Information processing system, program, and information processing method

Abstract

This information processing system comprises: a data collection unit that collects behavior record data of a user in a real world; a first point granting unit that grants, to a user, points corresponding to the behavior record data; a spot information storage unit that stores point exchange spots at which the user can acquire a privilege by utilizing the point; and a location determination unit that determines, on the basis of location information about the user, whether the user visits a point exchange spot, and gives, to the user who is determined to be visiting the point exchange spot, the authority to acquire the privilege by consuming a prescribed amount of points.

Description

Information processing system, program, and information processing method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, a program, and an information processing method for providing a point service.

[0002] There is known a point-granting system that issues points according to the number of steps or distance traveled during a user's exercise. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a point-granting system that grants points based on the amount of exercise a user performs measured by an exercise meter and allows the points to be exchanged for mileage points or card points.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-331058

[0004] The point-granting system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided primarily for the purpose of promoting the health of users, but if improvements can be made to the way points are awarded or used in such a point-granting system, there is room to create new value other than promoting health.

[0005] An object of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system, a program, and an information processing method related to a points service that can create an incentive to visit a location such as a store.

[0006] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a data collection unit that collects behavioral record data of a user in the real world; a first point granting unit that grants points to the user according to the behavioral record data; a location information storage unit that stores point exchange locations where the user can use the points to acquire benefits; and a location determination unit that determines whether the user is visiting the point exchange location based on the user's location information, and grants the user who is determined to be visiting the point exchange location the authority to consume a predetermined amount of the points to acquire the benefit.

[0007] The information processing system has the above-mentioned features, and thus can create an incentive to visit a location that has been set as a point exchange location.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: storing point exchange locations where users can use points to acquire benefits; collecting behavioral record data of the users in the real world; granting the points to the users according to the behavioral record data; and determining whether the users have visited the point exchange locations based on the location information of the users, and granting the users who have been determined to have visited the point exchange locations the authority to spend a predetermined amount of the points to acquire the benefits.

[0009] The program has the above features, which can create an incentive to visit a location set as a point exchange location.

[0010] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method in which a computer executes the following processes: storing point exchange locations where a user can use points to acquire benefits; collecting behavioral record data of the user in the real world; granting the user points according to the behavioral record data; and determining whether the user is visiting the point exchange location based on the user's location information, and granting the user who is determined to be visiting the point exchange location the authority to spend a predetermined amount of points to acquire the benefits.

[0011] The information processing method has the above-mentioned features, and thus can create an incentive to visit a location set as a point exchange location.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example functional configuration of a server shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example functional configuration of a user terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed by the information processing system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining another example of processing executed by the information processing system. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on a user terminal. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on a user terminal.

[0013] An information processing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are merely examples for explaining the present embodiment, and the system configurations, block diagrams, flowcharts, etc. shown in the drawings may be modified or changed within the scope of technical problems. Furthermore, in this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0014] <System Overview> The information processing system 10 according to this embodiment is a system for providing a point service involving the collection and consumption of points to a user 3 via a network N such as the Internet. In this embodiment, "points" is a general term for electronic data having some economic value, and "points" may be interpreted as scores, coins, stamps, money, dollars, miles, etc. As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing system 10 includes, as its main components, at least one server 20 and at least one user terminal 30. These main components are connected to each other via the network N so as to be accessible to each other.

[0015] In the point service provided by the information processing system 10, points are awarded to the user 3 based on the behavioral record data of the user 3. The points awarded to the user 3 by the information processing system 10 are not points issued in exchange for payment, such as the purchase of a product or service (i.e., payment is not a prerequisite for issuing points), but points issued based on behavioral record data related to the user 3's daily behavior, such as walking and moving. The behavioral record data is data recorded and collected based on the user 3's daily behavior, and may be quantitative data or qualitative data. Furthermore, the behavioral record data may be collected by physical measurement means such as a sensor, or may be collected through input operations by the user 3.

[0016] The points issued based on this behavioral record data may be exchangeable for electronic monetary data, such as points for other payment services (e.g., credit cards), electronic money, or gift certificates that can be used in physical or online stores. However, the use of points based on the behavioral record data is not limited to exchange for electronic monetary data. Rather, the point service of the information processing system 10 allows points to be directly exchanged for goods and / or services by consuming a predetermined amount of the points. Specifically, a user 3 who has collected points can exchange a predetermined amount of points for a reward by visiting a point exchange location. The information processing system 10 detects that the user 3 has visited the point exchange location and grants the user 3 the authority to consume the points and acquire a reward.

[0017] A point exchange point is a location in the real world where User 3 can use points to obtain rewards (i.e., a location where points can be consumed and exchanged for rewards). The conditions for a location to be set as a point exchange point are not particularly limited, and for example, a point exchange point may be a facility that provides goods and / or services, such as a store, a commercial complex, an entertainment facility, or a public facility, or may be another location that does not provide goods or services. Examples of other locations include locations that are the setting for anime, manga, movies, dramas, etc., locations associated with famous people or historical figures, parks, and other tourist spots.

[0018] Examples of benefits that can be exchanged for points include tangible prizes, digital content (e.g., music, video, etc.), and services provided to user 3 at the point exchange point, and it is preferable that the prize is included in the benefit. If the benefit is a prize, a housing 50 that provides the prize to user 3 may be installed at the point exchange point. Furthermore, a means for delivering the prize exchanged for points to user 3 does not need to be prepared at the point exchange point, and the prize itself that is exchanged for points does not need to be prepared at the point exchange point.

[0019] For example, when a prize to be awarded to a user 3 who visits a point exchange point is determined, information about the prize and information about the user 3 who has won the prize are linked, and this information is notified from the user terminal 30 to the delivery company terminal 70 of the delivery company 7 via the server 20. The delivery company 7, upon receiving the notification, may deliver the prize, which is a benefit exchanged for the points, to the home of the user 3. The content of the prize to be exchanged for the points is determined at the point exchange point, but the delivery of the prize may be carried out using a delivery service. The point exchange point may include a location where the housing 50 is installed and / or a location where the housing 50 is not installed.

[0020] The reward may be determined by the user's selection, or by a lottery in which at least one reward is randomly selected from a plurality of reward options. When the reward content is determined by lottery, the lottery may be performed using the housing 50. In other words, the housing 50 may be a lottery machine that randomly selects at least one product from a plurality of products, such as capsule toys. Alternatively, the lottery may be performed online in which at least one reward is randomly selected from a plurality of reward options. While such online lotteries (hereinafter referred to as "online lotteries") are inherently conducted anywhere without location restrictions, the online lottery in the information processing system 10 requires the user 3 to visit a point exchange location and can only be performed at the point exchange location. In other words, the online lottery in the information processing system 10 imposes restrictions on the user's 3's current location (corresponding to the current location of the user terminal 30).

[0021] When the contents of the benefits are determined by lottery, each point exchange point may be a point where only one of the lottery using the cabinet 50 or the online lottery can be held, or it may be a point where both the lottery using the cabinet 50 and the online lottery can be held.

[0022] The server 20 and the user terminal 30 that constitute the information processing system 10 will be described in detail below.

[0023] <Server Configuration> The server 20 is an information processing device used to operate and manage the point service, and is deployed at the business operator 1 that provides the point service. The server 20 as an information processing device may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, or may be logically constructed using cloud computing technology.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the server 20 has a control unit 21 that controls the entire server 20, a memory unit 22 that stores various data and application programs, and a server communication unit 23 that sends and receives data to and from the user terminal 30 via the network N.

[0025] <Control Unit (Server)> The control unit 21 is a component that transfers data between each element of the server 20 (for example, data transfer between the control unit 21 and the storage unit 22, data transfer between the control unit 21 and the server communication unit 23, etc.) and controls the entire server 20. The control unit 21 has a function of executing various information processes necessary for providing the point service, and the function of the control unit 21 is realized by an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) reading data and programs stored in predetermined storage and executing various programs in a working area of ​​the memory.

[0026] The control unit 21 has multiple functional units according to the type of information processing to be executed. For example, the control unit 21 may include, as functional units, a points granting unit 210, a position determination unit 213, a lottery execution unit 214, and a points fluctuation processing unit 215. Some or all of these functional units may be included in the control unit 31 of the user terminal 30.

[0027] The point assigning unit 210 executes a process of assigning points to the user 3. The process of assigning points is executed based on predetermined conditions, and multiple conditions may be set as conditions for the user 3 to obtain points. In the information processing system 10, the behavior record data of the user 3 is set as a condition for assigning points, and the point assigning unit 210 has at least a first point assigning unit 211 that executes a process of assigning points to the user 3 according to the behavior record data.

[0028] The behavioral record data is data collected and accumulated based on the user 3's daily activities. The behavioral record data set as a condition for point awarding is not necessarily limited, and may be at least one type of data selected from the following: the number of steps taken based on walking and running, distance traveled (or the amount of traveled), record data related to the user's exercise (e.g., calories burned through exercise), record data related to the user's diet (e.g., calories ingested through diet), and record data related to the user's sleep (e.g., a score related to sleep quality). From the perspective of creating a synergistic effect with point consumption (described later), the first point awarding unit 211 preferably awards points to the user 3 based on the number of steps taken and / or distance traveled, and more preferably awards points to the user 3 based on both the number of steps taken and the distance traveled. Furthermore, when distance traveled is used as behavioral record data, the travel method used to calculate the travel distance may be limited to the user 3's own walking and running, but it is preferable to not impose any restrictions on the travel method. In other words, not only the user 3's own walking and running, but also travel methods using vehicles such as bicycles, cars, trains, boats, and airplanes may be set as targets for travel distance calculation.

[0029] The above-mentioned action record data is collected in the user terminal 30, which will be described later, and the collected action record data is transmitted from the terminal communication unit 37 to the first point assigning unit 211 via the server communication unit 23. When receiving the action record data from the user terminal 30, the first point assigning unit 211 executes a process of assigning points. When executing this point assigning process, the first point assigning unit 211 may execute a process of converting the action record data into points. A conversion rate may be set in the process of converting the action record data into points.

[0030] The conversion rate may be set appropriately depending on the type of behavioral record data. For example, in the case of step count, the conversion rate may be set to 0.01 points / step (a conversion rate at which 1 point can be earned for every 100 steps), and in the case of travel distance, the conversion rate may be set to 10 points / km (a conversion rate at which 10 points can be earned for every kilometer traveled). The conversion rate may be set as a fixed value or as a variable value. When the conversion rate is a variable value, the conversion rate may be changed uniformly for all users 3 based on predetermined conditions (e.g., changing the conversion rate for a limited-time campaign), or the conversion rate may be changed for each user 3 (e.g., changing the conversion rate based on information about the user 3 or the point service usage history).

[0031] Furthermore, in the process of converting the activity record data into points, a minimum exchange unit may be set. The minimum exchange unit here refers to the smallest amount of activity record data that can be converted into points. For example, a setting may be made so that steps can be converted into a predetermined number of points in units of 1,000 steps (minimum exchange unit: 1,000 steps), or a setting may be made so that travel distances can be converted into points in units of 3 km. The process of converting the activity record data into points may be performed based on the settings of both the conversion rate and the minimum exchange unit. Like the conversion rate, the minimum exchange unit may be set as a fixed value or a variable value. If the minimum exchange unit is set as a variable value, the minimum exchange unit for all users 3 may be changed uniformly based on predetermined conditions, or the minimum exchange unit may be set to be variable for each user 3.

[0032] The process of converting the action record data into points may be executed automatically when the action record data reaches the minimum exchange unit, or may be executed when triggered by a selection by the user 3. In the latter case, after a predetermined amount of action record data has been accumulated, the user 3 operates the user terminal 30 to select to convert the accumulated action record data into points, thereby generating operation information related to point acquisition. This operation information includes information such as the amount of action record data to be converted into points, and the first point assigning unit 211 accepts the operation information, which is an instruction from the user 3 to acquire points, and assigns points according to the action record data. In this case, the conversion rate may be varied depending on the amount of action record data to be converted into points (for example, a conversion rate may be set so that the greater the amount of accumulated action record data, the more points can be acquired).

[0033] Although the above example illustrates the point-assigning process assuming quantitatively expressed behavioral record data, the behavioral record data may also be qualitatively expressed. For example, the first point-assigning unit 211 may accept an operation by the user 3 to set a target value for the behavioral record data for a predetermined period (e.g., a weekly target value for a life log such as a sleep score or calorie intake, or a daily target value for the number of steps or calories burned), and may assign a predetermined amount of points to the user 3 if the target value is achieved. Furthermore, even if the target value is not achieved, a predetermined amount of points may be assigned at the end of the period for which the target value was set, and more points may be assigned if the target value is achieved. Note that even when a target value for the behavioral record data is set, the point-assigning process may be performed by quantitatively expressing the behavioral record data. For example, points may be assigned to the user 3 according to the rate of goal achievement.

[0034] The first point granting unit 211 may execute a process of adding bonus points to the points determined according to the behavior record data. For example, when granting points according to the behavior record data, the first point granting unit 211 may execute a process of adding bonus points on the condition that the user 3 watches an advertisement transmitted to the user terminal 30. In this case, the user 3 may be allowed to choose whether or not to watch the advertisement. Furthermore, when granting points according to the behavior record data, a process of executing an online lottery or roulette may be executed, and bonus points may be added according to the result of the process. The process of adding bonus points may be executed by combining the viewing of an advertisement with a lottery, roulette, or other means.

[0035] The term "bonus points" used above is a name for the sake of simplicity, and bonus points may be integrated with regular points (points based on behavioral record data) and managed as the same data as regular points. In other words, in the point service provided by the information processing system 10, bonus points may be treated as the same points as points determined based on behavioral record data, although the conditions for awarding the bonus points may be different, and bonus points and points determined based on behavioral record data may not need to be managed separately.

[0036] The point assigning unit 210 may have a function of assigning points based on conditions other than the behavior record data, in addition to the first point assigning unit 211. For example, it is preferable that the point assigning unit 210 has a second point assigning unit 212 that executes a process of assigning a predetermined amount of points to a user 3 who visits a point-earning point.

[0037] Here, a point earning location is a location in the real world where user 3 can earn points without relying on behavioral record data. The conditions for a location to be set as a point earning location are not particularly limited, and for example, a point earning location may be a facility that provides goods and / or services, such as a store, a commercial complex, an entertainment facility, or a public facility, or may be other locations that do not provide goods or services. Examples of other locations include locations that are the setting for anime, manga, movies, dramas, etc., locations associated with famous people or historical figures, parks, and other tourist spots.

[0038] The point earning point and the point exchange point may be set at different locations or may overlap. It is preferable that the point exchange point be one or more locations selected from the point earning points. In other words, it is preferable that the point earning points include both a point exchange point where points can be spent to earn a reward, and a point where points can be earned but are not subject to point spending (hereinafter referred to as a "point awarding point"). The existence of both a point exchange point and a point awarding point allows the user 3 to earn points through the first point awarding unit 211 while traveling to the point exchange point to earn a reward, and also allows the user 3 to stop by the point awarding point and earn points through the second point awarding unit 212, thereby creating a high level of gameplay regarding the collection and consumption of points.

[0039] The second point assigning unit 212 may execute a process of automatically assigning points to the user 3 when detecting that the user 3 has visited a point-earning location, or may execute a process of assigning points when receiving check-in information transmitted from the user terminal 30. In the latter case, the check-in information is generated, for example, when the user 3 visiting the point-earning location taps (clicks) a check-in button displayed on the screen of the user terminal 30. In this case, the second point assigning unit 212 may execute a process of determining whether the user 3 has visited a point-earning location and permitting the user 3 to check in if it is determined that the user 3 has visited a predetermined point-earning location. Permitting the user 3 to check in may be, for example, a process of making the check-in button tappable (clickable). The determination of whether the user has visited may be performed in the same manner as the determination performed by the location determination unit 213 described later.

[0040] In the point allocation process by the second point allocation unit 212, a time (period) until the next check-in may be set to prevent a user 3 from checking in at the same point-earning location multiple times in a short period of time. For example, the time until the next check-in may be set to 24 hours, and check-ins at the same point-earning location may be limited to one per day. Furthermore, the number of times a user 3 can check in at the same point-earning location within a predetermined period of time may be limited. For example, the number of check-ins at the same point-earning location may be limited to a maximum of three times per week.

[0041] The second point assigning unit 212 may refer to the check-in history of each user 3 and execute a process to identify, for each user 3, point-earning locations that do not satisfy check-in conditions for the same location, such as the time until the next check-in or the number of check-ins. In this case, the second point assigning unit 212 may transmit information about the identified locations to the display control unit 314 (described later), and the display control unit 314 may execute a process to reflect the received information in a list of point-earning locations and / or a map display. Furthermore, when awarding points, the second point assigning unit 212 may execute a process to determine whether the check-in history of the user 3 satisfies the check-in conditions for the same location. In this case, the second point assigning unit 212 permits check-in if both the determination regarding the visit and the determination regarding the check-in conditions for the same location satisfy the set conditions. The determination regarding the check-in conditions for the same location may be executed before or after the determination regarding the visit.

[0042] The number of points awarded by the second point awarding unit 212 may be a fixed value or a variable value. When varying the number of points, the number of points that can be earned may be varied uniformly at all point earning locations, or the number of points may be varied for each group of point earning locations, such as stores belonging to a specific franchise chain. From the perspective of providing high gameplay through point collection, it is preferable that the number of points can be varied for each point earning location, and the point variation processing unit 215, which will be described later, may execute processing to control the variation of the number of points for each point earning location.

[0043] Like the first point giving unit 211, the second point giving unit 212 may execute a process of adding bonus points to points given for visiting a point-earning location. For example, when points are given for checking in, a process of adding bonus points may be executed on the condition that the user 3 watches an advertisement transmitted to the user terminal 30. In this case, the user 3 may be allowed to select whether or not to watch the advertisement. Furthermore, when points are given for checking in, a process of executing an online lottery or roulette may be executed, and bonus points may be added depending on the result of the process. A process of adding bonus points may be executed by combining the viewing of an advertisement with a lottery, roulette, or other means.

[0044] The points awarded by the first point awarding unit 211 and the points awarded by the second point awarding unit 212 may be managed separately after the points are awarded, or these points may be integrated and managed without distinguishing between the different awarding processes. The points awarded to the user 3 by the point awarding unit 210 are associated with an ID that identifies the user 3 as the user's points, and are stored in the user information storage unit 222 described below.

[0045] In addition to the first point granting unit 211 and the second point granting unit 212 described above, the point granting unit 210 may have a function of granting points to the user 3 under conditions different from those of the first point granting unit 211 and the second point granting unit 212. For example, in the description of the first point granting unit 211 and the second point granting unit 212, it was exemplified that bonus points may be added by viewing an advertisement. However, the point granting unit 210 may have a function of executing a process of granting points only for viewing an advertisement, without granting points based on behavior record data and / or points based on visiting (checking in to) a point-earning location. Furthermore, the point granting unit 210 may have a function of executing a process of granting points to the user 3 for completing and / or completing an event, such as a stamp rally or a puzzle game held at a predetermined location (point exchange location and / or point-earning location). In this case, it is preferable that the event requires the user 3 to visit at least one location. As described above, points that are awarded under different conditions by the first point awarding unit 211 and the second point awarding unit 212 may be integrated with points awarded by the first point awarding unit 211 and / or points awarded by the second point awarding unit 212, and managed without making any distinction based on differences in the awarding process.

[0046] The location determination unit 213 has a function of executing a process related to the exchange of points for a benefit. Specifically, the location determination unit 213 executes a process (determination process) of determining whether or not the user 3 is visiting a point exchange point based on the location information of the user 3. Then, the location determination unit 213 executes a process (authorization process) of granting the user 3, who is determined to be visiting a predetermined point exchange point, the authority to spend a predetermined amount of points to acquire a benefit.

[0047] The location information of user 3 used in the determination process of the location determination unit 213 is data representing the current location of user 3 in the real world (the current location of the user terminal 30), and is identified by the location information acquisition unit 312 of the user terminal 30 and transmitted to the location determination unit 213. The method for identifying the location information of user 3 is not particularly limited. For example, the location information of user 3 may be identified using a GPS or Wi-Fi access point and may include latitude and longitude coordinates indicating the current location. In this case, the location determination unit 213 may determine whether user 3 is visiting a point exchange point by detecting that the location information of user 3 sent from the location information acquisition unit 312 has entered a predetermined range centered on the location coordinates of the point exchange point (for example, a range with a diameter of ∼ m centered on the location coordinates of the point exchange point).

[0048] The location determination unit 213 may perform the determination process using a beacon. For example, a beacon that transmits one-way radio waves is installed at a point exchange location. When the user terminal 30 receives the radio waves from the beacon, the location information acquisition unit 312 may generate beacon response information including the time the radio waves from the beacon were received and information about the location where the beacon was installed, as location information of the user 3, and transmit this to the location determination unit 213. By receiving the beacon response information as location information, the location determination unit 213 may determine that the user 3 has visited the point exchange location corresponding to the beacon response information.

[0049] The location information of user 3 may be identified using a QR code (registered trademark) or an NFC tag (NFC: Near Field Communication) present at the point exchange location. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) or an NFC tag encoding the location coordinates or a location ID of the point exchange location may be presented at the point exchange location. When user 3 reads the QR code (registered trademark) or NFC tag with his / her user terminal 30, the location information acquisition unit 312 may transmit information obtained from the QR code (registered trademark) or NFC tag to the location determination unit 213 of the server 20 as location information of user 3. In this case, the location determination unit 213 may receive the information, identify the point exchange location where the QR code (registered trademark) or NFC tag was read, and determine that user 3 is visiting the point exchange location.

[0050] QR Codes (registered trademark) and NFC are used when paying for goods or services using payment services such as electronic money. The reading of the QR Code (registered trademark) or NFC tag performed when specifying the location information is performed to determine whether the conditions for the exchange process are met before exchanging points for benefits, and is different from the reading performed in the payment process.

[0051] The location determination unit 213 may execute the determination process using an electronic stamp. For example, an electronic stamp reception screen may be displayed on the display of the user terminal 30, and an electronic stamp managed at the point exchange location may be stamped on the display of the user terminal 30 (the stamp may be stamped by an employee at the point exchange location, or the user 3 may stamp it himself / herself), and the location information acquisition unit 312 may generate stamp reception information including the location information of the location where the electronic stamp is installed as location information of the user 3 and transmit the stamp reception information to the location determination unit 213. By receiving the stamp reception information as location information, the location determination unit 213 may determine that the user 3 has visited the point exchange location where the electronic stamp was stamped.

[0052] The location determination unit 213 may be capable of executing multiple types of determination processes selected from the above-mentioned determination processes (GPS, access point, beacon, QR code (registered trademark), NFC tag, or electronic stamp), such as both a determination process based on location information acquired by GPS or a Wi-Fi access point and a determination process based on reading a QR code (registered trademark) or an NFC tag. In this case, any one of the multiple types of determination processes may be selected by the user 3. Furthermore, there may be a point exchange location that is applicable to only one of the multiple types of determination processes.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1 , a housing 50 offering prizes or other merchandise may be present at the point exchange location. However, the location determination unit 213 may perform the determination process in a disconnected state between the user terminal 30 and the housing 50, i.e., when the user terminal 30 and the housing 50 are not connected via wireless communication or the like. In other words, the process of determining the location information of the user 3 does not require connection (communication) between the user terminal 30 and the housing 50, and the housing 50 does not need to be equipped with a communication function such as NFC. For example, if a QR code (registered trademark) or an NFC tag is affixed to the exterior of the housing 50 or to the periphery of the housing 50, the determination process can be performed in a disconnected state between the user terminal 30 and the housing 50. Furthermore, when location information is determined using GPS or the like, the determined location information may be compared with a list of point exchange locations stored in the location information storage unit 221 to identify the point exchange location visited by the user 3. In this case, the determination process can also be performed in a disconnected state between the user terminal 30 and the housing 50.

[0054] The mode of the authorization process executed by the position determination unit 213 is not particularly limited. For example, when the user 3 taps (clicks) a reward acquisition button displayed on the screen of the user terminal 30, a QR code (registered trademark) or barcode used when exchanging points for a reward may be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 30. In this case, the authorization to acquire a reward may be granted to the user 3 by making the reward acquisition button tappable (clickable) (in other words, making the reward acquisition button tappable corresponds to the granting of authorization). Alternatively, the authorization to acquire a reward may be granted to the user 3 by providing the user 3 with a QR code (registered trademark) or barcode used when exchanging points for a reward (in other words, providing the QR code (registered trademark) or barcode corresponds to the granting of authorization).

[0055] The authorization process by the location determination unit 213 makes it possible to acquire a reward in exchange for consuming a predetermined amount of points. Since the user 3 can acquire points according to the behavior record data while traveling to the point exchange point, it is expected that the user 3's motivation for point collection activities will increase and that motivation will be maintained. Furthermore, since the user 3 cannot acquire a reward by consuming points unless he or she visits the point exchange point, it is possible to effectively create an incentive for the user 3 to visit the point exchange point. In particular, the combination of collecting points while traveling to the point exchange point and consuming points (acquiring a reward) at the point exchange point visited can provide the user 3 with a highly special experience (experiential consumption).

[0056] As described in the system overview at the beginning, the content of the benefit may be determined by a lottery in which at least one benefit is randomly selected from a plurality of benefit candidates. The lottery execution unit 214 executes processing related to the lottery for determining the benefit. For example, if the lottery is an online lottery, the lottery execution unit 214 executes processing for executing the online lottery in exchange for a predetermined amount of points and determining the content of the benefit. At this time, the number of points required for the online lottery is subtracted from the number of points held by user 3, thereby updating the number of points held by user 3. If the prize is determined by the online lottery, the lottery execution unit 214 may generate instruction information for delivering the prize to user 3's home or the like, and transmit the instruction information to the delivery company terminal 70.

[0057] When the lottery is held using a cabinet 50 installed at a point exchange location, the lottery execution unit 214 may execute a process of issuing to the user 3 cabinet presentation data, such as a QR code (registered trademark) or barcode, to be read by the cabinet 50 in exchange for a predetermined amount of points. The issued cabinet presentation data is transmitted as processing result information to the user terminal 30 via the server communication unit 23. The cabinet presentation data displayed on the display unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 30 may then be read by the cabinet 50, thereby executing the lottery using the cabinet 50. The user 3 wins one product selected from the products contained in the cabinet 50 as a prize to be exchanged for the points. In the case of a lottery using the cabinet 50, as in an online lottery, a process of deducting a predetermined amount of points from the user 3's owned points to update the user 3's owned points is executed.

[0058] It should be noted that an online lottery may also be possible at the point exchange point where the cabinet 50 is installed, and either the lottery at the cabinet 50 or the online lottery may be executed depending on the selection of the user 3. Furthermore, the lottery at the cabinet 50 and the online lottery may be executed by consuming a predetermined amount of points, or may be executed by charging the user 3 for a point service without consuming points. Even when the lottery is executed by charging, visiting the point exchange point may be set as a requirement for executing the lottery, just as in the case of consuming points.

[0059] The point change processing unit 215 executes processing to control changes in the number of points awarded by the point awarding unit 210. Changing the number of points means changing the number of points that can normally be earned, which is set as a reference value, by increasing or decreasing it based on predetermined conditions. The point change processing unit 215 generates information regarding the changed number of points (hereinafter referred to as change information), and transmits and stores this information in the storage unit 22 described below. When awarding points to the user 3, the point awarding unit 210 reads the change information stored in the storage unit 22 and determines the number of points to award to the user 3 taking the change information into consideration.

[0060] For example, the point fluctuation processing unit 215 may generate change information for changing the number of points in the first point giving unit 211. Examples of the change information in this case include a conversion rate to be applied to each user 3. The conditions for changing the conversion rate are not particularly limited, and may be set based on information about the user 3, such as the usage period from the time the user 3 registered for the point service to the present time, or the amount of charges for the point service charged to the user 3. Furthermore, conditions related to the user 3's own usage history of the point service, such as the number of check-ins per unit period, may be set as conditions for changing the conversion rate. The point fluctuation processing unit 215 determines a conversion rate to be applied to each user 3 based on the above conditions, and stores the changed conversion rate in the storage unit 22 in association with the user ID.

[0061] The point fluctuation processing unit 215 may also generate change information for changing the number of points that can be earned by the second point giving unit 212. This change information may be generated uniformly for all point earning locations, or may be generated for specific point earning locations, but it is preferable that the change information be generated individually for each point earning location. In other words, it is preferable that the point fluctuation processing unit 215 executes processing to control, for each point earning location, the number of points that can be earned by visiting a point earning location (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the number of visit points).

[0062] The conditions for varying the number of visit points are not particularly limited, and different conditions may be set for each point-earning location, or the same conditions for varying the number of visit points may be set for all point-earning locations. For example, the conditions for varying the number of visit points may be set to be conditions related to one or more data selected from the status (situation) of the point-earning location, the user 3's own status (situation), and the status (situation) of other users.

[0063] Examples of the status of a point earning location include environmental conditions such as the weather and temperature at the point earning location, and data showing the behavior of multiple users 3 at the point earning location. When using environmental conditions as a condition for varying the number of visit points, for example, it is conceivable to set conditions such as "rainy" weather and a temperature of "35°C or above" or "0°C or below," and increase the number of visit points at locations that meet these conditions above the standard set value.

[0064] Examples of data representing the trends of multiple users 3 at points where points can be earned include the number of users 3 present in the vicinity of each point where points can be earned (e.g., within a radius of ____ meters), the number of check-ins per unit time at each point where points can be earned, and the ranking of users 3 in terms of the number of check-ins at each point where points can be earned. When the ranking of users 3 is used as a condition for varying the number of visit points, users 3 who are ranked at or above a certain level may be given more visit points than a standard set value, or a point increase rate may be set according to their ranking.

[0065] Furthermore, when data representing the behavior of users 3 is used as a condition for varying the number of visit points, a threshold value for the data representing the behavior of users 3 may be set as the condition. For example, a threshold value representing a crowded state (e.g., the number of nearby users 3 is XX or more, the number of check-ins per unit time is XX or more) may be set as a condition, and the number of visit points at locations in a crowded state may be increased above a reference set value. Alternatively, a threshold value representing a sparsely populated state (e.g., the number of nearby users 3 is XX or less, the number of check-ins per unit time is XX or less) may be set as a condition, and the number of visit points at locations in a sparsely populated state may be increased above a reference set value. Both a threshold value representing a crowded state and a threshold value representing a sparsely populated state may be set, and a setting may be made such that more visit points can be earned in a sparsely populated state than in a crowded state. As the status of a point-earning location, it is particularly preferable to use data representing the behavior of users 3 as a condition for varying the number of visit points.

[0066] Examples of the user 3's own status include location information of the user 3's own home, location information at a predetermined time such as early morning, and the user 3's own check-in history. When the home location information or location information at a predetermined time is used as a condition for varying the number of visit points, it is possible to set the condition that the distance from the home (or the location at a predetermined time) to a point-earning location is XX kilometers or more, and to award a number of visit points greater than a standard set value to a user 3 who visits from a long distance. When the check-in history is used as a condition for varying the number of visit points, it is possible to set the condition that the user checks in for the first time, and to award a number of visit points greater than a standard set value to a user 3 who checks in to a point that is his / her first visit. It is also possible to set the condition that the number of check-ins to a predetermined point-earning location is XX times or more, and to increase or decrease the number of visit points for locations frequently visited by the user 3 from a standard set value.

[0067] Examples of the status of other users 3 include location information indicating the current location of the other users 3 and the check-in history of the other users 3. Friends of each user 3 may be set, and the current location and / or check-in history of the friend may be set as a condition for varying the number of visit points. A condition may be set such that a friend is present near the user 3's current location, and a number of visit points greater than a standard set value may be awarded to a user 3 who visits a specified point-earning location with the friend. A condition may also be set such that the user 3 checks in to a point-earning location within a certain number of minutes of the friend's check-in, and a number of visit points greater than a standard set value may be awarded to a user 3 who visits after the friend checks in. In this case, the second point awarding unit 212 may retroactively award additional visit points to a friend who checked in earlier, based on the processing results of the point change processing unit 215.

[0068] A plurality of conditions for changing the number of visit points as described above may be set. The point change processing unit 215 collects and monitors data related to the conditions for changing the number of visit points, such as the status of points-earning locations, the user 3's own status, and the status of other users, and identifies points-earning locations and / or the user 3 that satisfy the conditions for changing the number of visit points. The point change processing unit 215 may also identify points-earning locations in the vicinity of the user 3 that may satisfy the conditions for changing the number of visit points (for example, locations where a friend has previously checked in, locations that the user 3 has not visited, etc.). The point change processing unit 215 associates the identified points-earning locations and / or the ID of the user 3 with the number of visit points to be changed, generates change information, and stores the change information in the storage unit 22.

[0069] As described above, by varying the number of visit points at each point earning location under uniform conditions based on the status of the point earning location, the user 3's own status, or the status of other users, it is possible to create a high level of gamification in point collection. Furthermore, it is possible to more effectively create an incentive to visit a predetermined location (a location set as a point earning location) in connection with point collection activities.

[0070] The control unit 21 of the server 20 may have a function for executing other processes in addition to the above-mentioned point granting unit 210 (first point granting unit 211, second point granting unit 212), location determination unit 213, lottery execution unit 214, and point fluctuation processing unit 215. For example, the control unit 21 may have a function for issuing exchange vouchers such as lottery tickets that can be used to obtain benefits at point exchange points. These exchange vouchers may be issued for a fee or in exchange for a predetermined amount of points. Such exchange vouchers may be issued before visiting the point exchange point, but use of the exchange vouchers is conditional on actually visiting the point exchange point.

[0071] In addition, in the information processing system 10, the points earned may be exchangeable for electronic monetary data such as points for other payment services such as credit cards, electronic money, or vouchers that can be used in physical stores or online stores, and the control unit 21 may have the function of exchanging points for electronic monetary data.

[0072] <Storage Unit (Server)> The storage unit 22 is a storage area of ​​the server 20 that stores programs for executing various control processes and functions in the control unit 21, input data, etc., and is configured by one or any combination of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), other storage, etc. The storage unit 22 may also have a function of temporarily storing communication content of the server 20 when the server 20 performs communication.

[0073] The storage unit 22 of the server 20 may have a plurality of areas partitioned according to the type of information to be stored. For example, the storage unit 22 may include a location information storage unit 221, a user information storage unit 222, and a benefit information storage unit 223.

[0074] The location information storage unit 221 stores and stores information about each point exchange location. Furthermore, if the control unit 21 has the functionality of the second point granting unit 212, the location information storage unit 221 may also store and store information about each point earning location. Information about the point exchange location and the point earning location includes at least an ID (location ID) for identifying each location, a location name linked to the location ID, and location coordinates. The location coordinates are coordinates for identifying each location in the real world, such as a combination of latitude and longitude coordinates. The location information storage unit 221 may also store information about perks that can be earned at the point exchange location (such as a perk list), the number of visit points at the point earning location, change information (information about changes in the number of visit points), and the like, linked to the location ID. The content of the information managed by the location information storage unit 221 is not particularly limited.

[0075] The user information storage unit 222 stores information associated with each user 3 who uses the point service. For example, the user information storage unit 222 may store an ID (user ID) for identifying the user 3, and information associated with the user ID, such as the name of the user 3, the date of registration for the point service, the number of points held by the user 3, a usage history, a charge amount, a delivery address for prizes won in online lotteries, and other information used for processing by each functional unit of the control unit 21. The usage history may include, for example, a point consumption history, the number of check-ins, the IDs of other users set as friends of the user 3, and the IDs of locations where the user 3 has checked in.

[0076] <Server Communication Unit> The server communication unit 23 is connected to the terminal communication unit 37 of the user terminal 30 via the network N. The server communication unit 23 and the terminal communication unit 37 of the user terminal 30 transmit and receive information to and from each other. For example, the server 20 receives, from the user terminal 30, behavior record data, location information of the user 3, check-in operation information, operation information related to a point acquisition request, operation information related to a point consumption (exchange) request, and other operation information by the user 3 via the server communication unit 23. The server communication unit 23 transmits to the user terminal 30, via the terminal communication unit 37, the results of various processes performed by the control unit 21 using information transmitted from the user terminal 30 (e.g., points determined to be awarded to the user 3, authorization information related to the exchange of points for benefits, data for displaying the housing, etc.), location information such as point exchange locations and point acquisition locations, etc. Note that some or all of the programs related to the point service (programs for executing the functions of the control unit 21) may be transmitted to the user terminal 30 and executed on the user terminal 30.

[0077] <User Terminal> Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the user terminal 30 shown in Fig. 1. The user terminal 30 is an information processing device (e.g., a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal, a tablet terminal, or other computer) that can be owned and used by the user 3. The user terminal 30 may be configured with two or more information processing devices, such as a combination of a smartphone and a wristwatch-type terminal that can be synchronized with the smartphone.

[0078] The user terminal 30 can output the processing results of the program related to the point service transmitted from the server 20 via a point service application or a web browser. The user terminal 30 may have, for example, a control unit 31 that controls the entire user terminal 30, a storage unit 32 that stores various data and programs, a detection unit 33 such as a gyro sensor and / or an acceleration sensor that measures the behavior and state of the user 3, a GPS receiving unit 34 that acquires the current location of the user 3, an input unit 35 through which the user 3 inputs operations, a display unit 36 ​​that displays a user interface such as an operation screen, and a terminal communication unit 37 that communicates information with the server 20.

[0079] <Control Unit (User Terminal)> The control unit 31 has functions necessary for controlling each unit of the user terminal 30, such as the display, camera, various sensors of the detection unit 33, and GPS receiving unit 34. Each function of the control unit 31 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a predetermined memory. The control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 may include, as functional units for performing various information processing, for example, a data collection unit 311, a position information acquisition unit 312, an operation information reception unit 313, and a display control unit 314. Some or all of these functional units may be executed by the control unit 21 of the server 20.

[0080] The data collection unit 311 executes a process of collecting behavior record data of the user 3 in the real world. For example, the data collection unit 311 may collect the number of steps of the user 3 as behavior record data based on the measurement results of the acceleration sensor and gyro sensor of the detection unit 33. Furthermore, the data collection unit 311 may use location information of the user terminal 30 identified by receiving radio waves from an artificial satellite (GPS satellite) via the GPS receiving unit 34 to collect changes in location information from a predetermined time to the present time as the movement distance of the user 3. The collection method for the movement distance is not limited to GPS, and may be collected using other methods, such as access points such as Wi-Fi or short-range communication. When calculating the movement distance, the data collection unit 311 may calculate the movement distance by continuously acquiring location information in real time, or may calculate the movement distance by intermittently acquiring location information. Furthermore, the movement distance may be expressed as the movement amount. For example, the earth's surface may be divided into meshes of a predetermined area, and the amount of movement through the meshes when the user 3 moves may be collected as behavior record data. Such a mesh movement amount may be expressed in units different from length, such as the number of meshes, or may be expressed by converting it into a length unit such as meters or kilometers.

[0081] Life logs such as calories burned, calories ingested through meals, and scores related to sleep quality may also be measured by any means, and the data collection unit 311 may collect the life logs as behavioral record data based on the measurement results. For example, calories burned may be collected by a means for measuring heart rate, calories ingested may be collected by photographing meals with a camera, and scores related to sleep quality may be collected by an alarm, breathing during sleep, or by a means for detecting movement, etc.

[0082] As described above, the behavior record data collected by the data collection unit 311 is transmitted to the first point granting unit 211 and exchanged for points. The detection unit 33 is a measurement means used to collect the behavior record data as described above. The data collection unit 311 and / or the detection unit 33 may be implemented in a dedicated terminal such as an activity meter, and the behavior record data collected by the dedicated terminal may be transmitted to the smartphone or other device owned by the user 3 by synchronizing the dedicated terminal with the smartphone or other device.

[0083] The location information acquisition unit 312 executes a process for determining the current location information of the user 3 in the real world. The method for determining the location information is not particularly limited, and any known method can be employed. As described above, the location information may be determined using the GPS receiver unit 34 or a Wi-Fi access point. In this case, the location information is expressed in position coordinates such as latitude and longitude coordinates. Furthermore, as listed in the description of the location determination unit 213, the location information may be determined using a beacon, a QR code (registered trademark) or an NFC tag present at a predetermined location such as a point exchange location, or an electronic stamp. The location information acquisition unit 312 may determine the location information of the user 3 using any one of these determination methods (GPS, access point, beacon, QR code (registered trademark), NFC tag, and electronic stamp), or may determine the location information using two or more methods selected from these determination methods (preferably, at least one selected from GPS, QR code (registered trademark), and NFC tag).

[0084] The location information identified by the location information acquisition unit 312 is transmitted to the location determination unit 213 and used to determine whether or not the user 3 is visiting a point exchange location. Furthermore, if the point service includes the second point granting unit 212, the location information identified by the location information acquisition unit 312 is transmitted to the second point granting unit 212 and used to determine whether or not check-in to a point where points can be earned is possible. Additionally, if the point service requires the point fluctuation processing unit 215, the location information identified by the location information acquisition unit 312 may be transmitted to the point fluctuation processing unit 215 and used to determine whether or not a fluctuation condition for the number of visit points is satisfied.

[0085] The operation information receiving unit 313 executes a process of receiving various operation information associated with the point service input by the user 3 to the input unit 35 described below. The operation information receiving unit 313 also transmits the received various operation information to the server 20 via the device communication unit 37. For example, the operation information receiving unit 313 receives operation information regarding a request to convert behavior record data into points, operation information requesting check-in by tapping a check-in button, operation information requesting acquisition of a benefit by tapping a benefit acquisition button, and the like, and outputs the information to the server 20.

[0086] The operation information receiving unit 313 receives operation information related to the display of the user terminal 30, and outputs the operation information to the display control unit 314. For example, the operation information receiving unit 313 receives, as operation information, a request to display detailed information about a point exchange location included in the map display of the user interface, and outputs the operation information to the display control unit 314.

[0087] The display control unit 314 generates and controls the screen display to be output to the display unit 36. For example, the screen display 8 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is an example of a user interface to be output to the display unit 36. In the screen display 8, a surrounding area map 81 is displayed on the upper side of the screen display 8, and a detail window 83 is displayed on the lower side of the screen display 8.

[0088] The surrounding area map 81 is a map showing the area around the current location of the user 3 (the current location of the user terminal 30), and on this surrounding area map 81, the current location of the user 3 is indicated by an icon 84. Also on the surrounding area map 81, points related to the acquisition and / or consumption of points that are located around the current location of the user 3 are indicated by icons 84. The screen display 8 shows an example in which point exchange points are set by selecting from point acquisition points, and the icons 84 indicate point acquisition points, and among these point acquisition points, the points indicated by icon 84a are point exchange points, and the points indicated by icon 84b are point acquisition points.

[0089] In the surrounding area map 81, it is preferable that icons 84a indicating point exchange locations and icons 84b indicating point award locations that are not eligible for bonus exchange are displayed in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from each other. In the surrounding area map 81, point exchange locations and point award locations can be distinguished by the letter "G" written within the icon 84a and the letter "P" written within the icon 84b. The method of displaying icons to distinguish point exchange locations and point award locations is not limited to the method of adding letters as shown in this example, and the distinction between point exchange locations and point award locations may be expressed by a figure attached to the icon, the shape of the icon, the color of the icon, the movement of the icon, etc. It is preferable that icons 84 indicating points that can be earned are displayed in a manner that allows the number of points that can be earned (the number of visit points) to be identified. In the surrounding area map 81, as an example, numbers such as "30" and "60" are added above the icons 84, and these numbers represent the number of visit points.

[0090] The display control unit 314 generates a surrounding area map 81 based on the current location coordinates of the user 3 identified by the location information acquisition unit 312, the location information stored in the location information storage unit 221 (particularly, the location coordinates of the point exchange location and the location coordinates of the point earning location), setting information for map display such as scale, and digital data of the map, and outputs the generated surrounding area map 81 to the display unit 36. When generating the surrounding area map 81, information other than the above may be taken into consideration. For example, if the number of visit points is to be made identifiable in the icon 84, the surrounding area map 81 may be generated by taking into consideration the number of visit points stored in the location information storage unit 221 in association with the location ID.

[0091] 6 is a window that displays detailed location information, and detailed information about a point exchange location indicated by the symbol "84a" is displayed in the details window 83. Such details window 83 may be displayed on the screen display 8, for example, when the user 3 taps the icon 84 of a location that the user wants to view from among the icons 84 included in the surrounding map 81.

[0092] The details window 83 may display buttons for accepting input operations from the user 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the details window 83 may display a check-in button 85 for accepting execution of a check-in, and a reward acquisition button 87 for accepting execution of a process related to reward acquisition.

[0093] FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which user 3 has not visited the point exchange location indicated by icon 84a, and neither the check-in button 85 nor the reward acquisition button 87 is tappable. On the other hand, FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which user 3 has visited the point exchange location indicated by icon 84a, and both the check-in button 85 and the reward acquisition button 87 are tappable. In FIGS. 6 and 7 , for ease of explanation, whether a button is tappable is indicated by the outline of the button. However, whether a button is tappable may also be indicated by changing the color of the button, and the method of identification is not particularly limited. By making the reward acquisition button 87 tappable as described above, the position determination unit 213 may grant authority.

[0094] The display control unit 314 generates a details window 83 based on the current location coordinates of the user 3 identified by the location information acquisition unit 312, the location information stored in the location information storage unit 221, the processing result of the location determination unit 213, and the like, and outputs the generated details window 83 to the display unit 36. Information other than the above may be taken into consideration when generating the details window 83. Note that the function of generating and controlling a screen display such as that of the display control unit 314 may be provided in the control unit 21 of the server 20.

[0095] <Storage Unit (User Terminal)> The storage unit 32 of the user terminal 30 stores programs for executing various control processes and functions in the control unit 31, input data, etc., and is configured with one or any combination of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), other storage, etc. Furthermore, when the user terminal 30 communicates, the storage unit 32 temporarily stores the communication content of the user terminal 30. The storage unit 32 may also include an owner information storage unit 321.

[0096] The owner information storage unit 321 stores setting information of the user 3 who owns the user terminal 30, such as information on the payment method and / or account information. Such setting information of the user 3 may be stored in the user information storage unit 222 of the server 20.

[0097] <Input Unit> The input unit 35 accepts input operations by the user 3 and generates operation information for the user 3 in the point service. The input unit 35 may be capable of accepting input operations, for example, by touching a display surface such as a touch panel, input operations via physical buttons provided on the user terminal 30, text input operations using a keyboard, and voice input operations using a microphone. Note that if the display constituting the display unit 36 ​​is a touch panel, some or all of the functions of the input unit 35 for accepting input operations may be provided in the display unit 36.

[0098] <Display Unit> The display unit 36 ​​is a display that displays the processing results of the point service. As described above, this display may be a touch panel that can accept input operations by touching the display surface.

[0099] <Terminal Communication Unit> The terminal communication unit 37 is connected to the server communication unit 23 of the server 20 via the network N. The terminal communication unit 37 and the server communication unit 23 transmit and receive information to and from each other.

[0100] Next, the outline of the flow from acquiring points to using (consuming) the points will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0101] 4 , first, in step S1, the data collection unit 311 collects behavior record data such as the number of steps taken, distance traveled, and life log of the user 3. When a request for points is received from the user 3, the process proceeds to step S2, where the first point granting unit 211 exchanges the collected behavior record data for a predetermined amount of points corresponding to the behavior record data and grants the points to the user 3. Steps S1 and S2 described above constitute the basic flow of point acquisition.

[0102] When using points, user 3 needs to travel to a point exchange location to earn a reward using the points. In step S3, the location determination unit 213 acquires the current location information of user 3 identified by the location information acquisition unit 312, and determines whether user 3 is visiting the point exchange location based on the location information (step S4). If it is determined in step S4 that user 3 is visiting the point exchange location, the process proceeds to step S5, where the location determination unit 213 grants user 3 the authority to use the points to earn a reward. Thereafter, in step S6, the authorized user is granted a reward in exchange for using (consuming) a predetermined amount of points.

[0103] As described above, the point service provided by the information processing system 10 requires travel to a point exchange point to receive benefits (i.e., to use (consume) points), which can create an incentive to visit a point exchange point, such as a store or commercial facility, and this incentive to visit leads to increased travel by people (users 3). In particular, by awarding points based on the number of steps and / or travel distance as behavioral record data, or by awarding points for check-ins (visits to points where points can be earned), it is expected that people's travel will be further stimulated.

[0104] Furthermore, when the number of steps and / or distance traveled is used as the behavior record data, points can be collected according to the behavior record data while traveling to a point exchange location, creating a mutually influential relationship between point collection and point consumption. In other words, the desire to collect points leads to consumption at the point exchange location, and the desire to obtain benefits leads to point collection activities associated with traveling to the point exchange location. This interaction between point collection and point consumption creates a game-like appeal in the point service provided by the information processing system 10, which is expected to encourage users to continue using the service.

[0105] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow from acquiring points to using them when the content of the benefit is determined by lottery. Steps S1 to S4 in Figure 5 are the same as those in Figure 4, and their explanations are omitted. Step S5a in Figure 5, like step S5 in Figure 4, is a process of granting authority to use points to acquire a benefit. When the content of the benefit is determined by lottery, "granting authority" means granting user 3 authority to enter into the lottery.

[0106] After the execution of the lottery is permitted in step S5a, in step S5b, it is confirmed whether a lottery machine is present at the point exchange point. If no machine is present, the process proceeds to step S5d, where an online lottery is executed. If a machine is present at the point exchange point, the user 3 may be able to select either a lottery using the machine or an online lottery. In other words, if a machine is present at the point exchange point, the user 3 may be asked to select a lottery method in step S5c. If an online lottery is selected, the online lottery is executed in step S5d, and if a lottery using a machine is selected, a lottery using the machine is executed in step S5e.

[0107] A typical online lottery can be held anywhere without being restricted by location, but the online lottery in the information processing system 10 can only be held at the point exchange location, as shown in FIG.

[0108] By using a lottery to exchange points for benefits, it is expected that the gambling spirit of User 3 will be stimulated and User 3 will be more interested in the point service. It is also possible to create a game-like appeal to the use (consumption) of points. As a result, it is expected that the effects of stimulating people's movement and encouraging continuous use will be enhanced.

[0109] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0110] The present disclosure has the following configuration: (Item 1) An information processing system comprising: a data collection unit that collects behavior record data of a user in the real world; a first point granting unit that grants points to the user according to the behavior record data; a location information storage unit that stores point exchange locations where the user can use the points to earn a benefit; and a location determination unit that determines whether the user has visited the point exchange location based on the user's location information, and grants the user determined to have visited the point exchange location authority to spend a predetermined amount of the points to earn the benefit. (Item 2) The information processing system according to Item 1, wherein the benefit is a prize determined by holding a lottery, and the authority granted to the user by the location determination unit is authority to participate in the lottery by spending a predetermined amount of the points. (Item 3) The information processing system according to Item 2, wherein the lottery includes an online lottery for selecting at least one prize from a plurality of potential prizes, and further comprising a lottery execution unit that executes the online lottery. (Item 4) The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the behavior record data includes the number of steps taken by the user and a distance traveled by the user, and the first point assigning unit assigns both the points according to the number of steps and the points according to the distance traveled. (Item 5) The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the location information storage unit stores point earning locations in the real world where the user can earn the points, and further includes a second point assigning unit that assigns the points to the user who visits the point earning location. (Item 6) A program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: storing point exchange locations where a user can use points to earn a benefit; collecting behavior record data of the user in the real world; assigning the points to the user according to the behavior record data; and determining whether the user has visited the point exchange location based on location information of the user, and granting the user, who has been determined to have visited the point exchange location, authority to spend a predetermined amount of the points to earn the benefit.(Item 7) An information processing method in which a computer executes the following processes: a process of storing point exchange locations where a user can use points to acquire benefits; a process of collecting behavioral record data of the user in the real world; a process of granting the points to the user according to the behavioral record data; and a process of determining whether the user has visited the point exchange location based on the user's location information, and granting the user who has been determined to have visited the point exchange location the authority to spend a predetermined amount of the points to acquire the benefits.

[0111] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... ENTERPRISE 3 ... PLAYER 10 ... INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM 20 ... SERVER (INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE) 21 ... CONTROL UNIT 210 ... POINT GIVING UNIT 211 ... FIRST POINT GIVING UNIT 212 ... SECOND POINT GIVING UNIT 213 ... POSITION DETERMINATION UNIT 214 ... LOTTERY RUNNING UNIT 215 ... POINT VARIATION PROCESSING UNIT 22 ... MEMORY UNIT 221 ... SPOINT INFORMATION MEMORY UNIT 222 ... USER INFORMATION MEMORY UNIT 23 ... SERVER COMMUNICATION UNIT 30 ... USER TERMINAL 31 ... CONTROL UNIT (USER TERMINAL SIDE) 311 ... DATA COLLECTION UNIT 312 ... POSITION INFORMATION ACQUISITION UNIT 313 ... OPERATION INFORMATION RECEIVING UNIT 314 ... DISPLAY CONTROL UNIT 32 ... MEMORY UNIT (USER TERMINAL SIDE) 321 ... OWNER INFORMATION MEMORY UNIT 33 ... DETECTION UNIT 34 ... GPS RECEIVING UNIT 35 ... INPUT UNIT 36 ... DISPLAY UNIT 37 ... DEVICE COMMUNICATION UNIT

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: a data collection unit that collects behavioral record data of a user in the real world; a first point allocating unit that allocates points to the user according to the behavioral record data; a location information storage unit that stores point exchange locations where the user can use the points to acquire a benefit; and a location determination unit that determines whether the user is visiting the point exchange location based on the user's location information, and grants the user who is determined to be visiting the point exchange location the authority to spend a predetermined amount of the points to acquire the benefit.

2. An information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the benefit is a prize determined by conducting a lottery, and the authority granted to the user by the position determination unit is the authority to conduct the lottery by consuming a predetermined amount of the points.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, further comprising a lottery execution unit that executes the lottery online, the lottery including an online lottery for selecting at least one prize from a plurality of potential prizes.

4. An information processing system as described in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the behavioral record data includes the number of steps taken by the user and the distance traveled by the user, and the first point allocating unit allocates both the points according to the number of steps and the points according to the distance traveled.

5. An information processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a location information storage unit that stores point-earning locations in the real world where the user can earn the points; and a second point awarding unit that awards the points to the user who visits the point-earning locations.

6. A program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: storing point exchange locations where a user can use points to acquire benefits; collecting behavioral record data of the user in the real world; granting the points to the user according to the behavioral record data; and determining whether the user has visited the point exchange location based on the user's location information, and granting the user who has been determined to have visited the point exchange location the authority to spend a predetermined amount of the points to acquire the benefits.

7. An information processing method in which a computer executes the following processes: storing point exchange locations where a user can use points to acquire benefits; collecting behavioral record data of the user in the real world; granting the points to the user according to the behavioral record data; and determining whether the user has visited the point exchange location based on the user's location information, and granting the user who has been determined to have visited the point exchange location the authority to spend a predetermined amount of the points to acquire the benefits.

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