JP2012160133A - Management device, program, and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management device, a program, and an information processing system that enable a retail store to secure large profit by generating coupon information.SOLUTION: A management device 100 comprises: a communication part 102; a discount rate candidate setting part 120 for setting a first discount rate candidate; a trial calculation processing part 122 for doing trial calculation of a first sales amount when a product is sold at a fixed price during a first period and a second sales amount when the product is sold at a price discounted by the first discount rate candidate during the first period; a discount rate determination part 124 for, when a trial calculation result satisfies predetermined conditions, determining the first discount rate candidate corresponding to the trial calculation result as a first discount rate; an information management part 126 for generating product master information; and a coupon information generation part 128 for generating coupon information based on a received request for generation of coupon information and the product master information, and letting the communication part 102 transmit the generated coupon information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a management device, a program, and an information processing system.

  For example, in a retail store that sells products such as apparel stores and grocery stores, the period for selling the product is the period for selling the product at a regular price or a price in accordance with the regular price (for example, a period called a proper period. Period ”), and a period in which the product is sold with a large discount from the list price in order to sell out the product (for example, a period called a bargain period or a sale period, hereinafter referred to as“ bargain period ”) The product is sold separately. Here, in order for the retail store to sufficiently secure profits such as gross profit, it is desirable to sell more products in the proper period.

  Under such circumstances, a technique for inviting customers to purchase is being developed. In a point service in online shopping, for example, Patent Literature 1 is cited as a technique for giving points under conditions that are advantageous to a customer according to a combination of products.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-63466

  For example, some retailers are forced to make management efforts to sell their products ahead of the bargain period due to the rise of competitors selling low-priced products and economic trends. Although it is possible to reduce the risk of having a bad inventory by advancing the bargain period as described above, sales in the proper period will be sluggish due to the advance of the bargain period, and sufficient profit (for example, gross profit). ) May not be secured.

  Here, the conventional technology for encouraging customers to purchase (hereinafter simply referred to as “conventional technology”) points according to the combination of products selected by the customer under the conditions that the customer is advantageous. Give. Therefore, there is a possibility that the customer's willingness to purchase can be stimulated to some extent by using the conventional technology. However, even if the point service related to the conventional technology is adopted, the price of the product itself does not decrease, and thus the sales power of the product in the proper period is not necessarily improved. For this reason, even if the conventional technique is used, it may be necessary to make a management effort to sell the product ahead of the bargain period, as in the case where the conventional technique is not used. Therefore, even if the conventional technology is used, there is a possibility that the retail store cannot secure a sufficient profit.

  Therefore, there has been a demand for a merchandise sales mechanism for improving the sales power of merchandise during the proper period so that retailers can secure more profits.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to generate coupon information in which a discount range of a product that allows a retail store to secure a certain profit is set. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved management device, program, and information processing system capable of securing more profits to retail stores.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a commodities are sold at a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and at a fixed price or a price that is discounted from the fixed price by a first discount width. A discount width candidate setting unit for setting a first discount width candidate, which is a candidate for the first discount width in the first period, and sales when the product is sold at the regular price in the first period Trial calculation processing for calculating a first sales value indicating a value and a second sales value indicating a value related to sales when the product is sold by discounting with the first discount width candidate in the first period. And when the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the predetermined calculation condition is satisfied, the first calculation unit corresponding to the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit Candidate for discount , A discount width determination unit determined as the first discount width of the product, information indicating the first discount width of the product determined by the discount width determination unit, and information related to the product A coupon information generation request including product identification information indicating one or more products transmitted from the external device and received by the communication unit; Based on the product master information, coupon information including information indicating a discount width applied to the product indicated by the coupon information generation request is generated, and the generated coupon information is transmitted to the communication unit. A management device is provided that includes a coupon information generation unit that transmits the information generation request to the external device that has transmitted the information generation request.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to generate coupon information in which a discount range of products for which the retail store can secure a certain profit is set, and to ensure more profit for the retail store.

  In addition, the trial calculation processing unit includes product information indicating a list price, a gross profit, and a sales target quantity of the product, information indicating a sales result of the product, and the first discount range setting unit set in the discount amount candidate setting unit. The first discount information indicating the discount candidates and the price after the first period at a price discounted by a second discount that is larger than the first discount. The first sales value and the second sales value may be estimated by selectively using the second discount information indicating the second discount width in the second period in which the product is sold. .

  In addition, the discount price determining unit resets the first discount price candidate in the discount price candidate setting unit when it is determined that the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition. The trial calculation processing unit may re-calculate the value related to the sales using the first discount width candidate reset in the trial calculation processing unit.

  In addition, when a predetermined user operation is detected, the discount width determination unit does not depend on the determination result for the predetermined condition, and the first discount width corresponding to the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit. The candidate may be determined as the first discount width of the product.

  Further, the coupon information generation unit specifies and specifies a product that matches the product indicated by the product identification information included in the coupon information generation request from the product master information generated by the information management unit. The coupon information may be generated on the basis of information indicating the first discount width associated with the product.

  In addition, the information management unit may generate product master information in which product combination information and information indicating a first discount width corresponding to the combination are recorded in association with each other.

  Further, the coupon information generation unit specifies a product that matches the combination of products indicated by the product identification information included in the coupon information generation request from the product master information generated by the information management unit, and specifies The coupon information may be generated based on information indicating the first discount width associated with the combination of the products.

  In addition, the trial calculation processing unit, when the product is sold at the first price during the first period, and the product is sold at the first discount width in the first period. The third sales value indicating the value related to the sales to be improved may be further calculated.

  In addition, the discount width determination unit may determine whether the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit satisfies a condition relating to the second sales value and / or a condition relating to the third sales value. .

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, the first discount width in a first period in which a product is sold at a fixed price or a price discounted from the fixed price by a first discount width. Discount price candidate setting means for setting a first discount width candidate, a first sales value indicating a value related to sales when the product is sold at the regular price in the first period, and the first Trial calculation processing means for trial calculation of the second sales value indicating a value related to sales when the product is sold by discounting with the first discount width candidate in one period, and the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing means is predetermined. If it is determined whether the predetermined condition is satisfied and the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first discount candidate corresponding to the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit is determined as the first discount of the product. 1 discount A discount width determining means to determine, and product master information in which information indicating the first discount width of the product determined by the discount width determining means and information relating to the product are recorded in association with each other is generated. The coupon information generation request including the product identification information indicating one or more products transmitted from the external device, received by the information management means and the communication unit communicating with the external device, and the product master information Based on this, coupon information including information indicating a discount width applied to the product indicated by the coupon information generation request is generated, and the coupon information generation request is transmitted to the communication unit. A program for causing a computer to function as coupon information generating means to be transmitted to the external device is provided.

  By using such a program, it is possible to generate coupon information in which a discount range of a product that allows a retail store to secure a certain profit is set, and to secure more profits to the retail store.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management device and an information processing device capable of communicating with the management device, wherein the management device communicates with the information processing device. A communication unit to perform, and a first discount price candidate that is a candidate for the first discount price in a first period in which a product is sold at a fixed price or a price discounted by the first discount price from the fixed price A discount candidate setting unit, a first sales value indicating a value related to sales when the product is sold at the regular price in the first period, and the product in the first period the first discount candidate A trial calculation processing unit that respectively calculates a second sales value indicating a value related to sales in the case of being sold at a discount, and whether the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit satisfies a predetermined condition, Satisfy the above prescribed conditions A discount width determining unit that determines the first discount rate candidate corresponding to the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit as the first discount width of the product, and the discount rate determination The information management unit that generates product master information in which information indicating the first discount width of the product determined by the unit and information related to the product are recorded in association with each other, and the information received by the communication unit A discount applied to the product indicated by the coupon information generation request based on a coupon information generation request including product identification information indicating one or more products transmitted from the processing device and the product master information. A coupon information generation unit that generates coupon information including information indicating a width, and causes the communication unit to transmit the generated coupon information to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the coupon information generation request. Obtain, information processing system is provided.

  This configuration realizes an information processing system that can generate coupon information with discounts set for products that allow retailers to secure a certain amount of profit and ensure more profits for retailers. Is done.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the coupon information by which the discount width of the goods which a retail store can ensure a fixed profit was set is produced | generated, and a lot of profits can be ensured by a retail store.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the use case in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the use case in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the use case in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the use case in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the use case in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the use case in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the use case in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the use case in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the use case in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the process which concerns on the profit ensuring approach in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the trial calculation process in the management apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the merchandise master information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the merchandise master information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the user information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the coupon issue process in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the management apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the management apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a reader / writer.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

In the following, description will be given in the following order.
1. 1. Approach according to an embodiment of the present invention 2. Information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention Program according to the embodiment of the present invention

(Approach according to the embodiment of the present invention)
Before describing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “information processing system 1000”), a profit securing approach according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the following description, it is assumed that merchandise is sold separately in a first period and a second period in a retail store (an example of a service providing place). Here, the 1st period concerning the embodiment of the present invention is a period (for example, proper period) in which goods are sold at a fixed price or a price according to the fixed price. The price according to the list price in the first period according to the embodiment of the present invention refers to a price discounted from the list price by the first discount rate. Moreover, the 1st discount width which concerns on embodiment of this invention is a discount width which is set in order to sell out goods in a 1st period, and is discounted from a list price. The determination method of the 1st discount width which concerns on embodiment of this invention is mentioned later. In addition, the second period according to the embodiment of the present invention is a period after the first period, and a product is sold at a price discounted by a second discount width that is larger than the first discount width. It is a period for sale. The second period corresponds to a period (for example, a bargain period) in which the merchandise is sold after a large discount from the list price in order to sell out the merchandise.

  In addition, the first discount width and the second discount width according to the embodiment of the present invention indicate, for example, the amount of discount, and the first discount width and the second discount width according to the embodiment of the present invention. Is not limited to the above. For example, the first discount width and the second discount width according to the embodiment of the present invention may indicate a discount rate from the list price. That is, the “discount” according to the embodiment of the present invention includes “discount”.

  In the following, a store in the real world will be described as an example of a retail store according to an embodiment of the present invention, but the retail store according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the retail store according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a virtual store on a network.

[Outline of profit securing approach]
As described above, even if the point service according to the conventional technology is adopted, the price of the product itself does not decrease. Therefore, even if the point service according to the conventional technology is adopted, the sales power of the product in the first period (for example, the proper period) is not necessarily improved, and the retail store has more profit (for example, gross profit). There is a risk that it cannot be secured.

  Therefore, in the information processing system 1000, the management device (hereinafter, may be referred to as “management device 100” in some cases) constituting the information processing system 1000 allows the retail store to secure a certain profit. A discount width (first discount width in the first period) is set for each product and / or each combination of products. In addition, when a coupon information generation request transmitted from an information processing apparatus (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “information processing apparatus 200”) that configures the information processing system 1000 is received, the management apparatus 100 Coupon information (data) including information indicating a discount width applied to the product (or combination of products) indicated by the coupon information generation request is generated. Then, the management apparatus 100 transmits the generated coupon information to the information processing apparatus 200 that has transmitted the coupon information generation request.

  Here, the coupon information generation request according to the embodiment of the present invention is a kind of command for causing the management apparatus 100 to generate coupon information. The coupon information generation request includes, for example, product identification information indicating one or more products in addition to information indicating the content of the command. Note that the information included in the coupon information generation request according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the product identification information. For example, the coupon information generation request may include information for identifying the user (for example, data indicating a membership number).

  As described above, in the information processing system 1000, the management apparatus 100 sets the first discount rate that allows the retail store to secure a certain profit for each product and / or each combination of products. Coupon information that enables discounting from the list price at the set first discount width is provided to the information processing apparatus 200. Here, the user of the information processing apparatus 200 (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as “user”) uses the coupon information generated by the management apparatus 100 at the retail store to purchase with the discounted amount. A desired product can be purchased. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the sales power of the product in the first period (for example, the proper period), compared to the case where the point service according to the conventional technology in which the product purchase price does not change is applied.

  In addition, since the discount width indicated by the coupon information is that the retail store can secure a certain profit, in the first period, in addition to the sale at the regular price, the product by using the coupon information Even if discount sales are performed, there is a high possibility that the retail store can secure a certain profit or more.

  Therefore, the management apparatus 100 sets the first discount width for each product and / or each combination of products as described above, and provides coupon information to the information processing apparatus 200, thereby increasing the number of retail stores. It is possible to realize an information processing system 1000 that can ensure the benefits of the above.

[Outline of information processing system 1000 and use case]
Next, an outline of an information processing system 1000 to which the above-described profit securing approach can be applied and a use case will be described.

[1] Overview of Information Processing System 1000 FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an information processing system 1000 includes a management device 100, an information processing device 200, a reader / writer 300, and a POS device 400 (Point Of Sales device).

  Here, FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which the information processing system 1000 includes one management apparatus 100, but the configuration of the information processing system 1000 is not limited to the above. For example, the information processing system 1000 may realize the management device 100 by a device group (for example, a server group) in which functions of the management device 100 described later are realized by a plurality of devices.

  1 shows one information processing apparatus 200, the configuration of the information processing system 1000 is not limited to the above. For example, the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of information processing apparatuses 200 for each user (including a case where a single user owns a plurality of information processing apparatuses 200). In FIG. 1, a mobile phone is shown as the information processing apparatus 200, but it goes without saying that the information processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone.

  In FIG. 1, the reader / writer 300 and the POS device 400 are illustrated as separate devices, but the configuration of the information processing system 1000 is not limited to the above. For example, the POS device according to the embodiment of the present invention has the function of the reader / writer 300, that is, the reader / writer 300 and the POS device 400 shown in FIG. 1 may be realized as an integrated device. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the reader / writer 300 and the POS device 400 are installed in a certain service providing location (for example, a retail store), but the embodiment of the present invention is installed in the service providing location. A plurality of such reader / writers 300 and POS devices 400 may be installed. In FIG. 1, a signage terminal is illustrated as the reader / writer 300, but it is needless to say that the reader / writer 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the signage terminal.

  The management apparatus 100 and each of the information processing apparatus 200 and the POS apparatus 400 are connected via the network 500 (or directly). Here, the connection according to the embodiment of the present invention refers to, for example, being in a communicable state (or being brought into a communicable state). Examples of the network 500 include a wired network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wireless WAN (WWAN: Wireless Wide Area Network) via a base station, and a wireless MAN (WMAN: Wireless Metropolitan Area Network). ) Or the like, or the Internet using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  Further, the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 perform communication (non-contact communication) by NFC (Near Field Communication) using a carrier with a predetermined frequency such as 13.56 MHz. More specifically, the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 transmit, for example, a carrier wave (magnetic field) on which the reader / writer 300 carries a carrier wave signal, and the information processing apparatus 200 that receives the carrier wave with an antenna loads The reader / writer 300 and the information processing apparatus 200 communicate with each other by returning a response signal for the carrier wave signal received by modulation. The information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 perform non-contact communication by NFC as described above, so that, for example, coupon information and electronic money can be safely transmitted / received and updated, where data is a problem. be able to. In addition, when the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 perform non-contact communication by NFC as described above, the user performs an operation of bringing the information processing apparatus 200 close to the reader / writer 300 (so-called touch operation or holding of the terminal). If the operation is performed), it is possible to cause the information processing apparatus 200 to communicate with the reader / writer 300. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 can improve the convenience of the user by performing non-contact communication by NFC as described above.

  Note that communication between the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 in the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to non-contact communication by NFC. For example, the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 communicate with each other by wireless communication using IEEE802.5.1, wireless communication using a wireless local area network (IEEE) such as IEEE802.11b, or wired communication using a LAN. Thus, communication can be performed. In the following, a use case and configuration examples of the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 will be described by taking as an example a case where the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 perform communication by NFC.

[2] Use Case FIGS. 2 to 7 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a use case in the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 show examples of screens displayed on the display screen of the information processing apparatus 200. The screens shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and 7 may be, for example, screens displayed by executing an application or screens displayed by accessing a Web page. 6A and 6B show examples of screens displayed on the display screen of the reader / writer 300. FIG. Hereinafter, an example of a use case in the information processing system 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, as an example of a use case, a case where a user purchases, for example, a product of a clothing brand “Boutique XYZ” using coupon information according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example. The use case according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the case where the user purchases apparel, and may be a case where the user purchases various products such as food and sundries.

[2-0] Preliminary work performed by the user When the user selects the item shown in A of FIG. 2 on the menu screen of the clothing brand “Boutique XYZ” shown in FIG. A screen as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. When the user inputs each item on the screen shown in FIG. 3, a digital mannequin (E in FIG. 3) corresponding to the input value is generated.

[2-1] Acquisition of Coupon Information When the user selects the item shown in FIG. 2B, a screen as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the display screen of the information processing apparatus 200, for example. The digital mannequin generated in FIG. 3 (F in FIG. 4A) and a list of products that can be purchased by the user (G in FIG. 4A) are displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 4A. When the user selects apparel (product) The selected apparel is put on the digital mannequin. When the user selects a product, a discount width corresponding to the selected product is displayed on the screen (H in FIG. 4A). Here, FIG. 4A shows an example in which a plurality of products are selected by the user, and a discount rate corresponding to the selected combination of products is displayed as a discount width. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, when one product is selected by the user, a discount width corresponding to the selected product is displayed on the display screen.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the discount width corresponding to the user's selection is displayed on the display screen, so that, for example, it is possible to give the user enjoyment of selecting a product. Therefore, in the information processing system 1000, the user's willingness to purchase is stimulated by presenting information indicating a discount amount according to the selection of the user's product to the user, and the sales power of the product in the first period is improved. Can be planned. Needless to say, the screen on which the discount amount corresponding to the user's selection is displayed is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4A.

  For example, when the user presses a button indicated by I in FIG. 4A, the information processing apparatus 200 generates a coupon information generation request including product identification information (for example, product ID) indicating the selected product. Then, the information processing device 200 transmits the generated coupon information generation request to the management device 100 and receives coupon information transmitted from the management device 100 in response to the coupon information generation request. Further, during the generation and transmission of the coupon information generation request and the reception of the coupon information, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the display screen of the information processing apparatus 200.

  Further, when the coupon information transmitted from the management device 100 is normally recorded in a predetermined storage location, the information processing device 200 can display the screen shown in FIG. 4C, for example, so that the user can use the coupon information. Is visually notified. In addition, the notification method to a user when coupon information is normally recorded on the predetermined memory | storage location is not restricted to the said visual notification method. For example, the information processing apparatus 200 may audibly notify the user by voice (including music) that the coupon information has been normally recorded in a predetermined storage location.

  Here, as the predetermined storage location where the coupon information according to the embodiment of the present invention is recorded, for example, a recording medium (an internal memory described later) in the tamper-resistant IC chip included in the information processing apparatus 200 is provided. Can be mentioned. By recording the coupon information on the recording medium in the IC chip, it becomes possible to prevent the coupon information from being falsified. The predetermined storage location where the coupon information according to the embodiment of the present invention is recorded is not limited to the above. For example, the information processing apparatus 200 can record coupon information on a recording medium that does not have special tamper resistance. In the above case, the information processing apparatus 200 may encrypt and record coupon information, for example.

  In the information processing system 1000, for example, when the user operates the screen shown in FIG. 4A, coupon information corresponding to the product selected by the user is stored in the information processing apparatus 200. In addition, the acquisition method of the coupon information which concerns on embodiment of this invention is not restricted to said example. For example, the user can select a product after confirming a combination of a purchased product and a newly purchased product, and can store coupon information corresponding to the selected product in the information processing apparatus 200. .

  For example, when the user selects an item shown in FIG. 2C, a screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display screen of the information processing apparatus 200, for example. The screen shown in FIG. 5 includes a digital mannequin (J in FIG. 5) generated in FIG. 3, a list of products that can be purchased by the user (K in FIG. 5), and a list of products that have been purchased by the user (FIG. 5). L) is displayed, and when the user selects an apparel (product) that has been purchased and an apparel (product) that the user desires to purchase, the selected apparel is put on the digital mannequin as in FIG. 4A. When the user selects a product that the user desires to purchase, a discount width corresponding to the selected product is displayed on the screen as in FIG. 4A. Here, FIG. 5 shows an example in which one product is selected by the user, and a discount rate corresponding to the selected product is displayed as a discount amount.

  On the screen shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the user presses a button corresponding to H in FIG. 4A, the information processing apparatus 200 generates a coupon information generation request including product identification information indicating the selected product. Then, the information processing device 200 transmits the generated coupon information generation request to the management device 100 and receives coupon information transmitted from the management device 100 in response to the coupon information generation request. Further, when the coupon information transmitted from the management device 100 is normally recorded in a predetermined storage location, the information processing device 200 can display the screen shown in FIG. 4C, for example, so that the user can use the coupon information. Is visually notified. Therefore, even when the user operates the screen shown in FIG. 5, for example, coupon information corresponding to the product selected by the user can be stored in the information processing apparatus 200.

[2-2] Use of Coupon Information When the user selects the item shown in C of FIG. 2, the information is recorded on the display screen of the information processing apparatus 200 in (2-1) as shown in FIG. 6, for example. A screen displaying the contents of the coupon information is displayed. Here, FIG. 6 shows an example in which two pieces of coupon information are stored in the information processing apparatus 200.

  When the user holds the information processing apparatus 200 storing the two pieces of coupon information shown in FIG. 6 against the reader / writer 300 in the retail store (service providing place), the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 Communication is performed, and coupon information stored in the information processing apparatus 200 is read by the reader / writer 300. Then, on the display screen of the reader / writer 300, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the contents of the read coupon information are displayed in a manner that the user can select. Here, FIG. 7A shows a case where the display device that displays the display screen of the reader / writer 300 is a touch screen that can be displayed and operated by the user, and coupon information “6% OFF” is displayed. The example currently selected by the user is shown.

  Further, when the confirmation button shown in FIG. 7A is pressed while the coupon information is selected by the user, the discount of the product indicated by the selected coupon information is applied, and for example, the screen shown in FIG. 7B is displayed. . And a user can purchase goods in the state where the discount of the goods which coupon information shows was applied.

  In the information processing system 1000, for example, in the use case as described above, the coupon information according to the embodiment of the present invention is used. Here, since the user can purchase the desired product with the discounted amount by using the coupon information at the retail store, the information processing system 1000 improves the sales power of the product in the first period. Is planned. In addition, since the discount width indicated by the coupon information is that the retail store can secure a certain profit, even if the coupon information is used by the user in the first period as in the above use case, The retail store is likely to be able to secure a certain level of profit.

  Further, in the information processing system 1000, information related to sales in the retail store is transmitted from the POS device 400 (which may be a server (not shown) provided in the retail store) to the management device 100 via the network 500. Is done. Here, as information regarding sales according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, information on time when a product is purchased, information on a purchased retail store (for example, data indicating a store ID), and information indicating a purchased user (For example, data indicating a membership number or user ID), information indicating a product purchased by the user (for example, data indicating a product identification ID), information indicating an applied discount (for example, data indicating a coupon ID), sales amount information Etc. The information related to the sales may be transmitted to the management apparatus 100 when the user purchases a product, or may be transmitted to the management apparatus 100 at a specific time (so-called batch processing).

  By transmitting information related to sales from the retail store to the management apparatus 100, the management apparatus 100 can grasp when, where, who purchased which product, and how much sales were made. The management apparatus 100 can also grasp which coupon information has been used. Therefore, in the information processing system 1000, for example, the management device 100 ranks the users according to the purchase frequency of products, the number of times coupon information is used, and the like, and the first discount width corresponding to the product (or combination of products) It is also possible to generate coupon information indicating a discount width obtained by further adding a discount width corresponding to the rank. For example, the management device 100 generates coupon information in which the discount amount is adjusted according to the purchase frequency of the user as described above, so that the user can purchase the product at a lower price as the purchase frequency increases and the rank increases. Therefore, the effect of increasing the number of users who become so-called repeaters is expected. Therefore, for example, when the management apparatus 100 generates coupon information in which the discount width is adjusted according to the purchase frequency of the user or the like, it is possible to improve the sales power of the product in the first period (proper period). .

[Specific examples of processing related to profit securing approach]
Next, the process related to the profit securing approach according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be described more specifically. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of processing related to the profit securing approach in the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 8 shows processing between the management apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 200 among the apparatuses constituting the information processing system 1000.

(1) Discount width determination process (S100)
The management apparatus 100 includes a value related to sales when the product is sold at a fixed price in the first period (hereinafter, may be referred to as “first sales value”), and a first discount amount set in the first period. The value relating to the sales when the product is sold after discounting is calculated (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “second sales value”). And the management apparatus 100 is a predetermined user operation (for example, user operation by the user of the management apparatus 100 which instruct | indicates determination of a 1st discount width) when a trial calculation result satisfy | fills predetermined conditions, or after trial calculation. Is detected, the discount width corresponding to the trial calculation result is determined as the first discount width of the product. More specifically, the management apparatus 100 performs the following processing (1-1) and processing (1-2), for example, thereby setting the first value to be sold out in the first period. Determine the pull width.

(1-1) Trial Calculation Processing The management apparatus 100 stores product information indicating a product for which a discount width is determined, information indicating the sales performance of the product, and a set first discount price candidate (first value). Value related to sales when a product is sold at a fixed price in the first period using first discount information indicating a discount candidate) and second discount information indicating a set second discount. (First sales value) and a value related to sales (second sales value) when a product is sold by discounting at the first discount width set in the first period are respectively calculated.

  In addition, the management device 100 uses the first sales value and the second sales value that are calculated, so that the product is sold at the first price in the first period, compared to the case where the product is sold at the regular price in the first period. It is also possible to further estimate a value related to sales (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “third sales value”) that is improved when the price is discounted by the width. More specifically, the management device 100 calculates the third sales value by, for example, subtracting the first sales value from the calculated second sales value. By further calculating the third sales value indicating the value related to the sales for which the management apparatus 100 is improved, the effect of the first discount width used for the trial calculation (that is, the discount width that is a candidate for the first discount width). Becomes clearer. Therefore, the trial calculation result in the process (1-1) (trial calculation process) is a clearer index for determining the first discount rate. For example, the user operation (instructing the determination of the first discount rate) ( It is possible to assist the determination of the determination by the user of the management apparatus 100 that performs an example of a predetermined user operation.

  Here, as the product information according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, information indicating the list price of the product, the gross profit, and the sales target quantity (for example, the total number of products to be sold) may be mentioned. Not limited. For example, the product information of the present invention includes various information related to the product such as an identification number (for example, a product number) for identifying the product and information indicating the product name. The information indicating the sales results according to the embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, the number of products sold, the number of days of sales during which products are sold (sales days), the number of days elapsed at the present time (current sales days), and the like. The information which shows is mentioned. In addition, as the first sales value and the second sales value according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, a trial value of sales of a product, a trial value of gross profit, and a product sold in a first period (for example, a proper period) The estimated value of the digestibility showing the ratio of

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a trial calculation process in the management apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 9 shows a case where the management apparatus 100 calculates the first sales value, the second sales value, and the third sales value for one product. Note that FIG. 9 shows a case where the first sales value, the second sales value, and the third sales value are estimated for one product, but the management apparatus 100 calculates the trial calculation shown in FIG. By performing for each product, it is possible to estimate the first sales value, the second sales value, and the third sales value for each product.

  M shown in FIG. 9 is an example of product information, and includes a list price (“proper price” shown in FIG. 9), a gross profit, and a sales target quantity (“cumulative total number shown in FIG. 9)”. Further, N shown in FIG. 9 is an example of information indicating the sales performance, and the number of sales (“cumulative sales” shown in FIG. 9) or the number of days of the sales period in which the product is sold (“sales” shown in FIG. 9). Number of days ") and the number of days that have elapsed at the present time (" current number of sales days "shown in FIG. 9). The management device 100 uses, for example, product information stored in a storage unit (described later) or product information acquired from an external device such as an information management server (not shown) that manages information about products. A value is input to each item indicated by M in 9. In addition, the management device 100 stores, for example, information related to the sales transmitted from the POS device 400 of each retail store in a storage unit (described later), and stores information related to the sales stored in the storage unit (described later). Using this, a value is input to each item indicated by N in FIG. The management apparatus 100 acquires information indicating sales results from an external device such as the information management server (not shown), and uses the information indicating the acquired sales results to set values for each item indicated by N in FIG. May be entered. That is, the value of each item shown in each of M and N in FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of the trial calculation process in the management apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

(1-1-1) Trial calculation processing of each value related to the first period when the product is sold at a fixed price The management apparatus 100 is configured to, for example, first based on sales performance information (N shown in FIG. 9). Each value (O shown in FIG. 9) indicating the sales forecast expected when the product is continuously sold at the regular price in the period is calculated. More specifically, the management apparatus 100, for example, the estimated number of sales expected to be sold in the remaining number of sales days based on the “cumulative number of sales”, “number of sales days”, and “current sales days” shown in FIG. Is calculated, and the value of “estimated number of sales” shown in FIG. 9 is calculated by adding the calculated expected number of sales and the value of “cumulative sales”. Further, the management apparatus 100 calculates the value of “digestion index” shown in FIG. 9 by using the calculated “estimated number of sales” value and the “cumulative total number of inputs” shown in FIG.

  When each value indicating the sales forecast (O shown in FIG. 9) is calculated, the management apparatus 100 uses each value (O shown in FIG. 9) indicating the calculated sales forecast, “sales forecast” in the first period, And calculate “Gross profit”.

  Further, the management apparatus 100 uses the product information and the information indicating the sales results, and the actual sales at the present time ("current sales" shown in FIG. 9) and the actual gross profit at the current time ("current" shown in FIG. 9). Gross profit ") may be calculated. More specifically, for example, the management apparatus 100 calculates the value of “current sales” by multiplying the value of “proper price” and the value of “cumulative number of sales”, and calculates the value of “gross profit” and “ The value of “current gross profit” is calculated by multiplying the value of “cumulative sales”.

(1-1-2) Trial calculation processing of each value related to the second period when the product is sold at a fixed price The management apparatus 100 indicates the sales forecast in the first period calculated from the value of “total number of inputs”. By subtracting the value of “expected number of sales”, the predicted value of the number of products that must be sold in the second period (for example, the bargain period) (“stock forecast number” shown in P of FIG. 9) is calculated.

  The management apparatus 100 uses the set second discount value (Q shown in FIG. 9) and the “proper price” value to set the sales price in the second period (“2 in the second period shown in FIG. 9”). The offer price ”) is calculated. Further, the management apparatus 100 calculates the value of “gross profit” in the second period using the calculated “provided price” value and “cost” value. Then, the management apparatus 100 calculates the calculated “provided price” value and “stock forecast number” value (P in FIG. 9), the calculated “provided price” value, and the “gross profit” value in the second period. Are respectively multiplied to calculate “estimated sales” and “estimated gross profit” in the second period.

  Here, for example, the management apparatus 100 sets a predetermined value as the value of the second discount width shown in Q of FIG. 9, but the value of the second discount width set by the management apparatus 100 is the above-described value. Not limited to. For example, the management apparatus 100 is configured such that an operation signal transmitted from an operation unit (described later) included in the management apparatus 100 according to a user operation of the user of the management apparatus 100 or an external operation apparatus such as a remote controller according to the user operation. Based on an external operation signal transmitted from (not shown), it is also possible to set a value corresponding to the user operation as the value of the second discount width.

(1-1-3) Trial calculation of the first sales value (trial calculation of the sales value when the product is sold at the regular price in the first period)
The management apparatus 100 estimates the first sales value (R shown in FIG. 9) using the result of the process (1-1-1) and the result of the process (1-1-2). Here, as the first sales value, for example, the value of total sales when the product is sold at a fixed price in the first period (“Sales Trial Calculation” shown in R of FIG. 9), or the product at the fixed price in the first period. The value of gross gross profit in the case of selling (“Gross margin calculation shown in R of FIG. 9)” and the value indicating the ratio of the value of the total sales to the sales when all products are sold at the regular price (in FIG. 9 R “Proper digestibility” shown). Needless to say, the first sales value according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above value.

  More specifically, for example, the management apparatus 100 calculates the value of “expected sales” in the first period calculated in the process (1-1-1) and the calculation in the process (1-1-2). The value of “estimated sales” shown in R of FIG. 9 is calculated by adding the value of “estimated sales” in the second period. In addition, the management apparatus 100 determines the value of “gross profit” in the first period calculated in the process (1-1-1) and the second period calculated in the process (1-1-2). By adding the value of “estimated gross profit”, the value of “gross profit trial calculation” shown in R of FIG. 9 is calculated. Further, the management apparatus 100 multiplies the “proper price” value indicated by M in FIG. 9 and the “cumulative total number” value to indicate sales when all the products are sold at the regular price (FIG. 9). The “proper trial calculation” shown in R of FIG. 9 is calculated, and the “proper digestion rate” value is calculated using the “proper trial calculation” value and the “sales trial calculation” shown in R of FIG.

  For example, the management device 100 uses the result of the process (1-1-1) and the result of the process (1-1-3) to sell a product at a fixed price in the first period. A first sales value that is a sales value is calculated.

(1-1-4) Trial calculation processing of each value related to the first period when the product is sold with a discount at the set first discount width. Using the value (“discount rate” shown in S of FIG. 9) and the value of “proper price” shown in M of FIG. 9, the sales price after the discount in the first period (“mark in the discount simulation shown in FIG. 9)” Calculate the down price ")". Here, in the process (1-1) (the trial calculation process), the set value of the first discount width is a value that is a candidate for the first discount width that is actually discounted from the list price in the first period. It is a value indicating the pulling width. Hereinafter, the first discount candidate set in the process (1-1) (trial calculation process) is referred to as a “first discount candidate”.

  The management device 100 is, for example, an operation signal transmitted from an operation unit (described later) included in the management device 100 according to a user operation of the user of the management device 100, or an external operation device such as a remote controller according to the user operation. Based on an external operation signal transmitted from (not shown), a value corresponding to the user operation is set as a value of a first discount width candidate (value of “discount rate” shown in S of FIG. 9). In addition, the setting method of the 1st discount width candidate in the management apparatus 100 is not restricted above. For example, the management apparatus 100 may set a predetermined initial value as the value of the first discount width candidate (the value of “discount rate” shown in S of FIG. 9). In addition, the management apparatus 100 determines that the trial calculation result in the process (1-1) (trial calculation process) does not satisfy a predetermined condition in the process (1-2) (first discount range determination process) described later. If it is determined, it is also possible to reset the value of the first discount candidate corresponding to the trial calculation result.

  Further, the management apparatus 100 uses the calculated “markdown price” value and “cost” value to calculate the “gross profit” when the discount is performed using the set first discount candidate. Calculate the value. Then, the management apparatus 100 calculates the calculated “markdown price” value and the current inventory quantity (“store total inventory quantity” shown in FIG. 9), the calculated “markdown price” value, and the set first value. By multiplying the value of “gross profit” when discount is performed using the discount rate candidate, respectively, “sales prospect” when discount is performed using the set first discount rate candidate, And calculate “Gross profit”.

(1-1-5) Trial calculation of the second sales value (trial calculation of the sales value when the product is sold at the first discount rate in the first period)
The management apparatus 100 calculates the second sales value (T shown in FIG. 9) using the result of the process (1-1-1) and the result of the process (1-1-4). Here, as the second sales value, for example, the value of the total sales (“trial sales calculation” indicated by T in FIG. 9) in the case where the product is sold at the first discount rate in the first period, The value of gross gross profit (“gross profit trial calculation” shown in T of FIG. 9) and the ratio of the value of the total sales to the sales when all products are sold at the regular price (“property shown in T of FIG. 9” Digestibility "). Needless to say, the second sales value according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above value.

  More specifically, for example, the management apparatus 100 determines the value of “current sales” calculated in the process (1-1-1) and the first period calculated in the process (1-1-4). 9 is added to the value of “trial sales calculation” when the product is sold with the first discount width, and the value of “trial sales” shown in FIG. For example, the management apparatus 100 may display the value of the “current gross profit” calculated in the process (1-1-1) and the product in the first period calculated in the process (1-1-4). The value of “gross profit trial calculation” indicated by T in FIG. 9 is calculated by adding the value of “estimated gross profit” in the case of selling after discounting at the first discount width. Further, the management apparatus 100 multiplies the “proper price” value indicated by M in FIG. 9 and the “cumulative total number” value to indicate sales when all the products are sold at the regular price (FIG. 9). The “proper trial calculation” shown in T of FIG. 9 is calculated, and the “proper digestion rate” value is calculated using the “proper trial calculation” value and the “sales trial calculation” shown in T of FIG.

  For example, the management device 100 uses the result of the process (1-1-1) and the result of the process (1-1-4) to obtain a product with a first discount width in the first period. A second sales value, which is a sales value when selling with discounts, is calculated.

(1-1-6) Trial calculation of the third sales value The first sales value is estimated by the processing of (1-1-3) above, and the second sales value is estimated by the processing of (1-1-5) above. Then, the management apparatus 100 calculates the third sales value using the first sales value and the second sales value calculated.

  More specifically, for example, the management apparatus 100 subtracts the “trial sales calculation” value shown in R of FIG. 9 from the “trial sales calculation” value shown in T of FIG. The sales value improved by the range candidate (“[improved value] sales trial calculation” shown in U of FIG. 9) is calculated. Further, the management apparatus 100 subtracts the value of “Gross margin trial calculation” shown in R of FIG. 9 from the value of “Gross margin trial calculation” shown in T of FIG. The value of the gross profit improved by the above ("[improved value] gross profit trial calculation" shown in U of FIG. 9) is calculated. Further, the management apparatus 100 subtracts the value of “proper digestibility” shown in R of FIG. 9 from the value of “proper digestibility” shown in T of FIG. The digestibility value indicating the proportion of the products sold in the first period (“[improved value] proper digestibility” shown in U of FIG. 9) is calculated.

  The management apparatus 100 performs, for example, the above-described processing (1-1-1) to (1-1-6) for each product as the processing (1-1) (trial calculation processing). Various trial calculation values such as sales value, second sales value, and third sales value can be calculated for each product. Needless to say, the trial calculation processing according to the embodiment of the present invention and the value to be calculated are not limited to the above.

(1-2) First Discount Width Determination Process When various trial calculation values are calculated in the above process (1-1) (trial calculation process), the management apparatus 100 performs the process (1-1) (trial calculation process). It is determined whether or not the first discount width candidate used in the trial calculation is determined as the first discount width.

(1-2-1) First Determination Method The management device 100 determines, for example, whether the trial calculation result in the process (1-1) (trial calculation process) satisfies a predetermined condition. Here, as the predetermined condition according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, the value of “proper digestibility” indicated by T in FIG. 9 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value such as 80% (or less than the predetermined threshold value). , Etc.), and “[improved value] sales trial calculation” and “[improved value] gross profit trial calculation” shown in U of FIG. 9 are not less than a predetermined threshold (or larger than a predetermined value. The same shall apply.). The predetermined condition according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the management apparatus 100 performs various trial calculations calculated in the process (1-1) (trial calculation process) such that the “gross margin” calculated in the discount simulation shown in FIG. A condition using the result can be set as the predetermined condition.

  When the management device 100 determines that the trial calculation result satisfies a predetermined condition, the management device 100 sets the first discount candidate corresponding to the trial calculation result as the first discount of the product corresponding to the trial calculation result. Determine as width.

  In addition, when the management apparatus 100 determines that the trial calculation result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the management apparatus 100 resets the first discount amount and repeats the process (1-1) (trial calculation process) again. Do.

(1-2-2) Second Determination Method The management apparatus 100 determines the first discount width based on the determination result as to whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied as in the first determination method. Not limited to. For example, when a predetermined user operation indicating that the set first discount candidate is determined as the first discount width is detected, the management apparatus 100 detects the first discount corresponding to the trial calculation result. The width candidate is determined as the first discount width of the product corresponding to the trial calculation result. In addition, when the predetermined user operation is detected, the management apparatus 100 selects the first discount candidate corresponding to the trial calculation result as the trial calculation result, regardless of the determination result according to the first determination method. You may determine as the 1st discount width of goods corresponding to.

  More specifically, for example, the management device 100 is transmitted from a predetermined operation signal transmitted from an operation unit (described later) in response to a user operation or from an external operation device (not shown) in response to a user operation. When a predetermined external operation signal is detected, a first discount width candidate corresponding to the trial calculation result is determined as the first discount width of the product corresponding to the trial calculation result.

  The management device 100 uses the first determination method and / or the second determination method, for example, so that the first discount amount used for the estimation in the process (1-1) (trial calculation process) is used. The candidate is determined as the first discount width. In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that the process which concerns on determination of the 1st discount width which concerns on embodiment of this invention is not restricted to the process using the said 1st determination method and / or the said 2nd determination method. .

  For example, the management device 100 performs the processing in (1-1) (trial calculation processing) and the processing in (1-2) (first discount width determination processing) for each product, so that the product can be obtained in the first period. The first discount amount set for selling out can be determined for each product.

(2) Master information generation process (S102)
With reference to FIG. 8 again, an example of processing related to the profit securing approach in the information processing system 1000 will be described. When the first discount width for each product is determined in step S100, the management apparatus 100 generates product master information in which information indicating the first discount width of the product and information related to the product are recorded in association with each other. To do. Here, the generation of the product master information according to the embodiment of the present invention means that the product master information is newly created or the created product master information is updated.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of product master information according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 10 shows an example of product master information in which the information of the first discount width is associated with information about the product for each product. Hereinafter, the product master information illustrated in FIG. 10 may be referred to as “item master information”. In the example shown in FIG. 10, for example, the value of “discount rate” corresponds to the first discount width, and the values of “product number”, “item name”, “proper price”, and “cost” are information about the product. Corresponds to the value corresponding to.

  For example, the management device 100 stores product information stored in a storage unit (described later) or product information acquired from an external device such as an information management server (not shown), and the processing (discount range) described in (1) above. The item master information shown in FIG. 10 is generated using the processing result of the determination process. More specifically, the management device 100 records, for example, various information for each product included in the product information and the determined first discount width value for each product as shown in V of FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the management device 100 uses the “proper price” (list price) value, the “cost” value, and the first discount width value of each product to obtain a discounted price ( The “mark-down price” shown in FIG. 10), the gross profit (“gross profit” shown in FIG. 10), the gross profit rate, etc. may be calculated for each product, and the calculated value may be recorded in the item master information.

  For example, by generating item master information as illustrated in FIG. 10, when a coupon information generation request relating to one product is received, the management apparatus 100 is applied to the product indicated by the coupon information generation request. Coupon information including information indicating the discount width can be generated.

  Note that the product master information generated by the management apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the item master information shown in FIG. For example, the management apparatus 100 may be configured such that the first discount price information corresponding to each product and / or a combination of a plurality of products, information about the product, and information about the generated coupon are associated with each other. Master information (hereinafter may be referred to as “set discount coupon master information”) may also be generated.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of product master information according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of set discount coupon master information. As illustrated in W of FIG. 11, the management apparatus 100 records, for example, information indicating a combination of products and a first discount width (“discount rate” in FIG. 11) corresponding to the combination of the products in association with each other. Generated set item master information is generated. In FIG. 11, the combination of products is indicated as “cassette”.

  Here, for example, the management device 100 uses the value (for example, “proper price” and “markdown price”) recorded in the item master information shown in FIG. Calculate the width. In addition, the value of the 1st discount width recorded on set item master information is not restricted to the value calculated as mentioned above. For example, the management device 100 may receive an operation signal transmitted from an operation unit (described later) in response to a user operation of the user of the management device 100 or an external signal transmitted from an external operation device (not shown) in response to a user operation. Based on the operation signal, a value corresponding to the user operation can be set as the value of the first discount width corresponding to the combination of products.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the management apparatus 100 has information (“item name” shown in FIG. 11, “coupon ID” shown in FIG. 11) for identifying a combination (cassette) of products, and a coupon generation date ( “Coupon generation date” shown in FIG. 11, information for identifying the generated coupon (“Coupon generation No.” shown in FIG. 11), and information indicating the expiration date of the generated coupon (“Expiration date” shown in FIG. 11 Information related to coupon information to be generated such as “)” may be recorded. For example, the management device 100 generates “coupon generation No.” using the value of “coupon ID” and the value of “coupon generation date”. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, “expiration date” is provided in the set item master information, and a value of, for example, about 1 [W] to 4 [W] is set as the value. By deleting the data related to, the management apparatus 100 can adjust the data capacity of the set item master information.

  In the process (2) (master information generation process), the management apparatus 100 generates (or updates), for example, information shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 as product master information. Note that the product master information according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. For example, the management apparatus 100 can also generate product master information in which information related to coupon information to be generated shown in FIG. 11 is recorded in the item master information shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, the value of “expiration date” is set for each combination of products. However, the setting of the value of “expiration date” is not limited to the above. It is also possible to set a value of “expiration date” for each “. Further, the management apparatus 100 may generate set item master information that does not have the “expiration date” illustrated in FIG. 11, for example. In the above case, the information processing system 1000 can manage the expiration date of the coupon information using, for example, processing logic in a retailer side device such as the reader / writer 300.

(3) Coupon issue processing (S104)
With reference to FIG. 8 again, an example of processing related to the profit securing approach in the information processing system 1000 will be described. When the coupon information generation request transmitted from the information processing device 200 is received, the management device 100 generates coupon information corresponding to the product indicated by the coupon information generation request, and transmits the generated coupon information to the coupon information generation request. To the information processing apparatus 200.

  Here, the data included in the coupon information generated by the management apparatus 100 includes, for example, a value corresponding to the product indicated by the coupon information generation request in the value of “coupon No.” illustrated in FIG. The coupon information generated by the management device 100 is not limited to the above. For example, when “expiration date” is provided as shown in FIG. 11, the management apparatus 100 “expiration date” corresponding to the value of “coupon No.” corresponding to the product indicated by the coupon information generation request. The value of may be further included in the coupon information.

  Moreover, the management apparatus 100 can also generate coupon information including information for identifying a user, for example. More specifically, for example, when the received coupon information generation request includes information (for example, data indicating a membership number), the management device 100 stores the information (or the external device). The information for identifying the user corresponding to the user indicated by the information specifying the user is extracted from the user information (obtained from the above). Then, the management apparatus 100 generates coupon information including information for identifying the extracted user.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of user information according to the embodiment of the present invention. User information includes, for example, information used for user identification such as “Member No.”, information supplementing user identification such as “customer name”, “gender”, and “age”, and other user preferences. Various information (such as “arbitrary 1”, “arbitrary 2”,..., Shown in FIG. 12) is included. For example, the management apparatus 100 searches the “Member No.” for data that matches the data indicating the membership number included in the received coupon information generation request (an example of information that identifies the user), and identifies the user. . Then, for example, the management apparatus 100 extracts “member No.” and other arbitrary information from the information corresponding to the specified user, and generates coupon information including the extracted information.

  When the management apparatus 100 generates coupon information including information for identifying a user as described above, the information processing system 1000 may specify “who” used the coupon information in the retail store. It becomes possible.

  Next, coupon issue processing in the information processing system 1000 will be described by taking processing on the information processing device 200 side as an example. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of coupon issue processing in the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 13 shows an example of a coupon issue process in the information processing apparatus 200. For example, an example of a process of the information processing apparatus 200 when the user performs an operation on the screen shown in FIG. 4A is shown. Yes.

  The information processing apparatus 200 determines whether a product has been selected (S200). If it is not determined in step S200 that a product has been selected, the information processing apparatus 200 does not proceed with processing until it is determined that a product has been selected.

  Further, when it is determined in step S200 that a product has been selected, the information processing apparatus 200, for example, as shown in H of FIG. 4A, the discount width (first value) indicated by the coupon information generated in the management apparatus 100 The discount width is displayed (S202).

  More specifically, when it is determined in step S200 that a product has been selected, the information processing device 200 transmits product identification information indicating the selected product to the management device 100. Further, when the product identification information is received, the management device 100, for example, from the product master information shown in FIG. 11, the first discount width (in the example of FIG. 11) corresponding to the product indicated by the product identification information. Furthermore, information on the first discount width indicating the first discount width corresponding to the reception date of the product identification information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 200. Then, the information processing device 200 displays the first discount rate indicated by the first discount rate information transmitted from the management device 100 on the screen.

  When the discount width (first discount width) is displayed in step S202, the information processing apparatus 200 determines whether or not the management apparatus 100 is requested to issue a coupon (S204). Here, the information processing apparatus 200 determines to request the management apparatus 100 to issue a coupon when the user presses a button indicated by I in FIG. 4A, for example. The information processing apparatus 200 does not determine to request the management apparatus 100 to issue a coupon when, for example, an operation other than the operation indicated by I in FIG. 4A is performed by the user.

  If it is not determined in step S204 that the management device 100 is requested to issue a coupon, the information processing device 200 repeats the processing from step S200.

  If it is determined in step S204 that the management apparatus 100 is requested to issue a coupon, the information processing apparatus 200 generates a coupon information generation request and transmits the generated coupon information generation request to the management apparatus 100. (S206). At this time, the information processing apparatus 200 displays, for example, the screen illustrated in FIG. 4B.

  The management apparatus 100 receives the coupon information generation request transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 in step S206, and generates coupon information based on the received coupon information generation request as described above, for example. Then, the management apparatus 100 transmits the generated coupon information to the information processing apparatus 200.

  When the coupon information generation request is transmitted to the management apparatus 100 in step S206, the information processing apparatus 200 determines whether coupon information has been received (S208).

  If it is not determined in step S208 that coupon information has been received, the information processing apparatus 200 does not proceed until it is determined that coupon information has been received. If it is not determined that the coupon information has been received even after a predetermined time (predetermined time or time set by the user) has elapsed since the coupon information generation request was transmitted in step S206, the information processing apparatus 200 may re-send a coupon information generation request to the management apparatus 100, for example. Further, the processing in the information processing apparatus 200 in the above case is not limited to the above. For example, if it is not determined that the coupon information has been received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the coupon information generation request was transmitted in step S206, the information processing apparatus 200 ends the coupon issuing process illustrated in FIG. The user may be notified that the coupon has not been issued (so-called timeout).

  If it is determined in step S208 that coupon information has been received, the information processing apparatus 200 records the received coupon information in a predetermined storage location (S210). And if the process of step S210 is completed normally, the information processing apparatus 200 will display the screen shown, for example to FIG. 4C, and will notify a user visually that coupon information can be used.

  The information processing apparatus 200 transmits a coupon information generation request to the management apparatus 100, for example, by performing the process shown in FIG. 13, and records the coupon information generated in response to the coupon information generation request in a predetermined storage location. . Therefore, the user of the information processing device 200 can purchase the product desired to be purchased at a reduced price by using the coupon information stored in the information processing device 200 at the retail store. Needless to say, the coupon issuing process in the information processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the process illustrated in FIG. 13.

  In the information processing system 1000, coupon information is stored in the information processing apparatus 200 by performing the processing shown in FIG. 8, for example. Therefore, in the information processing system 1000, for example, use of coupon information by a user such as the use case described above can be realized. Here, since the user can purchase the desired product with the discounted amount by using the coupon information at the retail store, the information processing system 1000 improves the sales power of the product in the first period. Is planned. Further, since the discount width indicated by the coupon information is determined by the process (1) (the discount width determination process), even if the coupon information is used by the user in the first period, the retail store Is likely to be able to secure a certain level of profit.

  Therefore, for example, the profit securing approach described above can be realized by performing the processing shown in FIG. 8, so that more profits can be secured in the retail store.

(Information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention)
Next, the configuration of each device constituting the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention capable of performing the processing related to the above-described profit securing approach according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Management Device 100]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The management apparatus 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 102, a storage unit 104, a control unit 106, an operation unit 108, and a display unit 110.

  In addition, the management device 100 is, for example, an external device transmitted from an external operation device (not shown) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown), a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown), or a remote controller. You may provide the receiving part (not shown) etc. which receive an operation signal. For example, the management apparatus 100 connects the above-described components by a bus as a data transmission path.

  A ROM (not shown) stores control data such as programs and calculation parameters used by the control unit 106. A RAM (not shown) temporarily stores a program executed by the control unit 106. Moreover, as a receiving part (not shown), an infrared port (infrared communication port) etc. are mentioned, for example. In the management apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, the communication unit 102 may serve as a receiving unit (not shown).

[Hardware Configuration Example of Management Device 100]
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15, the management apparatus 100 includes, for example, an MPU 150, a ROM 152, a RAM 154, a recording medium 156, an input / output interface 158, an operation input device 160, a display device 162, and a communication interface 164. . In addition, the management apparatus 100 connects each component with a bus 166 as a data transmission path, for example.

  The MPU 150 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an integrated circuit in which various circuits for realizing a control function are integrated, and the like, and functions as the control unit 106 that controls the entire management apparatus 100. In addition, the MPU 150 may serve as a discount width candidate setting unit 120, a trial calculation processing unit 122, a discount width determination unit 124, an information management unit 126, and a coupon information generation unit 128, which will be described later, in the management apparatus 100. it can.

  The ROM 152 stores, for example, programs used by the MPU 150 and control data such as calculation parameters, and the RAM 154 temporarily stores, for example, programs executed by the MPU 150.

  The recording medium 156 is a storage unit in the management apparatus 100 and functions as the storage unit 104. For example, user information, product master information, applications, and the like are stored in the recording medium 156. Here, examples of the recording medium 156 include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash memory, a MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), and an FeRAM. (Nonvolatile memory) such as (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) and PRAM (Phase change Random Access Memory). Further, the recording medium 156 may be detachable from the management apparatus 100.

  The input / output interface 158 connects, for example, the operation input device 160 and the display device 162. The operation input device 160 functions as the operation unit 108, and the display device 162 functions as the display unit 110. Here, examples of the input / output interface 160 include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) terminal, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, and various processing circuits. The operation input device 160 is provided on the management apparatus 100, for example, and is connected to the input / output interface 158 inside the management apparatus 100. Examples of the operation input device 160 include a rotary selector such as a button, a direction key, and a jog dial, or a combination thereof. The display device 162 is provided on the management apparatus 100, for example, and is connected to the input / output interface 158 inside the management apparatus 100. Examples of the display device 162 include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic EL display (also referred to as an organic light emitting diode display (OLED display)). Needless to say, the input / output interface 158 can be connected to an operation input device (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) or a display device (for example, an external display) as an external device of the management apparatus 100. . The display device 162 may be a device capable of display and user operation, such as a touch screen.

  The communication interface 164 is a communication unit included in the management apparatus 100 and functions as the communication unit 102 for performing wireless / wired communication with an external apparatus via the network 500 (or directly). Here, examples of the communication interface 164 include a communication antenna and an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit (wireless communication), a LAN terminal and a transmission / reception circuit (wired communication), and the like. Note that the communication interface 164 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above, and may have a configuration corresponding to the network 500, for example.

  The management apparatus 100 performs processing related to the above-described profit securing approach, for example, with the configuration illustrated in FIG. Note that the hardware configuration of the management apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the management apparatus 100 may be configured not to include the operation device 160 and the display device 162 illustrated in FIG. In addition, the management apparatus 100 may include a plurality of communication interfaces 164 that communicate with an external apparatus using the same communication method or different communication methods, for example.

  With reference to FIG. 14 again, an example of the configuration of the management apparatus 100 will be described. The communication unit 102 is a communication unit included in the management apparatus 100, and is provided in each information processing apparatus 200 constituting the information processing system 1000 or in each service providing place via the network 500 (or directly). It performs a role of performing wireless / wired communication with an external device such as the POS device 400. Here, examples of the communication unit 102 include a communication antenna, an RF circuit (wireless communication), a LAN terminal, a transmission / reception circuit (wired communication), and the like.

  The storage unit 104 is a storage unit included in the management apparatus 100. Here, examples of the storage unit 104 include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, and a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory.

  In addition, the storage unit 104 stores, for example, user information, product master information, applications, and the like. Here, FIG. 14 shows an example in which user information 130, item master information 132 (an example of product master information), and set discount coupon master information 134 (an example of product master information) are stored in the storage unit 104. ing. In addition, as for each of the user information 130, the item master information 132, and the set discount coupon master information 134, various data may be managed in database formats, such as RDB (Relational DataBase), for example.

  The control unit 106 is configured with, for example, an MPU and plays a role of controlling the entire management apparatus 100. The control unit 106 also includes a discount range candidate setting unit 120, a trial calculation processing unit 122, a discount range determination unit 124, an information management unit 126, and a coupon information generation unit 128, and is an embodiment of the present invention. It plays the role of leading the process related to the profit securing approach. Further, the control unit 106 may include a communication control unit (not shown) that controls communication in the communication unit 102.

  The discount width candidate setting unit 120, the trial calculation processing unit 122, and the discount width determination unit 124 serve to lead the process (1) (the discount width determination process), for example.

  The discount width candidate setting unit 120 sets a first discount width candidate. More specifically, the discount width candidate setting unit 120 is, for example, an operation signal according to a user operation transmitted from the operation unit 102 or an external according to a user operation transmitted from a receiving unit (not shown). Based on the operation signal, a first discount candidate corresponding to the user operation is set. Note that the setting method of the first discount width candidate in the discount width candidate setting unit 120 is not limited to the above. For example, the discount width candidate setting unit 120 may set a specified value recorded in a ROM or the like as the first discount width candidate. Further, when a reset command is transmitted from the discount width determination unit 124, the discount width candidate setting unit 120 sets the value of the set first discount width candidate according to the reset command. Change and reconfigure.

  Further, the discount width candidate setting unit 120 sets the second discount width. Here, the discount width candidate setting unit 120 uses, for example, a value based on an operation signal according to a user operation transmitted from the operation unit 102 or a specified value recorded in a ROM or the like as the second discount width. Set.

  The trial calculation processing unit 122 plays a role of leading the above (1-1) (trial calculation process). More specifically, the trial calculation processing unit 122, for example, the first discount width indicating the product information, the information indicating the sales performance of the product, and the first discount width candidate set by the discount width candidate setting unit 120. Various values related to sales such as the first sales value, the second sales value, and the third sales value are estimated using the information and the second discount information indicating the second discount width.

  The discount width determination unit 124 plays a role of leading the process (1-2) (first discount width determination process). More specifically, the discount width determination unit 124 determines whether the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit 122 satisfies a predetermined condition, for example. When the discount calculation unit 124 determines that the trial calculation result satisfies the predetermined condition, the discount calculation unit 124 uses the first discount candidate corresponding to the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit 122 (that is, used for the trial calculation). The determined first discount width candidate) is determined as the first discount width of the product.

  In addition, when the discount width determination unit 124 determines that the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit 122 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, for example, by transmitting a reset command to the discount width candidate setting unit 120, The discount price candidate setting unit 120 resets the first discount price candidate. As described above, the trial calculation processing unit 122 re-calculates the value related to the sales using the first discount candidate reset in the trial calculation processing unit 122. For example, when a predetermined user operation transmitted from the operation unit 108 is detected, the discount width determination unit 124 uses the trial calculation result in the trial calculation unit 122 regardless of the determination result regarding the predetermined condition. The corresponding first discount width candidate may be determined as the first discount width of the product.

  The information management unit 126 performs the process (2) (master information generation process), and plays a role of generating product master information. Here, as the product master information generated by the information management unit 126, for example, item master information shown in FIG. 10, set discount coupon master information shown in FIG.

  For example, when product master information is not stored in the storage unit 104, the information management unit 126 newly creates product master information and records the created product master information in the storage unit 104. For example, when product master information is stored in the storage unit 104, the information management unit 126 updates the stored product master information.

  In addition, the information management unit 126 may serve to manage various information (data) stored in the storage unit 104 such as user information.

  The coupon information generation unit 128 plays a role of leading the process (3) (coupon issue process). More specifically, the coupon information generation unit 128 generates coupon information based on, for example, the coupon information generation request received by the communication unit 102 and the product master information stored in the storage unit 104. Here, the coupon information generation unit 128 matches, for example, a product that matches the product indicated by the product identification information included in the coupon information generation request or a combination of products indicated by the product identification information from the product master information. Identify the product. And the coupon information production | generation part 128 produces | generates coupon information based on the information which shows the 1st discount width matched with the specified goods or the combination of the specified goods.

  Then, the coupon information generation unit 128 causes the communication unit 102 to transmit the generated coupon information to the information processing device 200 (the information processing device 200 that has transmitted the coupon information generation request).

  In addition, when product identification information is received by the communication unit 102, the coupon information generation unit 128 selects the product indicated by the product indicated by the product identification information from the product master information stored in the storage unit 104. A matching product or a product that matches a combination of products indicated by the product identification information is specified. Then, the coupon information generation unit 128 transmits information indicating the first discount width associated with the specified product or the combination of the specified product to the communication unit 102 as the information processing apparatus 200 (sends product identification information). Information processing apparatus 200). When the coupon information generation unit 128 performs the above-described processing, the information processing apparatus 200, for example, as illustrated in H of FIG. 4A, the discount width indicated by the information on the first discount width transmitted from the management apparatus 100 The (first discount width) is displayed on the screen.

  The control unit 106 includes, for example, a discount range candidate setting unit 120, a trial calculation processing unit 122, a discount range determination unit 124, an information management unit 126, and a coupon information generation unit 128, so that the process (1) ( Processing of discount width determination processing) to (3) (coupon issue processing) is performed. Therefore, the control unit 106 includes, for example, the discount width candidate setting unit 120, the trial calculation processing unit 122, the discount width determination unit 124, the information management unit 126, and the coupon information generation unit 128, so that the above-described present invention can be realized. Processing related to the profit securing approach according to the embodiment can be realized. Needless to say, the configuration of the control unit 106 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 14.

  The operation unit 108 is an operation unit included in the management apparatus 100 that enables an operation by a user. By providing the operation unit 108, the management apparatus 100 can perform a user operation, and can perform a process desired by the user, such as setting a first discount candidate, according to the user operation. Here, examples of the operation unit 108 include a rotary selector such as a button, a direction key, and a jog dial, or a combination thereof.

  The display unit 110 is a display unit included in the management apparatus 100 and displays various screens on the display screen. Examples of the screen displayed on the display screen of the display unit 110 include a screen on which a trial calculation result related to the trial calculation process as illustrated in FIG. 9 is displayed, and an operation for causing the management apparatus 100 to perform a desired operation. Screen. Moreover, as the display part 110, a liquid crystal display, an OLED display, etc. are mentioned, for example. In addition, the management apparatus 100 can also configure the display unit 110 with a touch screen. In the above case, the display unit 110 functions as an operation display unit capable of both user operation and display.

  The management apparatus 100 can realize the processing related to the profit securing approach according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, for example, with the configuration shown in FIG. Therefore, the management apparatus 100 generates coupon information in which the discount range of the product that allows the retail store to secure a certain profit is set, for example, with the configuration shown in FIG. Can be secured. Needless to say, the configuration of the management apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14.

[Information processing apparatus 200, reader / writer 300]
Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 will be described. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 that can perform non-contact communication using a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency such as 13.56 MHz (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “carrier wave”). The configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 will be described by taking the configuration as an example.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 16 also shows the POS device 400 connected to the reader / writer 300.

[Configuration of Information Processing Device 200]
The information processing apparatus 200 includes a communication antenna 202, an IC chip 204, an MPU 206, a ROM 208, a RAM 210, a recording medium 212, an input / output interface 214, an operation input device 216, a display device 218, and a communication interface. 220. In addition, the information processing apparatus 200 connects each component with a bus 222 as a data transmission path, for example.

  The communication antenna 202 receives a carrier wave transmitted from an external device such as the reader / writer 300 and transmits a response signal based on the processing result of the processing in the IC chip 204. Hereinafter, a case where the information processing apparatus 200 processes a carrier wave transmitted from the reader / writer 300 will be described as an example.

  For example, the communication antenna 202 includes a resonance circuit including a coil (inductor) L1 having a predetermined inductance and a capacitor C2 having a predetermined capacitance, and generates an induced voltage by electromagnetic induction in response to reception of a carrier wave. Let Then, the communication antenna 202 outputs a reception voltage obtained by resonating the induced voltage at a predetermined resonance frequency. Here, the resonance frequency in the communication antenna 202 is set according to the frequency of the carrier wave such as 13.56 MHz, for example. With the above configuration, the communication antenna 202 receives a carrier wave and transmits a response signal by load modulation performed in a load modulation unit 234 (described later) included in the IC chip 204.

  The IC chip 204 demodulates and processes the carrier signal based on the received carrier wave, and transmits a response signal from the communication antenna 202 by load modulation.

<Configuration Example of IC Chip 204>
The IC chip 204 includes a carrier detection unit 224, a detection unit 226, a regulator 228, a demodulation unit 230, a data processing unit 232, and a load modulation unit 234. Although not shown in FIG. 16, the IC chip 204 may further include, for example, a protection circuit (not shown) for preventing an overvoltage or overcurrent from being applied to the data processing unit 232. . Here, as the protection circuit (not shown), for example, a clamp circuit constituted by a diode or the like can be cited.

  The IC chip 204 includes a ROM 236, a RAM 238, an internal memory 240, a UART 242, and the like. The data processing unit 232, the ROM 236, the RAM 238, the internal memory 240, and the UART 242 are connected by, for example, a bus 244 as a data transmission path.

  The carrier detection unit 224 generates, for example, a rectangular detection signal based on the reception voltage transmitted from the communication antenna 202, and transmits the detection signal to the data processing unit 232. Further, the data processing unit 232 uses the transmitted detection signal as a processing clock for data processing, for example. Here, since the detection signal is based on the received voltage transmitted from the communication antenna 202, it is synchronized with the frequency of the carrier wave transmitted from the reader / writer 300. Therefore, the IC chip 204 includes the carrier detection unit 224, so that processing with the reader / writer 300 can be performed in synchronization with the reader / writer 300.

  The detector 226 rectifies the reception voltage output from the communication antenna 202. Here, the detection unit 226 can be configured by the diode D1 and the capacitor C2, but the configuration of the detection unit 226 is not limited to the above.

  The regulator 228 smoothes and constants the received voltage and outputs a drive voltage to the data processing unit 232. Here, the regulator 228 uses, for example, a DC component of the reception voltage as a drive voltage.

  The demodulator 230 demodulates the carrier wave signal based on the received voltage, and outputs data corresponding to the carrier wave signal included in the carrier wave (for example, a binarized data signal of high level and low level). Here, the demodulator 230 outputs, for example, the AC component of the received voltage as data.

  The data processing unit 232 is driven by using the drive voltage output from the regulator 228 as a power source, and processes the data demodulated by the demodulation unit 230. Here, the data processing unit 232 can be configured by, for example, an MPU, but the configuration of the data processing unit 232 is not limited to the above.

  The data processing unit 232 selectively generates a control signal for controlling load modulation related to the response to the reader / writer 300 according to the processing result. Then, the data processing unit 232 selectively outputs the control signal to the load modulation unit 234.

  In addition, the data processing unit 232 is based on an instruction included in the data demodulated by the demodulation unit 230 or an instruction transmitted from an external component of the IC chip 204 (for example, the MPU 206) via the UART 242. The data stored in the memory is read out or the data is updated.

  The load modulation unit 234 includes, for example, a load Z and a switch SW1, and performs load modulation by selectively connecting (enabling) the load Z according to a control signal transmitted from the data processing unit 232. Here, the load Z is configured by a resistor having a predetermined resistance value, for example, but the configuration of the load Z is not limited to the above. The switch SW1 is configured by, for example, a p-channel MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) or an n-channel MOSFET, but the configuration of the switch SW1 is not limited to the above.

  The ROM 236 stores control data such as programs and calculation parameters used by the data processing unit 232. The RAM 238 temporarily stores programs executed by the data processing unit 232, calculation results, execution states, and the like.

  The internal memory 240 is a storage unit included in the IC chip 204 and has, for example, tamper resistance. The data stored in the internal memory 240 is read by, for example, the data processing unit 232, and the data processing unit 232 newly writes data to the internal memory 240 or updates the stored data.

  The internal memory 240 stores various data such as coupon information acquired from the management apparatus 100, electronic value, application data, and the like. Here, FIG. 16 shows an example in which coupon information 246 is stored in the internal memory 240.

  The UART 242 is configured by a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) or the like, and serves as a communication interface with components outside the IC chip 204. FIG. 16 shows an example in which the UART 242 is connected to the bus 222.

  With the above-described configuration, the IC chip 204 can process the carrier wave signal received by the communication antenna 202 and transmit a response signal from the communication antenna 202 by load modulation.

  The MPU 206 functions as a control unit (not shown) that controls the information processing apparatus 200 as a whole. The MPU 206 plays a role of leading various processes in the information processing apparatus 200 of the information processing system 1000 described above together with the data processing unit 232 included in the IC chip 204.

  The ROM 208 stores control data such as programs and calculation parameters used by the MPU 206, and the RAM 210 temporarily stores programs executed by the MPU 206.

  The recording medium 212 functions as a storage unit (not shown) in the information processing apparatus 200, and stores various data such as various applications and data related to the applications, for example. Here, examples of the recording medium 212 include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, and a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory.

  The input / output interface 214 connects, for example, the operation input device 216 and the display device 218. Here, examples of the input / output interface 214 include a USB terminal, a DVI terminal, an HDMI terminal, and various processing circuits. Needless to say, the input / output interface 214 can be connected to an operation input device (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) as an external device of the information processing apparatus 200 or a display device (for example, an external display).

  The operation input device 216 functions as an operation unit (not shown) in the information processing apparatus 200. For example, the operation input device 216 is provided on the information processing apparatus 200 and is connected to the input / output interface 214 inside the information processing apparatus 200. Examples of the operation input device 216 include a rotary selector such as a button, a direction key, and a jog dial, or a combination thereof.

  The display device 218 displays various screens such as a screen related to the profit securing approach according to the embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 and an operation screen for a user to perform a desired operation on the display screen. Functions as a display unit (not shown). For example, the display device 218 is provided on the information processing apparatus 200 and is connected to the input / output interface 214 inside the information processing apparatus 200. Examples of the display device 218 include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display, but the display device 218 is not limited to the above. For example, the display device 218 may be a device capable of display and user operation, such as a touch screen. In the above case, the display device 218 functions as an operation display unit capable of both user operation and display.

  The communication interface 220 is a communication unit included in the information processing apparatus 200 for communicating with an external device through another communication path different from the communication path by non-contact communication using a carrier wave having a predetermined frequency. The communication interface 220 functions as a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with an external device such as the management device 100 via the network 500 (or directly). Here, examples of the communication interface 220 include a communication antenna and an RF circuit (wireless communication), but the communication interface 220 is not limited to the above. For example, the communication interface 220 can take a configuration corresponding to the network 500.

  The information processing apparatus 200 performs various processes (for example, the process related to the use case described above and the process illustrated in FIG. 13) in the information processing apparatus 200 of the information processing system 1000 described above with the configuration illustrated in FIG. Note that the configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. For example, the information processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention may not include each component configuring the IC chip 204 illustrated in FIG. 16 in the form of an IC chip.

[Reader / Writer 300]
The reader / writer 300 includes, for example, a carrier wave signal generation unit 302, a carrier wave transmission unit 304, a demodulation unit 306, and a control unit 308. The reader / writer 300 is connected to an external device such as the POS device 400, for example, and transmits a carrier wave signal in accordance with a transmission command transmitted from the external device. Hereinafter, the configuration of the reader / writer 300 will be described by taking as an example a case where the reader / writer 300 is connected to the POS device 400.

  The reader / writer 300 includes a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown), a register (not shown), an encryption circuit (not shown) for encrypting communication, and a storage unit (not shown). (Not shown), a connection interface (not shown) for connecting to an external device and other circuits, an operation unit (not shown) that can be operated by the user, and a display unit (not shown) for displaying various screens on the display screen Or the like). Here, the reader / writer 300 connects each component by, for example, a bus as a data transmission path.

  A ROM (not shown) stores control data such as programs and calculation parameters used by the control unit 308, and a RAM (not shown) temporarily stores programs executed by the control unit 308. . A register (not shown) holds the calculation result and execution state in the control unit 308.

  The storage unit (not shown) stores, for example, applications and data used in the reader / writer 300. Here, examples of the storage unit (not shown) include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk and a nonvolatile memo such as a flash memory. Examples of the connection interface include UART, LAN terminal, and transmission / reception circuit.

  Examples of the operation unit (not shown) include a button, a direction key, or a combination thereof. Further, examples of the display unit (not shown) include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display, but the display unit (not shown) is not limited to the above. For example, the display unit (not shown) may be a device capable of display and user operation, such as a touch screen. In the above case, the display unit (not shown) functions as an operation display unit capable of both user operation and display. The reader / writer 300 may be connected to an operation input device (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) or a display device as an external device of the reader / writer 300.

  The carrier signal generation unit 302 receives a carrier signal generation command from the control unit 308 and generates a carrier signal according to the carrier signal generation command. Here, in FIG. 16, an AC power supply is shown as the carrier signal generation unit 302, but the carrier signal generation unit 302 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the carrier wave signal generation unit 302 can further include a modulation circuit (not shown) that performs ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation and an amplification circuit (not shown) that amplifies the output of the modulation circuit. . Note that the carrier wave signal generated by the carrier wave signal generation unit 302 can include, for example, various processing instructions for the information processing device 200 and data to be processed. Not limited to. For example, the carrier wave signal according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a signal for causing the carrier wave transmission unit 304 to generate a carrier wave that supplies power to the information processing apparatus 200.

  The carrier wave transmission unit 304 includes, for example, a coil (inductor) L2 having a predetermined inductance, and transmits a carrier wave corresponding to the carrier wave signal generated by the carrier wave signal generation unit 302. The carrier wave transmission unit 304 can also receive a response signal from the information processing apparatus 200. That is, the carrier wave transmission unit 304 serves as a communication antenna in the reader / writer 300. Here, FIG. 16 illustrates an example in which the carrier wave transmission unit 304 is configured by the coil L2, but the carrier wave transmission unit 304 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above, and further includes, for example, a capacitor. Thus, a resonance circuit may be configured.

  For example, the demodulator 306 demodulates the response signal transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 by detecting an envelope change in the voltage amplitude at the antenna end of the carrier wave transmitter 304 and binarizing the detected signal. Note that the means for demodulating the response signal in the demodulation unit 306 is not limited to the above, and for example, the response signal can be demodulated using the phase change of the voltage at the antenna end of the carrier wave transmission unit 304.

  The control unit 308 is configured by an MPU, for example, and controls the reader / writer 300 as a whole. In addition, the control unit 308 performs various processes such as transmitting data demodulated by the demodulation unit 306 to the POS device 400 or generating a carrier wave signal generation command based on the data demodulated by the demodulation unit 306. be able to.

  The reader / writer 300 transmits a carrier wave and demodulates a response signal transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200, for example, with the configuration shown in FIG. Needless to say, the configuration of the reader / writer 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 can perform non-contact communication using a carrier wave, for example, with the configuration shown in FIG. Therefore, the coupon information stored in the information processing apparatus 200 can be transmitted to the reader / writer 300 and the coupon information can be processed by the reader / writer 300. For example, as shown in [2-2] above. Use cases (use of coupon information) can be realized.

[POS device 400]
The POS device 400 has the same hardware configuration as that of the management device 100 as shown in FIG. With the above configuration, the POS device 400 transmits, for example, processing related to sales such as calculation of a sales price using coupon information acquired from the reader / writer 300 and information related to sales to the management device 100 via the network 500. Various processes such as can be performed. Needless to say, the configuration of the POS device 400 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

  As described above, the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed in, for example, the management device 100, one or more information processing devices 200, and each retail store (an example of a service providing place). Devices (reader / writer 300, POS device 400). The management apparatus 100 performs the process (1) (discount width determination process) to obtain the first discount width that allows the retail store to secure a certain profit for each product and / or Decide for each product combination. In addition, the management apparatus 100 generates product master information in which the determined first discount information and product information are recorded in association with each other by performing the process (2) (master information generation process). . And the management apparatus 100 produces | generates the coupon information corresponding to the coupon information generation request | requirement transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 by performing the process (coupon issue process) of said (3), and produces | generates the produced | generated coupon information. It transmits to the information processing device 200. Here, the user of the information processing device 200 can purchase the desired product with the discounted amount by using the coupon information generated by the management device 100 at the retail store. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the sales power of the product in the first period (for example, the proper period), compared to the case where the point service according to the conventional technology in which the product purchase price does not change is applied. Further, the discount width indicated by the coupon information is that the retail store can secure a certain profit, so even if discount sales of products are made by using the coupon information in the first period Retailers are more likely to be able to secure a certain level of profit.

  Therefore, the management apparatus 100 sets the first discount width for each product and / or each combination of products as described above, and provides coupon information to the information processing apparatus 200, thereby increasing the number of retail stores. It is possible to realize an information processing system 1000 that can ensure the benefits of the above.

  Further, in the information processing system 1000, information related to sales in the retail store is transmitted from the POS device 400 (which may be a server (not shown) provided in the retail store) to the management device 100 via the network 500. Is done. By transmitting information related to sales from the retail store to the management apparatus 100, the management apparatus 100 can grasp when, where, who purchased which product, and how much sales were made. The management apparatus 100 can also grasp which coupon information has been used. Therefore, in the information processing system 1000, for example, the management device 100 ranks the users according to the purchase frequency of products, the number of times coupon information is used, and the like, and the first discount width corresponding to the product (or combination of products) It is also possible to generate coupon information indicating a discount width obtained by further adding a discount width corresponding to the rank. For example, the management device 100 generates coupon information in which the discount amount is adjusted according to the purchase frequency of the user as described above, so that the user can purchase the product at a lower price as the purchase frequency increases and the rank increases. Therefore, it is expected that the number of users who will be repeaters will increase. Therefore, for example, when the management apparatus 100 generates coupon information in which the discount amount is adjusted according to the purchase frequency of the user, the information processing system 1000 has the sales force of the product in the first period (proper period). Improvements can be made.

  As described above, the management apparatus 100 has been described as a constituent element of the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a form. The embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various devices such as a computer such as a server (Server) or a PC (Personal Computer). The embodiment of the present invention may be a server group including a plurality of servers, for example.

  Moreover, although the information processing apparatus 200 was mentioned and demonstrated as a component which comprises the information processing system 1000 which concerns on embodiment of this invention, embodiment of this invention is not restricted to this form. The embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various devices such as a portable communication device such as a mobile phone, a video / music playback device (or video / music recording / playback device), and a portable game machine.

  Further, although the reader / writer 300 has been described as a constituent element of the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a form. The embodiment of the present invention can be applied to, for example, a signage terminal having a reader / writer function and various devices having a reader / writer function. In the case where the information processing apparatus 200 and the reader / writer 300 are configured to perform communication other than non-contact communication by NFC, the embodiment of the present invention is, for example, a signage that does not have a reader / writer function. The present invention can be applied to various devices such as terminals that do not have a reader / writer function.

  Furthermore, although the POS device 400 has been described as a constituent element of the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a form. The embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various devices such as a server and a computer such as a PC.

(Program according to an embodiment of the present invention)
[Programs related to management devices]
A program for causing a computer to function as a management device according to an embodiment of the present invention (for example, for realizing the above-described processing (1) (discount range determination processing) to processing (3) (coupon issue processing) According to the program, coupon information in which a discount range of a product that allows the retail store to secure a certain profit is set can be generated, and more profit can be secured in the retail store.

[Program related to information processing apparatus]
A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (for example, the process related to the use case described above or the process shown in FIG. 13) can ensure more profits in the retail store. A possible information processing system 1000 can be realized.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, the management apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention separately includes the discount width candidate setting unit 120, the trial calculation processing unit 122, the discount width determination unit 124, the information management unit 126, and the coupon information generation unit 128 illustrated in FIG. (For example, each can be realized by a separate processing circuit).

  In the above, a program (computer program) for causing a computer to function as a management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a program (computer program) for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, the embodiment of the present invention can further provide a recording medium storing the above-described program.

  The configuration described above shows an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and naturally belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Management apparatus 102 Communication part 104 Storage part 106,308 Control part 120 Discount width candidate setting part 122 Trial calculation processing part 124 Discount width determination part 126 Information management part 128 Coupon information generation part 200 Information processing apparatus 300 Reader / writer 400 POS Apparatus 1000 Information processing system

Claims (11)

A communication unit that communicates with an external device;
Discount price candidate setting for setting a first discount price candidate that is a candidate for the first discount price in a first period in which a product is sold at a fixed price or a price discounted by the first discount price from the list price And
A first sales value indicating a value related to sales in the case where the product is sold at the regular price in the first period, and the product was sold with a discount at the first discount width candidate in the first period. A trial calculation processing unit for calculating a second sales value indicating a value related to sales in each case,
It is determined whether the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first discount corresponding to the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit is determined. A discount width determining unit that determines a width candidate as the first discount width of the product;
An information management unit that generates product master information in which information indicating the first discount width of the product determined by the discount width determination unit and information related to the product are recorded in association with each other;
The coupon information generation request indicates based on a coupon information generation request received by the communication unit and including product identification information indicating one or more products transmitted from the external device and the product master information. Coupon information generation that generates coupon information including information indicating a discount width applied to the product, and causes the communication unit to transmit the generated coupon information to the external device that has transmitted the coupon information generation request. And
A management device comprising:   The trial calculation processing unit includes product information indicating a list price, a gross profit, and a sales target quantity of the product, information indicating a sales result of the product, and the first discount set in the discount width candidate setting unit. The first discount price information indicating a width candidate, and the product at a price discounted by a second discount width that is a period after the first period and is larger than the first discount width. 2. The first sales value and the second sales value are respectively estimated by selectively using second discount information indicating the second discount width in the second period to be sold. The management device described. The discount width determining unit, when determining that the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition, causes the discount rate candidate setting unit to reset the first discount width candidate,
The management device according to claim 2, wherein the trial calculation processing unit re-calculates the value relating to the sales using the first discount candidate reset by the trial calculation processing unit.   When the predetermined user operation is detected, the discount width determination unit determines the first discount width candidate corresponding to the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit regardless of the determination result on the predetermined condition. The management device according to claim 3, wherein the management device determines the first discount width of the product. The coupon information generation unit
From the product master information generated by the information management unit, the product that matches the product indicated by the product identification information included in the coupon information generation request is identified, and the product associated with the identified product is identified. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the coupon information is generated based on information indicating a first discount width.   The said information management part produces | generates the merchandise master information by which the information of the combination of goods and the information which shows the 1st discount width corresponding to the said combination were recorded, and any one of Claims 1-4 The management device according to item 1. The coupon information generator
From the product master information generated by the information management unit, identify a product that matches the product combination indicated by the product identification information included in the coupon information generation request, and correspond to the identified product combination The management device according to claim 6, wherein the coupon information is generated based on information indicating the attached first discount width.   The trial calculation processing unit is improved when the product is sold at the first discount width in the first period, compared with the case where the product is sold at the regular price in the first period. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further calculating a third sales value indicating a value relating to sales performed.   The discount range determination unit determines whether the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit satisfies a condition related to the second sales value and / or a condition related to the third sales value, or not. The management device described. Discount price candidate setting for setting a first discount price candidate that is a candidate for the first discount price in a first period in which a product is sold at a fixed price or a price discounted by the first discount price from the list price means,
A first sales value indicating a value related to sales in the case where the product is sold at the regular price in the first period, and the product was sold with a discount at the first discount width candidate in the first period. Trial calculation processing means for trial calculation of the second sales value indicating the value related to sales in the case,
It is determined whether the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing means satisfies a predetermined condition. When it is determined that the predetermined calculation condition is satisfied, the first discount corresponding to the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing means is determined. Discount width determining means for determining a width candidate as the first discount width of the product;
Information management means for generating product master information in which information indicating the first discount width of the product determined by the discount width determination unit and information related to the product are recorded in association with each other;
Based on the coupon information generation request including product identification information indicating one or more products transmitted from the external device, received by the communication unit that communicates with the external device, and the product master information, Generate coupon information including information indicating a discount width applied to the product indicated by the coupon information generation request, and transmit the generated coupon information to the communication unit to the external device that has transmitted the coupon information generation request. Coupon information generating means for sending
As a program to make the computer function as. A management device;
An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the management apparatus;
Have
The management device
A communication unit for communicating with the information processing apparatus;
Discount price candidate setting for setting a first discount price candidate that is a candidate for the first discount price in a first period in which a product is sold at a fixed price or a price discounted by the first discount price from the list price And
A first sales value indicating a value related to sales in the case where the product is sold at the regular price in the first period, and the product was sold with a discount at the first discount width candidate in the first period. A trial calculation processing unit for calculating a second sales value indicating a value related to sales in each case,
It is determined whether the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first discount corresponding to the trial calculation result in the trial calculation processing unit is determined. A discount width determining unit that determines a width candidate as the first discount width of the product;
An information management unit that generates product master information in which information indicating the first discount width of the product determined by the discount width determination unit and information related to the product are recorded in association with each other;
Based on the coupon information generation request received by the communication unit and including product identification information indicating one or more products transmitted from the information processing device and the product master information, the coupon information generation request is generated. Coupon information including information indicating a discount width applied to the product to be displayed is generated, and the communication unit transmits the generated coupon information to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the coupon information generation request. An information generator,
An information processing system comprising:

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