Information processing device, method for controlling the information processing device, and program

Abstract

To make effective use of promotional materials that provide coupons. [Solution] A program that causes an information processing device to function as a display control unit that displays a setting screen for inputting the coupon ID of a coupon that can be applied to a promotional item in an electronic payment service and location information regarding the location where the promotional item will be displayed, and an output control unit that outputs image data of a promotional item to which a two-dimensional code containing information corresponding to the coupon information and location information corresponding to the coupon ID has been added.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method of the information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] When making a payment for goods or services, cashless payment without using money is becoming popular. In particular, electronic payment using a payment application (hereinafter referred to as an electronic payment app) that can be installed on a terminal device such as a smartphone has attracted attention due to its high convenience.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of automatically following a franchise store that is a provider of a coupon in an electronic payment service after the electronic coupon is provided. Patent Document 2 discloses a method of automatically applying a coupon available at a store where a payment process is performed when making an electronic payment using a terminal device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an electronic payment service, a useful method for utilizing a promotional item that provides a coupon is desired.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to usefully utilize a promotional item that provides a coupon.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information processing device comprising: a display control unit that displays a setting screen for inputting a coupon ID of a coupon applicable to a promotional item in an electronic payment service, location information relating to a place where the promotional item is displayed, and design information for determining the background design of the promotional item; and an output control unit that outputs image data of a promotional item to which a two-dimensional code containing information corresponding to the coupon information and the location information is attached, to design data in which a background design based on the design information input on the setting screen and coupon information corresponding to the coupon ID are arranged; When the aforementioned two-dimensional code is read, the storage unit updates and stores the number of accesses for each of the multiple location information associated with the coupon ID, To function as The output control unit outputs the image data of the promotional material without accepting any operations other than the input of the coupon ID, location information, and design information on the setting screen, and outputs the number of accesses for each location information stored by the storage unit as visualized information. It is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, promotional materials offering coupons can be effectively utilized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the process of creating promotional materials. [Figure 2] This is a system configuration diagram. [Figure 3] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the terminal device. [Figure 4] This is a software configuration diagram of the terminal device. [Figure 5] This is a software configuration diagram for the server. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of electronic payments. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of electronic payments. [Figure 8] This is a diagram explaining coupon information. [Figure 9] This chart shows the status of users acquiring coupons. [Figure 10] This is a table diagram showing the correspondence between coupon IDs and location information. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the process of creating promotional materials. [Figure 12] A diagram showing examples of promotional items. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating the process of creating promotional items. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating the relationship between the posting location and the number of accesses.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, the program, and the information processing system according to the present disclosure are not limited by this embodiment. Also, in the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0011] As an application that can be installed on a terminal device such as a smartphone, there is an electronic payment application. Hereinafter, an application may be simply referred to as an app.

[0012] The electronic payment app is operated and managed by a service provider that provides an electronic payment service. A store or service provider that has a contract with the service provider that provides the electronic payment service is referred to as a franchise store. Examples of franchise stores include an organization that operates a plurality of physical stores or online shops. A user can make a payment using the electronic payment app at a store of a franchise store. A manager of a store of a franchise store (hereinafter referred to as a store manager) can operate a dedicated interface (or a management app for the store) to distribute privilege information such as coupons available at the store and other information. Also, in a franchise store, promotion may be carried out by posting a poster including a two-dimensional code for obtaining a privilege (coupon) at the storefront of the franchise store. A user checks the poster posted at the storefront of the franchise store and operates the electronic payment app to receive the privilege on the electronic payment app in order to receive such a privilege.

[0013] As described above, the management app is provided for stores. The store manager can use the store management app for various purposes. Among them, a major usage is to create privilege information such as coupons for promotion targets. Specifically, it becomes possible to create a promotional item with coupon information posted. A promotional item is, for example, a poster posted in the store. Store users (customers) can check the coupons in the store from the posters posted in the store. Also, the user can read the two-dimensional code attached to the poster and transition to the coupon usage screen provided by the server to actually use the coupon.

[0014] In franchise stores, for various promotions, posters are posted in various locations in the store. For example, a poster may be posted in front of the cash register or at the entrance of the store. Also, the size of the posters to be posted may vary depending on the location. Which poster posted in which location the user uses to obtain a privilege varies depending on various factors for each store. That is, which location to prepare a promotional item to increase the promotional effect varies depending on the individual circumstances in the actual store. So far, the store manager has posted promotional items in his or her own store based on his or her own rules of thumb, but has not been able to grasp whether they are actually posted in effective locations. If the effective locations for promotional items can be confirmed, it will be more useful in store design. In the embodiments described below, an example of providing a useful utilization method for promotional items will be described. Hereinafter, the process for generating promotional items in this embodiment will be described.

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the flow of promotional material creation in this embodiment. Using Figure 1, we will briefly explain each setting screen and the flow of promotional material generation. Store managers can generate promotional materials to be placed in stores from each setting screen of the management application by operating the store terminal device. Store managers input the information necessary for generating promotional materials on the display screen of the management application. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, by inputting information on the coupon setting screen 110 and the location information setting screen 120, the management application generates promotional material image data 130.

[0016] In this embodiment, the coupon setting screen 110 is a setting screen for inputting the background design of the promotional material, the content of the coupon, and store information. The background design can be selected from several background types displayed by pressing the sample selection button 111. The coupon setting screen 110 has a coupon ID input field 112 and a store ID input field 114. The coupon ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the distributed coupon. That is, once the coupon ID is determined, the store ID is also determined. Therefore, by entering a coupon ID that has been managed in advance on the server into the coupon ID input field 112 and pressing the search button 113, the store ID corresponding to the coupon ID will be automatically entered into the store ID input field 114. This completes the input on the coupon setting screen.

[0017] The location information setting screen 120 is a settings screen for entering the placement location of promotional materials. While any location can be entered in the placement location input field 121, pressing the sample selection button 122 will display examples of placement locations, allowing the user to select one of the displayed examples.

[0018] Once the necessary information has been entered on the coupon settings screen 110 and the location information settings screen 120, the management application generates promotional image data 130 based on the respective inputs. The generated promotional material includes a two-dimensional code 131 for transitioning to the coupon screen.

[0019] In this embodiment, the two-dimensional code 131 is used for different purposes by the store user and the store manager. First, from the store user's perspective, scanning the two-dimensional code 131 allows them to transition to a display screen for obtaining coupon information. The content of the coupon is based on the information set in the coupon settings screen 110.

[0020] On the other hand, store managers can track the reading status of the QR code 131 for each placement location. This is achieved based on the settings on the location information setting screen 120. The placement locations entered on the location information setting screen 120 become the location information (location information) contained in the QR code 131 attached to the generated promotional material image data 130. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the store manager places the promotional material at the placement locations entered in the management application. Using the QR code 131 with this location information, the store manager can track how many times the QR code of the promotional material placed at each location has been scanned by users. This allows them to analyze which locations should be prioritized for promotional material placement. Details on how promotional materials are generated based on the input on each setting screen will be described later.

[0021] In addition to the coupon settings screen 110 and the location information settings screen 120, there are other settings and settings screens for creating promotional materials, but these will not be explained in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system. The configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. The information processing system includes a store terminal device 1 (200), a store terminal device 2 (201), a server 203, and a user terminal device 204. These devices are connected to each other via a network N, either by wire or wireless means, enabling communication between them. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Hereinafter, store terminal device 1, store terminal device 2, and user terminal device may be collectively referred to as the information processing device.

[0023] The information processing device may be equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) functionality and camera functionality. The information processing device can provide location information acquired by the GPS functionality to other devices. The information processing device can provide code information (such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes) acquired by the camera functionality to other devices.

[0024] In this embodiment, store terminal device 1(200) and store terminal device 2(201) are used for different purposes in a single store. Store terminal device 1(200) has a management application installed and is used for tasks such as creating coupons. Details will be described later with reference to Figure 11. Store terminal device 2(201) is installed in the store, for example, and is used when electronic payments are made at the user's terminal. Details will be described later with reference to Figure 7.

[0025] Server 203 is an information processing device that provides electronic payment services, including electronic payment processing and distribution of information related to electronic payments. Users can access the electronic payment service by installing an electronic payment application on their user terminal device 204. The electronic payment service can also be accessed by using a standard web browser to access the page provided by Server 203.

[0026] Users can use the electronic payment app to make payments for goods or services at stores, view and claim reward information distributed by stores or affiliated merchants, and view recommendation information. Hereinafter, users who receive the electronic payment service will be referred to as PS users. PS users are, for example, users who have obtained an account within the electronic payment app. The obtained accounts are managed by server 203.

[0027] For example, server 203 manages the electronic accounts of affiliated stores and PS users, and enables various payment methods by transferring electronic money between these electronic accounts.

[0028] Furthermore, server 203 also functions when creating promotional materials in the management application. As described above, in this embodiment, the information entered to create promotional materials is sent to server 203. Based on the acquired information, server 203 sends the data for creating image data of the promotional materials, as well as a two-dimensional code, to the store terminal device 1(200). Details will be described later using the sequence diagram in Figure 11.

[0029] In Figure 2, for the sake of illustration simplicity, two store terminals and one user terminal are shown, but this is merely an example and not an limitation. In other words, there may be two or more terminals in the information processing system. Terminals can connect to network N via wireless communication networks such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation) mobile communication systems, and 5G mobile communication systems, and communicate with other devices. Terminals can also connect to network N via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi, and communicate with other devices.

[0030] Information transmitted and received between terminal devices, servers, and other devices may be written in a scripting language such as JavaScript®. The transmitted and received information may also be written in a stylesheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), or a programming language such as Java®. Furthermore, the transmitted and received information may be written in a markup language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language) or HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Alternatively, this information may be converted into a data description language such as JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) before transmission and reception.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store terminal device 1(200). The store terminal device 1(200) includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a storage device 304, an input / output I / F 305, and a network I / F 306. Each component is connected to the others by a system bus.

[0032] The CPU 301 reads the program stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executes the read program to perform various control functions. The CPU 301 may be an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The CPU 301 may also be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc.

[0033] ROM 302 stores control programs such as the startup program for the store terminal device 1 (200). RAM 303 temporarily stores control programs or data when the CPU 301 performs various controls. RAM 303 is used as work memory. Storage device 304 is memory for storing applications, software, and various data. Examples of storage device 304 include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, and storage.

[0034] The input / output interface 305 is an interface for transmitting output information to an output device such as the display unit 310. The display unit 310 can be a display or a projector. The display unit 310 may be located outside the store terminal device 1(200) or located inside the store terminal device 1(200), as shown in Figure 3.

[0035] The input / output interface 305 is an interface for receiving input information from input devices such as the input unit 311. Examples of input devices 311 include a mouse, keyboard, buttons, and touch panel. The input unit 311 may be located outside the information processing device 300, as shown in Figure 3, or it may be located in the store terminal device 1(200).

[0036] Furthermore, the input / output interface 305 may be connected to the display unit 310 and the input unit 311 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The input / output interface 305 may be configured as an input interface and an output interface. The network interface 306 is an interface for receiving data from other devices via the network N and transmitting data generated or stored by the store terminal device 1(200) to other devices via the network N.

[0037] Note that the store terminal device 1(200) is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3. For example, it may be equipped with a camera unit for implementing camera functionality, a positioning unit for implementing GPS functionality, and a microphone unit and speaker unit for implementing call functionality.

[0038] Furthermore, the store terminal device 1(200) may also be equipped with a media interface (not shown). The media interface reads programs and data stored in a storage device (not shown) connected by wire or wireless, and provides them to the CPU 301 via RAM 303. The CPU 301 can read the provided programs from the storage device onto RAM 303 via the media interface and execute the read programs. The storage device is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), or a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk). Alternatively, the storage device may be a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0039] The CPU 301 of the store terminal device 1(200) realizes various functions of the information processing device 300 by executing programs read from the RAM 303. The CPU 301 reads and executes these programs from a storage device, but as an alternative, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the store terminal device 1(200) is provided with the necessary configuration to realize the information processing in this embodiment. Note that the block diagram shown in Figure 3 may also be applied to the hardware configuration of store terminal device 2(201), server 203, and user terminal device 204, in addition to store terminal device 1(200).

[0040] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the functional block diagram of the store terminal device 1 (200). The store terminal device 1 includes a communication unit 401, a display control unit 402, an output control unit 403, and a storage unit 404.

[0041] The communication unit 401 communicates with the server 203 and other devices via the network N. The communication unit 401 also functions as a transmitter, sending requests and information to the server 203 and other devices via the network N. Furthermore, the communication unit 401 receives instructions and information from the server 203 and other devices via the network N.

[0042] The display control unit 402 can control the display unit 310 of the store terminal device 1 (200) and display information on the screen.

[0043] The output control unit 403 can generate image data of promotional materials using coupon information and a two-dimensional code obtained from the server 203 and display it on the display unit 310. The output control unit 403 can also transmit the generated image data of promotional materials to an external device for display on the external device's display. Furthermore, the output control unit 403 can transmit the generated image data of promotional materials to a printing device for printing on a recording medium such as paper.

[0044] The memory unit 404 can store applications, software, and various types of data. It can also store user-inputted configuration information during the process of generating image data for promotional materials.

[0045] Figure 5 is a software configuration diagram of server 203. Server 203 includes, for example, a communication unit 510, a payment content provision unit 520, a payment processing unit 530, an information management unit 540, and a storage unit 570. Server 203 also includes a code generation unit 550 and an aggregation unit 560. Components other than the communication unit 510 and the storage unit 570 are implemented, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Alternatively, they may be implemented through the cooperation of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory (a storage device with a non-transient storage medium). Alternatively, it may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM (a non-transient storage medium) and installed in the storage device when the storage medium is mounted in a drive device.

[0046] The storage unit 570 can be an HDD, flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 570 may also be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that can be accessed by the server 203 via a network. The storage unit 570 stores information such as user information 572, payment content information 574, merchant / store information 576, and coupon information 578.

[0047] The communication unit 510 is a communication interface for connecting to a network NW. The communication unit 510 is, for example, a network interface card.

[0048] The payment content provider unit 520, for example, has the functionality of a web server and provides information (content) for displaying various screens of the electronic payment service to the user terminal device 204. The payment content provider unit 520 reads the necessary content from the payment content information 574 as appropriate and provides it to the user terminal device 204. The user terminal device 204 accepts various inputs from the user with the content being played by the electronic payment application and transmits the aforementioned payment information to the server 203. The payment content provider unit 520 also provides information (content) for displaying various screens for creating coupons, as described later, to the store terminal device 2 (201). The payment processing unit 530 performs payment processing based on the payment information transmitted by the user terminal device 204 or the store terminal device 1 (200). The payment processing unit 530 performs payment processing while referring to the user information 572.

[0049] The code generation unit 550 generates a two-dimensional code based on information obtained from the store terminal device 1(200). In this embodiment, the generated two-dimensional code includes coupon information, location information, and the like.

[0050] The aggregation unit 560 reads the two-dimensional code generated by the code generation unit 550 and aggregates the number of times the coupon information is accessed. The aggregation is performed for each coupon ID, per posting location. In other words, the aggregation unit 560 aggregates which posting location the user terminal transitioned from to the coupon display screen. The aggregated number of accesses is linked to the coupon information and stored as aggregation information 580.

[0051] Design information 590 is information that indicates the background design of the promotional material. Design information 590 is also the information entered in the creation pattern on the coupon setting screen 110. Server 203 stores templates of coupon background designs in the storage unit 570. Server 203 retrieves the background design template corresponding to the entered design information and transmits it to the store terminal device 1 (200).

[0052] Figures 6 and 7 are sequence diagrams illustrating the general flow of electronic payments. There may be two patterns for electronic payments: Pattern 1 and Pattern 2.

[0053] Let's explain the case of Pattern 1 (hereinafter referred to as user scan) shown in Figure 6.

[0054] In S601, the user terminal device 204 decodes the store code image using its optical reading function while the electronic payment application is running. The store code image contains store URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information. This store URL is an electronic payment service domain with information that identifies the store added to it, and is associated with merchant IDs and store IDs in the server 203. A merchant ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify a merchant.

[0055] In S602, the electronic payment app sends first payment information, including the store URL and account ID, to the server 203. In S603, the server 203 searches for store information using the merchant ID and store ID corresponding to the store URL and obtains the merchant name and store name information. In S604, the server 203 sends the obtained information to the electronic payment app.

[0056] In S605, the store user enters the payment amount into the user terminal device 204 on a screen displaying the merchant name and store name. In S606, the user terminal device 204 generates second payment information, including at least the payment amount, and sends it to the server 203. In S607, the server 203 performs the electronic payment based on the received second payment information. In S608, the server 203 sends a payment completion notification (information for displaying the payment completion screen) to the electronic payment app.

[0057] In S609, the electronic payment app displays a payment completion screen. Note that the store code image may include not only the store URL but also payment amount information. In this case, the user is not required to enter the payment amount, and the payment amount information is included in the first payment information and sent to server 203. Merchant name and store name information may also be included and displayed on the payment completion screen.

[0058] Let's explain the case of Pattern 2 (hereinafter referred to as store scan) shown in Figure 7.

[0059] In S701, the electronic payment app sends a request to the server 203 to issue a one-time code. This request is made when the electronic payment app is launched, when a payment operation is performed in the electronic payment app, when it is time for an automatic update (e.g., every minute), and at other times.

[0060] In S702, server 203 generates a one-time code. In S703, server 203 sends the one-time code to the electronic payment app. In S704, the electronic payment app displays a code image, such as a QR code or barcode, generated based on the one-time code.

[0061] In S705, the user holds the display surface of the user terminal device 204 over the store terminal device 2(201), and the store terminal device 2(201) decodes the code image using its optical reading function and obtains a one-time code, etc. In S706, the store terminal device 2(201) generates payment information including a one-time code, payment amount, merchant ID, store ID, etc., and transmits it to the server 203. The payment amount information has been obtained in advance by barcode reading or manual input, etc.

[0062] In S707, server 203 identifies the user corresponding to the one-time code based on the received information and performs the electronic payment. In S708, server 203 sends a payment completion notification to the electronic payment app. In S709, the electronic payment app displays the payment completion screen.

[0063] Furthermore, electronic payment may be performed using only one of the above patterns. Also, the "account ID" may be other information that can be used as user identification information (for example, a phone number). In addition, the issuance of a one-time code may be omitted during store scanning, and the electronic payment app may display a code image generated based on the user's account ID. In that case, the server 203 identifies the user corresponding to the account ID instead of identifying the user corresponding to the one-time code.

[0064] Next, we will explain the details of the coupon information DB578 located on server 203. The coupon information DB578 stores coupon information distributed through electronic payment services.

[0065] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating coupon information. Coupon information 802 is stored in coupon information DB 578, linked to coupon ID 801, store ID 803, and merchant ID 804.

[0066] Coupon ID 801 is an identifier used to uniquely identify a distributed coupon. In other words, Coupon ID 801 makes it possible to uniquely determine which stores can use the coupon and what the coupon's contents are. As shown in Figure 8, Coupon ID 801 is linked to the store ID 803 of the store that distributed the coupon and the merchant ID 804 of that store. Coupon information 802 is information that indicates the contents of the coupon. Coupon information 802 includes, for example, the coupon's expiration date, the goods or services to which the coupon can be applied, the discount rate of the coupon, the conditions for who the coupon is distributed to, and the conditions for applying the coupon.

[0067] The coupon's expiration date is the date and time the coupon can be used. For example, the coupon's expiration date may be expressed as "until XX / XX / Y

[0068] The eligibility criteria for coupon distribution are, for example, the conditions set by the store manager when distributing the coupon. For example, eligibility criteria for coupon distribution may include being 20 years of age or older, female only, or residing in a specific area. The coupon application conditions are the conditions under which the coupon can be used. For example, eligibility criteria may include purchasing goods costing 1,000 yen or more, food and beverages costing 2,000 yen or more, or being a first-time user at a specific store. The eligibility criteria for coupon distribution may also be set by the service provider offering the electronic payment service.

[0069] Figure 9 shows the coupon acquisition status of PS users. When Server 203 grants a coupon to a PS user, it manages the association between PS user ID 901 and coupon ID 801, as shown in Figure 9. The association information between PS user ID 901 and coupon ID 801 shown in Figure 9 is stored in the coupon information DB 578, for example, along with the distributed coupon information mentioned above. Figure 9 shows that one PS user has acquired multiple coupons. For convenience, Figure 9 shows the association information for one PS user, but it goes without saying that the association information for all PS users is stored in the coupon information DB 578.

[0070] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the server 203 may grant the same user multiple coupons (C0002 and C0003) that have similar coupon information 2 ("an example of the same benefit information"). For example, suppose a PS user is granted a coupon with a 10% discount rate (an example of coupon information 2) that can be used at a certain store. Subsequently, at any time, the PS user may be granted another coupon with a 10% discount rate that can be used at the same store.

[0071] Furthermore, server 203 may simultaneously grant the same user multiple coupons (C0001 and C0002) that represent coupon information 1 and coupon information 2 ("an example of mutually different benefit information"). For example, the same PS user may simultaneously receive a coupon (C0001) with a 10% discount rate usable at a certain store and a coupon (C0002) with a 3% discount rate.

[0072] Server 203 may automatically apply a coupon from among the coupon IDs 801 shown in Figure 9 during electronic payment processing (at the time of payment). For example, 203 may prioritize applying coupons with an approaching expiration date, or coupons with a high discount rate.

[0073] Figure 10 is a table diagram that stores coupon ID location information and count values ​​for each placement location. This table diagram is stored for each coupon ID as aggregated information 580 in server 203. Location information 1001 is the placement location information contained in the two-dimensional code 131 attached to the image data 130 of the promotional material, as explained in Figure 1. Therefore, this table information is updated and stored in server 203 according to the coupon ID 801 entered in the coupon setting screen 110 and the placement location entered in the location information setting screen 120. In addition, when the two-dimensional code is read by the user terminal device 204 and the display screen of the user terminal device 204 transitions to the coupon display screen, the count value of the corresponding location information is updated to increase by 1. For example, if the coupon ID 801 is "C0001" and the two-dimensional code of the promotional material corresponding to the placement location "Location 2" is read, the count value of Location 2 in Figure 10 will increase from 5 to 6. For convenience, the names of the locations listed in location information 1001 are "Location 1," "Location 2," etc. However, in reality, for example, in a supermarket that comprehensively handles household goods such as groceries, daily necessities, and clothing, the locations to be listed would likely be "Checkout," "Meat Section," "Vegetable Section," "Household Goods Section," or "Parking Lot."

[0074] The coupon display screen shows the same content regardless of which location the customer scans the QR code attached to the promotional material displayed at the store. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, it is possible to associate one coupon ID 801 with multiple location information 1001s.

[0075] In Figure 10, five location records are associated with coupon ID "C0001" because it is assumed that the promotional material will be placed in five locations. In reality, this is not limited to this; for example, if the promotional material is to be placed in 10 locations, the management application can be used to input location records for all 10 locations, and corresponding promotional materials can be created for each location. In this case, location record 1001 in this table will store 10 records, such as "Location 1" to "Location 10," for coupon ID 801 being "C0001."

[0076] Furthermore, the above explanation described the case where coupon ID 801 is "C0001," but as shown in the diagram, this table exists for each coupon ID 801.

[0077] The reason for associating a single coupon ID with multiple location information is for the store manager's use. As explained in Figure 5, when a store user scans a QR code on a promotional item placed at location 1, for example, information indicating that the code has been scanned is sent to the server 203 and counted by the aggregation unit 560. The aggregated information 580 collected by the aggregation unit 560 is stored in the server's storage unit 570. This allows the store manager to understand how many times the QR codes on promotional items placed at each location have been scanned by users. They can then analyze which locations should be prioritized for placing promotional items.

[0078] Therefore, when a store manager creates promotional material that allows customers to obtain coupon information for a particular product, they first decide where to place the promotional material. For example, if they decide to place it in three locations, such as location 1, location 3, and location 5, the store manager will create the promotional material three times using the store terminal device 1. That is, the coupon ID 801 (benefit information) on the coupon setting screen 110 is the same, and the promotional material will be created for each location when "location 1," "location 3," and "location 5" are entered in the placement location input field 121 on the location information setting screen 120. As a result, promotional material with the same content is created for each placement location.

[0079] Specifically, the content of the QR code attached to the created promotional material includes a section showing coupon information and a section indicating the placement location. To explain using the example of placing the material in the three locations mentioned above, the section showing coupon information is the same (common) for the QR code of the promotional material placed in each location. On the other hand, the section indicating the placement location will contain different information depending on the placement location. As a result, when a user's terminal scans the QR code, the section showing coupon information in the scanned QR code will transition to the coupon display screen provided by server 203. In addition, the section showing location information will allow server 203's aggregation unit 560 to count the number of accesses for each placement location.

[0080] There are various ways to count the number of times a QR code has been scanned. Here, we will explain an example using shortened URLs. Server 203 associates information indicating coupon information and information indicating the location of publication with shortened URLs. In other words, for the same coupon information, shortened URL-A is used for publication location A, and shortened URL-B is used for publication location B. The QR code is an encoded version of this shortened URL. Server 203 redirects terminals that scan the QR code and access shortened URL-A with information to obtain the coupon (for example, information to transition to a page for obtaining a coupon in an electronic payment app). Similarly, Server 203 redirects terminals that scan the QR code and access shortened URL-B with information to obtain the coupon (for example, information to transition to a page for obtaining a coupon in an electronic payment app). In this way, store users can obtain the same coupon information even if they scan QR codes on promotional materials from different publication locations. On the other hand, Server 203 can count the number of accesses for each publication location depending on whether shortened URL-A or shortened URL-B was accessed. Please note that this shortened URL is just one example, and is not the only example. Any mechanism can be used as long as the server 203 is configured to recognize the scanned QR code.

[0081] Figure 10 shows which publication locations were used to create promotional materials for a single coupon ID 801. Therefore, it can be used as a reference when deciding which publication location to use when creating new promotional materials with similar coupon content to those created in the past.

[0082] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram of the process in this embodiment when the store terminal device 1(200) generates promotional materials with a two-dimensional code containing location information. This process is initiated when a store manager using the store terminal device 1(200) operates the management application installed on the store terminal device 1(200). In the following descriptions of each process, "S" indicates a step in the flowchart.

[0083] In S1101, the store terminal device 1 (200) accepts input of setting information via user operation. The setting information is the information entered on the coupon setting screen 110 and the location information setting screen 120 shown in Figure 1 (i.e., coupon ID 801, store ID 803, design information 590, and location information 1001).

[0084] In S1102, the store terminal device 1 (200) transmits the entered information to the server.

[0085] In S1103, server 203 generates a two-dimensional code based on coupon ID 801 and location information 1001 obtained from store terminal device 1(200).

[0086] In S1104, the server 203 retrieves coupon information 802 associated with coupon ID 801, store information, and design information 590 from the storage unit 570, and transmits them to the store terminal device 1 (200) along with the generated two-dimensional code. In S1105, the store terminal device 1(200) generates image data of promotional materials using the data and QR codes obtained from the server 203. Specifically, the store terminal device 1(200) generates design data for promotional materials based on the coupon information 802 associated with the coupon ID 801 obtained from the server 203, store information, and design information 590. By adding the QR code obtained from the server 203 to this design data, the generation of image data for promotional materials is completed. After that, the processing in this sequence diagram ends.

[0087] Figure 12 shows examples of promotional materials generated by the process shown in Figure 11. Promotional material 1201 is a poster-type promotional material. For example, it is placed in a location that is easily visible to customers in the store. Promotional material 1202 is a card-type promotional material, which is intended to be placed, for example, next to the cash register in the store, to catch the eye of customers before they pay. Promotional material 1203 is a POP-type promotional material, which is intended to be placed, for example, on a product shelf. As shown in Figure 12, the promotional materials are attached to a two-dimensional code, and store customers can scan the code to display and use a coupon on their terminal device. When the store terminal device 1(200) outputs the image data of the generated promotional materials to promotional materials of each size, it processes the display content to be appropriately changed according to the size of each promotional material.

[0088] As mentioned above, the promotional materials of this embodiment will have a QR code assigned to each placement location. If "Location 1" is entered in the placement location input field 121 and a poster is created based on that, the poster must be placed somewhere within the range of Location 1. Similarly, if any other location is entered in the placement location input field 121, the promotional materials must be placed in the location corresponding to that location. This makes it possible to track the number of accesses for each placement location.

[0089] However, since the promotional materials themselves look the same even if the content of the QR codes differ, store managers need to accurately manage which promotional material to display where once it is completed. For example, the location information entered in the location information setting screen 120 may be written as text in the upper or lower corner of the completed promotional material. If the display location is indicated on the promotional material, store managers will be able to smoothly display the promotional material corresponding to the location.

[0090] Figure 13 shows a flowchart illustrating the process by which the store terminal device 1(200) generates promotional materials having a two-dimensional code in this embodiment.

[0091] The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed by the CPU 301 of the store terminal device 1(200) loading the program code of the management application stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executing it. This process is initiated, for example, when a store manager operates the management application on the store terminal device 1(200).

[0092] In S1301, the CPU 301 of the store terminal device 1(200) displays the coupon setting screen 110 and the location information setting screen 120, and accepts input of setting information. The order in which the coupon setting screen 110 and the location information setting screen 120 are displayed does not matter.

[0093] In S1302, CPU301 sends configuration information to server203.

[0094] In S1303, CPU301 retrieves a two-dimensional code and various data (coupon information 802 linked to coupon ID 801, store information, and design information 590) from server203.

[0095] In S1304, the CPU 301 generates image data for promotional materials based on the information acquired in S1303. The generated image data is output by the store manager as posters, POP displays, cards, or digital signage, etc. In this embodiment, the outputted products are considered promotional materials. After that, the CPU 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0096] Figure 14 is an example of a graph showing the number of accesses to the two-dimensional code for each publication location, as aggregated by the aggregation unit 560 of server 203. This graph is generated by server 203 based on the aggregated information 580 held by server 203 and transmitted to the store terminal device 1(200).

[0097] In the store shown in Figure 14, there are five locations where promotional materials can be displayed. As can be seen from Figure 14, the QR code of the promotional material displayed at location 1 has been scanned twice. It can also be seen that, at present, the QR code of the promotional material displayed at location 3 has been scanned the most times. By graphing the number of accesses for each display location and providing this information to the store manager, it is expected that the efficiency of displaying promotional materials will improve.

[0098] In addition to graphs, pie charts can also be used as an example of how to output access numbers. In this case, it is possible to display the percentage of access numbers for each publication location. Furthermore, it is conceivable that access numbers for each publication location can be visualized using various other methods.

[0099] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to effectively utilize promotional materials that provide coupons. Specifically, by attaching a two-dimensional code containing location information to the promotional material, it becomes possible to track the number of accesses to the two-dimensional code at each location.

[0100] <Other Embodiments> The above describes a configuration in which the store terminal device 1(200) transmits configuration information to the server 203, which then acquires the data and the two-dimensional code and generates image data of the promotional material. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the server 203 may use the configuration information to generate image data of the promotional material with the two-dimensional code attached and transmit it to the store terminal device 1(200).

[0101] Furthermore, while it was explained that the two-dimensional code is generated by the server 203 based on coupon information and location information, the system is not limited to this. There may also be a configuration in which the server 203 or the store terminal device 1(200) acquires the two-dimensional code generated by an external device. In this case, for example, the store terminal device 1(200) may directly transmit information for generating the two-dimensional code to the external device, or only the server 203 may communicate with the external device.

[0102] Furthermore, while it was explained that server 203 handles the counting of accesses accumulated by scanning QR codes, this is not the only option. An external device may also count accesses when a user terminal scans a QR code. In this case, the content of the QR code should be such that information indicating that the QR code has been scanned is sent to the external device.

[0103] Furthermore, although an example was described in which the server 203 providing the electronic payment service aggregates the counts, the server that aggregates the counts may be provided separately from the server 203 providing the electronic payment service.

Claims

1. Information processing equipment, A display control unit that displays a settings screen for inputting a coupon ID for a coupon applicable to a promotional item in an electronic payment service, location information regarding the place where the promotional item will be displayed, and design information for determining the background design of the promotional item. An output control unit outputs image data of a promotional item to which a two-dimensional code containing information corresponding to the coupon information and location information is attached to design data in which a background design based on the design information entered in the settings screen and coupon information corresponding to the coupon ID are arranged, When the aforementioned two-dimensional code is read, the storage unit updates and stores the number of accesses for each of the multiple location information associated with the coupon ID, To make it function as, The output control unit, Without accepting any operations other than the input of the coupon ID, location information, and design information on the settings screen, the image data of the promotional material is output. A program characterized by outputting the number of accesses for each location information stored by the storage unit as visualized information.

2. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the output control unit transmits the information entered on the setting screen to the server providing the electronic payment service and obtains the two-dimensional code generated by the server.

3. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that the output control unit displays or prints the image data of the promotional material generated on the server to include the two-dimensional code, or the image data of the promotional material generated using the two-dimensional code obtained from the server.

4. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the output control unit outputs image data of the promotional material by adding a different two-dimensional code for each location information to the design data.

5. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the two-dimensional code contains information that, when read, causes the screen of a user terminal using the electronic payment service to transition to a screen for obtaining a coupon.

6. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the two-dimensional code contains information for aggregating the number of accesses to each location where the promotional material is displayed, when read.

7. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the output control unit outputs the image data including characters indicating the location where the promotional material is placed.

8. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the image data of the promotional material is output as a poster, card, or digital signage.

9. A display control unit that displays a settings screen for inputting a coupon ID for a coupon applicable to a promotional item in an electronic payment service, location information regarding the place where the promotional item will be displayed, and design information for determining the background design of the promotional item. An output control unit outputs image data of a promotional item to which a two-dimensional code containing information corresponding to the coupon information and location information is attached to design data in which a background design based on the design information entered in the settings screen and coupon information corresponding to the coupon ID are arranged, When the aforementioned two-dimensional code is read, the storage unit updates and stores the number of accesses for each of the multiple location information associated with the coupon ID, Equipped with, The output control unit, Without accepting any operations other than the input of the coupon ID, location information, and design information on the settings screen, the image data of the promotional material is output. An information processing device characterized by outputting the number of accesses for each location information stored by the storage unit as visualized information.

10. A display control step that displays a settings screen for inputting a coupon ID for a coupon applicable to a promotional item in an electronic payment service, location information regarding the place where the promotional item will be displayed, and design information for determining the background design of the promotional item. An output control step that outputs image data of a promotional item to which a two-dimensional code containing information corresponding to the coupon information and location information is attached to design data in which a background design based on the design information entered in the setting screen and coupon information corresponding to the coupon ID are arranged, When the aforementioned two-dimensional code is read, the storage step includes updating and accumulating the number of accesses for each of the multiple location information associated with the coupon ID, Equipped with, In the output control step described above, Without accepting any operations other than the input of the coupon ID, location information, and design information on the settings screen, the image data of the promotional material is output. A control method for an information processing device, characterized by outputting the number of accesses for each location information accumulated in the accumulation step as visualized information.

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