JP2007213276A - Electronic coupon system, store server, store front information terminal, personal digital assistant, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic coupon system and the like for sales promotion by providing a coupon service to a customer who purchases a commodity using a personal digital assistant provided on a self-service vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: The personal digital assistant 105 transmits a customer ID read from a customer card 108 at the time of entering a store and its own personal digital assistant ID to the store server 101. The store server 101 associates the customer ID with the personal digital assistant ID. The store front information terminal 103 transmits the customer ID read by holding the customer card 108 above it, its own store front information terminal ID, and a content ID of a coupon object displayed to the store server 101. The store server 101 provides coupon information acquired based on a content ID from a coupon information database 203 to the personal digital assistant 105 associated with the customer ID. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic coupon system, and more particularly, to an electronic coupon system that provides coupon information and provides a discount service to a customer who uses a shopping cart in a store such as a supermarket.

  In the past, manufacturers and stores have (1) printed coupons on flyers and distributed them to consumers, and distributed coupons in stores, interested in coupons. A person can receive a discount by presenting a coupon together with the target product at a cash register. (2) A method has been employed in which a point that is added value is given to the purchaser according to the sale of the product, and the service is returned according to the point.

In recent years, in stores that sell products displayed in the form of self-service, such as stores and shopping centers, display devices have been installed in shopping carts that carry goods to be purchased and transported to communicate advertisements and in-store information. There are several systems to do.
For example, a shopping cart display system that distributes advertisements and store information centrally managed by a store server installed in a store to a shopping cart by wireless communication via an access point connected to the store server via a LAN or the like is disclosed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-152041

  However, with conventional systems and systems, at stores that sell products displayed in the form of self-service, discounts cannot be obtained unless coupons are presented at the cash register. There was a problem that could not.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is an electronic coupon that promotes purchase by providing a coupon service to a customer who purchases a product using a portable information terminal provided in a self-service transporter The purpose is to provide a system.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the first invention provides one or more storefront information terminals that are arranged in a store and reproduce contents for a customer who performs shopping, and a self that stores and transports products in the store. A store server that is wirelessly or wiredly connected to one or more portable information terminals provided in a service carrier and distributes coupon information, and provides a customer database that stores customer information and a discount service for the product In response to a coupon request for content from the store information terminal, a coupon database for storing coupon information, a means for associating a customer ID received from the portable information terminal with a portable information terminal ID, and using the coupon database , Means for setting the coupon information based on the received coupon target content ID, The Coupon information is a store server, characterized by comprising: a providing means for providing to the portable information terminal that is associated with the customer ID.

  The store server according to the first invention has a customer database for storing customer information and a coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for merchandise, and the customer ID and portable information received from the portable information terminal. When the terminal ID is associated, the customer ID, the store information terminal ID, and the coupon target content ID are received from the store information terminal, the coupon information extracted from the coupon database based on the store information terminal ID and the content ID is converted into the customer ID. Provided to a portable information terminal associated with

“Coupon information” is information that provides a discount / free service for merchandise and has conditions for its use.
“Customer information” is customer attribute information, and has the number of points and the purchase history according to the purchase amount so far.
The “customer card” incorporates a non-contact IC tag.
The “mechanically identifiable information storage medium” is a non-contact IC tag, a two-dimensional barcode, or a one-dimensional barcode.

  In the first invention, it is possible to provide a coupon service according to points accumulated by product purchase, a coupon service for a specific manufacturer / product targeted from the storefront information terminal, and the like, and an electronic coupon system attractive to customers can be provided In addition, an effective sales promotion effect can be obtained for the customer.

  The second invention is a store server that is connected wirelessly or by wire to one or more portable information terminals provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports products in a store, and distributes coupon information. A customer database for storing customer information; a coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product; means for associating a customer ID received from the portable information terminal with a portable information terminal ID; In response to a coupon request from a portable information terminal, using the coupon database, means for setting coupon information based on customer information corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database, and the coupon information Providing means for providing to a portable information terminal associated with an ID, a store server characterized by A.

  A store server according to a second invention has a customer database for storing customer information and a coupon database for storing coupon information for providing discount services for the merchandise, and a customer ID and a portable type received from a portable information terminal. A portable type in which coupon information extracted from a coupon database is associated with a customer ID based on customer information corresponding to a customer ID in a customer database in response to a coupon request from a portable information terminal in association with an information terminal ID Provide to information terminals.

  The third invention is a store server that distributes coupon information by wireless or wired connection to one or more portable information terminals provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports goods in the store. A customer database for storing customer information; a coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product; means for associating a customer ID received from the portable information terminal with a portable information terminal ID; In response to a coupon request for product information to be purchased from a portable information terminal, using the coupon database, customer information corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database, and the purchase price calculated to date according to the product information Based on, the means to set coupon information and coupon information according to the purchase price up to now, Serial is a store server, characterized by comprising a providing means for providing to the portable information terminal associated with the customer ID, and.

  A store server according to a third aspect of the present invention has a customer database for storing customer information and a coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the merchandise, and the customer ID and the portable type received from the portable information terminal. The purchase price of the product is calculated from the product information received from the portable information terminal by associating the information terminal ID, and the customer information corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database and the calculated purchase up to the present time using the coupon database Coupon information corresponding to the purchase amount up to now, set based on the amount, is provided to the portable information terminal associated with the customer ID.

  Moreover, 4th invention is one or more storefront information terminals which reproduce | regenerate a content with respect to the customer who does shopping connected to the store server which provides coupon information via a network, and is arrange | positioned in a store, , A reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card, the read customer ID, and the content ID of the coupon object currently displayed, and a coupon request for the content to send a coupon request for the content to the customer to the store server And a storefront information terminal.

  The storefront information terminal according to the fourth aspect of the invention reads the customer ID stored in the customer card, and sends the coupon request for the content to the customer to the store server together with the read customer ID and the currently displayed coupon target content ID. To do.

  The fifth invention is one or more portable information terminals that are connected to a store server that provides coupon information wirelessly or by wire, and are provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports goods in the store. , A reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card, a customer ID transmission means for transmitting the read customer ID and its portable information terminal ID to the store server, and a coupon request to the store server. An acquisition means for acquiring and displaying coupon information received from the store server by wireless communication.

  The portable information terminal according to the fifth invention is a customer connected to a store server that provides coupon information wirelessly or by wire, stored in a self-service transporter that stores and transports goods in the store, and stores the customer in a customer card The ID is read, the read customer ID and its own portable information terminal ID are transmitted to the store server, and coupon information received from the store server by wireless communication is acquired and displayed.

  The sixth invention is one or more portable information terminals that are connected to a store server that provides coupon information wirelessly or by wire, and are provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports goods in the store. In the self-service carrier, the reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card, the read customer ID, and the portable information terminal ID of the customer ID transmitting means for transmitting to the store server, The product information stored in the mechanically identifiable information storage medium attached to the product can be read without contact at all times, and the product information stored in the information storage medium attached to the product to be purchased is bundled. The information storage medium reading means, the coupon request means for transmitting the coupon request for the read product information to be read to the store server, and the store server Received by wireless communication, a portable information terminal, characterized by comprising obtaining the coupon information according to the purchase price to date, an acquisition unit for displaying, the.

  The portable information terminal according to the sixth invention reads the customer ID stored in the customer card, transmits the read customer ID and its own portable information terminal ID to the store server, and in the self-service carrier, The product information stored in the mechanically identifiable information storage medium attached to the product can be read without contact at all times, and the product information stored in the information storage medium attached to the product to be purchased is bundled. The product information read and the portable information terminal ID of itself are transmitted to the store server, and coupon information according to the purchase price up to now received by wireless communication from the store server is acquired and displayed.

  Further, the seventh invention is provided in one or more storefront information terminals that are arranged in a store and reproduce contents for a customer who makes a purchase, and a self-service transporter that stores and transports products in the store. An electronic coupon system comprising one or more portable information terminals and a store server that is connected to the portable information terminal and the store information terminal wirelessly or by wire and distributes coupon information, wherein the store information terminal is , A reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card, the read customer ID, and the content ID of the coupon object currently displayed, and a coupon request for the content to send a coupon request for the content to the customer to the store server Means, and the store server provides a customer database for storing customer information, and a discount service for the product. A coupon database for storing coupon information to be provided, means for associating a customer ID received from the portable information terminal with a portable information terminal ID, and using the coupon database in response to a coupon request for content from the storefront information terminal A means for setting the coupon information based on the received coupon target content ID, and a providing means for providing the coupon information to a portable information terminal associated with the customer ID. The type information terminal is an electronic coupon system comprising acquisition means for acquiring and displaying coupon information received from the store server by wireless communication.

  The seventh invention is an electronic device comprising the store server of the first invention, the storefront information terminal of the fourth invention, and a portable information terminal that acquires and displays coupon information received from the store server by wireless communication. It is an invention related to a coupon system.

  In addition, the eighth invention includes one or more portable information terminals provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports goods in a store, and a store server that is connected wirelessly or by wire to distribute coupon information. An electronic coupon system comprising: a portable information terminal that reads a customer ID stored in a customer card; a customer that transmits the read customer ID and its own portable information terminal ID to the store server; In response to a coupon request to the store server, the ID server includes an acquisition unit that acquires and displays coupon information received from the store server by wireless communication, and the store server stores customer information. A database, a coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product, and the portable information terminal A means for associating a customer ID with a portable information terminal ID, and using the coupon database in response to a coupon request from the portable information terminal, based on customer information corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database, An electronic coupon system comprising: means for setting information; and providing means for providing the coupon information to a portable information terminal associated with the customer ID.

  The eighth invention is an invention relating to an electronic coupon system comprising the store server of the second invention and the portable information terminal of the fifth invention.

  The ninth invention comprises one or more portable information terminals provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports goods in a store, and a store server that is connected wirelessly or by wire to distribute coupon information. In the electronic coupon system, the portable information terminal transmits reading means for reading a customer ID stored in a customer card, the read customer ID, and its own portable information terminal ID to the store server. The customer ID transmission means and the self-service carrier are equipped with a product that can be read without contact with the product information stored in the mechanically identifiable information storage medium attached to the product at all times. An information storage medium reading unit that collectively reads the product information stored in the information storage medium attached to the product, and a coupon request for the read product information to be purchased. A coupon request means for transmitting to the server; and an acquisition means for acquiring and displaying coupon information according to the purchase price received up to the present time received by wireless communication from the store server, wherein the store server stores customer information. A customer database, a coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product, a means for associating a customer ID received from the portable information terminal and a portable information terminal ID, and a portable information terminal In response to a coupon request for product information to be purchased, using the coupon database, coupon information based on the customer information corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database and the purchase price calculated to date according to the product information. And the coupon information according to the purchase amount up to the present, the customer And providing means for providing to the portable information terminal associated with the D, an electronic coupon system characterized by comprising.

  9th invention is an invention regarding the electronic coupon system comprised from the shop server of 3rd invention, and the portable information terminal of 6th invention.

A tenth invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the store server of any of the first to third inventions.
An eleventh aspect of the invention is a recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to function as the store server of any of the first to third aspects.

The twelfth invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the storefront information terminal of the fourth invention.
A thirteenth invention is a recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as the storefront information terminal of the fourth invention is recorded.

A fourteenth invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the portable information terminal of the fifth invention or the sixth invention.
A fifteenth aspect of the invention is a recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to function as the portable information terminal of the fifth or sixth aspect of the invention.

  The above-mentioned program may be held and distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or the program can be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is an electronic coupon that promotes purchase by providing a coupon service to a customer who purchases a product using a portable information terminal provided in a self-service transporter A system or the like can be provided.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an electronic coupon system and the like according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to components having substantially the same functional configuration, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic coupon system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is an example of an electronic coupon system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic coupon system 100 includes a store server 101, one or more store information terminals 103, one or more information distribution devices 104, and one or more shopping. A portable information terminal 105 provided in the cart 106, one or more POS (Point Of Sales) terminals 107, a network 109, and the like.

  The electronic coupon system 100 is connected to a store server 101, one or more storefront information terminals 103, one or more information distribution devices 104, and a POS terminal 107 via a network 109. The network 109 is a network such as a local area network (LAN) or an in-house LAN, and may be wired or wireless.

The store server 101 is a personal computer or the like, and has a customer information database 301, a coupon information database 302, and the like. The store server 101 extracts coupon information based on the store information terminal ID, customer ID, and content ID received from the store information terminal 103 or the portable information terminal 105, and the coupon information is associated with the customer ID. Provided to the type information terminal 105.
The customer information database 301 holds a customer ID 311 and customer attribute information 312. The coupon information database 302 holds coupon information 320.

  The storefront information terminal 103 is installed on a product display shelf or the like of a sales floor in the store, distributes advertisement information, store information, etc. of the displayed product to the customer, and a customer who incorporates the IC tag 10 in the reader / writer By holding the card 108, the read customer ID is transmitted to the store server 101.

The information distribution device 104 is assigned to a plurality of zones obtained by dividing the sales floor in the store, and uses infrared rays or the like for the portable information terminal 105 of the shopping cart 106 that has entered the responsible zone. The coupon information sent from the store server 101 is wirelessly transmitted.
The shopping cart 106 is a self-service transporter that stores and transports products in the store. For example, in a store that sells products displayed in the form of self-service, such as a store or a shopping center, the product to be purchased can be placed. Transport. The shopping cart 106 includes a portable information terminal 105 and a barcode reader 111. The barcode reader 111 is provided on the side surface (or bottom) of the portable information terminal 105, reads the product information stored in the barcode attached to the product to be purchased, and reads the product information from the portable information terminal 105 to the store server 101. Send. The portable information terminal 105 provides the customer with coupon information corresponding to the purchase of the product from the store server 101 via the information distribution device 104.

  The POS terminal 107 reads a barcode attached to the purchased product with a scanner, and settles the purchased product based on the read product information. Further, the POS terminal 107 receives the obtained coupon information from the portable information terminal 105 via wireless communication (infrared rays or the like) and performs a discount service.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the store server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the store server 101.

  The store server 101 is configured by connecting a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a media input / output unit 203, a communication control unit 204, an input unit 205, a display unit 206, a printing unit 207, and the like via a system bus 209. .

  The control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

The CPU calls and executes a program stored in the storage unit 202, ROM, recording medium, or the like in the work memory area on the RAM, drives and controls each device connected via the system bus 209, and the store server 101 Various processes to be described later (see FIGS. 8 to 11) are realized.
The ROM is a non-volatile memory and permanently holds a computer boot program, a program such as BIOS, data, and the like.
The RAM is a volatile memory, and temporarily stores a program, data, and the like loaded from the storage unit 202, ROM, recording medium, and the like, and includes a work area used by the control unit 201 for performing various processes.

The storage unit 202 is an HDD (hard disk drive), and stores a program executed by the control unit 201, data necessary for program execution, an OS (operating system), and the like. As for programs, a control program 391 corresponding to an OS (operating system), an application program 392 corresponding to processing (to be described later) performed by the store server 101 to which the computer is applied (see FIGS. 8 to 11), and the like are stored. .
Each of these program codes is read by the control unit 201 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read by the CPU, and executed as various means.

  The media input / output unit 203 (drive device) performs data input / output, for example, floppy disk drive, PD drive, CD drive (-ROM, -R, -RW, etc.), DVD drive (-ROM, -R, etc.) -RW etc.) and media input / output devices such as MO drives.

  The communication control unit 204 includes a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and is a communication interface that mediates communication between the store server 101 and the network 109. Between the store server 101 and the information distribution device 104 via the network 109 Control communication.

The input unit 205 inputs data and includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and an input device such as a numeric keypad.
An operation instruction, an operation instruction, data input, and the like can be performed on the store server 101 via the input unit 205.

  The display unit 206 includes a display device such as a CRT monitor and a liquid crystal panel, and a logic circuit (such as a video adapter) for realizing a video function of the computer in cooperation with the display device.

  A printing unit 207 is a printer and performs print output processing.

  The system bus 209 is a path that mediates transmission / reception of control signals, data signals, and the like between the devices.

  Next, information stored in the storage unit 202 of the store server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information stored in the storage unit 202.

  In the storage unit 202, a customer information database 301, a coupon information database 302, a control program 391, an application program 392, and the like are stored.

  The customer information database 301 includes a plurality of customer information 310. The customer information 310 includes a customer ID 311 and customer attribute information 312. Customer ID 311 is identification information of customer information 310. The customer attribute information 312 includes personal information, point information, purchase history information, and the like.

  The coupon information database 302 includes a plurality of coupon information 320. The coupon information 320 is information indicating the coupon content for providing a discount / free service when purchasing a product, the conditions of the coupon target product, the coupon ID, the validity period, the number of valid times, the coupon target product ID, the content ID, etc. At least one condition information.

  Note that the data configurations of the customer information database 301 and the coupon information database 302 are not limited to this configuration.

The control program 391 is a program that drives and controls each component of the store server 101, and corresponds to an OS (operating system).
The application program 392 is an executable program corresponding to a coupon providing process (see FIGS. 8 to 11) described later performed by the store server 101.

  Next, the storefront information terminal 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the storefront information terminal 103.

A storefront information terminal 103 is provided on the shelf of the merchandise display shelf 20. A monitor screen 115 such as a monitor with a touch panel is arranged in front of the store information terminal 103. The monitor screen 115 displays advertisement information, store information, and the like of products arranged on the product display shelf 20.
Next to the monitor screen 115, an IC tag reader 406 is installed. When the customer card 108 containing the customer's IC tag is held over, a response signal from the IC tag 10 is received by the IC tag reader 406.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the storefront information terminal 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the storefront information terminal 103.

  The storefront information terminal 103 is configured by connecting a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, a wireless communication control unit 403, a display unit 404, an input unit 405, an IC tag reader 406, and the like via a system bus 409.

The control unit 401 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and drives and controls each device according to a program stored in the storage device 402.
The RAM temporarily stores programs, data, and the like loaded from the storage unit 202, ROM, recording medium, and the like, and includes a work area used by the control unit 401 to perform various processes.
The storage unit 402 stores a control program for driving and controlling each component, an application program corresponding to a process described later (see FIG. 8) performed by the storefront information terminal 103 to which the computer is applied.
The communication control unit 403 is a communication interface that mediates communication between the storefront information terminal 103 and the network 109, and performs communication control between the storefront information terminal 103 and the store server 101 via the network 109.
Operation guidance, various processes, and operations displayed on the display unit 404 (liquid crystal display) are performed. The input unit 405 inputs data and is, for example, a touch panel, operation keys, operation buttons, or the like.

The IC tag reader 406 transmits a calling signal that resonates with respect to the customer card 108 (with built-in IC tag 10), reads a response signal from the IC tag 10 at a distance of several centimeters to several tens of centimeters, and records the response signal on the IC tag 10. The customer ID which is information is read.
The IC tag 10 is a non-contact IC tag, and is usually a metal foil such as aluminum foil laminated on a base material such as paper laminated with a metal layer or various materials such as PET, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and nylon. Are formed by photo-etching or etching after resist printing to form a coiled antenna and connecting an IC chip. The IC chip is connected to both ends of the antenna.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the appearance of the shopping cart 106.
As shown in FIG. 6, the shopping cart 106 is a mobile body that stores and transports products in a store. For example, in a store that sells products displayed in a self-service form such as a store or a shopping center, Carry goods to be purchased. The shopping cart 106 includes a portable information terminal 105, a barcode reader 111, and the like.

The portable information terminal 105 has a monitor screen 116 such as a monitor with a touch panel arranged on the front. On the monitor screen 116, product related information, coupon information, and the like regarding products in the store are displayed. Next to the monitor screen 116, an IC tag reader 506 is installed. When the customer card 108 (with built-in IC tag 10) is held over, a response signal from the IC tag 10 is received by the IC tag reader 506.
The barcode reader 111 is provided on the side surface (or bottom) of the portable information terminal 105, and the barcode reader 111 receives a response signal from the barcode provided in the product to be purchased.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the portable information terminal 105.
As shown in FIG. 7, the portable information terminal 105 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, a wireless transmission / reception unit 503, a display unit 504, an input unit 505, an IC tag reader 506, a power control unit 507, a battery 508, and the like. 509 is connected and configured.
The storage unit 502 stores an executable program such as a control program and an application program for driving and controlling each component.
The wireless transmission / reception unit 503 performs transmission / reception between the portable information terminal 105 and the information distribution apparatus 104 by wireless communication via the wireless antenna 508.

  The input unit 505 inputs data and is, for example, a touch panel, operation keys, operation buttons, and the like, and performs operation guidance, various processes, and operations displayed on the display unit 504 (liquid crystal display).

The IC tag reader 506 transmits a calling signal that resonates to the customer card 108 (incorporated with the IC tag 10), reads a response signal from the IC tag 10 at a distance of several centimeters to several tens of centimeters, and records the response signal on the IC tag 10. The customer ID which is information is read.
The power control unit 507 is connected to the battery 508 and controls supply to each unit in the portable information terminal 105.

  Next, a processing procedure of coupon provision and acquisition processing in the electronic coupon system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the coupon information acquisition process from the portable information terminal 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of coupon information acquisition processing from the portable information terminal 105.

When a customer who has entered the store from the store entrance pushes the shopping cart 106 to carry out shopping, the customer holds the customer card 108 (built-in IC tag 10) over the IC tag reader 506 of the portable information terminal 105 provided in the shopping cart 106 (step S801). .
The control unit 501 of the portable information terminal 105 reads the customer ID 311 stored in the IC tag 10 (step S802), and sends the customer ID 311 and the own portable information terminal ID to the store server 101 via the information distribution device 104. Transmit (step S803).

  The control unit 201 of the store server 101 associates the customer ID received from the portable information terminal 105 with the portable information terminal ID (step S804). Thereby, while shopping, the portable information terminal 105 of the shopping cart 106 and the shopper (customer) are associated with each other.

  For example, when a “coupon acquisition” button (not shown) on the monitor screen of the portable information terminal 105 is pressed, the control unit 501 of the portable information terminal 105 sends a coupon acquisition request together with the own portable information terminal ID. The information is transmitted to the store server 101 via the information distribution device 104 (step S805).

The control unit 201 of the store server 101 acquires the customer information 310 of the customer ID associated with the received portable information terminal ID from the customer information database 301 (step S806).
The control unit 201 acquires all coupon information 320 from the coupon information database 302 based on the customer attribute information 311 of the acquired customer information 310 (step S807).
For example, the accumulated points in the customer attribute information 311, coupon information 320 that is redeemed according to the purchase history, and coupon information 320 acquired so far held in the customer information 310 are acquired.
The control unit 201 transmits all coupon information 320 to be acquired to the portable information terminal 105 of the shopping cart 106 associated with the customer ID via the information distribution device 104 (step S808).

The control unit 501 of the portable information terminal 105 displays the coupon information 320 received from the store server 101 on the monitor screen 116 (step S809).
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating display of coupon information.
As shown in FIG. 12A, coupon information 320 a “coupon voucher: XX curry 50 yen discount”, “gift voucher 1000 yen”, and the like are displayed on the monitor screen 116.

  Next, a processing procedure of coupon provision processing using the storefront information terminal 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of coupon provision processing using the storefront information terminal 103.

The shopper pushes the shopping cart 108, goes around each sales floor, is installed on the shelf of the product display shelf 10, and displays the customer card 108 (IC) on the storefront information terminal 103 displaying various contents such as product advertisements. The tag 10 is held over (step S901). For example, curry advertisement information and coupon presentation are displayed.
The control unit 401 of the storefront information terminal 103 reads the customer ID 311 stored in the IC tag 10 (step S902), and transmits the customer ID311 own storefront information terminal ID, the displayed content ID, and the like to the store server 101 ( Step S903).

The control unit 201 of the store server 101 receives the customer ID, store information terminal ID, and content ID received from the store information terminal 103 (step S904).
The control unit 201 acquires coupon information 320 from the coupon information database 302 based on the content ID and the storefront information terminal ID (step S905), and uses the acquired coupon information 320 as the customer information of the customer ID in the customer information database 301. It stores in 310 (step S906).
The control unit 201 transmits the coupon information 320 to the portable information terminal 105 of the shopping cart 106 associated with the customer ID via the information distribution device 104 (step S907).

The control unit 501 of the portable information terminal 105 displays the coupon information 320 received from the store server 101 (step S908).
As shown in FIG. 12 (b), coupon information 320 b “coupon ticket: ○ one coffee free service” or the like is displayed on the monitor screen 116.

  Next, a coupon acquisition information provision process corresponding to a product purchase will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of coupon acquisition information provision processing according to product purchase.

The shopper (customer) puts the product to be purchased into the basket unit 112 of the shopping cart 106 (step S1001).
The barcode reader 111 provided in the portable information terminal 105 collectively reads the product information (for example, product identification information) stored in the barcode given to the product in the basket unit 112 at predetermined time intervals ( Step S1002).
The barcode reader 111 sends the read one or more product information to the main body of the portable information terminal 105 (step S1003).

  The control unit 501 of the portable information terminal 105 transmits the product information received from the barcode reader 111 to the store server 101 via the information distribution device 104 together with the own portable information terminal ID (step S1004).

The control unit 201 of the store server 101 calculates the purchase amount up to now based on the received product information (step S1005).
The control unit 201 associates the purchase amount up to now with the customer ID associated with the received portable information terminal ID (step S1006).
The control unit 201 sets coupon information based on the purchase price, customer attribute information 312, and coupon information 320 of the coupon information database 301, and transmits the coupon information to the portable information terminal 105 (step S1007).

The control unit 501 of the portable information terminal 105 displays the coupon information 320 received from the store server 101 (step S1008).
As shown in FIG. 12 (c), coupon information 320 c “After XX yen purchase, □ is a discount” is displayed on the monitor screen 116.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the processing procedure of the purchase product settlement process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the purchase merchandise settlement process.

  When the purchased product is settled, the portable information terminal 105 of the shopping cart 106 wirelessly transmits the customer ID 311 and the acquired coupon information 320 to the POS terminal 107 (using infrared rays or the like) (step S1101).

The control unit of the POS terminal 107 receives the customer ID 311 and the coupon information 320 (step S1102).
Based on the coupon information 320, the control unit of the POS terminal 107 reads the bar code of the product taken out from the basket unit 112, and settles each product (step S1103).
Until the settlement of all commodities is completed (No in step S1104), the processes in steps S1103 and S1104 are repeated.
When the portable information terminal 105 is equipped with the barcode reader 111, the portable information terminal 105 wirelessly transmits the product information read from the barcode attached to the purchased product to the POS terminal 107, and The POS terminal 107 may calculate and settle the purchase price from the received product information, or the POS terminal 107 receives the calculated settlement information of the purchased product from the portable information terminal 105 via the store server 101. It may be settled.

When the settlement of all the products is completed (Yes in Step S1104), the POS terminal 107 transmits the settlement result together with the customer ID to the store server 101 (Step S1105).
The control unit 201 of the store server 101 stores the received settlement result as purchase history in the customer information 310 corresponding to the customer ID in the customer information database 301 (step S1106), and the customer ID, portable information terminal ID, Is canceled (step S1107).

  The portable information terminal 105 of the shopping cart 106 releases the association with the customer ID and makes it free (step S1108).

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the portable information terminal 105 stores the customer ID and the own portable information terminal ID read from the customer card 108 (IC tag 10 built-in) in the store server 101. The store server 101 associates the received customer ID with the portable information terminal ID, and corresponds all the coupon information 320 acquired based on the customer information 310 corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database 301 to the customer ID. It is provided to the portable information terminal 105 to be attached. When the customer card 108 (IC tag 10 built-in) is held over, the store information terminal 103 reads the customer ID stored in the IC tag, the read customer ID, the own store information terminal ID, and the currently displayed coupon. The target content ID is transmitted to the store server 101, and the store server 101 provides the acquired coupon information 320 from the coupon information database 302 to the portable information terminal 105 associated with the customer ID based on the content ID. . The shopping cart 106 is equipped with a barcode reader 111 in such a manner that the product information stored in the barcode attached to the product can be read without contact at all times, and the product information stored in the barcode attached to the product is batched. The product information read and the portable information terminal ID is transmitted to the store server 101. The store server 101 calculates the purchase price of the product from the product information received from the portable information terminal 105, and the coupon Using the information database 302, the customer information corresponding to the customer ID and the coupon information 320 set based on the calculated purchase price up to now are provided to the portable information terminal 105 associated with the customer ID. The POS terminal 107 performs product settlement based on the coupon information 320 received from the portable information terminal 105.

As a result, it is possible to provide a coupon service according to points accumulated by product purchase, a coupon service of a specific manufacturer / product targeted from the storefront information terminal, and the like, and an electronic coupon system attractive to customers can be provided. An effective sales promotion effect can be obtained for the customer.
In addition, it becomes effective as a measure for increasing customer purchase analysis (points, unit price, etc.) and purchase unit price by presenting necessary points, purchase price conditions, etc. until the next coupon offer, and stimulates the customer's willingness to purchase products. Thus, there is an effect that sales promotion can be expected to be further enhanced.

  In the present embodiment, when the portable information terminal 105 is provided with the barcode reader 111, the product information stored in the barcode attached to the product in the basket unit 112 read by the barcode reader 111. Is transmitted to the store server 101 via the portable information terminal 105, the store server 101 calculates the purchase price up to the present, and the coupon information is transmitted to the portable information terminal 105 and presented together with the purchase price. Not limited to this. For example, the portable information terminal 105 calculates and presents the purchase amount up to the present from the product information received from the barcode reader 111, transmits the purchase amount to the store server 101, and receives a coupon corresponding to the purchase amount from the store server 101. Information 320 may be acquired.

  In this embodiment, the customer card 108 incorporates an IC tag, and the store information terminal 103 and the portable information terminal 105 include an IC tag reader. However, the customer card 108 is a non-contact IC card. May be.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a one-dimensional barcode or two-dimensional barcode (QR code, PDF417, DataMatrix, MaxiCode, etc.) is attached to the product as a mechanically identifiable information storage medium, and the barcode is read as the reader. The product information is read using the code reader. However, the product information may be collected by attaching a non-contact IC tag to the product and using the IC tag reader as the reading device.

  Note that the program for performing the processes shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 and the like may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed, or the program may be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  As mentioned above, although suitable embodiment, such as an electronic coupon system concerning the present invention, was described, referring to an accompanying drawing, the present invention is not limited to this example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the electronic coupon system 100 which concerns on this Embodiment. Hardware configuration diagram of store server 101 The figure which shows the information which the memory | storage part 202 hold | maintains The figure which shows the external appearance of the shop front information terminal 103 Hardware configuration diagram of the storefront information terminal 103 The figure which shows the external appearance of the shopping cart 106 The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the portable information terminal 105 The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the coupon information acquisition process from the portable information terminal 105 The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the coupon provision process using the shop front information terminal 103 The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the coupon acquisition information provision process according to goods purchase Flow chart showing processing procedure of checkout process for purchased product The figure which shows the display of coupon information 320

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ......... Electronic coupon system 101 ......... Store server 103 ......... Store information terminal 104 ......... Information distribution apparatus 105 ......... Portable information terminal 106 ......... Shopping cart 107 ......... POS terminal 108 ... ... customer card 109 ... network 110 ... seat antenna 111 ... bar code reader 112 ... cage part 115, 116 ... monitor screen 201, 401, 501 ... control part 202, 402, 502 ......... Storage unit 301 ......... Customer information database 302 ......... Coupon information database 310 ......... Customer information 311 ...... Customer ID
312 ......... Customer attribute information 320 ......... Coupon information 406, 506 ......... IC tag reader 10 ...... IC tag 20 ...... Product display shelf

Claims (24)

One or more storefront information terminals that are arranged in the store and play back content for customers who shop, and one or more portable information terminals that are provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports products in the store A store server that is connected wirelessly or by wire and distributes coupon information,
A customer database for storing customer information;
A coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product;
Means for associating the customer ID received from the portable information terminal with the portable information terminal ID;
In response to a coupon request for content from the storefront information terminal, the coupon database is used to set the coupon information based on the received coupon target content ID;
Providing means for providing the coupon information to a portable information terminal associated with the customer ID;
The store server characterized by comprising. A store server that distributes coupon information by wireless or wired connection to one or more portable information terminals provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports products in a store,
A customer database for storing customer information;
A coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product;
Means for associating the customer ID received from the portable information terminal with the portable information terminal ID;
Means for setting coupon information based on customer information corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database using the coupon database in response to a coupon request from the portable information terminal;
Providing means for providing the coupon information to a portable information terminal associated with the customer ID;
The store server characterized by comprising. A store server that distributes coupon information by wireless or wired connection to one or more portable information terminals provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports products in a store,
A customer database for storing customer information;
A coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product;
Means for associating the customer ID received from the portable information terminal with the portable information terminal ID;
In response to a coupon request for merchandise information to be purchased from the portable information terminal, using the coupon database, customer information corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database, and purchase up to the present time calculated according to the merchandise information Means for setting coupon information based on the amount of money;
Providing means for providing coupon information corresponding to the purchase amount up to now to the portable information terminal associated with the customer ID;
The store server characterized by comprising. The store server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the customer information is customer attribute information, and includes the number of points according to the purchase amount and the acquired coupon ID. One or more storefront information terminals that are connected to a store server that provides coupon information via a network and that are arranged in the store and that play content for customers who make shopping,
Reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card;
A coupon request unit for content that transmits a coupon request for the content to the customer to the store server together with the read customer ID and the currently displayed coupon target content ID,
The storefront information terminal characterized by comprising. 6. The storefront information terminal according to claim 5, wherein the customer card includes a non-contact IC tag. 6. The storefront information terminal according to claim 5, wherein the customer card is an IC card. One or more portable information terminals that are connected to a store server that provides coupon information wirelessly or by wire, and that are provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports products in the store,
Reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card;
A customer ID transmitting means for transmitting the read customer ID and its own portable information terminal ID to the store server;
In response to a coupon request to the store server, acquisition means for acquiring and displaying coupon information received from the store server by wireless communication;
A portable information terminal comprising: One or more portable information terminals that are connected to a store server that provides coupon information wirelessly or by wire, and that are provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports products in the store,
Reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card;
Customer ID transmission means for transmitting the read customer ID and its own portable information terminal ID to the store server;
An information storage medium attached to the product to be purchased, which is equipped in the self-service carrying device so that the product information stored in the mechanically identifiable information storage medium attached to the product can be read without contact. Information storage medium reading means for collectively reading the product information stored in
Coupon request means for transmitting a coupon request for the read product information to be purchased to the store server;
Acquisition means for acquiring and displaying coupon information according to the purchase price up to the present received by wireless communication from the store server;
A portable information terminal comprising: In addition, it is connected wirelessly to a POS terminal that checks out products,
Means for transmitting the acquired coupon information to the POS terminal by wireless communication at the time of payment of the product;
10. A portable information terminal according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by comprising: 10. The portable information terminal according to claim 8, wherein the customer information is customer attribute information, and includes the number of points according to the purchase amount so far and the acquired coupon ID. The portable information terminal according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the customer card contains a non-contact IC tag. The portable information terminal according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the customer card is an IC card. The mechanically identifiable information storage medium is:
The portable information terminal according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the portable information terminal is any one of a non-contact IC tag, a two-dimensional barcode, and a one-dimensional barcode. One or more storefront information terminals that are arranged in the store and play back content for customers who shop; and one or more portable information terminals that are provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports products in the store; A store server that is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the portable information terminal and the storefront information terminal and distributes coupon information, and an electronic coupon system comprising:
The storefront information terminal
Reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card;
A coupon request unit for content that transmits a coupon request for the content to the customer to the store server together with the read customer ID and the currently displayed coupon target content ID,
With
The store server
A customer database for storing customer information;
A coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product;
Means for associating the customer ID received from the portable information terminal with the portable information terminal ID;
In response to a coupon request for content from the storefront information terminal, the coupon database is used to set the coupon information based on the received coupon target content ID;
Providing means for providing the coupon information to a portable information terminal associated with the customer ID;
With
The portable information terminal is
Acquisition means for acquiring and displaying coupon information received by wireless communication from the store server;
An electronic coupon system comprising: An electronic coupon system comprising one or more portable information terminals provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports goods in a store, and a store server that is connected wirelessly or by wire to distribute coupon information,
The portable information terminal is
Reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card;
A customer ID transmitting means for transmitting the read customer ID and its own portable information terminal ID to the store server;
In response to a coupon request to the store server, acquisition means for acquiring and displaying coupon information received from the store server by wireless communication;
With
The store server
A customer database for storing customer information;
A coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product;
Means for associating the customer ID received from the portable information terminal with the portable information terminal ID;
Means for setting coupon information based on customer information corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database using the coupon database in response to a coupon request from the portable information terminal;
Providing means for providing the coupon information to a portable information terminal associated with the customer ID;
An electronic coupon system comprising: An electronic coupon system comprising one or more portable information terminals provided in a self-service transporter that stores and transports goods in a store, and a store server that is connected wirelessly or by wire to distribute coupon information,
The portable information terminal is
Reading means for reading the customer ID stored in the customer card;
Customer ID transmission means for transmitting the read customer ID and its own portable information terminal ID to the store server;
An information storage medium attached to the product to be purchased, which is equipped in the self-service carrying device so that the product information stored in the mechanically identifiable information storage medium attached to the product can be read without contact. Information storage medium reading means for collectively reading the product information stored in
Coupon request means for transmitting a coupon request for the read product information to be purchased to the store server;
Acquisition means for acquiring and displaying coupon information according to the purchase price up to the present received by wireless communication from the store server;
With
The store server
A customer database for storing customer information;
A coupon database for storing coupon information for providing a discount service for the product;
Means for associating the customer ID received from the portable information terminal with the portable information terminal ID;
In response to a coupon request for merchandise information to be purchased from the portable information terminal, using the coupon database, customer information corresponding to the customer ID in the customer database, and purchase up to the present time calculated according to the merchandise information Means for setting coupon information based on the amount of money;
Providing means for providing coupon information corresponding to the purchase amount up to now to the portable information terminal associated with the customer ID;
An electronic coupon system comprising: Further, the portable information terminal and a POS terminal for settlement of goods are connected wirelessly,
The portable information terminal is
Means for transmitting the acquired coupon information to the POS terminal by wireless communication at the time of payment of the product;
With
The POS terminal is
Means for wirelessly receiving coupon information from the portable information terminal;
Based on the received coupon information, a checkout means for checking out the product,
The electronic coupon system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising: The program which functions a computer as a store server in any one of Claims 1-4. The recording medium which recorded the program which functions a computer as a store server in any one of Claims 1-4. A program causing a computer to function as the storefront information terminal according to claim 5 or 6. The recording medium which recorded the program which functions a computer as a shop front information terminal of Claim 5 or Claim 6. A program causing a computer to function as the portable information terminal according to any one of claims 8 to 14. A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as the portable information terminal according to any one of claims 8 to 14 is recorded.

Images