JP7587333B2 - Incentive system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an incentive granting system that encourages users to install apps that are used in conjunction with various systems on their mobile devices.

Nowadays, it is common for individuals to own and use mobile devices such as smartphones. Programs called apps are installed on mobile devices and used. Currently, in the hospitality industry, for example, apps are being offered that have the function of booking accommodations such as hotels.

Patent Literature 1 also discloses that, in order to induce the download of a game app that can be used on a terminal device, when a posting site that posts game information about a game is displayed on the terminal device and selection information is received indicating that the game information has been selected, a program for an emulator is executed to control the terminal device so that a game emulation can be played, and when the game emulation is played by a user of the terminal device, a reward that can be used on the posting site is given to the user.

JP 2018-28816 A

Currently, some online shopping sites handle hotel and accommodation reservations in addition to selling products. These online shopping sites are run by external companies that are separate from the accommodation facilities, and are outsourced by the accommodation facilities. Online shopping sites can utilize their wide customer contact point to attract many guests.

However, accommodation facilities must pay a fee (commission) to the external company that runs the mail-order site for attracting customers. This commission is usually paid for each reservation, and a set percentage of the accommodation fee is paid to the external company. In addition to the mail-order sites run by such external companies, accommodation facilities also accept reservations at the accommodation facilities themselves, as in the past. Conventional reservation methods include accepting reservations by telephone or fax, as well as accepting reservations through a website set up by the facility itself. Reservations accepted by the accommodation facilities in this way do not require the payment of commission to external companies, and have a high profit margin.

In the hospitality industry, reservations can be made directly between guests (users) and accommodations by using apps provided by the accommodations mentioned above. In addition, since the app is used on a mobile device that the user owns and uses, the user can easily use it. In this situation, accommodations would like users to install and use the accommodation app.

The present invention was developed in consideration of the situation in accommodation facilities, and one of its objectives is to provide an incentive granting system that can give incentives (rewards) to encourage users to install the app on their mobile devices and register.

The incentive granting system according to the first configuration comprises:
An incentive granting system including a server device and a management terminal available to a plurality of users,
The management terminal is
An output process can be executed to print or display the code information including the identification information received from the server device ;
The mobile device owned by the user
a portable transmission process is executed to read the code information printed out or displayed in the output process and transmit the identification information included in the code information to a server device;
The server device
storing a database in which the identification information and the situation information are associated;
The status information is information indicating whether or not an item is eligible for an incentive.
A process for identifying a user based on the use of the managed terminal;
a server transmission process for transmitting identification information associated with the user identified by the identification process to a management terminal;
a determination process for reading, from a database , situation information corresponding to the identification information received from a mobile device owned by a user, and determining whether the read situation information is an incentive target and whether a predetermined application has been launched on the mobile device that transmitted the identification information , as the determination conditions;
If it is determined in the determination process that the determination condition is satisfied, an incentive process is executed to give a reward to a user corresponding to the identification information included in the code information .

Further, the incentive granting system according to the second configuration is the incentive granting system according to the first configuration,
The determination conditions in the determination process include whether the user has installed a specific application.

Further, an incentive granting system according to a third configuration is the incentive granting system according to the first or second configuration,
The determination conditions in the determination process include logging in using an application installed on the mobile terminal.

Further, an incentive granting system according to a fourth configuration is the incentive granting system according to any one of the first to third configurations, further comprising:
The incentive granting system includes a server device,
The server device registers status information including terminal identification information of the mobile terminal when the application is installed on the mobile terminal;
The determination process uses the situation information to make a determination.

Further, an incentive granting system according to a fifth configuration is the incentive granting system according to any one of the first to fourth configurations,
The incentive granting system includes a server device,
The server device stores situation information including identification information corresponding to a registered user when the application is registered in the mobile terminal;
In the output process, it is determined whether or not the code information is to be output based on the situation information.

Further, an incentive granting system according to a sixth configuration is the incentive granting system according to any one of the first to fifth configurations,
The determination process determines at least one of the valid period during which the incentive process can be executed and the number of people eligible for the incentive process.

Further, an incentive granting system according to a seventh configuration is the incentive granting system according to any one of the first to sixth configurations,
In the case where member information corresponding to the identification information is registered in the server device, when the app is launched, the member information is used to automatically log in.

Furthermore, an incentive granting system according to an eighth configuration is the incentive granting system according to any one of the first to seventh configurations, further comprising:
The management terminal is a terminal installed in an accommodation facility, which manages the check-in or check-out of users, or is installed in the room where the user is staying.

Further, an incentive granting system according to a ninth configuration is the incentive granting system according to any one of the first to eighth configurations, further comprising:
At least a part of the information for registering the member information of the accommodation facility is acquired from the guest information of the accommodation facility.

The incentive granting system according to the present invention grants an incentive to a user, thereby increasing the opportunities for the user to install and use the app on their mobile device. In particular, by including identification information associated with the user in the code information, it becomes possible to provide an appropriate incentive to the user who is the target of the reward grant.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an accommodation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a settlement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a settlement machine according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a management computer according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing various data configurations used in the accommodation facility system according to the present embodiment; FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a check-in process according to the present embodiment; 1 is a flow diagram showing a reservation registration process according to the present embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an initial screen according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a check-in method selection screen according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an accommodation details confirmation screen according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a nationality selection screen according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a passport confirmation screen according to the present embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an accommodation register screen according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an accommodation register screen (being edited) according to the present embodiment; FIG. 1 shows a receipt according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing various data configurations used in the code reading process according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a code reading process according to the present embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing screen transitions in the code reading process according to the embodiment;

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an accommodation system according to this embodiment. The present invention relates to an incentive granting system that encourages users to install an app (program) on their mobile devices, such as smartphones. In this case, the system encourages customers (users) who use accommodation facilities, such as hotels, to install an app that allows them to make reservations for accommodation facilities, etc.

The accommodation system of this embodiment is a system that executes various processes related to accommodation, such as guest check-in, payment of accommodation fees, and check-out. The accommodation system of this embodiment is installed in a lobby located near the hotel entrance 82 of the accommodation facility (in this case, a hotel). The accommodation system is configured with payment machines 1a, 1b (corresponding to the "management terminal" according to the present invention) that are placed in the lobby and operated by the guests themselves, and a management computer 3 that is placed at the front desk or elsewhere and operated by an employee. Note that multiple payment machines 1a, 1b (two in this embodiment) are placed so that service can be provided to multiple guests simultaneously.

The settlement machines 1a, 1b and the management computer 3 are connected to each other via a LAN 51 so that they can communicate with each other. The management computer 3 is connected to a monitor 42 for displaying various information, and input means 41 such as a keyboard and mouse for accepting input from employees. Also connected are a receipt printer 44 for printing receipts, and a card key reader/writer 43 for writing and reading various information onto a card key. The card key here refers to a card that is used as a key to unlock the guest room, and it is possible to unlock the guest room by bringing the card key close to a sensor placed on the door of the guest room (non-contact type) or by inserting the card key into the slot of the sensor (contact type).

The LAN 51 in the accommodation facility is connected to the Internet via a router 52, and the management computer 3, payment machines 1a, 1b, etc. in the accommodation facility can communicate with various servers via the Internet. The servers used in this embodiment include a management server 53, an app store server 54 that provides apps, an app management server 55 that manages the installation status of apps on mobile devices owned by users and the decision on incentive granting, and an external reservation server 56 that is managed by an external company other than the accommodation facility, such as a travel agency or mail order company, and accepts reservations from users.

Management server 53, like management computer 3, stores and manages reservation information, member information, etc., and is capable of accepting reservations from users via a reservation site operated by the accommodation facility. Note that management server 53 may be divided into different servers for different purposes. For example, it is possible to manage the servers separately into a reservation management server that accepts reservations, a member management server that manages member information, a point management server that manages user points, etc.

The LAN 51 is also connected to a set-top box 81a installed in each guest room 51a. A television 82a is connected to this set-top box 81a, and a user staying in the guest room 8a can watch videos on television or via video-on-demand, and can view information about the accommodation facility, via the set-top box 81a.

2 is a diagram showing the exterior of the settlement machine 1 (1a, 1b) according to this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement machine 1 (1a, 1b) according to this embodiment. The settlement machine is placed in the lobby of the accommodation facility and can assist guests in checking in and out. The accommodation facility system of this embodiment allows four types of check-in: using the reservation ID notified at the time of reservation, using the name of the person who made the reservation, using a two-dimensional barcode, and using a room card (card key) given at the front desk. In the form of check-in using a room card, the guest first tells the employee at the front desk 81 his/her name, length of stay, etc., and receives a card key on which at least the room number is recorded. Note that this card key does not yet have the function of unlocking the room. By having the settlement machine 1 read this card key and completing payment of the room fee, the card key is given the unlocking function.

The settlement machine 1 is equipped with a touch panel monitor 11, a card key slot 12, a scanner port 13, a bill slot 18, a receipt printer 14, a credit card slot 15, a numeric keypad 16, and a money withdrawal port 17. The touch panel monitor 11 is equipped with a display section 11b that displays various information to the guest operating it, and a touch panel 11a that accepts operations from the guest. The card key slot 12 is an opening for reading a card key that unlocks the guest room, for issuing a card key stored in the settlement machine 1, or for collecting a card key at check-out.

The settlement machine 1 is configured with a CPU 21a, ROM 21b, and RAM 21c as a control unit, just like a normal computer. It also has a memory unit such as a hard disk 22 that stores various information. The interface 24 is connected to a scanner 20, a card key unit 25, a credit card unit 26, a banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 27, a coin withdrawal unit 28, a numeric keypad 16, and a receipt printer 14. These various devices connected to the interface 24 are connected to the control unit and memory unit, and are controlled according to the programs stored in the memory unit.

The credit card unit 26 is located behind the credit card slot 15 and reads credit cards held by guests. The bill slot 27 is located behind the bill slot 18 and collects bills paid by guests or dispenses bills as change. The coin slot 28 is located behind the money outlet 17 and dispenses coins as change to guests. The receipt printer 14 is capable of printing various types of information, such as receipts, on stored receipt paper, and cutting the printed receipt paper. The numeric keypad 16 is capable of inputting various information, such as credit card PIN numbers.

The image displayed on the touch panel monitor 11 is displayed on the display unit 11b by the image processing unit 21d under the control of the control unit and memory unit. The settlement machine 1 is also provided with a communication unit 23 for connecting to a LAN 51, and is capable of communicating with a management computer 3 connected to the network, or with the Internet via a router 52. In addition to visual information provided by the touch panel monitor 11, the settlement machine 1 is also capable of providing auditory information through the voice processing unit 21e and speaker.

Figure 4 shows the configuration of the management computer 3 and its peripheral mechanisms according to this embodiment. The management computer 3 is an information processing device operated by an employee, and is configured with a CPU 31a, a ROM 31b, a RAM 31c, and a hard disk 32 as a storage unit. It also has an interface 37a for connecting various input means 41 such as a keyboard and a mouse. It also has an interface 37b for connecting a receipt printer 44 and a card key reader/writer 43. It also has an image processing unit 31d for forming and outputting images to the monitor 42. It also has a communication unit 33 for connecting to a LAN 51, and is capable of communicating with the settlement machines 1a and 1b connected to the network, or with the Internet via a router 52. In addition to visual information provided by the monitor 42, the management computer 3 can also provide auditory information provided by a voice processing unit 31e and a speaker.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the accommodation system according to this embodiment is capable of executing various processes related to the check-in and check-out of guests. Currently, there are two ways to make reservations at accommodation facilities: by accepting reservations at the accommodation facility itself, and by accepting reservations through a company other than the accommodation facility (referred to as an "external company"). As a method for accepting reservations at the accommodation facility itself, in addition to accepting reservations by telephone or fax, there is a method for accepting reservations using the accommodation facility's own website. On the other hand, as a method for accepting reservations through an external company, it is common to use an external site operated by an external company such as a travel agency or mail order company. By using an external site, it is possible to attract many guests by using a wide customer service window.

By the way, when an external site is used, the accommodation facility will outsource the customer acquisition to an external company, and the accommodation facility will have to pay a fee to the external company. The fee is generally a certain rate multiplied by the accommodation fee. Therefore, it is possible to attract guests through the wide customer service desk of the external site, but the profit margin in this case will be lower than the profit margin if the accommodation facility itself accepts reservations. In addition to guests who are using the accommodation facility (or accommodation facilities belonging to the same group) for the first time, there are also so-called repeat guests who use the accommodation facility (or accommodation facilities belonging to the same group) again. If repeat guests continue to make reservations through an external site, the profit margin will be lower than if the accommodation facility itself accepted reservations. Also, not being able to capture repeat guests who have used the accommodation facility many times to make reservations for the accommodation facility itself means missing out on a valuable opportunity.

Nowadays, with the widespread use of mobile devices such as smartphones, hotels or hotel chains may use their own apps to make reservations at accommodations. Such apps allow reservations to be made without going through external sites as mentioned above, which is of great benefit to accommodations. They also make reservations easily for users, and if users are members of the accommodation, they can easily receive member benefits, discounts, and the like. One of the objectives of this embodiment is to provide an accommodation system that allows users to install such accommodation apps.

Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing the check-in process executed by the payment machine 1 according to this embodiment. An initial screen is displayed on the payment machine 1 in an initial state where no reception has yet been performed. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the initial screen according to this embodiment. A language selection button 111, a check-in selection button 112, and a check-out selection button 113 are displayed on the initial screen. A guest operates the check-in selection button 112 when checking in, and operates the check-out selection button 113 when checking out. In addition, if the guest is a foreigner, the language display on the touch panel monitor 11 can be changed by operating the language selection button 111 corresponding to the language of the guest's country.

The check-in process is started by operating the check-in selection button 112. When the check-in process is started, a check-in method selection screen that asks about the check-in method is displayed on the touch panel monitor 11 (S101). Figure 9 shows the check-in method selection screen. Four check-in selection buttons 114a to 114d are displayed on the check-in method selection screen, and the guest can select one of four check-in methods.

There are four types of check-in methods: (1) using a reservation ID (selecting the check-in selection button 114a), (2) using a name (selecting the check-in selection button 114b), (3) using a two-dimensional barcode (selecting the check-in selection button 114c), and (4) using a room card (selecting the check-in selection button 114d). When making a reservation for accommodation, the reservation ID may be notified. In the case of using a reservation ID, the reservation is introduced by entering the notified reservation ID. In the case of using a name, the reservation is introduced by entering the name of the guest who made the reservation. When reserving accommodation over the Internet, information about the reservation may be notified by email, app, etc. using a two-dimensional barcode (code information). In the case of using a two-dimensional barcode, the user presents the acquired two-dimensional barcode to inquire about the reservation.

However, guests who come to the establishment may not go directly to the payment machine 1, but may instead tell the employee at the front desk 81 their name, length of stay, etc., as has been done in the past. Similarly, for guests who have not made a reservation (called walk-ins), there is a method in which the employee at the front desk 81 checks for available rooms, and if there is one, the employee applies for the room. The use of room cards corresponds to this method. In this case, the employee inputs information into the management computer 3, confirms the reservation of the guest, and uses the card key reader/writer 43 to record the room number on the card key, or in the case of a walk-in, registers information about the stay and uses the card key reader/writer 43 to record the room number on the card key. At this time, if the guest is a member, information about the stay is registered based on the member information. The card key is then handed to the guest, who is prompted to settle the bill at the payment machine 1. By selecting the inquiry form from the room card on the payment machine 1, the guest can inquire about information related to the reservation by simply inserting the card key into the card key entrance/exit 12 without having to input various information (reservation ID, name, two-dimensional barcode, etc.).

Here, various data configurations used in the accommodation system will be explained. Figure 5 shows various data configurations used in the accommodation system. As mentioned above, there are two types of reservations: one made using an external site (external reservation server 56) and one made by the accommodation facility itself. Figure 5 (A) shows the case where a reservation is made using an external site, and two pieces of external site reservation information are shown here. External site reservation information is reservation information accepted at an external site operated by an external company. An accommodation facility may use multiple external companies. Figure 5 (A1) shows reservation information (external site reservation information) accepted by external company A, and Figure 5 (A2) shows reservation information (external site reservation information) accepted by external company B. Such reservation information is sent from the external reservation server 56 to the management computer 3 in the accommodation facility, or to the management server 53 managed by the accommodation facility.

The data structure of the external site reservation information may differ for each external business. The external site reservation information shown in FIG. 5 (A1) includes identification information indicating external business A, a reservation ID, guest information, and accommodation-related information. The guest information includes name, telephone number, and gender written in katakana. The accommodation-related information includes information such as check-in date, number of nights, number of guests, room type, accommodation fee, and reservation plan. On the other hand, the external site reservation information shown in FIG. 5 (A1) includes identification information indicating external business B, a reservation ID, guest information, and accommodation-related information. Comparing FIG. 5 (A1) and FIG. 5 (A2), the contents of the accommodation-related information are consistent, but the contents of the guest information are partially different. This is because the accommodation-related information is information about the same accommodation facility, and the handling of the guest information is handled differently by each external business. In addition, in the case of external site reservation information such as FIG. 5 (A1) and FIG. 5 (A2), detailed guest information such as an email address is generally not included. In addition, the handling of guest information in the external site reservation information may be restricted (for example, it may not be used for promotions unless the guest's confirmation is obtained). The external site reservation information shown in FIG. 5 (A1) and FIG. 5 (A2) is stored in the accommodation facility's management computer 3 via the Internet.

Figure 5 (B) shows various information related to accommodation facility members, and Figure 5 (B1) shows member information, i.e., various information related to guests registered at the accommodation facility. Member information is stored and managed by the management computer 3 in the accommodation facility or the management server 53 managed by the accommodation facility. Figure 5 (B2) shows member reservation information when a member of the accommodation facility makes a reservation. Member reservation information and non-member reservation information, which will be described later, are formed by accepting reservations from users using the reservation function of the management server 53, for example, and are stored and managed by the management server 53 or the management computer 3. Member information includes detailed information such as member ID, name (kanji), name (katakana), gender, occupation, age, nationality, postal code, address, telephone number, and email address. Unlike guest information in external site reservation information, member information is information registered with the confirmation of the guest. Therefore, it can be used for promotions by the accommodation facility. Member reservation information is information when a reservation is made by a customer who has registered member information, and a reservation ID and accommodation-related information are registered in correspondence with the member ID of the member information.

Figure 5 (C) shows information about non-members of the accommodation facility. A non-member of the accommodation facility is, for example, a guest who makes a reservation through the accommodation facility's homepage without registering as a member, or a guest who makes a reservation by calling the accommodation facility. Figure 5 (C1) shows non-member reservation information that is formed when a reservation is made by a non-member of the accommodation facility. Non-member reservation information includes a reservation ID, guest information, and accommodation-related information. Guest information includes name (kanji), name (kana), address, and phone number.

Returning to the check-in process of FIG. 6, when a check-in method is selected by the user based on the display of the check-in method selection screen (S102: Yes), a reservation user is inquired (identified) according to the selected check-in method, that is, a database stored in the hard disk 32 (storage unit) of the management computer 3 is searched (S103). Then, based on the inquiry, the external site reservation information described in FIG. 5 (A1) and FIG. 5 (A2), or the member reservation information described in FIG. 5 (B2), or the non-member reservation information described in FIG. 5 (C) is acquired (S104). When the various reservation information is acquired, the settlement machine 1 inquires of the application management server 55 whether the user to be checked in is eligible for an incentive (S105). The settlement machine 1 then displays an accommodation details confirmation screen based on the acquired information about the reservation (S106).

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the accommodation details confirmation screen according to this embodiment. The accommodation details confirmation screen displays an accommodation related display field 115 that displays various information based on the acquired reservation information (external site reservation information, member reservation information, or non-member reservation information), a cancel button 116, a back button 117, and a next button 118. When the user (guest) confirms that the content displayed in the accommodation related display field 115 is correct, he or she operates the next button 118 (S106: Yes). On the other hand, if the content displayed in the accommodation related display field 115 is different from the actual content, the user operates the cancel button 116 or the back button 117 to call an employee or redo the operation.

After the display contents of the accommodation-related display field 115 are confirmed (S107: Yes), the reservation registration process (S200) is executed. The reservation registration process (S200) is a process equivalent to filling out a conventional guestbook, and obtains information about the guest required for their stay. In particular, for foreign guests, the presentation and registration of a passport is required, so a copy (scan) of the foreign guest's passport is made.

Figure 7 is a flow diagram of the reservation registration process (S200) according to this embodiment. When the reservation registration process (S200) starts, first, a nationality selection screen is displayed (S201). Figure 11 is a diagram showing the nationality selection screen according to this embodiment. The nationality selection screen displays a nationality selection button 119a selected by guests residing in Japan, and a nationality selection button 119b selected by guests residing in Japan, i.e., guests who are required to present a passport. The nationality selection screen also displays a registration order display field 120 indicating the number of guests being accepted. In addition, the nationality selection screen displays a cancel button 116 and a back button 117. These functions are the same as those on the accommodation details confirmation screen described in Figure 10, and are general functions. The same applies to the cancel button 116 and back button 117 that appear on various subsequent screens.

If the nationality selection button 119b is selected (S202: No), i.e., if the guest is a foreign national, the settlement machine 1 prompts the user to place their passport on the scanner 20 installed in the scanner port 13 by displaying (not shown) on the touch panel monitor 11 etc. When the passport has been read by the scanner 20 (S203) (S204), the passport confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed (S204). The passport display screen displays a passport display field 121, a cancel button 116, a back button 117, a next button 118, etc. The passport image read by the scanner 20 is displayed in the passport display field 121. The user checks the passport image displayed in the passport display field 121, and operates the next button 118 to indicate completion of reading, completing the reading of the passport (S205: Yes). The scanned passport image may be registered directly in the hotel register information, or character recognition may be performed on the passport image to extract various passport information such as the passport number, and the passport image may be registered in the hotel register information, either together with the passport image or by itself.

When the passport reading is completed (S205: Yes) or the nationality selection button 119a is operated, it is determined whether the information regarding the reservation acquired in S104 is external site reservation information (S206). If it is not external site reservation information (S206: No), it is determined whether the guest is a registered member (S207). If the guest is a registered member (S207: Yes), the guest is a member of the accommodation facility as described in FIG. 5(B), and the accommodation ledger screen is displayed using the member information in FIG. 5(B1) and the member reservation information in FIG. 5(B2). On the other hand, if the guest is not a registered member (S207: No), the guest is a non-member of the accommodation facility as described in FIG. 5(C), and the accommodation ledger screen is displayed using the non-member reservation information in FIG. 5(C1).

If the information on the reservation is external site reservation information (S206: Yes), the external site reservation information is searched for member information corresponding to the name (kana) and telephone number, for example, in the case of the external site reservation information in FIG. 5 (A1) (S207). If a search result is found, that is, if member information is registered (S208: Yes), the corresponding member information is obtained (S209), and the accommodation ledger screen is displayed using the external site reservation information and member information (S211). On the other hand, if the member is not registered (S208: No), the accommodation ledger screen is displayed using only the external site reservation information (S210). Note that in this embodiment, during the reservation registration process, a process is executed (S206 to S212) to form the information necessary to display the accommodation ledger screen, but this process may be executed in advance before the reservation registration process is executed.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing the accommodation register screen according to this embodiment. The accommodation register screen includes an accommodation related information display field 122, an edit button 123, a guest related information display field 124, a signature field 125, a cancel button 116, a confirm button 126, and the like. The accommodation related information display field 122 is displayed based on the accommodation related information contained in the information described in Figures 5 (A1), 5 (A2), 5 (B2), and 5 (C1). Furthermore, if a user is registered as a member, the guest related information display field 124 displays various information contained in the member information in Figure 5 (B1). In this way, if a user is registered as a member, the guest related information display field 124 displays most of the information based on the registered member information, so the user does not need to make significant edits.

The signature field 125 is a field for entering a signature by tracing on the touch panel monitor 11 with a finger or a touch pen. Depending on the operation of the accommodation facility, a signature may not be required. In that case, the signature field 125 may not be provided. When the edit button 123 is operated on the accommodation ledger screen (S214: Yes), the screen transitions to the accommodation ledger screen (editing) shown in FIG. 14, and an editing process (S215) is executed. In addition to the guest-related information display field 124, the accommodation ledger screen (editing) displays a soft keyboard 127 and a conversion character selection field 128. The user selects an item to be edited (add new, modify, delete) in the guest-related information display field 124, and uses the soft keyboard 127 and conversion character selection field 128 to edit.

After editing, or without editing, if the Confirm button 126 in the guest-related information display field 124 is operated (S216: Yes), a registration confirmation screen (not shown) is displayed (S217). A Registration Allow button is displayed on the registration confirmation screen, and if the user operates the Registration Allow button (S218: Yes), an image (accommodation ledger image) captured from the accommodation ledger screen shown in FIG. 13 is registered as accommodation ledger information in a storage device such as the hard disk 32 of the management computer 3 (S219). Note that the accommodation ledger image only needs to include at least the accommodation related information display field 122 and the guest related information display field 124.

The reservation registration process (S200) is now complete, and the process returns to the check-in process of FIG. 6. Once the reservation registration process (S200) is complete, the payment process for the accommodation fee (S109) is executed. In this embodiment, payment can be made by cash using the bill deposit/withdrawal unit 27 or the coin withdrawal unit 28, or by credit card using the credit card unit 26. Once payment for the accommodation fee is complete, a card key used to unlock the guest room is issued from the card key entrance/exit 12 (S110). Card keys can be issued with a maximum number corresponding to the number of guests staying at the hotel. If the reservation is introduced using the room card described in FIG. 9, unlocking information is written by the card key unit 25 onto the inserted card key and then ejected.

After the card key is issued, a first determination is made to determine whether or not the user is eligible for an incentive (S111). Whether or not the user is eligible for an incentive is determined as a result of the determination made to the app management server 55 in S105. Here, a user who is not eligible for an incentive in the first determination of this embodiment refers to, for example, a user who has installed the app on the user's mobile device and is using the app as a member. By making other users eligible for the incentive, the use of the app on a mobile device is encouraged. Note that in the first determination, various determination conditions can be set, such as making only users who have not installed the app eligible for the incentive. Also, in the first determination process, all users may be eligible for the incentive (effectively, no determination of users eligible for the incentive is made).

If it is determined in S111 that the user is eligible for an incentive (S111: Yes), the first receipt issuing process (S112) is executed. In the first receipt issuing process (S112), a receipt 61 displaying code information 61a is printed by the receipt printer 14 as shown in FIG. 15 (A). On the other hand, if the user is not eligible for an incentive (S111: No), the second receipt issuing process (S113) is executed. In the second receipt issuing process (S113), a receipt 61 without code information 61a is printed by the receipt printer 14 as shown in FIG. 15 (B).

The structure of the receipt 61 shown in FIG. 15 will now be described. FIG. 15(A) is a receipt 61 issued to an incentive eligible user, and FIG. 15(B) is a receipt 61 issued to a user other than an incentive eligible user. The receipts 61 in FIG. 15(A) and FIG. 15(B) are different in that the receipt 61 in FIG. 15(A) displays code information 61a formed by a QR code (registered trademark) and an incentive explanation 61b, whereas the receipt 61 in FIG. 15(B) does not display these.

In both receipts 61 of FIG. 15(A) and FIG. 15(B), the check-in date, room number, check-in time, and payment time (time when payment was processed) are displayed, as well as the reservation plan name, accommodation fee, name, arrival date (check-in date), telephone number, etc. Note that the illustrated example shows a case where the customer is a registered member, and information such as address and email address is also displayed.

As shown in FIG. 15(A), code information 61a and incentive explanation 61b are displayed to incentive eligible users. The process using this information will now be described. As stated in incentive explanation 61b, a can of beer will be offered as an incentive to users who install the accommodation facility's app and complete the initial setup. A user who wishes to receive the incentive starts the process by reading code information 61a with a smartphone (mobile terminal).

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal 7 according to this embodiment. The mobile terminal 7 is a terminal held by a user, and includes a CPU 71a, a ROM 61b storing various programs, a RAM 71c for temporarily storing information, an image processing unit 71d, and an audio processing unit 71e as control units. A camera 74 for taking pictures and a display unit of a touch panel monitor 75 are connected to the image processing unit 71d. A speaker 78a and a microphone 78b are connected to the audio processing unit 71e. The CPU 71a is connected to various communication units (mobile line communication unit 76a, wireless LAN communication unit 76b, Bluetooth communication unit 76c (Bluetooth is a registered trademark)), an input switch 53 for accepting various inputs, and a touch panel 751 constituting the touch panel monitor 75, via an interface 73.

A user can use such a mobile terminal 7 to use various applications. Furthermore, when a user receives a receipt 61 shown in FIG. 15 and wishes to receive an incentive, the user uses the camera 74 of the mobile terminal 7 to read the code information 61a, thereby starting the code reading process shown in FIG. 18.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing various data configurations used in the code reading process according to this embodiment. The code information 61a includes a URL indicating the application management server 55, as shown in Figure 17 (A). A transaction ID is written at the end of this URL, and when access is made using this URL, it is possible to determine the user using the transaction ID. In other words, the transaction ID can be said to be associated with the user.

Here, the issuance of the transaction ID included in the code information will be described. The transaction ID is identification information issued by the application management server 55, and is information associated with the user. The application management server 55 stores various application status information shown in FIG. 17 (B1) to FIG. 17 (B3). This application status information has the form of when the code information is issued as shown in FIG. 17 (B1), when the application is installed as shown in FIG. 17 (B2), and when the use of the application is started as shown in FIG. 17 (B3). By referring to this application status information, it is possible to determine whether the user has installed the application and whether the user has started using the application after installing it. The inquiry to the application management server in the check-in process described in FIG. 6 (S105), and the result of the inquiry as to whether the user is eligible for an incentive (S111) are determined by referring to this application status information.

Figure 17 (B3) shows app status information at the start of app use, i.e., when the user installs the app on the mobile terminal 7, logs in, and starts using the app. In this case, the app status information includes a transaction ID, a member ID or reservation ID, route information, a terminal ID (terminal identification information), installation-related information, and usage-related information. The issuance of a transaction ID will be explained later. The member ID or reservation ID is information that can identify the user.

The route information is information for identifying the issuing route of the code information. In this embodiment, the information indicating the settlement machine 1a, 1b that issued the receipt 61 is the route information. The route information may be information indicating that the information was issued by the settlement machine 1a, 1b, or information that can identify which settlement machine 1a, 1b issued the receipt. In this embodiment, the code information 61a is issued using the receipt 61 of the settlement machine 1a, 1b, but the code information 61a may be issued in various situations that can be identified by the user. For example, a television 82a installed in a guest room of the accommodation facility may be used to display the code information 61a and the incentive explanation 61b on the television 82a. In this case, the management computer 3 is required to be connected to a set-top box 81a connected to the television in the guest room and to output various information from the management computer 3 to the set-top box 81a.

The terminal ID is identification information unique to the mobile terminal 7, and it is possible to use an advertising ID used for advertisement distribution, etc., as the terminal ID. Mobile terminals 7 are generally owned by individuals, and it is unlikely that different users will use the same mobile terminal 7. For example, when receiving an incentive, it is possible that a different user may register the same mobile terminal 7 and receive the incentive fraudulently. For this reason, when determining whether or not an incentive is eligible, if the same terminal ID already exists in the app status information, it is excluded from the incentive eligibility.

The installation-related information includes the date and time when the app was installed, and the usage-related information includes the date and time when the app was launched and logged in as a member, i.e., the date and time when the user started using the app as a member.

The application status information at the time of application installation shown in FIG. 17(B2) is in a form that does not include usage-related information, unlike the application status information in FIG. 17(B3). When the application is installed and usage begins, usage-related information is added, and the state transitions from FIG. 17(B2) to FIG. 17(B3).

In the check-in process described in FIG. 6, if it is determined that the user is eligible for an incentive (S111), a receipt 61 including code information 61a is issued in the first receipt issuance process (S112). Whether or not the user is eligible for an incentive is determined by the app management server 55, which refers to the app status information shown in FIG. 17 (B). If the app status information is not in the state of FIG. 17 (B3), the app management server 55 returns the information included in FIG. 17 (A) to the settlement machine 1, and the settlement machine 1 forms code information based on the received information and prints it on the receipt 61. Since the code information includes a transaction ID, it is possible to identify the user by referring to this transaction ID and the app status information.

Now, the code reading process will be described using the flow diagram shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing screen transitions of the code reading process according to this embodiment. The code reading process is a process executed by the mobile terminal 7, and is started by taking an image with the camera 74 shown in FIG. 19 (A) and displaying the code information 61a in the image display field 556a of the touch panel monitor 55. The mobile terminal 7 extracts the URL described in FIG. 17 (A) from the code information 61a taken by the camera 74 (S301). Then, based on the extracted URL, the application management server 55 is accessed. The application management server 55 reads the application status information by the transaction ID included in the URL, and checks whether the target application has been installed on the mobile terminal 7. If the application has not been installed (S303: No), the application management server 55 notifies the mobile terminal 7 of the URL of the application installation screen, and causes the mobile terminal 7 to transition to the application installation screen (S304). The user can install the target application from the installation screen. Different apps are used depending on the type of OS installed on the mobile terminal 7. The app management server 55 determines the type of OS of the mobile terminal 7 that has accessed the app, and notifies the URL of the app store server 54 that corresponds to the type of OS. In this way, in this embodiment, the app management server 55 determines the type of OS of the mobile terminal 7 that has accessed the app, and guides the user to the installation screen of the target app at the app store server 54 that corresponds to the type of OS, making it possible to use one piece of code information regardless of the type of OS.

If the target application is not installed (S305: No), the code reading information is terminated. If the target application is installed (S305: Yes), the target application is started (S306). At that time, the mobile terminal 7 transmits to the application management server 55 a notice that the target application has been installed together with its own terminal ID. The application management server 55 rewrites the application status information from the state of FIG. 17 (B1) to the state of FIG. 17 (B2). Also, if the target application is already installed on the mobile terminal 7 (S303: Yes), it is confirmed whether the target application is running (S314). If the target application is not running (S314: No), the target application is started and the automatic login function is used to automatically login (S315). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether login with the target application has been successful (S315). If the user is logged in (S316: Yes), it is determined that the user is not an incentive eligible user since the user has already been registered with the target application, and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the target application is launched (S306) or when login is not possible after the target application is launched (S315: No), it is confirmed whether or not the user is registered as a member (S307). This confirmation can be made, for example, by checking whether or not the code information contains a member ID. Alternatively, the reservation ID included in the code information can be queried to the management server 53 to check whether or not the user is registered as a member. If the user is not registered as a member (S307: No), a new member registration process (S308) is executed using the mobile terminal 7. The new member registration process (S308) is a process for having the user register the member information described in FIG. 5 (B1). In this embodiment, even if a user has not registered member information, it is possible to obtain the guest information in, for example, FIG. 5 (A1), FIG. 5 (A2), and FIG. 5 (C1). In addition, for walk-in guests who have not made a reservation, the guest information is entered by an employee in the management computer 3 of the front desk 81. Therefore, in the new member registration process, it is possible to have the known guest information entered in advance, thereby reducing the effort required of the user to enter the information.

If the user is already registered as a member (S307: Yes), or when the new member registration process (S308) is completed, the authentication screen shown in FIG. 19 (B) is displayed (S309). In this embodiment, since the receipt 61 is used, there is a possibility that the code information 61a may be used by a third party if the receipt 61 is lost. For this reason, the authentication screen is used to authenticate the user using the telephone number used to reserve the accommodation. The entered telephone number is queried with the management server 53, and authentication processing is performed. If authentication is not possible (S310: No), processing ends.

On the other hand, if the user is authenticated (S310), it is determined whether the user is eligible for the incentive (S311). The process for determining whether the user is eligible for the incentive (S311) corresponds to the second determination process (S311) in contrast to the first determination process (S111) during the check-in process in FIG. 6. In this second determination process (S311), whether the user is eligible for the incentive is determined by referring to the application status information stored in the management server 53. In this embodiment, in the first determination process (S111) of the check-in process described in FIG. 6, it is determined whether the user is eligible for the incentive, but the same determination process is executed again in the code reading process in the mobile terminal 7 to ensure that the user is eligible for the incentive. In addition, the determination content of the second determination process (S311) is not limited to this form, and may be replaced with another condition or may be another condition. Another possible condition is, for example, a campaign by an accommodation facility where an incentive is given to a certain number of people on a first-come, first-served basis (for example, the first 10 people), or where an incentive is given by an expiration date. In the case of such other conditions, the application management server 55 stores such conditions, determines whether the mobile terminal 7 that has accessed the application satisfies the above conditions, and sends a reply to the mobile terminal 7.

In this manner, in this embodiment, whether or not a user is eligible for an incentive is determined in the first determination process (S111) in the check-in process of FIG. 6 and the second determination process (S311) in the code reading process of FIG. 18. The determination conditions for the first determination process (S111) and the second determination process (S311) can be set as appropriate. In addition, the determination conditions can be different for each accommodation facility. In addition, it is possible to perform not only both the first determination process (S311) and the second determination process (S311), but also one or the other. For example, if only the second determination process (S311) is performed to determine whether or not a user is eligible for an incentive, code information 61a will be printed on the receipt 61 regardless of the user.

In this embodiment, a second determination process (S311) is performed to determine whether or not a user who launches the app after reading the code information is eligible for an incentive. The conditions for this determination process can be various, such as (1) the user installing the target app for the first time, (2) the user logging in using the target app for the first time even though the target app has already been installed, or (3) the user installing the target app for the first time and then logging in for the first time. Alternatively, this second determination condition (S311) can be omitted, and the only condition for incentive eligibility can be that the user reads the code information with the mobile terminal 7 and launches the target app.

Regarding the determination of incentive eligibility (S311), if it is determined that the item is eligible for an incentive (S311: Yes), incentive processing (S312) is executed. If it is determined that the item is not eligible for an incentive (S311: No), the processing ends.

In the incentive process (S312) of this embodiment, an incentive granting screen as shown in FIG. 19 (C) is displayed on the touch panel monitor 55 of the mobile terminal 7. By presenting this screen to the front desk staff of the accommodation facility, the user can receive one can of beer as an incentive. The incentive granting screen may also display the member ID, name, telephone number, etc. of the user receiving the incentive. The front desk staff can use the management computer 3, etc. to confirm that this information indicates that the user is eligible for the incentive, and then hand over the incentive as a reward.

After the incentive process (S312), a status registration process (S313) is executed to register the application status information to the management server 53, and the series of code reading processes is completed.

The above describes an example of the incentive granting system of this embodiment in a system for accommodation facilities. In particular, this embodiment has a mechanism for determining the registration status of an app on the mobile terminal 7 based on the member ID (user identification information) included in the code information 61a printed on the receipt 61, and for providing an incentive when an app is newly registered, thereby making it possible to encourage users to use the app.

In this embodiment, the method of providing the incentive to the user is to display an incentive awarding screen as shown in FIG. 19(C) and directly hand the user an item (beer), but the incentive (reward) may not only be given to the user directly as an item, but may also be given in the form of points associated with the user. For example, various forms can be adopted, such as giving accommodation facility member points associated with a member ID and allowing the member points to be exchanged for products or used to reduce the price when using the accommodation facility. Furthermore, the points may not only be such accommodation facility-specific member points, but may also be points that can be used at multiple stores, or given in the form of electronic money.

In addition, the code information 61a can be provided to the user not only by printing it on the receipt 61, but also in various situations that can be identified by the user, such as displaying it on the touch panel monitor 11 of the settlement machine 1 at an appropriate timing upon check-in, or displaying it on a display means such as a television in the guest room used by the user.

The incentive granting system is not limited to being targeted at accommodation facilities as in this embodiment, but can also be applied to various businesses in which apps are used. Currently, various stores such as convenience stores and supermarkets provide apps that are specialized for each store. For example, convenience stores have adopted payment methods using apps in addition to the conventional payment method using electronic money with a card. The use of apps offers great benefits to both users and stores, as it can provide users with various information such as sales announcements or coupon issuance.

This incentive granting system can also be applied to payment systems used in such stores. For example, when an electronic payment is made by card at a store's cash register (corresponding to the "management terminal" of the present invention), the user is identified by the electronic payment, and the user identification information is printed on the receipt, making it possible to provide an incentive to the user who has registered the app, just as in the accommodation facility system.

Although various embodiments of the invention pertaining to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these various embodiments, and forms formed by appropriately combining the configurations of each of the various embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.

1 (1a, 1b): Settlement machine 31d: Image processing unit 3: Management computer 31e: Voice processing unit 7: Mobile terminal 32: Hard disk 11: Touch panel monitor 33: Communication unit 11a: Touch panel 37a, 37b: Interface 11b: Display unit 41: Input means 12: Card key slot 42: Monitor 13: Scanner port 43: Writer 14: Receipt printer 44: Receipt printer 15: Credit card slot 52: Router 16: Numeric keypad 53: Management server 17: Cash withdrawal slot 54: App store server 18: Banknote slot 71a: CPU
20: Scanner 71b: ROM
21a: CPU 71c: RAM
21b: ROM 71d: Image processing unit 21c: RAM 71e: Sound processing unit 21d: Image processing unit 72: Memory unit 21e: Audio processing unit 73: Interface 22: Hard disk 74: Camera 23: Communication unit 75: Touch panel monitor 24: Interface 751: Display unit 25: Card key unit 752: Touch panel 26: Credit card unit 76a: Mobile line communication unit 27: Bill deposit/withdrawal unit 76b: Wireless LAN communication unit 28: Coin withdrawal unit 76c: Bluetooth communication unit 31a: CPU 77: Input switch 31b: ROM 78a: Speaker 31c: RAM 78b: Microphone

Claims (1)

An incentive granting system including a server device and a management terminal available to a plurality of users,
The management terminal is
An output process can be executed to print or display the code information including the identification information received from the server device ;
The mobile device owned by the user
a portable transmission process is executed to read the code information printed or displayed in the output process and transmit the identification information included in the code information to a server device;
The server device
storing a database in which the identification information and the situation information are associated;
The status information is information indicating whether or not an item is eligible for an incentive.
A process for identifying a user based on the use of the managed terminal;
a server transmission process for transmitting identification information associated with the user identified by the identification process to a management terminal;
a determination process for reading, from a database , situation information corresponding to the identification information received from a mobile device owned by a user, and determining whether the read situation information is an incentive target and whether a predetermined application has been launched on the mobile device that transmitted the identification information , as the determination conditions;
and an incentive granting system that executes an incentive process for granting a reward to a user corresponding to the identification information included in the code information when it is determined in the determination process that the determination condition is satisfied.