JP7492075B2 - Apparatus, method and program for providing the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imparting device, an imparting method, and an imparting program.

Conventionally, there is known a technology that provides a predetermined benefit to a user who purchases a predetermined transaction object. One example of such a technology is a technology that issues a discount coupon for any product and allows the discounted payment for the product at the time of payment at the cash register.

JP 2010-218483 A

However, the above conventional technologies are not necessarily convenient for users.

For example, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, when making a payment, the consumer must present a coupon issued by a coupon issuing device installed in the store, and the coupon information must be read by a coupon usage device, which is not necessarily convenient for the user.

This application has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a reward device, a reward method, and a reward program that improve the convenience of users in making payments.

The granting device of the present application is characterized in that it has a reception unit that receives payment information including identification information that identifies a transaction object that is the subject of electronic payment using a user terminal used by a user, a payment processing unit that executes payment processing in accordance with the payment information received by the reception unit, a determination unit that determines, from the transaction objects included in the payment information, transaction objects that are coupons that can be used in electronic payment services and are not eligible for coupons that the user has already acquired, a determination unit that determines the amount of the remaining transaction objects after subtracting the amount of the transaction objects not eligible for coupon application from the total amount of the transaction objects included in the payment information as the amount to which the coupon is applied and calculates a benefit according to the amount to which the coupon is applied, and an granting unit that grants the user a benefit according to the amount to which the coupon is applied calculated by the determination unit.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience of users in making payments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the assignment process 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 an account database according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the assignment process according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the payment server.

Below, the mode for carrying out the imparting device, imparting method, and imparting program according to the present application (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the imparting device, imparting method, and imparting program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the same parts in the following embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

1. Embodiment
The granting process implemented by the granting device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the granting process according to the embodiment. In Fig. 1, the granting process according to the embodiment is implemented by a payment server 10, which is an example of the granting device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the grant processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a payment server 10, a user terminal 100, and a store terminal 200. The payment server 10, the user terminal 100, and the store terminal 200 are connected to each other via a network N (see FIG. 2, for example) so that they can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The network N is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Note that the grant processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include multiple payment servers 10, multiple user terminals 100, and multiple store terminals 200.

The payment server 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device that executes the granting process according to the embodiment, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. For example, the payment server 10 provides an electronic payment service related to electronic payments using a user terminal 100. For example, the payment server 10 manages the accounts of providers (businesses) of transaction objects and users to whom transaction objects are provided, and realizes various payments by transferring electronic money between accounts in accordance with a payment request from a user. Note that electronic money may be, for example, points or currency used independently by various companies, or may be electronically tradable currency provided by a country, such as Japanese yen or dollars.

The payment server 10 also receives coupon information on coupons that are granted to users in electronic payment services and can be used in electronic payment services from coupon providers (in other words, those who plan and set up the coupons and contribute (provide) the funds for the coupons), and manages this information in the memory unit of its own device. For example, the payment server 10 manages coupon information including the application conditions under which the coupon is applied to the user (the payee and payment amount), the content of the benefit granted to the user by the coupon (such as a cashback of a specified percentage of the payment amount), and the acquisition conditions for the user to acquire the coupon.

In addition, the payment server 10 manages list information in the storage unit of its own device that indicates a list of transaction objects that are excluded from the application of the coupon. For example, the payment server 10 manages list information set by the coupon provider.

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

The user terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 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. 1 shows a case where the user terminal 100 is a smartphone.

When the user terminal 100 receives control information for implementing a specified information processing from the payment server 10, the user terminal 100 implements the information processing in accordance with the control information. Here, the control information is described in, 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 markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). The specified application itself delivered from the payment server 10 may be regarded as the control information.

The store terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device used in a store that provides transaction objects to users. The store terminal 200 is realized, for example, by a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc. The store terminal 200 also displays information distributed by the payment server 10 using a web browser or an application.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the store terminal 200 is a POS terminal installed in a store, and manages transaction object information related to transaction objects provided in the store. For example, the store terminal 200 manages the price of the transaction object by linking it to information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object (identification information for identifying the product).

1-1. Payment using the user terminal 100
Here, an example of payment (electronic payment) using the user terminal 100 will be described prior to the granting process executed by the payment server 10. In the following description, an example will be described in which a user U1 makes a payment using the user terminal 100 using a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) placed in store A, which indicates store identification information that identifies store A, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The example of payment described below can also be applied when an arbitrary user makes a payment at an arbitrary store using an arbitrary user terminal 100. In addition, the store identification information may be not only a QR code, but also a barcode, a predetermined mark, a number, or the like.

For example, when user U1 makes a payment for the use or purchase of a payment object (transaction object) such as various products or services at store A, user U1 launches a payment app pre-installed on user terminal 100. User U1 then photographs the store identification information installed at store A via the payment app. In such a case, user terminal 100 displays a screen for inputting the price of the payment object and accepts input of the payment amount from user U1 or a store clerk at store A. User terminal 100 then transmits to payment server 10 payment information indicating user identification information that identifies user U1, store identification information (or information indicated by the store identification information, i.e., information indicating store A (or business operator M1 of store A) (e.g., store ID)), and the payment amount.

In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A indicated by the store identification information. The payment server 10 then sends a notification to the user terminal 100 that the payment has been completed. In such a case, the user terminal 100 notifies that payment has been made with electronic money by outputting a screen or a specified sound indicating that the payment has been completed. Here, the payment server 10 may subtract a specified fee (such as a management fee) from the account of store A when transferring the electronic money to the account of store A or at a specified timing.

Note that the payment using the user terminal 100 is not limited to the above-mentioned process. For example, the payment using the user terminal 100 may be made using the store terminal 200 installed in store A. For example, the user terminal 100 displays user identification information for identifying user U1 on the screen. In such a case, the store terminal 200 installed in store A reads the user identification information displayed on the user terminal 100 and transmits payment information indicating the user identification information (or information indicated by the user identification information, i.e., information indicating user U1 (e.g., user ID)), the payment amount, and information identifying store A to the payment server 10. In such a case, the payment server 10 transfers electronic money in the amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of user U1 indicated by the user identification information to the account of store A, and may notify the store terminal 200 or user terminal 100 of store A that the payment has been completed by outputting a screen or a predetermined sound indicating that the payment has been completed.

Furthermore, payment using the user terminal 100 may not only be a process of transferring electronic money from an account to which user U1 has previously charged electronic money to store A's account, but may also be, for example, a payment using a credit card that user U1 has previously registered. In such a case, for example, user terminal 100 may transfer electronic money of the payment amount to store A's account and bill the management company (card company) of user U1's credit card for the payment amount.

Furthermore, a payment using the user terminal 100 may not only involve a process of transferring electronic money from the account of user U1 to the account of store A, but may also involve a process in which the payment server 10 withdraws electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the account of user U1 and deposits the amount of cash obtained by subtracting a specified fee (such as a management fee) from the payment amount into the bank account of store A. In such a case, for example, the payment server 10 manages the payment amount from each user to store A as sales information for store A, and at a specified time, based on the sales information, deposits cash into the bank account of store A in an amount equivalent to the sales amount (the total payment amount indicated by the sales information) minus a specified fee.

In addition, when the source of funds for the coupon used at the time of payment is borne by store A, when depositing cash into store A's bank account or transferring electronic money to store A's account, the payment server 10 may execute a process to subtract the cash amount borne by store A from the payment amount and deposit it into the bank account, or to subtract the electronic money amount borne by store A from the payment amount and transfer it to store A's account.

1-2. Overview of the embodiment
Here, as an example of a technology for providing a predetermined benefit to a user who purchases a predetermined transaction object, a technology has been proposed in which a discount coupon for any product is issued and the discounted payment for the product is made at the time of payment at the register. However, with such a technology, at the time of payment, the consumer must present a coupon issued by a coupon issuing device installed in the store, and the coupon information must be read by a coupon using device, which is not necessarily convenient for the user.

The payment server 10 then executes the granting process according to the embodiment. The granting process executed by the payment server 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. Note that in the following description, an example is shown in which the user terminal 100 is used by user U1, and the store terminal 200 is installed in store A. In addition, in the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the same as user U1. In other words, in the following, user U1 may also be read as user terminal 100.

In the following explanation, it is assumed that the payment server 10 acquires the identification information of the transaction object indicated by the JAN code and the information of the transaction object linked to the JAN code (such as name) from an external server (such as a JAN code integrated product information database), and stores the acquired information in the memory of its own device as transaction object information. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the payment server 10 accepts the transaction object information including the identification information indicated by the in-store code uniquely assigned by the business operator M1 that manages store A and the name of the transaction object from the business terminal used by the business operator M1, and stores it in the memory of its own device.

In the following description, it is assumed that the payment server 10 receives coupon information regarding coupon #1 that can be used in payments using the above-mentioned payment app, as well as list information #1 indicating a list of transaction objects to which coupon #1 is excluded, from the business terminal used by business M1, and stores them in the memory of its own device. For example, the payment server 10 provides the business terminal with content indicating the transaction object information stored in the memory of its own device, and receives coupon information and list information #1 via the content. In the example of Figure 1, it is assumed that the application condition for coupon #1 is set as "payment of 1,000 yen or more at store A" and the benefit is set as "cash back of 10% of the payment amount."

In the following description, it is assumed that user U1, who meets the conditions for obtaining coupon #1, launches a payment app pre-installed in user terminal 100 and performs a predetermined operation to obtain distributed coupon #1. In this case, payment server 10 links a user ID indicating user U1 with coupon #1 and manages them in the memory unit of its own device.

First, the store terminal 200 reads the barcodes and user ID of each transaction item purchased by user U1 who visits store A (step S1). For example, the store terminal 200 uses a barcode reader or the like to read the identification information indicated by the barcode attached to the transaction item and the user ID displayed on the user terminal 100 during the transaction.

Next, the payment server 10 accepts payment information related to the payment made by user U1 to store A from the store terminal 200 (step S2). For example, the payment server 10 accepts payment information including the store ID of store A, the identification information of the transaction objects read by the store terminal 200 in step S1, the total price (payment amount) of each transaction object linked to the identification information, and the user ID of user U1. In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the payment server 10 accepts payment information including the identification information of transaction object #1, which is priced at "400 yen", transaction object #2, which is priced at "600 yen", and transaction object #3, which is priced at "500 yen", as well as the payment amount "1,500 yen".

Then, the payment server 10 judges whether the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in the list information #1 (step S3). Next, the payment server 10 determines the application mode of the coupon #1 based on the judgment result (step S4). Here, if the transaction object #1 indicated by the payment information is included in the list information #1 and the transaction objects #2 and #3 are not included in the list information #1, the payment server 10 determines the application mode of the coupon #1 based on the payment amount "1,100 yen" obtained by excluding the price of the transaction object #1 "400 yen" from the payment amount "1,500 yen". In such a case, the payment server 10 applies the coupon #1 to the user U1 because the payment amount "1,100 yen" satisfies the application condition of the coupon #1, and determines the amount of the profit to be given to the user U1 to be "110 yen", which is 10% of "1,100 yen".

In addition, if transaction object #2 indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1, and transaction objects #1 and #3 are not included in list information #1, the payment server 10 determines the application mode of coupon #1 based on the payment amount "900 yen", which is the payment amount "1,500 yen" minus the price of transaction object #2 "600 yen". In such a case, the payment server 10 determines not to apply coupon #1 to user U1 because the payment amount "900 yen" does not satisfy the application conditions of coupon #1.

In addition, if transaction objects #1 to #3 indicated by the payment information are not included in list information #1, the payment server 10 determines the application mode of coupon #1 based on the payment amount "1,500 yen". In such a case, since the payment amount "1,500 yen" satisfies the application conditions of coupon #1, the payment server 10 applies coupon #1 to user U1 and determines the amount of profit to be granted to user U1 to be "150 yen", which is 10% of "1,500 yen".

Next, the payment server 10 executes a payment process based on the payment information and grants the user U1 the benefit based on the coupon #1 (step S5). For example, the payment server 10 executes a process to transfer electronic money for the payment amount "1,500 yen" from the account of the user U1 to the account of the store A. Then, the payment server 10 grants the user U1 the benefit according to the application mode determined in step S4. For example, if the transaction object #1 indicated by the payment information is included in the list information #1 and the transaction objects #2 and #3 are not included in the list information #1, the payment server 10 deposits electronic money for "110 yen" into the account held by the user U1 in the payment app. Also, if the transaction objects #1 to #3 indicated by the payment information are not included in the list information #1, the payment server 10 deposits electronic money for "150 yen" into the account held by the user U1 in the payment app. In addition, if trading object #2 indicated by the payment information is included in list information #1, and trading objects #1 and #3 are not included in list information #1, the payment server 10 will not award any profit.

As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment applies coupons to users based on list information indicating a list of transaction objects to which the coupon is not applicable. This allows the payment server 10 according to the embodiment to apply coupons to users and provide benefits without having to make separate payments for transaction objects included in the list information and transaction objects not included in the list information. In other words, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can improve the convenience of users in making payments.

[2. Configuration of the 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.

(Regarding communication unit 20)
The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) etc. The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information between the user terminal 100, the store terminal 200, etc.

(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. 4, the storage unit 30 has an account database 31, a list information database 32, a coupon information database 33, and a user information database 34.

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

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

In other words, Figure 3 shows an example in which the information of the owner of the account identified by the account ID "AID#1" is "User #1" and the account balance is "7,800 yen."

(Regarding the list information database 32)
The list information database 32 stores information indicating a list of transaction objects to be excluded from coupon application. An example of information stored in the list information database 32 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a list information database according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 4, the list information database 32 has items such as "coupon ID" and "list information".

"Coupon ID" indicates identification information for identifying the coupon. "List information" indicates a list of transaction objects that are excluded from the application of the coupon, and stores, for example, identification information for identifying the transaction objects.

In other words, Figure 4 shows an example in which the transaction object to be excluded from the application of the coupon identified by coupon ID "CID#1" is "List information #1."

(Regarding the coupon information database 33)
The coupon information database 33 stores various information related to coupons that can be applied to users. An example of information stored in the coupon information database 33 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon information database according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 5, the coupon information database 33 has items such as "business ID" and "coupon information".

"Business ID" indicates identification information for identifying the business requesting distribution of a coupon to a user (in other words, the business providing the funds for the coupon). "Coupon information" indicates information about a coupon, and has items such as "coupon ID," "benefit details," and "acquisition conditions." "Coupon ID" indicates identification information for identifying a coupon. "Benefit details" indicates the details of the benefit granted to the user by the coupon. "Acquisition conditions" indicate the conditions for a user to acquire a coupon (for example, demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, payment history).

In other words, Figure 5 shows an example in which a coupon provided by a business identified by a business ID "MID#1" is identified by a coupon ID "CID#1", the benefit content is "Benefit content #1", and the acquisition condition is "Acquisition condition #1".

(Regarding the user information database 34)
The user information database 34 stores various information related to users of the electronic payment service provided by the payment server 10. An example of information stored in the user information database 34 will now be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 6, the user information database 34 has items such as "user ID", "payment history", and "acquired coupons".

"User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Payment history" indicates the history of payments made using an electronic payment service, and stores information such as the payment destination and payment amount. "Acquired coupons" indicates coupons that the user has acquired from among the coupons indicated by the coupon information stored in coupon information database 33, and stores identification information for identifying the coupons, for example.

In other words, Figure 6 shows an example in which the payment history of a user identified by user ID "UID#1" is "Payment History #1" and the acquired coupon is "Acquired Coupon #1."

(Regarding the control unit 40)
The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the payment server 10 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 40 is also a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 40 according to the embodiment has a reception unit 41, a determination unit 42, a decision unit 43, a payment processing unit 44, and an assignment unit 45, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

(Regarding the reception unit 41)
The reception unit 41 receives payment information including identification information for identifying a transaction object that is the subject of payment using a user terminal used by a user. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information including identification information for identifying a transaction object that is the subject of payment using a payment app pre-installed in the user terminal 100.

The reception unit 41 may also receive payment information including identification information read by a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction object. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information including identification information of the transaction object read by a barcode reader or the like of the store terminal 200 and a user ID displayed on the user terminal 100.

The reception unit 41 may also receive payment information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object from the store terminal 200.

The reception unit 41 may also receive payment information including identification information uniquely set by the provider of the transaction object. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information from the store terminal 200 including identification information indicated by an in-store code uniquely assigned by the business operator M1.

The reception unit 41 may also receive payment information that includes identification information standardized by a specified organization as information that identifies the object of the transaction. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the reception unit 41 receives payment information from the store terminal 200 that includes identification information indicated by a barcode conforming to the JIS standard.

(Regarding the determination unit 42)
The determination unit 42 determines whether the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in the list information indicating a list of transaction objects to be excluded from the application of the coupon. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the determination unit 42 refers to the list information database 32 and determines whether the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in the list information #1.

The determination unit 42 may also determine whether or not the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in the list information set by the coupon provider. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in the list information #1 received from the business terminal used by business M1.

The determination unit 42 may also determine whether the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in list information indicating a list of categories of transaction objects to be excluded from the application of the coupon. For example, the determination unit 42 determines whether the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in the category of transaction objects indicated by the list information. As a specific example, the storage unit 30 stores the identification information of the transaction object in association with the category to which the transaction object belongs. The determination unit 42 then identifies a category associated with the transaction object indicated by the payment information, and determines whether the identified category is included in the list information. As a more specific example, if the category associated with the transaction object indicated by the payment information is "cigarettes", it determines whether the category "cigarettes" is included in the list information.

The categories of transaction objects indicated by the list information can be of any granularity. For example, if the transaction objects provided by a store are classified into categories having a predetermined hierarchical relationship, transaction objects belonging to a category of any hierarchy may be excluded from the application of coupons.

(Regarding the determination unit 43)
When the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in the list information, the determination unit 43 determines the application mode of the coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information excluding the transaction object included in the list information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, when the transaction object #1 indicated by the payment information is included in the list information #1 and the transaction objects #2 and #3 are not included in the list information #1, the determination unit 43 refers to the coupon information database 33 and determines the application mode of the coupon #1 based on the payment amount "1,100 yen" obtained by excluding the price "400 yen" of the transaction object #1 from the payment amount "1,500 yen".

In addition, if the transaction object indicated by the identification information is not included in the list information, the determination unit 43 may determine the application mode of a coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, if transaction objects #1 to #3 indicated by the payment information are not included in list information #1, the determination unit 43 determines the application mode of coupon #1 based on the payment amount "1,500 yen."

The determination unit 43 may also determine the application mode of a coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment amount indicated by the payment information, excluding the price of the transaction object included in the list information. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the determination unit 43 applies coupon #1 to user U1 and determines the amount of profit to be granted to user U1 to be "110 yen", which is 10% of "1,100 yen", because the payment amount "1,100 yen", obtained by subtracting the price "400 yen" of transaction object #1 included in list information #1 from the payment amount "1,500 yen", satisfies the application condition of coupon #1.

(Regarding the payment processing unit 44)
The payment processing unit 44 executes a payment process in accordance with the payment information accepted by the acceptance unit 41. For example, the payment processing unit 44 transfers electronic money in an amount indicated by the payment amount from the account of the user indicated by the user ID to the account of the store indicated by the store ID.

(Regarding the granting unit 45)
The granting unit 45 grants the user a profit based on the application mode determined by the determination unit 43. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, if the transaction object #1 indicated by the payment information is included in the list information #1 and the transaction objects #2 and #3 are not included in the list information #1, the granting unit 45 grants electronic money of "110 yen" to the user U1. If the transaction objects #1 to #3 indicated by the payment information are not included in the list information #1, the granting unit 45 grants electronic money of "150 yen" to the user U1. If the transaction object #2 indicated by the payment information is included in the list information #1 and the transaction objects #1 and #3 are not included in the list information #1, the granting unit 45 does not grant a profit.

3. Granting process flow
A procedure of the granting process of the payment server 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the granting process according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, payment information including identification information for identifying the transaction object is accepted (step S101). Next, the payment server 10 judges whether the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in the list information (step S102). If the transaction object indicated by the payment information is included in the list information (step S102; Yes), the payment server 10 determines the application mode of the coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information excluding the transaction object included in the list information (step S103). Next, the payment server 10 grants a benefit based on the determined application mode (step S105) and ends the process.

On the other hand, if the transaction object indicated by the payment information is not included in the list information (step S102; No), the payment server 10 determines the application mode of the coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information (step S104). Next, the payment server 10 grants a benefit based on the determined application mode (step S105) and ends the process.

4. Modifications
The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[4-1. List information]
In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the determination unit 42 determines whether the category "tobacco" indicated by the list information and the transaction object indicated by the payment information are included, but the transaction object indicated by the list information is not limited to such an example and may include any transaction form. For example, the list information may include transaction objects belonging to the category "alcohol" and transaction objects provided by dispensing (for example, medicines provided based on a prescription).

The list information may also include the usage fees for specified services as items to be excluded from the application of the coupon. For example, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the payment amount includes fees (utility charges) charged to the user in accordance with the use of water, electricity, gas, etc. Then, if the utility charges are included in the payment amount, the decision unit 43 determines the application mode of the coupon based on the amount excluding the utility charges from the payment amount.

[4-2. 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 above-mentioned embodiments can be combined as appropriate to the extent that the processing content is not contradictory.

5. Effects
As described above, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment includes a reception unit 41, a judgment unit 42, a decision unit 43, a payment processing unit 44, and an assignment unit 45. The reception unit 41 accepts payment information including identification information that identifies a transaction object that is the subject of payment using a user terminal used by a user. The reception unit 41 also accepts payment information including identification information read by a store terminal used by a store that provides the transaction object. The judgment unit 42 judges whether or not the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in list information indicating a list of transaction objects to be excluded from coupon application targets. If the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in the list information, the decision unit 43 determines the application mode of the coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information excluding the transaction object included in the list information. If the transaction object indicated by the identification information is not included in the list information, the decision unit 43 determines the application mode of the coupon previously acquired by the user based on the payment information. The decision unit 43 also determines the application mode of the coupon previously acquired by the user based on the amount of payment indicated by the payment information excluding the price of the transaction object included in the list information. The payment processing unit 44 executes payment processing in accordance with the payment information accepted by the acceptance unit 41. The granting unit 45 grants a benefit based on the application mode determined by the determination unit 43 to the user.

As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can apply coupons and provide benefits to users without having to make separate payments for transaction items included in the list information and transaction items not included in the list information, thereby improving user convenience in payments.

In addition, in the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the reception unit 41 receives payment information including identification information indicated by a barcode attached to the transaction object. The reception unit 41 also receives payment information including identification information that is uniquely set by the provider of the transaction object. The reception unit 41 also receives payment information including identification information standardized by a specified organization as information for identifying the transaction object.

As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can receive various types of identification information, determine the application mode of the coupon, and grant the benefit, thereby improving convenience.

In addition, in the payment server 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the determination unit 42 determines whether the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in the list information set by the coupon provider. The determination unit 42 also determines whether the transaction object indicated by the identification information is included in the list information indicating a list of categories of transaction objects to be excluded from the application of the coupon.

As a result, the payment server 10 according to the embodiment can exclude any transaction object from being eligible for coupon application, thereby improving convenience.

6. Hardware Configuration
The payment server 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 8. The payment server 10 will be described below as an example. Fig. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the payment server. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a ROM 1200, a RAM 1300, a HDD 1400, a communication interface (I/F) 1500, an input/output interface (I/F) 1600, and a media interface (I/F) 1700.

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

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 a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input/output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input devices via the input/output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs data generated via the input/output interface 1600 to the output devices.

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 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 1300 to realize the functions of the control unit 40. In addition, the HDD 1400 stores each piece of data in the storage device of the payment server 10. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 may obtain these programs from another device via a specified communication network.

[7. Other]
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, depending on the function.

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

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Payment server 20 Communication unit 30 Storage unit 31 Account database 32 List information database 33 Coupon information database 34 User information database 40 Control unit 41 Reception unit 42 Judgment unit 43 Decision unit 44 Payment processing unit 45 Granting unit 100 User terminal 200 Shop terminal

Claims (11)

a reception unit that receives payment information including identification information that identifies a transaction object that is the subject of electronic payment using a user terminal used by a user;
a payment processing unit that executes a payment process in accordance with the payment information received by the reception unit;
a determination unit that determines, from among the transaction objects included in the payment information, transaction objects that are coupons that can be used in electronic payment services but are not eligible for coupons that the user has already acquired;
a determination unit that determines the amount of the remaining transaction objects, which is obtained by subtracting the amount of the transaction objects to which the coupon is not applied from the total amount of the transaction objects included in the payment information, as the amount to which the coupon is applied , and calculates a benefit according to the amount to which the coupon is applied ;
and a granting unit that grants a benefit to the user according to the amount of the applicable target of the coupon calculated by the determination unit. The granting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the decision unit decides not to apply the coupon to the user if the amount of the remaining transaction objects included in the payment information, excluding the amount of the transaction objects to which the coupon does not apply, does not satisfy the conditions for applying the coupon . Originally, all transaction objects included in the payment information are eligible for the coupon,
The coupon providing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines, from among the transaction objects included in the payment information, transaction objects that have been subsequently set as non-applicable for the coupon. The receiving unit receives, from the coupon provider, list information indicating a list of transaction objects to be excluded from application of the coupon;
The determination unit determines whether each of the transaction objects included in the payment information is a transaction object shown in the list information,
The granting device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination unit determines the amount of the remaining transaction objects, which is obtained by subtracting the amount of the transaction objects shown in the list information from the total amount of the transaction objects included in the payment information, as the amount to which the coupon is applied, and calculates a benefit according to the amount to which the coupon is applied. The providing device according to claim 4 , wherein the list information can be updated at any time by receiving new list information. The coupon providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the coupon is set not to include transaction objects to which the coupon is applicable, but to include only transaction objects to be excluded from the application of the coupon. The coupon providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupon allows the user to change transaction objects to be excluded from application of the coupon even after the user has acquired the coupon. The coupon is set to provide a cashback of a predetermined percentage of the payment amount when the total amount of the payment items remaining after excluding the transaction items to which the coupon does not apply is equal to or exceeds a predetermined amount for a predetermined store,
The granting device described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the determination unit determines to cash back a predetermined percentage of the total payment amount of the remaining transaction objects excluding transaction objects to which the coupon does not apply when the total payment amount of the remaining transaction objects excluding transaction objects to which the coupon does not apply is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount for a predetermined store. The granting device described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the granting unit applies a coupon to the user and grants the user a benefit according to the amount of the transaction to which the coupon applies, without the user having to make separate payments for transaction objects to which the coupon does not apply, which are subject to a payment amount, and transaction objects to which the coupon does not apply. 1. A computer implemented method of granting, comprising:
a receiving step of receiving payment information including identification information for identifying a transaction object that is the subject of electronic payment using a user terminal used by a user;
a payment processing step of executing a payment process in accordance with the payment information received in the receiving step;
a determination step of determining, from among the transaction objects included in the payment information, a transaction object that is a coupon that can be used in an electronic payment service but is not eligible for a coupon that the user has already acquired;
determining an amount of the remaining transaction objects, which is obtained by subtracting the amount of the transaction objects to which the coupon is not applied from the total amount of the transaction objects included in the payment information, as the amount to which the coupon is applied , and calculating a benefit according to the amount to which the coupon is applied ;
and a granting step of granting to the user a benefit according to the amount of the applicable amount of the coupon calculated in the determination step. A receiving step of receiving payment information including identification information for identifying a transaction object that is the subject of electronic payment using a user terminal used by a user;
a payment processing step of executing a payment process in accordance with the payment information received in the reception step;
a determination step of determining, from among the transaction objects included in the payment information, a transaction object that is a coupon that can be used in an electronic payment service but is not eligible for a coupon that the user has already acquired;
a determination step of determining the amount of the remaining transaction objects, which is obtained by subtracting the amount of the transaction objects to which the coupon is not applied from the total amount of the transaction objects included in the payment information, as the amount to which the coupon is applied , and calculating a benefit according to the amount to which the coupon is applied ;
and a granting step of granting to the user a benefit according to the amount of the applicable coupon calculated by the determination step.

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