Server device, terminal, system, control method for server device, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided is a server device making it possible to distribute a coupon of a commodity with age restrictions for purchasing. The server device includes an acquisition means, a determination means, and a distribution means. The acquisition means acquires age information, which is obtained from an identification card, from a terminal that has performed identity verification on a user by using the identification card. The determination means determines whether a first coupon with age restrictions for distribution can be distributed to the user on the basis of the acquired age information. The distribution means transmits information pertaining to the first coupon to the terminal when the first coupon is available to be distributed to the user.

Description

Server device, terminal, system, server device control method and storage medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a terminal, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium.

[0002] There is technology for issuing points and coupons.

[0003] For example, the camera unit constituting the ECR (Electronic Cash Register) of Patent Document 1 compares image data captured by a customer-side camera with the contents of a facial recognition data file to identify a customer. Furthermore, the camera unit references a customer database to determine whether the specific customer is a preferred customer based on their purchase history and store visit history. If the customer is a preferred customer, the camera unit executes a predetermined process. For example, the predetermined process for a preferred customer may include displaying notification data on the operator display unit informing the customer of how to serve the customer, issuing a coupon from the printing unit, or issuing an advertising medium (a receipt with an advertisement).

[0004] JP 2013-011934 A

[0005] Coupons are distributed as part of advertising and sales promotion for new products. There is a need to distribute coupons to consumers that offer free products with age restrictions, such as alcohol and tobacco. However, such products cannot be distributed as coupon eligible products to consumers whose ages are uncertain.

[0006] The above problem cannot be solved by applying the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, coupons are issued to loyal customers, and the age of the customer who receives the coupon-covered product is not taken into consideration.

[0007] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a terminal, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium that contribute to enabling the distribution of coupons for products with age restrictions for purchase.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a server device is provided which includes: an acquisition means for acquiring age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal which has used the identification card to verify the identity of a user; a determination means for determining whether a first coupon which has an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information; and a distribution means for transmitting information regarding the first coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal comprising: an identity verification means for performing a first identity verification of a user using an identification card, and if the first identity verification is successful, storing the user's biometric information and age information obtained from the identification card; and a coupon control means for, when the user wishes to use a first coupon whose distribution requires age verification using the identification card, performing a second identity verification of the user using the stored biometric information, and if the second identity verification is successful, controlling the first coupon to be usable.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a terminal carried by a user and a server device, wherein the terminal verifies the identity of the user using an identification card, and if the identity verification is successful, transmits age information obtained from the identification card to the server device at a predetermined timing, and the server device determines whether or not a coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the obtained age information, and if the coupon can be distributed to the user, transmits information regarding the coupon to the terminal.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a server device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal that has used the identification card to verify the identity of a user; a determination step of determining whether a first coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information; and a distribution step of transmitting information regarding the first coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following processes: an acquisition process for acquiring age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal that has used the identification card to verify the identity of a user; a determination process for determining whether a first coupon that has an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information; and a distribution process for sending information regarding the first coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

[0013] According to various aspects of the present invention, a server device, a terminal, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium are provided that contribute to enabling coupon distribution for products with age restrictions for purchase. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of an operation of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a coupon control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a payment terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal according to the present disclosure. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the present disclosure. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the present disclosure. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the present disclosure. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the present disclosure.

[0015] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0016] A server device 100 according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101, a determination unit 102, and a distribution unit 103 (see FIG. 1). The acquisition unit 101 acquires age information from an identification card from a terminal that has verified the user's identity using the identification card (step S1 in FIG. 2). The determination unit 102 determines whether a first coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information (step S2). If the first coupon can be distributed to the user, the distribution unit 103 transmits information about the first coupon to the terminal (step S3).

[0017] The server device 100 acquires age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal carried by a user, and determines whether or not a coupon for a product with an age restriction on purchase can be distributed based on the acquired age information. That is, the server device 100 confirms the age of the user to whom the coupon is to be distributed using age information supported by an official identification card. As a result, coupons for products with an age restriction on purchase, such as alcohol, are distributed only to users who do not violate the age restriction.

[0018] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] First Embodiment The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] [System Configuration] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing system includes a server device 10 and a plurality of payment terminals 20.

[0021] The server device 10 is a server that controls and manages products, services, etc. sold at retail stores, etc. In particular, the server device 10 controls and manages coupons for newly released products, etc. The server device 10 may be installed in a building such as the head office building of the retailer, or may be installed on a network (on the cloud).

[0022] The payment terminal 20 is a terminal used by a user to pay for products and services purchased. The payment terminal 20 is installed in a store such as a convenience store or supermarket. For example, the payment terminal 20 is a point-of-sale (POS) terminal or tablet that can read barcodes and two-dimensional barcodes.

[0023] A user has a terminal 30 such as a smartphone. The user operates the terminal 30 to access the server device 10 or the like, and inputs and acquires various pieces of information.

[0024] The devices (server device 10, payment terminal 20) shown in FIG. 3 are connected by wired or wireless communication means and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0025] The configuration of the information processing system shown in Fig. 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the system may include multiple server devices 10. The multiple server devices 10 may achieve load balancing and redundancy.

[0026] [Overall Operation] Next, an overall operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0027] By becoming a member of a retail store, users can receive payment services using electronic money, etc. Also, by becoming a member of a retail store, users can obtain coupons that allow them to sample new products for free or coupons that allow them to receive certain discounts.

[0028] <Installing the Membership Application> The user installs the membership application on the terminal 30. The user can use the installed membership application to register as a member and receive coupons.

[0029] <Creating an Account> After installing the member application, the user creates an account on the server device 10. The user operates the terminal 30 to access the server device 10.

[0030] The server device 10 acquires, for example, the user's name, gender, date of birth, address, login information, contact information (for example, telephone number, email address), etc. from a website for member registration.

[0031] When the server device 10 acquires the name, date of birth, etc. from the user, it generates a user ID for identifying the user. The server device 10 associates the generated user ID with the acquired information and stores them in a user management database. The user management database will be described in detail later.

[0032] The server device 10 then issues the generated user ID to the user. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits the generated user ID to the terminal 30. The terminal 30 stores the received user ID.

[0033] <Identity Verification> The member application installed on the terminal 30 performs identity verification of the user when the application is launched for the first time.

[0034] Specifically, the membership application acquires biometric information of the user using a GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. For example, the membership application takes a selfie of the user and acquires a facial image of the user.

[0035] The membership application then acquires information such as biometric information from the user's identification card. For example, the membership application reads a facial image, name, date of birth, etc. from an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip in a passport, driver's license, My Number card, etc.

[0036] The member application performs identity verification (one-to-one authentication) using two pieces of biometric information.

[0037] If the identity verification is successful, the member application stores the user's biometric information (for example, a facial image obtained by photographing or features generated from a facial image read from an identification card) and date of birth.

[0038] <Coupon Management> The server device 10 manages coupons that can be distributed to users.

[0039] There are two types of coupons that can be distributed to users.

[0040] The first coupon is a coupon that has an age restriction on the user who receives the coupon. For example, a coupon for a product such as alcohol or tobacco corresponds to the first coupon. In the following description, the first coupon that has an age restriction on distribution will be referred to as an "age-restricted coupon."

[0041] The second coupon is a coupon that does not have an age restriction on the user who receives the coupon. For example, a coupon for products such as bread or yogurt corresponds to the second coupon. In the following explanation, the second coupon that does not have an age restriction on distribution will be referred to as an "age-unrestricted coupon."

[0042] Here, the total number of coupons that can be distributed to users is set for each coupon (age-restricted coupons and age-unrestricted coupons). For example, the total number of coupons that can be distributed is set to 100 for product A and 200 for product B.

[0043] In the following description, at least one coupon that constitutes a coupon issued (distributed) for one product, etc., will be referred to as a “unit coupon.” In the above example, the coupon for product A is made up of 100 unit coupons.

[0044] The server device 10 manages coupons (unit coupons) using a coupon management database. Specifically, the coupon management database stores, for each target product, the type of coupon (age-restricted coupon, no age-restricted coupon), the total number of coupons that can be distributed, the number of coupons that can be distributed, distribution history, usage history, the coupon ID and expiration date of each unit coupon, etc. Details of the coupon management database will be described later.

[0045] <Obtaining a Coupon> A user launches a member application before going to a retail store. For example, the user launches the member application at home or at work. The launched member application communicates with the server device 10.

[0046] At that time, the member application (terminal 30) notifies the server device 10 of information related to the user's age. Specifically, the terminal 30 sends an "age information notification" including the date of birth obtained by performing the identity verification to the server device 10 (see FIG. 4). Note that if identity verification has not been performed or has failed, the terminal 30 sends an age information notification to the server device 10 with "age unknown" set.

[0047] Upon receiving the age information notification, the server device 10 determines the coupon to be distributed (introduced or presented) to the user based on the user's age (date of birth).

[0048] For example, if the user is over a predetermined age (for example, 20 years old), the server device 10 selects coupons to be distributed from coupons with age restrictions and coupons without age restrictions.

[0049] On the other hand, if the user's age is unknown or if the user is under a certain age, the server device 10 selects a coupon with no age restriction. In other words, the server device 10 does not select an age-restricted coupon for alcoholic beverages for users whose identity has not been verified (users whose age is unknown) or users who are not legally permitted to purchase alcoholic beverages.

[0050] When a coupon to be distributed to a user is selected, the server device 10 notifies the terminal 30 of information about the selected coupon. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits to the terminal 30 a "coupon information notification" that includes information about at least one coupon (hereinafter referred to as coupon information).

[0051] The coupon information includes information about the target product (e.g., product name, manufacturer name, product code), coupon content (e.g., free provision, discount of a specified amount), coupon expiration date (e.g., 30 minutes after coupon distribution), coupon ID of the distributed unit coupon, etc.

[0052] Before or after sending the coupon information notification, the server device 10 updates the coupon management database. For example, the server device 10 updates the number of coupons that can be distributed and the distribution record of the distributed coupons. Furthermore, the server device 10 updates the status and expiration date of the distributed coupons (unit coupons).

[0053] Upon receiving the coupon information notification, the member application (terminal 30) presents the coupon distributed from server device 10 to the user. For example, the member application displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as that shown in Fig. 5. Using the GUI such as that shown in Fig. 5, the member application obtains information as to whether or not the user wishes to obtain the distributed coupon.

[0054] When a user desires to obtain a coupon, the member application stores the coupon information (product code of the target product, coupon details, coupon ID, expiration date, etc.) of the coupon selected by the user.

[0055] <Using a Coupon> A user who has acquired a coupon goes to a retail store within the coupon's expiration date and uses the coupon.

[0056] For example, a user goes to the cash register carrying a product covered by an acquired coupon. When the user arrives at the cash register, the user operates terminal 30 to launch the member application. When the user wishes to use a coupon, the member application determines whether there are any coupons that have not yet expired.

[0057] If there are no coupons that have not expired, the member application notifies the user that there are no usable coupons.

[0058] If there is a coupon that has not expired, the membership application performs identity verification of the user who wishes to use the coupon. Specifically, the membership application performs identity verification using biometric information obtained by the user's selfie and biometric information stored internally.

[0059] If identity verification is successful, the member application generates a two-dimensional barcode (or barcodes) using the user's user ID and the stored coupon information. The member application displays the generated two-dimensional barcode. The user presents the terminal 30 displaying the two-dimensional barcode to a store clerk or other person waiting at the cash register (see FIG. 6).

[0060] The store clerk operates payment terminal 20 to read the two-dimensional barcode displayed on terminal 30. Payment terminal 20 decodes the two-dimensional barcode and obtains the user ID and coupon information (product code, coupon content, coupon ID, etc.).

[0061] Furthermore, the store clerk operates the payment terminal 20 to read the barcode attached to the product that the user wishes to purchase. The payment terminal 20 acquires the product code from the barcode attached to each product.

[0062] The payment terminal 20 uses the acquired product code to determine whether the products purchased by the user include a product eligible for the coupon. Specifically, if the product code obtained from the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the terminal 30 is included in the product code of the purchased product, the payment terminal 20 determines that the products purchased by the user include a product eligible for the coupon.

[0063] The payment terminal 20 applies the coupon to the coupon-eligible product. For example, if the coupon content is "free of charge," the payment terminal 20 calculates the price of the coupon-eligible product as 0 yen.

[0064] The payment terminal 20 calculates the total price of the purchased items, including the coupon-eligible items, and presents it to the store clerk and / or the user. The payment terminal 20 then settles the price of the items. For example, the payment terminal 20 sends a "payment request" to the server device 10, which includes the user's user ID, the price of the items (total price), and the coupon ID of the coupon used.

[0065] The server device 10 identifies the product purchaser based on the user ID, and, for example, deducts the product price from the balance of electronic money stored in the account of the identified product purchaser.

[0066] The server device 10 also updates the coupon management database with the coupon usage. Specifically, the server device 10 identifies the coupon that was used based on the coupon ID. The server device 10 then updates the available coupon count, usage history, and other information for the identified coupon.

[0067] The server device 10 transmits a response to the payment request to the payment terminal 20. Specifically, if the payment process for the product price is successful, the server device 10 transmits a positive response indicating that to the payment terminal 20. If the payment process for the product price fails, the server device 10 transmits a negative response indicating that to the payment terminal 20.

[0068] The payment terminal 20 executes processing according to the response to the payment request. For example, upon receiving a positive response (payment success), the payment terminal 20 issues a receipt.

[0069] In this way, the terminal 30 uses the ID card to verify the identity of the user, and if the identity verification is successful, transmits age information obtained from the ID card to the server device 10 at a predetermined timing (for example, when the member application is launched). Based on the obtained age information, the server device 10 determines whether or not a coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user, and if the coupon can be distributed to the user, transmits information about the coupon to the terminal 30.

[0070] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0071] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a user management unit 202, a coupon control unit 203, a payment control unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0072] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the payment terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the payment terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0073] The user management unit 202 is a means for controlling and managing users (members of the retail store).

[0074] The user management unit 202 acquires the user's name, gender, date of birth, address, login information (e.g., ID, password), contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.) from a predetermined website or the like.

[0075] Furthermore, the user management unit 202 generates a user ID for identifying the user. The user ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the user. For example, the user management unit 202 may assign a unique value each time a member is registered as the user ID.

[0076] The user management unit 202 stores the generated user ID, the acquired name, etc. in a user management database (see FIG. 8). Note that the user management database shown in FIG. 8 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, the user management database may also store biometric information of the user (e.g., a facial image).

[0077] The user management unit 202 transmits the generated user ID to the terminal 30 .

[0078] The coupon control unit 203 is a means for controlling coupons.

[0079] The coupon control unit 303 functions as an acquisition means, a determination means, and a distribution means. The acquisition means acquires age information from an identification card from the terminal 30, which has verified the identity of the user using the identification card. The determination means determines, based on the acquired age information, whether a first coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user. If the first coupon can be distributed to the user, the distribution means transmits information about the first coupon to the terminal 30.

[0080] First, the coupon control unit 203 obtains information about coupons that can be distributed to customers from a retailer's representative or the like. For example, the coupon control unit 203 obtains information about the coupon's target product (product name, product code, etc.), type (age-restricted coupon, no age-restricted coupon), content (e.g., free of charge), and total number that can be distributed from an information registration site or the like. Furthermore, the coupon control unit 203 obtains information about the time from coupon distribution to use (e.g., 30 minutes), coupon distribution period (e.g., one month), etc.

[0081] When the coupon control unit 203 acquires information about the coupon-eligible product and the total number of coupons that can be distributed, the coupon control unit 203 adds a new entry to the coupon management database. The coupon control unit 203 stores information about the total number of coupons that can be distributed in the added entry.

[0082] Furthermore, the coupon control unit 203 generates coupon IDs in the same number as the total number of coupons that can be distributed. For example, if 100 coupons are to be distributed, 100 coupon IDs are generated. The coupon control unit 203 stores the generated coupon IDs in the coupon management database.

[0083] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The coupon management database stores, for each target product, the total number of coupons that can be distributed, the number of coupons that can be distributed, distribution history, usage history, coupon IDs for each unit coupon, status, expiration date, etc. Note that the coupon management database illustrated in FIG. 9 is an example and is not intended to limit the items stored therein.

[0084] The coupon control unit 203 processes the age information notification received from the terminal 30 .

[0085] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the coupon control unit 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the coupon control unit 203 when processing age information notification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0086] When receiving the age information notification, the coupon control unit 203 determines the status of identity verification using an ID card (step S101). Specifically, the coupon control unit 203 makes the above determination based on the information obtained from the age information notification (unknown age, specific date of birth).

[0087] The coupon control unit 203 determines that identity verification has not been performed if the age information notification is set to "age unknown." The coupon control unit 203 determines that identity verification has been performed if a specific date of birth is set in the age information notification.

[0088] If identity verification has not been performed (step S102, No branch), the coupon control unit 203 selects a coupon to be distributed to the user from among coupons that can be distributed to the user and have no age restrictions (selection of no-restriction coupon; step S103).

[0089] Specifically, the coupon control unit 203 accesses the coupon management database and selects at least one coupon from among the coupons with no age restriction and for which the number of coupons that can be distributed is not zero. For example, in the example of Figure 9, a coupon for "Yogurt B" is selected.

[0090] If identity verification has been performed (step S102, Yes branch), the coupon control unit 203 determines whether the user's age is a predetermined age (e.g., 20 years old) or older (age determination; step S104). The coupon control unit 203 calculates the user's current age using the user's date of birth included in the age information notification, and makes the above determination.

[0091] If the user's age is below a predetermined age (step S105, No branch), the coupon control unit 203 selects a coupon to be distributed to the user from among coupons that can be distributed to the user and have no age restrictions (step S103).

[0092] If the user's age is equal to or greater than a predetermined age (step S105, Yes branch), the coupon control unit 203 selects a coupon to be distributed to the user from among the coupons that can be distributed to the user (select coupon; step S106).

[0093] Specifically, the coupon control unit 203 accesses the coupon management database and selects at least one coupon for which the number of coupons available for distribution is not zero. For example, in the example of Fig. 9, coupons for "Beer A" and "Yogurt B" are selected. That is, the coupon control unit 203 selects coupons to be distributed to a user from among coupons that can be distributed to a user, regardless of the type of coupon (coupons with age restrictions, coupons without age restrictions).

[0094] When at least one coupon to be distributed to the user is selected, the coupon control unit 203 reflects the selection of the coupon in the coupon management database (updates the database; step S107).

[0095] Specifically, the coupon control unit 203 selects a unit coupon whose status field is set to "Distribution Ready" from among the multiple unit coupons that make up the selected coupon. The coupon control unit 203 sets the status of the selected unit coupon to "Distributed" and also sets the expiration date and time in the expiration date field to a date and time that is a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) after the current time.

[0096] Furthermore, the coupon control unit 203 decrements the value set in the distribution quantity field of the selected coupon, and increments the value set in the distribution record field of the selected coupon.

[0097] After updating the database, the coupon control unit 203 transmits a coupon information notification including information (coupon information) related to the selected coupon to the terminal 30 (step S108).

[0098] The coupon control unit 203 sends a coupon information notification to the terminal 30, which includes information about the target product (e.g., product name, manufacturer name, product code), coupon content (e.g., free provision), coupon expiration date, coupon ID of the unit coupon, etc.

[0099] In this way, if the first coupon (age-restricted coupon) cannot be distributed to the user, the coupon control unit 203 transmits information about the second coupon (no age-restricted coupon) that has no age restriction for distribution to the terminal 30. Furthermore, if the first coupon can be distributed to the user, the coupon control unit 203 may transmit information about the first coupon and information about the second coupon to the terminal 30.

[0100] If there is no coupon to be distributed to the user, the coupon control unit 203 does not send a coupon information notification to the terminal 30. For example, if the user is under 20 years old and the coupon with a non-zero number of coupons available for distribution is an age-restricted coupon (e.g., a coupon for alcohol), the coupon control unit 203 does not send a coupon information notification to the terminal 30.

[0101] Furthermore, coupon control unit 203 reflects the use of a coupon by the user in the coupon management database in response to notification from payment control unit 204. Specifically, when coupon control unit 203 is notified of a coupon ID from payment control unit 204, coupon control unit 203 searches the coupon management database using the notified coupon ID as a key.

[0102] The coupon control unit 203 sets the status of the unit coupon identified by the search to “used.” The coupon control unit 203 also increments the setting value in the usage record field of the coupon identified by the search.

[0103] Furthermore, the coupon control unit 203 changes the status of unit coupons that have been distributed to users but not used within their validity period (initializes the status of unit coupons). Specifically, the coupon control unit 203 accesses the coupon management database periodically or at a predetermined timing, and extracts entries (unit coupons) whose set expiration dates have passed.

[0104] The coupon control unit 203 sets the status of the extracted unit coupon to "distribution permitted" and clears the setting value in the expiration date field. The coupon control unit 203 also increments the number of coupons that can be distributed for the corresponding coupon.

[0105] In this way, the number of issued coupons is managed by the server device 10. The server device 10 distributes coupons to users if the number of distributed coupons has not reached the planned number of coupons to be distributed. If a coupon is not used within a predetermined time after it is acquired (distributed), the coupon acquired by the user becomes invalid. In this case, the user may be able to acquire the coupon by operating the terminal 30 to access the server device 10 again.

[0106] That is, the server device 10 stops distributing coupons when the number of coupons distributed to a user reaches a predetermined planned distribution number (total number of coupons that can be distributed) (the server device 10 manages the number of coupons actually distributed). The server device 10 also reflects the number of coupons distributed to a user and the number of coupons actually used at a store in the number of coupons that can be distributed. Specifically, the server device 10 reduces the number of coupons that can be distributed when a coupon is distributed, and maintains the number of coupons that can be distributed when a coupon is used. The server device 10 also increases the number of coupons that can be distributed by one when the expiration date of a distributed coupon has passed. When a distributed coupon is actually used at a store, the server device 10 manages the coupon as used. Furthermore, when the expiration date of a coupon acquired by a user (a coupon stored in the terminal 30) has passed, the coupon is set to unusable (deactivated), and the number of coupons that can be issued managed by the server device 10 is increased. The server device 10 may perform at least one of management based on the number of coupons distributed and management based on the coupon usage history (management of the number of coupons actually used in the store).

[0107] The payment control unit 204 is a means for executing control relating to payment of the price of the product. The payment control unit 204 processes a payment request received from the payment terminal 20.

[0108] When a payment request is received, the payment control unit 204 searches the user management database using the user ID included in the payment request as a key. The payment control unit 204 then deducts the product price from the electronic money balance of the user identified by the search.

[0109] The payment control unit 204 sends a response to the payment request to the payment terminal 20. Specifically, when the payment process for the product price is successful, the payment control unit 204 sends an affirmative response to that effect to the payment terminal 20.

[0110] If the payment process for the product price fails, the payment control unit 204 sends a negative response indicating this to the payment terminal 20. For example, if the user ID included in the payment request is not registered in the user management database or if the balance of electronic money is insufficient, a negative response is sent to the payment terminal 20.

[0111] In addition, the payment control unit 204 notifies the coupon control unit 203 of the coupon ID included in the payment request.

[0112] A detailed description of payment for merchandise using electronic money will be omitted, as payment for merchandise using electronic money is obvious to those skilled in the art and is outside the scope of the present disclosure.

[0113] The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10 .

[0114] [Terminal] Examples of the terminal 30 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game consoles, tablets, etc. The terminal 30 can be any equipment or device that can accept user operations and communicate with the server device 10, etc.

[0115] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the terminal 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 11, the terminal 30 includes a communication control unit 301, an identity verification unit 302, a coupon control unit 303, and a storage unit 304.

[0116] The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0117] The personal identification unit 302 and the coupon control unit 303 implement the functions of the member application.

[0118] The identity verification unit 302 is a means for verifying the identity of the user.

[0119] The identity verification unit 302 verifies the identity of the user when the member application is launched for the first time, etc. Alternatively, the identity verification unit 302 verifies the identity of the user when it detects a predetermined operation by the user (for example, pressing an identity verification button).

[0120] The personal identification unit 302 acquires biometric information for personal identification. Specifically, the personal identification unit 302 acquires a facial image of the user by photographing the user.

[0121] Furthermore, the personal identification unit 302 acquires biometric information from an identification card held by the user. For example, the personal identification unit 302 acquires a facial image from an IC chip mounted on the identification card, such as a passport, a driver's license, or a My Number card. The personal identification unit 302 communicates with the IC chip via near field communication (NFC) and acquires the facial image stored in the IC chip.

[0122] Thereafter, the identity verification unit 302 performs identity verification. Specifically, the identity verification unit 302 performs identity verification using a facial image obtained by photographing the user and a facial image read from the IC chip of the identification card. The identity verification unit 302 performs identity verification by determining whether the two sets of biometric information substantially match.

[0123] Specifically, the personal identification unit 302 generates feature amounts from each of the face image acquired by photographing and the face image acquired from the identification card.

[0124] Since existing technology can be used for the process of generating feature amounts, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the personal identification unit 302 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the face image as feature points. Then, the personal identification unit 302 calculates the positions of each feature point and the distances between each feature point as feature amounts (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature amounts).

[0125] Next, the identity verification unit 302 performs authentication processing (one-to-one authentication) using the two generated feature amounts. Specifically, the identity verification unit 302 calculates the similarity between corresponding face images using the two feature amounts. Based on the result of threshold processing on the calculated similarity, the identity verification unit 302 determines whether the two images are face images of the same person. Note that the similarity can be calculated using a chi-squared distance, Euclidean distance, or the like. The greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0126] If the similarity is greater than a predetermined value (if the distance is shorter than a predetermined value), the personal identification unit 302 determines that personal identification is successful. If the similarity is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the personal identification unit 302 determines that personal identification is unsuccessful.

[0127] The identity verification unit 302 may also perform "liveness authentication" to prove that the user is actually present. Specifically, after successfully authenticating (matching) a face image obtained by photographing with a face image read from an identification card, the identity verification unit 302 instructs the user to perform a predetermined action and determines whether the user (person to be authenticated) follows the instruction. For example, the identity verification unit 302 may issue an instruction such as "close your right eye" and determine whether the user actually exists based on whether the user follows the instruction.

[0128] If the identity verification fails, the identity verification unit 302 notifies the user of this fact. The identity verification unit 302 repeats the identity verification process as necessary.

[0129] If identity verification is successful, the identity verification unit 302 stores the user's biometric information (e.g., a facial image or features generated from the facial image) and the user's age information (date of birth) obtained from the identification card in the memory unit 304.

[0130] In this way, the identity verification unit 302 performs first identity verification of the user using the identification card, and if the first identity verification is successful, stores the user's biometric information and age information obtained from the identification card.

[0131] The coupon control unit 303 is a means for executing control relating to coupons.

[0132] When a user requests the use of a first coupon, the distribution of which requires age verification using an identification card, the coupon control unit 303 performs second identity verification of the user using the stored biometric information. If the second identity verification is successful, the coupon control unit 303 controls the first coupon to be usable.

[0133] When the member application is launched, the coupon control unit 303 notifies the server device 10 of the user's age information (date of birth). Specifically, if the user's date of birth is stored in the memory unit 304, the coupon control unit 303 transmits an age information notification including the specific date of birth to the server device 10. If the user's date of birth is not stored in the memory unit 304, the coupon control unit 303 transmits an age information notification with "age unknown" set to the server device 10.

[0134] The coupon control unit 303 receives a "coupon information notification" from the server device 10. The coupon control unit 303 uses coupon information relating to at least one coupon included in the coupon information notification to guide (suggest) the user to obtain a coupon.

[0135] For example, the coupon control unit 303 displays a GUI as shown in FIG. 5 to obtain whether or not the user wishes to obtain the coupon obtained from the server device 10 .

[0136] When a user requests a coupon, the coupon control unit 303 stores the coupon information of the coupon that the user requests. Specifically, the coupon control unit 303 stores the product code of the target product, the coupon content, the coupon ID, the expiration date, etc. in the storage unit 304.

[0137] When a user performs a predetermined action in the member application (for example, pressing a coupon use button), the coupon control unit 303 determines whether or not there is a coupon whose expiration date has not passed. Specifically, the coupon control unit 303 makes this determination based on the expiration date of the coupon stored in the memory unit 304.

[0138] If there is no coupon whose expiration date has not passed, the coupon control unit 303 notifies the user that there is no usable coupon.

[0139] If there is a coupon whose expiration date has not passed, the coupon control unit 303 performs identity verification of the user.

[0140] Specifically, the coupon control unit 303 performs identity verification using biometric information (e.g., a facial image) obtained by photographing the user and biometric information (e.g., features) stored in the memory unit 304.

[0141] If the identity verification fails, the coupon control unit 303 notifies the user that the coupon cannot be used.

[0142] If the identity verification is successful, the coupon control unit 303 generates a two-dimensional barcode (or barcode) using the user's user ID and the coupon information stored in the storage unit 304. The coupon control unit 303 displays the generated two-dimensional barcode.

[0143] In this way, the coupon control unit 303 obtains information about the first coupon (a coupon with an age restriction) by transmitting age information obtained from the identification card to the server device 10 that manages coupons. The coupon control unit 303 may also obtain information about the second coupon (a coupon without an age restriction) whose distribution does not require age verification using an identification card from the server device 10. The coupon control unit 303 uses the information about the first coupon and / or the information about the second coupon to obtain whether or not the user wishes to obtain the first coupon and / or the second coupon.

[0144] The storage unit 304 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the terminal 30 .

[0145] [Payment Terminal] The payment terminal 20 is a POS terminal or a tablet.

[0146] 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of payment terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 12, payment terminal 20 includes a communication control unit 401, a payment control unit 402, and a storage unit 403.

[0147] The communication control unit 401 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 401 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 401 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 401 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 401 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 401. The communication control unit 401 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0148] The payment control unit 402 is a means for executing control relating to payment of the price of the product.

[0149] In response to an operation by a retail store clerk or the like, the payment control unit 402 reads the two-dimensional barcode or barcode displayed on the terminal 30. The payment control unit 402 decodes the two-dimensional barcode or the like to obtain the user ID and coupon information for at least one coupon (e.g., product code, coupon content, coupon ID, etc.).

[0150] Furthermore, the payment control unit 402 reads the barcode of the product purchased by the user in response to an operation by the store clerk, and acquires the product code from the read barcode.

[0151] The payment control unit 402 determines whether the purchased items include any items eligible for the coupon. The payment control unit 402 makes this determination using the product code obtained from the two-dimensional barcode and the product code obtained from the purchased item.

[0152] The payment control unit 402 applies the coupon (coupon content) to the coupon-eligible product. For example, the payment control unit 402 treats the price of a product that is provided free of charge with a coupon as 0 yen. The payment control unit 402 calculates the total price of the purchased products, including the coupon-eligible product, and presents it to the store clerk and / or the user.

[0153] When the user agrees to pay the product price, the payment control unit 402 sends a "payment request" to the server device 10, which includes the user's user ID, the product price (total product price), and the coupon ID of the coupon used.

[0154] The payment control unit 402 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the payment request from the server device 10. The payment control unit 402 executes processing according to the received response.

[0155] For example, if a positive response (payment success) is received, the payment control unit 402 issues a receipt. Alternatively, if a negative response (payment failure) is received, the payment control unit 402 notifies a store clerk or the like. The store clerk then notifies the user that the electronic money payment has failed and guides the user to pay for the product using cash or the like.

[0156] The storage unit 403 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the payment terminal 20 .

[0157] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the terminal 30 performs identity verification of the user when the member application is launched for the first time. However, the identity verification may be performed when a predetermined icon or the like displayed on the member application screen is pressed.

[0159] For example, the member application displays an icon 40 resembling a human face on a screen that displays advertisements for the user, as shown in Fig. 13. When the icon 40 is pressed, the member application (identification unit 302) performs identity verification using the identification card described above.

[0160] When the identity verification unit 302 has successfully verified the identity of the user and stored the user's biometric information and age information (date of birth), it notifies the user that identity verification has been completed by changing the color, shade, design, etc. of the icon 40.

[0161] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may display a message indicating that users aged 20 or over can obtain coupons for alcohol or the like (age-restricted coupons) by performing identity verification near the icon 40 (see FIG. 14).

[0162] When the icon 40 is pressed and identity verification is completed, the terminal 30 transmits an age information notification to the server device 10. The server device 10 processes the age information notification and informs the user of coupons that can be distributed (coupons with age restrictions and coupons without age restrictions).

[0163] The terminal 30 displays a GUI similar to that shown in FIG. 5 using the coupon information acquired from the server device 10 .

[0164] <Modification 2> The server device 10 may request users who have used a coupon to answer a questionnaire about the product covered by the coupon.

[0165] In this case, the coupon control unit 303 of the terminal 30 transmits an age information notification including the user ID to the server device 10 when the member application is started, etc.

[0166] When distributing a coupon to a user, the coupon control unit 203 of the server device 10 stores the user ID of the user and the coupon ID of the individual coupon in association with each other. For example, the coupon control unit 203 stores the coupon ID of the distributed individual coupon in the entry of the user management database corresponding to the user ID received from the terminal 30.

[0167] When the coupon control unit 203 acquires the coupon ID from the payment control unit 204, it searches the user management database using the acquired coupon ID as a key to identify the user who used the coupon.

[0168] The coupon control unit 203 sends a survey response request to the identified user's contact information (an email address that can be received by the terminal 30). The survey items may be entered in advance into the server device 10 when coupon information is set in the server device 10. The survey response request also includes a destination to which the responses should be sent (for example, the server of the manufacturer of the coupon-eligible product or the server device 10).

[0169] The user operates the terminal 30 to answer the questionnaire and transmits the answers to the manufacturer's server or the server device 10.

[0170] In response to receiving the responses to the questionnaire, the server device 10 may distribute a new coupon to the respondent of the questionnaire.

[0171] <Modification 3> In the above embodiment, the terminal 30 generates and displays a two-dimensional barcode or the like including a user ID and coupon information when a user uses a coupon. However, the terminal 30 may display two-dimensional barcodes (or barcodes) for the user ID and the coupon information, respectively (see FIG. 15). In FIG. 15, for example, two-dimensional barcode 41 corresponds to the user ID, and two-dimensional barcode 42 corresponds to the coupon information.

[0172] The payment terminal 20 may read each of the two two-dimensional barcodes (barcodes) in response to an operation by a store clerk or the like, and obtain the user ID and coupon information.

[0173] In the above embodiment, if a coupon has expired when the user attempts to use it, the terminal 30 does not display the expired coupon. However, various measures can be considered for how the terminal 30 handles an expired coupon (e.g., an age-restricted coupon).

[0174] For example, the terminal 30 may delete expired coupons from the display of the active member application (for example, a list of owned coupons).

[0175] Alternatively, when a user desires to use a coupon, the terminal 30 (membership application) may display a list of owned coupons and acquire the coupon the user desires to use. In this case, the terminal 30 may clearly indicate coupons that have expired and make them unavailable for selection. In other words, the terminal 30 may set expired coupons as inactive.

[0176] Alternatively, the terminal 30 (membership application) may not display expired coupons and may deactivate them.

[0177] Alternatively, when the coupon expires, the terminal 30 may notify the user that the coupon has expired by hiding the icon 40 shown in FIG. 13 or 14 .

[0178] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may manage the expiration date of a coupon using an expiration date that is earlier than the expiration date actually set for the coupon by the server device 10. For example, if the server device 10 sets the expiration date of a coupon to one hour later, the terminal 30 may set the expiration date of the coupon to 30 minutes later. In this case, the terminal 30 may make the expired coupon usable by re-authenticating the user (re-conducting identity verification). In the above example, if 30 minutes have passed since the terminal 30 acquired the coupon, the terminal 30 treats the coupon as having expired. However, if the user re-authenticates the user (re-conducting identity verification) before the expiration date managed by the server device 10 expires, the terminal 30 may restore the expired coupon.

[0179] As described above, the terminal 30 according to the first embodiment performs identity verification using an official identification card such as a My Number card when a member application is launched for the first time, etc. By performing identity verification, the terminal 30 stores biometric information (face image or feature values) and date of birth obtained from the identification card. That is, the terminal 30 performs identity verification by comparing biometric information (face image) obtained by photographing the user with biometric information (face image) obtained from the identification card, and stores age information and biometric information (face image).

[0180] The terminal 30 transmits the user's age information (e.g., date of birth) to the server device 10, for example, when the member application is launched. The server device 10 determines whether to distribute an age-restricted coupon (e.g., a coupon for alcohol) to the user based on the acquired age information. If the user has reached a predetermined age, the server device 10 distributes the age-restricted coupon to the user. The terminal 30 presents the distributed age-restricted coupon to the user, and if the user requests to obtain the coupon, stores the coupon information. If the user requests to use the coupon, the terminal 30 performs identity verification using biometric information stored internally, and if identity verification is successful, controls the acquired coupon to be usable. In other words, if the terminal 30 successfully matches biometric information (facial image) acquired by photographing the user with pre-registered biometric information (facial image), the age-restricted coupon (a coupon for an age-restricted product such as alcohol, acquired from the server device 10) can be used.

[0181] In this way, the server device 10 issues coupons for alcoholic beverages and other target products to users whose identity has been verified on the member application side (terminal 30 side). That is, the server device 10 can determine whether to distribute a coupon based on the correct age information (date of birth) of the user, rather than self-reported age information.

[0182] Furthermore, when a user wishes to use a coupon, the terminal 30 performs identity verification using pre-stored biometric information. By performing this identity verification, the terminal 30 ensures that the user who received the coupon and the user who will use the coupon are the same person. In other words, a minor user is prevented from using a parent's terminal 30 to which an age-restricted coupon has been distributed to obtain a coupon-eligible product, such as alcohol.

[0183] The configuration and operation of the information processing system disclosed herein as described above enables the use of alcoholic beverages and corresponding coupons that are not supported by existing self-checkout registers, thereby creating sales opportunities for alcoholic beverages and improving productivity in retail stores.

[0184] In addition, in the information processing system disclosed herein, the server device 10 manages the distribution destinations of coupons, etc. This prevents the same person from obtaining coupons for the same product multiple times. Furthermore, the server device 10 stores attribute information (e.g., gender, age, etc.) of registered users, and can therefore perform trend analysis of coupon users using this attribute information.

[0185] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 30.

[0186] The terminal 30 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 16. For example, the terminal 30 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0187] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 16 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the terminal 30. The terminal 30 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the terminal 30 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 16, and for example, the terminal 30 may include multiple processors 311.

[0188] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0189] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0190] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a device that accepts user operations, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0191] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0192] The functions of the terminal 30 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. The processing modules can also be realized by a semiconductor chip.

[0193] The server device 10 and the like can also be configured by an information processing device in the same way as the terminal 30, and the basic hardware configuration is no different from that of the terminal 30, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0194] The terminal 30 is equipped with a computer, and the computer executes a program to realize the functions of the terminal 30. The terminal 30 also executes a control method for the terminal 30 by the program.

[0195] [Modification] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0196] When a user operates the terminal 30, the terminal 30 may perform authentication using a pre-registered fingerprint image or face image. If the authentication is successful, the terminal 30 may accept an operation from the user.

[0197] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 has been described as acquiring the user's date of birth and other information when registering the user as a member. The server device 10 does not need to acquire the user's date of birth (self-reported date of birth). This is because a date of birth that is not supported by an identification card cannot be used to determine whether or not to distribute an age-restricted coupon. Alternatively, the server device 10 may verify the user's identity using an identification card when registering the user as a member.

[0198] In the above embodiment, the terminal 30 transmits an age information notification to the server device 10 each time the member application is launched. However, the terminal 30 does not need to transmit an age information notification to the server device 10 the second or subsequent time the member application is launched. In this case, the server device 10 may store the date of birth obtained from the identification card in the account of the user who sent the age information notification. The server device 10 may distribute age-restricted coupons at a predetermined timing to users whose date of birth obtained from the identification card is stored and who are at least a predetermined age.

[0199] When there are coupons with age restrictions and coupons without age restrictions that can be distributed to users over a certain age, the server device 10 may distribute coupons with age restrictions (e.g., alcohol coupons) preferentially.

[0200] The server device 10 may restrict distribution of coupons to users who do not use the coupons it has distributed. The server device 10 stores the coupon ID of the distributed coupon and the coupon usage result (whether the coupon was used or not) in the user's account. The server device 10 may stop distributing age-restricted coupons to users who have received age-restricted coupons multiple times but have no record of using the coupons.

[0201] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a user ID and coupon information are exchanged between the terminal 30 and the payment terminal 20 using a two-dimensional barcode or barcode. However, the user ID and coupon information may be transmitted and received using a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0202] In the above embodiment, the terminal 30 transmits the date of birth obtained from the identification card as age information to the server device 10. However, the terminal 30 may transmit the user's age at the time of age information notification (age calculated from the date of birth) to the server device 10. Alternatively, the terminal 30 may perform age verification processing (verifying whether the user's age is above a predetermined age) using the date of birth obtained from the identification card and transmit the verification result to the server device 10 as age information.

[0203] When the terminal 30 guides the user to obtain coupons distributed from the server device 10 using a GUI such as that shown in FIG. 5, the terminal 30 may display the expiration date of each coupon.

[0204] When the expiration date of the acquired coupon is approaching (for example, when there are less than 10 minutes left until the expiration date), the terminal 30 may notify the user of this fact. For example, the terminal 30 may send a push notification as shown in FIG. 17 .

[0205] In the above embodiment, the terminal 30 performs identity verification using biometric information stored internally when a user desires to use a coupon. However, if the coupon desired by the user is a coupon without an age restriction, the terminal 30 does not need to perform identity verification. In other words, the terminal 30 may perform the identity verification when the user desires to use a coupon with an age restriction.

[0206] The server device 10 may calculate the coupon usage rate by users and provide the calculated usage rate to the manufacturer of the coupon-eligible product. For example, the coupon control unit 203 of the server device 10 calculates the usage rate as the ratio of the number of uses (usage history) to the number of distributions (distribution history) for the coupons for which the usage rate is to be calculated. For example, if 100 coupons are distributed and 50 are used, the usage rate of the coupons is calculated to be 50%.

[0207] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a store clerk or the like operates the payment terminal 20. However, a user may also operate the payment terminal 20. In other words, the payment terminal 20 may be a self-register.

[0208] In the above embodiment, the case where the user carries the coupon-eligible product to the cash register has been described. However, the coupon-eligible product may be handed over to the user (customer) by a store clerk at the cash register. In this case, if the payment terminal 20 can obtain coupon information from the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the terminal 30, it can notify the clerk or the like of the product information corresponding to the coupon information.

[0209] In the above embodiment, the terminal 30 and the server device 10 communicate with each other when the member application is launched. Age information and coupon information are transmitted and received during this communication at launch. However, the terminal 30 and the server device 10 do not necessarily need to communicate with each other when the member application is launched. For example, if coupons that are only available on certain days of the week or discount coupons are distributed to users, the server device 10 may transmit information about these coupons to the terminal 30 periodically or at a predetermined timing.

[0210] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may present the user with a coupon for a specific day of the week or a discount coupon in response to successful identity verification. These coupons are preset in the member application program. Even if the user obtains these coupons, there is a possibility that the corresponding products may not actually be available at the store, etc. This is because the server device 10 does not manage the issuance status of coupons.

[0211] In the above embodiment, the case where electronic money is used as a means of payment for the product price has been mainly described. However, the product price may also be paid by means of a credit card, a transportation IC (Integrated Circuit) card, cash, or the like.

[0212] The above-described displays of the terminal 30 and the like are merely examples and are not intended to limit the screen display (interface) of the terminal 30. For example, instead of simultaneously displaying multiple two-dimensional barcodes as shown in FIG. 15 , the terminal 30 may select multiple two-dimensional barcodes by sliding the two-dimensional barcodes left and right in response to a user's operation and display them one by one on the screen. By using such an interface, the terminal 30 may more reliably read the two-dimensional barcodes by the payment terminal 20.

[0213] The GUI and the like of the terminal 30 described above are merely examples and are not intended to limit the screen display and other aspects. For example, the icon 40 displayed on the screens shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 may be displayed together with a list of coupons owned by the user (see FIG. 18). As shown in FIG. 18, the terminal 30 displays an icon 40 indicating identity verification and activated coupons (coupons within their expiration dates). When a coupon's expiration date has passed, the terminal 30 deactivates and displays the expired coupon. For example, the terminal 30 may gray out an expired coupon or display a message such as "unusable" near the expired coupon (see FIG. 19). Furthermore, if the user only owns coupons without age restrictions, the terminal 30 may display an icon 40 and a message prompting the user to verify their identity in the coupon list display shown in FIG. 18 (see FIG. 20).

[0214] In the above embodiment, the case where the user management database and coupon management database are configured inside the server device 10 has been described, but these databases may be configured on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another device. More specifically, the above-described "coupon control unit (coupon control means)" and the like may be implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0215] The form of data transmission between the devices (server device 10, payment terminal 20) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted between these devices may be encrypted. User IDs, payment information, etc. are transmitted between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0216] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0217] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0218] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to an information processing system for distributing coupons, etc.

[0219] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0220] [Supplementary Note 1] A server device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal that has used the identification card to verify the identity of a user; a determination means for determining whether a first coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information; and a distribution means for transmitting information regarding the first coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

[0221] [Supplementary Note 2] The server device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the distribution means transmits information about a second coupon that has no age restriction for distribution to the terminal if the first coupon cannot be distributed to the user.

[0222] [Supplementary Note 3] The server device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the distribution means transmits information about the first coupon and information about the second coupon to the terminal when the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

[0223] [Supplementary Note 4] A terminal comprising: identity verification means for performing first identity verification of a user using an identification card, and storing biometric information of the user and age information obtained from the identification card if the first identity verification is successful; and coupon control means for performing second identity verification of the user using the stored biometric information when the user wishes to use a first coupon whose distribution requires age verification using the identification card, and controlling the first coupon to be usable if the second identity verification is successful.

[0224] [Supplementary Note 5] The terminal according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the coupon control means acquires information about the first coupon by transmitting age information obtained from the identification card to a server device that manages coupons.

[0225] [Supplementary Note 6] The terminal according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the coupon control means acquires, from the server device, information relating to a second coupon whose distribution does not require age verification using the identification card.

[0226] [Supplementary Note 7] The terminal according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the coupon control means uses information regarding the first coupon and / or information regarding the second coupon to obtain whether or not the user wishes to obtain the first coupon and / or the second coupon.

[0227] [Supplementary Note 8] A system comprising: a terminal carried by a user; and a server device, wherein the terminal verifies the identity of the user using an identification card, and if the identity verification is successful, transmits age information obtained from the identification card to the server device at a predetermined timing, and the server device determines whether or not a coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information, and if the coupon can be distributed to the user, transmits information regarding the coupon to the terminal.

[0228] [Supplementary Note 9] A method for controlling a server device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal that has used the identification card to verify the identity of a user; a determination step of determining whether a first coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information; and a distribution step of transmitting information regarding the first coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

[0229] [Supplementary Note 10] The server device control method according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the distribution step transmits information about a second coupon that has no age restrictions for distribution to the terminal if the first coupon cannot be distributed to the user.

[0230] [Supplementary Note 11] The server device control method according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the distribution step includes transmitting information about the first coupon and information about the second coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

[0231] [Supplementary Note 12] A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following steps: an acquisition process for acquiring age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal that has used the identification card to verify the identity of a user; a determination process for determining whether a first coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information; and a distribution process for transmitting information regarding the first coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

[0232] [Supplementary Note 13] The storage medium according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the distribution process transmits, to the terminal, information about a second coupon that has no age restrictions for distribution if the first coupon cannot be distributed to the user.

[0233] [Supplementary Note 14] The storage medium according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein the distribution process transmits information about the first coupon and information about the second coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

[0234] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 and 3, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 9 and 12 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 and 3. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 9, and 12, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0235] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof.

[0236] 10 Server device 20 Payment terminal 30 Terminal 40 Icon 41 Two-dimensional barcode 42 Two-dimensional barcode 100 Server device 101 Acquisition means 102 Determination means 103 Distribution means 201 Communication control unit 202 User management unit 203 Coupon control unit 204 Payment control unit 205 Storage unit 301 Communication control unit 302 Personal identification unit 303 Coupon control unit 304 Storage unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface 401 Communication control unit 402 Payment control unit 403 Storage unit

Claims

1. A server device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal that has used the identification card to verify the identity of a user; a determination means for determining whether a first coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information; and a distribution means for transmitting information regarding the first coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein said distribution means transmits to said terminal information about a second coupon that has no age restrictions for distribution if said first coupon cannot be distributed to said user.

3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the distribution means transmits information about the first coupon and information about the second coupon to the terminal when the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

4. A terminal comprising: an identity verification means for performing a first identity verification of a user using an identification card, and storing the user's biometric information and age information obtained from the identification card if the first identity verification is successful; and a coupon control means for performing a second identity verification of the user using the stored biometric information when the user wishes to use a first coupon whose distribution requires age verification using the identification card, and controlling the first coupon to be usable if the second identity verification is successful.

5. The terminal according to claim 4, wherein said coupon control means acquires information relating to said first coupon by transmitting age information obtained from said identification card to a server device that manages coupons.

6. The terminal according to claim 5, wherein said coupon control means acquires from said server device information relating to a second coupon whose distribution does not require age verification using said identification card.

7. The terminal according to claim 6, wherein the coupon control means uses information about the first coupon and / or information about the second coupon to determine whether the user wishes to obtain the first coupon and / or the second coupon.

8. A system comprising: a terminal held by a user; and a server device, wherein the terminal verifies the identity of the user using an identification card, and if the identity verification is successful, transmits age information obtained from the identification card to the server device at a predetermined timing, and the server device determines whether or not a coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the obtained age information, and if the coupon can be distributed to the user, transmits information regarding the coupon to the terminal.

9. A method for controlling a server device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal that has used the identification card to verify the identity of a user; a determination step of determining whether a first coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information; and a distribution step of transmitting information regarding the first coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer installed in a server device to execute the following steps: an acquisition process for acquiring age information obtained from an identification card from a terminal that has used the identification card to verify the identity of a user; a determination process for determining whether a first coupon with an age restriction for distribution can be distributed to the user based on the acquired age information; and a distribution process for sending information regarding the first coupon to the terminal if the first coupon can be distributed to the user.

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