Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system configured to efficiently distribute coupons available in a facility, an information processing method, and an information processing program.SOLUTION: An information processing system according to the present invention includes: a setting processing unit which sets a reference number of coupons to be distributed, the coupons which can be distributed for each unit period included in a predetermined period, on the basis of an upper limit number of coupons which can be distributed in the predetermined period; an acquisition processing unit which acquires facility-related information including at least one of reservation information, visit information and sales information of a facility; a first determination processing unit which determines increase or decrease in the number of coupons with respect to the reference number of coupons to be distributed on the basis of the facility-related information; and a second determination processing unit which determines the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period, on the basis of the reference number of coupons to be distributed and the increase or decrease.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that distribute coupons usable at facilities.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, facilities such as restaurants have implemented coupon distribution services that distribute coupons to user terminals in order to increase the number of visiting customers and expand sales. For example, a system has been proposed that acquires position information of user terminals and distributes coupons to the user terminals of users in the vicinity of a facility, thereby attracting the users to the facility (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in a coupon distribution service, an upper limit distribution number that can be distributed within a predetermined period may be set. In this case, for example, if a large number of coupons are distributed at the beginning of the predetermined period, the remaining number of coupons that can be distributed thereafter decreases, and the distribution effect of the coupons may become biased. Accordingly, a method of distributing coupons evenly over the predetermined period can be considered, but this method may fail to sufficiently obtain the coupon distribution effect.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of efficiently distributing coupons usable at facilities.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system for distributing coupons usable at a facility, comprising: a setting processing unit that sets a standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in a predetermined period based on the upper limit number of coupons that can be distributed in a predetermined period; an acquisition processing unit that acquires facility-related information including at least one of the facility's reservation information, visitor information, and sales information; a first determination processing unit that determines the number of coupons to be increased or decreased relative to the standard number of coupons based on the facility-related information; and a second determination processing unit that determines the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period based on the standard number of coupons and the number of increases or decreases.

[0007] The information processing method according to the present invention is an information processing method for distributing coupons usable at a facility, and the method involves one or more processors performing a setting step of setting a standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in a predetermined period based on the upper limit number of coupons that can be distributed in a predetermined period; an acquisition step of acquiring facility-related information including at least one of the facility's reservation information, visitor information, and sales information; a first determination step of determining an increase or decrease in the number of coupons relative to the standard number of coupons based on the facility-related information; and a second determination step of determining the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period based on the standard number of coupons and the increase or decrease.

[0008] The information processing program according to the present invention is an information processing program for distributing coupons usable at a facility, and is a program for causing one or more processors to execute: a setting step of setting a standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in a predetermined period based on the upper limit number of coupons that can be distributed in a predetermined period; an acquisition step of acquiring facility-related information including at least one of the facility's reservation information, visitor information, and sales information; a first determination step of determining the number of coupons to be increased or decreased relative to the standard number of coupons based on the facility-related information; and a second determination step of determining the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period based on the standard number of coupons and the number of increases or decreases. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program are provided that can efficiently distribute coupons usable at a facility. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of reservation information used in an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of customer information used in an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of sales information used in an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of reference distribution quantity information used in an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of determined distribution number information used in an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a coupon notification page displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a coupon page displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for coupon distribution processing performed by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings to facilitate understanding of the invention. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the invention.

[0012] [Information Processing System 1] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a management server 2, a user terminal 3, and a facility terminal 4. The management server 2, the user terminal 3, and the facility terminal 4 can communicate with each other via a communication network N1 such as the Internet, LAN, WAN, or public telephone line.

[0013] Management Server 2 manages facility information for multiple facilities. Specifically, Management Server 2 communicates with facility terminals 4 of each facility to manage facility-related information such as reservation information, visit information (visit information in this invention), and sales information, as well as managing coupons available at the facilities. Specifically, Management Server 2 can provide a coupon distribution service to each facility, and facilities that wish to receive this coupon distribution service can do so by registering for the coupon distribution service. Based on the facility-related information of the facilities registered for the coupon distribution service, Management Server 2 distributes coupons available at the facility to the user's terminal 3. Management Server 2 also performs facility search processing and reservation processing.

[0014] In this embodiment, the explanation will be given using the example that the facility is a restaurant that provides food and beverages in the information processing system 1. The facility may be various other types of facilities, such as karaoke bars, bowling alleys, table tennis halls, golf courses, hot spring facilities, accommodation facilities, and service providers. The coupon is a benefit that allows users to receive discounts on facility usage fees, product sales prices, free services, etc. The coupon may have an expiration date. While the coupon in this embodiment is an electronic coupon, the coupon of the present invention may be a paper coupon.

[0015] The user terminal 3 is an information processing apparatus operated by a user who searches for and reserves facilities, and acquires and uses coupons. The facility terminal 4 is, for example, an information processing apparatus disposed in a facility and operated by a facility manager (such as a manager of a restaurant) who manages facility reservation information, visitor information, and sales information. The information processing system 1 includes one or a plurality of user terminals 3, and one or a plurality of facility terminals 4.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the management server 2 alone corresponds to the information processing system according to the present invention, but the information processing system according to the present invention may include one or a plurality of constituent elements among the management server 2, the user terminal 3, and the facility terminal 4. For example, when the constituent elements of the management server 2, the user terminal 3, and the facility terminal 4 cooperate to share and execute coupon distribution processing (see FIG. 9) described later, a system including the plurality of constituent elements that execute the processing can be regarded as the information processing system according to the present invention. For example, the management server 2 and the facility terminal 4 may constitute the information processing system according to the present invention.

[0017] [Management Server 2] As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 2 is a server including a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation display unit 23, a communication I / F 24, and the like. Note that the management server 2 is not limited to a single computer, and may be a computer system in which a plurality of computers operate in cooperation. Further, various types of processing executed by the management server 2 may be executed in a distributed manner by one or a plurality of processors.

[0018] The communication I / F 24 is a communication interface for connecting the management server 2 to a communication network N1 by wire or wirelessly, and executing data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with external devices such as the user terminal 3 and the facility terminal 4 via the communication network N1.

[0019] The operation display unit 23 is a user interface comprising a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various types of information, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that accepts input.

[0020] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various types of information. Specifically, the storage unit 22 stores data such as reservation information D1, visit information D2, sales information D3, standard distribution number information D4, and determined distribution number information D5. Reservation information D1 includes information about restaurant reservations received from users. Visit information D2 includes usage information of users who have visited the restaurant. Sales information D3 includes information about the sales amount of the restaurant. Standard distribution number information D4 includes information for determining the number of coupons that can be distributed to users at the restaurant. Determined distribution number information D5 includes information about the number of coupons to be distributed to users. Figure 2 shows an example of reservation information D1, Figure 3 shows an example of visit information D2, Figure 4 shows an example of sales information D3, Figure 5 shows an example of standard distribution number information D4, and Figure 6 shows an example of determined distribution number information D5. Furthermore, the memory unit 22 also stores information about multiple restaurants that are the target of the search. The information shown in Figures 2 to 6 is an example of information about a specific restaurant (restaurant G1). The memory unit 22 stores each of the aforementioned pieces of information for each restaurant.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, reservation information D1 includes information such as "reservation name," "number of people," "date of visit," "time of visit," "table," "course," and "coupon usage." The reservation name is the name of the user who made the reservation. The number of people is the number of users who are scheduled to visit. The date of visit is the date the user is scheduled to visit, and the time of visit is the time the user is scheduled to visit. The table is information that identifies the table or other object to be used by the user. The table may be selected by the user when making a reservation request, or it may be assigned by the restaurant. The course is information that indicates the content of the service provided to the user, such as a course of food and drink or information that only seats are available without restrictions on food and drink. The coupon usage is information that indicates whether or not the user will use a coupon. For example, when a user makes a reservation for restaurant G1, they can select whether or not to use a coupon ("yes" or "no") on the reservation screen displayed on user terminal 3. A user who selects "yes" to use a coupon may enter the coupon code when making a reservation, or may present the coupon screen on user terminal 3 to the restaurant upon arrival. Reservation information D1 is registered or modified by the control unit 21 of the management server 2 each time a new reservation or reservation change is received from the facility terminal 4 or user terminal 3.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the customer information D2 includes information such as "date of visit," "number of people," "table," "time of arrival," "time of departure," and "coupon usage." The customer information D2 includes information on customers for each target day (visit date). Customers include those who made reservations and those who came without reservations (walk-ins). The departure time is the time when the customer left restaurant G1. The length of stay for each customer is calculated based on the arrival time and departure time. The control unit 21 also calculates, based on the customer information D2, the total number of customers who used coupons, the total number of customers who did not use coupons, etc., for each visit date.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, sales information D3 includes information such as "sales date" and "sales amount". Specifically, sales information D3 includes information on the sales amount using coupons and the sales amount not using coupons for each target day (sales date). The control unit 21 calculates the total payment amount of users who paid using coupons and the total payment amount of users who paid without using coupons for each target day and registers them in sales information D3.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the standard distribution number information D4 includes information such as "predetermined period," "maximum distribution number," and "standard distribution number." Each restaurant has a maximum number of coupons that can be distributed during the predetermined period. For example, restaurant G1 distributes Nm coupons to users every month. In restaurant G1's standard distribution number information D4, "year and month" is registered for the predetermined period, and "Nm" is registered for the maximum distribution number. The standard distribution number is information indicating the number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in the predetermined period. The unit period is the cycle in which coupons are distributed to users. For example, if the unit period is set to "1 day," the standard distribution number will be the value obtained by dividing the maximum distribution number (Nm) by the predetermined period (number of days in a month). Also, for example, if the unit period is set to "1 week," the standard distribution number will be the value obtained by dividing the maximum distribution number (Nm) by the number of weeks in the predetermined period (4 weeks). The control unit 21 sets the standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period based on the upper limit number of coupons that can be distributed during the predetermined period.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, the determined distribution number information D5 includes information such as "predetermined period," "unit period," "standard distribution number," "increase / decrease number," "determined distribution number," and "remaining number." The standard distribution number is the standard distribution number included in the standard distribution number information D4. The increase / decrease number is the number to be added to or subtracted from the standard distribution number. The control unit 21 determines the increase / decrease number based on the facility-related information (described later). The determined distribution number is the number of coupons to be distributed to users for each unit period. The remaining number is the number of coupons that have not yet been distributed at the target time. Specifically, the remaining number is the number of coupons remaining after subtracting the number of distributions to be distributed to users from the start of the predetermined period to the target time from the upper limit distribution number. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th," the remaining number "R410" is the number obtained by subtracting the total number of distributions "M41 + ... + M49" distributed during the period from "April 1st" to "April 9th" from the upper limit distribution number "Nm." In other words, the remaining number "R410" is the number obtained by subtracting the number of decided deliveries on "April 10th" "M410" from the remaining number "R49" on the previous day "April 9th" (= R49 - R410).

[0026] Here, the standard number of deliveries may be updated for each unit period. Specifically, the control unit 21 may update the standard number of deliveries for each unit period based on the remaining period from the target time within the predetermined period and the remaining number of coupons at the target time. In the determined number of deliveries information D5 shown in Figure 6, the standard number of deliveries N3 and N4 for the first unit period within the predetermined period correspond to the standard number of deliveries in the standard number of deliveries information D4. For unit periods after the first unit period, the standard number of deliveries is updated based on the remaining period and the remaining number. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th", the remaining period (remaining days) is 20 days (number of days from April 10th to April 30th) and the remaining number is "R410", so the control unit 21 sets the standard number of deliveries for "April 10th" to the number calculated by the formula "R410" ÷ "20 days" ("N410"). In this way, the control unit 21 updates the standard number of deliveries for each unit period.

[0027] The control unit 21 may determine the number of coupons to be distributed at the present time (today) (the predetermined number of coupons to be distributed), or it may determine the number of coupons to be distributed from the present time onward. For example, the control unit 21 may determine the predetermined number of coupons to be distributed on April 10th (today) at the time of April 10th, or it may determine the predetermined number of coupons to be distributed for each unit period from April 1st to April 30th at the time of March 31st.

[0028] In addition, in another embodiment, some or all of the reservation information D1, visit information D2, sales information D3, standard distribution quantity information D4, and determined distribution quantity information D5 may be stored on another server accessible from the management server 2 via the communication network N1. In this case, the control unit 21 of the management server 2 may acquire the information from the other server and execute the coupon distribution process described later (see Figure 9).

[0029] Furthermore, the storage unit 22 also stores layout data and image data for generating various web pages displayed on the user terminal 3, such as the coupon notification page P1 (see Figure 7), coupon page P2 (see Figure 8), search page (not shown), reservation page (not shown), restaurant details page (not shown), and route guidance page (not shown). In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the management server 2 can generate the various web pages and transmit the information of those web pages to the user terminal 3, thereby causing the user terminal 3 to display the various web pages. In another embodiment, the control unit 21 of the management server 2 may transmit the data necessary to display the various web pages to the user terminal 3, causing the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 to execute the display of the various web pages.

[0030] Furthermore, the storage unit 22 stores control programs, such as a coupon distribution program, which causes the control unit 21 to execute the coupon distribution process described later (see Figure 9). For example, the coupon distribution program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, and is read by a reading device (not shown), such as a CD drive or DVD drive, provided by the management server 2 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0031] The control unit 21 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile memory unit that stores control programs such as a BIOS and OS in advance to allow the CPU to perform various arithmetic operations. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary memory (work area) for the various processes performed by the CPU. The control unit 21 controls the management server 2 by executing various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or memory unit 22 using the CPU.

[0032] In conventional coupon distribution services, there is sometimes a limit on the number of coupons that can be distributed within a predetermined period. In this case, for example, if a large number of coupons are distributed at the beginning of the predetermined period, the number of coupons that can be distributed thereafter will decrease, potentially leading to an uneven distribution effect. Therefore, one could consider a method of distributing coupons evenly throughout the predetermined period, but this method may not yield sufficient coupon distribution effectiveness. In contrast, the management server 2 according to this embodiment can efficiently distribute coupons that can be used at the facility.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 21 includes various processing units such as a setting processing unit 211, an acquisition processing unit 212, a first decision processing unit 213, a second decision processing unit 214, and a distribution processing unit 215. The control unit 21 functions as these various processing units by executing various processes according to the coupon distribution program using the CPU. Some or all of these processing units may be composed of electronic circuits. The coupon distribution program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as processing units.

[0034] The configuration processing unit 211 sets the standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in the predetermined period, based on the upper limit number of coupons that can be distributed during the predetermined period. Specifically, the configuration processing unit 211 obtains the predetermined period and the upper limit number of coupons set by the restaurant manager. For example, if the manager of restaurant G1 selects a service plan to distribute Nm coupons usable at restaurant G1 to users every Nm per month, with a coupon distribution cycle (unit period) of one day, the configuration processing unit 211 obtains the predetermined period of one month, the upper limit number of coupons Nm, and the unit period one day. The configuration processing unit 211 also sets the standard number of coupons as the value obtained by dividing the upper limit number of coupons Nm by the number of days in the predetermined period. The configuration processing unit 211 stores standard number of coupons information D4 (see Figure 5), which includes the predetermined period, the upper limit number of coupons, and the standard number of coupons, in the storage unit 22. The configuration processing unit 211 is an example of the configuration processing unit of the present invention.

[0035] Each restaurant that has registered to use the coupon distribution service sets the predetermined period, the maximum number of coupons to be distributed, and the unit period by, for example, operating the facility terminal 4. The setting processing unit 211 obtains the predetermined period, the maximum number of coupons to be distributed, and the unit period for each restaurant and stores the standard number of coupons to be distributed information D4.

[0036] The acquisition processing unit 212 acquires facility-related information, including at least one of the facility's reservation information, visitor information, and sales information. For example, the acquisition processing unit 212 acquires reservation information D1 (see Figure 2) related to reservations for restaurant G1 from the storage unit 22. The acquisition processing unit 212 also acquires visitor information D2 (see Figure 3) related to customer usage information for restaurant G1 from the storage unit 22. The acquisition processing unit 212 also acquires sales information D3 (see Figure 4) related to sales for restaurant G1 from the storage unit 22. The acquisition processing unit 212 is an example of the acquisition processing unit of the present invention.

[0037] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 confirms a reservation in response to a reservation request from a user, it stores the reservation information D1 in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 also acquires customer usage information from the facility terminal 4 of the restaurant G1 and stores the visit information D2 in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 also acquires sales information from the facility terminal 4 of the restaurant G1 and stores the sales information D3 in the storage unit 22. The reservation information D1, visit information D2, and sales information D3 may also be stored in the storage unit 42 of the facility terminal 4.

[0038] The first decision processing unit 213 determines the number of coupons to increase or decrease (add or subtract) relative to the standard number of coupons based on the facility-related information. For example, if the target date for determining the increase or decrease is "April 10th", the first decision processing unit 213 determines the increase or decrease based on the reservation information (number of reservations, time of visit, course) for "April 10th". For example, if the number of reservations for "April 10th" (number of reservations with coupon use) is small, the first decision processing unit 213 increases the number added for "April 10th", and if the number of reservations for "April 10th" (number of reservations with coupon use) is large, the first decision processing unit 213 decreases the number added or subtracts a large amount for "April 10th". The first decision processing unit 213 is an example of the first decision processing unit of the present invention.

[0039] Furthermore, the first decision processing unit 213 may determine the increase or decrease in the unit period corresponding to the target time based on past facility-related information from the start of the predetermined period to the target time. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th", the first decision processing unit 213 may determine the increase or decrease in "April 10th" based on reservation information D1 (see Figure 2), customer visit information D2 (see Figure 3), and sales information D3 (see Figure 4) from "April 1st" to "April 9th".

[0040] For example, if the number of reservations (number of reservations using coupons) on April 3rd (same day of the week) one week prior to April 10th is small, the first decision processing unit 213 will add more to the number for April 10th than to the number for April 3rd. Conversely, if the number of reservations (number of reservations using coupons) on April 3rd (same day of the week) one week prior to April 10th is large, the first decision processing unit 213 will add less to the number for April 10th than to the number for April 3rd.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, if the number of customers (number of users who used coupons) on "April 9th" is small, or if the sales (sales using coupons) on "April 9th" are small, the first decision processing unit 213 will increase the number added on "April 10th" compared to the number added on "April 9th," or decrease the number subtracted on "April 10th" compared to the number subtracted on "April 9th." Once the first decision processing unit 213 has determined the increase or decrease, it registers it in the decision distribution number information D5 (see Figure 6).

[0042] Furthermore, the first decision processing unit 213 may determine the increase or decrease in the unit period corresponding to the target time based on the facility-related information for a predetermined period prior to the predetermined period. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th", the first decision processing unit 213 may determine the increase or decrease in "April 10th" based on reservation information, visit information, and sales information for the month preceding the predetermined period "April" of the target time, "March" ("March 1st" to "March 31st").

[0043] The second decision processing unit 214 determines the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period (determined distribution number) based on the standard distribution number and the increase / decrease number. Specifically, for each unit period, the second decision processing unit 214 determines the determined distribution number to be either the standard distribution number plus an additional number or the standard distribution number minus a subtraction number. Once the second decision processing unit 214 has determined the determined distribution number, it registers it in the determined distribution number information D5 (see Figure 6). The second decision processing unit 214 is an example of the second decision processing unit of the present invention.

[0044] When the control unit 21 determines the number of deliveries, it calculates the remaining number of coupons (remaining number) by subtracting the number of deliveries to be made to users from the start of the predetermined period to the target time from the upper limit number of deliveries. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th", the control unit 21 calculates the remaining number "R410" by subtracting the total number of deliveries made during the period from "April 1st" to "April 9th" "M41 + ... + M49" from the upper limit number of deliveries "Nm". When the control unit 21 calculates the remaining number, it registers it in the determined number of deliveries information D5 (see Figure 6).

[0045] Here, the setting processing unit 211 may update the standard distribution number for the unit period based on the remaining period from the target time within the predetermined period and the remaining number of coupons at the target time. In the determined distribution number information D5 shown in Figure 6, the setting processing unit 211 sets the standard distribution numbers N3 and N4 for the first unit period within the predetermined period to the standard distribution numbers in the standard distribution number information D4 (see Figure 5). The setting processing unit 211 also updates the standard distribution number for unit periods after the first unit period based on the remaining period and the remaining number. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th", the remaining period is 20 days (number of days from April 10th to April 30th) and the remaining number is "R410", so the setting processing unit 211 sets the standard distribution number for "April 10th" to the number calculated by the formula "R410" ÷ "20 days" ("N410"). In this way, the setting processing unit 211 updates the standard distribution number for each unit period.

[0046] In this case, the first decision processing unit 213 determines the increase or decrease (addition or subtraction) to the updated standard distribution number. The second decision processing unit 214 then determines the determined distribution number for the unit period based on the updated standard distribution number and the increase or decrease. For example, if the target date is "April 10th", the second decision processing unit 214 determines the determined distribution number to be either the updated standard distribution number "N410" plus the addition number "n410" to get distribution number "M410", or the updated standard distribution number "N410" minus the subtraction number "n410" to get distribution number "M410".

[0047] The aforementioned standard distribution number may be the same for each unit period within the predetermined period. For example, the setting processing unit 211 may set the aforementioned standard distribution number to "N4" for each day from "April 1st" to "April 30th".

[0048] The distribution processing unit 215 distributes the number of coupons determined by the second decision processing unit 214 (the determined number of coupons) to the user terminal 3 of a predetermined user for each unit period. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 215 distributes the determined number of coupons to the user terminal 3 for each unit period based on the determined number of coupons information D5 (see Figure 6). The distribution processing unit 215 is an example of the distribution processing unit of the present invention.

[0049] The method of distributing coupons is not particularly limited, and any method of notification can be applied. For example, the distribution processing unit 215 sends a coupon distribution notification (push notification) to each user terminal 3 of users registered with the coupon distribution service. Figure 7 shows an example of the notification screen of a user terminal 3 that has received the coupon distribution notification for restaurant G1. The notification screen displays the coupon notification page P1, and the coupon notification page P1 displays a coupon button K1 for obtaining the coupon. When a user presses the coupon button K1 on the coupon notification page P1, the distribution processing unit 215 displays the coupon page P2 (see Figure 8) for restaurant G1 on the user terminal 3. This allows the user to obtain a coupon that can be used at restaurant G1. The user can also press the reservation button K2 from the coupon page P2 to make a reservation request for restaurant G1 on the reservation page (not shown). The user can use the coupon by presenting the coupon page P2 at restaurant G1, or by entering the coupon code on the reservation page to make a reservation with coupon use enabled.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 21 executes the payment processing for the user's usage fees (food and drink charges) at the restaurant. If the user uses a coupon, the control unit 21 performs the payment processing with the discount applied to the usage fees. Each time the payment processing is performed, the control unit 21 registers and updates the customer visit information D2 and sales information D3.

[0051] [User terminal 3] As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation display unit 33, and a communication interface 34, etc. The user terminal 3 is an information processing device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer.

[0052] Communication I / F34 is a communication interface for connecting the user terminal 3 to the communication network N1 by wire or wireless connection, and for performing data communication with external devices such as the management server 2 and facility terminal 4 via the communication network N1, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0053] The operation display unit 33 is a user interface comprising a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays information such as various web pages, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that accepts input.

[0054] The storage unit 32 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 32 stores a control program such as a browser program. Specifically, the browser program is a control program that causes the control unit 31 to execute communication processing with an external device such as the management server 2 in accordance with a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Alternatively, the browser program may be a dedicated application for executing communication processing with the management server 2 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0055] The control unit 31 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile memory unit that stores control programs such as a BIOS and OS in advance to allow the CPU to perform various operations. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary memory (work area) for the various operations performed by the CPU. The control unit 31 controls the user terminal 3 by executing various control programs that are pre-stored in the ROM or memory unit 32 using the CPU.

[0056] Specifically, the control unit 31 functions as a browser processing unit 311 by executing various processes according to the browser program stored in the storage unit 32. The browser processing unit 311 can display a web page provided by the management server 2 via the communication network N1 on the operation display unit 33 and perform browser processing to input operations to the operation display unit 33 to the management server 2. In other words, the user terminal 3 can function as an operation terminal for the management server 2 by the execution of the browser program by the control unit 31. Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 31 may be composed of electronic circuits.

[0057] For example, the control unit 31 obtains data from the management server 2 regarding the web pages of the coupon distribution service site and the reservation site, and displays these web pages on the operation display unit 33. For example, access requests to the predetermined URLs are made by selecting from a pre-registered list of websites, selecting from search results on an information search site, or by text input. Furthermore, if a dedicated application corresponding to the management server 2 is installed on the user terminal 3, the web pages are displayed on the operation display unit 33 when the user of the user terminal 3 launches the dedicated application.

[0058] For example, when the management server 2 distributes a coupon usable at restaurant G1, the control unit 31 displays the coupon notification page P1 (see Figure 7) on the user terminal 3. When the user presses the coupon button K1 on the coupon notification page P1, the control unit 31 displays the coupon page P2 (see Figure 8) for restaurant G1 on the user terminal 3. When the user presses the reservation button K2 on the coupon page P2, the control unit 31 displays the reservation page (not shown) on the user terminal 3. The user can also view detailed information about restaurant G1 (menu, seating, photos, etc.) on the coupon page P2 displayed on the user terminal 3.

[0059] [Facility Terminal 4] As shown in Figure 1, the facility terminal 4 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, an operation display unit 43, and a communication interface 44, etc. The facility terminal 4 is an information processing device such as a tablet terminal or a personal computer. The facility terminal 4 may also have the same functions as the management server 2, or it may be an information processing device integrated with the management server 2.

[0060] Communication I / F44 is a communication interface for connecting the facility terminal 4 to the communication network N1 by wire or wireless connection, and for performing data communication with external devices such as the management server 2 and user terminal 3 via the communication network N1, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0061] The operation display unit 43 is a user interface comprising a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays information such as various web pages, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that accepts input.

[0062] The storage unit 42 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 42 stores a control program such as a browser program. Specifically, the browser program is a control program that causes the control unit 41 to execute communication processing with an external device such as the management server 2 in accordance with a communication protocol such as HTTP. Alternatively, the browser program may be a dedicated application for executing communication processing with the management server 2 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0063] Furthermore, the memory unit 42 stores reservation information including the reservation status of restaurants, visit information including usage information of customers who visited restaurants, and sales information.

[0064] The control unit 41 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile memory unit in which control programs such as a BIOS and OS for causing the CPU to perform various operations are pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary memory (work area) for the various operations performed by the CPU. The control unit 41 controls the facility terminal 4 by executing various control programs pre-stored in the ROM or memory unit 42 using the CPU.

[0065] Specifically, the control unit 41 functions as a browser processing unit 411 by executing various processes according to the browser program stored in the storage unit 42. The browser processing unit 411 can display a web page provided from the management server 2 via the communication network N1 on the operation display unit 43 and perform browser processing to input operations to the operation display unit 43 to the management server 2. In other words, the facility terminal 4 can function as an operation terminal for the management server 2 by the execution of the browser program by the control unit 41. Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 41 may be composed of electronic circuits.

[0066] For example, facility terminal 4 retrieves the webpage of the coupon distribution service site from management server 2 and displays the webpage of the coupon distribution service site on operation display unit 43. The request to access the predetermined URL can be made by selecting from a pre-registered list of websites, selecting from search results on an information search site, or by text input. Furthermore, if a dedicated application corresponding to management server 2 is installed on facility terminal 4, the webpage will be displayed on operation display unit 43 when a user on user terminal 3 launches the dedicated application.

[0067] For example, the manager of a restaurant using the coupon distribution service can operate the facility terminal 4 to set and register the predetermined period, the maximum number of coupons to be distributed, and the unit period. The restaurant manager can also operate the facility terminal 4 to temporarily suspend the use of the coupon distribution service or to change the content of the coupon distribution service.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, if a user makes a reservation request for a desired restaurant using the user terminal 3, the control unit 21 of the management server 2 notifies the facility terminal 4 of the restaurant of an inquiry regarding the approval or rejection of the reservation (reservation request). If the restaurant manager approves the reservation request, the control unit 41 outputs a response to the management server 2 indicating that the reservation is approved. On the other hand, if the restaurant manager does not approve the reservation request, the control unit 41 outputs a response to the management server 2 indicating that the reservation is rejected. Also, once the reservation processing corresponding to the reservation is completed on the management server 2, the control unit 41 receives a reservation completion email from the management server 2. Upon receiving the reservation completion email, the control unit 41 registers the reservation details in the reservation information (reservation ledger).

[0069] [Coupon distribution processing] The coupon distribution process performed in the information processing system 1 will now be described with reference to Figure 9. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the management server 2 executes the coupon distribution process. Furthermore, the control unit 21 can execute the coupon distribution process in parallel in response to access from each of the facility terminals 4. The control unit 21 may terminate the coupon distribution process midway through based on a predetermined operation of the facility terminal 4.

[0070] Furthermore, the present invention can be understood as an invention of a coupon distribution method that performs one or more steps included in the coupon distribution process. Also, one or more steps included in the coupon distribution process described herein may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the execution order of each step in the coupon distribution process may differ to the extent that similar effects are produced. In addition, although the case in which the control unit 21 performs each step in the coupon distribution process is described here as an example, a coupon distribution method in which one or more processors distribute and execute each step in the coupon distribution process can also be considered as another embodiment. The coupon distribution method described herein is an example of an information processing method of the present invention.

[0071] Here, we will explain using the example of when the control unit 21 distributes a coupon for restaurant G1 to the user terminal 3.

[0072] First, in step S1, the control unit 21 acquires the predetermined period, the maximum number of coupons to be distributed, and the unit period for restaurant G1. For example, if the manager of restaurant G1 selects a service plan to distribute Nm coupons usable at restaurant G1 to users every Nm every month, and the coupon distribution cycle (unit period) is one day, the setting processing unit 211 acquires the information for the predetermined period ("one month"), the maximum number of coupons to be distributed ("Nm"), and the unit period ("one day"). The control unit 21 registers the predetermined period and the maximum number of coupons to be distributed in the reference distribution information D4 (see Figure 5).

[0073] Next, in step S2, the control unit 21 sets the number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in the predetermined period (the standard distribution number). Specifically, the control unit 21 sets the standard distribution number as the value obtained by dividing the upper limit distribution number "Nm" by the predetermined period "1 month". The control unit 21 registers the standard distribution number in the standard distribution number information D4 (see Figure 5). Step S2 is an example of the setting steps of the present invention.

[0074] Next, in step S3, the control unit 21 acquires facility-related information including at least one of the following: reservation information D1 (see Figure 2), customer visit information D2 (see Figure 3), and sales information D3 (see Figure 4) of restaurant G1. For example, the control unit 21 acquires reservation information D1, customer visit information D2, and sales information D3 from the facility terminal 4 of restaurant G1. The reservation information D1 (see Figure 2), customer visit information D2 (see Figure 3), and sales information D3 (see Figure 4) are stored in the storage unit 22 of the management server 2.

[0075] Next, in step S4, the control unit 21 determines the number of coupons to increase or decrease (add or subtract) relative to the standard number of coupons based on the facility-related information. For example, the control unit 21 determines the number of increases or decreases for the unit period corresponding to the target time based on the past facility-related information from the start of the predetermined period to the target time. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th", the control unit 21 determines the number of increases or decreases for "April 10th" based on the number of reservations made using coupons each day from "April 1st" to "April 9th", the number of users who used coupons each day, or the payment amount (sales) of users who used coupons each day. For example, the more reservations made using coupons in the immediate vicinity of the target time, that is, the higher the immediate coupon usage rate, the more the control unit 21 increases the number added at the target time. Conversely, the fewer reservations made using coupons in the immediate vicinity of the target time, that is, the lower the immediate coupon usage rate, the less the control unit 21 decreases the number added or decreases at the target time.

[0076] In another embodiment, for example, the control unit 21 may determine the increase or decrease in the unit period corresponding to the target time based on the facility-related information for a predetermined period prior to the predetermined period. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th", the control unit 21 may determine the increase or decrease in "April 10th" based on the number of reservations using coupons on each day of the month preceding the predetermined period "April" at the target time, "March" ("March 1st" to "March 31st"), the number of users (customers) using coupons on each day, or the amount paid (sales) by users using coupons on each day. For example, the control unit 21 may determine the increase or decrease in "April 10th" based on the number of reservations using coupons on the same day of the week as "April 10th" within the period from "March 1st" to "March 31st", the number of users using coupons on each day, or the amount paid (sales) by users using coupons on each day.

[0077] The control unit 21 determines the increase or decrease amount and registers it in the determined distribution amount information D5 (see Figure 6). Step S4 is an example of the first determination step of the present invention.

[0078] Next, in step S5, the control unit 21 determines the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period (determined distribution number) based on the standard distribution number and the increase / decrease number. Specifically, for each unit period, the control unit 21 determines the determined distribution number to be the standard distribution number plus an additional number, or the standard distribution number minus a subtraction number. Once the control unit 21 has determined the determined distribution number, it registers it in the determined distribution number information D5 (see Figure 6). Step S5 is an example of the second determination step.

[0079] Furthermore, once the control unit 21 has determined the number of coupons to be distributed, it calculates the remaining number of coupons (remaining number) by subtracting the number of coupons to be distributed to users from the start of the predetermined period to the target time from the upper limit number of coupons to be distributed. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th", the control unit 21 calculates the remaining number "R410" by subtracting the total number of coupons distributed during the period from "April 1st" to "April 9th" "M41 + ... + M49" from the upper limit number of coupons "Nm". Once the control unit 21 has calculated the remaining number, it registers it in the determined number of coupons information D5 (see Figure 6).

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 21 updates the standard distribution number for the unit period based on the remaining period from the target time within the predetermined period and the remaining number of coupons at the target time. For example, in the determined distribution number information D5 shown in Figure 6, the control unit 21 sets the standard distribution number N4 for the first unit period "April 1st" within the predetermined period "April" as the standard distribution number in the standard distribution number information D4 (see Figure 5). The control unit 21 also updates the standard distribution number for unit periods after the first unit period "April 1st" based on the remaining period and the remaining number. For example, if the target time (current time) is "April 10th", the remaining period is 20 days (number of days from April 10th to April 30th) and the remaining number is "R410", so the control unit 21 calculates the standard distribution number "N410" for "April 10th" using the formula "R410" ÷ "20 days". In this way, the control unit 21 updates the standard distribution number for each unit period. The control unit 21 then determines the amount to increase or decrease (add or subtract) relative to the updated standard number of deliveries, and determines the number of deliveries for the unit period based on the updated standard number of deliveries and the amount to increase or decrease.

[0081] Next, in step S6, the control unit 21 distributes the determined number of coupons (the determined distribution number) to the user terminal 3 of a predetermined user for each unit period. Specifically, the control unit 21 distributes the determined number of coupons to the user terminal 3 for each unit period based on the determined distribution number information D5 (see Figure 6). For example, the control unit 21 sends a coupon distribution notification (push notification) to each user terminal 3 of a user registered with the coupon distribution service (see Figure 7). The control unit 21 also displays the coupon page P2 of restaurant G1 (see Figure 8) on the user terminal 3. Step S6 is an example of the distribution step of the present invention.

[0082] As described above, the control unit 21 executes the coupon distribution process. The control unit 21 may also acquire the updated facility-related information (reservation information D1 (see Figure 2), visit information D2 (see Figure 3), sales information D3 (see Figure 4)) for each unit period and execute the coupon distribution process. If the unit period is set to "1 day", the control unit 21 executes the coupon distribution process every day to determine the number of coupons to be distributed on that day. If the unit period is set to "1 week", the control unit 21 executes the coupon distribution process every week to determine the number of coupons to be distributed on each day of the week.

[0083] As described above, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for distributing coupons usable at a facility. Specifically, the information processing system 1 sets a standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period (e.g., one day) included in a predetermined period (e.g., one month), based on the maximum number of coupons that can be distributed in a predetermined period (e.g., one month). The information processing system 1 also acquires facility-related information, including at least one of the facility's reservation information, visitor information, and sales information, and determines the number of coupons to increase or decrease relative to the standard number of coupons based on the facility-related information. Then, the information processing system 1 determines the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period based on the standard number of coupons and the increase or decrease.

[0084] In this way, the information processing system 1 determines the standard number of coupons to be distributed for a unit period, and then determines the number of coupons to be distributed by increasing or decreasing the standard number based on the facility-related information. For example, the information processing system 1 increases or decreases the standard number of coupons to be distributed for the day based on the reservation record (coupon reservation record) from the start of a predetermined period (beginning of the month) to the present time (today). This makes it possible to determine the optimal number of coupons to be distributed for each unit period according to the coupon usage record corresponding to the facility-related information. Thus, it becomes possible to efficiently distribute coupons that can be used at the facility.

[0085] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 updates the standard distribution number for the unit period based on the remaining period from the target time within the predetermined period and the remaining number of coupons at the target time. For example, the standard distribution number per unit period (1 day) is set by dividing the upper limit number of coupons to be distributed by the number of remaining days in the predetermined period (1 month). In this way, the standard distribution number is updated each time the unit period has elapsed, so the optimal distribution number can be determined.

[0086] Furthermore, with the above configuration, it is possible to distribute the optimal number of coupons for each unit period, which reduces communication traffic related to the coupon distribution process and enables efficient use of computer resources compared to distributing a fixed number of coupons for each unit period.

[0087] The information processing system of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Another embodiment of the information processing system 1 of the present invention is described below.

[0088] In another embodiment of the present invention, the number of additions or subtractions may have an upper limit set for each set period within the predetermined period. For example, the control unit 21 may set the number of additions for each unit period "1 day" to Na per week. That is, the control unit 21 may set the upper limit "Na" for the number of additions or subtractions for each set period "1 week" within the predetermined period "1 month". This makes it possible to suppress bias in the number of coupons distributed within the predetermined period.

[0089] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first decision processing unit 213 may set the predetermined increase / decrease amounts for each day of the week. For example, the first decision processing unit 213 may increase the amount added to the standard distribution number on weekends (Thursday and Friday) when it is expected that the rate of coupon use by users will be high, and increase the amount subtracted from the standard distribution number on the beginning of the week (Monday and Tuesday) when it is expected that the rate of coupon use by users will be low.

[0090] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 21 (second decision processing unit 214) may determine the coupon distribution source (distribution site, distribution business operator, etc.) according to the attributes of the recipients (targets) to whom the coupons are distributed. The coupon distribution source includes websites operated by facilities, websites operated by businesses that manage facilities, websites operated by businesses that provide various services to facilities, and other websites operated by these businesses. The storage unit 22 stores information on multiple coupon distribution sources, and the control unit 21 manages multiple coupon distribution sources. The control unit 21 then determines the most suitable coupon distribution source for the target based on the attributes of the target, and has the determined coupon distribution source distribute the coupon to the target's user terminal 3. For example, the control unit 21 may have users who are service members of business operator A distribute coupons from business operator A's website, and users who are service members of business operator B distribute coupons from business operator B's website. Also, for example, the control unit 21 may have female users distribute coupons from business operator C's website, which distributes coupons for women, and wealthy users distribute coupons from business operator D's website, which distributes coupons for wealthy people.

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may determine the source of the coupon distribution depending on the time of day (distribution time). For example, the control unit 21 may have the coupons distributed from the website of business operator E during lunchtime and from the website of business operator F during dinnertime.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may determine the source of coupon distribution based on the browsing trends of users viewing the coupons. For example, the control unit 21 determines the source of coupon distribution based on browsing trends such as the attributes of users who viewed the distributed coupons and the time of day when users actually viewed the distributed coupons. For example, if the control unit 21 obtains that women view coupons during lunchtime and middle-aged and elderly people view coupons during dinnertime, it may cause business operator G's website to distribute coupons to women during lunchtime and business operator H's website to distribute coupons to middle-aged and elderly people during dinnertime.

[0093] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may determine the source of the coupon distribution by combining elements such as the attributes of the coupon recipients, the time of coupon distribution, and the browsing trends of users who view the coupons. In other words, the control unit 21 may determine the source of the coupon distribution based on at least one of the attributes of the coupon recipients, the time of coupon distribution, and the browsing trends of users who view the coupons. In this way, coupons can be distributed from coupon distribution sources that are viewed by a larger number of users, thereby increasing the number of visitors to the facility.

[0094] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 21 may determine the number of coupons to be distributed according to the attributes of the recipients (targets). For example, the control unit 21 may determine that the number of coupons to be distributed to young people is greater than the number of coupons to be distributed to elderly people, and that the number of coupons to be distributed to women is greater than the number of coupons to be distributed to men.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may determine the number of coupons to be distributed according to the time period (distribution time period). For example, the control unit 21 may determine that the number of coupons to be distributed before lunchtime is greater than the number of coupons to be distributed after lunchtime. Also, the control unit 21 may determine that the number of coupons to be distributed during the daytime (for example, 9:00 to 18:00) is greater than the number of coupons to be distributed during the nighttime (18:00 to 6:00).

[0096] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may determine the number of coupons to distribute based on the viewing trends of users who view coupons. For example, the control unit 21 determines the number of coupons to distribute based on viewing trends such as the attributes of users who viewed the distributed coupons and the time of day when users actually viewed the distributed coupons. For example, if the control unit 21 obtains that women tend to view more coupons during lunchtime than during dinnertime, it will determine that the number of coupons to distribute during lunchtime will be greater than the number of coupons to distribute during dinnertime.

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may determine the number of coupons to distribute by combining elements such as the attributes of the recipients of the coupons, the time period for coupon distribution, and the viewing trends of users who view the coupons. In other words, the control unit 21 may determine the number of coupons to distribute based on at least one of the attributes of the recipients of the coupons, the time period for coupon distribution, and the viewing trends of users who view the coupons. In this way, more users can view the coupons, thereby increasing the number of visitors to the facility.

[0098] Thus, in each of the embodiments described above, the control unit 21 may further determine the source of the coupon distribution based on at least one of the attributes of the recipients of the coupon, the time period during which the coupon is distributed, and the viewing trends of users who view the coupon. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the control unit 21 may further determine the number of coupons to be distributed based on at least one of the attributes of the recipients of the coupon, the time period during which the coupon is distributed, and the viewing trends of users who view the coupon.

[0099] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may be a system configured in which the control unit 21 acquires information on at least one of the following: the attributes of the recipients of the coupon, the time period during which the coupon is distributed, and the browsing tendencies of users who view the coupon, and based on the acquired information, determines a specific coupon distributor from among a plurality of coupon distributors stored in the storage unit 22.

[0100] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may be a system in which the control unit 21 acquires information on at least one of the following: the attributes of the recipients of the coupons, the time period during which the coupons will be distributed, and the viewing trends of users who view the coupons, and determines the number of coupons to be distributed based on the acquired information. With these configurations, it becomes possible to efficiently distribute coupons that can be used at the facility. As a result, the number of visitors to the facility can be increased.

[0101] The information processing system according to the present invention may be configured as a system comprising: a setting processing unit 211 that sets a standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in a predetermined period based on the upper limit number of coupons that can be distributed in a predetermined period; an acquisition processing unit 212 that acquires facility-related information including at least one of the facility's reservation information, visitor information, and sales information; a first decision processing unit 213 that determines the number of coupons to be increased or decreased relative to the standard number of coupons based on the facility-related information; and a second decision processing unit 214 that determines the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period based on the standard number of coupons and the number of increases or decreases.

[0102] Furthermore, the information processing method according to the present invention may also be a method in which one or more processors perform the following steps: setting step of setting a standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in the predetermined period based on the upper limit number of coupons that can be distributed in the predetermined period; acquisition step of acquiring facility-related information including at least one of the facility's reservation information, visitor information, and sales information; first determination step of determining the number of coupons to be increased or decreased relative to the standard number of coupons based on the facility-related information; and second determination step of determining the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period based on the standard number of coupons and the number of increases or decreases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1: Information Processing System 2: Management Server 3: User terminal 4: Facility terminals 211: Configuration Processing Unit 212: Acquisition Processing Unit 213: First Decision Processing Unit 214: Second Decision Processing Unit 215: Distribution Processing Unit D1: Reservation Information D2: Store Visit Information D3: Sales Information D4: Standard distribution number information D5: Confirmed number of distributions information

Claims

1. An information processing system that distributes coupons usable at a facility, A setting processing unit sets a standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in the predetermined period, based on a pre-set maximum number of coupons that can be distributed within a predetermined period and the number of days in the predetermined period. An acquisition processing unit that acquires facility-related information including at least one of the reservation information, visitor information, and sales information of the aforementioned facility, A first determination processing unit that determines the increase or decrease in the number of coupons relative to the standard number of coupons for the unit period corresponding to the target time, based on the facility-related information, A second determination processing unit that determines the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period by adding or subtracting the aforementioned increase or decrease amount to the aforementioned standard distribution number, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The setting processing unit updates the standard number of coupons for the unit period based on the remaining period from the target time within the predetermined period and the remaining number of coupons at the target time. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The first decision processing unit determines the increase or decrease in the unit period corresponding to the target time based on the past facility-related information from the start of the predetermined period to the target time. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first decision processing unit determines the increase or decrease in the unit period corresponding to the target time based on the facility-related information for a predetermined period prior to the predetermined period. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned increase / decrease number has an upper limit set for each set period within the predetermined period. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first determination processing unit sets the predetermined increase / decrease amount for each day of the week. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned reservation information includes information indicating whether the reservation is made using the aforementioned coupon or not. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned visitor information includes information indicating whether the visit was made using the aforementioned coupon or not. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned sales information includes information indicating whether the sales amount is the amount with the coupon used or the amount without the coupon used. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The distribution processing unit further comprises distributing the number of coupons determined by the second determination processing unit to the user terminals of predetermined users at each unit period. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for distributing coupons usable at a facility, One or more processors A setting step of setting a standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in the predetermined period, based on a pre-set maximum number of coupons that can be distributed in a predetermined period and the number of days in the predetermined period, Acquisition step of acquiring facility-related information including at least one of the reservation information, visitor information, and sales information of the aforementioned facility, A first decision step is to determine the increase or decrease in the number of coupons relative to the standard number of coupons distributed during the unit period corresponding to the target time, based on the facility-related information, A second determination step involves determining the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period by adding or subtracting the aforementioned increase or decrease amount to the aforementioned standard distribution number, An information processing method that performs the following.

12. An information processing program that distributes coupons usable at a facility, A setting step of setting a standard number of coupons that can be distributed for each unit period included in the predetermined period, based on a pre-set maximum number of coupons that can be distributed in a predetermined period and the number of days in the predetermined period, Acquisition step of acquiring facility-related information including at least one of the reservation information, visitor information, and sales information of the aforementioned facility, A first decision step is to determine the increase or decrease in the number of coupons relative to the standard number of coupons distributed during the unit period corresponding to the target time, based on the facility-related information, A second determination step involves determining the number of coupons to be distributed in the unit period by adding or subtracting the aforementioned increase or decrease amount to the aforementioned standard distribution number, An information processing program that causes one or more processors to execute.

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