is different from the first area of ​​the location indicated by the location information of terminal 4. Based on the detection of movement from the first area to the second area of ​​the location, the location processing unit 102 detects a change in area from the first area to the second area. After outputting quiz information corresponding to the first area, the communication processing unit 101 may output quiz information corresponding to the second area based on the change in area.

[0056] The information processing unit 103 determines whether a product corresponding to the correct answer to the quiz shown in the quiz information has been registered, based on the product registration operation by the user of terminal 4 (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, the communication processing unit 101 obtains a product registration request from terminal 4. The product registration request includes product identification information. The product identification information includes the product code. The product registration request may also include information regarding the product's score (including information regarding increases or decreases in the score). The communication processing unit 101 obtains the score information along with the product identification information from terminal 4. Based on the acquisition of product identification information from terminal 4, the information processing unit 103 obtains product information from the product master. Based on the product information, the information processing unit 103 stores transaction information in the transaction information storage area 122. Based on the transaction information, the information processing unit 103 determines whether the product registered by the user of terminal 4 is a recommended product. Alternatively, the information processing unit 103 may obtain the product code based on the product registration operation by the user of terminal 4 and determine whether the product registered by the user is a recommended product based on the product code. The fact that a registered product is a recommended product corresponds to obtaining the actions of the user who registered the recommended product.

[0057] If the information processing unit 103 determines that the product registered by the user of terminal 4 is a recommended product (ACT3: YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4. If the information processing unit 103 does not determine that the product registered by the user of terminal 4 is a recommended product (ACT3: NO), the process terminates.

[0058] The information processing unit 103 provides the user of terminal 4 with benefits that can be used when purchasing recommended products, based on the user's operation on terminal 4 to register recommended products (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the information processing unit 103 associates and stores the recommended products and benefit information in the transaction information. Providing benefits corresponds to making the benefit information applicable. The information processing unit 103 may also store benefit information separately from the registration of recommended products in the transaction information. The benefits that can be used at the time of purchase may be benefits that can be used on the day of purchase, or benefits that can be used after the day of purchase.

[0059] The communication processing unit 101 outputs the bonus information to the terminal 4. The communication processing unit 401 of the terminal 4 acquires the bonus information. The display processing unit 402 of the terminal 4 displays the bonus image based on the bonus information on the display device 44.

[0060] The information processing unit 103 applies the reward information based on the fact that it has received an accounting instruction from the user of terminal 4 to perform accounting processing. For example, if the reward information is discount information on the price of a recommended product, the information processing unit 103 applies the discount information to the price of the recommended product. If the reward information is discount information on the purchase amount, the information processing unit 103 applies the discount information to the purchase amount.

[0061] The information processing unit 103 may cancel the benefits if, after a recommended product has been registered, the user cancels the registration of the recommended product. For example, the communication processing unit 101 receives a cancellation instruction from terminal 4 to cancel the registration of a recommended product by the user. The information processing unit 103 updates the transaction information based on the cancellation instruction. The information processing unit 103 cancels the registration of the recommended product from the transaction information. The information processing unit 103 may also cancel the benefit information associated with the recommended product when the registration of the recommended product is canceled. If no benefit information is associated with the recommended product, the information processing unit 103 may also cancel the benefit information from the transaction information.

[0062] As described above, Server 1 can provide users with quizzes via Terminal 4 based on the user's check-in operation. This allows users to earn rewards in a game-like manner while shopping. Therefore, Server 1 can effectively provide promotional information.

[0063] As described above, when recommended products are set based on a shopping list, Server 1 can provide the user with quizzes related to the products included in the shopping list, or quizzes related to the products included in the shopping list. This allows Server 1 to provide users with quizzes about products they are likely to buy. As a result, users can more actively participate in acquiring rewards. In this way, Server 1 can effectively provide promotional information.

[0064] As described above, Server 1 can provide quizzes to users based on the location information of Terminal 4. This allows Server 1 to dynamically provide quizzes to users. As a result, users can more actively participate in acquiring rewards. In this way, Server 1 can effectively provide promotional information.

[0065] As described above, Server 1 can provide users with rewards that can be used at the time of purchase based on the products recommended by the user. In this way, Server 1 can provide users with an incentive to earn rewards in a gamified manner while shopping. In this manner, Server 1 can effectively provide promotional information.

[0066] As described above, Server 1 can cancel points if a user cancels the registration of a recommended product after it has been registered. This allows Server 1 to provide users with an incentive to purchase recommended products. Furthermore, Server 1 can deter users from canceling the registration of recommended products.

[0067] As described above, Server 1 can provide users with opportunities to earn rewards while enjoying their shopping. Users are expected to increase their browsing time and the number of products they register in order to earn rewards. As a result, Server 1 can increase the browsing time and the number of products registered by users, thereby increasing the number of purchases per person.

[0068] This section describes an example of how quiz images are displayed on terminal 4. Figure 5 shows an example of how a quiz image is displayed on terminal 4 according to this embodiment. The display device 44 displays the quiz image Ma. The quiz image Ma includes text information based on the quiz information. The quiz image Ma may also include images or videos based on the quiz information. The audio output device 47 may output audio based on the quiz information.

[0069] The quiz image Ma may include information indicating a quiz and a reward, such as "Guess today's No. 1 selling item!" or "Those who find it will receive a coupon that can be used when purchasing." The content related to the quiz image Ma can be changed in various ways. For example, in addition to "Guess today's No. 1 selling item," it could be a quiz to guess the item with the highest weekly or monthly sales, or the item with the highest sales in a particular department. It could also be a quiz to guess a specific item predetermined by the store, such as a seasonal item or a bargain item.

[0070] The quiz image Ma may be displayed on the display device 44 by a pop-up or the like. The quiz image Ma may be displayed on the display device 44 at all times. If the quiz information is based on the location information of terminal 4, the quiz image Ma may be displayed on the display device 44 based on the detection of movement of terminal 4.

[0071] Figure 6 shows an example of how a bonus image is displayed in terminal 4 according to this embodiment. The display device 44 displays the bonus image Mb. The bonus image Mb includes text information based on the bonus information. The bonus image Mb may also include images or videos based on the bonus information. The audio output device 47 may output audio based on the bonus information.

[0072] The bonus image Mb may include information indicating that a recommended product has been registered, such as "Congratulations! This is our No. 1 selling product!" or "Receive a coupon that can be used when you make a purchase," as well as information indicating the bonus. The bonus image Mb may be displayed on the display device 44 by a pop-up or the like.

[0073] (effect) According to the embodiment, the information processing device can output conditions for pre-set products to the user's terminal and, based on the user's operation to register the pre-set products, can provide the user with benefits that can be used when purchasing the pre-set products. The terminal can acquire the conditions for the pre-set products and display the conditions on the display unit. This embodiment provides users with promotional information in a quiz format, thereby motivating them to purchase recommended products while having fun. Therefore, this embodiment can effectively provide promotional information.

[0074] The above-described embodiments may be represented as follows: [1] A communication processing unit that outputs pre-set product conditions to the user's terminal, An information processing unit provides the user with benefits that can be used when purchasing the pre-configured product, based on the user's operation to register the pre-configured product. An information processing device equipped with the following features. [2] The communication processing unit outputs the conditions based on the user's operation. [1] The information processing device described above. [3] The communication processing unit outputs the conditions based on location information obtained from the user's terminal. [1] The information processing device described above. [4] The information processing unit cancels the benefits provided to the user based on the user's operation to cancel the registration of the pre-set product. [1] The information processing device described above. [5] A system including an information processing device and a terminal, The aforementioned information processing device is A communication processing unit that outputs pre-set product conditions to the user's terminal, An information processing unit provides the user with benefits that can be used when purchasing the pre-configured product, based on the user's operation to register the pre-configured product. Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal is A communication processing unit that acquires the aforementioned conditions, A display processing unit that displays the above conditions on the display unit, A system equipped with these features. [6] Computers, A function that outputs pre-set product conditions to the user's terminal, A function that provides the user with benefits that can be used when purchasing the pre-configured products, based on the user's operation to register the pre-configured products, An information processing program capable of executing [the specified action].

[0075] [Other embodiments] The embodiments described above may apply not only to the apparatus but also to the methods performed by the apparatus. The embodiments described above may apply to a program that can cause the computer of the apparatus to perform each function. The embodiments described above may apply to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0076] The program may be transferred while stored in the device according to the embodiment, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0077] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1...Server, 2...Access point, 3...Accounting device, 4...Terminal, 10...Processor, 11...Main memory, 12...Auxiliary storage device, 13...Communication interface, 40...Processor, 41...Main memory, 42...Auxiliary storage device, 43...Input device, 44...Display device, 45...Capture device, 46...Voice input device, 47...Voice output device, 48...Communication interface, 49...Connection interface, 101...Communication processing unit, 102...Location processing unit, 103...Information processing unit, 121...User information storage area, 122...Transaction information storage area, 123...Sales information storage area, 124...Promotional information storage area, 401...Communication processing unit, 402...Display processing unit, 403...Location processing unit, 404...Input processing unit, C...Shopping cart, Ma...Quiz image, Mb...Special offer image, NW...Network, S...Store system.

Claims

1. A communication processing unit that, after a user checks in to begin shopping, outputs quiz information to the user's terminal in which the recommended product is the correct answer, generated based on promotional information that associates information on recommended products with information on special offers. Based on the user's operation to register the product, an information processing unit obtains a product registration request for the product from the terminal, determines whether the product is the recommended product corresponding to the correct answer of the quiz shown in the quiz information, and if the product is the recommended product, makes the benefit information that can be used when purchasing the product applicable to the transaction information of the product. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The communication processing unit outputs the quiz information based on the user's check-in operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The communication processing unit outputs the quiz information based on the location information obtained from the user's terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The information processing unit, based on the user's operation to cancel the registration of the product, removes the application of the benefit information from the transaction information of the product. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. A system including an information processing device and a terminal, The aforementioned information processing device is After a user checks in to begin shopping, a communication processing unit outputs quiz information to the user's terminal, which is generated based on promotional information that associates information on recommended products with information on special offers, and in which case the recommended product is the correct answer. Based on the user's operation to register the product, an information processing unit obtains a product registration request for the product from the terminal, determines whether the product is the recommended product corresponding to the correct answer of the quiz shown in the quiz information, and if the product is the recommended product, makes the benefit information that can be used when purchasing the product applicable to the transaction information of the product. Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal is A communication processing unit that acquires the quiz information from the information processing device, A display processing unit that displays a quiz image containing information indicating the quiz and prizes based on the aforementioned quiz information on the display unit, A system equipped with these features.

6. On the computer, After a user checks in to begin shopping, the system outputs quiz information to the user's terminal, which is generated based on promotional information linking recommended product information and reward information, with the recommended product being the correct answer. Based on the user's operation to register the product, the system obtains a product registration request for the product from the terminal, determines whether the product is a recommended product corresponding to the correct answer of the quiz shown in the quiz information, and if the product is a recommended product, makes the benefit information usable when purchasing the product applicable to the product's transaction information. An information processing program capable of executing [the specified action].

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