WO2024034471A1 - Coupon provision system, coupon provision method, and coupon provision program - Google Patents

Abstract

This coupon provision system includes a first setting means that sets a coupon in accordance with an instruction from a provider, and a second setting means that sets a notification condition for notifying a user terminal regarding the coupon in accordance with an instruction from the provider. The notification condition includes a notification area that is set with reference to a predetermined position. The coupon provision system also includes: a determination means that, on the basis of the position of the user terminal and the notification area, determines whether or not the notification condition is met; and a notification means that notifies the user terminal regarding the coupon if the notification condition is met.

Description

Coupon provision system, coupon provision method and coupon provision program

The present invention relates to a coupon providing system, a coupon providing method, and a coupon providing program.

It is becoming common for companies that provide various products and services to consumers to issue coupons as a marketing tool. As a result, the number of coupons available to consumers has increased to a huge number, making it difficult to search for the desired coupon.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-217553 (Patent Document 1) calculates the current location by receiving GPS signals transmitted from GPS satellites, and calculates the available usage according to the current location based on electronic coupon information etc. An arrangement for searching and identifying available electronic coupons is disclosed.

Additionally, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-501986 (Patent Document 2) discloses a configuration in which a social networking system provides users with notifications including deals or coupons for products or services of affiliated companies.

JP2009-217553A Special table 2014-501986 publication

Although the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 mentioned above can improve the convenience for consumers when using coupons, it does not take into account the perspective of how the provider uses the coupons effectively. Furthermore, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 is also based on the premise that the user uses a social networking system, and the use of coupons depends on the user's preferences and the like.

An object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows a provider to take the lead in utilizing coupons.

A coupon providing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first setting means for setting a coupon according to an instruction from a provider, and a first setting means for setting a notification condition for notifying a coupon to a user terminal according to an instruction from a provider. 2 setting means. The notification conditions include a notification area that is set based on a predetermined position. The coupon providing system includes a determination means for determining whether notification conditions are satisfied based on the location of the user terminal and the notification area, and a notification for notifying the user terminal of the coupon if the notification conditions are satisfied. means.

The determining means may determine that the notification condition is satisfied when the user terminal enters the notification area.

The determining means may determine that the notification condition is satisfied when the time the user terminal stays in the notification area reaches a predetermined value.

The predetermined location may be the location of a store where the coupon can be used.
The notification conditions may include additional conditions based on at least one of environmental attributes, customer attributes, movement attributes, group attributes, and area attributes.

The notification means is a user terminal that satisfies an additional condition based on at least one of an environment attribute, a customer attribute, a movement attribute, a group attribute, and an area attribute among a plurality of user terminals existing in the notification area. may be determined as a coupon notification target.

The coupon may be set with a period in which it can be used. The available period may be determined depending on the timing at which the coupon is notified.

The date and time when the coupon becomes available may be set.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of providing coupons implemented by one or more computers is provided. The coupon providing method includes the steps of setting a coupon according to instructions from the provider, and setting notification conditions for notifying a user terminal of the coupon according to instructions from the provider. The notification conditions include a notification area that is set based on a predetermined position. The coupon providing method includes the steps of determining whether notification conditions are met based on the location of the user terminal and the notification area, and if the notification conditions are met, notifying the user terminal of the coupon. including.

A coupon providing program according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of setting a coupon in a computer according to instructions from a provider, and setting notification conditions for notifying a user terminal of a coupon according to instructions from a provider. and the steps to be executed. The notification conditions include a notification area that is set based on a predetermined position. The coupon providing program includes a step of causing the computer to determine whether a notification condition is satisfied based on the location of the user terminal and the notification area, and if the notification condition is satisfied, sending the coupon to the user terminal. The notification step is executed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a system in which the provider can take the lead in utilizing coupons.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a coupon providing system according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a management server of the coupon providing system according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal of the coupon providing system according to the present embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the processing procedure in the coupon provision system according to this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the provider database which the management server of the coupon provision system according to this Embodiment holds. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the user database which the management server of the coupon provision system according to this Embodiment holds. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the coupon database held by the management server of the coupon provision system according to this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of the data structure of the coupon database which the management server of the coupon provision system according to this Embodiment holds. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a user interface screen provided by the setting device of the coupon provision system according to this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of a user interface screen provided by the setting device of the coupon provision system according to this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the usage history database which the management server of the coupon provision system according to this Embodiment holds. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the user interface screen provided by the user terminal of the coupon provision system according to this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of the user interface screen provided by the user terminal of the coupon provision system according to this Embodiment.

Embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the figures are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

<A. Coupon provision system＞
First, a coupon providing system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained.

In this specification, the term "coupon" refers to information sent by an entity (including both individuals and corporations) that provides products (tangible or intangible) and/or services, whether paid or unpaid. Includes everything. Coupons include, for example, benefits such as discounts, benefits for receiving special products or services, various other benefits, arbitrary advertisements, and the like.

In this specification, the term "offering entity" includes any entity (including both individuals and corporations) that issues coupons. Providing entities include, for example, companies that provide products and services. The provider may be an individual store, a franchisor, a franchisee, etc.

As used herein, the term "user" includes entities (including both individuals and corporations) who expressly or implicitly wish to receive coupons. For example, users include individuals and corporations who have agreed to be provided with coupons from the coupon providing system 1.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a coupon providing system 1 includes a management server 100, one or more user terminals 200, one or more setting devices 300, and one or more POS (Point of Sales) terminals 400. including.

The management server 100 is managed, for example, by the operator of the coupon providing system 1 (which may be the same as one of the providing entities or may be a different entity from the providing entity).

The user terminal 200 is any information processing device held or worn by a user. The user terminal 200 receives the provided coupon and presents various notifications to the user as described below.

In this specification, the term "notification" includes any process for directly or indirectly notifying the user of the contents of the coupon (information included in the coupon).

The management server 100 has notification conditions 160. Notification conditions 160 are associated with issued coupons. Each provider can arbitrarily set the notification conditions 160 by operating the setting devices 300-1 to 300-3 (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "setting devices 300").

When the user terminal 200 held by any user satisfies any notification condition 160, the user terminal 200 is notified of a coupon corresponding to the fulfilled notification condition 160.

Although the notification conditions 160 can include various conditions, the notification conditions 160 include conditions based on location. More specifically, the notification condition 160 includes a notification area that is set based on a predetermined position.

For example, as at least part of the notification condition 160, notification areas 20-1 to 10-3 (hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively as "stores 10") within a predetermined distance are set as 20-3 (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "notification area 20") can be set. In this way, the predetermined position for setting the notification area 20 may be the position of the store 10 where the coupon can be used.

Additionally, POS terminals 400-1 to 400-3 (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "POS terminals 400") are arranged in the stores 10-1 to 10-3, respectively.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, since the user holding the user terminal 200 enters the notification area 20-1, a coupon associated with the notification condition 160 including the notification area 20-1 is sent to the user terminal 200. will be notified.

In this way, the user terminal 200 held or worn by the user has a function of acquiring the current location in order to determine whether the location condition of the notification condition 160 is satisfied.

When the user who has been notified of the coupon uses the coupon at the store 10, the usage history may be transmitted to the management server 100.

According to the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the notification conditions 160 can be set arbitrarily from the perspective of the providing entity, so that coupons can be more accurately issued to the target users. From the user's point of view, the user can receive coupons that are likely to be used depending on the current location, so there is no need to search each time.

<B. Hardware configuration>
Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the coupon providing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

(b1: Management server 100)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 100 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Typically, management server 100 is implemented using one or more computers.

Referring to FIG. 2, management server 100 includes one or more processors 101, main memory 102, communication interface 103, input unit 104, display 105, and storage 110 as main components.

The processor 101 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). A plurality of processors 101 may be arranged, or a processor 101 having a plurality of cores may be employed.

The main memory 102 is composed of volatile storage devices such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The storage 110 is composed of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and holds various programs executed by the processor 101 and various data. Among the programs stored in the storage 110, a designated program code is expanded onto the main memory 102, and the processor 101 sequentially executes computer-readable instructions included in the program code expanded onto the main memory 102. , realizes various functions as described below.

The storage 110 stores a system program 112, a providing program 114, a provider database 120, a user database 130, a coupon database 140, and a usage history database 150.

The system program 112 includes an OS (Operating System) that provides an environment for executing arbitrary programs on the management server 100. The providing program 114 corresponds to the coupon providing program according to the present embodiment, and includes one or more application programs for realizing the functions provided by the management server 100. That is, the management server 100, which is a computer, implements functions and processes necessary for the management server 100 by executing at least the provided program 114.

Note that a part of the processing provided by the providing program 114 may be realized by using functions or libraries provided by the system program 112.

The provider database 120 stores information on providers who use the coupon providing system 1. The provider information stored in the provider database 120 includes, for example, the provider's account name, company name, electronic contact information (e.g., email address, social media account, etc.), address, telephone number, and person in charge. Including name, store coordinates, etc.

The user database 130 stores information on users who use the coupon providing system 1. The user information stored in the user database 130 includes, for example, the user's account name, name, electronic contacts (e.g., email address, social media accounts, etc.), phone number, gender, age, occupation, and preferences. Including.

The coupon database 140 stores information on coupons issued by the provider. The coupon information stored in the coupon database 140 includes, for example, the identification information of the provider (issuer), the contents of the coupon, an arbitrary message, the expiration date, and the like. The coupon database 140 may be prepared for each provider, or may have separate areas that can be accessed by each provider.

The coupon database 140 stores notification conditions 160 associated with each coupon. Each of the notification conditions 160 can be set arbitrarily by each provider.

The usage history database 150 stores the usage history of coupons by users. The coupon usage history may be transmitted to the management server 100 from a POS terminal 400 placed in the store 10 or the like.

Details of each database stored in the storage 110 will be described later.
The communication interface 103 performs data communication with a user terminal 200 held by a user, an information processing device for setting notification conditions 160 by a provider, and the like. The communication interface 103 may be capable of communicating via the Internet, for example.

The input unit 104 accepts any input instruction. The display 105 displays the processing results of the processor 101 and the like.

All or part of the management server 100 may be realized using a hard-wired circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) in which a circuit corresponding to computer-readable instructions is incorporated. Alternatively, it may be realized using a circuit corresponding to computer readable instructions on an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Further, the processor 101, main memory, ASIC, FPGA, etc. may be combined as appropriate.

The management server 100 may further include a component for reading the stored program, etc. from a non-transitory medium that stores the provided program 114 consisting of computer-readable instructions. The media may be, for example, optical media such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), semiconductor media such as a USB memory, or the like. Further, the providing program 114 may not only be installed on the management server 100 via a medium, but may also be provided from a distribution server on a network.

(b2: User terminal 200)
The user terminal 200 used by the user may be any hardware as long as it provides a user interface. For example, the user terminal 200 is any information processing device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, or a wearable terminal. As described later, the user terminal 200 may be VR (Virtual Reality) goggles.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 200 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows, as an example, an example in which the user terminal 200 is configured with a smartphone.

Referring to FIG. 3, user terminal 200 includes, as main components, one or more processors 201, main memory 202, display 203, input section 204, output section 205, wide area communication module 206, and wireless communication module 206. It includes a communication module 207, a short-range communication module 208, a position acquisition module 209, and a storage 210.

The processor 201 is composed of, for example, a CPU or a GPU. A plurality of processors 201 may be arranged, or a processor 201 having a plurality of cores may be employed.

Main memory 202 is composed of a volatile storage device such as DRAM or SRAM.
The display 203 displays the processing results of the processor 201 and the like.

The input unit 204 receives user operations and outputs the operation details to the processor 201. The input unit 204 includes, for example, buttons, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a pen tablet, a voice recognition engine, and the like.

The output unit 205 provides information based on the processing results of the processor 201 to the user. The output unit 205 is configured with any device that generates stimulation to the user's visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile senses. The output unit 205 may be configured with an indicator or the like for providing information using the user's vision. At this time, the display 203 can also function as the output section 205. The output unit 205 may include a speaker or the like for providing information using the user's sense of hearing. The output unit 205 may be configured with a scent generating mechanism or the like for providing information using the user's sense of smell. The output unit 205 may be configured with a vibrator, a device whose texture changes, or the like for providing information using the user's sense of touch.

The wide area communication module 206 is a communication interface for using mobile communication networks such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication module 207 is a communication interface for using wireless communication such as wireless LAN. The short-range communication module 208 is a communication interface for using short-range communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The location acquisition module 209 acquires the current location of the user terminal 200. The position acquisition module 209 may use, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) or QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System). Alternatively, the position acquisition module 209 may acquire the current position based on radio waves from a base station of a mobile phone network or wireless LAN (local area network), or acquire current information based on a signal from a beacon. It may also be something that obtains. Furthermore, a plurality of methods may be combined arbitrarily.

Note that the current information may be two-dimensional coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude) or three-dimensional coordinates (for example, height information in addition to latitude and longitude). The height information may be obtained using, for example, a barometric altimeter or the like, or may be obtained based on a signal from a beacon. Further, height information may be provided to the user terminal 200 by, for example, arranging a device that notifies height information on each floor in a building. Therefore, position acquisition module 209 includes any device that can acquire height information.

The storage 210 is composed of a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or SSD. The storage 210 stores, for example, a system program 212, a usage program 214, and coupon data 216.

The system program 212 includes an OS that provides an environment for executing arbitrary programs on the user terminal 200.

The usage program 214 is a program for using the coupon providing system 1, and executes various processes as described below. A part of the processing provided by the usage program 214 may be realized by using functions or libraries provided by the system program 212.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example in which the usage program 214 executed on the user terminal 200 realizes processing (for example, notification) related to the coupon providing system 1. Processing related to the coupon providing system 1 may be implemented using a browser application. Alternatively, the processing related to the coupon providing system 1 may be implemented using an application program for using social media.

As long as information can be exchanged between the management server 100 and the user in this way, any hardware and software may be used to implement the system.

(b3: Setting device 300)
The setting device 300 operated by the provider is realized using a known general-purpose computer. The configuration of the general-purpose computer is well known and is also similar to the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. 3, so a detailed explanation will not be provided.

In order to realize the setting device 300, a dedicated application program may be prepared, or a general-purpose browser application may be used.

(b4: POS terminal 400)
The POS terminal 400 placed in the store 10 is realized using a known general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer. Since the configuration of the POS terminal 400 is well known, a detailed explanation will not be provided.

(b5: Other implementation forms)
Although FIG. 1 shows a configuration example centered on the management server 100, the functions provided by the management server 100 may be distributed among multiple servers, or multiple management servers 100 may be arranged in parallel. good. In other words, any implementation may be adopted as long as it can implement the processing and functions necessary for the coupon providing system 1.

<C. Processing procedure>
Next, a processing procedure in the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be explained.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure in the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the processing procedure in coupon providing system 1 involves management server 100, user terminal 200, and setting device 300.

The provider operates the setting device 300 to register its own information in the management server 100 (sequence SQ2). That is, the process of creating an account for the provider is executed. At this time, one or more stores 10 may be registered. In the management server 100, information related to a contract for the provider to use the coupon providing system 1 (contract plan, contract start date, etc.) may be registered.

Additionally, the management server 100 may issue a password for using the coupon providing system 1. At this time, from the viewpoint of security, the process may be performed in two stages: temporary registration processing and actual registration processing.

Thereafter, the provider operates the setting device 300 to set a coupon (sequence SQ4) and also sets the notification conditions 160 for the set coupon (sequence SQ6). Note that when the provider sets the coupon and the notification conditions 160, password authentication or the like may be performed.

In this way, the management server 100 has a setting function for setting coupons according to instructions from the provider, and a setting function for setting notification conditions 160 for notifying the coupon to the user terminal 200 according to instructions from the provider. have.

On the other hand, the user operates the user terminal 200 to register his or her information in the management server 100 (sequence SQ8). That is, the process of creating a user account is executed. In the management server 100, information (such as a usage plan) related to a contract for a provider to use the coupon providing system 1 may be registered.

Additionally, the management server 100 may issue a password for using the coupon providing system 1. At this time, from the viewpoint of security, the process may be performed in two stages: temporary registration processing and actual registration processing.

When the process for receiving coupon notifications is enabled, the user terminal 200 acquires the current location (sequence SQ10) and transmits the acquired current location to the management server 100 (sequence SQ12). Note that when the user makes settings to receive coupon notifications, password authentication or the like may be performed.

The management server 100 determines whether any of the notification conditions 160 are satisfied based on the current position received from the user terminal 200 and the information of the user of the user terminal 200 that transmitted the current position ( Sequence SQ14). In this way, the management server 100 has a function of determining whether the notification condition 160 is satisfied based on the location of the user terminal 200 and the notification area 20.

If any of the notification conditions 160 is satisfied (YES in sequence SQ14), the management server 100 notifies the sender user terminal 200 of the coupon corresponding to the satisfied notification condition 160 (sequence SQ16). In this way, the management server 100 has a function of notifying the user terminal 200 of the coupon if the notification condition 160 is satisfied.

The user terminal 200 that has received the notification from the management server 100 presents the notification to the user (sequence SQ18). The user's presentation may be visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, or other stimulation.

Note that if none of the notification conditions 160 are satisfied (NO in sequence SQ14), the management server 100 does not notify the coupon.

The management server 100 collects coupon usage history as necessary (sequence SQ20).

Thereafter, the processes of sequences SQ10 to SQ20 are sequentially repeated.
In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, the registration and setting process by the provider (sequences SQ2 to SQ6) and the registration process by the user (sequence SQ8) are shown in order, but these processes are independent of each other. It may also be executed as follows. Further, the processing of sequences SQ10 to SQ20 may also be executed independently of sequences SQ2 to SQ6 and sequence SQ8.

<D. Database＞
Next, details of each database stored in the management server 100 will be explained.

(d1: provider database 120)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the provider database 120 held by the management server 100 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the provider database 120 includes columns such as provider ID 121, account name 122, company name 123, email address 124, store ID 125, address 126, telephone number 127, and responsibility. It includes a person's name 128 and a store location 129.

The provider ID 121 stores information for identifying the provider. The account name 122 stores the account name of the provider. The company name 123 stores the company name (trade name or trade name) of the provider. The email address 124 stores the email address of the provider. Although an e-mail address is shown as an example of electronic contact, electronic contact is not limited to e-mail. For example, it may be a social media account. Store ID 125 stores information for identifying the target store 10. The address of the store 10 is stored in the address 126. The telephone number of the store 10 is stored in the telephone number 127. The name of the person in charge of the store 10 or the provider is stored in the person in charge name 128. The store location 129 stores location information (latitude and longitude) that serves as a reference for setting the notification area 20.

The provider uses the setting device 300 to register its own information in the provider database 120 of the management server 100. The management server 100 or the setting device 300 may provide a user interface screen for the provider to register his or her own information in the provider database 120.

For example, the same company may have multiple stores 10. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the same value may be stored in the provider ID, and a plurality of records storing information for identifying each store may be registered in the store ID 125. Alternatively, information for identifying each store may be registered in the store ID 125 using a relational database or the like.

(d2: User database 130)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user database 130 held by the management server 100 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the user database 130 includes columns such as user ID 131, account name 132, name 133, email address 134, telephone number 135, gender 136, age 137, and preferences 138. including.

The user ID 131 stores information for identifying the user. The account name 132 stores the user's account name. The name 133 stores the user's name. The e-mail address of the user is stored in the e-mail address 134. Note that, as described above, a social media account or the like may be used instead of an email address. The telephone number 135 stores the user's telephone number. The gender 136 stores the gender of the user. Preferences 138 stores user preferences. The preferences may include, for example, information indicating the store or service used, such as "fast food."

A user registers his or her information in the user database 130 of the management server 100 using the user terminal 200 (or an information processing device different from the user terminal 200). Management server 100 or user terminal 200 may provide a user interface screen for users to register their own information in user database 130.

(d3: Coupon database 140)
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the coupon database 140 held by the management server 100 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the coupon database 140 includes columns such as provider ID 141, coupon ID 142, store ID 143, title 144, message 145, image 146, usage start date and time 147, and expiration date 148. , notification conditions 160, number of notifications 161, and number of views 162.

The provider ID 141 stores information for identifying the provider that issues the coupon. The value stored in the provider ID 141 is selected from the values stored in the provider ID 121 of the provider database 120 shown in FIG. The coupon ID 142 stores information for identifying the coupon to be issued. Store ID 143 stores information for specifying a store where the issued coupon can be used. The value stored in the store ID 143 is selected from the values stored in the store ID 125 of the provider database 120 shown in FIG.

The title 144 stores the title of the coupon to be issued. The message (text) of the coupon to be issued is stored in the message 145. The image 146 stores information for specifying an image to be embedded in an issued coupon.

The usage start date and time 147 stores the date and time when the issued coupon can be used. The expiration date 148 stores the end date and time of the period during which the issued coupon can be used. In this way, each issued coupon may be set with a date and time when it becomes available and a date and time when it becomes unavailable. In this way, the period during which an issued coupon can be used may be set by the date and time when the coupon becomes available (start date and time) and the date and time when it becomes unavailable (end date and time). As a general rule, coupons cannot be used during periods other than the valid period.

As will be described later, the usage start date and time 147 and expiration date 148 may be dynamically changed depending on the notification timing of each coupon.

The notification conditions 160 stores conditions for notifying coupons. Details of the notification condition 160 will be described later.

The number of notifications 161 stores the number of times a coupon has been notified. The number of views 162 may indicate the number of times the user has actually viewed the coupon. The values of the number of notifications 161 and the number of views 162 may be updated by the management server 100 each time.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the data structure of the coupon database 140 held by the management server 100 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Compared to the coupon database 140 shown in FIG. 7, the coupon database 140 shown in FIG. 8 includes a validity period 149 instead of a usage start date and time 147 and an expiration date 148.

The validity period 149 stores the length of the period during which the issued coupon can be used. The period during which the issued coupon can be used is determined based on the start date and time or end date and time that are arbitrarily set (statically or dynamically) and the length of the period that is set in the validity period 149. In this way, the period during which an issued coupon can be used is determined by the length of the available period and the date and time when it becomes available (start date and time) or when it becomes unavailable (end date and time). good.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen provided by the setting device 300 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a user interface screen 320 for setting coupons to be issued. The user interface screen 320 shown in FIG. 9(A) corresponds to the coupon database 140 shown in FIG. 7, and the user interface screen 320 shown in FIG. 9(B) corresponds to the coupon database 140 shown in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9(A), the user interface screen 320 includes a title input field 321, a message input field 322, an image attachment field 323, a preview button 324, a notification area setting field 325, and a use start setting field. 326 and an expiration date setting field 327.

The provider inputs the title and message to be displayed on the coupon into the title input field 321 and message input field 322, respectively. Further, the provider sets an image to be displayed on the coupon in the image attachment field 323, if necessary. The image attachment field 323 may allow setting of multiple images.

When the preview button 324 is pressed, an image of the coupon scheduled to be issued is displayed.

The provider sets the notification area 20, which is part of the notification conditions 160, in the notification area setting field 325. Further, the provider sets the coupon usage start date and time in the usage start setting field 326, and sets the coupon usage period in the expiration date setting field 327.

Referring to FIG. 9(B), the user interface screen 320 includes a validity period setting field 328 instead of the usage start setting field 326 and the validity period setting field 327. The provider may set the validity period of the coupon instead of the start date and time of use and the expiration date.

The provider uses the user interface screen 320 shown in FIG. 9(A) or FIG. 9(B) to set the coupon to be issued and the notification conditions 160. As shown in FIG. 9(A) or FIG. 9(B), the provider (store) can also issue coupons for a limited time.

Further, the provider (store) can also issue multiple coupons.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the user interface screen provided by the setting device of the coupon providing system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10(A) shows an example of a user interface screen 330 for checking and managing issued coupons. Referring to FIG. 10A, user interface screen 330 includes a status selection button 331, a coupon list field 332, a new issue button 336, and a store edit button 337.

The status selection buttons 331 include, for example, three buttons: "Valid" indicating that the document is currently being issued, "Reserve" indicating that the document will be issued in the future, and "End" indicating that the document has been issued in the past. When the provider selects one or more of these three buttons, the coupon list field 332 displays information about the coupons with the selected status.

Coupon information 333, 334, and 335 are displayed in the coupon list column 332. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, coupon information 333 indicates a coupon with valid status, coupon information 334 indicates a coupon with reservation status, and coupon information 335 indicates a coupon with completed status.

When the new issue button 336 is selected, the screen transitions to a user interface screen 320 shown in FIG. 9, where the provider can set the coupon to be issued.

When the store edit button 337 is selected, a transition is made to an interface screen (not shown) for editing store information.

FIG. 10(B) shows an example of a user interface screen 340 for checking coupons set at multiple stores. The user interface screen 340 shown in FIG. 10(B) is effective when the same provider (company) operates multiple stores.

Referring to FIG. 10(B), user interface screen 340 includes store information fields 341, 342, and 343, and a new registration button 345. A status display 344 indicating the coupon issuance status is displayed in each of the store information columns 341, 342, and 343.

When the new registration button 345 is selected, a transition is made to an interface screen (not shown) for adding a new store.

The user interface screens shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are merely examples, and user interface screens of any layout and design may be provided. Furthermore, the display mode may be optimized depending on the type of device (for example, a smartphone or a personal computer) that provides the user interface screen.

(d4: Usage history database 150)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the usage history database 150 held by the management server 100 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, usage history database 150 includes coupon ID 151, usage date and time 152, and payment information 153 as columns.

Information for identifying the used coupon is stored in the coupon ID 151. The value stored in the coupon ID 151 is selected from the values stored in the coupon ID 142 of the coupon database 140 shown in FIG.

The usage date and time 152 stores the date and time when the coupon was used. Payment information 153 stores payment information when a coupon is used. Payment information 153 is not essential information.

Note that only in cases where a contract has been concluded with the user to use the usage history secondarily, additional information that can identify the coupon user may be added to the usage history database 150. It may be stored in

(d5: Coupon usage period)
Next, the period during which the issued coupon can be used will be explained. The period during which the coupon can be used may be set using any method. For example, the following setting methods can be used.

(1) How to set the start date and time and end date and time (from-to)
(2) How to set only the start date and time (3) How to set only the end date and time (4) How to set the start date and time and validity period (duration/period)
(5) Method of setting the end date and time and validity period The setting methods of (1) to (3) above are performed by appropriately setting the usage start date and time 147 and the validity period 148 in the coupon database 140 shown in FIG. realizable. Although FIG. 7 shows an example in which the usage start date and time 147 and the expiration date 148 are set in advance for each type of coupon, they may be set dynamically each time a coupon is notified. For example, when a coupon is notified to one of the user terminals 200, the usage start date and time 147 and/or the expiration date 148 may be set according to the notification timing. In this case, the period during which the coupon can be used will be set for each coupon (ie, user terminal 200) that is notified.

Note that in the case of (2), the expiration date 148 may be left unset, or the future date and time allowed by the system may be set as the expiration date 148. Furthermore, in the case of (3), the use start date and time 147 may be left unset, or the earliest date and time allowed by the system may be set as the use start date and time 147.

The setting methods (4) and (5) described above can be realized by appropriately setting the validity period 149 in the coupon database 140 shown in FIG.

The start date and time required in case (4) may be set in advance or may be set dynamically. As an example of dynamic setting, the timing when the target coupon is notified may be determined as the start date and time. Even in this case, the period during which the coupon can be used is set for each coupon (ie, user terminal 200) that is notified.

For example, if a coupon whose validity period 149 is set to 10 minutes is notified at 10:00, the period during which the coupon can be used is set to 10 minutes from 10:00 (that is, until 10:10). be done.

If you explicitly set the start date and time (for example, if it is recorded that the coupon was notified at 10:00), you can set the end date and time by adding the validity period to the start date and time. It can be calculated. That is, the period during which the coupon can be used can be set as an absolute time.

In addition, if you implicitly set the start date and time (for example, if only the timing when the coupon was notified is recorded), the remaining validity period is set to the validity period at the timing when the notification is received, and the remaining time is set as the validity period. The available period may be managed by sequentially subtracting (decrementing/counting down) . By adopting such a method of sequentially subtracting the remaining time, it becomes unnecessary to manage the absolute start date and time and end date and time, and the process for managing the available period can be simplified. Note that the process of sequentially subtracting the remaining time may be executed by the management server 100 or by the user terminal 200.

The end date and time required in case (5) is usually set in advance.
Note that the period during which the coupon can be used may be changed midway. For example, if the stock of a prepared product decreases faster than expected, the available period may be shortened, or if the number of customers slows down due to a sudden change in the weather, the availability period may be shortened. The possible period may be extended.

(d6: Notification condition 160)
Next, notification conditions 160 and notification processing associated with coupons will be explained.

As described above, the notification condition 160 includes the condition that the user holding the user terminal 200 enters or exists in the preset notification area 20. That is, the determination as to whether the notification condition 160 is satisfied may be made when the user terminal 200 held by the user straddles the notification area 20 (enters the area/exits the area). (Event-driven based on current location), or may be executed when some coupon becomes available (Event-driven based on coupon availability). In the event-driven system based on the current location, the management server 100 determines that the notification condition 160 is satisfied when the user terminal 200 enters the notification area 20.

In addition to the conditions of the notification area 20, the notification conditions 160 may include additional conditions that take attributes such as the following into consideration.

(1) Environmental Attributes Environmental attributes are information about the environment that can be measured or acquired, and include, for example, weather, temperature, time of day, day of the week, social conditions, trends, and the like. For example, when a certain user enters the notification area 20, it is possible to notify a coupon if it is sunny, but not to notify a coupon if it is raining.

(2) Customer Attributes Customer attributes are attributes that the user has, and include, for example, gender, age, hobbies, body shape, and affiliated SNS. For example, it is possible to perform a process of notifying a coupon only when the user who enters a certain notification area 20 is female.

(3) Movement Attributes Movement attributes are information that indicates the state of the user terminal 200 held by the user, such as movement speed (including a state where it is not moving (moving speed is zero)), movement direction. (up/down direction, east/west/north/south direction, etc.), and the location where the vehicle is moving (moving in a residential area, traveling on a national highway, traveling on an expressway, etc.). For example, by setting the speed of walking on foot (for example, 60 to 100 m/min) as a movement attribute, a coupon will be notified only when the user who enters a certain notification area 20 is moving at a walking speed. It is possible to perform processing such as

(4) Group Attribute The group attribute includes information such as whether the target person (user) who receives the coupon notification is one person or a group. For example, if only one user enters a certain notification area 20, a coupon for one person can be notified, and if there is a group of users, a coupon for a group can be notified.

(5) Area Attributes Area attributes are attributes of places included in the notification area 20, and include, for example, urban areas, rural areas, countries, land use (residential area, fields, ocean, etc.). For example, it is possible to perform a process of notifying a coupon only when a user who enters a certain notification area 20 is moving at a walking speed.

In this way, the notification conditions 160 may include, in addition to the conditions of the notification area 20, additional conditions based on at least one of environmental attributes, customer attributes, movement attributes, group attributes, and area attributes.

Furthermore, various notification controls can be realized by combining the conditions of the notification area 20 and additional conditions.

(i) Process of determining target users to be notified of a coupon For example, when a provider notifies a coupon and there are multiple users in the set notification area 20, the various attributes described above are taken into consideration. Then, only some of the users present in the notification area 20 may be notified of the coupon. By employing such processing, coupons can be notified preferentially to users who are more likely to become customers.

In this way, among the plurality of user terminals 200 existing in the notification area 20, the additional condition based on at least one of the environment attribute, customer attribute, movement attribute, group attribute, and area attribute is satisfied. The user terminal 200 may be determined as a coupon notification target.

Note that the process of determining target users (user terminals 200) to be notified of coupons in consideration of attributes may be executed by the management server 100, or may be executed by another calculation resource.

(ii) Processing for determining coupons to be notified to the user On the other hand, when the user wishes to be notified of coupons, if the coupons exist in each of the multiple notification areas 20 that have been set, multiple coupons will be notified. However, in consideration of the various attributes described above, only some coupons that are determined to be suitable for the user may be notified. At this time, priority may be given to the notified coupons based on the score calculated in consideration of the attributes. By assigning the priority order, the coupons can be displayed in a ranking format on the user terminal 200 held by the user. By employing such processing, it is possible to notify the user of the optimal coupon.

Note that the process of determining an appropriate coupon for each user in consideration of attributes may be executed by the management server 100 or by the user terminal 200. Furthermore, it may be executed on another computational resource.

As described above, (i) the process of determining a target user to be notified of a coupon, and (ii) the process of determining a coupon to be notified to a user may be realized using artificial intelligence (AI). Alternatively, it may be calculated on a rule basis based on the value and weight of each attribute set by the provider or the user.

Note that it is also possible to set the notification area 20 to infinity. In this case, the location condition included in the notification condition 160 will always be satisfied.

Additionally, multiple notification areas 20 may be set for the same coupon. In this case, target users and coupons to be notified are determined according to the notification area 20 in which each user is present (for example, the notification area 20 closest to the store, the notification area 20 relatively far from the store, etc.). It's okay.

Below, some processing examples for notifying coupons will be illustrated.
(Notification processing example 1)
When the provider sets a certain coupon and notification condition 160 (notification area 20), the management server 100 is identified by a user existing in the set notification area 20. The management server 100 gives priority to the identified users based on movement attributes (for example, movement speed) and notifies coupons to a predetermined number of users from the top.

At this time, the expiration date of the coupon may be set for each user. For example, the timing at which the coupon is notified to the user may be set as the usage start date and time, and the coupon may be valid only within a predetermined time (for example, within 5 minutes) from the usage start date and time. Alternatively, the time period in which the coupon can be used may be limited (for example, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm). In this way, the available period may be determined depending on the timing at which the coupon is notified.

Note that when the user leaves the notification area 20, the coupon notification may be canceled or the coupon may be invalidated.

In this way, by limiting the period during which a coupon can be used, it is also possible to provide the user with "in-season coupons." A "seasonal coupon" is a coupon for a product or service that the provider (store) is thinking of offering right now. For example, it is assumed that freshly baked bread or freshly fried croquettes will be provided. Additionally, to reduce food waste, you can issue coupons that give you a discount on bento lunches within the next 20 minutes.

(Notification processing example 2)
The notification conditions 160 may include the stay time in the notification area 20. For example, a coupon may be notified to a user who has stayed in the notification area 20 for a predetermined period of time or more. That is, when the time that the user terminal 200 stays in the notification area 20 reaches a predetermined value, it may be determined that the notification condition 160 is satisfied.

Note that if there are multiple users who have stayed in the notification area 20 for a predetermined period of time or longer, the target users to be notified of the coupon may be determined by considering attributes (for example, environmental attributes and customer attributes). good. Further, the period during which the coupon can be used may be set as appropriate in consideration of the attributes.

(Notification processing example 3)
For example, by setting the notification area 20 to infinity, coupons can be notified to the entire world. In this case, the target users to be notified of the coupon may be determined in consideration of attributes (for example, customer attributes).

For example, it is effective when notifying employees of a global company of coupons in order to provide information such as welfare benefits.

<E. Coupon Notification and Coupon Usage>
Next, notification of coupons to users and use of coupons by users will be explained.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen provided on the user terminal 200 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12(A) shows an example of presentation to the user when the user terminal 200 receives a coupon notification. Referring to FIG. 12(A), upon receiving the coupon notification, user terminal 200 displays, for example, a notification message 220 on the display. When the user selects the notification message 220, a user interface screen 230 as shown in FIG. 12(B) is provided.

Referring to FIG. 12(B), one or more received coupons 232 are displayed on a user interface screen 230. Each coupon 232 includes a message, an image, and the like. Note that the coupons 232 may be arranged in the order of the time they were received, in the order of the expiration date, or in the order of the distance from the current location to the target store. Furthermore, the arrangement order of the coupons 232 may be arbitrarily changed by a user operation.

When any coupon 232 is selected, a user interface screen 240 as shown in FIG. 12(C) is provided.

Referring to FIG. 12(C), more detailed contents of the selected coupon 232 are displayed on the user interface screen 240. When the use button 242 is selected, a code image 244 such as a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode may be displayed. The code indicated by the code image 244 may indicate a value stored in the coupon ID 142 (see FIG. 7) of the coupon database 140.

The coupon used at the store 10 is identified by the POS terminal 400 of the store 10 reading the code image 244. Information indicating the used coupons may be transmitted to the management server 100 as the coupon usage history along with the sales amount and the like.

In this way, when a coupon is notified to the user terminal 200, the user may be notified with the notification message 220 and a list of the received coupons may be displayed.

Note that instead of displaying a list of coupons 232 as shown in FIG. 12(B), an object indicating the coupon may be displayed on the map in association with the location of the store that issued the coupon. In this case, when any coupon is selected, a map application or the like may be used to provide route guidance to the store that issued the selected coupon.

Furthermore, a kind of virtual space may be generated from the map information and the coupons may be displayed in the virtual space.

Furthermore, instead of the end date and time of the period in which the coupon can be used, the length (remaining time) of the period in which the coupon can be used may be presented to the user.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the user interface screen provided on the user terminal 200 of the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the user interface screen 230 shown in FIG. 13(A), the remaining time 234 of the period in which the coupon 232 can be used is displayed. Since the remaining time decreases moment by moment, the value shown in the remaining time 234 also decreases like a kind of countdown. Further, as shown in FIG. 13(B), the remaining time may also be displayed in more detailed content of the selected coupon 232.

Note that displaying the remaining time as shown in Figure 13 can be used not only when the coupon's usable period is set using the expiration date, but also when it is set using the expiration date (end date and time). .

By presenting the remaining time 234 that changes from moment to moment to the user, it is possible to increase the possibility that the user will be motivated to use the coupon. It is also expected that by seeing the remaining time 234, the user will be more motivated to purchase.

In this way, any display mode can be adopted as the method of presenting the coupon notification to the user and the method of confirming the received coupon.

<F. Post-mortem analysis>
In the coupon providing system 1 according to this embodiment, the number of notifications and the number of views are managed for each issued coupon. Further, the usage history of the coupon by the user is stored in the usage history database 150. The provider may be able to use the results of post-analysis of such information.

The analysis results may include an analysis of the attributes (customer demographics) of users who used each coupon, an analysis of the time period in which each coupon was used, and the like. In addition, by linking and analyzing coupon types and attributes, the analysis results include analysis results such as when to issue what types of coupons and when to issue them, depending on the time of day, weather, etc. Good too.

Note that the analysis is not limited to these analysis examples, and analysis can be performed from various viewpoints. At this time, if the user's personal information is included, it is preferable to anonymize it in a manner that complies with the laws and regulations of each country.

Additionally, the operator of the coupon providing system 1 may collect compensation from the provider for providing the analysis results. By collecting such consideration, the coupon providing system 1 can be stably operated.

<G. Real space and virtual space>
The coupon providing system 1 according to this embodiment may be realized in either real space or virtual space.

Typically, both the above-mentioned provider (store) and user exist in real space. When the user approaches a real store and the notification conditions 160 including the notification area 20 are satisfied, the coupon is notified. The user uses the notified coupon at an actual store.

Further, both the above-mentioned provider (store) and user may exist in the virtual space. In the virtual space, when the user approaches a virtual store and the notification conditions 160 including the notification area 20 are satisfied, a coupon is notified. The user uses the notified coupon at a virtual store.

Furthermore, the coupon providing system 1 may be realized in a mixed world of real space and virtual space. For example, in a virtual space, when a user approaches a virtual store and the notification conditions 160 including the notification area 20 are satisfied, a coupon is notified. The user can use the notified coupon at an actual store. Alternatively, when the user approaches an actual store and the notification conditions 160 including the notification area 20 are satisfied, the coupon is notified. The user can use the notified coupon at a virtual store.

In this way, at least a portion of the space where coupons are provided may be a virtual space. Therefore, in this specification, a "notification area" may include not only a real area set in a real space but also a virtual area set in a virtual space.

The "notification area" may be a two-dimensionally defined planar space or a three-dimensionally defined three-dimensional space. Further, the "notification area" can be set not only as a circular or spherical space based on a predetermined position, but also as any shape or space. For example, when defining it in two dimensions, the "notification area" may be a flat space surrounded by a closed curve (for example, it may be a circle with a predetermined radius based on a store, etc., or it may be any arbitrary shape other than a circle). In the case of three-dimensional definition, the "notification area" is defined as a three-dimensional space surrounded by closed curved surfaces (for example, a sphere with a predetermined radius based on a store, etc.). (or may have any shape other than a sphere).

Note that when using a virtual space, the user terminal 200 may be VR goggles.

As a more specific processing example, the notification area 20 can be set based on a virtually established store in the virtual space. The coupon may be notified when the user enters the virtually set notification area 20 and stays in the notification area 20. Note that the object representing the user can be freely moved within the virtual space by the user's operation.

Coupons received by the user can be used in the virtual space. As an example of its use in a virtual space, it is assumed that more advantageous conditions (such as being able to obtain it for free or at a low price) are presented when acquiring some kind of item or object using currency that circulates in a virtual space. .

Since the coupons received by the user can be stored in the data area managed by the user, the stored coupons can be presented at the actual store.

<H. Modified example>
The process for the user to receive a coupon notification and the process for using the coupon may be incorporated into a part of a payment application or a point card application, for example. User convenience can be improved by allowing users to make payments and accumulate points while using coupons.

Additionally, coupons may also be provided through paper media, direct mail (advertisement mail), etc.

<I. Advantages＞
Existing paper or electronic coupons are primarily aimed at customers who have purchased products or services in the past (existing customers) or customers who have an intention to purchase products or services (prospective customers). It is something. For example, the following coupon provision and usage formats can be considered.

・Distribute coupons by adding "benefits for next purchase" to receipts from past purchases of products or services. ・Distribute coupons in paper media through postings, insert advertisements, etc., and customers・Customers install a dedicated application on their smartphones, etc., and use the electronic coupons provided through the application.The provision of such coupons is mainly used to prevent existing customers from leaving the store. The aim is to improve purchasing frequency.

On the other hand, in the coupon providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, a coupon is notified when a preset notification area condition is met. When the conditions of the notification area 20 are satisfied, it is assumed that the situation is such that the user can easily access the provider (store) where the coupon can be used. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the user will visit a store where the coupon can be used.

As a result, the possibility of using a store that you have never used before, the possibility of starting to use a store that you used to use but have not used recently, and the possibility of using a store that you do not use at all now. Each can increase the likelihood of starting to use the service again. From the perspective of the provider (store), this increases the possibility of acquiring new customers and dormant customers, as well as increasing the possibility of acquiring customers who leave other stores.

Additionally, from the user's point of view, when they are out and about, they are notified of coupons from stores they have never used before, so they can feel the excitement of discovering a new store or product of interest. In addition, you will be notified of coupons from stores that you used to use but have not used recently or stores that you do not use at all, so you can recall your past memories of using the store and revisit the store. You can also have a sense of expectation.

The coupon providing system according to this embodiment also performs a type of posting electronically. In particular, since the conditions of the notification area are used, it is possible to achieve posting targeted to users who are likely to visit.

In this way, the coupon providing system according to the present embodiment not only prevents existing customers from leaving their customers and increases their purchase frequency, but also increases the possibility of acquiring new customers, dormant customers, and customers from other stores. .

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that equivalent meanings and all changes within the scope of the claims are included.

1 Coupon provision system, 10 Store, 20 Notification area, 100 Management server, 101,201 Processor, 102,202 Main memory, 103 Communication interface, 104,204 Input unit, 105,203 Display, 110,210 Storage, 112,212 System program, 114 Provided program, 120 Provided entity database, 121,141 Provided entity ID, 122,132 Account name, 123 Company name, 124,134 Email address, 125,143 Store ID, 126 Address, 127,135 Telephone number, 128 Name of person in charge, 129 Store location, 130 User database, 131 User ID, 133 Name, 136 Gender, 137 Age, 138 Preferences, 140 Coupon database, 142, 151 Coupon ID, 144 Title, 145 Message, 146 Image, 147 Usage start date and time, 148 Validity period, 149 Validity period, 150 Usage history database, 152 Usage date and time, 153 Payment information, 160 Notification conditions, 161 Number of notifications, 162 Number of views, 200 User terminal, 205 Output unit, 206 Wide area communication module, 207 Wireless communication module, 208 Near field communication module, 209 Location acquisition module, 214 Usage program, 216 Coupon data, 220 Notification message, 230, 240, 320, 330, 340 User interface screen, 232 Coupon, 234 Remaining time, 242 Usage Button, 244 Code image, 300 Setting device, 321 Title input field, 322 Message input field, 323 Image attachment field, 324 Preview button, 325 Notification area setting field, 326 Usage start setting field, 327 Expiration date setting field, 328 Validity period Settings field, 331 Status selection button, 332 Coupon list field, 333, 334, 335 Coupon information, 336 New issue button, 337 Store edit button, 341, 342, 343 Store information field, 344 Status display, 345 New registration button, 400 POS terminal.

Claims (10)

1. a first setting means for setting a coupon according to instructions from a provider;
   a second setting means for setting notification conditions for notifying the coupon to the user terminal according to instructions from the provider, and the notification conditions include a notification area set based on a predetermined position. including,
   determining means for determining whether the notification condition is satisfied based on the location of the user terminal and the notification area;
   A coupon providing system comprising: notification means for notifying the user terminal of the coupon if the notification condition is satisfied.
2. The coupon providing system according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines that the notification condition is satisfied when the user terminal enters the notification area.
3. The coupon providing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determining means determines that the notification condition is satisfied when the time that the user terminal stays in the notification area reaches a predetermined value.
4. The coupon providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined location is a location of a store where the coupon can be used.
5. The coupon providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification conditions include additional conditions based on at least one of an environmental attribute, a customer attribute, a movement attribute, a group attribute, and an area attribute.
6. The notification means satisfies an additional condition based on at least one of an environmental attribute, a customer attribute, a movement attribute, a group attribute, and an area attribute among a plurality of user terminals existing in the notification area. The coupon providing system according to claim 1, wherein a user terminal is determined as a target to be notified of the coupon.
7. The coupon has a period in which it can be used,
   7. The coupon providing system according to claim 1, wherein the available period is determined according to the timing at which the coupon is notified.
8. The coupon providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coupon is set with a date and time when it becomes available.
9. A coupon providing method executed by one or more computers, the method comprising:
   a step of setting the coupon according to instructions from the provider;
   and setting notification conditions for notifying a user terminal of the coupon according to instructions from the provider, the notification conditions including a notification area set with a predetermined position as a reference,
   determining whether the notification condition is satisfied based on the location of the user terminal and the notification area;
   A coupon providing method, comprising the step of notifying the user terminal of the coupon if the notification condition is satisfied.
10. A coupon providing program, wherein the coupon providing program causes a computer to:
    a step of setting the coupon according to instructions from the provider;
    and causing a user terminal to execute a step of setting notification conditions for notifying the coupon according to instructions from the provider, the notification conditions including a notification area set with a predetermined position as a reference, further determining whether the notification condition is satisfied based on the location of the user terminal and the notification area;
    A coupon providing program that causes a step of notifying the user terminal of the coupon if the notification condition is satisfied.

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