JP7457862B1 - Store terminal, control method and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a store terminal, a control method, and a control program that can improve the convenience of coupons. A store terminal according to the present application includes an ID reading section, an acquisition section, a product reading section, a determining section, and a transmitting section. The ID reading unit reads the user ID from the user's terminal device. The acquisition unit acquires coupon information linked to the user ID. The product reading unit reads product information of a product purchased by a user. The determining unit identifies a target product, which is a product for which a coupon can be used, based on the product information, and determines a payment amount excluding the price of the target product. The transmitter transmits a payment request in which the payment amount, user ID, and store ID are linked to the payment server. [Selection diagram] Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a store terminal, a control method, and a control program.

Conventionally, techniques have been proposed that allow users to purchase coupons in exchange for points given when they make payments or the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a user operates a store terminal to purchase a coupon issued for each store, or accesses the store's website from the user terminal and purchases it. .

JP 2014-071536 A

However, in conventional technology, coupons must be set (purchased) for each store, so for example, a coupon cannot be used at a store where the coupon has not been purchased, even for the same product. As such, conventionally, there was room for further improvement in terms of increasing the convenience of coupons.

The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a store terminal, a control method, and a control program that can improve the convenience of coupons.

The store terminal according to the present application includes an ID reading section, an acquisition section, a product reading section, a determining section, and a transmitting section. The ID reading unit reads the user ID from the user's terminal device. The acquisition unit acquires coupon information linked to the user ID. The product reading unit reads product information of a product purchased by the user. The determination unit specifies a target product, which is a product for which the coupon can be used, based on the product information, and determines a payment amount excluding the price of the target product. The transmitting unit transmits a payment request in which the payment amount, the user ID, and the store ID are linked to the payment server.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience of coupons.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing No. 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing part 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an account database according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the facility information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon database according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a store terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the payment server according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the store terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of a payment server and a store terminal.

Embodiments (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Further, in each of the embodiments below, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[Embodiment]
Information processing realized by this embodiment will be described using FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing No. 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing part 2 according to the embodiment. Note that in FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is assumed that the information processing, etc. according to the embodiment is realized by the payment server 10, which is an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In addition, in FIG. 1A, the store terminal 200 is a POS (Point of Sale) terminal where an employee scans the items purchased by the user and performs the transaction, and in FIG. 1B, the store terminal 200 is a POS (Point of Sale) terminal where the user scans the items purchased by the user and performs the transaction. The store terminal 200 in FIG. 1B is also called a register cart, and is attached to a cart for placing items, allowing users to scan items while walking around the store.

In the present disclosure, the convenience of coupons is improved by cooperation between a POS terminal and a payment server 10 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. First, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 100, a store terminal 200, and a request source terminal 300. The payment server 10, the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, and the requester terminal 300 are connected to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly via a network N (see, for example, FIG. 11). The network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1A may include multiple payment servers 10, multiple user terminals 100, multiple store terminals 200, and multiple request source terminals 300. .

A payment server 10 shown in FIG. 1A is an information processing device that executes information processing according to the embodiment, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. For example, the payment server 10 provides an electronic payment service regarding electronic payment using the user terminal 100. For example, the payment server 10 manages the accounts of providers (business operators) of transaction objects and users to whom transaction objects are provided, and transfers electronic money between accounts in accordance with payment requests from users. By doing so, various payments can be realized. Note that electronic money may be, for example, points or currency used independently by various companies, or may be currency provided by a country such as Japanese yen or dollars that can be electronically transacted. good.

The payment server 10 also provides coupon information (for example, identification information (transaction object) identifying the transaction object (product) to which the coupon is applied) regarding the coupon that is given to the user in the electronic payment service and that can be used in the electronic payment service. (identification information), the details of the benefits granted to the user by the coupon (such as a predetermined amount of cash back, etc.), the acquisition conditions for the user to obtain the coupon, etc.) It plans, sets, etc., receives coupon funds from the person who invests (provides) them, and manages them in its own device's storage unit. For example, the payment server 10 manages information indicated by a barcode (such as a JAN code or an in-store code) attached to a transaction object as transaction object identification information.

The payment server 10 also links users with the coupons they have acquired and manages them in the memory unit of its own device.

Furthermore, when the user makes a payment using the payment service, the payment server 10 gives the user points corresponding to the payment amount. Points are used, for example, when exchanging for electronic money or exchanging (purchasing) coupons. Note that the points are awarded at a predetermined period from the payment date and become usable, but the points are not limited to this and may be awarded immediately after the payment.

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

Note that when the user terminal 100 receives control information for realizing predetermined information processing from the payment server 10, the user terminal 100 realizes the information processing according to the control information. Here, the control information is, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a programming language such as Java (registered trademark), or a language such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). It is written in markup language etc. Note that the predetermined application itself distributed from the payment server 10 may be regarded as the control information.

The store terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1A is an information processing device managed by a facility that provides transactions to users. Further, the store terminal 200 may be an information processing device used in a store that provides transactions to users. The store terminal 200 in this case is, for example, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, but any terminal that can use a POS system may be a smartphone, tablet terminal, notebook PC, desktop PC, mobile phone, or PDA. It may be realized by etc. Further, the store terminal 200 displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application.

[About payment using user terminal 100]
Here, prior to information processing performed by the payment server 10, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 100 will be described. In the following description, a case will be described in which the store terminal 200 that has read the information of the user terminal 100 performs the payment as a payment using the user terminal 100. For example, the user terminal 100 displays user identification information for identifying the user on the screen. In such a case, the store terminal 200 reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 100, and reads the user identification information (or information indicated by the user identification information, that is, information indicating the user (for example, Information regarding the payment including the user ID)), the payment amount, and information identifying the store is transmitted to the payment server 10. In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the payment amount from the user's account indicated by the user identification information to the store's account, and transfers the amount of electronic money indicated by the payment amount to the store's store terminal 200 or user terminal 100. However, it may be possible to notify that the payment has been completed by outputting a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

More specifically, the user terminal 100 sends a payment request to the payment server 10 together with the user identification information. In such a case, the payment server 10 generates a one-time code, links the generated one-time code to the user identification information, and sends the one-time code to the user terminal 100. The user terminal 100 then displays the one-time code (i.e., information that identifies the user) on the screen. In such a case, the store terminal 200 reads the one-time code displayed on the user terminal 100 and transmits the read one-time code, group identification information, group store identification information, and payment amount to the payment server 10. The payment server 10 then transfers electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the wallet linked to the user identification information linked to the one-time code to the wallet linked to the group identification information and group store identification information.

Payment using the user terminal 100 is not limited to the process of transferring electronic money from an account to which the user has previously charged electronic money to a store account; for example, payment using the user's pre-registered credit card It may be a payment made in advance. In such a case, for example, the user terminal 100 transfers electronic money for the payment amount to the store's account, and requests the payment amount from the user's credit card management company (card company). Good too.

Furthermore, a payment using the user terminal 100 may not only involve a process of transferring electronic money from the user's account to the store's account, but may also involve a process in which the payment server 10 withdraws electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the user's account and deposits the amount of cash obtained by subtracting a specified fee (such as a management fee) from the payment amount into the store's bank account. In such a case, for example, the payment server 10 manages the payment amount from each user to the store as the store's sales information, and at a specified time, based on the sales information, deposits cash into the store's bank account in an amount equivalent to the sales (the total payment amount indicated by the sales information) minus a specified fee.

In addition, if the funds for the coupon used at the time of payment are borne by the store, the payment server 10 will be able to transfer the funds when depositing cash to the store's bank account or transferring electronic money to the store's account. For example, the amount of cash to be paid may be subtracted from the payment amount and deposited into the bank account, or the electronic money amount to be paid may be subtracted from the payment amount and transferred to the store's account.

Note that the funds for the coupon may be borne not by the store but by the provider of the payment object (for example, the manufacturer of the product). In that case, the payment server 10 does not perform the above subtraction process.

Note that the payment means and payment services described above are not limited to those for providing consideration for purchasing products or providing services (settlement of debts). For example, as described above, the payment means or payment service may have a function related to remittance between accounts owned by multiple users. That is, the above-mentioned payment means and payment service may be any service that controls the transmission and reception of electronic money between the accounts of arbitrary owners linked to the owner of electronic money, such as users and stores. In other words, the payment means and payment services according to the embodiments include various controls for realizing electronic money exchange (not only various inter-account remittance controls via electronic money, but also control regarding exchanges between electronic money accounts and bank accounts). Transaction methods and transaction services that carry out various types of debt processing such as control, processing related to splits and bonus payments, and various other controls related to the exchange of assets, including electronic money, may be provided in any format. Good too. Further, the various controls realized by such transaction means and transaction services may include both payment-related control and remittance-related control, or only one of them may be included. That is, the term "transaction" is a concept that includes not only "settlement" related to electronic money, but also "remittance" of electronic money and various other types of processing. That is, the payment server 10 may be an information processing device that implements a transaction means that controls the exchange of electronic money between arbitrary owners.

[About the outline of the embodiment]
In the present disclosure, when performing the above-described payment processing, the payment server 10 performs payment using the payment amount after applying the coupon acquired by the user. More specifically, the payment server 10 transmits information on the product exchange coupon for the target product that the user purchased in exchange for points to the store terminal 200, and the store terminal 200 calculates the price of the target product when reading the product. The excluded payment amount is determined and a payment request is made to the payment server 10. Since the product exchange coupon is tied to, for example, a JAN code, it can be used at any member store that subscribes to the payment service of the payment server 10. That is, according to the present disclosure, the convenience of coupons can be improved by sharing coupon information between payment server 10 and store terminal 200.

The above-mentioned information processing will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 1A. In addition, in the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the same as the user. In other words, in the following, the user may also be read as the user terminal 100.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the requesting terminal 300 orders a coupon from the payment server 10 (step S1). Specifically, the requesting terminal 300 requests the issuance of a coupon for a product (goods or service) manufactured or sold by the company. Such a coupon is a product exchange coupon for purchasing a target product using points, or a discount coupon for reducing the price of a target product by a predetermined percentage or a predetermined amount. The requester handling the requester terminal 300 may be a manufacturer or a retailer.

Subsequently, the payment server 10 posts a coupon on the user terminal 100 in response to a request from the user terminal 100 (step S2). At this time, the coupons displayed on the user terminal 100 may include all issued coupons; for example, only coupons that can be purchased with points or only coupons selected based on user information. may be narrowed down and displayed according to predetermined conditions.

Subsequently, the user terminal 100 transmits a request to acquire the coupon selected according to the user's operation to the payment server 10 (step S3).

Subsequently, the payment server 10 subtracts the points required to purchase the coupon for which acquisition has been requested, and sets the coupon to the user (step S4). Specifically, if the points held by the user are greater than or equal to the purchase points required to purchase a coupon, the payment server 10 subtracts the purchase points from the points held and displays the acquired points in the user ID. Set as a coupon. Note that, if the number of points held is less than the purchase points, the payment server 10 notifies the user terminal 100 that the purchase is not possible (lack of points).

Next, the store terminal 200 reads the user ID linked to the account of the payment service from the user terminal 100 (step S5). Next, the store terminal 200 requests a user inquiry from the payment server 10 together with the read user ID (step S6).

Next, the payment server 10 performs a user inquiry and identifies coupons linked to the user ID (step S7). Specifically, the payment server 10 performs a user inquiry based on whether the user ID acquired from the store terminal 200 is a user ID that has been registered in the payment service, and if the user ID is registered, identifies coupons linked to the user ID.

Subsequently, the payment server 10 transmits the coupon information along with the user inquiry result to the store terminal 200 (step S8). Specifically, the payment server 10 transmits the coupon ID, the JAN code of the target product, and the content of the coupon (exchange or discount) as coupon information.

Next, the store terminal 200 reads the product information by reading the product code (JAN code, etc.) of the product that the user purchases (step S9). The product information includes the name of the product, the price of the product, and the like.

Subsequently, after completing the reading of all products, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount (total amount) (step S10). Specifically, the store terminal 200 specifies the target product for which the coupon can be used based on the read JAN code of the product, and determines the payment amount by applying the coupon to the target product. For example, if the coupon is a product exchange coupon, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount excluding the price of the target product. Further, if the coupon is a discount coupon, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount calculated based on the discounted price of the target product.

Subsequently, the store terminal 200 transmits a payment request including the determined payment amount, user ID, store ID, and coupon ID of the used coupon to the payment server 10 (step S11).

Subsequently, the payment server 10 performs payment processing according to the payment request, and sets the coupon ID of the used coupon to used (step S12). Further, if the number of times the coupon can be used is multiple times, the payment server 10 subtracts 1 from the number of times the coupon can be used.

Next, the payment server 10 notifies the store terminal 200 that payment has been completed (step S13). When the store terminal 200 receives the payment completion notification, it notifies the payment server 10 of the points awarded according to the payment amount and issues a receipt.

Next, the information processing in FIG. 1B will be described in detail. As described above, in FIG. 1B, an example is given in which the store terminal 200 is a so-called checkout cart. In the information processing shown in FIG. 1B, coupon information corresponding to the user is displayed on the display section of the store terminal 200 installed in the checkout cart. As a result, the user can shop while grasping coupon information by reading the products while walking around the store. That is, the convenience of the coupon can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the requesting terminal 300 orders a coupon from the payment server 10 (step S1). Specifically, the requesting terminal 300 requests the issuance of a coupon for a product (goods or service) manufactured or sold by the company. Such a coupon is a product exchange coupon for purchasing a target product using points, or a discount coupon for reducing the price of a target product by a predetermined percentage or a predetermined amount. The requester handling the requester terminal 300 may be a manufacturer or a retailer.

Then, the payment server 10 posts the coupons on the user terminal 100 in response to a request from the user terminal 100 (step S2). At this time, the coupons displayed on the user terminal 100 may be all issued coupons, or may be limited according to predetermined conditions, such as only coupons that can be purchased with points or only coupons selected based on user information.

Next, the user terminal 100 sends a request to acquire the coupon selected according to the user's operation to the payment server 10 (step S3).

Subsequently, the payment server 10 subtracts the points required to purchase the coupon for which acquisition has been requested, and sets the coupon to the user (step S4). Specifically, if the points held by the user are greater than or equal to the purchase points required to purchase a coupon, the payment server 10 subtracts the purchase points from the points held and displays the acquired points in the user ID. Set as a coupon. Note that, if the number of points held is less than the purchase points, the payment server 10 notifies the user terminal 100 that the purchase is not possible (lack of points).

Subsequently, the store terminal 200 reads the user ID linked to the payment service account from the user terminal 100 (step S5). Next, the store terminal 200 requests the payment server 10 for a user inquiry together with the read user ID (step S6).

Subsequently, the payment server 10 makes a user inquiry and identifies the coupon corresponding to the user ID (step S7). Specifically, the payment server 10 performs a user inquiry based on whether the user ID acquired from the store terminal 200 is a user ID registered in the payment service, and if the user ID is already registered, Identify the coupon corresponding to the ID. The coupon corresponding to the user ID is a coupon purchased by the user in exchange for points, a coupon that can be purchased using the points held, or the like.

Subsequently, the payment server 10 transmits the coupon information along with the user inquiry result to the store terminal 200 (step S8). Specifically, the payment server 10 transmits the coupon ID, the JAN code of the target product, and the content of the coupon (exchange or discount) as coupon information.

Subsequently, the store terminal 200 displays coupons that can be used at the store on the display unit based on the acquired coupon information (step S9). For example, the store terminal 200 displays coupons for target products that are in stock or on sale at the store, based on the JAN code included in the coupon information. Note that the store terminal 200 may display a list of usable coupons, or may display information about usable coupons when the user reads a target product.

Subsequently, the store terminal 200 receives a coupon to be used by the user according to the user's operation (step S10). In addition, the store terminal 200 acquires information on the points held by the user from the payment server 10, and if the user uses multiple coupons, the total number of points required for purchasing the coupon exceeds the points held. Determine if there are any. If the total number of points required for purchasing a coupon exceeds the points held, the store terminal 200 notifies the user that there is a shortage of points.

Subsequently, the store terminal 200 reads product information by reading the product code (JAN code, etc.) of the product the user purchases (step S11). The product information includes the name of the product, the price of the product, and the like.

Subsequently, after completing the reading of the product, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount (total amount) (step S12). Specifically, the store terminal 200 specifies the target product for which the coupon can be used based on the read JAN code of the product, and determines the payment amount by applying the coupon to the target product. For example, if the coupon is a product exchange coupon, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount excluding the price of the target product. Further, if the coupon is a discount coupon, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount calculated based on the discounted price of the target product.

Subsequently, when the user performs an operation indicating an intention to make a payment (such as pressing a payment button), the store terminal 200 displays the final payment amount, user ID, store ID, and coupon of the used coupon. A payment request including the ID is sent to the payment server 10 (step S13).

Subsequently, the payment server 10 performs payment processing according to the payment request, and sets the coupon ID of the used coupon to used (step S14). Further, if the number of times the coupon can be used is multiple times, the payment server 10 subtracts 1 from the number of times the coupon can be used.

Subsequently, the payment server 10 notifies the store terminal 200 of the completion of payment (step S15). When receiving the payment completion notification, the store terminal 200 notifies the payment server 10 of the points awarded according to the payment amount and issues a receipt.

Note that the payment server 10 may cancel the setting of the acquired coupon based on predetermined conditions. For example, the payment server 10 cancels the setting of an acquired coupon when a user requests cancellation of the acquired coupon before the acquired coupon is used or when the expiration date of the coupon has passed. . In this case, the payment server 10 returns the points used when acquiring the coupon to the points held by the user. The timing for returning points may be immediate or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[Configuration of payment server]
Next, the configuration of the payment server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment server according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the payment server 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

(About the communication department 20)
The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, the requesting terminal 300, and the like.

(Regarding the storage unit 30)
The storage unit 30 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. As shown in Fig. 2, the storage unit 30 has a user information database (DB) 31, an account database (DB) 32, a facility information database (DB) 33, and a coupon database (DB) 34.

(About the user information database 31)
The user information database 31 stores various information regarding users of the electronic payment service provided by the payment server 10. Here, an example of information stored in the user information database 31 will be explained using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 31 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, the user information database 31 includes items such as "user ID,""paymenthistory," and "obtained coupon."

"User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Payment history" indicates the history of payments made using electronic payment services, and stores information such as the payment destination, payment amount, and information on the coupon used (coupon ID). “Acquired coupon” indicates a coupon (coupon purchased with points) that the user (payer) has acquired, and stores, for example, identification information for identifying the coupon and information regarding the contents of the coupon.

(About account database 32)
The account database 32 stores various information regarding accounts owned by users, stores (business operators), etc. in electronic payment services. Here, an example of information stored in the account database 32 will be explained using FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the account database 32 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the account database 32 has items such as "account ID", "owner information", and "account balance".

“Account ID” indicates identification information for identifying an account. "Owner information" indicates information regarding the owner of the account, and stores, for example, identification information for identifying the owner. “Account balance” indicates the balance of the account.

(Regarding facility information database 33)
The facility information database 33 stores various information related to facilities. An example of information stored in the facility information database 33 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the facility information database 33 according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 5, the facility information database 33 has items such as "facility ID", "payment destination ID", and "facility information".

"Facility ID" is identification information for identifying a facility (store), and is the above-mentioned store identification information. "Payment destination ID" is identification information for identifying a payment destination, and is the above-mentioned group identification information or merchant ID. “Facility information” is information about stores, and includes store names, store location information, and the like.

(About coupon database 34)
Coupon database 34 stores information regarding coupons. Here, an example of information stored in the coupon database 34 will be explained using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon database 34 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, the coupon database 34 has items such as "coupon ID", "JAN code", and "target product".

"Coupon ID" is identification information for identifying a coupon. "JAN code" is information indicating a JAN code, and is information for identifying a product. “Target product” is information about the product to which the coupon is applied, and includes, for example, the product name.

(About the control unit 40)
The control unit 40 is a controller, and for example, various programs stored in the storage device inside the payment server 10 use the RAM as a work area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc. This is achieved through execution. Further, the control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 40 according to the embodiment realizes or executes the functions and actions of the reception unit 41, acquisition unit 42, setting unit 43, identification unit 44, coupon processing unit 45, payment processing unit 46, and notification unit 47 described below. do.

The reception unit 41 receives various information. For example, the receiving unit 41 receives a coupon issuance request (order request) from the requesting terminal 300. Further, the reception unit 41 receives a coupon acquisition request from the user terminal 100. Further, the reception unit 41 receives user inquiry requests and payment requests from the store terminal 200.

The acquisition unit 42 acquires various information. Specifically, the acquisition unit 42 acquires the user ID included in the user inquiry request received by the reception unit 41.

Based on the coupon acquisition request received by the reception unit 41, the setting unit 43 sets a product exchange coupon or a discount coupon for the target product to the user in exchange for a portion of the user's points. Specifically, the setting unit 43 subtracts the points of the coupon from the points held, and also links the coupon to the user ID as an acquired coupon.

The identifying unit 44 identifies the coupon corresponding to the user ID acquired by the acquiring unit 42. For example, the specifying unit 44 specifies the acquired coupon linked to the user ID. Further, the specifying unit 44 specifies coupons that can be purchased based on the points held by the user. For example, the specifying unit 44 specifies a coupon for which the points required for purchasing the coupon are less than the points held. Further, the specifying unit 44 specifies the coupon based on the user's coupon acquisition history. For example, the identifying unit 44 identifies coupons that the user has acquired in the past from among currently issued coupons. The identification unit 44 also identifies coupons that are similar in coupon content and target product to coupons that the user has acquired in the past.

The coupon processing unit 45 marks a product exchange coupon as used when a user purchases a target product by making a payment using the user terminal 100. Specifically, the coupon processing unit 45 marks a product exchange coupon as used based on a payment request received from the store terminal 200. More specifically, the coupon processing unit 45 identifies a coupon corresponding to the used coupon ID included in the payment request from among the acquired coupons linked to the user ID, and sets the coupon ID of the identified acquired coupon to used.

In addition, the coupon processing unit 45 cancels the setting of an acquired coupon when the user requests cancellation of the acquired coupon before the acquired coupon is used or when the expiration date of the coupon has passed. do. In this case, the coupon processing unit 45 returns the points used when acquiring the coupon to the points held by the user. The timing for returning points may be immediate or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

When the payment processing unit 46 receives a payment request, it performs payment processing. Specifically, the payment processing unit 46 transfers electronic money of the payment amount from the account of the user ID linked to the payment request to the account of the payment destination ID of the store ID linked to the payment request. In addition, after the payment processing is completed, the payment processing unit 46 stores the payment history linked to the user ID and the used coupon ID in the user information DB 31 of the storage unit 30.

The notification unit 47 issues various notifications. For example, the notification unit 47 notifies the requesting terminal 300 that a coupon has been issued and that a coupon has been used. The notification unit 47 also notifies the user terminal 100 that the setting of a requested coupon has been completed and that the payment process has been completed.

Further, the notification unit 47 notifies the store terminal 200 of coupon information corresponding to the user ID and notification of payment completion. Furthermore, the notification unit 47 notifies the user of the coupon information identified by the identification unit 44 via the store terminal 200.

[Store terminal configuration]
Next, the configuration of the store terminal 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store terminal 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the store terminal 200 has a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

(About communication department 210)
The communication unit 210 is realized by, for example, a NIC or the like. The communication unit 210 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information between the payment server 10, the user terminal 100, the requesting terminal 300, and the like.

(About storage unit 220)
The storage unit 220 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 220 includes a product information database (DB) 221.

(About product information database 221)
The product information database 221 stores various information regarding products sold by stores. Here, an example of information stored in the product information database 221 will be explained using FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the product information database 221 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8, the product information database 221 has items such as "product ID", "product name", "JAN code", and "price".

"Product ID" indicates identification information for identifying a product. "Product name" indicates the name of the product. "JAN code" indicates the JAN code of the product. "Price" is the selling price of the product at the store.

(About the control unit 230)
The control unit 230 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or the like executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the store terminal 200 using the RAM as a work area. Further, the control unit 230 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 230 according to the embodiment realizes or executes the functions and operations of an ID reading unit 231, an acquisition unit 232, a product reading unit 233, a determining unit 234, and a transmitting unit 235, which will be described below.

The ID reading unit 231 reads the user ID displayed on the user terminal 100. Specifically, the ID reading unit 231 reads the user ID by reading a barcode, two-dimensional code, etc. displayed on the screen of the user terminal 100.

The acquisition unit 232 acquires various information. For example, the acquisition unit 232 acquires coupon information transmitted from the payment server 10. Specifically, the acquisition unit 232 acquires coupon information linked to the user ID of the user inquiry transmitted by the transmission unit 235.

The product reading unit 233 reads product information of a product purchased by a user. Specifically, the product reading unit 233 reads the JAN code of the product, and reads product information such as the product name and price linked to the corresponding JAN code in the product information DB 221.

The determination unit 234 determines the payment amount for the product. Specifically, the determination unit 234 determines the total price of the multiple products read by the product reading unit 233 as the payment amount. Furthermore, the determination unit 234 identifies target products for which a coupon can be used from the multiple products read by the product reading unit 233, based on the JAN code, which is the product information, and the coupon information acquired by the acquisition unit 232 (JAN code of the target product). The determination unit 234 then determines the payment amount based on the price after the coupon is applied for the identified target products. In other words, in the case of a product exchange coupon, the determination unit 234 determines the payment amount excluding the price of the target product, and in the case of a discount coupon, determines the payment amount totaling the discounted price of the target products.

The transmission unit 235 transmits various information. For example, the transmission unit 235 transmits a payment request to the payment server 10, linking the payment amount determined by the determination unit 234, the user ID, the store ID, and the used coupon ID.

Further, the transmitter 235 transmits a user inquiry request linked with the user ID read by the ID reader 231 to the payment server 10.

[Processing flow]
The processing procedure of the payment server 10 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the payment server 10 according to the embodiment. Note that in FIG. 9, the process starts from a state in which a coupon order request has already been received from the requesting terminal 300 and the coupon has been issued.

As shown in FIG. 9, the payment server 10 receives a coupon acquisition request from the user terminal 100 (step S101).

Next, the payment server 10 subtracts the points required to purchase the requested coupon from the points held, and sets the coupon in the user ID (step S102).

Next, the payment server 10 receives a user inquiry including the user ID from the store terminal 200 (step S103).

Next, the payment server 10 queries the user and identifies the coupons linked to the user ID (step S104).

Next, the payment server 10 transmits information about the specified coupon to the store terminal 200 (step S105).

Next, the payment server 10 receives a payment request from the store terminal 200 (step S106).

Next, the payment server 10 performs payment processing according to the payment request (step S107), and sets the coupon ID of the used coupon to used (step S108).

Next, the payment server 10 transmits a payment completion notification to the store terminal 200 (step S108), and ends the process.

Next, the procedure of processing by the store terminal 200 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the store terminal 200 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the store terminal 200 reads the user ID from the user terminal 100 (step S201).

Next, the store terminal 200 requests the payment server 10 to check the user ID (step S202).

Next, the store terminal 200 acquires coupon information corresponding to the user ID from the payment server 10 (step S203). Note that when the store terminal 200 is a checkout cart, coupon information is displayed on the display section of the store terminal 200.

Next, the store terminal 200 reads the product (step S204). Next, the store terminal 200 identifies target products for which the coupon can be used (step S205).

Next, the store terminal 200 determines the payment amount after applying the coupon (step S206). Next, the store terminal 200 transmits a payment request linking the payment amount, user ID, store ID, and coupon ID to the payment server 10 (step S207).

Next, the store terminal 200 receives the notification of payment completion from the payment server 10, notifies the user of the payment completion notification through a receipt or the like (step S208), and ends the process.

[Modified example]
The embodiments described above are merely examples, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[Regarding processing mode]
Among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above text and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate within a range that does not conflict with the processing contents.

〔effect〕
As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment includes the setting section 43 and the coupon processing section 45. The setting unit 43 sets a product exchange coupon for the target product to the user in exchange for points provided to the user in response to payment using the terminal device (user terminal 100). The coupon processing unit 45 marks the product exchange coupon as used when the user purchases the target product through payment using a terminal device (user terminal 100). The coupon processing unit 45 cancels the setting of the product exchange coupon set for the user based on predetermined conditions. When canceling the setting of the product exchange coupon, the coupon processing unit 45 returns the points exchanged for the product exchange coupon to the points held by the user. The acquisition unit 42 acquires the user ID of the user from the store terminal 200. The notification unit 47 notifies the user ID of the product exchange coupon information set by the setting unit 43. The payment processing unit 46 performs payment processing based on the payment request received from the store terminal 200. The coupon processing section 45 marks the product exchange coupon as used when the payment processing section 46 performs the payment processing. The payment processing unit 46 stores in the storage unit 30 a payment history in which the user ID and the coupon ID of the product exchange coupon are linked. According to the payment server 10 having such a configuration, the convenience of coupons can be improved.

As described above, the store terminal 200 according to the embodiment includes an ID reading unit 231, an acquisition unit 232, a product reading unit 233, a determination unit 234, and a transmission unit 235. The ID reading unit 231 reads the user ID from the user's terminal device (user terminal 100). The acquisition unit 232 acquires coupon information linked to the user ID. The product reading unit 233 reads product information of the product purchased by the user. The determination unit 234 identifies target products that can be used for the coupon based on the product information, and determines the payment amount excluding the price of the target product. The transmission unit 235 transmits a payment request that links the payment amount, the user ID, and the store ID to the payment server 10. The transmission unit 235 transmits the user ID read by the ID reading unit 231 to the payment server 10. The acquisition unit 232 acquires coupon information from the payment server 10. The sending unit 235 sends a payment request to the payment server 10, which is further linked to the information of the coupon used. The acquiring unit 232 acquires coupon information including the JAN code of the target product. The product reading unit 233 reads the JAN code of the product. The determining unit 234 determines the payment amount excluding the price of the product that matches the JAN code of the target product from the JAN codes of multiple products read by the product reading unit 233. A store terminal 200 configured in this way can improve the convenience of coupons.

Further, as described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment includes the acquisition section 42, the identification section 44, and the notification section 47. The acquisition unit 42 acquires the user ID read by the terminal device (store terminal 200) through which the user reads product information of the product to be purchased. The identifying unit 44 identifies the coupon corresponding to the user ID. The notification unit 47 notifies the user of information about the specified coupon via the terminal device (store terminal 200). The notification unit 47 notifies the user of coupon information via the terminal device before the user makes the payment. The notification unit 47 provides notification by displaying coupon information on the display unit of the terminal device. The notification unit 47 displays coupon information in a list on the display unit of the terminal device. The specifying unit 44 specifies the coupon acquired by the user as a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The specifying unit 44 specifies a coupon that can be acquired with points held by the user as a coupon corresponding to the user ID. The identifying unit 44 identifies the coupon selected based on the user's coupon acquisition history as the coupon corresponding to the user ID. The payment processing unit 46 performs payment processing in accordance with the payment request associated with the information of the coupon used. The coupon processing unit 45 uses up the used coupon when the payment process is performed. According to the payment server 10 having such a configuration, the convenience of coupons can be improved.

[Hardware configuration]
Further, the payment server 10 and the store terminal 200 according to each embodiment described above are realized by, for example, a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in FIG. 11. The payment server 10 will be described below as an example. FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of a payment server. Computer 1000 has CPU 1100, ROM 1200, RAM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I/F) 1500, input/output interface (I/F) 1600, and media interface (I/F) 1700.

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

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

The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as a display and printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and mouse via an input/output interface 1600. CPU 1100 obtains data from an input device via input/output interface 1600. Further, CPU 1100 outputs the generated data to an output device via input/output interface 1600.

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

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

〔others〕
Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the Disclosure of the Invention section.

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

Further, "unit" described in the claims can be read as "means", "circuit", etc. For example, the reception unit can be read as reception means or reception circuit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 10 Payment server 20 Communication unit 30 Memory unit 31 User information database 32 Account database 33 Facility information database 34 Coupon database 40 Control unit 41 Reception unit 42 Acquisition unit 43 Setting unit 44 Identification unit 45 Coupon processing unit 46 Payment processing unit 47 Notification unit 100 User terminal 200 Store terminal 210 Communication unit 220 Memory unit 221 Product information database 230 Control unit 231 ID reading unit 232 Acquisition unit 233 Product reading unit 234 Determination unit 235 Transmission unit 300 Requesting terminal

Claims (6)

an ID reading unit that reads a user ID from a user's terminal device;
an acquisition unit that acquires coupon information linked to the user ID;
a display unit that displays the coupons for products that are in stock at the store based on the acquired coupon information;
a product reading unit that reads product information of the product purchased by the user;
a determining unit that identifies a target product, which is the product for which the coupon can be used, based on the product information, and determines a payment amount excluding the price of the target product;
a transmitter that transmits a payment request linking the payment amount, the user ID, and the store ID to a payment server;
Equipped with
The acquisition unit includes:
Obtain information on the coupon including the JAN code of the target product,
The product reading section is
Read the JAN code of the above product,
The determining unit is
A store terminal that specifies whether or not the product is the target product based on whether the JAN codes of the plurality of products read by the product reading unit match the JAN code of the target product. The transmitter includes:
transmitting the user ID read by the ID reading unit to the payment server;
The acquisition unit includes:
The store terminal according to claim 1, wherein information about the coupon is acquired from the payment server. The transmitter includes:
The store terminal according to claim 1, wherein the payment request further linked with information about the used coupon is transmitted to the payment server. The determining unit is
The store terminal according to claim 1, wherein the payment amount is determined by excluding the price of the product that matches the JAN code of the target product from among the JAN codes of the plurality of products read by the product reading unit. A control method executed by a store terminal,
an ID reading step of reading a user ID from a user's terminal device;
an acquisition step of acquiring coupon information linked to the user ID;
a display step of displaying the coupons for products in stock at the store based on the acquired coupon information;
a product reading step of reading product information of a product purchased by the user;
a determining step of identifying a target product, which is the product for which the coupon can be used, based on the product information, and determining a payment amount excluding the price of the target product;
a sending step of transmitting a payment request linking the payment amount, the user ID, and the store ID to a payment server;
including;
The acquisition step includes:
Obtain information on the coupon including the JAN code of the target product,
The product reading process includes:
Read the JAN code of the above product,
The determining step includes:
A control method that specifies whether or not the product is the target product based on whether the JAN codes of the plurality of products read by the product reading step match the JAN code of the target product. an ID reading procedure for reading a user ID from a user's terminal device;
an acquisition procedure for acquiring coupon information linked to the user ID;
a display step of displaying the coupons for products in stock at the store based on the acquired coupon information;
a product reading procedure for reading product information of a product purchased by the user;
a determination step of identifying a target product, which is the product for which the coupon can be used, based on the product information, and determining a payment amount excluding the price of the target product;
a transmission procedure for transmitting a payment request linking the payment amount, the user ID, and the store ID to a payment server;
Execute on the store terminal,
The acquisition procedure is as follows:
Obtain information on the coupon including the JAN code of the target product,
The product reading procedure is as follows:
Read the JAN code of the above product,
The determination procedure is
A control program that specifies whether or not the product is the target product based on whether the JAN codes of the plurality of products read by the product reading procedure match the JAN code of the target product.

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