JP2021039438A - System, method, and program for managing coupons - Google Patents

Abstract

To assist stores in continuously issuing coupons.SOLUTION: A coupon management server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a store information provision service for providing information on multiple stores to users via user terminals 30. The store information provision service includes a function to manage issuance of coupons by each store and usage of the coupons by users (consumers). The server 10 grants coins to stores issuing coupons for users according to the usage of coupons by the users, which allows stores to benefit in the form other than customer attraction by coupons as well. The server 10 thus assists stores in continuously issuing coupons.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to systems, methods, and programs for managing coupons.

Conventionally, various systems for managing electronic coupons used via mobile terminals such as smartphones have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In such a system, a store such as a restaurant typically pays a usage fee for the system to an operator to attract customers by using a coupon.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-206710

However, in the conventional system, a store that cannot realize the effect of attracting customers by the coupon may immediately stop using the system (issuing a coupon). For example, by giving profits other than attracting customers by coupons to stores, it is considered that each store can easily continue to use the system (issue of coupons).

One of the objects of the present invention is to support the continuous issuance of coupons by stores. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the entire specification.

The system according to the embodiment of the present invention is a coupon management system for managing coupons, and includes user information regarding each of a plurality of users and information that can identify a store associated with each user. An information storage unit configured to store at least user information, and a store identification configured to identify a store associated with the user based on at least the user information according to the use of the coupon by the user. It includes a department and a reward giving department configured to give a reward to a specified store.

According to this configuration, a reward is given to the store associated with the user according to the use of the coupon by the user, so that the store can obtain a profit other than attracting customers by the coupon. As a result, the system supports the continuous issuance of coupons by stores.

Further, in the above system, the reward giving unit may be configured to give a reward to a user who has used the coupon in addition to the specified store. This will encourage users to use the coupon.

Further, in the above system, a charge billing unit for charging a charge to a store where the coupon is used may be further provided according to the use of the coupon by the user. In this way, it is possible to charge the fee to the store where the coupon is used (the store where the coupon is issued) according to the use of the coupon.

Further, in the above system, when the store associated with the user does not exist (when none of the stores is associated), the store identification unit gives the user the store where the coupon (this time) is used. It may be configured to be associated. In this way, for example, the store where the user first used the coupon is associated with the user, and the store is rewarded according to the user's use of the coupon at another store. As a result, the store is motivated to encourage the user to use the coupon for the first time.

Further, in the above system, the information storage unit is configured to store at least coupon information regarding each of a plurality of coupons in addition to the user information, and the coupon information includes stores where coupons can be used. The store identification unit may be configured to include identifiable information and identify the store where the coupon is used, at least based on the coupon information. In this way, it is possible to identify the store where the coupon is used based on the coupon information.

Further, in the above system, the reward giving unit may be configured to give a virtual currency as a reward. In this way, the use of virtual currencies (including cryptocurrencies, coins, points, etc.) can be promoted.

The method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a coupon management method for managing coupons executed by one or more computers, wherein at least a part of the one or more computers relates to each of the plurality of users. It is possible to access an information storage device configured to store at least the user information including user information that can identify the store associated with each user, and the method is the use of coupons by the user. According to the above, a step of specifying a store associated with the user and a step of giving a coupon to the specified store are provided based on at least the user information.

According to this configuration, a reward is given to the store associated with the user according to the use of the coupon by the user, so that the store can obtain a profit other than attracting customers by the coupon. As a result, the above method supports the continuous issuance of coupons by the store.

The program according to the embodiment of the present invention is a coupon management program for managing coupons, and includes user information regarding each of a plurality of users and information that can identify a store associated with each user. Associated with one or more computers, at least in part accessible to an information storage device configured to store at least user information, based on at least the user information, depending on the use of the coupon by the user. The process of specifying the store and the process of giving a coupon to the specified store are executed.

According to this configuration, a reward is given to the store associated with the user according to the use of the coupon by the user, so that the store can obtain a profit other than attracting customers by the coupon. As a result, the program will support the continuous issuance of coupons by stores.

Various embodiments of the present invention support the continuous issuance of coupons by stores.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic the structure of the network including the coupon management server 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the information managed in the user information table TA1. It is a figure which illustrates the information managed in the coupon information table TA2. It is a figure which illustrates the information managed in the store information table TA3. It is a sequence diagram which illustrates the process executed by a server 10 and a user terminal 30 when a user uses a coupon. It is a figure which illustrates the store screen 50. It is a figure which illustrates the coupon list screen 60. It is a figure which illustrates the coupon individual screen 70. It is a figure which illustrates the information display object 80. It is a figure which illustrates the coupon screen 70 after receiving the completion notification from a server 10.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following embodiments are examples for explaining the disclosed technology, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments thereof. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways as long as it does not deviate from the gist thereof.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a network including a coupon management server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the server 10 is communicably connected to the user terminal 30 via a communication network NW such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is shown in FIG. 1, the server 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The coupon management server 10 provides a store information providing service that provides information about a plurality of stores to a user via a user terminal 30. The store information providing service includes a function of managing the issuance of coupons by each store and the use of the coupons by users (consumers).

The coupon management server 10 has a configuration as a general computer. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the server 10 includes a computer processor 11 configured as a CPU or GPU, a main memory 12 composed of a DRAM or the like and temporarily storing data or programs, and wired or wireless. It is provided with a communication interface 14 for controlling the communication of the above, and a storage 15 composed of a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like and storing data and programs. The computer processor 11 reads the program stored in the storage 15 or the like into the main memory 12 and executes the instructions included in the program.

The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage 15 has a user information table TA1 that manages information about a user (consumer) who uses a coupon, a coupon information table TA2 that manages information about a coupon, and store information. It has a store information table TA3 that manages information about stores to which information is provided in the provided service.

FIG. 2 illustrates the information managed in the user information table TA1. As shown in the figure, the user information table TA1 is associated with a "user ID" that identifies an individual user, and includes "basic information" including a name, contact information, payment information (credit card information, etc.), and a "return store". Manage information such as "ID", "number of coins", and "coupon usage history". The "return store ID" is information that identifies a store where coins are returned according to the use of the coupon by this user. A coin is an electronic / virtual item that can be used at a target store, and can be used for payment at each store, for example.

FIG. 3 illustrates the information managed in the coupon information table TA2. As shown in the figure, the coupon information table TA2 is associated with a "coupon ID" that identifies an individual coupon, an "issuer store ID" that identifies the store that is the issuer of this coupon, and an image corresponding to this coupon. It manages information such as "image information", "description", and "expiration date", which are information related to the information. This information is set by the issuing store.

FIG. 4 illustrates the information managed in the store information table TA3. As shown in the figure, the store information table TA3 is associated with a "store ID" that identifies an individual store, and has "basic information" including a store name, contact information, payment information (credit card information, etc.), and business hours. , Budget, "Sales information" including introductory text, "Number of coins", "Billing information" which is information about billing to this store, etc. are managed. In this embodiment, the store can exchange coins for real currency.

Returning to FIG. 1, the coupon management server 10 executes an instruction included in the program stored in the storage 15 or the like by the computer processor 11, and as shown in the figure, the coupon management unit 112, the store identification unit 114, and the reward. It is configured to function as a granting unit 116 and a billing unit 118.

The coupon management unit 112 is configured to execute various processes related to coupon management. For example, the coupon management unit 112 is configured to present a list of coupons in response to a request from the user. Further, for example, the coupon management unit 112 is configured to update the usage history of the coupon of the user in response to the usage request of the coupon specified by the user.

The store identification unit 114 is configured to execute various processes related to the identification of the return store set for the user. For example, the store identification unit 114 is configured to specify the return store of the user based on the return store ID of the user information table TA1 according to the use of the coupon by the user.

The reward giving unit 116 is configured to execute various processes related to giving rewards to users and stores. For example, the reward giving unit 116 is configured to give a predetermined number of coins to the user and the return store of the user according to the use of the coupon by the user.

The billing unit 118 is configured to execute various processes related to billing in the store information providing service. For example, the charge billing unit 118 is configured to charge a charge (which can also be called a usage charge for the coupon management function) to the store issuing the coupon according to the use of the coupon by the user. ..

The user terminal 30 has a configuration as a general computer. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 30 includes a computer processor 31 configured as a CPU or GPU, a main memory 32 composed of a DRAM or the like and temporarily storing data or programs, a user or the like. It includes an input / output interface 33 for exchanging information with and from, a communication interface 34 for controlling wired or wireless communication, and a storage 35 composed of a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like for storing data or programs. The computer processor 31 reads the program stored in the storage 35 or the like into the main memory 32 and executes the instructions included in the program.

The input / output interface 33 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, an audio input device such as a microphone, an image input device such as a camera, an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker. .. The communication I / F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof.

The user terminal 30 is configured as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or the like. The user terminal 30 displays various screens with communication with the server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in the storage 35 or the like.

Next, the operation of the coupon management server 10 of the present embodiment configured in this way will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 and the user terminal 30 when the user uses the coupon. First, the user terminal 30 accepts the designation of the coupon by the user (ST100). The user specifies the coupon via the screen displayed on the user terminal 30.

FIG. 6 illustrates a store screen 50 displayed on the user terminal 30. The screen 50 displays information about a specific store, and the store is, for example, one or a plurality of stores designated by a user from among one or a plurality of stores displayed on a map and displayed by a keyword search. It is specified by the user from the store or specified based on the beacon signal from the beacon device installed in the store.

As shown in FIG. 6, the store screen 50 has an image display area 52 for displaying an image related to the store, a menu button 54, a coupon button 56, and an information display area 58 for displaying information about the store. The menu button 54 is an object for displaying information about products handled by the corresponding store. In addition, the information display area 58 displays business information such as budget, business hours, and introductory text.

The coupon button 56 is an object for using a coupon issued by the corresponding store. When the button 56 is selected by the user, the coupon list screen 60 illustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed on the user terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 has a list display area 62 for displaying a list of coupons. In the area 62, one or a plurality of individual display areas 621, each of which displays information about individual coupons, are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The individual display area 621 displays the image of the corresponding coupon, the content of the privilege (in the example of FIG. 7, "one drink service" and "meal menu 100 yen discount"), the expiration date, the number of returned coins, and the like. Of the coupons issued by the corresponding stores, the coupons already used by the corresponding user (which can be specified by referring to the coupon usage history of the user information table TA1) are displayed individually. Information indicating that the area 621 is hidden or used in the area 621 is added.

When any of the individual display areas 621 displayed in the list display area 62 is selected, the coupon individual screen 70 illustrated in FIG. 8 is displayed on the user terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 70 has an information display area 72 for displaying information (image, privilege content, expiration date, number of returned coins, etc.) regarding the corresponding coupon, and a coupon use button 74. By selecting the button 74, the user can specify the corresponding coupon as the coupon to be used.

Returning to the sequence diagram of FIG. 5, when the coupon designation is accepted, the user terminal 30 next reads the NFC tag installed in the store using the designated coupon (ST102). FIG. 9 illustrates an information display object 80 that is superimposed on the screen 70 according to the selection of the coupon use button 74 on the coupon individual screen 70. The object 80 displays the text information "Please touch the tag of the store." When the user brings the user terminal 30 closer to the NFC tag while the information display object 80 is displayed, the user terminal 30 reads the information written in the NFC tag. In the present embodiment, the store ID of the store in which the tag is installed is written in the NFC tag. That is, the reading of the NFC tag installed in the store indicates the actual visit to the store.

Returning to the sequence diagram of FIG. 5, the user terminal 30 then requests the server 10 to use the coupon (ST104). Along with the coupon usage request, the coupon ID of the designated coupon and the store ID read from the NFC tag are transmitted.

Subsequently, the server 10 collates the stores where the coupons are used (ST106). Specifically, it is read from the issuer store ID of the coupon specified by the coupon ID received from the user terminal 30 (managed in the coupon information table TA2) and the NFC tag also received from the user terminal 30. Check with the store ID. If these store IDs do not match (for example, the store that issued the coupon specified by the user is not the store where the NFC tag is installed (that is, visited)), a predetermined error processing is performed. Is done.

Next, the server 10 updates the coupon usage history (step S107). Specifically, in the user information table TA1, the use of the coupon this time is reflected in the coupon usage history of the corresponding user (for example, a combination of the coupon ID and the usage date and time is added as the usage history. ).

Subsequently, the server 10 charges the store where the coupon is used (step S108). Specifically, a predetermined amount (for example, 300 yen) is charged to the store issuing the coupon, and the charge is reflected in the billing information of the store information table TA3. The billing amount may be set to a different value for each coupon used, for example. In addition, it can be said that this billing amount is a usage fee of the coupon management function in the store information providing service (a pay-as-you-go fee according to the use of the coupon).

Then, the server 10 gives coins to the user (step S110). Specifically, a predetermined number of coins are given to the user, and the grant is reflected in the number of coins in the user information table TA1. The number of coins given to the user is set, for example, a value based on the amount billed to the store that issued the coupon. 100 coins in the case of yen) is given to the user. Further, for example, the number of coins given to the user may be set to a different value for each coupon used. As described above, in the present embodiment, since coins are given to the user according to the use of the coupon, the use of the coupon by the user is promoted.

Subsequently, if there is no return store set for the corresponding user (YES in ST112), the store where the coupon is used this time is set as the return store (ST114). Specifically, when the return store ID of the corresponding user is not set in the user information table TA1, the store ID of the store where the coupon is used (coupon issuer store ID, as the return store ID, Alternatively, the store ID read from the NFC tag) is set. That is, in the present embodiment, the return store set for the user is the store of the issuer of the coupon when the user of the store information providing service uses the coupon available in the service for the first time. For example, each store is set as a return store for the user by encouraging the user to subscribe to the store information service and use the coupon of the own store that can be used in the service, and as a return store. If set, coins will be earned according to the use of the coupon at other stores of the user.

Then, the server 10 gives coins to the return store (step S116). Specifically, a predetermined number of coins are given to the return store, and the grant is reflected in the number of coins in the store information table TA3. The number of coins given to the return store is set, for example, a value based on the billing amount for the store where the coupon is used, and for example, the number of coins corresponding to 1/6 of the billing amount (for example, the billing amount) If is 300 yen, 50 coins) will be given to the return store. Further, for example, the number of coins given to the return store may be set to a different value for each coupon used. When coins are given to the return store, the server 10 sends a completion notification (success response) to the user terminal 30.

Subsequently, the user terminal 30 displays the coupon usage completion screen (ST118). FIG. 10 illustrates a coupon screen 70 (coupon usage completion screen) after receiving a completion notification from the server 10. On the coupon screen 70 in this state, the text information "use completed" is displayed instead of the coupon use button 74 described above. The user presents the coupon screen 70 in this state to the clerk and obtains the privilege corresponding to the coupon.

In the present embodiment, the user terminal 30 acquires the store ID of the store that actually visited the store by reading the NFC tag installed in the store. However, such a method of acquiring the store ID is an example. Not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, a store ID is acquired by reading a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on a printed matter or the like in a store, or a beacon installed in the store. The store ID is acquired by the beacon signal from the device.

In the present embodiment, coins are given to the user and the return store according to the use of the coupon by the user, but such coins are an example of a reward and are not limited to this. In addition, it is possible to prevent the user from being rewarded according to the use of the coupon by the user.

The coupon management server 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above grants coins (rewards) to the return store (store associated with the user) of the user according to the use of the coupon by the user. Therefore, the store can obtain benefits other than attracting customers by coupons. As a result, the server 10 supports the continuous issuance of coupons by the store.

10 ... Coupon management server, 11 ... Computer processor, 112 ... Coupon management department, 114 ... Store identification department, 116 ... Reward granting department, 118 ... Billing department, 15 ... Storage, 30 ... User terminal, 50 ... Store screen, 60 ... Coupon list screen, 70 ... Coupon individual screen, 80 ... Information display object, TA1 ... User information table, TA2 ... Coupon information table, TA3 ... Store information table.

Claims (8)

A coupon management system for managing coupons
An information storage unit configured to store at least the user information including information that is user information about each of a plurality of users and can identify a store associated with each user.
A store identification unit configured to identify a store associated with a user, based on at least the user information, according to the use of the coupon by the user.
It is equipped with a reward giving unit configured to give a reward to a specified store.
Coupon management system. The reward giving unit is configured to give a reward to a user who has used the coupon in addition to the specified store.
The coupon management system of claim 1. It also has a billing unit that charges the store where the coupon is used according to the use of the coupon by the user.
The coupon management system of claim 1 or 2. The store identification unit is configured to associate the store where the coupon is used with the user when the store associated with the user does not exist.
A coupon management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The information storage unit is configured to store at least coupon information regarding each of the plurality of coupons in addition to the user information.
The coupon information includes information that can identify the store where the coupon can be used.
The store identification unit is configured to identify the store where the coupon is used, at least based on the coupon information.
The coupon management system of claim 3 or 4. The reward granting unit is configured to grant virtual currency as a reward.
A coupon management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A coupon management method for managing coupons, executed by one or more computers.
At least a part of the one or more computers is configured to store at least the user information including the user information about each of the plurality of users and the store identifiable information associated with each user. Information storage is accessible and
The method is
A process of identifying a store associated with a user based on at least the user information according to the use of the coupon by the user, and
It includes a process of giving a reward to a specified store.
Coupon management method. A coupon management program for managing coupons
At least a part of the information storage device configured to store at least the user information including the user information about each of the plurality of users and the information that can identify the store associated with each user is accessible. Or on multiple computers
A process of identifying a store associated with a user based on at least the user information according to the use of the coupon by the user.
To execute the process of giving a reward to the specified store,
Coupon management program.

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