WO2024013984A1

WO2024013984A1 - Server device, method for controlling server device, and storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO2024013984A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/027866
Authority: WO
Inventors: 沙月信清
Original assignee: 日本電気株式会社
Priority date: 2022-07-15
Filing date: 2022-07-15
Publication date: 2024-01-18

Abstract

The present invention provides a server device which achieves active cooperation of residents with environmental protection activities and social contribution activities. The server device comprises a storage means and a point control means. The storage means stores an activity of a user to which social points are to be given and numbers of social points given to the activity of the user in association with each other, the social points are given to the environmental protection and the social contribution. The point control means obtains information pertaining to the activity of the user and, when the social points are to be given to the activity of the user, gives, to the user, the number of social points corresponding to the activity of the user.

Description

Server device, control method for server device, and storage medium

The present invention relates to a server device, a method of controlling the server device, and a storage medium.

There are technologies related to environmental activities.

For example, Patent Document 1 states that code information such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks) enables efficient collection of data related to environmental activities, etc., making it possible to activate activities. . Further, Patent Document 2 describes that in an environmental activity promotion system, a balance between point return to system users and social contribution through donations to external organizations, etc. is attempted. Further, Patent Document 3 describes that an environmental activity support system is provided that can increase people's motivation for public interest environmental activities and support public interest environmental activities while maintaining fairness.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-169555 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-003558 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-106541

In order to maintain the environment of a region, it is necessary for each resident to have an interest in environmental maintenance. It is also essential that each resident cooperates in environmental maintenance. However, it cannot be said that environmental protection activities have fully penetrated the local residents. The same thing that applies to environmental protection activities also applies to social contribution activities.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a server device, a control method for the server device, and a storage medium that contribute to residents actively cooperating in environmental protection activities and social contribution activities.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, user activities to which social points are awarded for environmental protection and social contribution, and the number of social points awarded for the user's activities, a storage means that stores information in association with each other, and acquires information regarding the user's activities, and if the user's activities are eligible for the granting of the social points, the user receives the information corresponding to the user's activities. A server device is provided, comprising: point control means for assigning the number of social points.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the server device, the user's activities to which social points are given for environmental protection and social contribution, and the social points given to the user's activities are determined. The number of points is stored in association with the user, information regarding the user's activities is acquired, and if the user's activity is eligible for the granting of the social points, the user is provided with a response to the user's activity. Provided is a method for controlling a server device that assigns the number of social points.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the activities of a user to whom social points are awarded for environmental protection and social contribution, and the activities of the user, are assigned to a computer installed in a server device. and the number of social points to be given to the user, and obtains information regarding the user's activities, and if the user's activity is eligible for the social points, A computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a program for executing the process of assigning the number of social points corresponding to the user's activity.

According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a control method for the server device, and a storage medium are provided that contribute to residents actively cooperating with environmental protection activities and social contribution activities. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above. According to the present invention, other effects may be achieved instead of or in addition to the above effects.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing configuration of the management server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the social point management database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a management server according to the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a management server according to a modified example of the disclosure of the present application.

First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the drawing reference numerals added to this summary are added to each element for convenience as an example to aid understanding, and the description of this summary is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks depicted in each drawing represent the configuration of functional units rather than the configuration of hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each figure include both bidirectional and unidirectional connections. The unidirectional arrows schematically indicate the main signal (data) flow, and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that, in this specification and the drawings, elements that can be explained in the same manner may be designated by the same reference numerals, so that redundant explanation can be omitted.

The server device 100 according to one embodiment includes a storage means 101 and a point control means 102 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 101 associates and stores user activities for which social points are awarded for environmental protection and social contribution, and the number of social points awarded for the user's activities. (See step S1 in FIG. 2). The point control means 102 acquires information regarding the user's activities, and if the user's activities are eligible for social point allocation, the point control means 102 provides the user with the number of social points corresponding to the user's activities (step S2 ).

The server device 100 grants social points to user activities that contribute to environmental protection, social contribution, etc. For example, the server device 100 gives social points to users who purchase products produced by companies that are passionate about environmental protection and social contribution. By giving social points, users will actively purchase products produced by the above-mentioned companies. In other words, users (local residents) will actively cooperate with environmental protection activities and social contribution activities.

Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described in more detail using the drawings.

The information processing system according to the first embodiment is a system that enables companies and organizations that are passionate about environmental protection and social contribution to become sustainable. Specifically, the information processing system grants "social points" to users who purchase products or services provided by companies that conduct activities that are considerate of the global environment. Alternatively, the information processing system grants "social points" to users who purchase products or services provided by companies that are passionate about childcare support, elderly support, local disaster prevention, etc.

Users can receive benefits such as discounts on product prices and prizes by using the social points they have been granted. The funds for the benefits may be borne by companies participating in the system, or by public institutions.

[System configuration]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system includes a management center and multiple businesses.

The management center is the entity that manages the "social points" given to users. The management center may be operated by a private business such as a company, or may be operated by a non-profit organization.

Information processing system operators are entities that sell products and provide services to users. For example, a retail store that sells products, a restaurant that provides food and beverage services, and an EC (Electronic Commerce) business that provides online shopping are exemplified as businesses disclosed in the present application.

As shown in FIG. 3, the management center includes a management server 10. The management server 10 is a server that controls and manages social points given to users. The management server 10 may be installed inside a building of a management center, or may be installed on a network (on a cloud).

The configuration of the information processing system shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and is not intended to limit the configuration. For example, the information processing system may include multiple management servers 10. Furthermore, the number of businesses included in the information processing system is not limited to "3" either. The information processing system only needs to include at least one business operator.

[Overview of operation]
Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

<Create an account>
In order to receive social points, the user needs to create an account on the management server 10. The user operates the terminal 20 that he or she owns to access a homepage or the like provided by the management server 10 (see FIG. 4).

The management server 10 acquires user information (for example, name, date of birth, biometric information, account information, etc.) from a homepage or the like. Note that in the following description, the user information acquired by the management server 10 will be referred to as "user information." Upon acquiring the user information, the management server 10 generates a user ID for identifying the user.

Note that examples of biometric information include data (feature amounts) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, a fingerprint, a voice print, a vein, a retina, and a pattern of the iris of the eye. Alternatively, the biometric information may be image data such as a face image or a fingerprint image. The biometric information may be anything that includes the user's physical characteristics as information. In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which biometric information (a face image or a feature amount generated from a face image) regarding a person's "face" is used.

The management server 10 issues the generated user ID to the terminal 20. The terminal 20 stores the acquired user ID internally.

<System registration application>
The management center registers into the system the activities of users who are eligible for social points (points awarded for environmental protection and social contribution). For example, the management center registers in the system information regarding products and services for which social points are awarded when a user purchases them.

For example, companies that are passionate about contributing to society can register in the system that their company and its products and services are eligible for social points by providing their information to the management center. Specifically, a company wishing to register the system applies for system registration by providing information such as its activities, products, logistics, etc. to the management center (see Figure 5).

The system registration application may be made by a person in charge of the company sending a paper or electronic medium containing information on the company's activities, product production, etc. to the management center. Alternatively, a person in charge of the company may input the activity details etc. to the management server 10 online, and a staff member of the management center etc. may acquire the activity details etc. from the management server 10.

Management center staff will examine the contents of the system registration application (company activities, product production information, logistics information, etc.). As a result of the review, if the staff determines that the products produced or services provided by the company in question are eligible for system points, the company that applied for system registration (or the products produced or services provided by the company) will be eligible for system points. Information is registered in the management server 10.

For example, an employee of the management center registers a company that produces environmentally friendly clothing (for example, clothing that does not use petroleum) in the management server 10 as a company that produces products eligible for social points. Alternatively, the staff of the management center registers in the management server 10 a company that is enthusiastically engaged in local disaster prevention activities and childcare support as a manufacturing company of a product eligible for social points.

When registering companies into the system, staff at the management center may select companies that conduct activities that take the entire product supply chain into consideration as companies that produce products eligible for social points. For example, in the production and sale of clothing, products that use petroleum-derived raw materials and are not optimized for logistics have a negative impact on the global environment. Therefore, staff at the management center decided to optimize logistics, such as producing products using renewable energy power, using recycled materials, and transporting products locally instead of on the same day. Register companies that do this in the system.

Alternatively, staff at the management center may choose to register ``companies that engage in activities to reduce food waste'' as target companies for system registration. Alternatively, management center staff may choose to register companies that engage in "activities that take into account the environment and human rights" in addition to environmental protection considerations. For example, staff at the management center will register companies that produce clothing products through ethical fashion practices that consider the environment and human rights throughout the supply chain. More specifically, staff at the management center decide which companies will be registered in the system based on their opposition to cheap, disposable "fast fashion" and the consumption of fashion that is harmful to the environment.

For example, employees may ask questions such as ``Whether the company protects the wages, rights, and working environment of workers in the production of its products,'' ``Whether the company supports sustainable living,'' and ``Is there a problem with the use of toxic pesticides and chemicals?'' The criteria for system registration will be whether the company is engaged in Employees will ask questions such as ``Whether the company uses or develops environmentally friendly fibers and materials,'' ``Whether the company minimizes water usage,'' and ``Whether the company is concerned with recycling, energy, and waste issues.'' The criteria for system registration will be whether the company is working on the project or not. Alternatively, employees may ask whether the company is developing and promoting sustainable fashion, whether the company is working to raise people's awareness of the environment, and whether the company is working to protect animals. Whether the company is a company or not, etc. will be used as a basis for determining system registration.

Management center staff examines the details of the company's activities, information on the company's product production, information on logistics, etc. provided by the company, and determines the products produced by the company and the services it provides to be eligible for social points. Determine whether or not to do so.

Alternatively, staff at the management center may decide which companies should be registered in the system from the perspective of "a system that comprehensively contributes to ecology in multiple fields." Specifically, staff at the management center may not only engage in a single ecological activity, but also make multiple types of ecological contributions and register companies that realize systematic ecology into the system. Furthermore, in order to promote overall optimization of greening and ecology, staff at the management center may award large social points to products produced by companies that meet multiple criteria.

Management center staff determines the social points to be given to products, etc. produced by a company, depending on the company's activities. A staff member of the management center associates the company to be registered with the system and the number of social points to be given and inputs it into the management server 10.

Note that companies, etc. may apply for system registration to be granted social points for individual products rather than for the entire company. A person in charge of a company provides the management center with detailed information (for example, raw materials, manufacturing method, logistics, etc.) about the product to be registered in the system. The management center staff verifies the provided information and determines whether or not the requested product is eligible for social points. If the staff of the management center determines that the item is eligible for social points, they input information about the product and the number of social points to be allocated into the management server 10.

<Granting social points>
Products and services to which social points are awarded are sold in such a way that users (consumers) can recognize that social points are awarded to them. For example, a notice such as ``Product eligible for social point grant'' is posted on the product display shelf.

The user uses the authentication terminal 30 installed at a store or the like to make a payment (the price for the purchased product, the price for the service provided) (see FIG. 6). For example, the authentication terminal 30 reads product information (eg, product manufacturer, product name, selling price, etc.) from a barcode affixed to the product. The authentication terminal 30 also acquires information about the service provided to the user (service information; provided service name, service fee) from the user or the store clerk.

At the time of payment, the authentication terminal 30 acquires the user's biometric information (for example, a facial image). The authentication terminal 30 transmits an authentication request including the acquired product information (or service information) and biometric information to the management server 10.

The management server 10 identifies the user through a verification process using biometric information registered in advance and the acquired biometric information. The management server 10 performs payment processing using the specified user's account information, product information, and the like. If the payment process is successful, the management server 10 determines that the authentication is successful. If the verification process or payment process fails, the management server 10 determines that the authentication has failed.

The management server 10 notifies the authentication terminal 30 of the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure).

Note that the management server 10 also processes authentication requests from authentication terminals 30 other than the authentication terminals 30 installed in stores and the like. Specifically, the management server 10 also processes authentication requests for determining whether or not a person can board a train, bus, etc., and authentication requests for determining whether or not to enter an event venue or the like. It should be noted that the authentication request and its processing for determining whether to board or not to enter the vehicle and its processing are obvious to those skilled in the art, so detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

Further, the management server 10 uses the product information and the like to determine whether the product purchased by the user is eligible for social points. If the purchased product is eligible for social points, the management server 10 provides social points to the identified user.

If social points are granted to the user, the management server 10 notifies the user of the number of social points granted along with the authentication result. The management server 10 transmits an affirmative response including the number of assigned social points to the authentication terminal 30.

Alternatively, when purchasing a product at a store or EC (Electronic Commerce) site where the authentication terminal 30 is not installed, the user operates the terminal 20 to confirm his or her actions (actions for which social points are awarded). The management server 10 may also be notified. For example, when a user purchases a target product, the user photographs the barcode attached to the product. The terminal 20 transmits to the management server 10 a "point grant request" that includes the user ID issued by the management server 10 and product information obtained from the barcode (see FIG. 7).

Alternatively, upon receiving a service for which social points are granted, the user photographs the two-dimensional barcode attached to the receipt received from the service provider. The two-dimensional barcode includes service information of the provided service. The terminal 20 transmits a "point grant request" including the user ID and service information to the management server 10.

The management server 10 identifies the user using the user ID. The management server 10 uses the product information and service information to determine whether the product or service purchased by the user is eligible for social points. If the purchased product or the like is eligible for social points, the management server 10 provides social points to the identified user.

If social points are awarded to the user, the management server 10 sends an affirmative response to the terminal 20 to that effect. If social points are not granted to the user, the management server 10 transmits a negative response to the terminal 20 indicating that.

If the authentication request from the authentication terminal 30 is successfully processed, or if the point grant request from the terminal 20 is successfully processed, the management server 10 stores the user's actions as an "action history".

<Use of social points>
The user can use social points accumulated in the management server 10. For example, a user can use social points as part of the payment amount. Alternatively, users can also exchange social points for prizes, products, and the like.

When using social points, the user notifies the service provider (retail store, restaurant, etc.) of the use (see Figure 8). At that time, the user notifies the service provider of the user ID issued by the management server 10 and the number of social points to be used.

The service provider operates the store terminal 40 installed in the store and transmits a "point usage request" including the user ID and the number of points to be used to the management server 10.

If the user corresponding to the user ID has accumulated enough social points, the management server 10 determines that point use is permitted. In this case, the management server 10 transmits an affirmative response indicating this to the store terminal 40. If the user corresponding to the user ID does not have enough social points accumulated, the management server 10 determines that point use is not permitted. In this case, the management server 10 transmits a negative response indicating this to the store terminal 40.

Upon receiving a positive response (permission to use points), the service provider provides predetermined benefits, etc. to the user. For example, a service provider may give a discount on the purchase price of a product, give a gift, or the like.

In this way, management center staff will award social points to companies and their products that engage in environmental protection activities, social contribution activities, and activities that do not place a burden on the global environment. In particular, management center staff assign many social points to companies and their products that are passionate about environmental protection. By being given large social points, users (local residents) will actively purchase products produced by companies registered in the system. As a result, sales of the products of companies registered in the system will increase, and a virtuous cycle will be created in which the companies will more actively produce products that are suitable for environmental protection. In other words, even if a large amount of cost is incurred for environmental protection or social contribution, a company can continue to produce the product because the sales of the product that requires a large amount of cost will increase due to social points.

Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[Management server]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the management server 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the management server 10 includes a communication control section 201, an account management section 202, a system registration control section 203, a point control section 204, and a storage section 205.

The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the terminal 20. Furthermore, the communication control unit 201 transmits data to the terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a reception unit that receives data from another device, and a function as a transmission unit that transmits data to the other device.

The communication control unit 201 receives an authentication request from the authentication terminal 30 that includes biometric information of the user who purchased the product or service and information about the purchased product or service. The communication control unit 201 sends a point grant request including the user ID of the user who purchased the product or service and information about the purchased product or service from the terminal 20 owned by the user who purchased the product or service. Receive.

The account management unit 202 is a means for controlling and managing user accounts. When a user operates the terminal 20 to access a predetermined WEB page, the account management unit 202 acquires user information necessary for creating an account for the user. For example, the account management unit 202 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like on the terminal 20 to obtain user information.

The account management unit 202 acquires the user's personal information (name, address, gender, date of birth, contact information, biometric information, account information, etc.).

The account management unit 202 generates a feature quantity (a feature vector made up of a plurality of feature quantities) that characterizes the facial image from the acquired biometric information (for example, a facial image). Note that since existing technology can be used for the feature amount generation process, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. For example, the account management unit 202 extracts eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the face image as feature points. Thereafter, the account management unit 202 calculates the positions of each feature point and the distance between each feature point as feature quantities, and generates a feature vector (vector information characterizing the face image) consisting of a plurality of feature quantities.

Furthermore, upon acquiring the user information, the account management unit 202 generates a user ID for identifying the user. The user ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the user. For example, the account management unit 202 may assign a unique value to the user ID each time an account is created.

The account management unit 202 associates the generated user ID, biometric information (feature amount), personal information, etc. and registers them in the user information database (see FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 10, the user information database stores user ID, biometric information, personal information, social points, behavior history, etc. in association with each other. The user information database shown in FIG. 10 is an example, and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, the creation date and time of the account may be registered in the user information database.

The system registration control unit 203 is a means for system-registering the activities of users to whom social points are given. For example, the system registration control unit 203 controls system registration of products, companies, etc. to which social points are given.

For example, the system registration control unit 203 acquires the target of system registration (target product, target company) and the number of social points to be given to the target of system registration from a staff member of the management center or the like. For example, the system registration control unit 203 displays a GUI for acquiring the above information on a terminal (not shown) owned by a staff member.

The system registration control unit 203 registers the acquired information (system registration target and number of social points) in the social point management database (see FIG. 11). Note that the social point management database shown in FIG. 11 is an example, and is not intended to limit the items to be stored.

The point control unit 204 is a means for controlling social points. The point control unit 204 acquires information regarding the user's activities, and determines whether the user's activities are eligible for social points. If the user's activity is eligible for social point allocation, the point control unit 204 provides the user with the number of social points corresponding to the user's activity.

Specifically, the point control unit 204 processes an "authentication request" received from the authentication terminal 30. Further, the point control unit 204 processes a “point grant request” received from the terminal 20. By processing these requests, the point control unit 204 acquires the user's activities and determines whether the user's activities are eligible for social points.

Further, the point control unit 204 processes a "point usage request" received from the store terminal 40.

<Processing of authentication requests>
Upon receiving the authentication request, the point control unit 204 extracts biometric information (for example, a facial image) from the authentication request. The point control unit 204 calculates feature amounts from the acquired face image.

The point control unit 204 sets the feature amount calculated from the face image as a matching target, and performs a matching process with the feature amount registered in the user information database. More specifically, the point control unit 204 sets the calculated feature quantity (feature vector) as a matching target, and compares it with a plurality of feature quantities registered in the user information database in a 1:N (N is a positive integer, the same applies hereafter).

The point control unit 204 calculates the degree of similarity between the feature quantity to be matched and each of the plurality of feature quantities on the registration side. Chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, etc. can be used for the similarity. Note that the farther the distance, the lower the degree of similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the degree of similarity.

The point control unit 204 determines that the matching process is successful if there is a feature amount whose similarity with the feature amount to be matched is equal to or higher than a predetermined value among the plurality of feature amounts registered in the user information database. It is determined that If the above characteristics do not exist, the point control unit 204 determines that the matching process has failed.

If the matching process is successful, the point control unit 204 identifies the entry (user) having the feature with the highest degree of similarity among the plurality of features registered in the user information database. The point control unit 204 executes payment processing using the identified user's account information (for example, credit card information) and product information (or service information) included in the authentication request.

Specifically, the point control unit 204 requests a server such as a credit card company to settle the user's payment amount. Upon receiving a notification from the server that the payment was successful, the point control unit 204 determines that the authentication has been successful.

If the verification process fails or the payment process fails, the point control unit 204 determines that the authentication has failed.

If the authentication is successful, the point control unit 204 acquires the name and producer name of the product purchased by the user from the product information included in the authentication request. The point control unit 204 searches the social point management database using the acquired product name or producer name as a key. If the product or producer corresponding to the product purchased by the user is registered in the social point management database, the point control unit 204 reads out the corresponding social points.

The point control unit 204 adds the social points read from the social point management database to the set value of the social point field of the user (entry) identified through the matching process.

The point control unit 204 notifies the authentication terminal 30 of the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure). If the authentication is successful, the point control unit 204 transmits an acknowledgment including the assigned social points to the authentication terminal 30. In the case of authentication failure, point control unit 204 transmits a negative response to that effect to authentication terminal 30.

In this way, the point control unit 204 identifies the user who purchased the product or service through the verification process using the user's biometric information. The point control unit 204 determines whether or not the identified activity of the user is eligible for social points, based on information on products or services purchased by the user.

<Processing of point grant requests>
Upon receiving the point grant request, the point control unit 204 extracts product information included in the point grant request. For example, the point control unit 204 acquires the name of the product purchased by the user and the name of the product's producer.

The point control unit 204 searches the social point management database using the acquired product name or producer name as a key. If the product or producer corresponding to the product purchased by the user is registered in the social point management database, the point control unit 204 reads out the corresponding social points.

Additionally, the point control unit 204 searches the user information database using the user ID included in the point grant request as a key, and identifies the corresponding user (entry). The point control unit 204 adds the social points read from the social point management database to the set value of the social point field of the specified entry.

When the point control unit 204 grants social points to the user, it transmits an acknowledgment including the granted social points to the terminal 20.

If the product purchased by the user is not eligible for social points, or if the user's user ID is not registered in the user information database, the point control unit 204 determines that social points have not been awarded. A negative response indicating this is transmitted to the terminal 20.

In this way, the point control unit 204 identifies the user who purchased the product or service using the user's user ID. The point control unit 204 determines whether or not the identified activity of the user is eligible for social points, based on information on products or services purchased by the user.

Here, if the authentication request is successfully processed or if the point grant request is successfully processed, the point control unit 204 controls the user's actions (for example, information on purchased products and purchased services). Store in information database. For example, the point control unit 204 stores the name, producer, purchase date, purchase amount, purchase location, etc. of the product purchased by the user in the action history field of the user information database. That is, the point control unit 204 generates an action history of the user by accumulating the user's activities.

Note that, as described above, the point control unit 204 also processes authentication requests from authentication terminals 30 other than the authentication terminals 30 installed in stores and the like. The point control unit 204 stores the user's actions obtained by processing the authentication request as an action history in the user information database.

Upon receiving the point usage request, the point control unit 204 searches the user information database using the user ID included in the point usage request as a key, and identifies the corresponding user (entry).

The point control unit 204 refers to the social point field of the specified entry, and determines that "point use is permitted" if more points have been accumulated than the social points included in the point use request. The point control unit 204 determines that "point use is not permitted" unless more points than the social points included in the point use request have been accumulated.

If it is determined that point use is permitted, the point control unit 204 subtracts the number of points used from the set value of the social point field. Further, the point control unit 204 transmits an affirmative response indicating that point use is permitted to the store terminal 40. If it is determined that point use is not permitted, the point control unit 204 transmits a negative response to the store terminal 40 indicating that.

The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the management server 10. The storage unit 205 stores the user's activities to which social points are to be given and the number of social points to be given to the user's activities in association with each other.

<Terminal>
Examples of the terminal 20 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game consoles, and tablets, computers (personal computers, notebook computers), and the like. The terminal 20 can be any equipment or device as long as it can accept user operations and communicate with the management server 10 and the like. Furthermore, since the configuration of the terminal 20 is obvious to those skilled in the art, detailed explanation will be omitted.

<Authentication terminal>
The authentication terminal 30 is exemplified by a terminal such as a tablet equipped with a camera device. Since the configuration of the authentication terminal 30 is obvious to those skilled in the art, detailed explanation will be omitted. The authentication terminal 30 acquires product information and the like by reading barcodes attached to products and the like. The authentication terminal 30 also photographs the user and obtains a facial image of the user. The authentication terminal 30 transmits an authentication request including product information (or service information) and biometric information (facial image) to the management server 10. The authentication terminal 30 may perform processing according to the response (affirmative response, negative response) from the management server 10.

<Store terminal>
Examples of the store terminal 40 include a tablet, a notebook computer, and the like. The store terminal 40 can be any equipment or device as long as it can accept operations from a store clerk and communicate with the management server 10 and the like. Furthermore, since the configuration of the store terminal 40 is obvious to those skilled in the art, detailed explanation will be omitted.

[System operation]
Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. The system operation when processing an authentication request will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

The authentication terminal 30 transmits an authentication request including biometric information of the user (person to be authenticated) and product information (service information) to the management server 10 (step S01).

The management server 10 executes a verification process using the user's biometric information (step S02).

The management server 10 executes a payment process regarding the payment amount of the user identified by the verification process (step S03).

If the product purchased by the user or the service provided is eligible for social points, the management server 10 grants social points to the user (step S04).

The management server 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the authentication terminal 30 (step S05).

The authentication terminal 30 executes processing according to the authentication result. If the authentication is successful, for example, the authentication terminal 30 notifies the user that the payment for the product has been completed. Furthermore, when social points are awarded to a user, for example, the authentication terminal 30 notifies the user of the number of assigned social points.

In the case of authentication failure, the authentication terminal 30 notifies the user to re-settle the product price. Alternatively, the authentication terminal 30 instructs the user to notify the store clerk that the authentication has failed.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the system operation when processing a point grant request will be described.

The terminal 20 transmits a point grant request including the user ID and product information (or service information) to the management server 10 (step S11).

The management server 10 grants social points if the product (service) purchased by the user is eligible for social points (step S12).

The management server 10 transmits the processing results (points awarded, points not awarded) for the point assignment request to the terminal 20 (step S13).

The terminal 20 performs processing according to the received processing result (step S14).

As described above, the management server 10 according to the first embodiment gives social points to user activities that contribute to environmental protection, social contribution, etc. For example, the management server 10 gives social points to users who purchase products produced by companies that are passionate about environmental protection and social contribution. By giving social points, users will actively purchase products produced by the above-mentioned companies. As a result, sales of products from companies that are passionate about environmental protection will increase, and a virtuous cycle will be created in which these companies will more actively produce products that are suitable for environmental protection. In other words, even if a company incurs a lot of cost for environmental protection or social contribution, the company can continue to produce the product because social points will increase sales of the product that requires a lot of cost. .

Next, the hardware of each device that makes up the information processing system will be explained. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 10.

The management server 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14. For example, the management server 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input/output interface 313, a communication interface 314, and the like. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

However, the configuration shown in FIG. 14 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the management server 10. The management server 10 may include hardware that is not shown, and may not include the input/output interface 313 if necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the management server 10 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 14; for example, a plurality of processors 311 may be included in the management server 10.

The processor 311 is, for example, a programmable device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

The memory 312 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The memory 312 stores OS programs, application programs, and various data.

The input/output interface 313 is an interface for a display device or input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a device such as a keyboard or a mouse that receives user operations.

The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card).

The functions of the management server 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing module is realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. Further, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be non-transitory, such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, etc. That is, the present invention can also be implemented as a computer program product. Furthermore, the above program can be updated via a network or by using a storage medium that stores the program. Furthermore, the processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip.

The management server 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and the functions of the management server 10 can be realized by having the computer execute a program. Furthermore, the management server 10 executes the control method for the management server 10 using the program.

[Modified example]
Note that the configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

The management server 10 may include a suggestion unit 206 that makes suggestions to the user regarding environmentally friendly actions (activities that give social points) based on the user's action history (purchase history, etc.) (see Fig. 15). For example, for users who are found to frequently use buses, etc. by processing authentication requests from authentication terminals 30 installed at ticket gates, etc. of transportation means (railways, buses, etc.), the proposal unit 206 may: Suggest getting around by bicycle or walking. Specifically, the suggestion unit 206 transmits to the user's terminal 20 suggestion information that recommends traveling by bicycle or on foot.

The point control unit 204 of the management server 10 may grant social points to the user when the user moves by bicycle or on foot. For example, a user who has traveled by bicycle, on foot, etc. operates the terminal 20 to notify the management server 10 of this fact. For example, the user inputs into the terminal 20 that he/she traveled by bicycle. The terminal 20 transmits the user's user ID and the fact that the bicycle has been moved to the management server 10. If the movement of the bicycle is eligible for social points, the management server 10 grants social points to the user. Please note that the number of social points awarded may be set to be lower because the bicycle trip must be self-reported.

Alternatively, the management server 10 (point control unit 204) may determine the social points to be given to the user based on the user's past behavior history with reference to the time when the social points were given. For example, the management server 10 analyzes the behavior history of users who have little interest in environmental protection (users who have made few purchases of target products, etc. during a predetermined period), and gives them points that are higher than a predetermined number of points. Grant social points. The management server 10 generates interest in environmental protection activities by giving a large number of points to users who have little interest in environmental protection and the like.

Alternatively, the management server 10 may award a small number of social points to a user who is not interested in environmental protection activities, etc., since even if a large number of social points are given, there is a low possibility that the user will engage in environmental protection activities, etc. .

The management server 10 may grant social points to users who purchase products that are not registered in the system. For example, if the management server 10 determines that the user has purchased a product with a close expiration date based on the product information, it may grant social points to the user. Alternatively, the management server 10 may award a larger number of social points than a predetermined number of social points to a user who purchases a product that is registered in the system and has a close expiration date.

The management server 10 may periodically or at a predetermined timing notify the user who has created the account of the activities for which social points can be earned and the social points that will be awarded at that time. The management server 10 may transmit to the terminal 20 the activities for which social points are earned and the number of social points to be provided. Through such a response, the management server 10 may encourage the user to carry out environmental protection activities and the like.

The management server 10 may award social points to the user when the user not only purchases environmentally friendly products, but also engages in activities that contribute to society as a whole. For example, the management server 10 registers "volunteer activity" as an activity for which social points are given. Users who have performed volunteer activities will obtain a certificate from the local government, etc. certifying that they have performed the volunteer activities. The certificate includes a two-dimensional barcode that includes information about the volunteer activities performed by the user. The user operates the terminal 20 to photograph the two-dimensional barcode. The terminal 20 transmits a point grant request including volunteer activity information obtained by restoring the two-dimensional barcode and the user ID to the management server 10. If the volunteer activity performed by the user is eligible for social points (if the volunteer activity is registered in the system), the management server 10 will award predetermined social points to the user.

Social points can be used not only for product discounts and gift exchanges, but also for any other benefits. For example, social points may be reflected in evaluation items for university courses. The user operates the terminal 20 to request the management server 10 to prove the accumulated social points. The management server 10 notifies the number of social points accumulated by the user to a university server or the like designated by the user. The university server converts the notified number of social points into a predetermined unit or the like.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the management server 10 identifies the person to be authenticated through a verification process using biometric information. However, the management server 10 may identify the person to be authenticated using other methods. For example, the management server 10 may identify the person to be authenticated by acquiring the user ID from the person to be authenticated. For example, the management server 10 may identify the person to be authenticated by acquiring the user ID issued to the user during the payment process shown in FIG. 12, when points are awarded, when points are used, etc. shown in FIG. . At that time, the user presents the two-dimensional barcode into which the user ID issued by the management server 10 is converted to the authentication terminal 30, inputs the user ID into the authentication terminal 30, or stores the user ID. The authenticated card may be read into the authentication terminal 20.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the user information database is configured inside the management server 10, but the database may be configured in an external database server or the like. That is, some functions of the management server 10 may be implemented in another server. More specifically, the above-described "point control unit (point control means)" etc. may be implemented in any device included in the system.

The form of data transmission and reception between each device (management server 10, terminal 20) is not particularly limited, but data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Biometric information of users is transmitted and received between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable that encrypted data be transmitted and received.

Although a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order in the flowcharts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above description, the order in which the steps are executed in the embodiment is not limited to the order in which they are described. In the embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed within a range that does not affect the content, such as executing each process in parallel, for example.

The above embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all the configurations described above are necessary. Further, when a plurality of embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of the embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of the embodiments with other configurations.

The industrial applicability of the present invention is clear from the above description, and the present invention is suitably applicable to information processing systems that provide benefits to users.

Part or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following additional notes, but are not limited to the following.
[Additional note 1]
a storage means for storing in association the activities of a user to whom social points are awarded for environmental protection and social contribution, and the number of social points assigned to the user's activities;
Point control that acquires information regarding the user's activities, and if the user's activities are eligible for granting the social points, the user is given the number of social points corresponding to the user's activities. means and
A server device comprising:
[Additional note 2]
further comprising a receiving unit that receives an authentication request including biometric information of a user who purchased the product or service and information about the purchased product or service from the authentication terminal,
The point control means specifies the user who purchased the product or service through a verification process using the user's biometric information, and also identifies the user who purchased the product or service based on the information on the purchased product or service. The server device according to supplementary note 1, which determines whether the activity is eligible for the granting of the social points.
[Additional note 3]
further comprising a receiving unit that receives a point grant request including a user ID of the user who purchased the product or service and information about the purchased product or service from a terminal owned by the user who purchased the product or service. Prepare,
The point control means specifies the user who purchased the product or service using the user ID, and also determines whether the activity of the specified user has earned the social points based on information about the purchased product or service. The server device according to Supplementary Note 1, which determines whether or not the server is eligible for granting.
[Additional note 4]
The point control means generates an action history of the user by accumulating the acquired activities of the user,
The server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, further comprising a suggestion unit that makes a suggestion to the user regarding an activity for which the social points are given based on the generated action history.
[Additional note 5]
4. The server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the social points are granted to a user who purchases a product produced by a company that conducts activities that take the entire product supply chain into consideration.
[Additional note 6]
4. The server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the social points are granted to a user who purchases a product produced by a company that conducts activities in consideration of the environment and human rights.
[Additional note 7]
The server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the social points are given to users who perform volunteer activities.
[Additional note 8]
The server device according to appendix 2, wherein the biometric information is a facial image or a feature amount generated from the facial image.
[Additional note 9]
In the server device,
storing in association the activities of a user to whom social points are awarded for environmental protection and social contribution, and the number of social points awarded for the user's activities;
A server device that acquires information regarding the user's activities, and if the user's activities are eligible for the social point granting, the server device grants the user the number of social points corresponding to the user's activities. control method.
[Additional note 10]
On the computer installed in the server device,
Processing to associate and store the activities of a user to whom social points are awarded for environmental protection and social contribution, and the number of social points assigned to the user's activities;
a process of acquiring information regarding the user's activities, and if the user's activities are eligible for granting the social points, granting the user the number of social points corresponding to the user's activities;
A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for executing.

Furthermore, each disclosure of the cited prior art documents mentioned above shall be incorporated into this document by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are illustrative only and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. That is, it goes without saying that the present invention includes the entire disclosure including the claims and various modifications and variations that can be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the technical idea.

10 Management server 20 Terminal 30 Authentication terminal 40 Store terminal 100 Server device 101 Storage means 102 Point control means 201 Communication control section 202 Account management section 203 System registration control section 204 Point control section 205 Storage section 206 Proposal section 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input Output interface 314 Communication interface

Claims

a storage means for storing in association the activities of a user to whom social points are awarded for environmental protection and social contribution, and the number of social points assigned to the user's activities;
Point control that acquires information regarding the user's activities, and if the user's activities are eligible for granting the social points, the user is given the number of social points corresponding to the user's activities. means and
A server device comprising:
further comprising a receiving unit that receives an authentication request including biometric information of a user who purchased the product or service and information about the purchased product or service from the authentication terminal,
The point control means specifies the user who purchased the product or service through a verification process using the user's biometric information, and also identifies the user who purchased the product or service based on the information on the purchased product or service. The server device according to claim 1, which determines whether the activity is eligible for the granting of the social points.
further comprising a receiving unit that receives a point grant request including a user ID of the user who purchased the product or service and information about the purchased product or service from a terminal owned by the user who purchased the product or service. Prepare,
The point control means specifies the user who purchased the product or service using the user ID, and also determines whether the activity of the specified user has earned the social points based on information about the purchased product or service. The server device according to claim 1, which determines whether or not the server device is eligible for granting.
The point control means generates an action history of the user by accumulating the acquired activities of the user,
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a suggestion unit that makes suggestions to the user regarding activities for which the social points are given based on the generated action history.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the social points are given to a user who purchases a product produced by a company that conducts activities that take the entire product supply chain into consideration.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the social points are given to users who purchase products produced by companies that conduct activities with consideration for the environment and human rights.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the social points are given to users who perform volunteer activities.
The server device according to claim 2, wherein the biometric information is a facial image or a feature amount generated from the facial image.
In the server device,
storing in association the activities of a user to whom social points are awarded for environmental protection and social contribution, and the number of social points awarded for the user's activities;
A server device that acquires information regarding the user's activities, and if the user's activities are eligible for granting the social points, grants the user the number of social points corresponding to the user's activities. control method.
On the computer installed in the server device,
a process of associating and storing the activities of a user to whom social points are awarded for environmental protection and social contribution, and the number of social points assigned to the user's activities;
a process of acquiring information regarding the user's activities and, if the user's activities are eligible for the granting of the social points, granting the user the number of social points corresponding to the user's activities;
A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for executing.