JP7321202B2 - Provision device, provision method and provision program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a provision device, a provision method, and a provision program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a technique of giving a predetermined profit to a user who uses electronic payment. As an example of such a technique, in a payment system using electronic coupons, a technique has been proposed for dynamically changing privilege content information indicating the privilege content of an electronic coupon using external environmental information.

Japanese Patent No. 5156454

However, the conventional technology described above cannot always activate consumption behavior in a specific area.

For example, in the above-described conventional technology, the electronic coupon provider side merely selects the contents of the electronic coupon benefits based on environmental information such as weather information and the result of winning or losing a sports match. It cannot be said that the consumption behavior in the area is activated.

The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a provision device, a provision method, and a provision program capable of activating consumption behavior in a specific area.

The provision device according to the present application includes an estimation unit that estimates the consumption behavior of a user in the area based on context information indicating the situation of the area, and an area where the consumption behavior estimated by the estimation unit satisfies a predetermined condition. It is characterized by comprising a specifying unit for specifying, and a providing unit for providing profit information on benefits available in the area specified by the specifying unit to a user having a predetermined relationship with the area.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, there is an effect that it is possible to activate consumption behavior in a suitable specific area.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of provision processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a settlement server according to the embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an account database according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an area information database according to the embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database according to the embodiment; FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of provision processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the settlement server.

Embodiments for implementing the provision device, the provision method, and the provision program (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the provision device, the provision method, and the provision program according to the present application are not limited by this embodiment. Also, in each of the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[1. embodiment]
The providing process realized by the providing apparatus and the like of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of provision processing according to the embodiment. Note that in FIG. 1, the provision processing and the like according to the embodiment are realized by the settlement server 10, which is an example of the provision device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the provision processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 100, and a business operator terminal 200. The settlement server 10, the user terminal 100, and the business terminal 200 are connected to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly via a network N (see FIG. 2, for example). The network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. The provision processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of payment servers 10, a plurality of user terminals 100, and a plurality of business operator terminals 200. FIG.

A settlement server 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device that executes provision processing according to the embodiment, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. For example, the payment server 10 provides an electronic payment service related to electronic payment using the user terminal 100 . For example, the settlement server 10 manages the account of the provider (operator) of the transaction object and the account of the user to whom the transaction object is provided, and transfers electronic money between accounts according to the payment request from the user. By doing so, various settlements are realized. In addition, electronic money may be, for example, points or currency used independently by various companies, or may be electronically tradable currency provided by the state such as Japanese yen and dollars. good.

In addition, the settlement server 10 provides profit information regarding profits (coupons, etc.) that are given to the user in the electronic settlement service and that can be used in the electronic settlement service, to the profit provider (in other words, planning, setting, etc. of the coupon). , a person who contributes (provides) the source of the coupon), and manages it in the storage unit of its own device.

In addition, the payment server 10 manages area information including information such as shops located in each area (member shops of the electronic payment service) in the storage unit of its own device. For example, the payment server 10 includes identification information (area ID) that identifies each area, location information of each area (location, range, etc.), road information in each area, route information in each area, Stores area information including stores that do business. Note that the area may be appropriately set to have an arbitrary size range. For example, an area may be divided into similarly sized meshes based on latitude and longitude. That is, the area may be an area separated by a regional mesh. In this case, a regional mesh code may be used as the area ID. It should be noted that the above is an example, and the area may be set based on various types of information, not limited to the regional mesh. For example, areas may be set based on administrative divisions such as "town", "ward", "city", and "prefecture". Also, the area may be set for each facility such as a store, or may be set for each street, shopping street, or the like.

A user terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device used by a user. The user terminal 100 is realized by, for example, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. In addition, the user terminal 100 displays information distributed by the settlement server 10 using a web browser or application. Note that the example shown in FIG. 1 shows a case where the user terminal 100 is a smart phone.

A business operator terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device used by a business operator who provides a transaction target to a user. The business terminal 200 is realized by, for example, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like. In addition, the operator terminal 200 displays information delivered by the settlement server 10 using a web browser or an application. Note that the example shown in FIG. 1 shows a case where the business terminal 200 is a smart phone.

When the user terminal 100 and the business operator terminal 200 receive control information for realizing predetermined information processing from the settlement server 10, the user terminal 100 and the business terminal 200 implement the information processing according to the control information. Here, the control information includes, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a programming language such as Java (registered trademark), and a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). It is written in up language or the like. Note that the predetermined application itself distributed from the settlement server 10 may be regarded as the control information.

[1-1. Payment using the user terminal 100]
Here, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 100 will be described prior to the providing process executed by the payment server 10. FIG. In the following description, a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) placed at the store A, which indicates store identification information for identifying the store A, is used by the user U1. An example of settlement using the personal terminal 100 will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. An example of settlement described below is also applicable when any user uses any user terminal 100 to make a payment at any store. Moreover, the store identification information may be not only a QR code but also a bar code, a predetermined mark, a number, or the like.

For example, when user U1 makes a payment for using or purchasing a payment target (transaction target) such as various products and services at store A, user U1 installs a payment application in advance on user terminal 100. to start. Then, the user U1 photographs the store identification information installed in the store A via the payment application. In such a case, the user terminal 100 displays a screen for inputting the price to be settled, and accepts the input of the payment amount from the user U1 or the store A clerk. Then, the user terminal 100 provides user identification information for identifying the user U1, and store identification information (or information indicated by the store identification information, that is, information indicating the store A (or the business operator M1 of the store A) ( For example, the payment information indicating the shop ID)) and the payment amount is transmitted to the payment server 10 .

In such a case, the settlement server 10 transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the settlement amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A indicated by the store identification information. Then, the settlement server 10 transmits a notification that the settlement has been completed to the user terminal 100 . In such a case, the user terminal 100 notifies that the payment has been made with electronic money by outputting a screen or a predetermined voice indicating that the payment has been completed.

Note that the settlement using the user terminal 100 is not limited to the processing described above. For example, settlement using the user terminal 100 may be performed using the business operator terminal 200 installed at the store A. For example, the user terminal 100 displays user identification information for identifying user U1 on the screen. In such a case, the operator terminal 200 installed at the store A reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 100, and the user identification information (or information indicated by the user identification information, that is, Payment information indicating information indicating the person U1 (for example, user ID), payment amount, and information identifying the store A is transmitted to the payment server 10 . In such a case, the settlement server 10 transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the settlement amount from the account of the user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of the store A, and The fact that the payment has been made may be notified by causing the user terminal 100 to output a screen or a predetermined voice indicating that the payment has been completed.

In addition, settlement using the user terminal 100 includes not only the process of transferring electronic money from the account charged with electronic money in advance by the user U1 to the account of the store A, but also the credit card pre-registered by the user U1. Payment may be made using a card. In such a case, for example, the user terminal 100 transfers the electronic money of the settlement amount to the account of the store A, and requests the credit card management company (card company) of the user U1 for the settlement amount. You may

[1-2. Overview of Embodiment]
Here, as an example of giving a predetermined profit to a user who uses electronic payment, in a payment system using electronic coupons, external environment information is used to move privilege content information indicating the privilege content of the electronic coupon. There have been proposed techniques for changing However, with such technology, the provider of the electronic coupon simply selects the benefits of the electronic coupon based on environmental information such as weather information and the result of winning or losing a sports match. It cannot be said that the consumption behavior in the area is activated.

Therefore, the settlement server 10 executes provision processing according to the embodiment. The provision processing executed by the settlement server 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. In the following description, the user terminals 100 are assumed to be user terminals 100-1 to 100-N (N is an arbitrary natural number) according to the users who use the user terminals 100. FIG. For example, the user terminal 100-1 is the user terminal 100 used by the user (user U1) identified by the user ID "UID#1". Further, hereinafter, the user terminals 100-1 to 100-N will be referred to as the user terminal 100 when they are not distinguished from each other. Also, in the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the same as the user. That is, hereinafter, the user U1 can also be read as the user terminal 100-1.

Further, in the following description, the operator terminal 200 will be described as operator terminals 200-1 to 200-N (N is an arbitrary natural number) according to the operator using the operator terminal 200. FIG. For example, the operator terminal 200-1 is the operator terminal 200 used by the operator (operator M1) identified by the operator ID "MID#1". In the following description, the operator terminals 200-1 to 200-N will be referred to as the operator terminal 200 when they are not distinguished from each other. Also, in the following description, the operator terminal 200 may be identified with the operator. That is, hereinafter, the operator M1 can be read as the operator terminal 200-1.

Further, the map Mp1 shown in FIG. 1 includes areas AR1-AR6 indicated by the area information managed by the settlement server 10, railway stations St1-St6 located in each area, and routes R1-R5 connecting the railway stations St1-St6. Schematically.

First, the settlement server 10 collects context information indicating the situation of each area (step S1). For example, the payment server 10 collects, for each area, event information indicating various events that have occurred in the area and context information indicating the payment history of payments performed in the area using the above-described payment application. As a specific example, the payment server 10 receives weather information indicating the weather in each area, disaster information indicating disasters that have occurred in each area, and temperature information indicating the temperature in each area from a predetermined external server device. , road traffic information indicating traffic congestion in each area, and event information indicating operation information of railroad routes in each area. In addition, the payment server 10 stores the payment history indicating the date and time of payment, etc., as the location information of the user terminal 100 or the operator terminal 200 when the payment was made, the location of the store where the payment was made, etc. Collect by area based on.

Subsequently, the settlement server 10 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in each area based on the context information and events expected to occur in each area (step S2). Here, in the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the settlement server 10 obtains from a predetermined external server device a prediction of the occurrence of a cold wave in the areas AR3-AR5 in the period #1 after a predetermined time from the present time. In this case, the settlement server 10 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in each of the areas AR3-AR5 based on the context information of the areas AR3-AR5 and the event "cold wave" that is expected to occur. For example, the settlement server 10 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area AR3 during the period #1 based on the period during which a cold wave occurred in the area AR3 in the past and the settlement history in the area AR3 during that period. As a specific example, the payment server 10 estimates the number of payments made in the area AR3 using the above-described payment application in period #1. Also, the settlement server 10 similarly estimates the number of settlements made in the areas AR4 and AR5 in the period #1.

Next, the settlement server 10 identifies an area among the areas AR3 to AR5 in which the consumption behavior in period #1 satisfies a predetermined condition (step S3). For example, the settlement server 10 selects areas AR3-AR5 where the number of settlements in period #1 is lower than the average number of settlements during normal times when the event "cold wave" does not occur, by a predetermined threshold or more. identify. In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the settlement server 10 has identified area AR4 as an area where consumption behavior in period #1 satisfies a predetermined condition.

Subsequently, the payment server 10 notifies the stores located in the specified area of information on consumption behavior (step S4). For example, the payment server 10 notifies the business operator managing the store located in the area AR4 of information that the consumption of the user will be stagnant due to the cold wave occurring in the period #1. In addition, the settlement server 10 notifies the business operator managing the store located in the area AR4 of information to the effect that the distribution of the coupon that can be used in the area AR4 is proposed during the period #1.

Subsequently, the settlement server 10 receives information on the profit that the store gives to the user (step S5). For example, along with the notification in step S4, the payment server 10 sends content to the operator terminal 200 for inputting settings related to the profit that the store gives to the user via the electronic payment service (in other words, the profit from the store's capital). provide and accept information entered into the content. To give a specific example, the settlement server 10 receives information such as sources of profits, content of profits (for example, discount rate, cashback rate, etc.), application conditions for profits, and the like.

Subsequently, the settlement server 10 provides profit information to users who have a predetermined relationship with the identified area AR4 (step S6). For example, the payment server 10 stores position information of the user terminal 100 (for example, position information when payment is made using the payment application described above, position information acquired using a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System), etc.). Information, etc.) to the user who is estimated to be able to use the store located in the area AR4 based on the information received in step S5, and the profit provided by the manager of the electronic payment service. , and profit information relating to profits available at stores located in the area AR4 (for example, common coupons available at each store located in the area AR4) are provided during the period #1. To give a specific example, the settlement server 10 provides benefits to users located in the area AR4, users passing through the area AR4, users flowing out of the area AR4, and users flowing into the area AR4. provide information.

To give a more specific example, the settlement server 10 provides profit information together with information to the effect that a user residing in area AR4 is proposed to go out. In addition, the settlement server 10 is a user who lives in an area other than the area AR4 and uses the route R2-R5 connected to the railway station St3 located in the area AR4 to commute to an area other than the area AR4. Profit information is provided to the user together with information to the effect that a visit to the area AR4 is proposed. The settlement server 10 also provides information to the effect that a user who lives in the area AR4 and commute to work or school in an area other than the area AR4 is proposed to go shopping in the area AR4 before commuting to work or school. provide information. In addition, the settlement server 10 provides information to the effect that a user who lives in an area other than the area AR4 and who commute to work or school in the area AR4 should shop in the area AR4, which is the destination of the work or school. Provide profit information.

Note that the settlement server 10 may provide profit information to users who have a predetermined relationship with the area AR4 during a predetermined period prior to the period #1. For example, the settlement server 10 provides users living in the area AR4 with profit information together with information to the effect that shopping is recommended in preparation for a cold wave.

In addition, the settlement server 10 may provide profit information regarding profit available in a predetermined period after period #1 to users who have a predetermined relationship with the area AR4. For example, the settlement server 10 provides the user living in the area AR4 with profit information along with information to the effect that it is suggested that the user should buy products that have been exhausted during the cold wave.

Moreover, the settlement server 10 does not have to provide the profit information based on the information received from the business operator terminal 200 when the predicted cold snap does not occur.

In addition, the settlement server 10 provides profit information related to profits that can be used in the area AR4 provided by local governments (local governments, etc.) or corporate organizations (shopping district promotion associations, etc.) corresponding to the area AR4. may be provided.

As described above, the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment provides users who are assumed to be able to use a store located in an area where the user's consumption activity is estimated to be Provides benefit information about benefits available at stores located in the area. As a result, when it is estimated that the consumption behavior of a user in a specific area will stagnate, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can determine the consumption behavior of all stores located in the area instead of specific stores within the area. can be activated. That is, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can activate consumption behavior in a specific area.

[2. Configuration of payment server]
Next, the configuration of the settlement server 10 will be described using FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a settlement server according to the embodiment; As shown in FIG. 2, the settlement server 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

(Regarding communication unit 20)
The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 100, the operator terminal 200, and the like.

(Regarding storage unit 30)
The storage unit 30 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 3 , the storage unit 30 has an account database 31 , an area information database 32 and a user information database 33 .

(Regarding account database 31)
The account database 31 stores various information related to accounts owned by users, stores (businesses), etc. in the electronic payment service. An example of information stored in the account database 31 will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an account database according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, the account database 31 has items such as "account ID", "owner information", and "account balance".

"Account ID" indicates identification information for identifying an account. "Owner information" indicates information about the owner who owns the account, and stores, for example, identification information for identifying the owner. "Account balance" indicates the balance of the account.

That is, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the information of the owner of the account identified by the account ID "AID#1" is "user #1" and the account balance is "7,800 yen".

(Regarding area information database 32)
The area information database 32 stores various information about areas. An example of information stored in the area information database 32 will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an area information database according to the embodiment; In the example of FIG. 4, the area information database 32 has items such as "area ID", "location information", "event information", "road information", "route information", "store ID", and "location".

"Area ID" indicates identification information for identifying an area. "Location information" indicates information such as the location and range of an area. "Event information" indicates information about various events that have occurred in the area, and stores information such as the type of event, the scale of the event, and the date and time when the event occurred. "Road information" indicates road information in the area. "Route information" indicates the route information within the area. "Store ID" indicates identification information for identifying a store located within the area. "Location" indicates the location of the store.

That is, in FIG. 4, the location information of the area identified by the area ID "AID#1" is "location information #1", the event information is "event information #1", the road information is "road information #1", and the route An example is shown in which the information is "route information #1" and the store identified by the store ID "MID#1" is located in the area "location #11".

(Regarding the user information database 33)
The user information database 33 stores various information about users of electronic payment services provided by the payment server 10 . An example of information stored in the user information database 33 will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database according to the embodiment; In the example of FIG. 5, the user information database 33 has items such as "user ID", "payment history", "location", and "location history".

"User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Payment history" indicates the history of payments made using the electronic payment service, and stores information such as payment recipients and payment amounts, for example. "Location" indicates the location (address, etc.) of the user. "Location History" indicates the history of location information of the user.

That is, in FIG. 5, the payment history of the user identified by the user ID "UID #1" is "payment history #1", the location is "location #1", and the location history is "location history #1". Give an example.

(Regarding the control unit 40)
The control unit 40 is a controller, and various programs stored in a storage device inside the payment server 10 are executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like, using the RAM as a work area. It is realized by being executed. Also, the control unit 40 is a controller, and is implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 40 according to the embodiment includes, as shown in FIG. and implements or executes the information processing functions and actions described below.

(Regarding the collection unit 41)
The collection unit 41 collects context information indicating the situation of the area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the collection unit 41 collects event information indicating various events that have occurred in the area and context information indicating the payment history of payments made using the above-described payment application in the area. , the area information database 32 and the user information database 33 .

(Regarding the estimation unit 42)
The estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information indicating the situation of the area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the estimating unit 42 refers to the area information database 32 and the user information database 33, and based on the context information and the event that is expected to occur, the consumption behavior of the user in each area. to estimate

Moreover, the estimation unit 42 may estimate the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the event occurs based on the context information corresponding to the event occurring in the area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the estimating unit 42 determines the consumption of the user in the area AR3 in the period #1 based on the period when the cold wave occurred in the area AR3 in the past and the payment history in the area AR3 during the period. infer behavior. Note that the estimation unit 42 may estimate the consumption behavior of the user in a period before the period in which the event occurs, in a period after the period in which the event occurs, or the like.

Moreover, the estimation unit 42 may estimate the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the weather phenomenon occurs based on the context information corresponding to the weather phenomenon occurring in the area. For example, when a meteorological phenomenon such as rain or snowfall is predicted to occur in an area, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user based on the context information of the area when the meteorological phenomenon occurred in the past. . To give a specific example, the estimating unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user based on the context information of the area when the amount of rainfall corresponding to the rainfall amount predicted in the area occurs. In addition, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user based on the amount of snowfall predicted in the area and the context information of the area when the corresponding amount of snowfall occurs.

Moreover, the estimation unit 42 may estimate the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the disaster occurs based on the context information corresponding to the disaster that occurs in the area. For example, when a disaster such as a flood, a landslide disaster, a typhoon, a cold wave, or a heat wave is predicted to occur in an area, the estimation unit 42, based on the context information of the area when the disaster occurred in the past, to estimate the consumption behavior of To give a specific example, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user based on the context information of the area when a disaster of a scale corresponding to the predicted disaster occurs in the area.

Moreover, the estimation unit 42 may estimate the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the temperature reaches the temperature, based on the context information corresponding to the temperature of the area. For example, when the temperature in the area is predicted to reach a predetermined temperature, the estimating unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user based on the context information when the temperature in the area reached the predetermined temperature in the past. To give specific examples, when the maximum temperature in the area is 35 degrees or more (hot day), when the maximum temperature is 30 degrees or more (midsummer day), when the maximum temperature is 25 degrees or more (summer day), when the maximum temperature is less than 0 degrees (midwinter day), when the minimum temperature is less than 0 degrees (winter day), the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user based on the context information of the area. .

Also, the estimation unit 42 may estimate the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the situation occurs, based on the context information corresponding to the situation of the user's movement route in the area. For example, when a situation such as traffic congestion on a road within an area or a road outside the area connected to the road, or suspension of operation of means of transportation within the area is estimated, the estimation unit 42 determines whether the situation has occurred in the past in the area. Estimates the consumption behavior of users based on context information at the time of occurrence.

Also, the estimation unit 42 may estimate the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information indicating information about the user located in the area. For example, the estimation unit 42 refers to the user information database 33 and estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information indicating the user information of the user located in the area. To give a specific example, when the ratio of users flowing in from other areas among users located in the area during the daytime (for example, 9:00 to 18:00) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (in other words, If the area is estimated to be a business district), the estimation unit 42 determines that if the area is a bedroom town (for example, the ratio of users who leave the area during the day to other areas among the users living in the area is than a predetermined threshold) or a suburban area (for example, an area where the ratio of users who move to other areas during the daytime among the users living in the area is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold) It is estimated that the consumption behavior of users is unlikely to stagnate.

Also, the estimation unit 42 may estimate the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information indicating the information about the stores located in the area. For example, the estimating unit 42 refers to the area information database 32 and estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information indicating information about shops located in the area. To give a specific example, when it is predicted that an event in which the user is restrained from going out will occur in an area, the estimation unit 42 determines that the consumption behavior of the user is stagnant in the area where stores selling daily necessities are located. presumed to be difficult.

(Regarding the specifying part 43)
The identifying unit 43 identifies areas where the consumption behavior estimated by the estimating unit 42 satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the specifying unit 43 specifies an area AR4 in which the consumption behavior in the period #1 satisfies a predetermined condition among the areas AR3 to AR5 where a cold wave is expected to occur in the period #1.

Further, the specifying unit 43 may specify an area where the index value indicating the consumption behavior of the user decreases by a predetermined threshold or more. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the identification unit 43 determines that the number of payments in period #1 in areas AR3-AR5 is higher than the average value of the number of payments during normal times when the event "cold weather" does not occur. Identify an area AR4 in which the value of is decreased by a threshold value of or more.

In addition, the identification unit 43 is executed by reading the information displayed on the terminal device used by the user and linked to the user by the store terminal used by the store where the user makes the payment. or the terminal device used by the user reads the information linked to the store where the user makes the payment. Areas may be specified. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the identifying unit 43 identifies an area where the consumption behavior of the user who uses the electronic payment service provided by the payment server 10 satisfies a predetermined condition.

(Regarding the notification unit 44)
The notification unit 44 notifies the stores located in the area identified by the identification unit 43 of information on the consumption behavior of the user in the area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the notification unit 44 refers to the area information database 32, and informs the business operator that manages the store located in the area AR4 that the consumption of the user is stagnant due to the cold wave that occurs in the period #1. Notify the information to that effect.

(Regarding the reception unit 45)
The receiving unit 45 receives, from the store notified of the information by the notifying unit 44, information regarding the profit that the store gives to the user. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the notification unit 44 receives information such as profit sources, profit details, profit application conditions, and the like.

In addition, the reception unit 45 may receive payment information regarding payment using a user terminal used by a user, which is payment for a store. For example, the reception unit 45 receives from the user terminal 100 payment information including the store ID indicated by the store identification information, the payment amount entered by the user, and the user ID. In addition, when the user identification information for identifying the user displayed on the user terminal 100 is read by the operator terminal 200 and the payment is made, the reception unit 45 receives the payment information indicating the payment. may be received from the operator terminal 200 .

(About the providing unit 46)
The providing unit 46 provides profit information regarding profit available in the area specified by the specifying unit 43 to users having a predetermined relationship with the area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the provision unit 46 refers to the user information database 33, and provides information on profit available at the store located in the area AR4 to the user who is estimated to be able to use the store located in the area AR4. provide profit information for during period #1.

Further, the providing unit 46 may provide profit information to users located in the area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the providing unit 46 provides profit information together with information to the effect that going out is proposed to users living in area AR4.

The providing unit 46 may also provide benefit information to users passing through the area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the provision unit 46 provides a user who lives in an area other than the area AR4 and uses the route R2-R5 connecting to the railway station St3 located in the area AR4 to Profit information is provided together with information to the effect that a user who commute to work or school in the area is suggested to stop by the area AR4.

The providing unit 46 may also provide profit information to users who leave the area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the provision unit 46 proposes to a user who lives in the area AR4 and commute to work or school in an area other than the area AR4 to go shopping in the area AR4 before commuting to work or school. Provide profit information along with information to the effect that

Further, the providing unit 46 may provide profit information to users who flow into the area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the providing unit 46 instructs a user who lives in an area other than the area AR4 and who commute to work or school in the area AR4 to shop in the area AR4, which is the destination of the work or school. Provide profit information along with the information that you are proposing.

Further, the providing unit 46 may provide profit information based on information received by the receiving unit 45 . For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the providing unit 46 provides the profit information based on the reception information from the business operator managing the store during the period #1.

Further, the providing unit 46 may provide profit information relating to profits given when settlements are made for a plurality of shops located in the area. For example, the providing unit 46 provides profit information regarding profits to be given when making payments to a plurality of stores located in the area specified by the specifying unit 43 and traveling within the area. To give a specific example, the providing unit 46, based on the user's payment history and location history, when congestion is estimated at a specific store in the area specified by the specifying unit 43, To provide profit information relating to profit given when settlement is made to a plurality of shops located within a predetermined range from the shops.

(Regarding the payment processing unit 47)
The payment processing unit 47 executes payment processing according to the payment information received by the reception unit 45 . For example, the payment processing unit 47 transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the payment amount from the account of the user indicated by the user ID to the account of the shop indicated by the shop ID.

[3. Provision processing flow]
A procedure of provision processing of the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of provision processing according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the payment server 10 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information indicating the situation of the area (step S101). Subsequently, the settlement server 10 identifies areas where the consumption behavior of the user satisfies a predetermined condition (step S102). Subsequently, the payment server 10 notifies the store located in the specified area of information on the consumption behavior of the user in the specified area (step S103). Subsequently, the settlement server 10 receives information on profits that the store gives to the user (step S104). Subsequently, the settlement server 10 provides profit information regarding profits available in the specified area to users who have a predetermined relationship with the specified area (step S105), and ends the process.

[4. Modification]
The above-described embodiment is an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[4-1. About event]
In the above-described embodiment, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user based on context information corresponding to events such as weather phenomena in the area, disasters, road congestion, and suspension of transportation within the area. Although an example of estimating is shown, the event is not limited to such an example, and may be anything as long as it affects the consumption behavior of the user. For example, the estimation unit 42 may estimate the consumption behavior of the user when an infectious disease is prevalent in the area.

[4-2. Regarding the identification of the area based on the mode of movement]
In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the specifying unit 43 specifies an area where the consumption behavior of the user satisfies a predetermined condition, but the function of the specifying unit 43 is not limited to such an example, and the user's consumption behavior is not limited to such an example. You may specify the area where a movement aspect satisfy|fills a predetermined condition. For example, the estimation unit 42 estimates the movement mode of the user in the area when the event occurs based on the context information corresponding to the event occurring in the area. Then, the specifying unit 43 specifies an area where the user does not move when the event occurs (in other words, an area where the user does not go out due to a cold wave, rain, snowfall, etc., and consumption behavior is stagnant). .

Further, the specifying unit 43 specifies an area where the existing user does not move according to the situation of the moving route of the user. To give a specific example, the identifying unit 43 identifies an area where the user cannot move due to an accident resulting in injury or death, missing the last train, or the like. Then, the providing unit 46 provides users located in the specified area (for example, users located around the station) with information to the effect that they encourage consumption behavior that also serves as killing time in the area and profit information. offer.

[4-3. Dispersion of consumption behavior]
In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the identifying unit 43 identifies an area where the index value indicating the consumption behavior of the user decreases by a predetermined threshold or more, but the function of the identifying unit 43 is not limited to such an example. . For example, the specifying unit 43 may specify an area in which the index value indicating the consumption behavior of the user increases by a predetermined threshold or more when a predetermined event occurs. Then, the providing unit 46 provides the user having a predetermined relationship with the identified area with profit information regarding profit that can be used during a period different from the period during which the index value increases by a predetermined threshold or more.

Note that the specifying unit 43 may specify a store or a business type in which an index value indicating a user's consumption behavior increases by a predetermined threshold or more when a predetermined event occurs. Then, the providing unit 46 provides the user who is presumed to be able to use the specified store or business type with profit information regarding profit that can be used during a period different from the period during which the index value rises by a predetermined threshold or more. .

[4-4. About processing mode]
Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, and conversely, all of the processes described as being manually performed can be performed manually. Alternatively, some can be done automatically by known methods. In addition, information including processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

Also, each component of each device illustrated is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.

Moreover, each of the embodiments described above can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict the processing contents.

[5. effect〕
As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment includes the collection unit 41, the estimation unit 42, the identification unit 43, the notification unit 44, the reception unit 45, the provision unit 46, and the payment processing unit 47. have The collection unit 41 collects context information indicating the situation of the area. The estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information indicating the situation of the area. The identifying unit 43 identifies areas where the consumption behavior estimated by the estimating unit 42 satisfies a predetermined condition. In addition, the identifying unit 43 identifies areas where the index value indicating the consumption behavior of the user decreases by a predetermined threshold or more. In addition, the identification unit 43 is executed by reading the information displayed on the terminal device used by the user and linked to the user by the store terminal used by the store where the user makes the payment. or the terminal device used by the user reads the information linked to the store where the user makes the payment. Identify an area. The notification unit 44 notifies the stores located in the area identified by the identification unit 43 of information on the consumption behavior of the user in the area. The receiving unit 45 receives, from the store notified of the information by the notifying unit 44, information regarding the profit that the store gives to the user. The providing unit 46 provides profit information regarding profit available in the area specified by the specifying unit 43 to users having a predetermined relationship with the area. Also, the providing unit 46 provides profit information based on the information received by the receiving unit 45 . The payment processing unit 47 executes payment processing according to the payment information received by the reception unit 451 .

As a result, the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment provides users who are presumed to be able to use a store located in an area where the consumption behavior of the user is estimated to be stagnant, Since it is possible to provide profit information regarding the profit available at the store where it is located, it is possible to activate consumption behavior in a specific area.

Also, in the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information indicating information about the user located in the area. Also, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information indicating the information about the stores located in the area. Also, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the event occurs based on the context information corresponding to the event occurring in the area. Also, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the weather phenomenon occurs based on the context information corresponding to the weather phenomenon occurring in the area. Also, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the disaster occurs, based on the context information corresponding to the disaster that occurs in the area. Also, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the temperature reaches the temperature, based on the context information corresponding to the temperature of the area. Also, the estimation unit 42 estimates the consumption behavior of the user in the area when the situation occurs, based on the context information corresponding to the situation of the user's movement route in the area.

As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can indicate various types of information and estimate the consumption behavior of the user in the area based on the context information corresponding to various events. Identifying systems can be improved.

In addition, in the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the providing unit 46 provides profit information to users located in the area. The providing unit 46 also provides benefit information to users passing through the area. Further, the providing unit 46 provides profit information to users who leave the area. In addition, the providing unit 46 provides profit information to users who flow into the area.

As a result, the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment can provide profit information to a user who is estimated to be able to use an area where consumption behavior is stagnant, thereby improving the effect of appealing the profit information. .

In addition, in the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the providing unit 46 provides profit information regarding profit given when payment is made for a plurality of shops located in the area.

As a result, the settlement server 10 according to the embodiment can encourage users to wander around in areas where consumption behavior is stagnant, thereby activating consumption behavior in a specific area.

[6. Hardware configuration]
Also, the settlement server 10 according to each of the embodiments described above is implemented by, for example, a computer 1000 configured as shown in FIG. The settlement server 10 will be described below as an example. FIG. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the settlement server. Computer 1000 has CPU 1100 , ROM 1200 , RAM 1300 , HDD 1400 , communication interface (I/F) 1500 , input/output interface (I/F) 1600 and media interface (I/F) 1700 .

The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1200 or HDD 1400 and controls each section. The ROM 1200 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started, programs dependent on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by the programs, and the like. Communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via communication network 500 (corresponding to network N in the embodiment) and sends it to CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by CPU 1100 via communication network 500 to other devices. Send to device.

The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, through an input/output interface 1600 . CPU 1100 acquires data from an input device via input/output interface 1600 . Also, CPU 1100 outputs the generated data to an output device via input/output interface 1600 .

Media interface 1700 reads programs or data stored in recording medium 1800 and provides them to CPU 1100 via RAM 1300 . CPU 1100 loads such a program from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1300 via media interface 1700, and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase change rewritable disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. etc.

For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the settlement server 10 , the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 implements the functions of the control unit 40 by executing programs loaded on the RAM 1300 . Further, each data in the storage device of the settlement server 10 is stored in the HDD 1400 . CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads these programs from recording medium 1800 and executes them, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from another device via a predetermined communication network.

[7. others〕
As described above, some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail based on the drawings. It is possible to carry out the invention in other forms with modifications.

In addition, the configuration of the settlement server 10 described above can be flexibly changed, for example, by calling an external platform or the like using an API (Application Programming Interface), network computing, or the like, depending on the function.

In addition, the "unit" described in the claims can be read as "means", "circuit", or the like. For example, the reception unit can be read as reception means or a reception circuit.

10 payment server 20 communication unit 30 storage unit 31 account database 32 area information database 33 user information database 40 control unit 41 collection unit 42 estimation unit 43 identification unit 44 notification unit 45 reception unit 46 provision unit 47 payment processing unit 100 user terminal 200 operator terminal

Claims (17)

Stores context information including event information indicating a specified event that has occurred in an area and is an event that has been specified in advance as an object to be processed, and a payment history indicating a history of payments made using one payment method in the area. a storage unit;
When the occurrence of a specific specified event is predicted, the storage unit is referred to, and when the specific specified event occurs indicated by the event information included in the context information registered in the storage unit, one event is detected in the area. estimating the number of payments based on the payment history performed using the payment method as the number of payments made by the user using the one payment method in the area when the specific specified event occurs, and The number of payments based on the payment history made using one payment method in the area during a period other than when the specified event occurred in the area when the specified event did not occur an estimation unit that estimates the number of payments made using one payment method;
a specifying unit that specifies an area in which the number of payments when the specific designated event occurs estimated by the estimating unit is lower than the number of payments when the specific designated event does not occur by a predetermined threshold or more; ,
The profit information relating to the profit available in the area specified by the specifying unit, which is given on the condition that the user makes a payment in the area using the one payment means, is the area and the profit information and a providing unit for providing information to a user having a predetermined relationship. The estimation unit
Based on the context information indicating whether the user located in the area is a user who flows into the area from another area or a user who flows from the area to another area, 2. The providing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of times of said payment by the user is estimated. The estimation unit
3. The providing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of payments made by the user in the area is estimated based on the context information indicating transaction objects sold by stores located in the area. The estimation unit
Based on the context information corresponding to the weather phenomenon occurring in the area, the number of payments made by the users in the area using the one payment method when the weather phenomenon occurs is estimated. 4. A provider according to any one of claims 1-3. The estimation unit
Estimates the number of payments made by users in the area using the one payment method when the disaster occurs based on the context information corresponding to the disaster that occurs in the area. 5. A provider according to any one of 1 to 4. The estimation unit
6. Based on the context information corresponding to the temperature of the area, the number of payments made by the user in the area using the one payment method when the temperature reaches the temperature is estimated. A provider according to any one of The estimation unit
characterized by estimating the number of payments made by the user in the area using the one payment method when the situation occurs based on the context information corresponding to the situation of the user's movement route in the area. 7. The providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The providing unit
The provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the profit information is provided to users located in the area. The providing unit
The provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the benefit information is provided to users passing through the area. The providing unit
10. The provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the profit information is provided to users who flow out of the area. The providing unit
The provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the profit information is provided to users who flow into the area. The providing unit
The profit information is provided, which is set as a condition under which a profit is granted to the user that a payment be made to a plurality of shops located in the area using the one payment method. 12. A provider according to any one of 1 to 11. A notification unit that notifies stores located in the area identified by the identification unit of information indicating that the number of payments made by users in the area has decreased by a predetermined threshold or more. 13. A provider according to any one of 1 to 12. further comprising a reception unit that receives information on profits that the store gives to the user from the store notified of the information by the notification unit;
The providing unit
14. The providing device according to claim 13, wherein the profit information is provided based on the information received by the receiving unit. The identification unit
The first payment means performed by reading information displayed on the terminal device used by the user and linked to the user by the store terminal used by the store where the user makes the payment. Alternatively, the user's consumption behavior using the first payment method, which is performed by the terminal device used by the user reading information linked to the store where the user makes the payment, satisfies a predetermined condition 15. A provider according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it identifies an area to fill. A computer-implemented method of providing, comprising:
A storage unit that stores context information including event information indicating a specified event that has occurred in an area and is an event that has been specified in advance as an object to be processed, and a payment history that indicates the history of payments made using one payment method in the area. a storage step of storing in
When the occurrence of a specific specified event is predicted, the storage unit is referred to, and when the specific specified event occurs indicated by the event information included in the context information registered in the storage step, one event is detected in the area. estimating the number of payments based on the payment history performed using the payment method as the number of payments made by the user using the one payment method in the area when the specific specified event occurs, and The number of payments based on the payment history made using one payment method in the area during a period other than when the specified event occurred in the area when the specified event did not occur an estimation step of estimating as the number of payments made using one payment method;
a specifying step of specifying an area in which the number of payments when the specific specified event occurs, estimated by the estimating step, is lower than the number of payments when the specific specified event does not occur by a predetermined threshold or more; ,
The profit information relating to the profit available in the area specified by the specifying step, which is given on the condition that the user makes a payment in the area using the one payment method, is transferred to the area and and a providing step of providing to a user having a predetermined relationship. A storage unit that stores context information including event information indicating a specified event that has occurred in an area and is an event that has been specified in advance as an object to be processed, and a payment history that indicates the history of payments made using one payment method in the area. a storage procedure for storing in
When the occurrence of a specific specified event is predicted, the storage unit is referred to, and when the specific specified event occurs indicated by the event information included in the context information registered in the storage procedure, one event is detected in the area. estimating the number of payments based on the payment history performed using the payment method as the number of payments made by the user using the one payment method in the area when the specific specified event occurs, and The number of payments based on the payment history made using one payment method in the area during a period other than when the specified event occurred in the area when the specified event did not occur An estimation procedure for estimating as the number of payments made using one payment method;
a specifying step of specifying an area in which the number of payments when the specific specified event occurs, estimated by the estimation step, is lower than the number of payments when the specific specified event does not occur by a predetermined threshold or more; ,
Profit information relating to profit available in the area specified by the above-mentioned specifying procedure, which is given on the condition that the user makes a payment in the area using the one payment method A providing program characterized by causing a computer to execute a providing procedure for providing to a user having a predetermined relationship.

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