Donation assistance device, donation assistance method, and donation assistance program

Abstract

The present invention provides a donation assistance device, a donation assistance method, and a donation assistance program that are capable of assisting flexible and convenient donation activities. When a benefit is allocated to a donation activity as a destination of use of the benefit, a benefit use allocation unit (24) selectively sets either a first mode in which at least one donation recipient is determined from among a plurality of donation recipient candidates on the basis of the type of product or service related to payment and the type of benefit that can be used in association with the payment or a second mode in which at least one donation recipient is determined from among a plurality of donation recipient candidates on the basis of whether or not donations to the plurality of donation recipient candidates are deductible.

Description

Donation support device, donation support method, and donation support program

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a donation system having an acquisition unit, a selection unit, a notification unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit acquires information about users from terminal devices. The selection unit selects users to whom a survey will be conducted based on the information about users acquired by the acquisition unit and selection conditions for selecting users to whom a survey will be conducted. The notification unit notifies the terminal devices of the users selected by the selection unit of survey information that will be donated to a donation organization by answering the survey. The transmission unit counts the number of times each user has answered the survey, and if the number of times exceeds a predetermined threshold, identifies other users who have the same attributes as the user who answered the survey and transmits information about the users who answered the survey to the terminal devices of the identified other users.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-144694

[0004] However, the prior art including Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of supporting donation activities in a flexible and convenient manner.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a donation support device, a donation support method, and a donation support program that can support donation activities in a flexible and convenient manner.

[0006] A donation support device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a payment execution unit that executes payment for goods / services via a user terminal, a benefit presentation unit that presents benefits that can be used in conjunction with the payment via the user terminal, an information acquisition unit that acquires benefit use allocation information via the user terminal, the information including information on whether the benefit will be used for the payment, whether the benefit will be used for donation activities, whether a portion of the benefit will be used for the payment and the other portion will be used for the donation activities, or whether the benefit will be abandoned and the difference between when the benefit is used and when it is not used will be used for the donation activities, and a display unit that displays the benefit use allocation information. and a benefit utilization allocation unit that allocates the use destinations of the benefit to the payment and the donation activity based on the information, and when allocating the use destinations of the benefit to the donation activity, the benefit utilization allocation unit selectively sets either a first mode in which at least one donation destination is determined from among a plurality of candidate donation destinations based on the type of product / service related to the payment and the type of benefit available in connection with the payment, or a second mode in which at least one donation destination is determined from among the plurality of candidate donation destinations based on whether the plurality of candidate donation destinations are eligible for donation deductions.

[0007] A donation support device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by having a payment execution unit that executes payment for goods / services via a user terminal, a benefit presentation unit that presents benefits that can be used in conjunction with the payment via the user terminal, an information acquisition unit that acquires benefit usage allocation information via the user terminal, and a benefit usage allocation unit that allocates the use of the benefits to the payment and donation activities based on the benefit usage allocation information.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a donation support device, a donation support method, and a donation support program that can support donation activities in a flexible and convenient manner.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a donation support device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a store. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of store visit detection by NFC touch. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a donation support server. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for benefit usage allocation information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a donation destination is determined based on a user's selection and decision actions. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a case where information held by a usage history management unit can be referenced on the display of a user terminal. FIG. 8 is a process diagram showing a first example of donation support processing. FIG. 9 is a process diagram showing a second example of donation support processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal and a donation support server. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal and a donation support server.

[0010] In recent years, attention has been focused on "ethical consumption," which contributes to solving environmental and social problems by purchasing products. "Ethical consumption," also known as "ethical consumption," refers to consumer behavior and a lifestyle in which people do not choose products based solely on criteria such as "cheap and good quality" or "how much it benefits me," but rather choose products from a broader perspective, purchasing "products that are kind to people, society, the community, the environment, etc." One type of product related to "ethical consumption" is "ethical products."

[0011] An "ethical product" refers to a product made with consideration for people, society, and the environment, bearing a "mark" that identifies it as an ethical product. For example, one mark may indicate that the product is recognized as being environmentally friendly and beneficial throughout its entire life cycle, from resource extraction, manufacturing, distribution, consumption, recycling, and disposal. Another mark may indicate that the product is produced and manufactured using forest management that is appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically sustainable from an environmental perspective. Another mark may indicate that the agricultural and marine products of a specific region and processed foods made from them as primary ingredients have unique characteristics, such as environmentally and health-conscious production methods, excellent texture and quality, and regional ingredients, and that the product complies with laws and regulations and has a well-organized production management system. Still another mark may indicate that the product guarantees fair prices to producers in developing countries and adheres to standards for human rights, working conditions, and living standards.

[0012] The percentage of people who want to incorporate ethical consumption into their daily lives is on the rise, and this could become a future trend, but at the same time, there are barriers. For example, one consumer commented, "I'm interested in ethical consumption (ethical products) and would like to buy them if I had the opportunity, but in reality, many ethical products are expensive, so even if I want to buy them, I can't afford them" (price barrier).

[0013] Furthermore, while ethical consumption can be seen as a type of charitable activity (donation), many consumers feel that there is a barrier to donations (high threshold) at the awareness level. Currently, social contribution activities such as donations and volunteering are limited to a select few. One reason for this is that there is no link between economic activities such as the flow of people and money and social contribution activities such as donations and volunteering.

[0014] Users who consider donating often feel a sense of urgency about social issues but are unable to take action. For example, many users feel anxiety and a sense of crisis about global warming and climate change. Some users feel issues in the areas targeted by the SDGs, while others understand that they need to do something, even if they don't know much about them, but it seems unsightly. However, many are busy with their daily lives, and the hurdles to donating or volunteering are high, so they are unable to do anything. Additionally, the scale of the donation market in Japan and globally is not large enough to lead to social contribution activities.

[0015] The inventors have recognized the current situation as an important technical challenge and have come up with the idea of ​​a donation support device, method, and program that can support flexible and convenient donation activities within (in conjunction with) electronic payments using user devices such as smartphones in everyday life, without being overly concerned with terms such as ethical consumption or ethical products, and in a relaxed and natural manner (without imposing any particularly large financial or emotional burden). In other words, the purchase of goods / services using electronic payments can itself be elevated and developed into an "ethical act," regardless of whether the goods / services are ethical products bearing a mark or not.

[0016] In this specification, "goods / services" means "goods and / or services" or "at least one of goods and services" (and may be interpreted as such). Alternatively, when simply referring to "goods," the term "goods" may be used in a concept that includes services. In this specification, "goods / services" may be anything that can be the subject of a commercial transaction using the electronic payment function of a user terminal.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the donation support device 1. The "donation support device" may be read as a "donation support system" (the two may be synonymous). The donation support method and donation support program are realized by a computer (CPU: Central Processing Unit) included in the donation support device 1 executing (causing) various processing steps.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the donation support device 1 includes a user terminal 10 and a donation support server 20. The user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 are connected to each other via a network 30 so that they can communicate with each other. In FIG. 1 , the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 are depicted as a single simplified configuration for the sake of convenience. In reality, the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 have more complex configurations than those depicted in FIG. 1 , both in terms of hardware and software. Details will be described later, but for example, the donation support server 20 may be configured to include multiple servers, databases, and the like. For example, the donation support server 20 may include a store server installed in a store that executes payments for goods / services, a manufacturer server installed on the manufacturer side that provides the goods / services, a distributor server installed on the distributor side that undertakes distribution of the goods / services, a donation destination server installed on a donation recipient organization, and various other servers (the term may be used to encompass these multiple servers).

[0020] The donation support device (donation support system) 1 may be understood as a configuration including a user terminal 10 and a donation support server 20, or as a configuration including only the donation support server 20 without including the user terminal 10. In other words, the user terminal 10 is not an essential component of the donation support device 1.

[0021] The user terminal 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal (mobile communication terminal) such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. In other words, the user terminal 10 in this specification is a communication device that can perform various types of communication with the donation support server 20. The user terminal 10 may be, for example, a wired and / or wireless (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5 th The user terminal 10 may communicate with a network (such as the Internet) via Generation New Radio (5G NR), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The communication method used by the user terminal 10 is flexible and various design changes are possible, and may be acoustic communication, visible light communication, etc. The user terminal 10 runs a browser and various other applications in response to user operations.

[0022] In this embodiment, the user terminal 10 is used to purchase various goods / services at a store using its own electronic payment function, and to decide whether to use a benefit granted in connection with the purchase for electronic payment, for donations, or to allocate the benefit between electronic payment and donations. A "store usage application" for improving the user's convenience in purchasing activities using the electronic payment function at a store, and a "donation support application" for improving the user's convenience in allocating the benefit between electronic payment and donations may be downloaded (installed) onto the user terminal 10.

[0023] The donation support server 20 may be any communication device capable of performing various communications with the user terminal 10, and may be interpreted as a device, circuit, etc. The donation support server 20 controls and executes various processes for providing users with suitable services related to store use and donation support via communications with the user terminal 10.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store 2.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, store 2 has an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag 3 installed near the entrance and product / service booths 4 to 9, each related to a different product or service. The booths installed in store 2 are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 (there is a degree of freedom in the number and type), and various design modifications are possible. Although store 2 is depicted in FIG. 2 as consisting of one floor, store 2 may also be composed of two or more floors (two or more stories). Furthermore, store 2 may be used as a general concept that encompasses multiple stores.

[0026] The NFC tag 3 is installed in the store 2 and functions as a "detection unit" that detects a user's visit to the store 2 based on an active action via the user terminal 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , when a user visiting the store 2 brings their user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 3 to perform near-field wireless communication (NFC communication), radio waves are sent from the user terminal 10 to the NFC tag 3, and radio waves are returned from the NFC tag 3 to the user terminal 10, and the result is sent from the user terminal 10 to the donation support server 20. At this time, information about the owner of the user terminal 10 (e.g., identification information of the user terminal 10, information such as the user's age, gender, and occupation, purchase history information of the user at the store, and allocation information of the user's payment use and donation use) may be sent from the user terminal 10 to the donation support server 20.

[0027] In this way, the NFC tag 3 includes a short-range wireless communication unit, and detects a user's visit to the store 2 through short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 10, based on an active action via the user terminal 10. This "detection process" can be executed simply by bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 3 and performing short-range wireless communication, regardless of whether the user terminal 10 has registered (installed, downloaded) the store usage application or the donation support application, or whether the store usage application or the donation support application is running (even if it is not registered or running). In other words, bringing the user terminal 10 close to the NFC tag 3 and performing short-range wireless communication can be used as a guide for installing the store usage application or the donation support application or for launching the app, so the store usage application or the donation support application can be launched without any hassle, and the detection process can also be executed. Furthermore, each NFC tag 3 is associated with information about the store where the tag is installed (the store is registered in the NFC tag itself), and by simply touching the user terminal via NFC, it is possible to capture "who," "when," and "which store" visited based on the ID.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the donation support server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the donation support server 20 includes a payment execution unit 21 , a benefit presentation unit 22 , an information acquisition unit 23 , a benefit utilization allocation unit 24 , and a utilization history management unit 25 .

[0030] The payment execution unit 21 executes payment for goods / services via the user terminal 10. For example, a user who has visited product / service booths 4 to 9 in store 2 goes to the cash register with a specific product they wish to purchase and touches the user terminal 10 to the payment terminal, thereby completing payment for the specific product (purchase completion). The payment (electronic payment) method used by the payment execution unit 21 is flexible and can be modified in various ways, but for example, any of the following can be adopted: prepaid (pre-charge), post-pay (payment afterwards), or debit (instant withdrawal from an account).

[0031] The benefit presentation unit 22 presents, via the user terminal 10, benefits that can be used in conjunction with the payment made by the payment execution unit 21. The content and timing of the benefits presented by the benefit presentation unit 22 are flexible and various design changes are possible, but several examples will be described here.

[0032] When a user's visit to the store is detected based on an active action via the user terminal 10 (when an entrance touch by holding the user terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3 is detected), this triggers a discount coupon (e.g., 10% off or 100 yen off) for all products or specific products on sale at the store 2 (displayed in any of the product / service booths 4 to 9) to be displayed on the display of the user terminal 10.

[0033] Alternatively, via a store usage application installed (downloaded) on the user terminal 10, discount coupons (e.g., 10% off or 100 yen off) for all or specific products on sale at store 2 (displayed in any of product / service booths 4 to 9) are displayed on the display of the user terminal 10 on a regular or irregular basis.

[0034] Alternatively, when a user is visiting product / service booths 4 to 9 in store 2, user terminal 10 may link with a wireless beacon, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or other wireless signal transmitter installed in store 2, and a discount coupon (e.g., 10% off or 100 yen off) for all products or specific products on sale in store 2 (displayed in any of product / service booths 4 to 9) may be displayed on the display of user terminal 10.

[0035] By using a discount coupon as a benefit presented by the benefit presentation unit 22 at the time of payment by the payment execution unit 21, the amount of the discount coupon can be deducted from the normal purchase amount (withdrawal amount) (a discount can be received). This is the conventional way of using a discount coupon (benefit) (this is the original way of use, and no other way exists).

[0036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the benefits presented by the benefit presentation unit 22, in this case a discount coupon, can be used not only for conventional (original) payment purposes but also for donation activities. Specifically, when the benefit presentation unit 22 presents benefits that can be used in conjunction with payment by the payment execution unit 21 via the user terminal 10, the benefit presentation unit 22 prompts the user to input "benefit usage allocation information" that indicates how the benefits should be allocated between payment and donation activities.

[0037] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting bonus use allocation information. In the example of FIG. 5, a 10% discount coupon for coffee as a specific product is presented, and three options for using the discount coupon are presented: "Use the coupon to purchase coffee," "Donate the coupon amount," and "Use 5% for coffee purchase and 5% for donation." The user can select and decide on one of these three options. The selected and decided use of the discount coupon is transmitted from the user terminal 10 to the donation support server 20 as "bonus use allocation information."

[0038] If you select and confirm "Purchase coffee using coupon" as "Benefit allocation information," 10% will be discounted (deducted) from the regular price of the coffee. In addition, the full amount (90%) of the 10% discount will be distributed to the manufacturer and distributor.

[0039] If you select "Donate the coupon amount" as your "Benefits Allocation Information," the regular price of the coffee will be charged (deducted) as is. 90% of the payment amount will be allocated to the manufacturer and distributor, and 10% will be allocated to the donation recipient (organization).

[0040] If you select and confirm "Use 5% to purchase coffee & 5% to donate" as your "Benefits Allocation Information," 5% will be discounted from the regular price of the coffee and your payment will be deducted. 90% of the 5% discounted payment amount will be distributed to the manufacturer and distributor, and the remaining 5% will be distributed to the donation recipient (organization).

[0041] In this way, the "benefit usage allocation information" can include at least one of the following pieces of information (1) to (4). Note that information (2) and (4) can be treated as equivalent information because they result in the same allocation of the payment amount. (1) Information indicating that the benefit (discount coupon) will be used to pay for goods / services. (2) Information indicating that the benefit (discount coupon) will be used for donation activities. (3) Information indicating that a portion of the benefit (discount coupon) will be used to pay for goods / services and the other portion will be used for donation activities. (4) Information indicating that the difference between when the benefit (discount coupon) is given up and used and when it is not used will be used for donation activities.

[0042] To summarize (1) to (4) above, the "benefit usage allocation information" can include at least one of the following information: whether the benefit will be used for payment, whether the benefit will be used for donation activities, whether a portion of the benefit will be used for payment and the other portion will be used for donation activities, or whether the difference between when the benefit is given up and used and when it is not used will be used for donation activities.

[0043] The information acquisition unit 23 acquires the benefit use allocation information via the user terminal 10. That is, the information acquisition unit 23 receives the "benefit use allocation information" transmitted from the user terminal 10, which indicates how the benefits (discount coupons) are allocated to payments and donation activities.

[0044] The benefit utilization allocation unit 24 allocates the benefits (discount coupons) to payments and donation activities based on the benefit utilization allocation information acquired by the information acquisition unit 23. For example, if the donation support server 20 includes a distribution server, a manufacturer server, and a donation destination server, the distribution server receives the payment made by the user at the time of electronic payment and transfers the distribution amount, taking into account the allocation of the benefits (discount coupons), to the manufacturer server and the donation destination server.

[0045] In the example of Figure 5, if "Purchase coffee using coupon" is selected and confirmed as the benefit use allocation information, a 10% discount is applied to the payment (debit) from the regular price of the coffee. The benefit use allocation unit 24 then allocates the full amount (90%) of the 10% discounted payment amount to the distributor and manufacturer. In other words, the payment is allocated to the recipients of the benefit (discount coupon).

[0046] In the example of Figure 5, if "Donate the coupon amount" is selected and confirmed as the bonus allocation information, the retail price (regular price) of the coffee is paid (deducted) as is. The bonus allocation unit 24 then allocates 90% of the payment amount to the distributor and manufacturer, and 10% of the payment amount to the donation recipient (recipient organization). In other words, the use of the bonus (discount coupon) is allocated to the donation activity.

[0047] In the example of Figure 5, if "Use 5% for coffee purchase & 5% for donation" is selected and confirmed as the reward usage allocation information, 5% is discounted from the retail price (normal price) of the coffee and the payment is made (debited). The reward usage allocation unit 24 then allocates 90% of the 5% discounted payment amount to the distributor and manufacturer, and the remaining 5% to the donation recipient (donation recipient organization). In other words, the reward (discount coupon) is allocated to payment and donation activities. When the reward (discount coupon) is allocated to payment and donation activities, the allocation ratio may be determined automatically by the system or manually via the user terminal 10.

[0048] When allocating the use of benefits (discount coupons) to donation activities, the benefit utilization allocation unit 24 may pre-set recipients (donation recipient organizations) that are closely related to the distributors or manufacturers, or well-known recipients or organizations (for example, UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, or disaster relief funds for earthquakes and floods), and allocate the use of the benefits (discount coupons) to those recipients (donation recipient organizations).

[0049] When allocating the use destination of a benefit (discount coupon) to a donation activity, the benefit utilization allocation unit 24 may determine at least one donation destination (donation recipient organization) from among a plurality of candidate donation destinations (donation recipient organizations). The benefit utilization allocation unit 24 may have a plurality of modes for determining at least one donation destination (donation recipient organization) from among a plurality of candidate donation destinations (donation recipient organizations).

[0050] In the first mode, the reward allocation unit 24 may determine at least one donation recipient (recipient organization) from among multiple candidate donation recipients (recipient organizations) based on the type of product / service involved in the payment and the type of reward (discount coupon) available with the payment. For example, from the perspective of local production and consumption, if the specific product involved in the payment is agricultural, forestry, or fishery product produced in the region, the unit may select and determine a donation recipient (recipient organization) that can contribute to the development of the agriculture, forestry, fishery, and food industries in the region. Furthermore, if there are multiple such candidate donation recipients (recipient organizations), the final donation recipient (recipient organization) may be narrowed down based on the type of reward (discount coupon), such as the location and period of use of the coupon at the store.

[0051] In the second mode, the benefit utilization allocation unit 24 may determine at least one donation recipient (donation recipient organization) from among multiple candidate donation recipients (donation recipient organizations) based on whether the multiple candidate donation recipients (donation recipient organizations) are eligible for donation deductions. Assuming that the requirements for donation deductions are established and legislated now or in the future, the eligibility of donation deductions may remove barriers to users' donations and may even encourage users to donate. Therefore, a donation recipient (donation recipient organization) eligible for donation deductions may be determined from among multiple candidate donation recipients (donation recipient organizations). Furthermore, for a candidate donation recipient (donated organization), based on whether the upper limit for donation deductions has already been reached or whether the upper limit for donation deductions is expected to be reached if the current donation is made (when the upper limit for donation deductions has already been reached or is expected to be reached), another donation recipient (donated organization) that has room for the upper limit for donation deductions and / or another donation recipient (donated organization) that is not eligible for donation deductions may be determined.

[0052] By combining the first and second modes, the benefit utilization allocation unit 24 may determine at least one donation recipient (donation recipient organization) from among multiple candidate donation recipients (donation recipient organizations) based on the type of product / service related to the payment, the type of benefit (discount coupon) that can be used in conjunction with the payment, and whether the multiple candidate donation recipients (donation recipient organizations) are eligible for donation deductions.

[0053] In the third mode, the benefit utilization allocation unit 24 may display multiple candidate donation destinations (donation recipient organizations) on the display of the user terminal 10 and determine at least one donation destination (donation recipient organization) from among the multiple candidate donation destinations (donation recipient organizations) based on the user's selection and decision actions. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of determining a donation destination (donation recipient organization) based on the user's selection and decision actions. In Figure 6, four donation destinations A, B, C, and D are presented as candidate donation destinations (donation recipient organizations), and the user can select at least one of donation destinations A, B, C, and D by checking the checkboxes. Figure 6 illustrates an example in which donation destinations A and D are selected.

[0054] In this way, there are multiple modes (for example, first, second, and third modes) for determining at least one donation destination (donation recipient organization) from among multiple candidate donation destinations (donation recipient organizations), and the benefit utilization allocation unit 24 can selectively set one of these multiple modes.

[0055] The usage history management unit 25 manages the identification information of the user terminal 10 in association with the usage history of the privilege (discount coupon) based on the "privilege usage allocation information."

[0056] When a user's visit to a store is detected based on an active action via the user terminal 10 (when a store entry touch by holding the user terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3 is detected), this triggers the capture of identification information of the user terminal 10. Thereafter, behavioral history information via the user terminal 10 is stored and managed (collected collectively by user ID) in association with the identification information of the user terminal 10, such as what product / service payment (purchase activity) was made via the user terminal 10, what benefit (e.g., discount coupon) was presented via the user terminal 10, what benefit usage allocation information was transmitted (sent / received) via the user terminal 10 for that benefit, and how the benefit (e.g., discount coupon) was allocated to payments and donations based on the benefit usage allocation information.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information stored by the usage history management unit 25 that can be viewed on the display of the user terminal 10. FIG. 7 shows a portion of the information stored in the usage history management unit 25. As shown in FIG. 7, the display of the user terminal 10 displays, as "Coupon Donation Record," the product / service (here, coffee) paid for (purchased) using a special offer (e.g., a discount coupon) for each date and time (each payment) in a month, and the amount of the special offer (e.g., a discount coupon) allocated to the donation activity based on the special offer allocation information. Furthermore, by operating the user terminal 10, the user can select and decide whether to issue a receipt, which serves as proof for claiming a donation deduction.

[0058] The donation support server 20 may have a function of prompting the user terminal 10 to download the store usage application or the donation support application when the store usage application or the donation support application has not been downloaded to the user terminal 10. Not all user terminals 10 that have performed a store entry touch (an active action of holding the user terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3) have necessarily downloaded the store usage application or the donation support application. Therefore, for example, the display of the user terminal 10 may display a download screen for the store usage application or the donation support application, or a store for the store usage application or the donation support application, thereby prompting the user terminal 10 to download the store usage application or the donation support application.

[0059] When a store entry touch (an active action of holding the user terminal 10 over the NFC tag 3) is performed, it is determined whether the user is a DL user of the store use application or the donation support application. If the user is a DL user of the store use application or the donation support application, for example, after tapping via a guide such as a push notification, the store use application or the donation support application is launched. This is expected to encourage dormant users of the store use application or the donation support application to resume using the store use application or the donation support application and to make launching the store use application or the donation support application a habit. If the user is a non-DL user of the store use application or the donation support application, the user is directed to the DL store of the store use application or the donation support application. This is expected to encourage new downloads of the store use application or the donation support application. In addition, by triggering an event (content distribution, bonus granting) when the store use application or the donation support application is launched and issuing the event separately for each ID, it is possible to capture "who," "when," and "which store" visited based on the ID.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a process diagram showing a first example of the donation support process.

[0061] When a coupon is allocated to a donation activity based on the bonus use allocation information, a donation click log is created for the coupon, and the information is stored by user ID. Specifically, the target product, discount amount, and expiration date are stored in association with the user ID. Additionally, used coupons are entered and cleared using a store clerk code. Even when a coupon is allocated to a donation activity based on the bonus use allocation information (a donation made with a coupon), it can be processed and managed using a JAN code and POS system, just like a regular coupon. JAN codes are displayed on products as distribution codes and are utilized in POS systems widely used, primarily in convenience stores and supermarkets. JAN codes may also be interpreted as EAN codes. POS systems are systems that manage sales revenue, inventory, and purchasing by reading the JAN codes of purchased products at supermarkets, convenience stores, and other locations. Furthermore, because they can grasp consumer trends, they can be used as accurate information for determining business strategies.

[0062] The application system (APP system) receives information from the SDK (Software Development Kit), which is a software development kit for store applications, to identify the member (user) and the applicable product. After confirming the purchase of the applicable product (after electronic payment is completed), the coupon usage history is updated. At this time, the SDK may determine whether or not to debit the coupon, or may do so in conjunction with a POS system. The coupon usage amount may be updated in the distribution system, or the display within the application system may be updated by the SDK.

[0063] The distributor and manufacturer then tally up the payment amount (settlement fee) taking into account the coupon usage amount, and execute the billing process in the same way as for regular sales promotion (electronic payment). At this time, the distributor and manufacturer may cooperate (collaborate) to utilize ESG (Environment, Social, Governance).

[0064] The distribution server is connected to an application server (APP), a member server, and a donation destination server (organization). By linking with the application server, benefits such as improved usability, new ways to utilize coupons and other benefits, and a shared sense of scale by displaying the total amount can be obtained. By linking with the member server, benefits such as the use of stage-based membership programs, provision of benefits according to usage, ethical orientation judgment, and increased application usage for ethical use can be obtained. By linking with the donation destination server, in addition to carrying out the donation activities mentioned above, it is possible to utilize examples of ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) that have been transformed into DX (Digital Transformation), and to contribute to ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) activities themselves.

[0065] 9 is a flow chart showing a second example of the donation support process, which relates to issuing a certificate and a receipt for allocating coupons to donations.

[0066] As in the first example of Figure 8, when a coupon is allocated to a donation activity based on the reward usage allocation information, a donation click log is created for the coupon, and information is stored by user ID. Specifically, the target product, discount amount, and expiration date are stored in association with the user ID. The application system (APP system) receives information from an SDK (Software Development Kit) that serves as a software development kit for store applications and identifies the member (user) and the target product. After confirming the purchase of the target product (after electronic payment is completed), the coupon usage history is updated. In this case, the SDK may determine whether to cancel the transaction independently, or may perform a determination in conjunction with a POS system. The coupon usage amount may be updated in the distribution system, or the display within the application system may be updated by the SDK.

[0067] Next, monthly tallying and report creation are performed. At this time, the number of coupon usages may be reported for each month during the campaign period, a report may be sent to the distributor, billing may be handled by the manufacturer, or the distributor may make a payment to the donation recipient (donation organization). In addition, information is linked to the member server and information is sent by application (APP) ID. At this time, measures for target users may be utilized. Finally, the receipt issuance function is activated. At this time, for example, the total amount from January 1 to December 31 of the previous year may be targeted, or only amounts of 2,000 yen or more may be targeted for the receipt issuance function.

[0068] As described above, the donation support device according to the present disclosure includes a payment execution unit that executes payment for goods / services via a user terminal, a reward presentation unit that presents rewards available in connection with the payment via the user terminal, an information acquisition unit that acquires reward usage allocation information via the user terminal, and a reward usage allocation unit that allocates reward usage destinations between payments and donation activities based on the reward usage allocation information. This enables flexible and convenient support for donation activities. For example, manufacturers can use sales promotion activities for advertising purposes, distributors can maintain or increase donations, which have been declining in recent years, and users can use rewards (discount coupons) to make donations in a relaxed and natural manner (without imposing any significant financial or emotional burden).

[0069] Furthermore, the donation support device according to the present disclosure can revive cashier donations, which have decreased due to the shift to cashless payment and the use of coins, support social activities by utilizing user-selectable perks (e.g., discount coupons), and increase the reputation of distribution companies for their ethical ESG (Environment, Social, Governance). Above all, it can provide users with a new experience in which simply purchasing a product / service at list price (normal price) can be elevated and developed into ethical consumption (ethical behavior), increasing satisfaction. For example, this new experience may be called "donating with a coupon," "kifupon," "recoupon," "ethical coupon," "eco-coupon," etc.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. As shown in Fig. 10, the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 have a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, an input unit 140, and an output unit 150. Note that Fig. 10 shows an example of functional blocks of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20, and the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 may have other functional blocks not shown in Fig. 10. Furthermore, the configuration may not include some functional blocks.

[0071] The control unit 110 controls the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The control unit 110 can be configured by a controller, a control circuit, or a control device that is described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0072] The storage unit 120 stores information used by the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The storage unit 120 can be configured, for example, by a memory, storage, storage device, or the like that is described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0073] The communication unit 130 performs communication (e.g., mutual communication) between the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The communication unit 130 can be configured by a transmitter / receiver, a transmission / reception circuit, or a transmission / reception device, which are described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. The communication unit 130 may be configured by a transmission unit and a reception unit.

[0074] The input unit 140 accepts inputs from the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The input unit 140 may also be connected to a predetermined device, storage medium, etc., and accept data input. The input unit 140 may output the input results to, for example, the control unit 110. The input unit 140 may be configured with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and buttons, input / output terminals, input / output circuits, etc., as described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. The input unit 140 may also be configured as an integrated unit with a display unit (for example, a touch panel).

[0075] The output unit 150 performs output on the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. For example, the output unit 150 may be configured to include a display unit that displays images, an audio output unit that outputs audio, and the like. The display unit may be configured, for example, by a display device such as a monitor or the like that is described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention. Furthermore, the audio output unit may be configured by an output device such as a speaker that is described based on common understanding in the technical field related to the present invention.

[0076] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the means for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by a single physically coupled device, or may be realized by two or more physically separate devices connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0077] For example, the devices (user terminal 10 and donation support server 20) in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the donation support processing of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20. The above-mentioned user terminal 10 and donation support server 20 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0078] In this disclosure, the terms apparatus, circuit, device, unit, server, etc. may be interchangeable. The hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0079] For example, although only one processor 1001 is shown, there may be multiple processors. Furthermore, processing may be performed by one processor, or processing may be performed by two or more processors simultaneously, serially, or in other ways. Furthermore, processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips.

[0080] Each function of the user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001, memory 1002, etc., so that the processor 1001 performs calculations and controls communication via the communication device 1004, reading and / or writing of data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003, etc.

[0081] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Note that each unit, such as the control unit 110 described above, may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0082] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the control unit 110 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and executed by the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be made for other functional blocks.

[0083] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured by at least one of, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically programmable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable storage medium. The memory 1002 may also be referred to as a register, a cache, a main memory, or the like. The memory 1002 may store executable programs (program codes), software modules, and the like for implementing a method according to an embodiment.

[0084] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, a flexible disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM)), a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a removable disk, a hard disk drive, a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a magnetic stripe, a database, a server, or other suitable storage medium. Storage 1003 may also be called an auxiliary storage device. Note that the above-mentioned storage unit 120 may be realized by memory 1002 and / or storage 1003.

[0085] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may include a SIM card. Note that the above-mentioned communication unit 130 may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0086] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one unit (e.g., a touch panel). The above-mentioned input unit 140 and output unit 150 may be realized by the input device 1005 and the output device 1006, respectively.

[0087] Furthermore, each device such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002 is connected by a bus 1008 for communicating information. The bus 1008 may be configured as a single bus or may be configured as different buses between the devices.

[0088] The user terminal 10 and the donation support server 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented by at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0089] (Modifications) Note that terms explained in this disclosure and / or terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0090] The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or other corresponding information. Furthermore, the names used for parameters, etc. in this disclosure are not limiting in any way.

[0091] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0092] Information, signals, etc. may be input / output via multiple network nodes. The input / output information, signals, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a table. The input / output information, signals, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or added. Output information, signals, etc. may be deleted. Input information, signals, etc. may be transmitted to another device.

[0093] Furthermore, notification of specified information (e.g., notification that "it is X") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be made implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the specified information or by notifying other information).

[0094] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0095] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted and received via a transmission medium and / or signal waveform. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0096] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably.

[0097] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Furthermore, the order of the processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0098] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0099] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0100] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when the term "or" is used in this disclosure, it is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0101] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0102] Although the invention according to the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The invention according to the present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the description of the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not impose any limiting meaning on the invention according to the present disclosure.

[0103] In the above embodiment, an active action via the user terminal is described as bringing the user terminal close to (holding) the NFC tag, but the active action via the user terminal has a degree of freedom, and various design modifications are possible. For example, it is also possible to substitute an action such as vibrating the user terminal at a predetermined position, reading predetermined identification information (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), or connecting to Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0104] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-095957, filed on June 12, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a payment execution unit which executes payment for goods / services via a user terminal; a benefit presentation unit which presents benefits which can be used in conjunction with the payment via the user terminal; an information acquisition unit which acquires benefit usage allocation information via the user terminal, the information including information on whether the benefit will be used for the payment, whether the benefit will be used for donation activities, whether a part of the benefit will be used for the payment and another part will be used for the donation activities, or whether the benefit will be abandoned and the difference between when the benefit is used and when it is not used will be used for the donation activities; and a benefit usage allocation unit which allocates the use of the benefit between the payment and the donation activities based on the benefit usage allocation information, A donation support device characterized in that, when allocating the use of the benefit to the donation activity, the benefit utilization allocation unit selectively sets either a first mode in which at least one donation destination is determined from among a plurality of candidate donation destinations based on the type of product / service related to the payment and the type of benefit available in connection with the payment, or a second mode in which at least one donation destination is determined from among the plurality of candidate donation destinations based on whether the plurality of candidate donation destinations is eligible for donation deductions.

2. The donation support device according to claim 1, further comprising a usage history management unit that manages, in association with each other, the identification information of the user terminal and the usage history of the benefit based on the benefit usage distribution information.

3. A donation support method characterized by being executed by a computer, comprising the steps of: executing a payment for goods / services via a user terminal; presenting via the user terminal benefits that can be used in conjunction with the payment; acquiring via the user terminal benefit allocation information including information on whether the benefit will be used for the payment, whether the benefit will be used for the donation activity, whether a part of the benefit will be used for the payment and another part will be used for the donation activity, or whether the benefit will be abandoned and the difference between when the benefit is used and when it is not used will be used for the donation activity; allocating the use destinations of the benefit to the payment and the donation activity based on the benefit allocation information; and, when allocating the use destination of the benefit to the donation activity, selectively setting either a first mode in which at least one donation destination is determined from among a plurality of candidate donation destinations based on the type of goods / services related to the payment and the type of benefit that can be used in conjunction with the payment, or a second mode in which at least one donation destination is determined from among the plurality of candidate donation destinations based on whether the plurality of candidate donation destinations is eligible for donation deductions.

4. A donation support program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: executing a payment for goods / services via a user terminal; presenting benefits that can be used in conjunction with the payment via the user terminal; acquiring benefit usage allocation information via the user terminal, the information including information on whether the benefit will be used for the payment, the benefit will be used for the donation activity, a part of the benefit will be used for the payment and another part will be used for the donation activity, or the difference between when the benefit is used and when it is not used will be used for the donation activity; allocating the use destination of the benefit to the payment and the donation activity based on the benefit usage allocation information; and when allocating the use destination of the benefit to the donation activity, selectively setting either a first mode in which at least one donation destination is determined from a plurality of candidate donation destinations based on the type of goods / services related to the payment and the type of benefit that can be used in conjunction with the payment, or a second mode in which at least one donation destination is determined from the plurality of candidate donation destinations based on whether the plurality of candidate donation destinations is eligible for donation deductions.

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