TWI844102B - Checkout system, checkout method, and program product - Google Patents

Abstract

[Topic] Improving user convenience. [Solution] The checkout request acceptance means (101) of the checkout system (S) accepts a checkout request from a first user for a plurality of checkout means having mutually different usage conditions. The specifying means (108) specifies a checkout means satisfying the usage conditions from among the plurality of checkout means when the checkout request has been accepted. The checkout processing execution means (102) executes the checkout processing based on the priority of each of the plurality of checkout means when the plurality of checkout means have been specified by the specifying means (108).

Description

Checkout system, checkout method, and program product

This disclosure relates to checkout systems, checkout methods, and program products.

Previously, the technology of setting conditions for the use of payment means such as electronic money is already known. For example, Patent Document 1 states that the types of services that can be used are limited to a dedicated credit and a general credit that can be used for more services than the dedicated credit. The terminal records the user's general credit into a dedicated credit before transferring it to other users. Patent Document 2 states that in the case of providing subsidies to welfare recipients, in order to prevent them from being used for purposes other than their original purpose, the purpose of use of the electronic points is limited by determining whether they meet the specified purpose of use.

Patent document 3 describes recording general electronic money whose usage purposes are not limited to usable stores, usable shopping malls, product types, or products, and specific electronic money whose usage purposes are limited in an IC card. Patent document 4 describes validating only the payment for the usage purpose for which the electronic money is set, so that the electronic money cannot be used for other purposes. Patent document 5 describes closed money that can only purchase specific products, and open money that has no restrictions on the products that can be purchased. Patent document 6 describes that when parents give pocket money to their children, they give them electronic money with limited usage purposes. [Prior art document] [Patent document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-111564 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-097053 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-353397 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-102726 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-109429 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-293108

[The problem that the invention wants to solve]

For checkout means such as those in Patent Documents 1-6, various conditions of use may be specified. If there are multiple checkout means with different conditions of use, then the user may use multiple checkout means in the store he visits. For example, there may be a checkout means that can only be used for food, a checkout means that can only be used in a specific store, and a checkout means that can only be used during the daytime. When the user purchases food at a specific store during the daytime, he can use all of these checkout means.

However, if appropriate priorities are not set for each checkout method, a checkout method that the user does not want to use may be used, and thus user convenience cannot be improved. For example, in the above example, even if the user does not want to use a checkout method that can only be used for food and wants to save money, if this checkout method is used, user convenience will be reduced. Conversely, if the checkout method that the user wants to use cannot be used, user convenience will also be reduced.

One of the purposes of this disclosure is to improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

The settlement system disclosed in the present invention comprises: settlement request acceptance means for accepting a settlement request from a first user for a plurality of settlement means having mutually different usage conditions; and identification means for identifying a previously recorded settlement means satisfying the previously recorded usage conditions from among the previously recorded plurality of settlement means when the previously recorded settlement request has been accepted; and settlement processing execution means for executing settlement processing based on the priority of each of the plurality of settlement means when the plurality of previously recorded settlement means have been identified by the previously recorded identification means. [Effect of the invention]

According to the present disclosure, the convenience of users can be improved.

[1. First Implementation Form]

An example of an implementation form of the checkout system described in the present disclosure is the first implementation form.

[1-1. Overall structure of checkout system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of the checkout system described in the first embodiment. For example, the checkout system S includes: a server 10, a user terminal 20, and a store terminal 30. The network N is any network such as the Internet or a LAN. The checkout system S only needs to include at least one computer and is not limited to the example in FIG. 1.

The server 10 is a server computer. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The memory unit 12 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk. The communication unit 13 includes at least one of a communication interface for wired communication and a communication interface for wireless communication.

The user terminal 20 is a computer of the user. For example, the user terminal 20 is a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a personal computer. The physical structures of the control unit 21, the memory unit 22, and the communication unit 23 are the same as the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively. The operation unit 24 is an input device such as a touch panel. The display unit 25 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

The store terminal 30 is a computer of the store. For example, the store terminal 30 is a POS terminal, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smart phone. The physical structure of the control unit 31, the memory unit 32, the communication unit 33, the operation unit 34, and the display unit 35 is the same as the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 24, and the display unit 25, respectively. The store terminal 30 is connected to a reader, a reader/writer, or a camera-like reading device 36. The reading device 36 may also be included in the store terminal 30.

In addition, the programs stored in each of the memory units 12, 22, and 32 can also be supplied through the network N. Furthermore, the programs stored in the information storage medium readable by the computer can also be supplied through the reading unit required for reading the information storage medium (such as a disc drive or a memory card slot) or the input/output unit required for inputting and outputting data with an external device (such as a USB port).

[1-2. Overview of the first embodiment] In the checkout system S, a checkout service is provided to each of a plurality of users. The checkout service is a service that provides electronic checkout. Electronic checkout is sometimes also referred to as cashless checkout. Each user has his or her own user terminal 20. The checkout service can be used in at least one store. When the checkout service can be used in a plurality of stores, each store has at least one store terminal 30.

In the first embodiment, it is explained that an online electronic currency called electronic cash is equivalent to a means of payment. Therefore, the place recorded as electronic cash can be replaced by a means of payment. The means of payment that can be used in the payment service can be of any type, such as: credit card, debit card, electronic currency, points, bank account, electronic wallet, virtual currency, or a combination of these. Codes such as barcodes or QR codes or coupons can also be equivalent to means of payment. That is, in the payment service, any type of so-called prepaid payment means, postpaid payment means, or debit payment means can be used. Although the details will be described later, in the first embodiment, the store payment method given as a gift to the user is not a coupon, etc., but a prepaid payment method with a balance such as electronic cash.

In the first embodiment, although the case where the checkout service is used from the checkout application installed in the user terminal 20 is described, the checkout service can be used from any medium other than the checkout application. For example, the checkout service can be used by using an IC chip, an IC card, or a magnetic card included in the user terminal 20. In addition, the checkout service can be used by using biometric authentication such as facial recognition without using the user terminal 20 or a card. For example, after the user completes the predetermined use registration from the checkout application, once the user enters the user ID and password and logs in to the checkout service, the checkout service can be used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a checkout application. When a user logs in to the checkout service, a main screen G1 of the checkout application is displayed on the display unit 25. The main screen G1 displays a code C10 required for using the checkout means set as a payment source. In the first embodiment, although the electronic cash is set as a payment source, the payment source can be changed to other checkout means such as a credit card or a bank account.

For example, in the checkout application, not only can electronic cash be used for checkout, but electronic cash can also be sent to other users. The user can switch the functions of the checkout application by selecting buttons B11 and B12. In the first embodiment, since the user uses electronic cash in a store, button B11 is shown in the selected state in FIG2. A store is a franchise store for the checkout service. A store can be of any type, for example, a retail store such as a convenience store, or a food and beverage establishment such as a restaurant.

When the user wants to pay in a store, the main screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 25. For example, when the store clerk reads the code C10 with the reading device 36, a predetermined checkout process is executed between the store terminal 30 and the server 10. The checkout process itself can utilize various known processes. In the first embodiment, since electronic cash is set as the payment source, a process of reducing the balance of the electronic cash is executed in the checkout process.

Once the checkout process is completed, a checkout completion screen G2 indicating that the checkout process is completed is displayed on the display unit 25. In FIG. 2 , when it is necessary to distinguish each checkout completion screen G2, English letters are recorded at the end of the G2 symbol. This is also true for other figures. The checkout completion screen G2A is displayed when the user checks out at "XXX Convenience Store". The checkout completion screen G2B is displayed when the user checks out at "YYY Store".

In the first embodiment, once a user checks out at a specific store, electronic cash for that store will be given to the user. For example, once a user checks out at "XXX Convenience Store", electronic cash for "XXX Convenience Store" will be given. This electronic cash can only be used at "XXX Convenience Store". Hereinafter, electronic cash for specific stores will be referred to as store electronic cash. Universal electronic cash that can be used in all franchise stores will be referred to as universal electronic cash. When there is no need to distinguish between store electronic cash and universal electronic cash, it will be referred to as electronic cash for short.

For example, if a user uses a store that is holding a promotion, the store's electronic cash will be given to the user. In the example of Figure 2, "XXX Convenience Store" is holding a promotion. As shown in the checkout completion screen G2A, once the user uses "XXX Convenience Store", the store electronic cash of "XXX Convenience Store" will be given. On the other hand, "YYY Store" is not holding a promotion. As shown in the checkout completion screen G2B, even if the user uses "YYY Store", the store electronic cash will not be given. The store electronic cash of "XXX Convenience Store" can be used at the next purchase at "XXX Convenience Store". The store uses electronic cash, which can also be given together with other gifts such as points.

FIG3 is an illustration of an example of a screen of a checkout application in which electronic cash for store use has been granted. As shown in FIG3, the main screen G1 displays the balance of general electronic cash and the balance of electronic cash for store use. In the first embodiment, in order to simplify the explanation, the electronic cash for store use of "XXX convenience store" is taken as an example, but electronic cash for store use of other stores may also exist. In this case, in order to be able to specify which store the electronic cash for store use is, it may also be displayed as "electronic cash for store use of XXX convenience store" or "electronic cash for store use of ZZZ coffee".

For example, once a user visits "XXX convenience store" and has code C10 read, checkout processing using store electronic cash is performed as shown in the checkout completion screen G2C. In the first embodiment, in stores where store electronic cash can be used, store electronic cash is used in priority over general electronic cash. In the case where store electronic cash alone is still insufficient, general electronic cash is used in combination. The checkout completion screen G2C illustrates a situation where a product worth 800 yen is purchased when the balance of store electronic cash is 100 yen. In this case, the store will use the full 100 won electronic cash, and the remaining 700 won will be paid using general electronic cash.

Once a user uses store electronic cash at "XXX Convenience Store", he/she will be given store electronic cash for "XXX Convenience Store". As shown in the checkout completion screen G2D, when the user visits "YYY Store" and the code C10 is read, the store electronic cash of "XXX Convenience Store" cannot be used, so only general electronic cash can be used. In addition, the user can specify whether to use store electronic cash at "XXX Convenience Store" or whether to use store electronic cash and general electronic cash together.

As described above, in the first embodiment, once a user uses electronic cash in a specific store, the store's electronic cash will be given as a gift to the user. The store's electronic cash can only be used in the store where the user used the electronic cash. Therefore, the user will visit the same store again in order to use the store's electronic cash given as a gift. That is, the user can be given an incentive to visit the store again. The following is a description of the details of the first embodiment.

[1-3. Functions realized in the first embodiment] Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions realized in the first embodiment.

[1-3-1. Functions implemented in the server] The data storage unit 100 is implemented mainly by the storage unit 12. The checkout request receiving unit 101, the checkout processing execution unit 102, the usage gift granting unit 103, and the usage restriction unit 104 are each implemented mainly by the control unit 11.

[Data storage unit] The data storage unit 100 stores data required to provide checkout services to users. For example, the data storage unit 100 stores the user database DB.

FIG5 is a diagram showing an example of a user database DB. The user database DB is a database in which information about users is stored. For example, the user database DB stores: user ID, password, user name, code ID, electronic cash information, and usage history information. Once a user completes the usage registration, a new record will be created in the user database DB, and the user ID and other information of the user will be stored.

User ID is an example of user identification information that can identify a user. Therefore, the place where the user ID is recorded can be replaced with user identification information. User identification information can be any information, and other information such as email address or phone number can also be used. User ID is also called account. User ID and password are used to log in to the checkout service.

In this embodiment, in order to identify the user who requests the checkout process, some user identification information must be included in the code C10. Although the user ID can also be included in the code C10, this embodiment describes the case where the code ID is included in the code C10. The code ID is a type of user identification information. The code ID is information different from the user ID. For example, the code ID is expressed by a number, text, or a combination of these.

Code IDs can be issued at any time. Code IDs can also be set with an expiration date. For example, a Code ID is issued when the application is started, when the expiration date expires, or when the user instructs re-issuance. The method of issuing a Code ID can be any method. Code IDs are issued in a way that does not overlap with other Code IDs within the expiration date. For example, Code IDs are issued randomly.

Electronic cash information is information about electronic cash held by the user. For example, electronic cash information includes: the balance of general electronic cash, the store ID of the store where the store electronic cash can be used, and the balance of store electronic cash. The balance of store electronic cash is associated with the store ID of the store where the store electronic cash can be used. The store ID is an example of store identification information that can identify the store. The store identification information may be information other than the store ID, and may be, for example, the store's mailing address or phone number.

In the example of FIG. 5 , the user “Yamada Taro” has 3,500 yen of general-purpose electronic cash and 100 yen of store-use electronic cash in a store identified by store ID “s00001”. The user “Kimura Hanako” in FIG. 5 has 2,340 yen of general-purpose electronic cash, 400 yen of store-use electronic cash in a store identified by store ID “s00001”, and 700 yen of store-use electronic cash in a store identified by store ID “s00002”. The user “Suzuki Hideo” has 8,700 yen of general-purpose electronic cash and no store-use electronic cash.

In the examples of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a certain store electronic cash is used as an example for the sake of simplicity, but each user may have multiple store electronic cash like the user "Kimura Hanako". For example, an upper limit may be set for the number of store electronic cash that a user may have. For example, an upper limit may be set for the balance of each store electronic cash. The upper limit of the balance may be a common value for all store electronic cash, or a different value may be set for each store electronic cash.

Although the first embodiment explains that the balance of electronic cash for store use will increase once the checkout service is used in a certain store, the balance of electronic cash for store use may also be increased by any other method. For example, the balance of electronic cash for store use may be increased as a gift when visiting a certain store. The method of detecting visit to a store itself may be a known method, such as checking in using a code such as a barcode or a QR code, checking in using near-field wireless communication, checking in using location information detected by GPS, etc., or checking in using biometric authentication such as facial recognition.

For example, it is also possible to add value to electronic cash for store use by using other payment methods such as credit cards. In this case, it is also possible to add value to electronic cash for store use under more favorable conditions than adding value to general electronic cash. For example, in the case of general electronic cash, in order to add value in the amount of 1,000 yen, it is necessary to pay for the same amount of 1,000 yen by using other payment methods such as credit cards. In the case of adding value to electronic cash for store use, even if the amount of 1,000 yen is added, a bonus of 200 yen will be generated, and an amount of 1,200 yen can be added. The bonus may be a fixed amount or an amount corresponding to the amount of the checkout.

For example, the balance of other settlement means such as electronic currency or points can be converted into electronic cash for store use. The conversion method itself can utilize various known methods, such as: a method of converting certain points into other points, a method of converting points into electronic currency, or a method of converting electronic currency into points. When the balance of other settlement means is converted into electronic cash for store use, a bonus can be generated, and vice versa, a predetermined handling fee can be generated. In addition to this, for example, electronic cash can be given to stores as a gift for using services other than settlement services (for example: e-commerce transaction services, travel reservation services, communication services, or financial services).

In addition, the electronic cash information may also include other information than the information shown in FIG. 5, and may also include, for example, an electronic cash ID. The electronic cash ID is an example of electronic cash identification information that can identify the electronic cash. The electronic cash identification information may also be information other than the electronic cash ID, and may also be, for example, an electronic cash number. In the case where a user holds multiple electronic cashes, each electronic cash can be identified by the electronic cash identification information. When a user holds general-purpose electronic cash and store-use electronic cash, the general-purpose electronic cash and the store-use electronic cash are identified by the electronic cash identification information of the general-purpose electronic cash and the electronic cash identification information of the store-use electronic cash.

The usage history information is information about the usage history of the checkout service. For example, the usage history information includes: the date and time of use, the store identification information that can identify the store used, the information that can identify the checkout means used, and the amount used. If the server 10 can obtain product information that can identify the product purchased by the user, the usage history information can also include product information. Once a user uses the checkout service, the user's usage history information is updated.

In addition, the information stored in the user database DB is not limited to the example in FIG. 5 . For example, the user database DB may also store information on settlement means other than electronic cash. For example, when the settlement means is a credit card, the settlement means information includes the credit card number, expiration date, and nominee information. When the settlement means is electronic currency, the settlement means information includes: an electronic currency ID that can identify the electronic currency, and the balance of the electronic currency. When the settlement means is points, the settlement means information includes: a point ID that can identify the points, and the balance of the points. Similarly, for other settlement means, the settlement means information will contain information that can identify the settlement means. If the user can use multiple payment methods, the payment method information also includes information that can identify the payment method of the payment source. The payment method of the payment source can be changed by the user.

Furthermore, the data stored in the data storage unit 100 is not limited to the user database DB. For example, the data storage unit 100 may also store a store database about stores. The store database stores various information such as store ID, store name, address, region, store terminal ID, whether promotional activities are held, and whether the store uses electronic cash. The store terminal ID is terminal identification information that can identify the store terminal 30. The terminal identification information may also be other information such as an IP address or individual identification information of the store terminal 30.

[Checkout Request Accepting Unit] Checkout Request Accepting Unit 101 accepts checkout requests required to use electronic cash in stores that accept electronic cash. Hereinafter, a store to which electronic cash for store use is granted is recorded as the first store. The first store is a store where electronic cash for store use is available. The first store is a store where the user has used the checkout service. The cost required to grant electronic cash for store use may be borne by the first store or by the administrator of the checkout service. In the first embodiment, a store that is holding a promotional activity for granting electronic cash for store use is equivalent to the first store. A billing request is a notification used to request the execution of a billing process. A billing request is carried out by sending data in a specified format.

In this embodiment, once the store terminal 30 reads the code C10 with the reading device 36, it obtains the code ID contained in the code C10. The store terminal 30 sends a checkout request containing the code ID to the server 10. For example, the checkout request contains: store ID, code ID, and usage amount. The checkout request receiving unit 101 receives the checkout request from the store terminal 30 and receives the checkout request. The checkout request receiving unit 101 can also receive the checkout request through other computers other than the store terminal 30.

Furthermore, the information included in the checkout request is not limited to the example of the first embodiment. The checkout request may include any information. For example, the checkout request may include a store terminal ID. Not only the store ID, but also the store terminal ID can be used to identify which store the checkout request is from. In addition, for example, the checkout request may also include product information about the product that the user wants to purchase, or service information about the service that the user wants to use.

[Checkout Processing Execution Unit] The checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing when the checkout request has been accepted. For example, once the checkout request is accepted, the checkout processing execution unit refers to the user database DB and obtains the electronic cash information associated with the code ID included in the checkout request. The user identified by the code ID is the user who has made the checkout request (for example, the user who presented the code ID to the store clerk). The checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing based on the electronic cash information. The checkout processing execution unit 102 updates the usage history information associated with the code ID included in the checkout request based on the execution result of the checkout processing. The checkout processing execution unit 102 sends the checkout processing execution result to the store terminal 30.

The checkout process of the first embodiment is a process for reducing the balance of electronic cash. Checkout processing can also be said to be a process of consuming electronic cash or a process of completing payment using electronic cash. As mentioned above, the checkout process itself can utilize various known methods. For example, as a method of utilizing the checkout service, there are: a method of reading the code disclosed by the store with the user terminal 20, and a method of the user operating the user terminal 20 to select a store to utilize. In these cases, the checkout request is sent to the server 10 by the user terminal 20 rather than the store terminal 30. The checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout process based on the checkout request from the user terminal 20.

In the first embodiment, whether to allow the use of electronic cash for store is determined by the use restriction unit 104 described later. If the user identified by the code ID included in the checkout request has a plurality of electronic cash for store, the use restriction unit 104 selects the electronic cash for store that is allowed to be used from the plurality of electronic cash for store. The use restriction unit 104 may not allow all of the plurality of electronic cash for store to be used.

If the checkout processing execution unit 102 determines that the use of electronic cash for store use is permitted, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in such a manner that at least the balance of the electronic cash for store use is reduced. If the use restriction unit 104 determines that the use of electronic cash for store use is not permitted, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in such a manner that the balance of the electronic cash for store use is not reduced and the balance of the general electronic cash is reduced.

The checkout processing execution unit 102 can execute the checkout processing using the electronic cash for store and the general electronic cash, i.e., the general electronic cash. For example, when the electronic cash for store is insufficient, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing by using the general electronic cash. Using the electronic cash for store and the general electronic cash together means reducing the balance of both the electronic cash for store and the balance of the general electronic cash.

If the user identified by the code ID included in the checkout request does not have electronic cash for store use, the processing of the usage restriction unit 104 is omitted. In this case, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in a manner that reduces the balance of the general electronic cash held by the user. The checkout processing execution unit 102 only needs to determine whether the user has electronic cash for store use based on the electronic cash information of the user. This determination can also be performed by the usage restriction unit 104.

When it is determined that the electronic cash for store is to be used, the checkout processing execution unit 102 determines whether the balance of the electronic cash for store is sufficient based on the usage amount included in the checkout request. When it is determined that the balance of the electronic cash for store is sufficient, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in such a way that the electronic cash for store is reduced by the usage amount. The processing of reducing the balance of the electronic cash for store can be the same as the processing of reducing the balance of the general electronic cash. When the balance of the electronic cash for store use is determined to be insufficient, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing by using both the general electronic cash and the electronic cash for store use. For example, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing by using the electronic cash for store use in full and using the general electronic cash to make up for the insufficient amount.

The checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing based on the general electronic cash when it is not determined that the store electronic cash is to be used. The checkout processing is the same as the previous method. If the balance of the general electronic cash is insufficient, the checkout processing becomes an error. Similarly, in the case of using general electronic cash and store electronic cash together, if the total balance is insufficient, the checkout processing becomes an error. In the case where the total balance of general electronic cash and store electronic cash is insufficient, payment can also be made in combination with other checkout means such as electronic currency or points. Even if the balance of electronic cash is sufficient, you can still make payments with other payment methods. The use of other payment methods in this case is also called offset.

Furthermore, the checkout processing execution unit 102 can execute the checkout processing using both the store electronic cash and the general electronic cash even if only the store electronic cash is sufficient. For example, the checkout processing execution unit 102 can execute the checkout processing using both the store electronic cash and the general electronic cash when the balance would be less than the threshold if the checkout processing is executed using only the store electronic cash. In addition, for example, the checkout processing execution unit 102 can execute the checkout processing by using both the store electronic cash and the general electronic cash at a predetermined ratio regardless of the balance of the store electronic cash.

Furthermore, the checkout processing execution unit 102 can execute the checkout processing by using only general-purpose electronic cash to complete the payment even if the user has electronic cash for the store. The checkout processing execution unit 102 can execute the checkout processing by using only general-purpose electronic cash to complete the payment if the user does not have electronic cash for the store. The checkout processing execution unit 102 can execute the checkout processing by reducing the balance of the electronic cash for the store associated with the store ID included in the checkout request if the user has electronic cash for each of a plurality of stores.

[Gift granting unit] The gift granting unit 103 grants the balance of electronic cash for use in a store as a gift to a user who has used electronic cash in the store. The balance is the balance of the means of payment that can be used in the store. Granting the balance of electronic cash for use in the store includes two meanings: granting electronic cash for use in the store to a user who does not have electronic cash for use in the store, and increasing the balance of electronic cash for use in the store of a user who already has electronic cash for use in the store. For example, the gift granting unit 103 increases the balance of the store's electronic cash (adds the amount to the balance) to grant the user a gift. Hereinafter, the user who requests the checkout process is referred to as the first user. In the first embodiment, the user identified by the code C10 included in the checkout request is equivalent to the first user. The first user can also be said to be the user who receives the store's electronic cash as a gift.

Store electronic cash is electronic cash that can be used at the first store. Store electronic cash is electronic cash that cannot be used at the second store. The second store is a store that cannot use the store electronic cash of the first store. The second store is a store other than the first store. For example, the second store is a store that does not cooperate with the first store. Even if it is a store other than the first store, as long as it can use the store electronic cash of the first store, it is not equivalent to the second store. For example, other stores that can use the store electronic cash of the first store are chain stores in the same store group as the first store, or stores that cooperate with the first store.

Although the first embodiment states that the store electronic cash is electronic cash that can only be used in the first store, the store electronic cash can also be used in other stores other than the first store. For example, if it is a store electronic cash of "XXX Convenience Store", it can be used not only in "XXX Convenience Store" but also in "ZZZ Coffee" that cooperates with "XXX Convenience Store". In addition, for example, the store electronic cash obtained by the user by using store A of "XXX Convenience Store" can be used not only in store A of "XXX Convenience Store" but also in store B of "XXX Convenience Store", which is a chain store in the same store group. In this case, it is assumed that the store ID of each first store where the store electronic cash can be used is defined in the data memory unit 100. If a certain store electronic cash can be used in a plurality of first stores, a plurality of store IDs are associated with the one store electronic cash.

When the checkout process is executed, the gift granting unit 103 grants the first user who has used the electronic cash the first store electronic cash as a gift. The so-called granting of the store electronic cash means setting the store electronic cash to be usable. For example, increasing the balance of the store electronic cash owned by the first user or granting the store electronic cash to the first user who does not have the store electronic cash is equivalent to granting the store electronic cash. The so-called newly assigned store electronic cash means that the information about the store electronic cash is associated with the user ID or code ID. The information can be any information about the store electronic cash, such as the balance of the store electronic cash or the electronic cash ID of the store electronic cash.

For example, when the first user does not have electronic cash for store, the gift giving unit 103 adds the store ID and the electronic cash balance for store to the electronic cash information to give electronic cash for store to the first user. When the first user already has electronic cash for store, the gift giving unit 103 increases the electronic cash balance for store included in the electronic cash information to give electronic cash for store to the first user. The method of giving electronic cash to the user itself can use various known methods and is not limited to these examples. For example, when using blockchain as in the modified example described below, electronic cash can be provided to stores by generating new tokens, or by increasing the balance already associated with existing tokens.

In addition, although the example in which a user uses electronic cash in a store as a gift to the user is described, the payment method used by the user in the store and the payment method given to the user as a gift may be different from each other. For example, if a user uses a credit card in a store, the store's electronic cash may be given to the user as a gift. In other words, if a user uses a payment method other than electronic cash, the store's electronic cash may be given to the user as a gift.

[Usage restriction unit] The usage restriction unit 104 is a unit that restricts the use of store electronic cash in the second store. The second store is a store that cannot use store electronic cash. The second store is a store different from the first store. For example, when a checkout request is received from the store terminal 30 of the second store, the usage restriction unit 104 controls the checkout processing execution unit 102 so that the checkout processing is performed based on general electronic cash instead of the store electronic cash of the first store.

For example, when a checkout request has been accepted, the restriction unit 104 refers to the user database DB to obtain the electronic cash information associated with the code ID included in the checkout request. The restriction unit 104 determines whether to use the electronic cash for the store based on the store ID included in the checkout request and the electronic cash information that should have been obtained. For example, if the store ID included in the checkout request is stored in the electronic cash information that should have been obtained, it means that the user identified by the code ID included in the checkout request has electronic cash for the store. Therefore, in this case, the restriction unit 104 determines that the electronic cash for the store is to be used.

In addition, the method of determining whether to use the electronic cash for store is not limited to the above example. For example, the electronic cash ID of the electronic cash for store owned by the user may be included in the code C10, and the use restriction unit 104 may also use the electronic cash ID included in the code C10 to determine whether to use the electronic cash for store. In this case, once the store terminal 30 reads the code C10 with the reading device 36, it sends a checkout request containing the electronic cash ID obtained from the code C10 to the server 10.

The use restriction unit 104 determines that the electronic cash for store is to be used if the electronic cash for store identified by the electronic cash ID included in the checkout request is the store identified by the store ID included in the checkout request. The use restriction unit 104 does not determine that the electronic cash for store is to be used if the electronic cash for store identified by the electronic cash ID included in the checkout request is not the store identified by the store ID included in the checkout request. The use restriction unit 104 does not determine that the electronic cash for store is to be used if the electronic cash ID of the electronic cash for store is not included in the checkout request.

Furthermore, it is assumed that the electronic cash ID of each store electronic cash and the relationship between the store electronic cash that can be used are defined in the data storage unit 100. Alternatively, the store ID may be included in a part of the electronic cash ID, so that the store electronic cash belongs to which store based only on the electronic cash ID. It is sufficient as long as it is possible to identify whether the electronic cash that the user wants to use is a store electronic cash and which store the store electronic cash belongs to.

In addition, for example, the store ID of the store electronic cash owned by the user may be included in the code C10, and the use restriction unit 104 may also use the store ID contained in the code C10 to determine whether the store electronic cash can be used. In this case, once the store terminal 30 reads the code C10 with the reading device 36, it sends a checkout request containing the store ID obtained from the code C10 to the server 10. The fact that the store ID of the store configured by the store terminal 30 is consistent with the store ID obtained from the code ID means that the store electronic cash can be used. The use restriction unit 104 can also determine whether the store electronic cash can be used by determining whether they are consistent.

In addition, the method for restricting the use of electronic cash itself can use various known methods, and is not limited to the example of the first embodiment. For example, the use restriction unit 104 can also use the method of the aforementioned patent document 1-6 to restrict the use of store electronic cash in the second store.

[1-3-2. Functions implemented in the user terminal] The data storage unit 200 is implemented mainly by the storage unit 22. The display control unit 201 is implemented mainly by the control unit 21. The data storage unit 200 stores the data necessary for providing the checkout service. For example, the data storage unit 200 stores: the checkout application, the code ID, and the validity period of the code ID. In addition, for example, the data storage unit 200 may also store the electronic cash ID or balance of the electronic cash held by the user. The display control unit 201 displays the code C10 containing the code ID on the main screen G1 based on the checkout application. The display control unit 201 will also display other screens described in Figures 2 and 3.

[1-3-3. Functions implemented in the store terminal] The data storage unit 300 is implemented mainly by the storage unit 32. The checkout request signaling unit 301 is implemented mainly by the control unit 31. The data storage unit 300 stores data necessary for providing checkout services. For example, the data storage unit 300 stores the store ID of the store where the store terminal 30 is configured and the store terminal ID of the store terminal 30. The data storage unit 300 also stores a program for obtaining the code ID included in the code C10.

The checkout request signaling unit 301 sends a checkout request to the server 10. For example, once the reading device 36 reads the code C10, the checkout request signaling unit 301 obtains the code ID contained in the code C10. The checkout request signaling unit 301 sends a checkout request containing the store ID, the code ID, and the usage amount to the server 10. In addition, the code ID can also be obtained optically or through communication. For example, the store terminal 30 can also obtain the code ID using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or infrared communication, and can also obtain the code ID using the short-range wireless communication used in the well-known IC card. The code ID can also be input from the operation unit 34 of the store terminal 30.

[1-4. Processing performed in the first embodiment] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of processing performed in the first embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 6 is performed by each of the control units 11, 21, and 31 operating according to the program stored in each of the memory units 12, 22, and 32. When the processing of FIG. 6 is performed, it is assumed that the first user has completed the registration for using the checkout service and has installed the checkout application on the user terminal 20.

When the first user starts the checkout application, the user terminal 20 performs a login process with the server 10 (S100). In the login process, the user ID and password may be required to be input, or information indicating past logins may be recorded in the user terminal 20, and the user ID and password input may be omitted by using the information. When the login process is successful, the user terminal 20 receives the code ID issued by the server 10, and displays the main screen G1 containing the code C10 on the display unit 25 (S101).

In S101, if the user has electronic cash for store use, the balance of general electronic cash and the balance of electronic cash for store use will be displayed on the main screen G1. This display can be performed based on the electronic cash information of the logged-in user. In the first embodiment, the processing when button B11 is selected is explained. The processing when button B12 is selected is explained in the second embodiment.

Once the store terminal 30 reads the code C10 with the reading device 36, it sends a checkout request including the store ID of the store to which it is assigned, the code ID obtained from the code C10, and the usage amount to the server 10 (S102). Once the server 10 receives the checkout request from the store terminal 30 (S103), it determines whether to use the electronic cash for the store based on the checkout request that should have been received (S104). In S104, the server 10 determines whether to use the electronic cash for the store by determining whether the store ID included in the checkout request is included in the electronic cash information associated with the code ID included in the checkout request.

If it is determined that electronic cash for store use is to be used (S104; Y), the server 10 performs a checkout process (S105) in a manner that at least electronic cash for store use is used. In S105, if the balance of electronic cash for store use is insufficient, a checkout process that combines general electronic cash is performed. On the other hand, in S104, if it is not determined that electronic cash for store use is to be used (S104; N), the server 10 performs a checkout process (S106) in a manner that general electronic cash is used. The checkout process of S106 is the same as the previous checkout process.

Once the checkout process is completed, the server 10 determines whether to grant electronic cash for store use as a gift to the first user (S107). In S107, the server 10 determines whether to grant electronic cash for store use by determining whether the store ID included in the checkout request is the store ID of the store to which the electronic cash for store use is to be granted (in the first embodiment, the store that has participated in the promotional activity). It is assumed that the store ID of the store to which the electronic cash for store use is to be granted is pre-defined in the memory unit 12.

When it is determined in S107 that electronic cash for store use is to be granted (S107; Y), the server 10 grants electronic cash for store use to the first user (S108). In S108, the server 10 grants electronic cash for store use to the first user by updating the electronic cash information associated with the code ID included in the checkout request. The server 10 sends the execution result of the checkout process to the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 (S109), and this process ends. The checkout completion screen G2 is displayed in the user terminal 20, and the same screen is also displayed in the store terminal 30.

According to the checkout system S of the first embodiment, when a checkout request for using electronic cash in a first store is received and the checkout process is executed, the first user who used the electronic cash is given electronic cash for store use, and is restricted so that the electronic cash for store use cannot be used in a second store. Thus, the first user is motivated to visit the first store again in order to use the electronic cash for store use, and thus the first user is motivated to visit the first store again. Furthermore, although the first user can be motivated to visit the first store again by giving the first store coupon, by giving the first user electronic cash that can be used universally in the first store, a stronger motivation to visit the first store can be given. The first user can use the electronic cash for the first store for the first store's favorite products or services, thereby improving the convenience of the first user.

Furthermore, the checkout system S can perform checkout processing using both store electronic cash and general electronic cash. Thus, if the store electronic cash alone is insufficient, the general electronic cash can be used to complete the checkout, thereby improving user convenience.

[2. Second Implementation] In the first implementation, it is explained that once the first user uses electronic cash in the first store, the first store's store electronic cash will be given to the first user as a gift for the first user. In the second implementation, it is explained that once the first user transfers the first store's store electronic cash to another user, the first store's store electronic cash will be given to the first user as a gift for the first user. Hereinafter, the other user will be referred to as the second user. In addition, in the second implementation, the description of the same points as the first implementation is omitted.

The second user is a user who receives electronic cash. The second user is a user different from the first user. For example, the second user may be a user whose contact information is registered in the phone book of the user terminal 20, or a user whose contact information or user ID is input by the first user from the user terminal 20.

The so-called sending of electronic cash can be said to be the movement of electronic cash, the transfer of electronic cash, or the transfer of electronic cash. The so-called "send" here includes the meaning of remittance. The first user can send all or part of his own electronic cash to the second user. Once the first user sends electronic cash to the second user, the balance of the first user's electronic cash will decrease, and the balance of the second user's electronic cash will increase.

[2-1. Overview of the second embodiment] FIG. 7 is an example of a screen of a checkout application in the second embodiment. When the first user selects button B12 of the main screen G1, the display required for the first user to transfer electronic cash to the second user is switched as shown in the main screen G1 of FIG. 7. In the second embodiment, it is explained that the first user can transfer either general electronic cash or store electronic cash to the second user. The first user can also transfer only general electronic cash to the second user, or only store electronic cash to the second user.

For example, when the first user selects button B13, general-purpose electronic cash can be transferred to the second user. When the first user selects button B14, store-use electronic cash can be transferred to the second user. In the second embodiment, although the first user transfers store-use electronic cash to the second user, the same process is also applicable when the first user transfers general-purpose electronic cash to the second user. When the first user has multiple store-use electronic cash, any store-use electronic cash designated by the first user can be transferred.

When the first user selects button B14, a selection screen G3 for selecting a second user is displayed on the display unit 25. For example, in the selection screen G3, a person who has been registered in the phone book of the user terminal 20 is displayed as a candidate for the second user. The first user can also specify the second user to whom electronic cash is to be transferred this time from among the second users to whom electronic cash has been transferred in the past. When the first user selects the second user from the selection screen G3, an input screen G4 for inputting an amount and a message is displayed on the display unit 25. The input of the message can also be arbitrary. Adding value can also be performed from the input screen G4.

When the first user inputs the amount and message and selects the button B40, a completion screen G5 indicating that the electronic cash for store has been transferred from the first user to the second user is displayed on the display unit 25. The completion screen G5 displays information such as the amount and message transferred from the first user to the second user. As shown in the completion screen G5, when the first user transfers the electronic cash for store to the second user, the electronic cash for store is given to the first user as a gift to the first user.

In the example of FIG. 7, the first user, who has 1,500 yen of store electronic cash, transfers 1,200 yen of store electronic cash to the second user. The first user may be given a gift corresponding to the amount transferred from the first user to the second user, or a fixed gift may be given to the first user regardless of the amount. The first user may use the store electronic cash given as a gift for shopping at the first store, or transfer it to another second user. In the second embodiment, when the first user transfers electronic cash for store to the second user, a gift is given to the first user, thereby providing the first user with a motivation to transfer electronic cash for store. The details of the second embodiment are described below.

[2-2. Functions implemented in the second embodiment] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of an example of functions implemented in the second embodiment. First, the difference in the functions of the server 10 is explained. The checkout processing execution unit 102, the use restriction unit 104, the remittance request acceptance unit 105, the remittance processing execution unit 106, and the remittance gift giving unit 107 are mainly implemented by the control unit 11. In the second embodiment, the checkout request acceptance unit 101 and the use gift giving unit 103 described in the first embodiment may not be implemented.

For example, the checkout request accepting unit 101 may not be implemented, and the checkout processing execution unit 102 may still execute the checkout processing even if the checkout request is not accepted. In this case, the checkout processing execution unit 102 may also execute the checkout processing in a manner that the electronic cash is reduced by a predetermined amount when the predetermined date and time arrives. For example, for a user who uses a subscription service and pays a predetermined amount every month, the checkout processing may be executed on a monthly basis in this manner. For example, the gift giving unit 103 may not be implemented, and even if the first user uses the first store, the store electronic cash is not given to the first store as a gift to the first user. For example, after the promotion of the first store ends or before the promotion of the first store starts, the first user will not be given the store electronic cash of the first store.

[Checkout Processing Execution Unit] Checkout processing execution unit 102 executes checkout processing when the usage conditions stipulated for the electronic cash of the first user are met. The usage conditions are conditions for permitting the use of the electronic cash. For the electronic cash for use in stores described in the first embodiment, the stores where the cash can be used are stipulated as the usage conditions. The usage conditions can be any conditions and are not limited to stores. For example, the usage conditions can also be: the time period, day of the week, period, region, product, service, user, or a combination of these when the electronic cash can be used.

Whether the usage conditions stipulated for electronic cash are met is determined by the usage restriction unit 104. The checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in a manner that allows electronic cash that meets the usage conditions to be used. That is, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in a manner that prevents electronic cash that does not meet the usage conditions from being used. In the second embodiment, it is explained that the stores that can use electronic cash are equivalent to the usage conditions. Therefore, the processing of the checkout processing execution unit 102 can be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[Use restriction unit] The use restriction unit 104 is to restrict the use of electronic cash that does not meet the use conditions. In the second embodiment, it is explained that the store that can use electronic cash is equivalent to the use conditions, so the processing of the use restriction unit 104 is the same as the first embodiment. In the case where other conditions are stipulated as the use conditions, the use restriction unit 104 only needs to determine whether the use of electronic cash is allowed based on the other conditions stipulated as the use conditions. In addition, the use restriction unit 104 can also be implemented by a system outside the checkout system S. In this case, the checkout system S can omit the use restriction unit 104.

For example, when the time period during which electronic cash can be used is specified as a use condition, the use restriction unit 104 determines whether the current time is the time period during which electronic cash can be used, and if the current time is the time period during which electronic cash can be used, the use of electronic cash can be permitted. For example, when the day of the week during which electronic cash can be used is specified as a use condition, the use restriction unit 104 determines whether the current day of the week is the day of the week during which electronic cash can be used, and if the current day of the week is the day of the week during which electronic cash can be used, the use of electronic cash can be permitted.

For example, when the period during which electronic cash can be used is stipulated as a use condition, the use restriction unit 104 determines whether the current date and time is a period during which electronic cash can be used. If the current date and time is a period during which electronic cash can be used, the use of electronic cash is permitted. For example, when the area in which electronic cash can be used is stipulated as a use condition, the use restriction unit 104 determines whether the store where the checkout request is made is located in the prescribed area. If the store is located in the prescribed area, the use of electronic cash is permitted. Similarly, when other conditions are stipulated as use conditions, the use restriction unit 104 determines whether the use conditions stipulated for electronic cash are met. If the use conditions are met, the use of electronic cash is permitted.

[Transfer Request Accepting Unit] The transfer request accepting unit 105 accepts a transfer request required for transferring electronic cash from the first user to the second user. A transfer request is a notification required for requesting the execution of a transfer process described later. A transfer request is performed by sending data in a predetermined format. In this embodiment, once the user terminal 20 selects the second user from the selection screen G3 and inputs the amount and message from the input screen G4, the transfer request containing the user identification information of the first user, the user identification information of the second user, the amount, and the message is sent to the server 10. The transfer request accepting unit 105 accepts the transfer request by receiving the transfer request from the user terminal 20.

In addition, the transfer request may contain arbitrary information. The information contained in the transfer request is not limited to the example of the second embodiment. For example, the transfer request may also include the electronic cash ID of the electronic cash selected by the first user. In this case, the electronic cash ID can be used to identify which electronic cash is the target. Furthermore, the user identification information of the second user contained in the transfer request may be arbitrary information such as a user ID, an email address, or a telephone number. The transfer request only needs to contain arbitrary information that can identify the first user and the second user. Furthermore, the transfer request may also contain information that can identify whether general electronic cash is sent, whether electronic cash for use in stores that have stipulated usage conditions is sent, etc.

[Remittance Processing Execution Unit] The remittance processing execution unit 106 executes the remittance processing when the remittance request has been accepted. For example, once the remittance request has been accepted, the remittance processing execution unit 106 refers to the user database DB and obtains the electronic cash information associated with the user identification information of the first user included in the remittance request and the electronic cash information associated with the user identification information of the second user included in the remittance request. The remittance processing execution unit 106 executes the remittance processing based on the electronic cash information. The transfer processing execution unit 106 updates the usage history information of the first user and the usage history information of the second user based on the execution result of the transfer processing. The transfer processing execution unit 106 sends the execution result of the transfer processing to the user terminal 20. The transfer processing itself can use various known methods.

For example, the transfer processing execution unit 106 updates the electronic cash information of the first user so that the balance of the electronic cash of the first user is reduced, and updates the electronic cash information of the second user so that the balance of the electronic cash of the second user is increased, based on the transfer request, thereby executing the transfer processing. The amount of electronic cash reduced by the first user may be the same as the amount included in the transfer request, or may be the amount after adding a predetermined handling fee. The amount of electronic cash increased by the second user may be the same as the amount included in the transfer request, or may be the amount after subtracting a predetermined handling fee.

[Remittance Gift Granting Unit] The remittance gift granting unit 107 grants a gift to the first user when the remittance process is executed. The use gift granting unit 103 described in the first embodiment grants a gift when the checkout process is executed. In contrast, the remittance gift granting unit 107 grants a gift when electronic cash is transferred from the first user to the second user. In the second embodiment, the gift giving unit 107 is described as giving the first user electronic cash for use in a store as a gift. However, the gift given to the first user may be other gifts, not limited to electronic cash for use in a store. For example, the gift giving unit 107 may also give the first user other means of payment such as electronic currency, points, or coupons. In addition, for example, the gift giving unit 107 may also give the first user information such as a notice of a promotional event, or may give the first user an item that can be received as a gift.

For example, the gift giving unit 107 can also give the first user a gift corresponding to the usage conditions of the electronic cash. The gift giving unit 107 gives the first user a gift associated with the usage conditions stipulated for the electronic cash. It is assumed that the relationship between the usage conditions of the electronic cash and the gift when the electronic cash with the usage conditions is transferred is pre-stored in the data storage unit 100. The gift giving unit 107 gives the first user a gift associated with the usage conditions of the electronic cash that the first user has transferred to the second user.

For example, as in the second embodiment, if a store is specified as a utilization condition, the store electronic cash of the store is determined as a gift. When the first user has transferred the store electronic cash of a certain store to the second user, the remittance gift giving unit 107 gives the store electronic cash of the store as a gift to the first user. In this case, the remittance gift giving unit 107 can also give the store electronic cash of other stores as a gift to the first user, or can also give the electronic cash for which other utilization conditions are specified.

For example, if a time zone is specified as a utilization condition, the electronic cash for the time zone, i.e., the electronic cash for the time zone, is determined as a gift. When the first user has transferred the electronic cash for a certain time zone to the second user, the gift giving unit 107 gives the electronic cash for the store in the time zone as a gift to the first user. In this case, the gift giving unit 107 may give the electronic cash for another time zone as a gift to the first user, or may give the electronic cash for which other utilization conditions are specified.

For example, if a region is specified as a use condition, the electronic cash for the region, i.e., the regional electronic cash, is determined as a gift. When the first user has transferred the regional electronic cash of a certain region to the second user, the remittance gift giving unit 107 gives the electronic cash for the store in the region as a gift to the first user. In this case, the remittance gift giving unit 107 may give the regional electronic cash of another region as a gift to the first user, or may give the electronic cash for which other use conditions are specified.

Furthermore, the gift giving unit 107 may give the first user a gift that is not related to the conditions of use of the electronic cash that the first user has transferred to the second user. The gift giving unit 107 may give the first user a gift that is randomly selected from a plurality of gifts. The gift giving unit 107 may give the first user a gift that is designated by the first user. The gift giving unit 107 may determine the amount of the gift based on the amount of electronic cash that the first user has transferred to the second user, and may give the first user a gift of an amount that is not related to the amount.

Furthermore, when the first user transfers general-purpose electronic cash to the second user, the gift giving unit 107 can also give store electronic cash of a certain store as a gift to the first user. The store can be randomly determined, or can be a store that is regularly used and specified based on the usage history information of the first user. In addition, for example, the store can also be a store registered as a favorite store by the first user. Conversely, when the first user transfers store electronic cash to the second user, the gift giving unit 107 can also give general-purpose electronic cash as a gift to the first user.

Furthermore, the functions of the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 are the same as those of the first embodiment, but the user terminal 20 includes a transfer request signaling unit 202. The transfer request signaling unit 202 is realized mainly by the control unit 21. The transfer request signaling unit 202 sends a transfer request to the server 10 based on the operation of the first user. For example, the transfer request signaling unit 202 sends a transfer request to the server 10 when the first user selects the second user from the selection screen G3 and inputs the amount and message from the input screen G4.

[2-3. Processing performed in the second embodiment] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of processing performed in the second embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 9 is performed by each of the control units 11 and 21 operating according to the program stored in each of the memory units 12 and 22. The processing of S200 and S201 is the same as the processing of S100 and S101. Here, the processing when the button B12 of the main screen G1 is selected is explained.

When the first user selects button B13 or button B14, the user terminal 20 displays the selection screen G3 on the display unit 25 and accepts the selection of the second user (S202). The user terminal 20 displays the input screen G4 on the display unit 25 and accepts the input of the amount and message (S203). When button B40 is selected, the user terminal 20 sends a transfer request including the user identification information of the first user, the user identification information of the second user, the electronic cash identification information of the electronic cash to be transferred, the amount, and the message to the server 10 (S204).

When the server 10 receives the transfer request (S205) from the user terminal 20, it determines the type of electronic cash indicated by the transfer request (S206). When the transfer request indicates electronic cash for store use (S206; electronic cash for store use), the server 10 performs a transfer process in such a way that the electronic cash for store use of the first user is transferred (S207). The server 10 gives the electronic cash for store use to the first user (S208), and this process ends. When the universal electronic cash is indicated by the transfer request (S206; universal electronic cash), the server 10 executes the checkout process in such a way that the universal electronic cash will be transferred (S209), and this process ends. In this case, although it is designed that no gift is given to the second user, some kind of gift may be given to the second user.

According to the checkout system S of the second embodiment, when the request for transferring electronic cash for store use is accepted and the transfer process is executed, a gift is given to the first user. This can provide the first user with an incentive to transfer electronic cash for store use to the second user. For example, the first user does not simply keep electronic cash for store use that has not been scheduled for use recently, but transfers it to the second user so that the second user can use the electronic cash for store use. As a result, the use of electronic cash for store use in the checkout service can be promoted. From the perspective of stores that can use electronic cash for stores, even if the first user does not use electronic cash for stores, the second user may still use electronic cash for stores, so the effect of attracting customers to the store can be improved. The first user will try to send electronic cash for stores to the second user in order to get a gift, so the transfer of electronic cash for stores from the first user to the second user can be promoted.

Furthermore, the checkout system S gives the first user a gift corresponding to the conditions for using the electronic cash. In this way, a gift related to the conditions for using the electronic cash that the first user transfers to the second user can be given, so that the first user can be given a strong motivation to transfer the store electronic cash to the second user. For example, if the first user has transferred the store electronic cash of a certain store to the second user, by giving the store electronic cash of the store to the first user, it is possible to prevent the first user's store electronic cash from being completely consumed, so that the first user can be given a strong motivation to transfer the store electronic cash to the second user. The first user is likely to visit the store again in order to use the electronic cash given to the store as a gift, thereby increasing the customer attraction effect to the store.

Furthermore, the checkout system S can also give the first user electronic cash with the same usage conditions as the electronic cash that the first user has transferred to the second user as a gift. In this way, electronic cash with the same usage conditions as the electronic cash that the first user has transferred to the second user can be given, so that the first user can be given a strong motivation to transfer the store electronic cash to the second user. For example, if the first user has already transferred electronic cash for a store to the second user, by giving the electronic cash for the store to the first user, the electronic cash for the store of the first user can be prevented from being completely used up, so the first user can be given a strong motivation to transfer the electronic cash for the store to the second user. The first user is likely to visit the store again in order to use the electronic cash for the store given as a gift, so the customer attraction effect for the store can also be improved.

Furthermore, the checkout system S gives the first user electronic cash for store use as a gift, thereby giving the first user a stronger motivation to transfer the electronic cash for store use to the second user.

[3. The third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, for the sake of simplicity, the main explanation is about using or transferring electronic cash in one store. In the third embodiment, it is explained that there are multiple electronic cash with stipulated use conditions. The meaning of use conditions is the same as that explained in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the store is explained as an example of use conditions. In the third embodiment, the explanation of the same points as the first or second embodiment is omitted.

[3-1. Overview of the third implementation form] FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example of a screen of a checkout application in the third implementation form. As shown in the main screen G1A and the checkout completion screen G2E of FIG. 10, once the first user uses store A of "XXX Convenience Store", electronic cash for store use that can be used in store A of "XXX Convenience Store" and electronic cash for store group use that can be used in all stores of "XXX Convenience Store" will be given to the first user. The electronic cash for store use can only be used in store A of "XXX Convenience Store" and cannot be used in other stores of "XXX Convenience Store" or stores other than "XXX Convenience Store". Electronic cash for store group use can be used in any store as long as it is a store named "XXX Convenience Store". For example, if a store group uses electronic cash, it can also be used in store B of "XXX convenience store".

Once the electronic cash for store and the electronic cash for store group are granted to the first user, the balance of the general electronic cash, the balance of the electronic cash for store, and the balance of the electronic cash for store group will be displayed as shown in the main screen G1B. Once the first user visits the A store of "XXX convenience store" again and allows the code C10 to be read by the reading device 36, since both the electronic cash for store and the electronic cash for store group can be used, the checkout process is performed based on the pre-determined priority.

In the third embodiment, the electronic cash for store use at store A of "XXX convenience store" has a higher priority than the electronic cash for store group use. That is, the electronic cash for store use that can only be used at a specific store such as store A of "XXX convenience store" has a higher priority than the electronic cash for store group use that can be used at all stores of "XXX" convenience store. As shown in the checkout completion screen G2F, the electronic cash for store use is used with priority over the electronic cash for store group use.

For example, assume that the first user has 100 yen of electronic cash for store A of "XXX Convenience Store" and 50 yen of electronic cash for store groups that can be used in all stores of "XXX Convenience Store". Assuming that the first user makes a purchase of 120 yen at store A of "XXX Convenience Store", the electronic cash for store will be used first. The electronic cash for store groups will be used up to the amount of 20 yen that is short of the electronic cash for store. In this way, in the third embodiment, the convenience of the first user is improved by setting a priority for each of the multiple electronic cash held by the first user. The following is an explanation of the details of the third embodiment.

[3-2. Functions implemented in the third embodiment] Figure 11 is a functional block diagram of an example of functions implemented in the third embodiment. The functions of the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the difference in the functions of the server 10 is described here. The checkout request receiving unit 101, the checkout processing execution unit 102, the usage restriction unit 104, and the specific unit 108 are implemented mainly by the control unit 11. In the third embodiment, the gift giving unit 103 described in the first embodiment may not be implemented, and the remittance request receiving unit 105, the remittance processing execution unit 106, and the remittance gift giving unit 107 described in the second embodiment may not be implemented.

[Checkout Request Accepting Unit] Checkout Request Accepting Unit 101 accepts a checkout request from a first user who holds a plurality of electronic cash with mutually different usage conditions. The checkout request itself is as described in the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a case where the usage condition is that the electronic cash can be used in a store is taken as an example. In addition, for the sake of simplicity, two electronic cashes are taken as an example, namely, electronic cash for store use that can be used only in store A of "XXX Convenience Store" and electronic cash for store group use that can be used in all stores of "XXX Convenience Store", but the first user may also hold three or more electronic cash with mutually different usage conditions.

For example, the first user may have, in addition to the two electronic cash items mentioned above, a store-use electronic cash that can only be used at store B of "XXX convenience store", or a store-use electronic cash that can only be used at each store of "XXX convenience store". In addition, for example, the first user may have a mixture of electronic cash with specified usage conditions, such as a store-group electronic cash that can be used at other store groups, a time-zone electronic cash that can only be used at a certain time zone, a weekday electronic cash that can only be used at a certain day of the week, and a regional electronic cash that can only be used at a certain area. The balance of electronic cash displayed in the main screen G1 may also display the total value of general electronic cash and a plurality of electronic cashes for which use conditions are stipulated.

[Checkout Processing Execution Unit] The checkout processing execution unit 102 executes checkout processing based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cash when the plurality of electronic cash is identified by the identification unit 108 described later. In the third embodiment, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes checkout processing based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cash determined in such a way that the fewer the number of available stores, the higher the priority.

For example, a store-use electronic cash that can only be used in store A of "XXX Convenience Store" can be used in fewer stores than a store-group-use electronic cash that can be used in all stores of "XXX Convenience Store". Therefore, the priority of the store-use electronic cash is higher than that of the store-group-use electronic cash. In other words, the lower the versatility of the electronic cash that has been set with usage conditions, the higher its priority. The stronger the usage restrictions of the electronic cash that has been set with usage conditions, the higher its priority. The store-use electronic cash that can only be used in a specific store has lower versatility and stronger usage restrictions than the store-group-use electronic cash, so it has a higher priority. The checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in such a manner that electronic cash with a relatively higher priority is used in preference to electronic cash with a relatively lower priority.

For example, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in a manner that the electronic cash with a relatively high priority is used, and the electronic cash with a relatively low priority is not used. For example, the checkout processing execution unit 102 may also execute the checkout processing in a manner that the higher the priority, the greater the usage amount. In the example of FIG. 10 , since the priority of the electronic cash for the store is higher than the priority of the electronic cash for the store group, the checkout processing execution unit 102 sets the usage amount of the electronic cash for the store to be greater than the usage amount of the electronic cash for the store group.

In addition, the method of setting the priority can be any method, and is not limited to the example of the third embodiment. Contrary to the third embodiment, the more stores that can be used, the higher the priority. In addition, for example, the electronic cash that is specified as a use condition in the time zone can be used has a higher priority than the electronic cash that is specified as other use conditions. For example, the electronic cash that is specified as a use condition in the store that can be used has a higher priority than the electronic cash that is specified as other use conditions such as time zones or regions. For example, the more the balance of electronic cash is, the higher the priority.

[Use restriction section] The use restriction section 104 is the same as the second embodiment. In addition, the use restriction section 104 can also be implemented by a system outside the checkout system S. In this case, the checkout system S can omit the use restriction section 104.

[Specifying unit] The specifying unit 108 specifies the electronic cash that meets the usage conditions from among the plurality of electronic cash when the checkout request has been accepted. The determination method of each usage condition is as described in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, since the store where the electronic cash can be used is equivalent to the usage condition, the specifying unit 108 specifies the electronic cash that can be used in the store corresponding to the checkout request as the electronic cash that meets the usage condition when the checkout request has been accepted. The specifying unit 108 can also specify the electronic cash that meets the usage condition by obtaining the determination result of the usage restriction unit 104. The identification unit 108 can also identify electronic cash that meets the usage conditions by executing the same processing as the usage restriction unit 104.

For example, assume that the first user has two electronic cashes, one for store use that can be used only at store A of "XXX convenience store" and the other for store group use that can be used at all stores of "XXX convenience store". When the first user visits store A of "XXX convenience store", the identification unit 108 can identify that this is a checkout request from store A of "XXX convenience store" by using the store ID included in the checkout request, and thus can identify that both electronic cashes can be used as electronic cashes that can be used at store A of "XXX convenience store". When the first user visits other stores of "XXX Convenience Store", the identification unit 108 can identify that this is a checkout request from store B of "XXX Convenience Store" through the store ID contained in the checkout request, thereby identifying that only the electronic cash that can be used in all stores of "XXX Convenience Store" can be used.

[3-3. Processing performed in the third embodiment] Figure 12 is a flowchart of an example of processing performed in the third embodiment. The processing in Figure 12 is partially different from the processing in Figure 6. For example, the processing of S300 to S303 is the same as the processing of S100 to S103. The server 10 identifies the electronic cash that meets the use conditions among the electronic cash held by the first user (S304). In S304, the server 10 obtains the electronic cash information associated with the code ID contained in the checkout request by referring to the user database DB. The server 10 identifies the electronic cash held by the first user based on the electronic cash information, and identifies the electronic cash that can be used in the store indicated by the store ID included in the checkout request.

When the electronic cash satisfying the use condition is identified in plural numbers (S304; plural numbers), the server 10 performs checkout processing (S305) based on the priority of each of the plural electronic cash. For example, if the first user holds the electronic cash for store A of "XXX convenience store" and the electronic cash for store group of "XXX convenience store", and the store terminal 30 of "XXX convenience store" accepts the checkout request, then in S304, the server 10 identifies the two electronic cash. In S305, the server 10 considers the priority of the store electronic cash as the first priority and the priority of the store group electronic cash as the second priority to perform the checkout process.

When only one electronic cash that meets the use conditions is identified (S304; 1), the server 10 performs checkout processing (S306) based on the electronic cash that should have been identified. The checkout processing in S306 is the same as the checkout processing in the first implementation form. When no electronic cash that meets the use conditions is identified (S304; none), the server 10 performs checkout processing (S307) based on universal electronic cash. The subsequent processing of S308~S310 is the same as the processing of S107~S109 described in the first implementation form.

According to the checkout system S of the third embodiment, when a plurality of electronic cashes are specified as the electronic cashes that meet the utilization conditions, the checkout process is performed based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cashes. This can prevent the electronic cashes from being used in a manner not intended by the user, and improve the convenience of the user. By raising the priority of the electronic cash that the user wants to use, the electronic cash can be used preferentially.

Furthermore, the checkout system S specifies the electronic cash that can be used in the store corresponding to the checkout request from among the plurality of electronic cash as the electronic cash that satisfies the use condition. Thus, even if there are a plurality of electronic cash that can be used in the store where the user wants to use the checkout service, by giving priority among them, the electronic cash can be used in the way the user intends to use it, thereby further improving the convenience of the user.

Furthermore, if a plurality of electronic cashes are specified as the electronic cashes that meet the use conditions, the checkout system S performs the checkout process based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cashes, where the priority is set higher as the number of available stores is smaller. Thus, for example, it is possible to set a usage mode in which electronic cashes that can only be used in a certain specific store are used preferentially, and general-purpose electronic cashes that can be used in a plurality of stores are stored, thereby further improving the convenience of users.

[4. Variations] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described implementation forms. Appropriate changes can be made within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure.

[4-1. Modifications related to the first embodiment] Figure 13 is a diagram of an example of functional blocks of a modification related to the first embodiment. The restriction unit 109, the profit generating unit 110, the change processing execution unit 111, the first fee generating unit 112, the first withdrawal processing execution unit 113, the second withdrawal processing execution unit 114, the second fee generating unit 115, the first detection unit 116, and the second detection unit 117 are implemented mainly by the control unit 11.

[Variant 1-1] For example, electronic cash for store use can also be used in the first time zone associated with the first store. In variant 1-1, not only the store where electronic cash for store use can be used, but also the time zone where electronic cash for store use can be used are stipulated as the use conditions.

The first time slot is a pre-designated time slot. In variant 1-1, it is explained that the first time slot is a relatively idle time slot. The so-called relatively idle first store means that at least one of the number of users and the usage amount is relatively small. The first time slot can be any time slot as long as there is at least one other time slot that is more crowded than the first time slot. The first time slot is sometimes also called idle time. The first time slot can be counted by the store's contractor or based on usage history information. For example, the server 10 calculates at least one of the number of users and the total amount of usage of the first store for each time period based on the usage time, usage location, and usage amount included in the usage history information.

In addition, the time band can be divided in any way, for example, it can be every 3 hours or every 6 hours. The length of each time band can also be different. For example, the night is divided roughly, and the day is divided more finely. In the variant 1-1, although it is explained that the time band with the least number of users and the total amount of usage is equivalent to the first time band, it is also possible to regard a predetermined number of time bands in which the number of users and the total amount of usage increase from a small number to a large number as the first time band. In addition, the first time band is any time band that is associated with the first store, and is not limited to a relatively idle time band. For example, the first time period may be: a time period designated as a time period for implementing promotional activities, a time period when the first store is relatively busy, a time period when there are relatively more employees in the first store, a time period when specific operations such as carrying in or displaying operations do not occur in the first store, or a time period when specific operations have just been completed.

The usage gift giving unit 103 gives, as a gift to the first user, electronic cash for a store whose first time zone is set as one of the usage conditions. For example, if the "XXX convenience store" located in a commercial office district is relatively idle from 14:00 to 17:00, which is not often used by office workers, the first time zone is from 14:00 to 17:00. The usage gift giving unit 103 gives the first user electronic cash for a store that can only be used in the "XXX convenience store" and can only be used from 14:00 to 17:00.

The restriction unit 104 restricts the use of electronic cash for store in the second store and the use of electronic cash for store in the first store in the second time zone. The second time zone is a time zone in which electronic cash for store in the first store cannot be used. The second time zone is a time zone different from the first time zone. In addition, the method of making electronic cash for store in the second store impossible to use is as described in the first embodiment. The restriction unit 104 determines whether the current time is the second time zone. If the current time is the second time zone, the restriction unit 104 restricts the use of electronic cash for store so that it cannot be used. The use restriction unit 104 permits the store to use electronic cash if the current time is in the first time zone.

According to modification 1-1, the electronic cash for store is restricted to be usable in the first time zone associated with the first store, and cannot be used in the second store, and cannot be used in the first store in the second time zone. In this way, the customer attraction effect of the first time zone, which is the time designated to increase the customer attraction to the first store, can be improved. For example, by designating a relatively idle time zone of the first store as the first time zone, the customer attraction effect of the relatively idle time zone of the first store can be improved.

[Variant 1-2] For example, the electronic cash for a store can be used in the first store and the third store located in the first area including the first store. The first area is the area including the location of the first store. The first area can also be a unit of a prefecture or a city, town, or village, or it can be an area defined by the checkout service. The third store can also be a chain store of the same store group as the first store, or it can be another store that cooperates with the first store. However, in variant 1-2, as long as it belongs to the same area as the first store, the relationship with the first store is irrelevant.

The third store is another store belonging to the same first area as the first store. The third store is a store that the user has not visited when the store electronic cash is issued. The store electronic cash of variation 1-2 is specified in the first area as a condition of use. It is assumed that the stores existing in the first area are pre-defined in the data storage unit 100. That is, it is assumed that the first store and the third store where the store electronic cash can be used are pre-defined in the data storage unit 100.

The gift giving unit 103 gives, as a gift to the first user, electronic cash for a store whose first area is set as one of the conditions for use. The electronic cash for the store is electronic cash for the first area, and therefore can also be called electronic cash for the area. For example, if the unit of the area is a city, town, or village, once the first user visits "XXX Convenience Store" located in Banqiao District, Tokyo, the gift giving unit 103 gives the first user electronic cash for a store that can be used in the first store "XXX Convenience Store" located in Banqiao District and the third store also located in Banqiao District.

The use restriction unit 104 restricts the use of electronic cash for stores in the second store located in the second zone. The second zone is an area where electronic cash for stores in the first zone cannot be used. The second zone is an area other than the first zone. When a checkout request has been accepted, the use restriction unit 104 determines whether the area to which the store that sent the checkout request belongs is the second zone. When the use restriction unit 104 determines that it is the second zone, it restricts the use of electronic cash for stores. When it is not determined to be the second zone, that is, when it is determined to be the first zone, the use restriction unit 104 permits the use of electronic cash for stores.

According to modification 1-2, the electronic cash for store can be used in the first store and the third store located in the first area including the first store, and is restricted to the second store located in the second area. This can provide the first user with an incentive to come to the first area again. For example, when a sales event is held for the purpose of revitalizing a certain city, town, or village, electronic cash limited to the city, town, or village can be issued.

[Variant 1-3] For example, the functions described in the first embodiment and part of the second embodiment may be combined, and the first user may transfer the electronic cash for the store given as a gift for using the first store to the second user. The checkout system S of variant 1-3 includes the remittance request receiving unit 105 and the remittance processing execution unit 106 described in the second embodiment. The request receiving unit 105 and the remittance processing execution unit 106 are the same as those described in the second embodiment. Variant 1-3 describes that the checkout system S does not include the remittance gift giving unit 107.

The use restriction unit 104 restricts the second user from using the store electronic cash in the second store. This is different from the first embodiment in that only the store electronic cash held by the second user becomes the object of restriction. The restriction method itself by the use restriction unit 104 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

According to Modification 1-3, when a transfer request for transferring electronic cash for store use from the first user to the second user has been accepted, the transfer process is executed, and the second user is restricted from using the electronic cash for store use in the second store. Even if the first user has not made a reservation to use the electronic cash for store use, by transferring the electronic cash for store use from the first user to the second user, the electronic cash for store use can be used by the second user, thereby making effective use of the electronic cash for store use.

[Variant 1-4] For example, in variant 1-3, although it is described that the checkout system S does not include the gift-giving unit 107, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined, and the checkout system S may also include the gift-giving unit 107. The gift-giving unit 107 is as described in the second embodiment.

According to modification 1-4, when the transfer process is executed, electronic cash for store use is given as a gift to the first user. This provides the first user with an incentive to transfer the electronic cash for store use to the second user.

[Variant 1-5] For example, the checkout system S may also include a grant limiting unit 109. The grant limiting unit 109 is used to limit the store electronic cash from being repeatedly transferred between the first user and the second user, thereby preventing the store electronic cash from being repeatedly transferred through the gift transfer unit 107.

For example, after the electronic cash for store has been transferred from the first user to the second user, the transfer restriction unit 109 restricts the transfer gift transfer unit 107 from transferring a gift to the second user even if the second user transfers the electronic cash for store to the first user. If the second user transfers the electronic cash for store to the first user after the second user has used all the electronic cash for store received from the first user (after using the electronic cash for store that exceeds the amount received), the gift can be transferred to the second user. In addition, for example, if the second user transfers electronic cash to the first user from a store that exceeds the amount received from the first user, a gift may be given to the second user for the portion exceeding the amount.

For example, the grant restriction unit 109 may restrict the granting of a gift to the first user when the first user transfers electronic cash for store to the second user for the first time and the second user transfers electronic cash for store to the first user. In this case, when the first user transfers electronic cash for store for the second time in an amount exceeding the amount received from the second user, the first user may be granted a gift for the amount exceeding the amount.

In addition, the restriction method by the grant restriction unit 109 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, the grant restriction unit 109 may restrict the granting of gifts to at least one of the first user and the second user within a certain period of time after the first user has transferred store electronic cash to the second user, even if store electronic cash has been transferred between the first user and the second user. In addition, for example, the grant restriction unit 109 may restrict the granting of gifts to at least one of the first user and the second user before the second user has completely used up the store electronic cash after the first user has transferred store electronic cash to the second user, even if store electronic cash has been transferred between the first user and the second user.

According to Modification 1-5, restrictions are imposed to prevent the first user and the second user from repeatedly sending store electronic cash to each other, which results in the store electronic cash being repeatedly given as a gift. This prevents the first user and the second user from receiving gifts indefinitely by sending each other without using store electronic cash.

[Variant 1-6] For example, in the second embodiment, variant 1-3, and variant 1-4, it is described that the first user transfers the electronic cash for store use that the first user has to the second user. The first user may first convert the general electronic cash that the first user has into electronic cash for store use and then transfer it to the second user. The checkout system S of variant 1-6 includes a use restriction unit 104, a transfer request acceptance unit 105, and a transfer processing execution unit 106, similar to variants 1-3 and 1-4. The use restriction unit 104 and the transfer request receiving unit 105 are the same as those in variants 1-3 and 1-4, but the use restriction unit 104 and the transfer processing execution unit 106 are different from those in variants 1-3 and 1-4.

The transfer processing execution unit 106 of the modification 1-6 performs the transfer processing in a manner that the electronic cash for store use is transferred to the second user by using the universal settlement means, i.e., universal electronic cash, when the transfer request has been accepted. For example, the transfer processing execution unit 106 first converts the universal electronic cash held by the first user into the electronic cash for store use, and then performs the transfer processing. The so-called conversion of the universal electronic cash into the electronic cash for store use means that the balance of the universal electronic cash is reduced and the balance of the electronic cash for store use is increased. Although the decrease in the balance of the first user's general-purpose electronic cash and the increase in the second user's store electronic cash are described as being the same in Modification 1-6, they may be different as shown in Modification 1-7 described later.

According to variation 1-6, the transfer process is performed by using general electronic cash to transfer the store electronic cash to the second user. Thus, even if the first user does not have enough store electronic cash, he can still use general electronic cash to transfer store electronic cash, thereby improving user convenience.

[Variant 1-7] For example, the checkout system S may also include a profit generating unit 110. The profit generating unit 110 generates a profit for at least one of the first user and the second user that would not be generated when the remittance process using the store electronic cash is executed when the remittance process using the general electronic cash is executed. The remittance process using the general electronic cash is the remittance process described in Variant 1-6. The remittance process using the store electronic cash is the remittance process described in the second embodiment, Variant 1-3, and Variant 1-4.

For example, when the remittance process using general electronic cash is executed, the profit generating unit 110 gives a larger gift to the first user than when the remittance process using store electronic cash is executed. For example, if a gift of 10% of the remitted amount is given to the first user when the remittance process using store electronic cash is executed, a gift of 15% of the remitted amount may be given to the first user when the remittance process using general electronic cash is executed.

For example, the profit generating unit 110 reduces the amount of general-purpose electronic cash required to transfer the same amount when the transfer process using general-purpose electronic cash is executed, compared to when the transfer process using store-use electronic cash is executed. For example, assume that 1,000 yen of store-use electronic cash is transferred from the first user to the second user. If the first user wants to use the store-use electronic cash he has, 1,000 yen of store-use electronic cash is required, while, in contrast, if the first user wants to use the general-purpose electronic cash he has, only 800 yen of general-purpose electronic cash is required.

For example, when the transfer process using general electronic cash is executed, the profit generating unit 110 makes the amount received when the same amount is transferred larger than when the transfer process using store electronic cash is executed. For example, when the first user transfers 1,000 yen of store electronic cash to the second user, the second user receives 1,000 yen of store electronic cash, whereas when the first user transfers 1,000 yen of general electronic cash to the second user, the second user receives 1,200 yen of store electronic cash.

According to Modification 1-7, when the transfer process using general electronic cash is executed, at least one of the first user and the second user will benefit, which would not be the case if the transfer process using store electronic cash was executed. This can provide the first user with a stronger motivation to transfer store electronic cash to the second user using general electronic cash.

[Variation 1-8] For example, as described in the first embodiment, the checkout request may be a request required to use the store electronic cash in the first store. In this case, the gift granting unit 103 may grant the store electronic cash to the first user when the checkout process has been executed and the store electronic cash has been used in the first store. That is, the gift granting unit 103 may grant the store electronic cash to the first user not only when the general electronic cash has been used, but also when the store electronic cash has been used.

According to variation 1-8, when the checkout process has been executed and the store electronic cash has been used in the first store, the store electronic cash is given to the first user. This can provide the first user with a stronger motivation to visit the store again.

[Variation 1-9] For example, electronic cash can also be used in the second store. The second store is a franchise store for checkout services and can use at least general electronic cash. In this case, when the electronic cash is used in the first store using the gift giving unit 103, the electronic cash for the first store given to the first user is the electronic cash for the first store. The electronic cash for the first store is the same as the electronic cash for the store described in the first embodiment. The processing required to give the electronic cash for the first store is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

When electronic cash is used in the second store using the gift granting unit 103, electronic cash for the second store, i.e., electronic cash for the second store, is granted to the first user. Electronic cash for the second store is electronic cash that cannot be used in the first store. For example, assume that the first store is store A of "XXX Convenience Store" and the second store is store B of "XXX Convenience Store". Electronic cash for the first store used in store A of "XXX Convenience Store" cannot be used in store B of "XXX Convenience Store". Electronic cash for the second store used in store B of "XXX Convenience Store" cannot be used in store A of "XXX Convenience Store". The second-store electronic cash is different from the first-store electronic cash in that the stores in which it can be used are different. However, the method of giving the second-store electronic cash to the second user is the same as the method of giving the first-store electronic cash to the first user.

The use restriction unit 104 restricts the use of the electronic cash for the first store in the second store and restricts the use of the electronic cash for the second store in the first store. The electronic cash for the second store is different from the electronic cash for the first store in that it can be used in the second store and cannot be used in the first store. However, the method for restricting the use of the electronic cash for the second store in the first store is the same as the method for restricting the use of the electronic cash for the first store in the second store.

According to modification 1-9, when electronic cash is used in the first store, electronic cash for the first store is given to the first user, and when electronic cash is used in the second store, electronic cash for the second store is given to the first user. In this way, the first user can be given both the motivation to visit the first store again and the motivation to visit the second store again. That is, the motivation to visit each store again can be given to the first user.

[Variant 1-10] For example, in variant 1-9, the first store and the second store may belong to the same store group. When the electronic cash is used in the first store or the second store, the gift granting unit 103 may grant the first user electronic cash for the store group with a balance for the store group. The electronic cash for the store group is as described in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, although it is described that electronic cash for each store is also granted, in variant 1-10, electronic cash for each store may not be granted.

The electronic cash for store group can also be used in the first store and the second store. In addition to the first store and the second store, if there are other stores belonging to the same store group, the electronic cash for store group can also be used in the other stores. The flow of the checkout process when using the electronic cash for store group is the same as that described in the third embodiment.

According to modification 1-10, when electronic cash is used in the first store or the second store, electronic cash for the store group, i.e., electronic cash for the store group, is given to the first user, and the electronic cash for the store group can be used in the first store and the second store. This can improve user convenience.

[Variant 1-11] For example, the first embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined. In this case, the store electronic cash described in the first embodiment is one of the plurality of electronic cash described in the third embodiment. The checkout system S includes a specific unit 108. The processing of the specific unit 108 and the checkout processing execution unit 102 of variant 1-11 is the same as that of the third embodiment.

According to modification 1-11, when a plurality of electronic cashes satisfying the use conditions are identified from a plurality of electronic cashes, the checkout process is performed based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cashes. Thus, user convenience can be improved as in the third embodiment.

[Variation 1-12] For example, electronic cash for store use can be changed into general electronic cash. Conversely, general electronic cash can be changed into electronic cash for store use. The checkout system S includes a change processing execution unit 111 and a first handling fee generation unit 112. The change processing execution unit 111 executes the change processing required to change the electronic cash for store use into general electronic cash, that is, general electronic cash. The change processing is a process for reducing the balance of electronic cash for store use and increasing the balance of general electronic cash. The change processing itself can use a known process. For example, the amount of reduction in the store's electronic cash balance and the amount of increase in the general electronic cash balance may be the same or different.

The first fee generating unit 112 generates a predetermined fee when the change process is executed. The fee may be a fixed value regardless of the amount changed by the change process, or may be a value corresponding to the amount changed by the change process. For example, the first fee generating unit 112 may generate the fee in such a way that the greater the amount of the store electronic cash that is changed into the general electronic cash, the greater the fee. The fee may be deducted from the general electronic cash or the store electronic cash, or from other settlement methods such as electronic currency or points. The fee may be charged using other settlement methods such as credit cards.

According to variation 1-12, when the change process required to change the store electronic cash to general electronic cash has been executed, the predetermined handling fee is generated. This can improve the convenience of the first user who has not reserved the use of store electronic cash. From the perspective of the checkout service, since the predetermined handling fee is generated, the profitability of the checkout service can be improved.

[Variation 1-13] For example, general electronic cash and store electronic cash can also be used for withdrawal. The withdrawal itself can be made possible by a known method, for example, by transferring a predetermined amount to the user's bank account. The checkout system S includes: a first withdrawal processing execution unit 113, a second withdrawal processing execution unit 114, and a second fee generation unit 115.

The first withdrawal processing execution unit 113 executes the first withdrawal processing required for withdrawing the universal electronic cash, that is, the universal electronic cash. For example, the first withdrawal processing execution unit 113 executes the first withdrawal processing in a manner that the universal electronic cash is withdrawn to the amount specified by the user. The first withdrawal processing execution unit 113 executes the first withdrawal processing in a manner that the balance of the universal electronic cash is reduced to the amount specified by the user, and the withdrawal is made to the amount specified by the user. The first withdrawal processing execution unit 113 can also execute the first withdrawal processing in such a way that the balance of the general electronic cash is reduced to the amount specified by the user, and the withdrawal reaches the amount after deducting the handling fee from the amount specified by the user.

The second withdrawal processing execution unit 114 executes the second withdrawal processing required for withdrawing the electronic cash for the store. For example, the second withdrawal processing execution unit 114 executes the second withdrawal processing in a manner that the electronic cash for the store is withdrawn to the amount specified by the user. The second withdrawal processing execution unit 114 executes the second withdrawal processing in a manner that the balance of the electronic cash for the store is reduced to the amount specified by the user and the withdrawal is made to the amount specified by the user. The second cash out processing execution unit 114 can also execute the second cash out processing in such a way that the balance of the electronic cash used by the store is reduced to the amount specified by the user, and the cash out reaches the amount after deducting the handling fee from the amount specified by the user.

The second fee generating unit 115 generates a higher fee than when the first fee generating unit 112 is executed when the second withdrawal process is executed. The fee generating method itself may be the same as that of the first fee generating unit 112. The fee for the first withdrawal process and the fee for the second withdrawal process may be predefined in the data storage unit 100. The difference between the fee for the first withdrawal process and the fee for the second withdrawal process may be a fixed value regardless of the amount, or the difference between the two may be larger or smaller as the amount increases. The fee may be deducted from general electronic cash or from electronic cash used by the store. The handling fee can also be deducted from other payment methods such as electronic currency or points.

According to Modification 1-13, when the second withdrawal process required for withdrawing electronic cash for store use is executed, a higher handling fee will be generated than when the first withdrawal process required for withdrawing general electronic cash is executed. This can improve the convenience of the first user who has not made a reservation to use general electronic cash or electronic cash for store use. From the perspective of the checkout service, since the predetermined handling fee will be generated, the profitability of the checkout service can be improved.

[Variation 1-14] For example, electronic cash can also be managed using tokens in the blockchain. Tokens are units of value issued on the blockchain. The data format of the token itself can be any of the various data formats used in the known blockchain.

Tokens are sent from a certain address to another address. Tokens can be associated with any interpretation data. Addresses can also be associated with any interpretation data. In variant 1-14, it is explained that for tokens representing each electronic cash, there is a case where a user address representing the owner of the electronic cash and the usage conditions stipulated for the electronic cash are associated. The user address is a type of user identification information.

In variant 1-14, the store described in the first embodiment is described as an example of the usage conditions contained in the interpretation data of the token. The usage conditions may also be other conditions described in the second embodiment. For the token corresponding to the store electronic cash, information that can identify the store, such as the store ID or store address that can identify the first store, is associated. For example, if it is the store electronic cash of "XXX Convenience Store", then for the token of the store electronic cash, the user address of the user who owns the store electronic cash and the store ID or store address of "XXX Convenience Store" are associated. In the case of Universal Electronic Cash, the Universal Electronic Cash token is associated with the user address of the user who owns the Universal Electronic Cash.

In addition, tokens can also be associated with other arbitrary information. For example, tokens can also be associated with the balance of electronic cash. Electronic cash and tokens do not have to correspond one to one, and multiple electronic cash can be managed with one token. For example, multiple electronic cash owned by a certain user can also be managed with one token. In this case, a certain token represents general electronic cash and store electronic cash. For example, for this token, the balance of general electronic cash and the balance of electronic cash for store use can also be associated. For this token, the total value of the balance of multiple electronic cash can also be associated.

The restriction unit 104 restricts the use of the electronic cash for store in the second store based on the store ID associated with the token. In variant 1-14, the restriction unit 104 restricts the use of the electronic cash for store in the second store by using the filtering function of the blockchain. The restriction unit 104 restricts the transfer of the token corresponding to the electronic cash for store of the first user to the second store by using the filtering function. The restriction unit 104 restricts the transfer of the token if the store ID of the first store associated with the token is inconsistent with the store ID designated as the transfer target.

According to variation 1-14, the store electronic cash is restricted from being used in the second store based on the store ID associated with the token corresponding to the store electronic cash. This makes it more certain that the store electronic cash can only be used in the first store.

[Variant 1-15] In variant 1-15, similar to variant 1-14, it is described that electronic cash is managed using tokens in the blockchain. For the token corresponding to the electronic cash, transfer history information about the transfer history of the electronic cash is associated. The transfer history information is information equivalent to the utilization history information described in the first embodiment. For example, the transfer history information includes: the store ID of the store that used the checkout service, the date and time of use, and the amount of use.

The checkout system S includes a first detection unit 116. The first detection unit 116 detects the transfer of electronic cash from the first user to the first store based on the transfer history information managed in the blockchain. The so-called management in the blockchain means that it is managed by a system different from the blockchain of the checkout service. The transfer history information can also be recorded in a computer other than the server 10. For example, when the transfer history information contains the store ID of the first store, the first detection unit 116 detects that the first user used the electronic cash in the first store. The first detection unit 116 may also detect, based on the transfer history information, that the first user has used electronic cash a predetermined number of times in the first store.

When the transfer is detected by the first detection unit 116, the gift granting unit 103 grants the first user electronic cash for the store. For example, the gift granting unit 103 increases the balance of the electronic cash for the store associated with the token corresponding to the first user by a predetermined amount.

Based on the transfer history information, you can also give the store electronic cash as a gift when you use the first store a certain number of times, or give a discount when you apply for multiple subscriptions, etc. By referring to the date and time of use included in the transfer history information, you can also give the store electronic cash as a gift when you use it during idle time. If the transfer history information contains a reason for giving electronic cash, you can also set the handling fee for the electronic cash given as salary to be free and withdraw it.

According to variation 1-15, the transfer of electronic cash from the first user to the first store is detected based on the transfer history information managed in the blockchain, and when the transfer is detected, electronic cash for the store is granted to the first user. In this way, electronic cash for the store can be granted to the first user more reliably.

[Variant 1-16] In variant 1-16, similar to variants 1-14 and 1-15, a case is described in which electronic cash is managed using tokens in a blockchain. The checkout system S includes a second detection unit 117. The second detection unit 117 detects the use of electronic cash in the first store based on the use history information about the use history of electronic cash managed outside the blockchain.

Variant 1-15 uses the transfer history information managed on the blockchain to detect the use of electronic cash in the first store. In contrast, in Variant 1-16, the use history information managed outside the blockchain is used. The use history information is as described in the first embodiment. The use gift granting unit 103 grants the store electronic cash to the first user when the use is detected by the second detection unit 117. The processing of the use gift granting unit 103 is different in that the electronic cash is managed as a token, but the other points are the same as the first embodiment.

According to modification 1-16, when the use of electronic cash in the first store is detected based on the use history information about the use history of electronic cash managed outside the blockchain, electronic cash for store use is granted to the first user. In this way, electronic cash for store use can be granted to the first user more reliably.

[4-2. Modifications related to the second embodiment] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of a modification related to the second embodiment. The checkout request accepting unit 101, the use gift granting unit 103, the use restriction unit 104, the specifying unit 108, the grant restriction unit 109, the first profit generating unit 110A, and the second profit generating unit 110B are implemented mainly by the control unit 11.

[Variant 2-1] For example, in the second embodiment, when electronic cash with specified usage conditions has been transferred from the first user to the second user, electronic cash with the same specified usage conditions is given as a gift to the first user. The transfer gift giving unit 107 may give the first user a gift different from the electronic cash with specified usage conditions. The gift may be electronic cash with other usage conditions different from the usage conditions of the electronic cash transferred from the first user to the second user, or may be electronic cash with no specified usage conditions. In addition, for example, non-electronic cash gifts can also be given (such as donations to charity, etc.).

According to modification 2-1, a gift different from the electronic cash for which use conditions have been stipulated is given to the first user. In this way, the first user can be motivated to transfer the electronic cash for which use conditions have been stipulated to the second user. For example, the first user can be designed to specify the gift he wants to receive. In this case, the first user can be given a stronger motivation to transfer the electronic cash for which use conditions have been stipulated to the second user.

[Variant 2-2] For example, as shown in the second embodiment, when the use condition is a store that can use electronic cash, the remittance gift giving unit 107 can also give the first user a gift that is not related to the store as a different gift described in Variation 2-1. For example, the remittance gift giving unit 107 can also give store electronic cash of other stores as a gift, or can also give general electronic cash as a gift. The remittance gift giving unit 107 can also give other settlement methods such as electronic currency or points as a gift.

According to Modification 2-2, a gift unrelated to the store is given to the first user as a different gift from that described in Modification 2-1. This provides the first user with an incentive to transfer electronic cash with specified usage conditions to the second user.

[Variant 2-3] For example, the second embodiment may be combined with variant 1-5 of the first embodiment. The checkout system S of variant 2-3 includes a grant restriction unit 109. The grant restriction unit 109 restricts the repeated gift granting by the gift granting unit 107 due to repeated transfer of electronic cash between the first user and the second user. The restriction method is as described in variant 1-5. Although variant 1-5 describes the case where the use condition is a store, in variant 2-3, electronic cash that has been stipulated with a use condition other than a store will also become the object of restriction by the grant restriction unit 109. For example, the grant restriction unit 109 also restricts the use of electronic cash that has been specified with usage conditions such as time zones, days of the week, or regions, so as to prevent the first user and the second user from repeatedly transferring electronic cash to each other, resulting in repeated gifts being transferred through the gift transfer unit 107.

According to variant 2-3, restrictions are imposed to prevent the first user and the second user from repeatedly sending electronic cash to each other, which results in the gift being repeatedly given. This can prevent the first user and the second user from receiving the gift indefinitely, similar to variant 1-5.

[Variant 2-4] For example, the second embodiment may be combined with variant 1-6 of the first embodiment. The transfer processing execution unit 106 of variant 2-4 performs transfer processing by using universal electronic cash, that is, universal electronic cash, so that the electronic cash with specified usage conditions is transferred to the second user. The transfer processing itself is as described in variant 1-6. Although variant 1-6 describes the case where the usage condition is a store, in variant 2-4, electronic cash with a usage condition other than a store may also be subject to transfer processing. For example, the transfer processing execution unit 106 performs transfer processing by using general electronic cash for electronic cash that has been specified with usage conditions such as time periods, days of the week, or regions.

The remittance gift granting unit 107 grants a gift to the first user when the remittance process using the general-purpose electronic cash is executed. Although it is different from the second embodiment in that the electronic cash as the source of the remittance process is the general-purpose electronic cash, the gift granting method itself is the same as that described in the second embodiment.

According to modification 2-4, a transfer process is performed using universal electronic cash, that is, universal electronic cash, so that the electronic cash with a specified use condition is transferred to the second user, and a gift is given to the first user when the transfer process using the universal electronic cash is performed. Thus, user convenience can be improved as in modification 1-6.

[Variant 2-5] For example, the second embodiment may be combined with variant 1-7 of the first embodiment. Variant 2-5 describes that in the benefit generating unit 110 of variant 1-7, benefits are generated for the first user. The checkout system S of variant 2-5 includes a first benefit generating unit 110A. The first benefit generating unit 110A generates benefits for the first user that would not be generated if a remittance process using electronic cash with specified use conditions is performed when a remittance process using general electronic cash is performed. That is, the first benefit generating unit 110A has the function of generating benefits for the first user in the benefit generating unit 110 described in variant 1-7. This function is as described in variant 1-7.

According to modification 2-5, when a transfer process using general electronic cash is executed, the first user can obtain a benefit that would not be obtained when a transfer process using electronic cash for which use conditions are specified is executed. Thus, similar to modification 1-7, the first user can be motivated to transfer store electronic cash to the second user.

[Variant 2-6] Variant 2-6 describes that the benefit generating unit 110 of Variant 1-7 generates benefits for the second user. For example, the checkout system S of Variant 2-6 includes a second benefit generating unit 110B. The second benefit generating unit 110B generates benefits for the second user that would not be generated if the remittance process using electronic cash with specified use conditions is performed when the remittance process using general electronic cash is performed. That is, the second benefit generating unit 110B has a function of generating benefits for the second user in the benefit generating unit 110 described in Variant 1-7. This function is as described in Variant 1-7.

According to Modification 2-6, when a transfer process using general electronic cash is executed, the second user can obtain a benefit that would not be obtained if a transfer process using electronic cash for which a use condition is specified is executed. Thus, similar to Modification 1-7, the first user can be motivated to transfer store electronic cash to the second user.

[Variant 2-7] For example, the remittance request accepting unit 105 may repeatedly accept remittance requests. The remittance processing execution unit 106 executes remittance processing each time a remittance request is accepted. The remittance gift giving unit 107 may give a gift to the first user each time a remittance processing is executed. Each remittance processing and gift giving processing are as described in the second embodiment. For example, after the first user makes a remittance request and the remittance processing is executed, if the first user makes a remittance request again, the remittance processing execution unit 106 executes the remittance processing based on the remittance request. The remittance gift granting unit 107 grants a gift to the first user when the initial remittance process has been executed, and also grants a gift to the first user when the remittance process is executed again.

According to Modification 2-7, the transfer process is executed each time a transfer request is received, and a gift is given to the first user each time the transfer process is executed. This can provide the first user with a stronger motivation to transfer the store electronic cash to the second user.

[Variant 2-8] For example, the gift giving unit 107 may give a gift to the first user based on the amount that has been transferred from the first user to the second user. For example, the gift giving unit 107 may give a gift to the first user in such a way that the more amount that has been transferred from the first user to the second user, the more gift the first user will receive. The gift giving unit 107 may also give a gift to the first user in such a way that the amount of gift increases as the amount that has been transferred from the first user to the second user increases when multiple gifts are given to the first user.

According to variation 2-8, a gift is given to the first user based on the amount that has been transferred from the first user to the second user. This provides the first user with a stronger motivation to transfer store electronic cash to the second user.

[Variant 2-9] For example, the first embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment. In variant 2-9, the use condition is a store that can use electronic cash. The checkout system S of variant 2-9 includes a checkout request receiving unit 101, a gift giving unit 103, and a use restriction unit 104. These functions are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

According to variant example 2-9, as in the first embodiment, the user can be motivated to visit the first store again.

[Variant 2-10] For example, the second embodiment may be combined with variant 1-1 of the first embodiment. The usage restriction unit 104 of variant 2-10 restricts the use of electronic cash for store use in the second store and the use of electronic cash for store use in the first store during the second time period. The restriction method is as described in variant 1-1.

According to variant 2-10, as in variant 1-1, the customer attraction effect of the first store during the first time period when the first store is relatively idle can be improved.

[Variant 2-11] For example, the second embodiment may be combined with variant 1-2 of the first embodiment. The usage restriction unit 104 of variant 2-11 restricts the use of electronic cash for store use in the second store located in the second area. The restriction method is as described in variant 1-2.

According to variation 2-11, as in variation 1-2, the first user can be given an incentive to come to the first area again.

[Variant 2-12] For example, the third embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment. In variant 2-12, the first user holds a plurality of electronic cashes for which different usage conditions have been stipulated. The checkout system S of variant 2-12 includes a specifying unit 108. The processing of the specifying unit 108 and the processing of the checkout processing execution unit 102 in which a plurality of electronic cashes are specified by the specifying unit 108 are as described in the third embodiment.

If based on variant example 2-12, the user convenience can be improved in the same way as in the third embodiment.

[4-3. Modifications related to the third embodiment] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of a modification related to the third embodiment. The use gift granting unit 103, the use restriction unit 104, the transfer request receiving unit 105, the transfer processing execution unit 106, the transfer gift granting unit 107, the first determination unit 118, the second determination unit 119, and the designation receiving unit 120 are implemented mainly by the control unit 11.

[Variant 3-1] For example, the conditions of use may include: stores where electronic cash can be used, and other conditions. Other conditions are as described in the second and third embodiments. The checkout processing execution unit 102 of variant 3-1 performs checkout processing based on the priority of the first electronic cash and the second electronic cash when the first electronic cash with a specified store as a condition of use and the second electronic cash with other conditions as a condition of use are specified by the specifying unit 108.

For example, assume that the user has: electronic cash for stores with specified stores as the usage condition, electronic cash for areas with specified areas as the usage condition, and electronic cash for time zones with specified time zones as the usage condition. If these three electronic cash can be used in the store visited by the user, the checkout process is executed based on the priority of these three electronic cash. For example, if the electronic cash for time zones has the highest priority, the electronic cash for stores has the second highest priority, and the electronic cash for areas has the lowest priority, the checkout process execution unit 102 executes the checkout process in such a way that the electronic cash for time zones will be used preferentially.

According to modification 3-1, when a first electronic cash whose use condition is a specified store and a second electronic cash whose use condition is another specified condition are identified, checkout processing is performed based on the priority of the first electronic cash and the second electronic cash. This can improve user convenience.

[Variant 3-2] For example, a priority may be set according to the user's usage history of the checkout service. The checkout system S of Variant 3-2 includes a first decision unit 118. The first decision unit 118 determines the priority based on the usage history information about the usage history of the electronic cash. For example, the first decision unit 118 determines the priority in such a way that the higher the number of times, frequency of use, or amount of use of the electronic cash, the higher the priority. The first decision unit 118 may also determine the priority in such a way that the longer the usage period from the start of using the electronic cash, the higher the priority.

When a plurality of electronic cashes are identified by the identifying unit 108, the checkout processing executing unit 102 executes the checkout processing based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cashes determined by the first determining unit 118. The method of determining the priority is different from that of the third embodiment, but the checkout processing itself based on the priority is the same as that described in the third embodiment.

According to modification 3-2, the checkout process is performed based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cashes determined based on the usage history information about the usage history of the electronic cash. In this way, the priority corresponding to the user's usage history is set, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

[Variant 3-3] For example, the priority of electronic cash can also be determined using machine learning. Machine learning itself can use various known methods, and can also use, for example, supervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or unsupervised learning. In variant 3-3, supervised learning is taken as an example. The checkout system S of variant 3-3 includes a second determination unit 119. The second determination unit 119 determines the priority of the first user based on a learning model that has learned the relationship between feature information about features of other first users and priority, and feature information of the first user.

Characteristic information refers to any information related to any characteristic of the user. For example, characteristic information includes all or part of the usage history information. Characteristic information can also be demographic information such as the user's name, age, gender, occupation, or annual income. In the learning model, the characteristic information of various users is matched with the priority of the electronic cash specified by the user, which is learned as training data. The priority contained in the training data can be determined based on the usage history information as shown in Variation 3-2, or it can be specified by the administrator of the checkout service. For example, if the pairing of the characteristic information of a younger heavy user and the priority of electronic cash with specified stores as a usage condition is learned as training data, if the characteristic information of the first user indicates that the user is younger and has a higher usage frequency, the priority of electronic cash with specified stores as a usage condition will be higher.

When a plurality of electronic cashes are identified by the identifying unit 108, the checkout processing executing unit 102 executes the checkout processing based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cashes determined by the second determining unit 119. The method of determining the priority is different from that of the third embodiment, but the checkout processing itself based on the priority is the same as that described in the third embodiment.

According to variation 3-3, the checkout process is performed based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cashes determined based on the learning model that has learned the relationship between the feature information and the priority of the features of other first users and the feature information of the first user. In this way, even for a user with little usage history, a priority that is highly convenient for the user can be estimated, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

[Variant 3-4] For example, the checkout processing execution unit 102 may also be configured to execute the checkout processing in such a manner that, when the balance of the electronic cash with a relatively high priority is exhausted, the electronic cash with a relatively low priority is used up when the balance of the electronic cash with the highest priority is greater than the usage amount included in the checkout request, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in such a manner that only the electronic cash with the highest priority is used to complete the checkout. The checkout processing execution unit 102 performs the checkout processing by combining the balance of the electronic cash with the second highest priority when the balance of the electronic cash with the highest priority is less than the usage amount included in the checkout request. If the balance of the electronic cash with the second highest priority is still insufficient, the checkout processing execution unit 102 performs the checkout processing by combining the electronic cash with the third priority or lower priority.

According to variation 3-4, when the balance of electronic cash with a relatively high priority is exhausted, the checkout process will be performed by using electronic cash with a relatively low priority. In this way, electronic cash with a relatively high priority can be used to the maximum extent, thereby improving user convenience.

[Variant 3-5] For example, when the checkout processing execution unit 102 specifies a plurality of electronic cashes by the specifying unit 108, the checkout processing can be executed in such a manner that the usage amount of the electronic cash with a relatively higher priority among the plurality of electronic cashes is greater than the usage amount of the electronic cash with a relatively lower priority. In variant 3-5, as shown in variant 3-4, the remaining amount of the electronic cash with a relatively higher priority can be fully utilized, but a certain amount of remaining amount can also be left. For example, the checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing in such a manner that the plurality of electronic cashes are used in parallel according to the ratio of priority. For example, assuming that three available electronic cash are identified, the checkout processing execution unit 102 performs the checkout processing by using the electronic cash with the highest priority as 50%, the electronic cash with the second highest priority as 30%, and the electronic cash with the lowest priority as 20%.

According to variation 3-5, the checkout process is performed in such a way that the usage amount of electronic cash with a relatively high priority is greater than the usage amount of electronic cash with a relatively low priority. In this way, electronic cash with a relatively high priority can be used more, thereby improving user convenience.

[Variant 3-6] For example, the priority of electronic cash can also be specified by the first user himself. The checkout system S of variant 3-6 includes a designation accepting unit 120. The designation accepting unit 120 accepts the designation of priority made by the first user. For example, the user terminal 20 can also display a list of multiple electronic cash held by the first user, and the designation accepting unit 120 accepts the designation of priority of electronic cash from the list. The priority specified by the first user only needs to be stored in the user database DB.

The checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cashes specified by the first user when the plurality of electronic cashes are specified by the specifying unit 108. The priority determination method is different from that of the third embodiment, but the checkout processing itself based on the priority is the same as that described in the third embodiment.

According to variation 3-6, the checkout process is performed based on the priority of each of the plurality of electronic cashes designated by the first user. Thus, the first user can designate the desired priority by himself, thereby improving the convenience of the first user.

[Variant 3-7] For example, as shown in Variant 3-6, when the user specifies the priority of the electronic cash, the designation accepting unit 120 may also accept the designation of the priority for each store. For example, the user terminal 20 may display a list of multiple stores that the first user can use, and the designation accepting unit 120 may accept the designation of the store for which the priority is to be specified and the priority of the electronic cash in the store from the list. The store and priority specified by the first user may be stored in the user database DB as long as they are associated with each other.

The checkout processing execution unit 102 executes the checkout processing based on the priority associated with the store corresponding to the checkout request. The priority is the priority associated with the store indicated by the store ID included in the checkout request. The priority determination method is different from the third embodiment, but the checkout processing itself based on the priority is the same as described in the third embodiment.

According to variation 3-7, the priority designation is accepted for each store, and the checkout process is performed based on the priority associated with the store corresponding to the checkout request. In this way, the first user can designate the desired priority for each store, thereby improving the convenience of the first user.

[Variant 3-8] For example, in the third embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, the checkout processing execution unit 102 can also execute the checkout processing using both electronic cash with specified usage conditions and general-purpose electronic cash, that is, general-purpose electronic cash. The checkout processing using both is as described in the first embodiment.

According to modification 3-8, it is possible to perform a checkout process that uses both electronic cash with specified usage conditions and general-purpose electronic cash, i.e., general-purpose electronic cash. This can improve user convenience.

[Variant 3-9] For example, the first embodiment can also be applied to the third embodiment. In variant 3-9, the use condition is a store that can use electronic cash. The checkout system S of variant 3-9 includes a gift giving unit 103 and a use restriction unit 104. These functions are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

According to variant example 3-9, as in the first embodiment, the user can be motivated to visit the first store again.

[Variant 3-10] For example, the third embodiment may be combined with variant 1-1 of the first embodiment. The usage restriction unit 104 of variant 3-10 restricts the use of electronic cash for store use in the second store and the use of electronic cash for store use in the first store during the second time period. The restriction method is as described in variant 1-1.

According to variant 3-10, as in variant 1-1, the customer attraction effect of the first time period when the first store is relatively idle can be improved.

[Variant 3-11] For example, the third embodiment may be combined with variant 1-2 of the first embodiment. The usage restriction unit 104 of variant 3-11 restricts the use of electronic cash for store use in the second store located in the second area. The restriction method is as described in variant 1-2.

According to variation 3-11, as in variation 1-2, the first user can be given an incentive to come to the first area again.

[Variant 3-12] For example, the second embodiment can also be applied to the third embodiment. In variant 3-12, the checkout system S includes a remittance request receiving unit 105, a remittance processing execution unit 106, and a remittance gift giving unit 107. The functions of these are the same as those described in the second embodiment.

According to variation 3-12, similarly to the second embodiment, the first user can be motivated to transfer electronic cash from the store to the second user.

[4-4. Other variations] For example, the variations described above can be combined.

For example, the stores that can use the checkout service are not limited to real stores, but may also be online stores. For example, although the main functions are described as being implemented by the server 10, each function may be shared by a plurality of computers. For example, the functions described as being implemented in the server 10 may also be implemented in the user terminal 20, the store terminal 30, or other computers. The data described as being stored in the server 10 may also be stored in other computers such as a database server.

S: Checkout system N: Network 10: Server 11,21,31: Control unit 12,22,32: Memory unit 13,23,33: Communication unit 20: User terminal 24,34: Operation unit 25,35: Display unit 30: Store terminal 36: Reading device B11,B12,B13,B14,B40: Button C10: Code DB: User database G1: Main screen G2,G2A,G2B,G2C,G2D,G2E,G2F: Checkout completion screen G3: Selection screen G4: Input screen G5: Completion screen 100: Data storage unit 101: Checkout request acceptance unit 102: Checkout Processing Execution Department 103: Utilization Gift Granting Department 104: Utilization Restriction Department 105: Remittance Request Acceptance Department 106: Remittance Processing Execution Department 107: Remittance Gift Granting Department 108: Specific Department 109: Grant Restriction Department 110: Profit Generating Department 110A: First Profit Generating Department 110B: Second Profit Generating Department 111: Change Processing Execution Department 112: First Fee Generating Department 113: First Withdrawal Processing Execution Department 114: Second Withdrawal Processing Execution Department 115: Second Fee Generating Department 116: First Detection Department 117: Second detection unit 118: First decision unit 119: Second decision unit 120: Designation acceptance unit 200: Data storage unit 201: Display control unit 202: Transfer request signaling unit 300: Data storage unit 301: Checkout request signaling unit

[Figure 1] An example of the overall configuration of the checkout system described in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] An example of a screen of a checkout application. [Figure 3] An example of a screen of a checkout application in which electronic cash has been granted to a store. [Figure 4] A functional block diagram of an example of the functions implemented in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] An example of a user database. [Figure 6] A flowchart of an example of the processing performed in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] An example of a screen of a checkout application in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A functional block diagram of an example of the functions implemented in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart of an example of the processing performed in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] An example of a screen of a checkout application in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] A functional block diagram of an example of a function implemented in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] A flow chart of an example of a process executed in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] An example of a functional block diagram of a variant of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] An example of a functional block diagram of a variant of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] An example of a functional block diagram of a variant of the third embodiment.

10: Server

20: User terminal

30: Store terminal

100: Data storage unit

101: Checkout Request Acceptance Department

102: Checkout Processing Execution Department

104: Use restriction section

108: Specific Department

200: Data storage unit

201: Display control unit

300: Data storage unit

301: Checkout request sent to the signal department

DB: User database

Claims (19)

A checkout system comprises: statistical means for calculating the time periods when stores are relatively idle based on the usage history information of the usage history of the checkout service; and checkout request acceptance means for accepting the checkout request of the first user of a plurality of checkout means with different usage conditions, namely, the time periods when the store has a checkout means that has been specified as available and the relatively idle time periods of the store calculated by the previously recorded statistical means; and specific means for, when the previously recorded checkout request has been accepted, selecting a checkout means that can be used in the previously recorded checkout from the previously recorded plurality of checkout means. The requested store uses the previous record checkout means, and the previous record checkout means that are included in the relatively idle time zone of the store counted by the previous record counting means at the current time are specified as the previous record checkout means that meet the previous record utilization conditions; and the checkout processing execution means is used to execute the checkout processing based on the priority of each of the multiple checkout means when multiple previous record checkout means are specified by the previous record specifying means; and the previous record checkout processing is executed based on the priority of each of the multiple checkout means when one previous record checkout means is specified by the previous record specifying means. In the checkout system described in claim 1, the means for executing the pre-record checkout process is specified based on the fact that the fewer the number of available stores, the higher the pre-record priority, when a plurality of pre-record checkout means are specified by the pre-record specifying means. The pre-record checkout process is executed based on the priority of each of the plurality of checkout means. A checkout system as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-record utilization conditions include: a store that can utilize the pre-record checkout means, and other conditions; and the pre-record checkout processing execution means is to execute the pre-record checkout processing based on the pre-record priority of each of the first checkout means and the second checkout means when the pre-record utilization conditions are specified as a first checkout means for a pre-record store and a second checkout means for a pre-record utilization condition for other pre-record conditions by the pre-record specifying means. The settlement system as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-record settlement system further comprises: a first determination means for determining a pre-record priority based on usage history information of the pre-record settlement means; and a pre-record settlement processing execution means for executing a pre-record settlement processing based on the pre-record priority of each of the plurality of settlement means determined by the first determination means when a plurality of pre-record settlement means are identified by the pre-record identification means. A checkout system as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-record checkout system further comprises: a second determination means for determining the pre-record priority of the pre-record first user based on a learning model that has learned the relationship between feature information about features of other first users and pre-record priorities and pre-record feature information of the pre-record first user; and a pre-record checkout processing execution means for executing the pre-record checkout processing based on the pre-record priorities of each of the plurality of checkout means determined by the pre-record second determination means when a plurality of pre-record checkout means are identified by the pre-record identification means. In the settlement system described in claim 1 or 2, the pre-record settlement processing execution means is to execute the pre-record settlement processing in such a way that, when the remaining amount of a pre-record settlement means with a relatively higher pre-record priority is exhausted, a pre-record settlement means with a relatively lower pre-record priority is used when a plurality of pre-record settlement means are specified by the pre-record specifying means. In the settlement system described in claim 1 or 2, the pre-record settlement processing execution means, when a plurality of pre-record settlement means are specified by the pre-record specifying means, performs the pre-record settlement processing in such a manner that the usage amount of the pre-record settlement means with a relatively higher pre-record priority among the plurality of settlement means is greater than the usage amount of the pre-record settlement means with a relatively lower pre-record priority. The settlement system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-record settlement system further comprises: a designated acceptance means for accepting the designation of the pre-record priority made by the pre-record first user; and a pre-record settlement processing execution means for executing the pre-record settlement processing based on the priority of each of the plurality of settlement means designated by the pre-record first user when a plurality of pre-record settlement means are designated by the pre-record specifying means. In the checkout system described in claim 8, the means for accepting the designation of the pre-record is to accept the designation of the pre-record priority for each store; and the means for executing the pre-record checkout processing is to execute the pre-record checkout processing based on the pre-record priority associated with the pre-record store corresponding to the pre-record checkout request. In the settlement system described in claim 1 or 2, the pre-record settlement processing execution means is a pre-record settlement processing that can execute a pre-record settlement means that has been stipulated with pre-record utilization conditions and a general pre-record settlement means, that is, a general settlement means. The checkout system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-record utilization condition is the store that can utilize the pre-record checkout means; the pre-record checkout system further comprises: a utilization gift granting means, which is used to grant the pre-record checkout means, i.e., the store checkout means, to the first user of the pre-record when the pre-record checkout process has been executed, to the first store corresponding to the pre-record checkout request; and a utilization restriction means, which is used to restrict the use of the pre-record store checkout means in the second store. In the checkout system described in claim 11, the checkout means for the previous store is usable in the first time slot when the previous store No. 1 is relatively idle; the checkout means for the previous store is restricted so that the checkout means for the previous store cannot be used in the previous store No. 2, and the checkout means for the previous store cannot be used in the previous store No. 1 in the second time slot. In the checkout system described in claim 11, the checkout means for the pre-recorded store can be used in the pre-recorded store No. 1 and the store No. 3 located in the first area including the pre-recorded store No. 1; and the pre-recorded use restriction means is to restrict the checkout means for the pre-recorded store from being used in the pre-recorded store No. 2 located in the second area. The settlement system as described in claim item 1 or 2, wherein the previous settlement system further comprises: a remittance request acceptance means for accepting a remittance request required for transferring the previous settlement means from the previous first user to the second user; and a remittance processing execution means for executing the remittance processing when the previous remittance request has been accepted; and a remittance gift granting means for granting a gift to the previous first user when the previous remittance processing has been executed. As described in claim 14, the settlement system, wherein the pre-recorded remittance gift granting means grants the pre-recorded gift corresponding to the pre-recorded use conditions of the pre-recorded settlement means to the pre-recorded first user. In the settlement system described in claim 15, the means for granting a previous record remittance gift is to grant the previous record settlement means, which has been stipulated with the previous record usage conditions, to the first previous record user as a previous record gift. For example, in the checkout system described in claim 15, the pre-record usage condition is the store that can use the pre-record checkout means; the pre-record remittance gift granting means is to grant the pre-record checkout means used by the pre-record store, i.e., the store checkout means, as a pre-record gift to the first user of the pre-record. A checkout method includes: a counting step for counting time periods when stores are relatively idle based on usage history information about the usage history of a checkout service; and a checkout request acceptance step for accepting a checkout request from a first user of a plurality of checkout means having a store for which available checkout means have been specified and a relatively idle time period of the store as calculated in the preceding counting step as different usage conditions; and a specific step for, when the preceding checkout request has been accepted, selecting a checkout means that can be used in the preceding checkout from the preceding plurality of checkout means. The requested store uses the previous checkout means, and the previous checkout means that are included in the relatively idle time zone of the store counted by the previous checkout counting step at the current moment are specified as the previous checkout means that meet the previous checkout utilization conditions; and the checkout processing execution step is used to execute the checkout processing based on the priority of each of the multiple checkout means when multiple previous checkout means are specified by the previous checkout specifying step; when one previous checkout means is specified by the previous checkout specifying step, the previous checkout processing is executed based on the one checkout means. A program product is used to make a computer function as follows: statistical means is used to count the time periods when stores are relatively idle based on the usage history information of the usage history of the checkout service; checkout request acceptance means is used to accept the checkout request of the first user of a plurality of checkout means with different usage conditions as to the store having the checkout means that have been specified as available and the relatively idle time period of the store that has been counted by the statistical means; and specific means is used to select a checkout request that can be used in the corresponding time period from among the plurality of checkout means in the previous record when the previous checkout request has been accepted. In the store where the previous record checkout request is made, the previous record checkout means that is included in the relatively idle time zone of the store counted by the previous record counting means at the present time is specified as the previous record checkout means that meets the previous record utilization conditions; the checkout processing execution means is used to execute the checkout processing based on the priority of each of the multiple checkout means when multiple previous record checkout means are specified by the previous record specifying means; when one previous record checkout means is specified by the previous record specifying means, the previous record checkout processing is executed based on the one checkout means.

Images