JP2020101930A - Retrieval and notification optimization system, method and program in application for payment and settlement - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a system, method and program for displaying, to an end user possessing a payment and settlement application, information (list information as retrieval results, and push notification) on companies and stores applicable with the application with contents optimized according to attributes of the end user, application use characteristics, and the like.SOLUTION: A system which retrieves companies and stores applicable with a payment and settlement application, includes a processor which is configured to aggregate related data items for each category in basic data for evaluation including company and store information, coupon information, end user information and external environment information to create adaptability evaluation items, to set evaluation weights to the respective adaptability evaluation items, to calculate an evaluation score on the basis of the adaptability evaluation items set with the evaluation weights and the end user information, and to sort retrieval results according to the calculated evaluation score.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for optimizing display/notification of search results of companies/stores that can use a smartphone application for payment/settlement.

Smartphone apps for payments and settlements (hereinafter referred to as “apps”) that are currently available provide functions such as over-the-counter settlement, payment slip/invoice settlement, catalog order, and use of special coupons issued by companies/stores. It is in the rapid diffusion stage.

However, there is a problem in that it is difficult for the user (end user) of the payment/settlement application to understand which company/store the application can be used for, what kind of usage the application is, and whether or not there are special coupons.

Here, for example, it can be confirmed whether or not a credit card or electronic money can be used by checking whether or not a logo sticker (acceptance mark) is posted at the store. In addition, there is a certain amount of social consensus about what kind of companies and stores and what kind of payment methods can be used in the form that almost all credit cards and electronic money can be used at major supermarkets and convenience stores. .. On the other hand, payment and settlement apps are in the early stages of widespread use, and there are a wide variety of apps.Therefore, in order to display the logo marks of these various apps in stores in a conspicuous manner, it will be difficult for the future. There is a limit.

In addition, in payment slips for utility bills paid at convenience stores and the like, the payment support (approval of payment, type of application, etc.) of the application differs depending on the storage organization (local public organization, general business corporation, etc.). Institutions also have a limited ability to inform end users about app payment support.

Furthermore, if information about which payment/settlement application can be used at which company/store is provided without utilizing the end user's geographical/positional information and attribute information, it is not easy for the end user to use and is satisfied. It can be a factor that reduces the frequency. Such factors include, for example, providing information on payment/settlement of payment slips issued by local governments in remote areas unrelated to end users, information on apparel shops for young women for older men. And the like.

The present invention addresses such problems by optimizing the display of search results of payee companies/stores that can be used by payment/settlement applications and optimizing the content of push notifications to end users. And to provide a program.

One embodiment of the present invention, a system for searching companies/stores where payment/settlement applications can be used, among the basic evaluation data including company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and external environment information, Relevance evaluation items are created by aggregating related data items for each category, and evaluation weights are set for each conformity evaluation item, based on the conformity evaluation items and end user information for which evaluation weights have been set. A processor configured to calculate the evaluation scores and sort the search results in descending order of the calculated evaluation scores.

According to the present invention, the information of a company/store that can be used by the payment/settlement application is optimized by utilizing the position information, company/store information, end user attributes, external environment information, etc. Search results that are convenient for users and that are highly convenient are output. Also, because push notifications are automatically received, even if the end user does not perform a search for themselves, for example, when the store is close to the target store, information about the store that the app can use or information such as special coupons issued by the store can be displayed. It will be available automatically.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration including a search/notification optimization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the end user device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the pattern of the application example which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the concept of the search and notification optimization engine program which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the data item of company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and external environment information concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which illustrates the supplement of the data item of company/store information, coupon information, end user attribute, and external environment information concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which illustrates the evaluation processing of the search and the notification optimization engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the evaluation processing of the search and the notification optimization engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an end user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an end user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an end user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an end user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an end user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which illustrates the flow of the search process of the available store which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the flow of a search process of the store which can use a payment/settlement application at the time of starting the payment/settlement application concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which illustrates the flow of the push notification of the payment/settlement application which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals represent the same elements in a plurality of drawings, and a duplicate description will be omitted. The “payment slip” in this specification is not limited to various public bills paid at convenience stores and the like, and is not limited to a payment slip in a narrow sense used for other payment purposes, and may cover the entire bill. In addition, the “catalog order” in the present specification may mainly include order services that limit the service area, such as stadium orders (including those related to sales by sellers), home delivery, delivery, catering, fresh food home delivery orders, and the like. .. The “catalog order” may also include settlement services such as mail-order sales, donations, and various payments for domestic and overseas markets.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration including a search/notification optimization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 schematically shows that a management server 120 and end user devices 140a, 140b,... 140n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “end user device 140”) are connected via a network 130. Is illustrated. FIG. 1 also illustrates that the search and notification optimization system and operator device 100 are connected via a network 110.

The operator device 100 is a device operated by a person in charge of marketing the payment/settlement application, and can be, for example, a PC, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. The operator device 100 can transmit data such as company/store information, coupon information, and parameters of a search/notification optimization engine to the management server 120 via the network 110. Company/store information includes, for example, store location, service area, store business hours, main customer segment, business type/product, busy season, company/store size, degree of use of payment/settlement apps (payment/settlement times, Frequency etc.) etc. The company/store information may include information about which particular payment/settlement app is available and/or the corresponding payment/settlement app. The coupon information is coupons such as discounts and special offers that can be used at companies and stores. The parameters of the search/notification optimization engine include the threshold value of the distance to the nearby store, the weight of the compatibility evaluation, and the like, and are set in advance in the search/notification optimization engine. The operator device 100 may access the management server 120 to directly edit the parameters of the search/notification optimization engine and the like.

The management server 120 is configured by one or a plurality of servers and can include a search/notification optimization engine described later. The management server 120 can receive data such as company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and search/notification optimization engine parameters via the network 110 or the network 130. The end user information includes, for example, current position information of the end user, end user attributes (age, gender, etc.), consumption behavior history, and the like. The management server 120 can further acquire external environment information such as date and time. The management server 120 may also store the push notification target store information in the database 121. The store information targeted for push notification may be identified by a flag of the company/store information.

The management server 120 can generate optimized search result data based on the company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and external environment information by the search/notification optimization engine.

The search/notification optimization engine can output different search results for each end user. The search/notification optimization engine may exclude unnecessary information such as a pub or a liquor store from the search results by minors, or may output the search results in which the display priority is subordinate. The search/notification optimization engine may also output, for example, a search result by a young woman, which gives priority to an apparel shop for young women who issues a coupon and matches the consumption propensity of the end user.

The mechanism of the search/notification optimization engine does not exist until there is data such as company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and consumption behavior history such as payment/settlement of the end user, which the management server 120 holds. It is realized with high accuracy. The search and notification optimization engine may be executed on the end user device 140 if the end user device 140 has sufficient processing power and the input data of the search and notification optimization engine can be held in the database 146. ..

The database 121 further stores the attributes of the end user obtained in the process of operating the payment/settlement application, the unique number of the end user device 140, and the historical data related to the purchase, payment/settlement, and browsing of the end user. Can be held.

The management server 120 can also send various information stored in the database 121 to one or more end user devices 140 via the network 130. When the end user device 140 executes the process of the search/notification optimization engine, the management server 120 may transmit the update program, data necessary for the process, and the like to the end user device 140.

The network 110 can be a well-known network such as the Internet that allows mutual communication between the operator device 100 and the management server 120, and is not particularly limited. The network 130 may be a well-known network such as the Internet that allows mutual communication between the management server 120 and the end user device 140, and is not particularly limited.

The end user device 140 is one or more devices used by the end user and may be, for example, a smartphone, a PC, a tablet, or the like. The payment/settlement application includes not only an application having a literal payment or settlement function but also an application specialized for coupon provision and the like, and can be installed in the end user device 140. The payment/settlement application can receive input of end user attribute information and the like from the end user, and can transmit the end user attribute information and the like to the management server 120. The payment/settlement application may be configured such that a coupon is applied when payment is performed using the function of the application, or a coupon is applied separately from the payment.

The end user can use the end user device 140 to receive a search process of companies/stores that can be used by the payment/settlement application and various notifications. In the search processing, one or more service types of payment/settlement applications such as over-the-counter payment, payment slip, and catalog order may be designated as a search target, as necessary. The search processing may also be made to be able to specify a search mode such as a keyword search, a current location/designated area, or a search regarding a store where the customer is currently located. The user interface regarding the search process and reception of various notifications may be configured integrally with the payment/settlement application or may be configured by another application.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the end user device 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The end user device 140 schematically includes an IF unit 141, a display unit 142, an input receiving unit 143, a notification receiving unit 144, a GPS unit 145, and a database 146.

The IF unit 141 is an interface for receiving various information such as company/store information, coupon information, etc. to be displayed on the end user device 140 from the management server 120, or contents of notification to the end user. The various information received may be stored in the database 146. In addition, the end user device 140 can transmit the input content by the end user, the current position information, and the like to the management server 120 via the IF unit 141.

The display unit 142 is a display device and can display information such as company/store information, coupon information, received notification contents, and maps.

The input receiving unit 143 can receive an input from the end user. The input contents are an operation for referring to the displayed contents in more detail, input of a search target area, and the like.

The notification receiving unit 144 can receive various notifications transmitted from the management server. The notification receiving means may be an electronic mail, a short mail (SMS), a push notification, or the like, but is not limited to these (hereinafter collectively referred to as “push notification”).

The GPS unit 145 may be configured by a global positioning system capable of detecting the current location of the end user device, but also includes other devices that identify the current location in general (hereinafter collectively referred to as “GPS (Global Positioning System)). ".). The identification of the current position by GPS may be replaced by the end user inputting his/her current position. The location information may include, but is not limited to, latitude/longitude, address, postal code, and the like.

The database 146 stores information on companies/stores that can be used by the payment/settlement application, received notification contents, map information, and the like. The information stored in the database 146 may be stored in the database 121 of the management server 120 to replace the data storage in the end user device 140.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a pattern of an application example according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a pattern of application examples regarding a function of automatic notification to an end user regarding a search of a company/store where a payment/settlement application can be used by an end user, a company/store where a coupon can be used, and a store where the coupon/use can be used. It is illustrated. In the table of FIG. 3, “◯” indicates that the payment/settlement application has high compatibility.

Item numbers 1 to 4 in FIG. 3 are mainly examples of utilization in the city/street, and exemplify patterns of application examples that utilize the current position of a moving end user. In the case of items Nos. 1 to 4 in FIG. 3, the end user device 140 is preferably a smartphone having a GPS function. When the end user device 140 is a PC or the like that does not have the GPS function, the end user may input the current position to substitute for the GPS function, but the convenience may be reduced.

Item Nos. 5 to 8 in FIG. 3 are mainly examples of utilization at home, work place, etc., and show examples of application cases in which the end user is not supposed to be moving. In the case of item numbers 5 to 8 in FIG. 3, it is desirable that the end user device 140 is a smartphone or the like having a GPS function. However, when the end user device 140 is a PC or the like that does not have a GPS function, it does not cause a big problem even if the end user inputs the current position and substitutes for the GPS function.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the search/notification optimization engine program according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 particularly exemplifies optimizing the display result when searching for a company/store where the payment/settlement application can be used, based on an instruction from the end user.

S401: The end user uses the end user device 140 to instruct the start of the search process of the company/store that can use the payment/settlement application. In the search processing, one or more service types of payment/settlement applications such as over-the-counter payment, payment slip, and catalog order may be designated as a search target, as necessary. The search processing may also be made to be able to specify a search mode such as a keyword search, a current location/designated area, or a search regarding a store where the customer is currently located. If the end user device 140 has a GPS function, it may be used to identify the current position, but if the end user device 140 does not have the GPS function, information about the current position may be input.

S402: The management server 120 receives the search start instruction from the end user device 140 and starts the search process. The search processing is executed by processing the company/store information, coupon information, end user information, external environment information, and the like as input data by the search/notification optimization engine.

S403: The end user device 140 displays the company/store list information generated by the search/notification optimization engine of the management server 120. The company/store list information may be displayed on the end user device 140 in a list form or may be displayed in a plot form on a map. The display of the company/store list information may also display information such as coupons that can be used at each company/store and the distance to each store.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating data items of company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and external environment information according to an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the company/store information may include store position information, and the store position information may include latitude/longitude information, postal code/address, and store fixed telephone number as specific data. The data illustrated in FIG. 5A is used as an input to the search/notification optimization engine, and may include other data items not described.

FIG. 5A also shows the degree of correlation or the degree of conformity between each data item and the service type as “○” (strong correlation/high conformity), “Δ” (correlation/conformance), “white outline”. ”(No correlation/no compatibility). As an example, in the case of payment slip settlement, since it is possible to perform payment and settlement using the application regardless of “store position information” and “store business hours information”, it is “white”. On the other hand, the over-the-counter payment is literally a function of performing the over-the-counter payment, and the location information of the store is an important item in the store search, and is therefore indicated as “◯”.

FIG. 5B is a diagram exemplifying supplementary data items of company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and external environment information according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a supplementary explanation of each item represented by “*1” to “*12” in FIG. 5A. The data items in FIG. 5A are merely examples, and it is possible to omit some of the items and add new items.

6A and 6B are diagrams exemplifying the evaluation processing of the search/notification optimization engine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are related to FIG. 9 described later, and the search target service (all, over-the-counter payment, payment slip payment, catalog order, coupon, etc.) is designated as “all”, and a (neighboring) available store A case where (recommended store) is searched is illustrated.

S601: The management server 120 acquires “basic data for evaluation” from the database 121 as an input of the search/notification optimization engine. The “evaluation basic data” is similar to the data items illustrated in FIG. 5A and can be company/store information, coupon information, end user information, external environment information, and the like.

S602: The management server 120 performs “aggregation and weighting of data items” based on the basic evaluation data. "Aggregation and weighting of data items" creates related data items for each category based on the basic evaluation data as "fitness evaluation items", and creates an evaluation matrix with evaluation weights set for each. .. In the evaluation matrix of FIG. 6A, a high weight (“10” points) is given to “positional suitability” (distance to store), “customer segment suitability”, and “fitness as seen from purchase history”. It is shown that these evaluation items are emphasized.

The evaluation weight may be set to a different value depending on the search pattern. For example, in the case of the search in the mode of item No. 4 of FIG. 3 (“search for a store/company where coupons can be used”), even if a particularly high weight is set in the item “presence or absence of coupon” in the diagram of S603. Good.

S603: The management server 120 extracts the target user who optimizes the search/notification from the end user information stored in the database 121. “Examples of target users” include “middle-aged male A”, “young female B”, and “male high school student C” who have purchase/use history in the payment/settlement application for explanation. .. As for the purchase/use history, "middle-aged man A" has "history of tax payment slip settlement", "young woman B" has "history purchase history", and "boys high school student C" has "history of soccer goods shop purchase" It is illustrated.

S604: The management server 120 calculates an evaluation score based on the evaluation matrix and the target user. The “optimization engine” is exemplified by “apparel shop XX”, “xx city tax office”, “convenience store XX store”, and “soccer article store” as samples for the sake of explanation. The service provided by “Apparel Shop ○○” is “in-store payment” and the main customer segment is “young women”. The service provided by the “xx City Tax Bureau” is “payment slip settlement” and the main customer segment is “adults and men”. The service provided by "convenience stores XX stores" is "over-the-counter payment," and the main customer segment is "all layers." The service provided by the "soccer goods store" is "over-the-counter payment" and the main customer segment is "boys' high school students."

The diagram of S604 shown in association with S602 in FIG. 6B exemplifies that the calculated score is different based on the attribute of the end user, the payment history of the payment/settlement application, and the purchase history. For example, if the main customer segment of each company/store and the attributes of the end user match, a high score is calculated for "customer segment suitability". In addition, if the end user has paid the payment slip using the payment/settlement application, the company with the payment slip payment service has a high score in “fitness from the purchase history”. Will be calculated.

On the other hand, in S604 shown in association with S602 in FIG. 6B, categories other than “customer segment” and “fitness seen from purchase history” are attributed to the end user, usage history of the payment/settlement application, and purchase history. Regardless, the same company/store has the same score. In other words, even if an end user with any attribute or purchase history executes the search process from the same place at the same time, it will search for categories other than "customer segment" or "fitness as seen from the purchase history". -The score calculated by the notification optimization engine will be the same.

The “middle-aged male A”, “young female B”, and “male high school student C” illustrated in S603 have different end user attributes and different payment/purchase histories. In S604, the search/notification optimization engine evaluates the provided service types of “apparel shop XX”, “xx city tax office”, “convenience store XX store”, and “soccer article store” and the degree of agreement with the main customer segment. , Calculate the score. The search/notification optimization engine also uses "locational suitability", "business day/business hours suitability", "season suitability", "business scale, name recognition", "application utilization degree", " The score of "with or without coupon" is calculated. The search/notification optimization engine further totals the scores for each end user and each company store, and a score calculation table in the form illustrated in S604 is obtained as a whole. In this example of the total score, different total scores are calculated from the lowest value "28" points to the highest value "55" for each end user and each company/store.

S605: The management server 120 sorts the evaluation scores for each end user and each company/store obtained in S604 in units of end users. In the sorted example, "Middle-aged male A" has the highest priority at "xx city tax office", "Young female B" has the highest priority at "Convenience store XX store", "Men's high school student C" is "Soccer goods store" Is the highest priority result. The evaluation score indicates the display priority order of search results. For example, “Middle-aged male A” is “xx city tax office”, “Young female B” is “Convenience store XX store”, and “Men's high school student” If it is C, it means that "soccer supplies store" is ranked first in the display order.

By optimizing the display order of search results in this way, information on companies and stores that are estimated to be of little interest to the end user, or the display of remote stores and off-season stores is excluded, or display priority is given. You can lower it. As a result, it is possible to obtain a highly convenient search result that does not feel uncomfortable for the end user. The processing procedure described above is an example, and some modifications may be omitted and/or new procedures may be added.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the end user device 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 701 shows an example of a screen on which a plurality of search modes can be selected. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the option of “Can I use it at the store where I am now?” (Is it possible to use the payment/settlement application at the store where the end user is currently?) is selected in 701. The companies/stores that can be searched with the option "Can be used at the store you are in now?" are businesses that offer over-the-counter payments or catalog orders in the stadium, and companies that issue payment slips are excluded. ..

Reference numeral 702 shows an example of a screen displayed after selecting the option “Is it usable in the store where you are now?” in 701. The management server 120 identifies the store corresponding to “now” from the store location information (latitude/longitude information, etc.) and the location information of the end user device 140 by the search/notification optimization engine, and stores the application in the store. Whether or not it can be used (whether there is a store that can provide the service) is determined. If it is determined to be usable, the screen may be configured to display the result (“OK” in this example) at the top of the screen of the end user device 140. In addition to this information, reference numeral 702 shows an example in which information on nearby stores that can use the payment/settlement application is listed by using the search/notification optimization engine. Reference numeral 702 shows an example in which icons and buttons are arranged to show an approximate distance to each store/approximate required time, show the presence or absence of a coupon, or see more detailed information of each store. In this example, a button/link text for viewing the continuation of the list and a button for "View on map" are arranged at the bottom of the screen at the same time.

Reference numeral 703 shows an example of a screen displayed after the “View on map” button is tapped/clicked in 702. This screen example shows an example in which the location of the store where the payment/settlement application can be used is displayed with a pin on the map. Further, it may be provided with a function of identifying the presence or absence of a coupon by color, a function of displaying the store name and detailed information of the store by tapping/clicking each pin on the map, and the like. In this way, the method of displaying the corresponding store on the map may be the method of displaying at 702.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the end user device 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 801 indicates an example of a screen on which a plurality of search modes can be selected. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the “Search by store name or arbitrary keyword” option, which is provided with an input area for inputting a keyword to be searched in 801, is selected.

Reference numeral 802 denotes an example of a screen displayed after selecting the option “Search by store name or arbitrary keyword” in 801 and inputting a keyword. 802 displays the keyword entered in 801 at the top of the screen and utilizes the current location information of the end user device 140 to optimize the search/notification of a list of nearby stores that can use the payment/settlement application. An example of listing using an engine is shown. In addition to the list of store names, 802 has icons and buttons for indicating an approximate distance to each store/approximate required time, indicating whether or not there is a coupon, or viewing more detailed information on each store. An example is shown. The 802 also arranges buttons/link text for viewing the continuation of the list at the bottom of the screen, buttons and input areas for designating/switching the search target area, and a button for "view on map". It shows an example.

Reference numeral 803 shows an example of a screen displayed after the “view on map” button in 802 is tapped/clicked. The description of 803 is omitted because it is the same as 703 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the end user device 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 901 shows an example of a screen on which a plurality of search modes can be selected. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the option of “list of available shops” (simple search that does not relate to the keyword or the shop currently located) is selected in 901 as a whole.

Reference numeral 902 shows an example of a screen displayed after selecting the option of “list of usable shops” in 901. 902 allows the service to be searched for to be selected from “all”, “at the store (payment at a store)”, “payment slip”, “catalog order”, and “coupon”. 902 may also allow the search reference place to be selected from "current position" and "designate address". In 902, the service to be searched will be described assuming that “at store (payment at store)” is selected.

Reference numeral 903 denotes an example of a screen displayed after “At store (store payment)” is selected in 902. Reference numeral 903 indicates an example in which the management server 120 lists the nearby stores that can be used by the payment/settlement application by using the search/notification optimization engine based on the current position information of the end user device 140. .. In addition to the list of store names, 903 has arranged icons and buttons for indicating an approximate distance/approximate required time to each store, indicating the presence or absence of a coupon, or viewing more detailed information on each store. An example is shown. 903 also has a button/link text for viewing the continuation of the list at the bottom of the screen, a button and an input area for switching the search target area, and a "view on map" button. An example is shown.

Reference numeral 904 shows an example of a screen displayed after the “View on map” button is tapped/clicked in 903. Since 904 is the same as 703 in FIG. 7, description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the end user device 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a message that is displayed automatically when the end user starts the payment/settlement application, instead of intentionally or explicitly searching for a company/store where the payment/settlement application can be used. Shows an example of.

An example 1001 is an example in which information about the store where the end user is at that time is displayed on a message on the startup screen of the payment/settlement application. The management server 120 identifies the store corresponding to “now” from the store location information (latitude/longitude information, etc.) and the location information of the end user device 140. The management server 120 also determines whether or not the application can be used in the store (whether there is service providing store information) and whether there is a coupon, creates the result as a message, and sends the message to the end user device 140. Also, in this screen example, a "more" button/link text is arranged so that more detailed information can be referred to. If there is no store that matches the current location, output a message such as "There is a store near you that can use this application", and click the button/link text such as "See more" or "See details" The corresponding store may be referred to.

Reference numeral 1002 shows an example of a screen displayed after the button/link text such as “see more” and “see details” in 1001 is tapped/clicked. 1002 is an example in which the information about the store identified as corresponding to "now" in 1001 is output to the upper part of the screen together with the coupon information about the store. 1002 further shows an example in which the location information of the end-user device 140 is also used to list information on nearby stores that can use the payment/settlement application using the search/notification optimization engine. .. The store information shows examples of icons and buttons for showing approximate distance to each store/approximate time required, showing the presence or absence of coupons, or viewing more detailed information about each store. There is. In 1002, an example is shown in which a button/link text for viewing the continuation of the list and a "view on map" button are arranged at the bottom of the screen at the same time.

Reference numeral 1003 shows an example of a screen displayed after the “view on map” button is tapped/clicked in 1002. Since 1003 is the same as 703 in FIG. 7, description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the end user device 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows an example in which a push notification is output to the end user device 140 when the end user approaches a specific store or the like while moving. In the example of FIG. 11, the end user can automatically receive the message without intentionally or explicitly searching for a company/store that can use the payment/settlement application.

1101 is an example in which information about a company/store that can be used by the payment/settlement application is displayed as a message on the end user device 140. Based on the location information acquired by a resident operation of the end user device 140 or a program that is regularly started, the management server 120 determines the distance from the location information of one or more stores registered in advance. Evaluate regularly. When the distance between the two falls below a certain value (when it is detected that they are sufficiently close to each other), a push notification (message) is output to the end user device 140. The message may also be provided with button/link text such as “more”, “more” and the like to allow reference to detailed store information.

1102 shows an example of a screen displayed after the button/link text such as “more” and “more” is tapped/clicked in 1101. 1102 outputs the information about the target store for which the proximity determination is made in 1101, together with the coupon information about the store, at the top of the screen. 1102 also shows an example in which a list of nearby stores that can use the payment/settlement application is listed using the search/notification optimization engine based on the position information of the end user device 140. Further, 1102 shows an example in which icons and buttons are arranged to show an approximate distance/approximate required time to each store, show presence/absence of a coupon, or to see more detailed information of each store. Reference numeral 1102 shows an example in which a button/link text for viewing the continuation of the list and a “view on map” button are arranged at the bottom of the screen at the same time.

1103 shows an example of a screen displayed after the “View on map” button is tapped/clicked in 1102. The description of 1103 is omitted because it is the same as 703 of FIG. 7.

The screens described above are examples, and modifications such as omitting some items or screens and adding new items or screens are possible.

FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying a flow of search processing for usable stores according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a case where the end user gives an instruction to start a search using the end user device 140 and refers to the search result will be described. FIG. 12 is related to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 showing example screens, and particularly to the example screen of FIG. 9.

S1201: The end user instructs the end user device 140 to open a search screen for inputting search conditions regarding a company/store that can be used by the payment/settlement application.

S1202: The end user uses the end user device 140 to specify the search mode. As shown in the screen examples 701 of FIG. 7, 801 of FIG. 8, and 901 of FIG. 9, the search mode is such as “whether or not the app can be used at the current store”, “arbitrary keyword search”, “available company/store list”, etc. Includes search mode and search reference location designation (current location, individual designation). The search mode is also “service type” of the payment/settlement application as shown in the screen example 702 of FIG. 7, 802 of FIG. 8, and 902 of FIG. 9 (all, over-the-counter payment, payment slip, catalog order, coupon). Can be specified, but is not limited to these.

S1203: When "current location" is designated as the search reference location in S1202, the end user device 140 acquires the location information of the current location by the GPS unit 145. The location information may include, but is not limited to, latitude/longitude, address, postal code, and the like. The end user device 140 sends the location information to the management server 120.

S1204: When it is determined in S1202 that the search reference place is individually specified, the end user specifies the search reference place by text input or the like. The position information may include latitude/longitude, address, postal code, position designation using a map, etc., but is not limited to these. The end user device 140 sends the location information to the management server 120. The individual designation of the search reference place can be used, for example, when the end user wants to acquire information around his/her home when he/she is at the office, or when he/she wants to acquire information about a place to be moved from now on.

S1205: The management server 120 inputs the company/store information, coupon information, end user information, external environment information, and location information received from the end user device 140 to the search/notification optimization engine. The search/notification optimization engine optimizes the search result through the processing illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B, and outputs this as list-format data. The output data is not limited to information such as a company name and a store name, but may be output with the distance from the current location/designated location, the presence/absence of a coupon, and other company/store information set. The management server 120 sends the output data to the end user device 140.

In 1205, the search/notification optimization engine is supposed to be executed by the management server 120. However, if the end user device 140 has the necessary data and sufficient processing power, the end user device 140 It may be processed.

S1206: The end user device 140 displays the output data received from the management server 120 on the end user device 140. In addition to the company/store name, the data to be displayed includes information on the approximate distance to each company/store, information on the presence/absence of a coupon, the type of service provided (store payment, payment slip, catalog order), or other companies/ The store information may be displayed at the same time. The data to be displayed may also display detailed information about the company/store by clicking/tapping in the vicinity of the company/store information displayed on the end user device 140.

When displaying company/store information, in addition to the method similar to the list, it is also possible to plot the company/store information on the map, and the information plotted on the map is set on the screen. It may be activated/displayed by clicking/tapping a button.

FIG. 13 is a diagram exemplifying a flow of search processing of a store in which the payment/settlement application can be used when the payment/settlement application according to the embodiment of the present invention is activated. FIG. 13 relates to FIG. 10 showing an example of the screen.

S1301: The end user activates the payment/settlement application using the end user device 140. With this activation, the end user device 140 transmits the position information acquired by the GPS function of the GPS unit 145 to the management server 120.

S1302: The management server 120 evaluates the distance between the position information received from the end user device 140 and the position information of the available store, determines whether payment is possible at the store where the user is currently located, and the determination result is the end user. -Send to device 140. The management server 120 may also simultaneously transmit information such as the presence/absence of a coupon at the store.

S1303: The end user device 140 displays the determination result received from the management server 120. As an example of the determination result, a message such as "Coupons can be used at the store where you are now" illustrated in 1002 of FIG. 10 can be displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the store is currently unavailable, the process may be terminated without displaying anything, or a message indicating the unavailable may be displayed. Regardless of the determination result, the end user device 140 may display a button such as “view details”.

When a button such as "view details" is clicked/tapped by the end user, the end user device 140 sends a request to the management server 120 to obtain detailed information about the store. In response to the request, the management server 120 provides detailed information (store name, coupon information, etc.) of the store where the end user is currently located, location information, company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and external environment information. Input to search/notification optimization engine. The management server 120 creates a list of companies/stores that match the attributes of the end user from the stores near the end user, and sends the list to the end user device 140.

S1305: The end user device 140 displays the information of the store currently located from the management server 120 and the list of companies/stores in the vicinity. In addition to the list to be displayed, the company/store name, information about the approximate distance to each company/store, information about the presence or absence of coupons, the type of service provided (over-the-counter payment, payment slip, catalog order), or other companies/stores A method of simultaneously displaying information may be used. As an example of the approximate distance, “immediate”, “5 minutes”, etc. illustrated in 1102 of FIG. 11 can be displayed. The list to be displayed may be further provided with buttons and the like for viewing details of each company/store.

In addition to displaying the company/store information in a manner similar to the list, it is also possible to plot the company/store information on a map. The plot on the map can be done from the clip/tap of the button to be installed. It may be activated and displayed.

All or part of the processes in S1302, S1303, and S1305 may be performed by the end user device 140.

FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplifying a flow of push notification of the payment/settlement application according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, when the user having the end user device 140 approaches a specific store or the like subject to push notification registered in advance by the operator, the management server 120 determines the validity of the notification and the end user device 140 The process of transmitting a push notification to 140 will be described. FIG. 14 relates to FIG. 11 showing an example of the screen.

S1401: A program that is resident in the end-user device 140 or that is periodically activated starts the management server 120 with information that identifies the end-user device 140, such as position information and device numbers acquired by the GPS unit 145. Send.

S1402: The management server 120 evaluates the distance between the position information received from the end user device 140 and the position information of the store subject to the push notification held by the management server 120, and determines whether or not the position information is close within a predetermined distance. Determine whether. The management server 120 also identifies the end user (the holder of the end user device 140, or the account associated with the end user device 140) from the information identifying the end user device 140. The management server 120 further inputs the company/store information, the coupon information, the end user information, and the external environment information to the search/notification optimization engine to determine the necessity or validity of the push notification. Whether push notification is necessary or not is determined by, for example, if it is a company/store whose evaluation score is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold score in the search/optimization engine, it is appropriate to perform push notification. May be determined as follows. All or part of the processing in S1402 may be executed by the end user device 140.

S1403: When it is determined that the push notification is necessary in S1402, the management server 120 transmits the push notification to the end user device 140. If it is determined in step S1402 that the push notification is unnecessary, the process ends.

S1404: In response to receiving the push notification from the management server 120, the end user device 140 displays either or both of the incoming call and the notification content (message) on the screen. The displayed message can be, for example, "You can use a special coupon at a XX department store near you." The message may also be provided with a button such as “view details” so that more detailed information can be referred to.

When the end user clicks/tapes a button such as "view details" arranged in the message, the management server 120 causes the management server 120 to issue information about the store directly targeted for the push notification and/or issued by the store. It is possible to extract the coupon information. The management server 120 may also supplementarily extract information on companies/stores located in the vicinity where the payment/settlement application can be used by the search/notification optimization engine.

S1405: When the detailed information of the company/store is extracted, the end user device 140 displays the information transmitted from the management server 120 on the end user device 140 in S1406.

All or part of the processing in S1402, S1403, and S1405 described above may be performed by the end user device 140.

The processing procedure described above is an example, and some modifications may be omitted and/or new procedures may be added.

In another embodiment, when it is determined that the particular payment/payment application is not available to the store where the end user is currently located, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the search/notification optimization engine determines another payment/payment application. It may be configured to display the payment app information. The information of the payment/settlement application supported by the store can be determined based on the company/store information.

100 Operator device 110, 130 Network 120 Management server 121 Database 140, 140a, 140b, 140n End user device

Claims (8)

A system for searching companies/stores where payment/settlement apps can be used,
Of the basic evaluation data including company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and external environment information, related data items are aggregated for each category to create conformity evaluation items,
Set an evaluation weight for each of the compatibility evaluation items,
A system comprising: a processor configured to calculate an evaluation score based on the conformity evaluation item for which the evaluation weight is set and end user information, and sort search results by the calculated evaluation score. The system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation weight has a different value according to a search pattern. The search result further includes one or more of a distance to the company/store, the coupon information, and a type of service provided by the company/store to the payment/settlement application.
The system of claim 1. The search result is information about other companies/stores located near a particular company/store, distance to the other companies/stores, coupon information of the other companies/stores, and the other companies/stores. Further includes one or more of the types of services provided to the payment/settlement application,
The system of claim 1. The end user information includes end user current location information,
When the processor activates the payment/settlement application, the processor identifies the company/store where the end user is located from the location information, and further determines whether or not the payment/settlement app can be used in the company/store. The system of claim 1, configured. Of the basic evaluation data including company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and external environment information, related data items are aggregated for each category to create conformity evaluation items,
Set an evaluation weight for each of the compatibility evaluation items,
Based on the compatibility evaluation items and end user information for which the evaluation weight is set, calculate an evaluation score,
When the end user arrives within a certain range from a predetermined push notification target company/store, the validity of the push notification is determined, and when it is determined that the push notification is appropriate, a processor configured to perform the push notification is installed. Equipped, system. A method for searching for companies/stores where a payment/settlement application can be used, which is carried out by a computer,
The computer creates a conformity evaluation item by aggregating relevant data items for each category among evaluation basic data including company/store information, coupon information, end user information, and external environment information,
The computer sets an evaluation weight for each of the compatibility evaluation items,
A method in which the computer calculates an evaluation score based on the compatibility evaluation item for which the evaluation weight is set and end user information, and sorts the search results by the calculated evaluation score. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 7.

Images