Mass retailer user support device, mass retailer user support method, and mass retailer user support program

Abstract

To provide a mass retailer use support device, a mass retailer use support method, and a mass retailer use support program that can provide a favorable service to a user.SOLUTION: A mass retailer use support device according to one aspect of the present disclosure has: a detection unit that detects a user's visit to a mass retailer on the basis of a positive action through the user's terminal; an acquisition unit that, when the user's visit to the mass retailer is detected on the basis of the positive action, acquires a purpose of the user's visit to the mass retailer through the user's terminal; and a control unit that controls at least one of content distribution and privilege giving through the user's terminal according to the purpose of the user's visit to the mass retailer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mass retailer utilization support device, a mass retailer utilization support method, and a mass retailer utilization support program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a sales floor behavior evaluation system including a salesperson position detection device and a processing device. The salesperson position detection device detects the position of a salesperson within the sales floor. The processing device includes an acquisition unit, an extraction unit, and an evaluation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a detection result from the salesperson position detection device. The extraction unit extracts information on the behavior pattern of the salesperson within the sales floor based on the detection result. The evaluation unit evaluates the information on the behavior pattern extracted by the extraction unit based on an evaluation criterion for each behavior pattern determined from the relationship between the sales histories of a plurality of salespersons and the behavior patterns of the plurality of salespersons.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 relates to the evaluation of the sales floor behavior of salespersons, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of providing a service suitable for users of the sales floor.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a mass retailer utilization support device, a mass retailer utilization support method, and a mass retailer utilization support program that can provide a service suitable for users. ​​​​​A mass retailer user support device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a detection unit that detects a user's visit to a mass retailer based on an active action taken by the user via the user's terminal; an acquisition unit that, once the user's visit to the mass retailer is detected based on the active action, acquires the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer via the user's terminal; and content distribution and benefits via the user's terminal according to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer. Give control In addition, the system controls the subsequent content delivery and benefit provision via the user's terminal in different ways depending on whether or not the user engaged in purchasing activities in accordance with the purpose of visiting the mass retailer. It is characterized by having a control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to provide a mass retailer user support device, a mass retailer user support method, and a mass retailer user support program that can provide services suitable for users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a mass retailer user support device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a mass retailer. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of customer detection using NFC touch. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a server supporting mass retailers. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a screen on a user's terminal for inputting and selecting the purpose of visit to a mass retailer, and a floor guide after the purpose of visit has been obtained. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a support process for using mass retailers. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal and a retail store support server. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal and a retail store support server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of the schematic configuration of a mass retailer user support device 1 according to one embodiment. The term "mass retailer user support device" may be read as "mass retailer user support system" (the two terms may be considered synonymous). Furthermore, the mass retailer user support method and mass retailer user support program according to one embodiment are realized by having the computer (CPU: Central Processing Unit) included in the mass retailer user support device 1 execute various processing steps. In this specification, the mass retailer is described as a consumer electronics store.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the mass retailer support device 1 includes a user terminal (a terminal used by a mass retailer) 10 and a mass retailer support server 20. The user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20 are connected to each other via a network 30 so that they can communicate with one another. In Figure 1, the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20 are depicted as a single, simplified configuration, but this is for the sake of ease of drawing. In reality, both the hardware and software configurations of the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20 are more complex than those depicted in Figure 1. As will be described in detail later, for example, the mass retailer support server 20 may be composed of multiple servers, databases, etc. In addition to the mass retailer support server 20, there may also be servers that manage multiple sales booths included in the mass retailer (for example, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, rice cookers, air conditioning equipment, personal computers, smartphones, etc.) and are able to communicate with the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20 via the network 30.

[0012] The mass retailer user support device (mass retailer user support system) 1 can be considered as a configuration that includes a user terminal 10, a mass retailer user support server 20, and a mass retailer (for example, the NFC tag 3 described later), or it can be considered as a configuration that does not include the user terminal 10, but includes only the mass retailer user support server 20 and a mass retailer (for example, the NFC tag 3 described later). In other words, the user terminal 10 is not an essential configuration requirement for the mass retailer user support device 1.

[0013] The user terminal 10 is, for example, a mobile device (mobile communication terminal) such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet. In other words, the user terminal 10 in this specification is a communication device that can communicate with the mass retailer support server 20 in various ways. The user terminal 10 can communicate, for example, via wired and / or wireless (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5 th The user terminal 10 may communicate with a network (such as the Internet) via Generation New Radio (5G NR), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. The communication method of the user terminal 10 is flexible and various design changes are possible, and it may also be acoustic communication or visible light communication, etc. The user terminal 10 runs a browser and various other applications at the user's operation.

[0014] In this embodiment, the user terminal 10 is used to engage in purchasing activities for various goods and services at mass retailers, to receive content distribution and benefits related to those purchasing activities, and to provide and collect other information. In that sense, the user terminal 10 can be read as "a terminal used by a mass retailer."

[0015] The mass retailer support server 20 can be any communication device capable of various types of communication with the user terminal 10, and may be interpreted as a device, circuit, etc. The mass retailer support server 20 controls and executes various processes to provide services suitable for the user (mass retailer user) via communication with the user terminal (terminal of the mass retailer user) 10.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a general merchandise store.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the general merchandise store 2 includes an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag 3 installed near the entrance and exit, and a plurality of sales booths 4-9. In FIG. 2, six sales booths 4-9 are illustrated, but the number of sales booths has a degree of freedom and various design changes are possible. In FIG. 2, the general merchandise store is depicted as being composed of one floor, but the general merchandise store may be composed of two or more floors (two-story or more). The sales booths 4-9 may be partitioned by, for example, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, rice cookers, air conditioning equipment, personal computers, smartphones, etc.

[0018] The NFC tag 3 functions as a "detection unit" that detects the visit of a user (a user of the general merchandise store) to the general merchandise store based on an active action via a user terminal (the terminal of the general merchandise store user) 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when a user who visits the general merchandise store 2 brings their user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 3 to perform near-field wireless communication (NFC communication), a radio wave is sent from the user terminal 10 to the NFC tag 3, and a radio wave returns from the NFC tag 3 to the user terminal 10, and the result is sent from the user terminal 10 to the general merchandise store utilization support server 20. At that time, information about the general merchandise store user who is the owner of the user terminal 10 (for example, identification information of the user terminal 10, information such as the user's age, gender, occupation, etc., purchase history information of the user in the general merchandise store, etc.) may be sent from the user terminal 10 to the general merchandise store utilization support server 20. Thus, the NFC tag 3 (detection unit) consists of a near-field wireless communication unit, and based on an active action via the user terminal 10 by near-field wireless communication with the user terminal 10, it detects the visit of the user to the general merchandise store. This "detection process" can be executed simply by bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 3 to perform near-field wireless communication regardless of whether the user terminal 10 has registered (installed, downloaded) the general merchandise store application or is running the general merchandise store application (even if it has not been registered or is not running). (It can be used as a trigger for the general merchandise store application.)

[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the mass retailer use support server 20.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the mass retailer use support server 20 includes an application download guidance unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, a content distribution unit 23, a privilege granting unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0021] When the arrival of the user at the mass retailer is detected based on an active action via the user terminal 10 (when short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 10 and the NFC tag 3 is detected), and the mass retailer use application has not been downloaded to the user terminal 10, the application download guidance unit 21 guides the user terminal 10 to download the mass retailer use application. Not all user terminals 10 that perform an in-store touch (an active action of holding the user terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3) have downloaded the mass retailer use application. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to display a download screen of the mass retailer use application on the display of the user terminal 10 or display a store of the mass retailer use application to guide the user terminal 10 to download the mass retailer use application.

[0022] When a user enters a store (by actively holding their terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3), it is determined whether or not they are a user who has downloaded the retail store application. If they are a user who has downloaded the retail store application, the application will be launched after a tap, for example, via a push notification or AppClip. This is expected to encourage the reactivation of dormant users of the retail store application and to make launching the application a habit. If the user is not a user who has downloaded the retail store application, they will be directed to the retail store's download store. This is expected to encourage the acquisition of new downloads of the retail store application. In addition, by triggering events (content distribution, reward granting) when the retail store application is launched and displaying these events separately for each ID, it is possible to track "who," "when," and "which store" they visited based on their ID.

[0023] When the acquisition unit 22 detects a user's visit to a mass retailer based on an active action via the user terminal 10 (when short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 10 and the NFC tag 3 is detected), it acquires the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer via the user terminal 10. More specifically, when an entry touch (an active action of holding the user terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3) is performed, the mass retailer usage application is launched on the user terminal 10, and a screen for inputting and selecting the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer is displayed on the user terminal 10's display.

[0024] Figures 5A and 5B show the input and selection screens for the purpose of visiting a mass retailer using the user terminal 10, and Figure 5C shows an example of floor guidance after the purpose of visit has been acquired. In Figure 5A, the user terminal 10's display shows the message "What are you looking for today?" and allows the user to select one of the icons representing their purpose of visit (games, cameras, televisions, personal computers, projectors, strollers, beds, desk and chair sets, lighting fixtures). In Figure 5B, the user terminal 10's display shows the message "What are you looking for today?" and allows the user to freely input their purpose of visit. Once the purpose of visit is confirmed in this way, as shown in Figure 5C, a floor guide to the sales booth corresponding to the purpose of visit is displayed on the user terminal 10's display. The user can then proceed to the sales booth corresponding to their purpose of visit without getting lost by looking at this floor guide. In this way, by acquiring the user's purpose of visit in association with the user terminal 10, it is possible to capture "who came to the store and what they were looking for" and "whether or not the visitor had the intention to purchase" based on their ID. Furthermore, by storing data (segmenting) of the user's subsequent purchasing activities (for example, whether they have purchased products in line with their purpose of visit) by ID, data accumulation (categorization and utilization) and utilization (monetization) become possible. For example, it is possible to capture whether the user is a potential customer for future visits (e.g., no purchase) or not a target for future visits (purchase made) based on the ID. When the user terminal 10 inputs and selects the purpose of visiting the mass retailer, it is also possible to add whether or not the user wishes to receive customer service from the mass retailer's staff (e.g., ancillary services such as product explanations). In other words, the concept of "purpose of visit" may be used to include whether or not the user wishes to receive customer service from the mass retailer's staff. In this case, the operation mode of the mass retailer application may be made different depending on whether or not customer service from the mass retailer's staff is desired.

[0025] Under the control of the control unit 25, the content distribution unit 23 distributes content according to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2 once the acquisition unit 22 has acquired that purpose. This content distribution may occur simultaneously with the display of the destination floor guide, before the display of the destination floor guide, or after the display of the destination floor guide.

[0026] For example, if the purpose of the visit is to purchase a television, the content distribution unit 23 can distribute content such as the manufacturers and product names of televisions available at the mass retailer 2, the features (advantages and disadvantages) of each television, the price and discount rate of each television, as well as content on related products such as TV stands and DVD players. Similarly, if the purpose of the visit is to purchase a smartphone, the content distribution unit 23 can distribute content such as the manufacturers and product names of smartphones available at the mass retailer 2, the features (advantages and disadvantages) of each smartphone, the price and discount rate of each smartphone, as well as content on related products such as smartphone cases and various accessories. In this way, the content distribution unit 23 can deliver different content depending on the user's purpose of visiting the mass retailer 2.

[0027] The content distribution unit 23, under the control of the control unit 25, can perform retroactive content distribution via the user terminal 10 in response to the user's purchasing activity at the mass retailer 2. This retroactive content distribution can occur one day, two days, three days, etc., after the user's visit to the mass retailer 2.

[0028] For example, if a user engages in purchasing activities in accordance with their purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2 (such as purchasing a television or smartphone in the above example), the content distribution unit 23 can deliver post-purchase content that includes how to use or apply the purchased product, as well as content related to products or services other than the purchased product. On the other hand, if a user does not engage in purchasing activities in accordance with their purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2 (such as postponing the purchase of a television or smartphone in the above example), the content distribution unit 23 can track the user as a potential buyer of that product and deliver post-purchase content that is helpful in deciding whether to purchase that product (television or smartphone). In this way, the content distribution unit 23 can deliver post-purchase content via the user terminal 10 in different ways depending on whether or not the user engaged in purchasing activities in accordance with their purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2.

[0029] The reward granting unit 24, under the control of the control unit 25, grants a reward corresponding to the purpose of the visit when the acquisition unit 22 acquires the purpose of the user's visit to the mass retailer 2. This reward granting may occur simultaneously with the display of the destination floor guide, before the display of the destination floor guide, or after the display of the destination floor guide.

[0030] For example, if the purpose of the visit is to purchase a television, the reward distribution unit 24 can issue a discount coupon for a television available at the mass retailer 2. Similarly, if the purpose of the visit is to purchase a smartphone, the reward distribution unit 25 can issue a discount coupon for a smartphone available at the mass retailer 2. The discount rate for the coupon may differ depending on the type of television or smartphone. In this way, the reward distribution unit 25 can provide different rewards according to the user's purpose of visiting the mass retailer 2.

[0031] The reward granting unit 24, under the control of the control unit 25, can grant rewards retroactively via the user terminal 10 in response to the user's purchasing activities at the mass retailer 2. These retroactive rewards can be granted one, two, or three days after the user's visit to the mass retailer 2.

[0032] For example, if a user engages in purchasing activities in accordance with their purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2 (in the example above, if they purchase a television or a smartphone), the reward granting unit 24 can provide a retroactive reward in the form of a discount coupon for related products (for example, a TV stand or DVD player for a television, or a smartphone case or various accessories for a smartphone). On the other hand, if a user does not engage in purchasing activities in accordance with their purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2 (in the example above, if they postpone the purchase of a television or a smartphone), the reward granting unit 24 can track them as a potential customer for that product and provide a retroactive reward in the form of a discount coupon for that product (television or smartphone). In this way, the reward granting unit 24 can provide retroactive rewards via the user terminal 10 in different ways depending on whether or not the user engaged in purchasing activities in accordance with their purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2.

[0033] The control unit 25 works in cooperation with at least one of the content distribution unit 23 and the reward granting unit 24 to control at least one of content distribution and reward granting via the user terminal 10 according to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2. The control unit 25 works in cooperation with the content distribution unit 23 to distribute different content according to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2. The control unit 25 works in cooperation with the reward granting unit 24 to grant different rewards according to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2.

[0034] The control unit 25 works in cooperation with at least one of the content distribution unit 23 and the reward granting unit 24 to control at least one of the subsequent content distribution and reward granting via the user terminal 10 in accordance with the user's purchasing activities at the mass retailer 2. The control unit 25 works in cooperation with the content distribution unit 23 to control the subsequent content distribution via the user terminal 10 in different ways depending on whether the user has engaged in purchasing activities in accordance with the purpose of visiting the mass retailer 2. The control unit 25 works in cooperation with the reward granting unit 24 to control the subsequent reward granting via the user terminal 10 in different ways depending on whether the user has engaged in purchasing activities in accordance with the purpose of visiting the mass retailer 2.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 25 may cooperate with at least one of the content distribution unit 23 and the reward granting unit 24 to control at least one of content distribution and reward granting that is unrelated to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer 2. Also, the control unit 25 may cooperate with at least one of the content distribution unit 23 and the reward granting unit 24 to control at least one of content distribution and reward granting that is unrelated to the user's purchasing activities at the mass retailer 2.

[0036] Thus, under the control of the control unit 25, the content distribution unit 23 and the reward granting unit 24 are responsible for targeted advertising and targeted sales promotion functions according to the user's purpose of visiting the mass retailer 2. The targeted advertising and targeted sales promotion functions provide ID-specific targeted in-app advertisements (e.g., ad delivery control aligned with the purpose of visiting) and ID-specific targeted coupon promotions (e.g., coupon delivery control aligned with the purpose of visiting) in conjunction with the confirmation of the purpose of visiting as an initial event. In providing these, targeted delivery is delivered by ID in accordance with the confirmation of the purpose of visiting, and the user terminal 10 can be controlled to enable delivery control such as exclusion settings and FQ (frequency), which is a limit on the number of times an ad can be displayed per day. In this way, data accumulation and utilization (monetization) related to the provision of ID-specific targeted advertisements and ID-specific targeted coupons becomes possible.

[0037] Whether or not a user who received an ID-specific targeted coupon made a purchase using that coupon (purchased or not) is recorded as ID-specific data (segmented). Furthermore, if a purchase is made using the coupon, the coupon is invalidated. The coupon display function and coupon redemption function are designed to utilize the purchase data using the coupon for analysis and ID-based distribution, enabling various data marketing distributions. For example, on owned media, ID-specific targeted distribution can be applied to content, campaigns, coupons, incentives, push notifications, and messages. On paid media, ID-specific targeted distribution can be implemented as data-targeted distribution via ID push notifications to each medium, with data masking applied. In this way, it's possible to capture "who" used "which coupon" using IDs and integrate this data for targeted monetization.

[0038] Figures 6A-6H show an example of a support process for use at mass retailers.

[0039] In Figure 6A, an NFC touch is performed by bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 3. In Figure 6B, the mass retailer application is launched triggered by the NFC touch. At this time, store information, application launch time, and advertising ID are acquired. In addition, the information acquired at the time of store visit may include identification information such as an ID uniquely assigned by the Software Development Kit (SDK). It is preferable to build a system that enables the acquisition of information at the time of store visit even if there are issues with application tracking declarations or if advertising IDs cannot be acquired through opt-in. In Figure 6C, the purpose of the store visit is confirmed. At this time, user demand information is acquired. In Figure 6D, a roulette (reward) and advertisement (video / still image) are provided according to the purpose of the store visit. The advertisement (video / still image) can be tailored to the user's purpose of the store visit. At this time, event information at the mass retailer is acquired. In Figure 6E, the winning animation for the roulette (reward) is performed. At this time, winning information is acquired. Furthermore, there is flexibility in the types of winning animations for awarding rewards, allowing for various design changes, and other gimmicks such as gacha machines can be added in addition to roulette. In Figure 6F, coupons are awarded. These coupons can be tailored to the user's purpose for visiting the store. In addition to the usual awarding of coupons and incentives (rewards), a winning adjustment function can also be implemented. Specifically, if there are three types of coupons with different values, the distribution can be adjusted according to the upper budget and end date, and the winning probability can be changed midway through the campaign period. In Figure 6G, the coupon usage screen is displayed and the coupon is used. At that time, coupon usage information is acquired. In Figure 6H, the redemption screen after coupon use is displayed and the coupon is redeemed (invalidated). At this time, various measurement logs are maintained. In this way, by creating a one-ID system that includes "when," "who," "which store," "what they wanted," and "what they bought," and utilizing this data for data marketing, it is possible to generate revenue.

[0040] Thus, in the mass retailer user support device according to this disclosure, the detection unit detects the user's visit to the mass retailer based on the user's proactive actions via the user's terminal, and when the acquisition unit detects the user's visit to the mass retailer based on the user's proactive actions, it acquires the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer via the user's terminal, and the control unit controls at least one of content distribution and benefit provision via the user's terminal according to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer. This makes it possible to provide services that are suitable for the mass retailer's users.

[0041] Traditionally, mass retailers such as consumer electronics stores have issued point cards, and customers could receive benefits such as point accumulation by inserting the point card into a processing device installed in the store. However, this has the problem of significant burdens related to equipment management costs and maintenance (installation, management, electricity costs, etc.). In contrast, with the mass retailer user support device disclosed herein, anyone can receive services without incurring equipment management costs or maintenance burdens by installing (downloading) the mass retailer user application on their user terminal.

[0042] In the mass retailer user support device described in this disclosure, for example, when a user touches their terminal via NFC at the entrance of a mass retailer, the mass retailer user application is launched, and content such as slots with advertisements and rewards are distributed. In addition, floor guidance of the mass retailer according to the purpose of visit is provided, along with the distribution of points and coupons according to the purpose of visit, enabling advantageous purchasing activities using points and coupons. Furthermore, purchase information using points and coupons can be utilized as data, and revenue can be generated through post-purchase content distribution and reward distribution based on the purchase information.

[0043] Thus, the mass retailer support device described in this disclosure offers several advantages, including store maintenance-free operation through NFC tags, promotion of purchasing activities motivated by incentives such as points and coupons, reduction of actual costs through the creation of sales promotion menus such as points and coupons, acquisition of new revenue through advertising distribution, customer analysis through the accumulation and conversion of measurement logs into data, and monetization through data-driven marketing. Furthermore, the costs of sales promotion and advertising in the mass retailer application after NFC touch may be borne by the provider of goods and services at the mass retailer (e.g., the manufacturer). Moreover, all functions can be made available simply by incorporating a Software Development Kit (SDK) into the mass retailer application, and the acquired log data may be made available for use by the provider of goods and services at the mass retailer (e.g., the manufacturer).

[0044] Figure 7 shows an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20. As shown in Figure 7, the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20 have a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, an input unit 140, and an output unit 150. Note that Figure 7 shows an example of the functional blocks of the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20, and they may have other functional blocks not shown in Figure 7. Also, the configuration may omit some functional blocks.

[0045] The control unit 110 controls the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20. The control unit 110 can be configured with a controller, control circuit, or control device as described based on common understanding in the technical field of the present invention.

[0046] The storage unit 120 stores information used by the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20. The storage unit 120 can be configured, for example, with memory, storage, or a device that can be described based on common understanding in the technical field of the present invention.

[0047] The communication unit 130 facilitates communication between the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20 (for example, mutual communication between the two). The communication unit 130 can be composed of a transmitter / receiver, a transmitting / receiving circuit, or a transmitting / receiving device as described based on common understanding in the art according to the present invention. The communication unit 130 may also consist of a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.

[0048] The input unit 140 receives input from the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20. The input unit 140 may also be connected to a predetermined device, storage medium, etc., to receive data input. The input unit 140 may output the input results to, for example, the control unit 110. The input unit 140 can be configured with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or buttons, input / output terminals, input / output circuits, etc., as described based on common understanding in the technical field of the present invention. Furthermore, the input unit 140 may be integrated with a display unit (for example, a touch panel).

[0049] The output unit 150 outputs to the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20. For example, the output unit 150 may include a display unit for displaying images, an audio output unit for outputting sound, and so on. The display unit can be configured, for example, with a display device such as a display or monitor as described based on common understanding in the art of the present invention. The audio output unit can be configured with an output device such as a speaker as described based on common understanding in the art of the present invention.

[0050] The block diagrams used in the description of the above embodiments show functional units. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the means of realizing each functional block are not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by a single physically coupled device, or by two or more physically separated devices connected by wired or wireless means.

[0051] For example, the device in one embodiment of this disclosure (user terminal 10 and mass retailer support server 20) may function as a computer that performs the mass retailer support processing of this disclosure. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20. The user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, memory 1002, storage 1003, communication device 1004, input device 1005, output device 1006, bus 1007, etc.

[0052] In this disclosure, terms such as apparatus, circuit, device, unit, and server may be interpreted interchangeably. The hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20 may include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it may be configured to omit some of the devices.

[0053] For example, although only one processor 1001 is shown in the diagram, there may be multiple processors. Furthermore, processing may be performed by one processor, or by two or more processors simultaneously, sequentially, or by other means. Note that processor 1001 may be implemented using one or more chips.

[0054] Each function in the user terminal 10 and the mass retailer support server 20 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, which causes the processor 1001 to perform calculations and control communication by the communication device 1004, and the reading and / or writing of data to the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0055] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer, for example, by running the operating system. The processor 1001 may be composed of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc. Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned components, such as the control unit 110, may be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0056] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc., from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiment. For example, the control unit 110 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and other functional blocks may be implemented similarly.

[0057] Memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically EPROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), or other suitable storage medium. Memory 1002 may also be called a register, cache, or main memory. Memory 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for carrying out a method according to one embodiment.

[0058] The storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: a flexible disk, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM)), a digital multipurpose disk, a Blu-ray disk), a removable disk, a hard disk drive, a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, stick, key drive), a magnetic stripe, a database, a server, or other suitable storage medium. The storage 1003 may also be called an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 120 described above may be implemented by the memory 1002 and / or the storage 1003.

[0059] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transceiver / receiver device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may include a SIM card. The communication unit 130 described above may be implemented by the communication device 1004.

[0060] The input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from an external source (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, etc.). The output device 1006 is an output device that outputs to an external source (e.g., a display, speaker, etc.). The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be configured as an integrated unit (e.g., a touch panel). The input section 140 and the output section 150 described above may be implemented by the input device 1005 and the output device 1006, respectively.

[0061] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1008 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may consist of a single bus or different buses may be used for communication between devices.

[0062] Furthermore, the user terminal 10 and the retail store support server 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and some or all of each functional block may be realized by such hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0063] (modified version) In addition, terms used in this disclosure and / or terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meaning.

[0064] The information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information. Furthermore, the names used for parameters, etc., in this disclosure are not limited in any way.

[0065] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0066] Information, signals, etc., may be input and output via multiple network nodes. Input and output information, signals, etc., may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a table. Input and output information, signals, etc., may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. Output information, signals, etc., may be deleted. Input information, signals, etc., may be transmitted to other devices.

[0067] Furthermore, notification of the specified information (for example, notification that "X is the case") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be made implicitly (for example, by not notifying the specified information or by notifying other information).

[0068] Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, and so on, whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or by any other name.

[0069] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via at least one of a transmission medium and a signal waveform. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0070] The terms “system” and “network” as used in this disclosure may be used interchangeably.

[0071] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used individually, in combination, or switched between during execution. Furthermore, the processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be rearranged in order, provided they are consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not limited to that specific order.

[0072] In this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on."

[0073] Any reference to elements using the designations “first,” “second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Accordingly, the references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0074] Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR.

[0075] In this disclosure, if articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0076] Although the invention described herein has been explained in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention described herein is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The invention described herein can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the descriptions herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation on the invention described herein.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the active action via the user terminal (user's device) was illustrated by bringing the user terminal close to (holding) the NFC tag. However, there is a degree of flexibility in the active actions via the user terminal (user's device), and various design changes are possible. For example, it is possible to substitute this with actions such as vibrating the user terminal at a predetermined location, reading predetermined identification information (e.g., a QR code®), or connecting to Wi-Fi®.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the example given was that the mass retailer is a consumer electronics retailer, but it could also be a supermarket, drugstore, or something else. For example, a mass retailer is a large store that buys a large quantity of specific products and sells them at a discounted price, and may be a chain store, but the term "mass retailer" can also be read as a retail store, wholesale store, or shop. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1. Mass retailer user support device (mass retailer user support system) 2. Mass retailers (consumer electronics retailers) 3. NFC (Near Field Communication) tag (detection unit) 4-9 Sales Booth 10. User terminals (terminals used by customers at mass retailers) 20. Support Server for Mass Retailers 21 Application Download Guidance Section 22 Acquisition Department 23. Content Distribution Department 24. Special Offer Section 25 Control Unit 30 Networks

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects a user's visit to a mass retail store based on the user's proactive actions via their terminal, When the user's visit to the mass retailer is detected based on the aforementioned proactive action, the acquisition unit acquires the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer via the user's terminal, A control unit controls the distribution of content and provision of benefits via the user's terminal according to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer, and controls the subsequent distribution of content and provision of benefits via the user's terminal in different ways depending on whether or not the user engaged in purchasing activities in accordance with their purpose for visiting the mass retailer. A mass retailer user support device characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned mass retailer is a consumer electronics retailer. The mass retailer user support device according to feature 1.

3. A step of detecting a user's visit to a mass retailer based on an active action taken via the user's device, When the user's visit to the mass retailer is detected based on the aforementioned proactive action, the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer is obtained via the user's terminal. The steps include controlling the distribution of content and provision of benefits via the user's terminal according to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer, and controlling subsequent content distribution and provision of benefits via the user's terminal in different ways depending on whether or not the user engaged in purchasing activities in accordance with their purpose for visiting the mass retailer, A method for supporting the use of mass retailers, characterized in that a computer performs the following actions.

4. A step of detecting a user's visit to a mass retailer based on an active action taken via the user's device, When the user's visit to the mass retailer is detected based on the aforementioned proactive action, the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer is obtained via the user's terminal. The steps include controlling the distribution of content and provision of benefits via the user's terminal according to the user's purpose for visiting the mass retailer, and controlling subsequent content distribution and provision of benefits via the user's terminal in different ways depending on whether or not the user engaged in purchasing activities in accordance with their purpose for visiting the mass retailer, A mass retailer user support program characterized by having a computer execute a command.

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