JP7490383B2 - Information processing device, information processing system, and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program.

In recent years, companies have been collecting product opinions and other information from consumers through surveys. For example, there is a survey method that uses receipts. In this method, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal issues a receipt with a two-dimensional code printed on it that contains a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that leads to a survey site. Consumers read the two-dimensional code with their mobile device, access the survey site, and answer the survey on a web page.

JP 2012-53803 A

However, surveys that offer rewards to consumers often require consumers to register personal information, etc. This requires consumers to go through the tedious process of registering their personal information. On the other hand, survey providers must manage highly confidential information such as personal information.

The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide technology that enables efficient provision of rewards for surveys.

In one embodiment, the information processing device includes a memory unit, an individual ID acquisition unit, a response status acquisition unit, and a judgment unit. The memory unit stores a response status to a questionnaire in association with each of a plurality of individual IDs. The individual ID acquisition unit acquires an individual ID. The response status acquisition unit acquires the response status to the questionnaire associated with the individual ID from the memory unit. The judgment unit judges whether or not it is necessary to provide a reward to a target person corresponding to the individual ID based on the response status to the questionnaire associated with the individual ID.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a questionnaire management database according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a response status management database according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of a reward providing process performed by the information processing system according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 100 .
The information processing system 100 includes a POS terminal 1, a mobile terminal 2, a survey server 3, and a receipt server 4. The POS terminal 1, the mobile terminal 2, the survey server 3, and the receipt server 4 are connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other freely. For example, the network is the Internet. Note that the information processing system 100 may also refer to a system including at least two of the POS terminal 1, the mobile terminal 2, the survey server 3, and the receipt server 4.

The POS terminal 1 is a device that is installed in a store and enables payment (accounting) for products. The POS terminal 1 supports both offline payment and payment through communication with a payment center. For example, offline payment is payment with cash and gift certificates. For example, payment through communication with a payment center is payment with credit card, electronic money, debit card, code payment, etc. An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 1 will be described later.

The mobile terminal 2 is a device capable of communicating with other devices. The mobile terminal 2 is a device owned by a consumer. For example, the mobile terminal 2 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An example of the configuration of the mobile terminal 2 will be described later. The consumer may be interpreted as a customer, a user, or a person.

The survey server 3 is a device that manages data on various survey sites and responses to surveys. For example, the surveys may be about products. Hereinafter, data on responses to surveys may be abbreviated to "responses." The survey server 3 is an example of a first information processing device. An example of the configuration of the survey server 3 will be described later.

The receipt server 4 is a device that provides rewards to consumers. Rewards are rewards that are beneficial to consumers. For example, rewards are coupons such as discount tickets or free tickets, but are not limited to these. The receipt server 4 is an example of a second information processing device. An example configuration of the receipt server 4 will be described later.

An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 1 will be described.
The POS terminal 1 is a computer that includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a communication interface 14, an input device 15, a display device 16, a printing device 17, and a reading device 18. The components that make up the POS terminal 1 are connected to each other so that they can input and output signals. In Fig. 1, the interface is written as "I/F".

The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 1. For example, the processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processor 11 may be composed of various circuits. The processor 11 performs various operations by executing programs that are pre-stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as the non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as the volatile memory area.

The auxiliary memory device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the POS terminal 1. For example, the auxiliary memory device 13 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary memory device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 11.

The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that connect the POS terminal 1 to other devices via a network in accordance with a specific communication protocol.

The input device 15 is a device that can input data or instructions to the POS terminal 1. For example, the input device 15 is a keyboard or a touch panel.

The display device 16 is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processor 11. For example, the display device 16 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (electroluminescence) display.

The printing device 17 is a device that prints information on receipts, etc. For example, the printing device 17 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer.

The reading device 18 is a device capable of reading various data. For example, the reading device 18 includes a reader capable of reading data from a contact IC card. For example, the reading device 18 includes a reader capable of reading data from a contactless IC card or a recording medium using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). For example, the reading device 18 includes a reader capable of reading data from a magnetic stripe of a card medium. For example, the reading device 18 includes a scanner capable of reading data from a code symbol. The code symbol may be a barcode symbol or a two-dimensional code symbol such as a QR code (registered trademark). The scanner may be a type that reads a code symbol by scanning with a laser beam, or a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device.

The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The POS terminal 1 allows the omission or modification of the above-mentioned components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

An example of the configuration of the portable terminal 2 will be described.
The portable terminal 2 is a computer including a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a communication interface 24, an input device 25, a display device 26, and a reading device 27. Each part constituting the portable terminal 2 is connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals.

The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the mobile terminal 2. The processor 21 has the same hardware configuration as the processor 11 described above. The processor 21 executes various operations by executing programs that are pre-stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23.

The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the mobile terminal 2. The main memory 22 has the same hardware configuration as the main memory 12 described above. The main memory 22 stores programs.

The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the mobile terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 13 described above. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the above-mentioned programs.

The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that connect the mobile terminal 2 to other devices via a network in accordance with a specific communication protocol.

The input device 25 is a device that can input data or instructions to the mobile terminal 2. For example, the input device 25 is a keyboard or a touch panel.

The display device 26 is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processor 21. For example, the display device 26 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display.

The reading device 27 is a device capable of reading various types of data. For example, the reading device 27 includes a scanner capable of reading data from a code symbol, similar to the reading device 18.

The hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The mobile terminal 2 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or modified, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

An example of the configuration of the questionnaire server 3 will be described.
The questionnaire server 3 is a computer including a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, and a communication interface 34. Each component constituting the questionnaire server 3 is connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals.

The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the survey server 3. The processor 31 has the same hardware configuration as the processor 11 described above. The processor 31 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33 into the main memory 32. The program causes the processor 31 of the survey server 3 to realize each part described below. The processor 31 executes the program loaded into the main memory 32 to perform various operations.

The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the survey server 3. The main memory 32 has the same hardware configuration as the main memory 12 described above. The main memory 32 stores programs.

The auxiliary memory device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the survey server 3. The auxiliary memory device 33 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary memory device 13 described above. The auxiliary memory device 33 stores the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary memory device 33 is an example of a memory unit.

The communication interface 34 includes various interfaces that connect the survey server 3 to other devices via a network in accordance with a specific communication protocol.

The hardware configuration of the survey server 3 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The survey server 3 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or modified, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 31 will be described.
The processor 31 implements a first output unit 310, an acquisition unit 311, a storage control unit 312, and a second output unit 313. Each unit implemented in the processor 31 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 31 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 31 and the main memory 32.

The first output unit 310 outputs a web page related to the survey in response to a request for the web page related to the survey.

The acquisition unit 311 acquires the responses in association with the individual ID. The individual ID is an individual ID that uniquely identifies the combination of the questionnaire and each person. The individual ID is issued by the receipt server 4, which will be described later, without identifying the personal information of each consumer. For example, the individual ID associated with consumer X's response to questionnaire A is different from the individual ID associated with consumer Y's response to questionnaire A. The individual ID associated with consumer X's response to questionnaire A is different from the individual ID associated with consumer X's response to questionnaire B.

The memory control unit 312 stores the answers acquired by the acquisition unit 311 in the auxiliary memory device 33. The auxiliary memory device 33 accumulates the answers for each questionnaire.

The second output unit 313 outputs data on the answer status to the questionnaire in association with the individual ID. For example, the second output unit 313 outputs data on a completion notification including data on the individual ID and answer status associated with each other. In the following, the data on the completion notification may be abbreviated to "completion notification." The data on the answer status to the questionnaire may be abbreviated to "answer status." The answer status is the state of the answer to the questionnaire. For example, the answer status includes answer completion information and answer content information. The answer completion information is information indicating that the answer has been completed. The answer content information is information that changes depending on the content of the answer. For example, the answer content information is information that scores the content of the answer. The score of the answer content may change depending on the evaluation during the answer. Suppose the questionnaire is about a certain product and the answer is to highly evaluate this product. In this case, the score of the answer content may be high. On the other hand, suppose the questionnaire is about a certain product and the answer is to lowly evaluate this product. In this case, the score of the answer content may be low.

The score for the answer content may be set by the processor 31 according to a predetermined rule based on the answer. The score for the answer content may be set by an administrator of the questionnaire server 3 based on the answer.

Note that the first output unit 310, the acquisition unit 311, and the second output unit 313 have been described as being implemented in the processor 31 by executing a program, but this is not limited thereto. The first output unit 310, the acquisition unit 311, and the second output unit 313 relate to data communication between the survey server 3 and other devices. Therefore, the communication interface 34 may be an example of the first output unit 310, the acquisition unit 311, and the second output unit 313. The first output unit 310, the acquisition unit 311, and the second output unit 313 may be realized by the processor 31 and the communication interface 34 working together by executing a program.

An example of the configuration of the receipt server 4 will now be described.
The receipt server 4 is a computer that includes a processor 41, a main memory 42, an auxiliary storage device 43, and a communication interface 44. Each component that constitutes the receipt server 4 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the receipt server 4. The processor 41 has the same hardware configuration as the processor 11 described above. The processor 41 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 42 or the auxiliary storage device 43 into the main memory 42. The program causes the processor 41 of the receipt server 4 to realize each part described below. The processor 41 executes the program loaded into the main memory 42 to perform various operations.

The main memory 42 corresponds to the main storage portion of the receipt server 4. The main memory 42 has the same hardware configuration as the main memory 12 described above. The main memory 42 stores programs.

The auxiliary memory device 43 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the receipt server 4. The auxiliary memory device 43 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary memory device 13 described above. The auxiliary memory device 43 is an example of a memory unit. The auxiliary memory device 43 stores the above-mentioned programs.

The auxiliary storage device 43 stores a survey management database. The survey management database is a database that manages product codes and URLs of web pages related to surveys in association with each of a plurality of project IDs. The project ID is an ID that uniquely identifies a survey. The product code is a code that uniquely identifies a product. For example, the product code is a JAN code. The URL of the web page related to the survey is an example of link destination information to the survey. In the following, the URL of the web page related to the survey may be abbreviated to URL. An example of the configuration of the survey management database will be described later.

The auxiliary storage device 43 stores an answer status management database. The answer status management database is a database that manages answer status in association with each of a plurality of individual IDs. An example of the configuration of the answer status management database will be described later.

The communication interface 44 includes various interfaces that connect the receipt server 4 to other devices via a network in accordance with a specific communication protocol.

The hardware configuration of the receipt server 4 is not limited to the above configuration. The receipt server 4 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 41 will be described.
The processor 41 implements a first acquisition unit 410, a second acquisition unit 411, an issuing unit 412, a first output unit 413, a third acquisition unit 414, a storage control unit 415, a fourth acquisition unit 416, a fifth acquisition unit 417, a determination unit 418, and a second output unit 419. Each unit implemented in the processor 41 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 41 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 41 and the main memory 42.

The first acquiring unit 410 acquires a product code.
The second acquiring unit 411 acquires a URL based on the product code acquired by the first acquiring unit 410 .

The issuing unit 412 issues an individual ID. Issuing refers to making an individual ID available for use, and includes generating, creating, editing, and the like.
The first output unit 413 outputs at least a code symbol in which a URL is set and a code symbol in which an individual ID is set.

In one example, the first output unit 413 outputs a first code symbol, an individual ID issued by the issuing unit 412, and a second code symbol. The first code symbol is a code symbol in which a URL acquired by the second acquiring unit 411 is set. The URL set in the first code symbol is a URL that is uniquely linked to the project ID but is not uniquely linked to the individual ID. In other words, when a survey is provided to different individual IDs, the URL set in the first code symbol is the same regardless of the individual ID. For example, the first code symbol is a two-dimensional code. The second code symbol is a code symbol in which an individual ID issued by the issuing unit 412 is set. For example, the second code symbol is a barcode.

In another example, the first output unit 413 outputs a third code symbol and a fourth code symbol. The third code symbol is a code symbol to which a URL acquired by the second acquisition unit 411 is set. The URL set in the third code symbol is a URL that is uniquely linked to the project ID and also uniquely linked to the individual ID. In other words, when a survey is provided to different individual IDs, the URL set in the third code symbol is different for each individual ID. The URL set in the third code symbol corresponds to a web page dedicated to the individual ID issued by the issuing unit 412. For example, the third code symbol is a two-dimensional code. The fourth code symbol is a code symbol to which an individual ID issued by the issuing unit 412 is set. For example, the fourth code symbol is a barcode.

The third acquisition unit 414 acquires the answer status in association with the individual ID. For example, the third acquisition unit 414 acquires a completion notice including the individual ID and the answer status. The answer status acquired by the third acquisition unit 414 is based on the questionnaire related to the URL output by the first output unit 413.
The storage control unit 415 stores the answer status acquired by the third acquisition unit 414 in the auxiliary storage device 43 in association with the individual ID.

The fourth acquisition unit 416 acquires the individual ID. The individual ID acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 416 is based on the individual ID set in the code symbol output by the first output unit 413.
The fifth acquisition unit 417 acquires, from the auxiliary storage device 43 , the response status associated with the individual ID acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 416 .
The determination unit 418 determines, based on the response status obtained by the fifth acquisition unit 417, whether or not a reward needs to be provided to the subject person corresponding to the individual ID obtained by the fourth acquisition unit 416.

The second output unit 419 changes whether or not to output information about rewards depending on the judgment result by the judgment unit 418. The second output unit 419 outputs information about rewards based on the judgment result that the provision of rewards is necessary. On the other hand, the second output unit 419 does not allow the output of information about rewards based on the judgment result that the provision of rewards is not necessary.

The first acquisition unit 410, the first output unit 413, the third acquisition unit 414, the fourth acquisition unit 416, and the second output unit 419 have been described as being implemented in the processor 41 by executing a program, but this is not limited to the above. The first acquisition unit 410, the first output unit 413, the third acquisition unit 414, the fourth acquisition unit 416, and the second output unit 419 relate to data communication between the receipt server 4 and other devices. Therefore, the communication interface 44 may be an example of the first acquisition unit 410, the first output unit 413, the third acquisition unit 414, the fourth acquisition unit 416, and the second output unit 419. The first acquisition unit 410, the first output unit 413, the third acquisition unit 414, the fourth acquisition unit 416, and the second output unit 419 may be realized by the processor 41 and the communication interface 44 working together to execute a program.

An example of the configuration of the questionnaire management database will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a questionnaire management database.
The questionnaire management database includes a "Plan ID" item, a "Product Code" item, and a "URL" item. The "Plan ID" item is an item for setting a plan ID. The "Product Code" item is an item for setting a product code. The "URL" item is an item for setting a URL. Each of the multiple plan IDs is associated with a product code and a URL by the questionnaire management database. The URL is uniquely linked to the plan ID and therefore differs for each plan ID. Therefore, the content of the questionnaire differs for each plan ID. The questionnaire is related to a product identified by the product code associated with the URL. A questionnaire related to a certain product may be a questionnaire about the product itself. A questionnaire related to a certain product may be a questionnaire about a product from another company that is similar to the product.
The receipt server 4 can update the questionnaire management database as appropriate.

This section explains an example of the response status management database configuration.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the response status management database.
The answer status management database includes an "individual ID" item, an "answer completed" item, and an "answer content" item. The "individual ID" item is an item in which an individual ID is set. The "answer completed" item is an item in which a value indicating that the answer has been completed (e.g., 1) is set. The value indicating that the answer has been completed, which is set in the "answer completed" item, corresponds to the answer completion information included in the answer status of the completion notification. The "answer content" item is an item in which a value equivalent to the score of the answer content is set. The value set in the "answer content" item corresponds to the answer content information included in the answer status of the completion notification.

The receipt server 4 sets the individual ID in the "individual ID" field each time an individual ID is issued.
The receipt server 4 sets values to the "answer completed" and "answer content" items each time it receives a completion notice. The receipt server 4 sets a value indicating that the answer has been completed in the "answer completed" item based on the answer completion information extracted from the answer status of the completion notice. The receipt server 4 sets the answer content information extracted from the answer status of the completion notice in the "answer content" item.
Each of the multiple individual IDs is associated with an answer status by the answer status management database.
The receipt server 4 can update the answer status management database by adding a record to the answer status management database upon receiving a completion notification from the questionnaire server 3.

The process performed by the information processing system 100 will be described.
4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the procedure of a reward provision process by the information processing system 100. In the following description mainly focusing on the POS terminal 1, the notation "POS terminal 1" may be replaced with "processor 11." Similarly, in the following description mainly focusing on the mobile terminal 2, the notation "mobile terminal 2" may be replaced with "processor 21."
Here, the consumer who owns the mobile terminal 2 is referred to as consumer X. It is assumed that consumer X purchases a product corresponding to the product code "1234..." shown in FIG.

The POS terminal 1 reads the merchandise (ACT 1). In ACT 1, for example, the POS terminal 1 uses the reading device 18 to read merchandise codes from code symbols attached to one or more merchandise that the consumer X purchases in one transaction.
The POS terminal 1 outputs the product code (ACT 2). In ACT 2, for example, the POS terminal 1 outputs the product codes for one or more products purchased by consumer X in one transaction to the receipt server 4 via the communication interface 14. The POS terminal 1 may output the product codes to the receipt server 4 after consumer X completes payment for one transaction. Here, it is assumed that the POS terminal 1 outputs the product code "1234..." to the receipt server 4.

The first acquisition unit 410 acquires the product code (ACT 3). In ACT 3, for example, the first acquisition unit 410 acquires the product code "1234..." from the POS terminal 1 via the communication interface 44.

The second acquisition unit 411 acquires a URL based on the product code acquired by the first acquisition unit 410 (ACT 4). In ACT 4, for example, the second acquisition unit 411 acquires a URL associated with the product code "1234..." from the survey management database. The URL associated with the product code "1234..." is associated with the project ID "111." In this way, the second acquisition unit 411 can acquire surveys related to the product purchased by consumer X. This allows the receipt server 4 to prevent unnecessary surveys from being provided to consumer X.

The issuing unit 412 issues an individual ID (ACT 5). In ACT 5, for example, the issuing unit 412 issues an individual ID related to the project ID "111" in response to the acquisition of the URL by the second acquisition unit 411. Here, the issuing unit 412 issues an individual ID "1111...". Note that the individual ID is not limited as long as it is an individual ID that uniquely identifies a combination of a questionnaire and each person as described above. For example, the issuing unit 412 may issue an individual ID by adding a different number after the number of the project ID "111" each time an individual ID related to the project ID "111" is issued. In this example, the processor 41 can detect the project ID from the individual ID. The issuing unit 412 sets the individual ID "1111..." in the "individual ID" field of the response status management database and adds a new record to the response status management database. Note that the response status management database may store the individual ID in association with the project ID. In this way, the issuing unit 412 can issue an individual ID that uniquely identifies the combination of a survey and each person. This allows the receipt server 4 to manage the response status of each person for each survey without requiring a complex configuration that manages each person's personal information.

The first output unit 413 outputs a first print instruction (ACT 6). In ACT 6, for example, the first output unit 413 outputs the first print instruction to the POS terminal 1 via the communication interface 44. The first print instruction is a print instruction for the first code symbol, the individual ID "1111...", and the second code symbol. The first print instruction includes data for the first code symbol, the individual ID "1111...", and the second code symbol. The first code symbol is a code symbol in which a URL associated with the project ID "111" is set. Hereinafter, the survey corresponding to the URL associated with the project ID "111" is also referred to as the target survey. The second code symbol is a code symbol in which an individual ID "1111..." is set. In this way, the first output unit 413 can output two code symbols so that the same individual ID is applied to the ID for answering the survey and the ID for receiving the reward. This allows the receipt server 4 to manage the answer status and the provision of rewards using individual IDs, without requiring a complex configuration such as managing each person's personal information.

The POS terminal 1 receives a first print instruction (ACT 7). In ACT 7, for example, the POS terminal 1 receives the first print instruction from the receipt server 4 via the communication interface 14.

The POS terminal 1 prints based on the first print instruction (ACT 8). In ACT 8, for example, the POS terminal 1 uses the printing device 17 to print the first code symbol, the individual ID "1111...", and the second code symbol on a receipt. The POS terminal 1 may print the first code symbol, the individual ID "1111...", and the second code symbol on a receipt separate from the receipt on which the payment details are printed. The receipt on which the first code symbol, the individual ID "1111...", and the second code symbol are printed is also referred to as the first receipt.

The POS terminal 1 ejects the first receipt (ACT 9). In ACT 9, for example, the POS terminal 1 ejects the first receipt from the receipt outlet. Consumer X can receive the first receipt ejected from the POS terminal 1.

The portable terminal 2 reads the first code symbol (ACT 10). In ACT 10, for example, the portable terminal 2 reads the first code symbol printed on the first receipt using the reading device 27. Here, it is assumed that the consumer X holds the first code symbol printed on the first receipt over the reading device 27.

The mobile terminal 2 outputs a request for a web page related to the target questionnaire (ACT 11). In ACT 11, for example, the mobile terminal 2 obtains the URL set in the first code symbol in response to reading of the first code symbol by the reading device 27. The mobile terminal 2 accesses the URL via the communication interface 14 and outputs a request for a web page related to the target questionnaire.

The first output unit 310 outputs a web page related to the target survey in response to the request for the web page related to the target survey (ACT 12). In ACT 12, for example, the first output unit 310 outputs the web page related to the target survey via the communication interface 34.

The mobile terminal 2 acquires a web page related to the target survey (ACT 13). In ACT 13, for example, the mobile terminal 2 acquires the web page related to the target survey from the survey server 3 via the communication interface 14.

The mobile terminal 2 displays the screen of the web page related to the target survey (ACT 14). In ACT 14, the mobile terminal 2 displays the screen of the web page related to the target survey on the display device 26. The screen of the web page related to the target survey includes an input field for an individual ID in addition to a field for answering the target survey. This is to link the answer to the individual ID of the respondent, since the web page related to the target survey is not unique to the individual ID. Here, it is assumed that consumer X refers to the first receipt and inputs the individual ID "1111..." on the screen of the web page related to the target survey using the input device 25. It is assumed that consumer X inputs the answer on the screen of the web page related to the target survey using the input device 25.

The mobile terminal 2 outputs the answer (ACT 15). In ACT 15, for example, the mobile terminal 2 outputs the answer to the survey server 3 via the communication interface 24 in association with the individual ID.

The acquisition unit 311 acquires the answer in association with the individual ID (ACT 16). In ACT 16, for example, the survey server 3 acquires the answer in association with the individual ID from the mobile terminal 2 via the communication interface 34.

The memory control unit 312 stores the answers acquired by the acquisition unit 311 in the auxiliary memory device 33 (ACT 17). In ACT 17, for example, the memory control unit 312 stores the answers in the auxiliary memory device 33 in association with the target questionnaire.

The second output unit 313 outputs a completion notification (ACT 18). In ACT 18, for example, the second output unit 313 outputs a completion notification to the receipt server 4 via the communication interface 34 in response to acquisition of the answer by the acquisition unit 311. The completion notification includes the individual ID "1111...". The completion notification includes the answer status. The answer status includes answer completion information for the target questionnaire. The answer status includes answer content information for the target questionnaire.

The third acquisition unit 414 acquires the completion notification (ACT 19). In ACT 19, for example, the third acquisition unit 414 acquires the completion notification via the communication interface 44.

The memory control unit 415 stores the answer status included in the completion notification acquired by the third acquisition unit 414 in the auxiliary memory device 43, in association with the individual ID (ACT 20). In ACT 20, for example, the memory control unit 415 sets values in the "Answer Completed" item and the "Answer Content" item in the answer status management database. Based on the answer status of the completion notification, the memory control unit 415 sets a value indicating that the answer has been completed in the "Answer Completed" item, in association with the individual ID "1111...". Based on the answer status of the completion notification, the memory control unit 415 sets a value equivalent to the score of the answer content in the "Answer Content" item, in association with the individual ID "1111...".

The POS terminal 1 reads the second code symbol (ACT 21). In ACT 21, for example, the POS terminal 1 reads the second code symbol printed on the first receipt using the reading device 18. Here, the consumer X or the store clerk holds the second code symbol printed on the first receipt over the reading device 18. For example, the consumer X or the store clerk holds the second code symbol over the reading device 18 when the consumer X visits the store on or after the day after the consumer X receives the first receipt.

The POS terminal 1 outputs the individual ID (ACT 22). In ACT 22, for example, the POS terminal 1 obtains the individual ID set in the second code symbol in response to reading of the second code symbol by the reading device 18. The POS terminal 1 outputs the individual ID "1111..." to the receipt server 4 via the communication interface 14.

The fourth acquisition unit 416 acquires the individual ID (ACT 23). In ACT 23, for example, the fourth acquisition unit 416 acquires the individual ID "1111..." from the POS terminal 1 via the communication interface 44.

The fifth acquisition unit 417 acquires, from the auxiliary storage device 43, the answer status associated with the individual ID acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 416 (ACT 24). In ACT 24, for example, the fifth acquisition unit 417 refers to the answer status management database. The fifth acquisition unit 417 acquires the values set in the "Answer Completed" item and the "Answer Content" item associated with the individual ID "1111...".

The determination unit 418 determines whether or not a reward should be provided to the target person corresponding to the individual ID acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 416 based on the answer status acquired by the fifth acquisition unit 417 (ACT 25). In ACT 25, for example, the determination unit 418 refers to the values set in the "answer completed" item and the "answer content" item associated with the individual ID "1111...".

For example, the determination unit 418 can determine whether or not a reward needs to be provided depending on whether or not a value indicating that the answer has been completed is set in the "Answer Completed" field. In this example, a company that plans a survey about its products can set up the provision of a reward related to its products to consumers who answer the survey. If a value indicating that the answer has been completed is set in the "Answer Completed" field, the determination unit 418 determines that a reward needs to be provided to the subject corresponding to the individual ID "1111...". If a value indicating that the answer has been completed is not set in the "Answer Completed" field, the determination unit 418 determines that a reward does not need to be provided to the subject corresponding to the individual ID "1111...". In this way, the determination unit 418 can determine whether or not a reward needs to be provided depending on whether or not a response has been made to the target survey.

For example, the judgment unit 418 can determine whether or not to provide a reward based on a value equivalent to the score of the answer content set in the "Answer Content" field. In this example, a company that plans a survey about its products can set up the provision of a reward related to its products to consumers who rate its products highly. If the value set in the "Answer Content" field is equal to or greater than a reference value, the judgment unit 418 determines that it is necessary to provide a reward. If the value set in the "Answer Content" field is less than the reference value, the judgment unit 418 determines that it is not necessary to provide a reward.

In this example, conversely, a company that plans a survey about products of other companies can set up the provision of rewards related to their own products to consumers who rate other companies' products poorly. If the value set in the "Answer content" field is equal to or greater than the reference value, the judgment unit 418 determines that it is not necessary to provide a reward. If the value set in the "Answer content" field is less than the reference value, the judgment unit 418 determines that it is necessary to provide a reward.

In this way, the judgment unit 418 can judge whether or not a reward should be provided based on the answers to the target questionnaire. The reference value may be changeable. The reference value may be different for each questionnaire.

When the determination unit 418 determines that a reward should be provided, it acquires the reward to be provided. For example, the auxiliary storage device 43 may store rewards in association with each project ID. In this example, the determination unit 418 can detect the project ID based on the individual ID and acquire the reward to be provided from the auxiliary storage device 43.

When multiple rewards are prepared for a certain project ID, the determination unit 418 may determine the reward to be provided based on the answer status. For example, the determination unit 418 may determine that the reward to be provided is the reward associated with the value set in the "answer content" field from among multiple rewards.

In this way, the judgment unit 418 can refer to the response status associated with an individual ID and judge whether or not a reward should be provided to the target person corresponding to this individual ID. This allows the receipt server 4 to judge whether or not a reward should be provided without requiring a complex configuration such as managing each person's personal information. Furthermore, the receipt server 4 can refer to the response status and judge which consumers are appropriate to receive a reward.

The second output unit 419 changes whether or not to output the second print instruction depending on the result of the determination by the determination unit 418 (ACT 26). In ACT 26, for example, the second output unit 419 outputs the second print instruction to the POS terminal 1 via the communication interface 44 based on the result of the determination that a reward needs to be provided. The second print instruction is an instruction to print information about the reward to be provided. The second print instruction includes information about the reward. In this way, the second output unit 419 outputs information about the reward in response to reading the second code symbol at the store. This allows the receipt server 4 to motivate consumer X to visit the store next time.

The POS terminal 1 receives a second print instruction (ACT 27). In ACT 27, for example, the POS terminal 1 receives the second print instruction from the receipt server 4 via the communication interface 14.

The POS terminal 1 prints the information about the reward (ACT 28). In ACT 28, for example, the POS terminal 1 prints the information about the reward on a receipt using the printing device 17. The receipt on which the information about the reward is printed is also called a second receipt.

The POS terminal 1 ejects the second receipt (ACT 29). In ACT 29, for example, the POS terminal 1 ejects the second receipt from the receipt outlet. Consumer X can receive the second receipt ejected from the POS terminal 1.

Note that in ACT 6, an example is described in which the first print instruction is a print instruction for the first code symbol, the individual ID, and the second code symbol, but this is not limited to this. The first print instruction may be a print instruction for the third code symbol and the fourth code symbol. The third code symbol is a code symbol that is uniquely linked to the project ID "111" and has a URL set that is also uniquely linked to the individual ID "1111...". The fourth code symbol is a code symbol that is set with the individual ID "1111..." like the second code symbol. In this example, the second acquisition unit 411 acquires a URL that is uniquely linked to the project ID "111" and also uniquely linked to the individual ID "1111...". The second acquisition unit 411 may change the URL associated with the product code "1234..." to a URL that is uniquely linked to the individual ID "1111..." according to a predetermined rule. In ACT 8, for example, the POS terminal 1 uses the printing device 17 to print the third code symbol and the fourth code symbol on the receipt. In ACT 10, for example, the portable terminal 2 uses the reading device 27 to read the third code symbol printed on the first receipt. In ACT 12, for example, the first output unit 310 outputs a web page related to the target questionnaire dedicated to the individual ID "1111...". The screen of the web page related to the questionnaire displayed on the display device 26 of the portable terminal 2 in ACT 14 does not include an input field for the individual ID. In ACT 21, the POS terminal 1 reads the fourth code symbol. This allows the receipt server 4 to reduce the work of inputting the individual ID by the consumer X.

In ACT 6, the first output unit 413 outputs the first print instruction to the POS terminal 1, but this is not limited to this. The first output unit 413 may output the first code symbol, the individual ID, and the second code symbol to the mobile terminal 2. In this example, ACTs 7 to 9 are omitted. In ACT 10, the mobile terminal 2 reads the first code symbol stored therein. In ACT 21, the POS terminal 1 reads the second code symbol displayed on the display device 26 of the mobile terminal 2 using the reading device 18. Similarly, the first output unit 413 may output the third code symbol and the fourth code symbol to the mobile terminal 2. In this way, the receipt server 4 can support easy management of code symbols by the consumer X, for example by eliminating the need for the consumer X to carry the first receipt.

In ACT 21, the POS terminal 1 reads the second code symbol, but the device that reads the second code symbol is not limited to the POS terminal 1. Devices in the store other than the POS terminal 1 may read the second code symbol printed on the first receipt. Devices in the store other than the POS terminal 1 are connected to the receipt server 4 via a network so that they can communicate with each other. In this example, in ACT 22, devices in the store other than the POS terminal 1 obtain the individual ID set in the second code symbol. Devices in the store other than the POS terminal 1 output the individual ID to the receipt server 4.

In ACT 26, the second output unit 419 outputs the second print instruction to the POS terminal 1, but this is not limited to this. The second output unit 419 may output information about the reward to the mobile terminal 2. In this example, ACTs 27 to 29 are omitted. This allows the receipt server 4 to assist consumer X in easily managing rewards, for example by eliminating the need for consumer X to carry the second receipt.

In ACT 25, the judgment unit 418 judges whether or not to provide a reward based on the values set in the "Answer Complete" and "Answer Content" items, but this is not limited to the above. The judgment unit 418 may also judge whether or not to provide a reward based on the answer fulfillment. Answer fulfillment is the number of valid answers or the ratio of valid answers to multiple items included in the questionnaire. Answer fulfillment is an example of the answer status. In this example, the company that plans the questionnaire can set the provision of a reward to consumers who have a high degree of satisfaction with their answers to the questionnaire. In ACT 18, the answer status includes information on answer fulfillment. The receipt server 4 can determine which consumers are appropriate for receiving a reward by referring to the answer fulfillment.

According to the embodiment, the receipt server 4 can refer to the response status associated with the individual ID and determine whether or not to provide a reward to the subject corresponding to this individual ID. The receipt server 4 can determine whether or not to provide a reward without requiring a complex configuration such as managing each person's personal information. Since the receipt server 4 issues individual IDs without requiring each person's personal information, it can provide rewards even to non-member consumers. In this way, the receipt server 4 enables the efficient provision of rewards in response to surveys.

In the above example, the survey server 3 and the receipt server 4 were separate devices, but they may be configured as a single server.

The information processing device is generally transferred with the program stored in the main memory or an auxiliary storage device. However, this is not limiting, and the program may be transferred without being stored in the main memory or an auxiliary storage device. In this case, the program transferred separately from the information processing device is written to a writable storage device provided in the information processing device in response to an operation by a user or the like. The program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device. In addition, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) or the like in the device.

Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1... POS terminal, 2... mobile terminal, 3... questionnaire server, 4... receipt server, 11... processor, 12... main memory, 13... auxiliary storage device, 14... communication interface, 15... input device, 16... display device, 17... printing device, 18... reading device, 21... processor, 22... main memory, 23... auxiliary storage device, 24... communication interface, 25... input device, 26... display device, 27... reading device, 31... processor, 32... main memory, 33... auxiliary storage memory device, 34...communication interface, 41...processor, 42...main memory, 43...auxiliary memory device, 44...communication interface, 100...information processing system, 310...first output unit, 311...acquisition unit, 312...memory control unit, 313...second output unit, 410...first acquisition unit, 411...second acquisition unit, 412...issuance unit, 413...first output unit, 414...third acquisition unit, 415...memory control unit, 416...fourth acquisition unit, 417...fifth acquisition unit, 418...determination unit, 419...second output unit.

Claims (3)

a storage unit that stores a response status to a questionnaire in association with each of a plurality of individual IDs;
An acquisition unit for acquiring a product code;
an acquisition unit that acquires link destination information to the questionnaire based on the product code;
An issuing unit that issues an individual ID;
an output unit that outputs a code symbol in which the individual ID is set;
an output unit that outputs a code symbol having at least link destination information set therein;
an acquisition unit that acquires a response status to the questionnaire in association with the individual ID;
a storage control unit that stores a response status to the questionnaire in the storage unit in association with the individual ID;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the individual ID;
an acquisition unit that acquires, from the storage unit, a response status to the questionnaire associated with the individual ID;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a reward needs to be provided to a target person corresponding to the individual ID based on a response status to the questionnaire associated with the individual ID;
An information processing device comprising : an acquisition unit for acquiring responses to a questionnaire in association with an individual ID;
an output unit that outputs a response status to the questionnaire in association with the individual ID;
an acquisition unit that acquires a response status to the questionnaire in association with the individual ID; and a storage control unit that stores the response status to the questionnaire in association with the individual ID in a storage unit.
an issuing unit that issues the individual ID;
an output unit that outputs a code symbol in which the individual ID is set;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the individual ID;
an acquisition unit that acquires, from the storage unit, a response status to the questionnaire associated with the individual ID;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a reward needs to be provided to a target person corresponding to the individual ID based on a response status to the questionnaire associated with the individual ID;
A second information processing device comprising:
An information processing system comprising: Computer,
An acquisition unit for acquiring a product code;
an acquisition unit for acquiring link destination information for a questionnaire based on the product code;
An issuing unit that issues individual IDs;
an output unit that outputs a code symbol in which the individual ID is set;
an output unit that outputs a code symbol having at least link destination information set therein;
an acquisition unit for acquiring a response status to the questionnaire in association with the individual ID;
a storage control unit that stores in a storage unit a response status to the questionnaire in association with the individual ID;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the individual ID;
an acquisition unit that acquires a response status to the questionnaire associated with each of a plurality of individual IDs from the storage unit that stores a response status to the questionnaire in association with each of the individual IDs;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a reward needs to be provided to a target person corresponding to the individual ID based on a response status to the questionnaire associated with the individual ID;
A program to function as a