JP7679057B2 - Information processing terminal and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technology for displaying coupon information that can be used in a store.

Technology is known that provides users with coupon information that can be used in stores. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that provides users with useful information about products.

JP 2019-153007 A

In the technology described in Patent Literature 1, for example, when a user selects a store icon and a product icon displayed on a map, product information such as coupons related to products of the store corresponding to the selected icon is displayed. However, when coupon information is displayed using such a technology, when a user wants to see available coupon information for each of a plurality of stores, the user must repeatedly select the icon of each store, which is time-consuming.
The present invention aims to improve operability when displaying coupon information that can be used at stores shown on a map.

One aspect of the present invention provides an information processing terminal having a display unit, a first display control means for displaying map information including information indicating the location of a store on a map on the display unit, an acquisition means for acquiring coupon information that can be used at the store located on the map displayed on the display unit, and a second display control means for displaying the acquired coupon information on the display unit.

The information processing terminal may further have a means for acquiring the position of the information processing terminal, and the second display control means may display coupon information that can be used at stores that are present on the map displayed on the display unit and that are within a target range that is determined based on the position of the information processing terminal.

The information processing terminal may further include a receiving means for receiving a designation of the display range of the map information from a user, and the second display control means may display coupon information that can be used at stores that are present on the map displayed on the display unit and that are present within a predetermined target range for the display range.

The first display control means may determine the scale of the displayed map so that the number of stores present in the target area is within a predetermined range.

The first display control means may determine the scale of the displayed map so that the number of coupon information provided by stores in the target area falls within a predetermined range.

The coupon information may be displayed in a scrollable manner in a predetermined arrangement in a second screen area that is set separately from the first screen area for displaying the map information.

The second display control means may further display information indicating the timing at which the coupon information is available.

The second display control means may further display information indicating the remaining number of coupons to be issued.

The location where each coupon information is displayed may be determined based on at least one of the following: restrictions on the use of the coupon information, the distance from the current location of the store that provides the coupon information, and conditions specified by the user regarding the store or coupon information.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of displaying map information including information indicating the location of a store on a map on a display unit, acquiring coupon information that can be used at the store located on the map displayed on the display unit, and displaying the acquired coupon information on the display unit.

The present invention improves operability when displaying coupon information available at stores shown on a map.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of a coupon system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a distribution server. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupon database. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing terminal. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of changing the scale of a map. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of coupon information. 11 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation of the coupon system. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation on a coupon screen.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of a coupon system 10 according to an embodiment. The coupon system 10 provides a coupon service to encourage users to visit stores. In the coupon service, coupon information that can be used at stores located around a reference position is provided to the user. This reference position may be the user's current position or a position specified by the user. If there are multiple stores around the reference position, multiple coupon information that can be used at each of these stores is provided. The coupon system 10 includes a map server 100, a distribution server 200, and an information processing terminal 300. The distribution server 200, the map server 100, and the information processing terminal 300 are connected via a communication network 50. The communication network 50 includes, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

The map server 100 stores map information showing a map, and provides the map information around the reference position to the information processing terminal 300. The distribution server 200 stores coupon information for each store, and provides the information processing terminal 300 with coupon information that can be used at stores that are on the map displayed on the information processing terminal 300. Note that "present on the map" here means that it is shown on the map. The information processing terminal 300 displays a map shown by the map information acquired from the map server 100, and coupon information acquired from the distribution server 200. A user can receive a special offer from a store by using the coupon information displayed on the information processing terminal 300 at the store. Methods for using the coupon information include, for example, displaying and presenting the coupon information on the information processing terminal 300, or printing out the coupon information and bringing it to the store to present it.

The store is, for example, a restaurant. However, the store is not limited to a restaurant. For example, the store may be a store that sells products, such as a supermarket or a convenience store, or a store that provides services, such as a beauty salon or a hotel. The coupon information is an electronic coupon that indicates that benefits such as discounts, points, gifts, and special treatment can be received. The coupon information includes a discount voucher that allows a set amount to be deducted from the fee required to purchase a product or provide a service.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the distribution server 200. The distribution server 200 is a general-purpose computer device. The distribution server 200 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, and a communication interface 203. These components are connected via a bus 204.

The processor 201 executes a program to control each part of the distribution server 200 and perform processing to realize the functions of the distribution server 200. The processor 201 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The number of processors 201 may be single or multiple. When multiple processors 201 are used, these processors 201 may execute processing simultaneously or sequentially. The memory 202 is a computer-readable recording medium. The memory 202 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 202 may also include a storage. The storage includes, for example, at least one of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a SSD (Solid State Drive), and a flash memory. The memory 202 stores programs executed by the processor 201 and data used by the processor 201. This data includes a coupon database 211. The communication interface 203 is connected to a communication network 50 and performs data communication with the information processing terminal 300 via the communication network 50.

3 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon database 211. The coupon database 211 includes store identification information, location information, coupon information, expiration date, remaining days, number of issuable coupons, and remaining number. The store identification information is information that uniquely identifies a store. For example, the store name is used as the store identification information. However, the store identification information is not limited to the store name, and may be an ID (identification) given to the store. The location information is information that indicates the location of the store. The location information is expressed using, for example, latitude and longitude. The coupon information is information that indicates that benefits such as discounts, points, and special treatment can be received. The expiration date indicates the date by which the coupon information can be used. The remaining days indicate the number of days remaining until the expiration date. The remaining days can be calculated, for example, by counting the number of days from the current date and time to the expiration date. The number of issuable coupons indicates the number of coupon information that can be issued. Note that "issuing" here means that the coupon information is displayed on the information processing terminal 300. The number of issuable coupons is determined in advance according to, for example, the advertising fee that the store pays to the business operator that provides the coupon service. The remaining number indicates the remaining number of coupon information that can be issued. The remaining number can be calculated, for example, by subtracting the number of coupon information that has already been issued from the remaining number that can be issued.

The number of coupon information issued by each store may be one or more. An upper limit may be set on the number of coupon information. For example, if the upper limit on the number of coupon information per store is set at four, the number of coupon information that can be registered in the coupon database 211 for a single store is limited to four or less. In other words, five or more coupon information cannot be registered in the coupon database 211 for a single store. The upper limit on the number of coupon information may be fixed or may vary. For example, the upper limit on the number of coupon information may be increased from four to six by a store paying an additional fee to a business that provides a coupon service.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first line contains store identification information "Burger Shop X," location information "P1," coupon information "90 yen off burger," expiration date "20XX/09/30," remaining days "3," available number of coupons "100," and remaining number "15." This indicates that a store called "Burger Shop X" located at the location indicated by "P1" has issued coupon information for a 90 yen discount on a burger, the expiration date of this coupon information is September 30, 20XX, there are 3 days left until the expiration date, the available number of coupons is 100, and the remaining number of coupons is 15.

The information contained in the coupon database 211 is registered and updated, for example, by a store clerk at each store. For example, when a store terminal (not shown) installed in a store is connected to the distribution server 200 via the communication network 50, the store clerk operates the store terminal to register the information shown in FIG. 3 in the coupon database 211. Note that the distribution server 200 may obtain the store's location information from the map server 100 based on a location specified on a map by the store clerk's operation, for example. In addition, when a coupon details screen (described later) is displayed for coupon information provided by a store, the processor 201 updates the remaining number contained in the coupon database 211. For example, when a coupon details screen is displayed once for coupon information "90 yen off burger," the remaining number for this coupon information is changed from "15" to "14."

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing terminal 300. The information processing terminal 300 is a computer device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal. The information processing terminal 300 is carried and used by a user, for example. The information processing terminal 300 comprises a processor 301, a memory 302, a communication interface 303, an input unit 304, a display unit 305, and a positioning unit 306. These parts are connected via a bus 307.

The processor 301 executes a program to control each part of the information processing terminal 300 and perform processing to realize the functions of the information processing terminal 300. The processor 301 includes, for example, a CPU. As with the processor 201, the number of processors 301 may be single or multiple. When multiple processors 301 are used, these processors 301 may execute processing simultaneously or sequentially. The memory 302 is a computer-readable recording medium. The memory 302 includes, for example, a RAM and a ROM. The memory 302 may also include a storage. The storage includes, for example, at least one of a HDD, an SSD, and a flash memory. The memory 302 stores a program executed by the processor 301 and data used by the processor 301. The program includes an application program (hereinafter referred to as a "coupon app") for realizing a function of displaying coupon information. The communication interface 303 is connected to a communication network 50 and performs data communication with the distribution server 200 and the map server 100 via the communication network 50. The input unit 304 accepts an operation to input information to the information processing terminal 300. The input unit 304 includes at least one of a button, a touch sensor, a mouse, and a keyboard. The display unit 305 displays a map and coupon information. The display unit 305 includes at least one of a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 305 may be integrated with a touch sensor to form a touch panel. The positioning unit 306 measures the position of the information processing terminal 300 at a predetermined time interval and generates position information indicating the measured position. This position information is expressed, for example, by latitude and longitude. The positioning unit 306 includes, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. However, the method by which the positioning unit 306 measures the position is not limited to a method using GPS. For example, the positioning unit 306 may measure the position using a wireless base station. The positioning unit 306 is an example of a "means for acquiring the position of the information processing terminal 300" according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing terminal 300. The information processing terminal 300 has a function of acquiring map information from the map server 100 and coupon information from the distribution server 200, and displaying the map indicated by the map information and the coupon information. The information processing terminal 300 functions as a reception means 311, a first acquisition means 312, a first display control means 313, a second acquisition means 314, and a second display control means 315. The functions of the information processing terminal 300 are realized by the processor 301 executing a program stored in the memory 302, causing the processor 301 to perform calculations or control each part of the information processing terminal 300.

The reception means 311 receives a designation of the display range of the map from the user. For example, when a user plans to visit a store while traveling, the user may want to view coupon information for stores located near a location other than the current location. In this case, the user performs an operation to designate the desired location using the input unit 304. When an operation to designate the desired location is performed, the range defined based on the desired location becomes the display range of the map. When the reception means 311 receives a designation of the display range of the map from the user, it supplies location information indicating the location designated by the user to the first acquisition means 312. This location information is expressed, for example, in latitude and longitude.

The first acquisition means 312 acquires map information of the vicinity of the reference position from the map server 100. When the reception means 311 receives a designation of the display range from the user, the position designated by the user is used as the reference position. On the other hand, when the reception means 311 does not receive a designation of the display range from the user, the current position of the information processing terminal 300 measured by the positioning unit 306 is used as the reference position.

Specifically, the first acquisition means 312 transmits an acquisition request for map information around the reference position from the communication interface 303 to the map server 100. This acquisition request includes location information indicating the reference position. In response to this acquisition request, the map server 100 transmits map information around the reference position to the information processing terminal 300. This map information includes location information and store names of stores that exist on the map indicated by the map information. The first acquisition means 312 receives the map information from the map server 100 via the communication interface 303. The first acquisition means 312 supplies the map information acquired from the map server 100 in this manner to the first display control means 313.

The first display control means 313 displays the map indicated by the map information acquired by the first acquisition means 312 on the display unit 305. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon screen 400 displayed on the display unit 305. The coupon screen 400 is divided into a first screen area 401 and a second screen area 402. That is, in the coupon screen 400, the second screen area 402 is set separately from the first screen area 401. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first screen area 401 is provided below the coupon screen 400, and the second screen area 402 is provided above the coupon screen 400. However, the arrangement of the first screen area 401 and the second screen area 402 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6. For example, the first screen area 401 and the second screen area 402 may be arranged on the left and right of the coupon screen 400.

In the first screen area 401, a map of the vicinity of the reference position 410 is displayed at a standard scale. As described above, the map information includes the location information and the store name of the store present on the map. For example, if a store called "Burger Shop X" and a store called "Bakery Y" exist on the map, the map information includes the location information "P1", "P2", and "P3" of these stores, and the store names "Burger Shop X", "Bakery Y", and "Restaurant Z" of these stores. Based on the location information of the store, an icon and the store name of the store are added to the map. In the example shown in FIG. 6, an icon 411 indicating the store "Burger Shop X" and the store name "Burger Shop X" are added to the position on the map corresponding to the location information "P1" of the store "Bakery Y". An icon 412 indicating the store and the store name "Bakery Y" are added to the position on the map corresponding to the location information "P2" of the store "Bakery Y". An icon 413 indicating the store and the store name "Restaurant Z" are added to the position on the map corresponding to the location information "P3" of the store "Restaurant Z." Icons 411 to 413 are information indicating the positions on the map of a store called "Burger Shop X," a store called "Bakery Y," and a store called "Restaurant Z," respectively.

Also shown on the map is a target range 420 that is determined based on the reference position 410. The target range 420 is, for example, a circular range with the reference position 410 as its center and a predetermined radius. However, the target range 420 is not limited to a circle, and may have other shapes such as a rectangle. The first display control means 313 supplies position information of the area on the map that is included in the target range 420 to the second acquisition means 314.

Here, the scale of the map may be changed depending on the region to which the reference position 410 belongs, the number of stores in the target range 420, or the number of coupon information provided by stores in the target range 420. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the scale of the map. For example, when the region to which the reference position 410 belongs is an urban area, many users move on foot. When the means of transportation is walking, it is difficult for the user to move to a store located far from the current position. On the other hand, when the region to which the reference position 410 belongs is a rural area, many users move by car. When the means of transportation is a car, the user can easily move to a store even if it is located far from the current position. Therefore, when the region to which the reference position 410 belongs is an urban area, the map is displayed at a standard scale, for example, as shown in FIG. 6. For example, the standard scale is a scale in which the radius of the target range 420 is 100 m. On the other hand, when the region to which the reference position 410 belongs is a rural area, the map is displayed at a scale smaller than the standard scale, as in the coupon screen 400 after the scale change shown in FIG. 7. For example, a small magnification scale is used where the radius of the target area 420 is 500 m. Note that urban areas and rural areas are defined in advance on the map.

In addition, when the reference position 410 is included in an area with a relatively small number of stores, i.e., an area with low store density, if the map is displayed at a standard scale as in the coupon screen 400 before the scale change shown in FIG. 7, there may be no stores in the target range 420. If there are no stores in the target range 420, the coupon information is not displayed. On the other hand, when the reference position 410 is included in an area with a relatively large number of stores, i.e., an area with high store density, there may be many stores in the target range 420. If there are many stores in the target range 420, the coupon information of many stores is displayed, which makes the display cumbersome. In order to avoid such inconveniences, the scale of the map may be determined so that the number of stores in the target range 420 is within a specified range. Here, the specified range is assumed to be 2 to 5. In this case, when the map is displayed at the standard scale, as in the coupon screen 400 before the scale change shown in FIG. 7, if there are no stores in the target range 420, a scale with a smaller magnification than the standard scale is determined so that the number of stores in the target range 420 falls within a predetermined range of 2 to 5, as in the coupon screen 400 after the scale change shown in FIG. 7, and the map is displayed at the determined scale. As a method for determining the scale, for example, there is a method of gradually decreasing the magnification until the number of stores in the target range 420 falls within a predetermined range of 2 to 5. Even if the scale of the map is changed, the size of the target range 420 relative to the screen does not change. Therefore, when the magnification of the map is reduced, the area on the map included in the target range 420 becomes relatively larger. On the other hand, when the map is displayed at the standard scale and there are 10 stores in the target range 420, a scale with a larger magnification than the standard scale is determined so that the number of stores in the target range 420 falls within a predetermined range of 2 to 5, and the map is displayed at the determined scale. One method for determining the scale is to gradually increase the magnification until the number of stores in the target range 420 falls within a predetermined range of 2 to 5. As described above, even if the map scale is changed, the size of the target range 420 relative to the screen does not change. Therefore, when the map magnification increases, the area on the map that is included in the target range 420 becomes relatively smaller.

Furthermore, some stores on the map do not provide coupon information. Therefore, the scale of the map may be determined so that the number of coupon information provided by stores in the target range 420 falls within a predetermined range. In this case, the first display control means 313 first inquires of the distribution server 200 whether each store on the map provides coupon information. The distribution server 200 responds to this inquiry by referring to the coupon database 211. For example, if the store identification information of a store on the map is included in the coupon database 211, the store responds to indicate that the store provides coupon information. On the other hand, if the store identification information of a store on the map is not included in the coupon database 211, the store responds to indicate that the store does not provide coupon information. When the distribution server 200 responds, the first display control means 313 distinguishes the stores on the map into stores that provide coupon information and stores that do not provide coupon information. As in the example shown in FIG. 7, when the map is displayed at the standard scale and there are no stores in the target range 420 that provide coupon information, a scale with a smaller magnification than the standard scale is determined so that the number of stores in the target range 420 that provide coupon information falls within a predetermined range of 2 to 5, and the map is displayed at the determined scale. On the other hand, when the map is displayed at the standard scale and there are 10 stores in the target range 420 that provide coupon information, a scale with a larger magnification than the standard scale is determined so that the number of stores in the target range 420 that provide coupon information falls within a predetermined range of 2 to 5, and the map is displayed at the determined scale.

Returning to FIG. 5, the second acquisition means 314 acquires from the distribution server 200 coupon information that can be used at stores that are present on the map displayed on the display unit 305 and that are present in the target range 420. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a store called "Burger Shop X" and a store called "Bakery Y" are present in the target range 420. In this case, coupon information for the store called "Burger Shop X" and coupon information for the store called "Bakery Y" are acquired. Coupon attribute information may also be acquired together with the coupon information. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the coupon attribute information includes the expiration date, remaining days, number of coupons that can be issued, and number remaining.

Specifically, the second acquisition means 314 transmits an acquisition request for coupon information and coupon attribute information available at stores in the target range 420 from the communication interface 303 to the distribution server 200. This acquisition request includes location information of the area on the map included in the target range 420. This location information is expressed by latitude and longitude, for example. The distribution server 200 transmits coupon information and coupon attribute information available at stores in the target range 420 to the information processing terminal 300 in response to the acquisition request from the information processing terminal 300. In the example shown in FIG. 3, location information "P1" of a store called "Burger Shop X" and location information "P2" of a store called "Bakery Y" are included in the target range 420. In this case, coupon information, expiration date, remaining days, number of issuable coupons, and remaining number of coupons for the store called "Burger Shop X" and the store called "Bakery Y" are extracted from the coupon database 211 and transmitted to the information processing terminal 300. The second acquisition means 314 receives this information from the distribution server 200 via the communication interface 303. The second acquisition means 314 supplies the coupon information and coupon attribute information acquired from the distribution server 200 in this manner to the second display control means 315.

In this embodiment, only coupon information for stores that are in the target range 420 is acquired, but this is not limited to the example. For example, coupon information for all stores that are on the map displayed on the display unit 305, including stores outside the target range 420, may be acquired.

The second display control means 315 displays the coupon information acquired by the second acquisition means 314 on the display unit 305. As shown in FIG. 6, the coupon information is displayed in the second screen area 402. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the map and coupon information are displayed on one screen. However, the map and coupon information do not necessarily have to be displayed on one screen. For example, the coupon information may be displayed on a pop-up screen, and the map and coupon information may be displayed on separate screens.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, coupon information for two stores, a store called "Burger Shop X" and a store called "Bakery Y", is displayed. When coupon information for multiple stores is displayed in this way, the coupon information is displayed in a scrollable manner in the second screen area 402 according to a predetermined arrangement. In the example shown in FIG. 6, coupon information for the same store is displayed together in one group. Therefore, when there are multiple stores that provide coupon information to be displayed, multiple groups are formed. The arrangement of these groups may be determined based on the distance from the reference position 410 of the store that provides the coupon information. For example, the arrangement of the groups is determined in order of the store's location from the reference position 410 to the nearest position. By determining the arrangement of the groups in this way, a group of coupon information for a store that is close to the reference position 410 is displayed with priority over a group of coupon information for a store that is far from the reference position 410.

8 is a diagram showing an example of display of coupon information. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a store named "Burger Shop X" is closest to the reference position 410, and a store named "Bakery Y" is second closest to the reference position 410. In this case, the group of coupon information for the store named "Burger Shop X" is arranged at the left end, and the group of coupon information for the store named "Bakery Y" is arranged second from the left. However, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the second screen area 402 has a size that allows only a group of coupon information for one store to be displayed. Therefore, in the second screen area 402, first, only the group of coupon information for the store named "Burger Shop X" is displayed, as in the coupon screen 400 before scrolling shown in FIG. 8. When the user performs an operation to scroll the second screen area 402 to the right using the input unit 304, the second screen area 402 is scrolled to the right, as in the coupon screen 400 after scrolling shown in FIG. 8, and instead of the coupon information for the store named "Burger Shop X", the group of coupon information for the store named "Bakery Y" is displayed in the second screen area 402.

The direction of the scroll operation is not limited to the left-right direction. For example, the direction of the scroll operation may be the up-down direction. In this case, the groups of coupon information are arranged in a vertical direction. Furthermore, the method of displaying coupon information for multiple stores is not limited to a scrollable display method. For example, the coupon information for multiple stores may be displayed in a reduced size so that it fits within the second screen area 402.

As shown in FIG. 6, the second screen area 402 is provided with a number of frames 421. These frames 421 are arranged in a matrix. Store coupon information is displayed one by one in these frames 421, for example as shown in FIG. 6. In another example, two frames 421 may be assigned to one store, with one frame 421 displaying representative coupon information of a pre-specified store, and the other frame 421 displaying the character "+3" indicating that the display of the other three coupon information items is omitted. In this case, when the user performs an operation to select the other frame 421 using the input unit 304, all coupon information for the store is displayed.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, one coupon information is displayed in one frame 421, but for coupon information that is desired to be highlighted, multiple frames 421 may be integrated and one coupon information may be displayed in the integrated frame 421. For coupon information that is desired to be highlighted, the color of the frame 421 may be changed to a conspicuous color such as gold. The coupon information that is desired to be highlighted may be determined by a store clerk when registering the coupon information, or may be determined according to predetermined conditions, such as coupon information with a high discount rate.

In the coupon screen 400 shown in FIG. 6, together with the coupon information, information indicating the timing when the coupon information can be used and information indicating the remaining number of coupon information to be issued may be further displayed. For example, when the remaining number of days of the coupon information is less than a predetermined number of days, information indicating that the period during which the coupon information can be used is approaching the end may be further displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the remaining number of days of the coupon information "90 yen off burger" is 3 days. Here, the predetermined number of days is assumed to be 5 days. In this case, since the remaining number of days is less than the predetermined number of days, an additional image 422 with the words "Ending soon" may be added to the coupon information "90 yen off burger" as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, when the remaining number of coupon information is less than a predetermined number, information indicating that the remaining number of coupon information to be issued is decreasing may be further displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the remaining number of coupon information "100 yen off salad set" is 3. Here, the predetermined number is assumed to be 5. In this case, since the remaining number is equal to or less than the predetermined number, an additional image 423 containing the words "Only a few left" may be added to the coupon information "Salad set 100 yen off," as shown in FIG. 6.

The information indicating the timing when the coupon information can be used and the information indicating the remaining number of coupon information to be issued are not limited to the additional images 422 and 423, respectively. The information indicating the timing when the coupon information can be used may be, for example, the expiration date or the remaining number of days itself. Furthermore, the remaining time until the expiration date may be used instead of the remaining number of days. This remaining time is counted down as time passes. The information indicating the remaining number of coupon information to be issued may be, for example, the remaining number itself. This remaining number is counted down in response to the issuance of coupon information to other users. Each time the distribution server 200 updates the remaining number of coupon information contained in the coupon database 211 in response to the issuance of coupon information to other users, the distribution server 200 transmits the updated remaining number to the information processing terminal 300. The second display control means 315 updates the displayed remaining number in response to the updated remaining number received from the distribution server 200. Furthermore, the expiration date, remaining number of days, remaining time, and remaining number may be displayed in a display area provided for an icon indicating a store.

The coupon information displayed in the second screen area 402 may be narrowed down according to conditions specified by the user. The conditions specified by the user include, for example, conditions using the genre of food provided by the store. The first screen area 401 includes buttons 431 to 434 indicating the genre of food. For example, if the user wants to see only coupon information for stores that provide Chinese food, the user presses the button 431 corresponding to Chinese food. When this operation is performed, stores that provide Chinese food are extracted from the stores present in the target range 420, and only the coupon information of the extracted stores is displayed in the second screen area 402. In other words, coupon information for stores that provide food genres other than Chinese food is not displayed. The genre of food provided by the store may be included in the map information, or may be set in advance by the operation of the store clerk. The process of extracting stores that provide Chinese food from the stores present in the target range 420 may be performed by the distribution server 200 or the information processing terminal 300. When the distribution server 200 performs the process of extracting stores, information indicating the extracted stores is transmitted from the distribution server 200 to the information processing terminal 300.

In another example, the conditions for narrowing down the coupon information may include at least one of the following: a condition using the discount rate of coupon information provided by a store, such as a store that offers coupon information with a discount of a predetermined discount rate or more; a condition using the attributes of a store, such as a local store; and a condition using the business hours of a store, such as a store that is currently open. In this case, stores that meet the conditions are extracted, just as when a condition using a food genre is specified, and only the coupon information of the extracted stores is displayed.

Figure 9 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the coupon system 10. This operation is started when the coupon app is launched, for example, by a user operating the input unit 304.

In step S11, the first acquisition means 312 of the information processing terminal 300 transmits to the map server 100 a request to acquire map information around the reference position 410. For example, the current position measured by the positioning unit 306 is used as the reference position 410. In step S12, the map server 100 transmits map information around the reference position 410 to the information processing terminal 300. The first acquisition means 312 receives map information from the map server 100. In step S13, the second acquisition means 314 of the information processing terminal 300 transmits to the distribution server 200 a request to acquire coupon information and coupon attribute information of stores present in the target range 420 on the map indicated by the map information received in step S12. In step S14, the distribution server 200 transmits coupon information and coupon attribute information of stores present in the target range 420 to the information processing terminal 300. The second acquisition means 314 receives coupon information from the distribution server 200. In step S15, the first display control means 313 and the second display control means 315 of the information processing terminal 300 display on the display unit 305 a coupon screen 400 including the map indicated by the map information received in step S12 and the coupon information received in step S14. For example, the coupon screen 400 shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, or FIG. 8 is displayed. When coupon information of a plurality of stores is acquired in step S14, as shown in FIG. 8, the user performs an operation of scrolling on the second screen area 402, and the coupon information is displayed in order. When the user performs an operation of selecting desired coupon information using the input unit 304, a coupon details screen for presenting the coupon information is displayed superimposed on the coupon screen 400. The coupon details screen includes a button for accepting an operation of using a coupon. When the user performs an operation of pressing this button using the input unit 304, a coupon use screen is displayed. For example, the user can use the coupon information by presenting the coupon use screen to a store clerk.

After the coupon screen 400 is displayed, the user may change the coupon information displayed in the second screen area 402 by performing an operation to move the map. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation of the coupon screen 400. In the coupon screen 400 before the movement shown in FIG. 10, a store called "Burger Shop X" and a store called "Bakery Y" exist in the target range 420, so the coupon information of these stores is displayed in the second screen area 402. Here, if the user wants to see coupon information of a store called "Restaurant Z", the user performs an operation to move the map to the right using the input unit 304 so that the icon 413 indicating this store is included in the target range 420. As shown in the coupon screen 400 after the movement shown in FIG. 10, this operation moves the map to the right, so that a new display range of the map is specified. When this operation is performed, the reception means 311 accepts the specification of the new display range of the map. When the specification of the new display range of the map is accepted, the process returns to step S11 shown in FIG. 9, and the process from step S11 onwards is repeated.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the center of the target range 420 on the coupon screen 400 after the movement becomes the new reference position 415. In step S11, a request to acquire map information around the new reference position 415 is transmitted. As a result, map information around the new reference position 415 is acquired from the map server 100. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the map is moved to the right by the user's operation, while the target range 420 does not move, so the area on the map included in the target range 420 is changed. In step S13, a request to acquire coupon information of stores existing in the target range 420 on the map after the movement is transmitted. As a result, coupon information of stores existing in the target range 420 on the map after the movement is acquired from the distribution server 200. In the coupon screen 400 after the movement shown in FIG. 10, a store called "Restaurant Z" and a store called "Bakery Y" exist in the target range 420. Therefore, coupon information of these stores is acquired. Note that, since coupon information of the store called "Bakery Y" has already been acquired, only coupon information of the store called "Restaurant Z" may be acquired. In step S15, a coupon screen 400 is displayed that includes the map indicated by the newly acquired map information and the newly acquired coupon information. For example, as in the post-movement coupon screen 400 shown in FIG. 10, the post-movement map is displayed in the first screen area 401. The second screen area 402 displays coupon information for a store called "Restaurant Z" and a store called "Bakery Y" that are present in the target range 420 on the post-movement map.

Note that the operation of specifying a new display range of the map is not limited to the operation of moving the map. For example, a new display range of the map may be specified by inputting a place name or latitude and longitude. The user may also perform an operation to change the scale of the map. When the scale of the map is changed by this operation, a new display range of the map is also specified, and the area on the map included in the target range 420 is also changed, so the same operation as when the map is moved is performed.

When the user finds coupon information that he or she likes, the coupon information may be saved. When the coupon information is saved, if the user performs an operation using the input unit 304 to instruct the display of the saved coupon information, the coupon information is displayed regardless of whether or not a store that provides the coupon information is present within the target range 420 on the map.

In addition, if a user saves coupon information for a certain store, when the user passes near that store, the coupon information may be displayed to the user without any user operation in order to recommend that the user use the coupon information.

According to the above-described embodiment, the coupon information available at the stores on the map is displayed even if the user does not select an icon indicating a store on the map, so that the operability of displaying the coupon information available at the stores indicated on the map is improved. In addition, the coupon information available at the stores in the target range 420 defined based on the position of the information processing terminal 300 is displayed, so that when the user is carrying the information processing terminal 300, the user can obtain coupon information around his/her own position. When the user performs an operation to specify a position different from the current position, the coupon information available at the stores in the target range 420 defined based on the position specified by the user is displayed, so that the user can obtain coupon information for the place in which he/she is interested. Furthermore, the scale of the map is adjusted according to the number of stores in the target range or the number of coupon information provided by the stores in the target range, so that the user can easily find the desired coupon information. Furthermore, since the map and the coupon information are displayed on one screen, the user can check the location of the store and the content of the coupon information together. Furthermore, since information indicating the timing when the coupon information is available and information indicating the remaining number of coupon information issued are displayed together with the coupon information, the user is encouraged to use the coupon information. Furthermore, the location where the coupon information group is displayed is determined based on the distance from the current location of the store that offers the coupon information, so coupon information for stores close to the reference location can be found quickly.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiment may be modified as in the following modified examples. The embodiment and the modified examples may be used in combination, or may be switched as the implementation progresses. Similarly, the following modified examples may be used in combination, or may be switched as the implementation progresses.

In the above-described embodiment, the arrangement of the groups of coupon information may be determined based on conditions specified by the user for the store. In this case, the user performs an operation to specify conditions for the store using the input unit 304. The conditions specified by the user for the store include conditions using the popularity of the store. For example, the groups of coupon information for the stores are arranged in order of popularity. As a result, coupon information for a store with a high popularity is displayed with priority over groups of coupon information for stores with a low popularity. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the group of coupon information for the most popular store is arranged at the left end, and the group of coupon information for the second most popular store is arranged second from the left. As a result, only the group of coupon information for the most popular store is displayed first in the second screen area 402. When the user performs an operation to scroll the second screen area 402 to the right using the input unit 304, the second screen area 402 is scrolled to the right, and the group of coupon information for the second most popular store is displayed in the second screen area 402. The popularity of the store may be determined based on the usage history of coupon information collected in advance by the distribution server 200, for example. For example, the more coupon information provided by a store is used, the more popular that store may be. The popularity of each store is transmitted from the distribution server 200 to the information processing terminal 300. The arrangement of groups of coupon information is determined using the store popularity obtained from the distribution server 200. According to this modification, coupon information of highly popular stores is displayed with priority, so that such coupon information can be found quickly.

In another example, the conditions specified by the user regarding the store may include conditions using the user's attribute information. This attribute information includes at least one of gender, age, and address. In this case, the user inputs his/her own attribute information in advance using the input unit 304. The distribution server 200 collects attribute information and coupon information usage history of each user in advance, and analyzes the usage tendency of coupon information for each user attribute. The coupon information usage history is input to the distribution server 200, for example, by the operation of a store clerk. A group of coupon information of a store that is frequently used by other users having the same or similar attributes as the user is displayed with priority over groups of coupon information of other stores. The store whose coupon information is displayed with priority is notified to the information processing terminal 300 from the distribution server 200. Here, it is assumed that the user is a woman in her twenties. If the analysis of the distribution server 200 shows that female users in their twenties tend to frequently use a store called "Bakery Y", for example, the group of coupon information of this store is arranged at the left end. As a result, coupon information for a store called "Bakery Y" is displayed first in the second screen area 402 shown in FIG. 6. According to this modified example, coupon information for stores that correspond to the user's attributes is displayed with priority, so such coupon information can be found quickly.

In the above-described embodiment, when a store provides multiple coupon information, the placement of the coupon information may be determined based on the content of restrictions on the use of the coupon information. The content of restrictions on the use of the coupon information includes, for example, that the number of remaining days is a predetermined number or less, or that the number of remaining sheets is a predetermined number or less. For example, among multiple coupon information provided by a store, coupon information with the number of remaining days or less than a predetermined number of remaining sheets is displayed in a more prominent position than other coupon information. In the example shown in FIG. 6, among the coupon information of a store called "Burger Shop X", coupon information with the number of remaining days or less than a predetermined number of remaining sheets is displayed in the frame 421a at the left end of the upper row of the second screen area 402. According to this modified example, coupon information with restrictions on the use of the coupon information is displayed in a prominent position, so that such coupon information can be found quickly.

In the above-described embodiment, when the same store provides multiple coupon information, the arrangement of these coupon information may be determined based on conditions specified by the user regarding the coupon information. In this case, the user performs an operation to specify conditions regarding the coupon information using the input unit 304. The conditions specified by the user regarding the coupon information include conditions using the popularity of the coupon information. For example, the coupon information is arranged in order of popularity. As a result, the more popular the coupon information is, the more preferentially displayed it is than the less popular coupon information. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the most popular coupon information of the store "Burger Shop X" is displayed in the leftmost frame 421a in the upper row of the second screen area 402, and the second most popular coupon information is displayed in the second frame 421b from the left in the upper row. The popularity of the coupon information may be determined based on the usage history of the coupon information, for example, collected in advance by the distribution server 200. For example, the more the number of uses of the coupon information is, the higher the popularity of the coupon information may be. The popularity of each store is transmitted from the distribution server 200 to the information processing terminal 300. The placement of the coupon information is determined using the popularity of the coupon information obtained from the distribution server 200. According to this modified example, highly popular coupon information is displayed in a prominent position, so that such coupon information can be found quickly.

In another example, the conditions specified by the user regarding the coupon information may include conditions using the user's attribute information. This attribute information includes at least one of gender, age, and address. In this case, the user inputs his/her own attribute information in advance using the input unit 304. The distribution server 200 collects attribute information and coupon information usage history of each user in advance, and analyzes the usage tendency of coupon information for each user's attribute. The coupon information usage history is input to the distribution server 200, for example, by the operation of a store clerk. Coupon information that is frequently used by other users having the same or similar attributes as the user is displayed with priority over other coupon information. The coupon information that is displayed with priority is notified to the information processing terminal 300 from the distribution server 200. Here, it is assumed that the user is a woman in her twenties. If the analysis by the distribution server 200 shows that a female user in her twenties tends to frequently use coupon information for "Salad Set 100 Yen Off" at a store called "Burger Shop X", for example, this coupon information is displayed in the frame 421a at the left end of the upper row of the second screen area 402 shown in FIG. 6. According to this variation, coupon information that matches the user's attributes is displayed in a prominent position, making it possible to quickly find such coupon information.

The restrictions on the use of the coupon information described above, the distance from the current location of the store that provides the coupon information, and the conditions specified by the user regarding the store or coupon information may be used alone to determine the location where each coupon information is displayed, or at least two of them may be used in combination.

In the above-described embodiment, the second display control means 315 may change the display of the icon of the store that provides the displayed coupon information so that the location of the store that provides the displayed coupon information can be easily recognized. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when coupon information of a store called "Burger Shop X" is displayed in the second screen area 402, the display of the icon 411 of this store included in the first screen area 401 changes. As a method for changing the display of the icon 411, for example, at least one of changing the color or size, blinking, and adding an additional image may be used. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when coupon information of a store called "Bakery Y" is displayed in the second screen area 402 by a scroll operation by the user, the display of the icon 412 of this store included in the first screen area 401 changes. In this case, the display of the icon 411 of the store called "Burger Shop X" returns to the original state.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the coupon system 10 is not limited to the above-described example. The coupon system 10 may be configured to include one or more of the above-described devices, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices. For example, the distribution server 200 and the map server 100 may be an integrated device.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the coupon system 10 is not limited to the above-described example. The order of the processing steps of the coupon system 10 may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. In addition, some of the processing steps of the coupon system 10 may be omitted. For example, after a map is displayed on the coupon screen 400, coupon information may be acquired and displayed on the coupon screen 400. In addition, the subject of the operation of the coupon system 10 is not limited to the above-described example. For example, at least a part of the processing of the information processing terminal 300 may be performed by the distribution server 200. Information is exchanged between the distribution server 200 and the information processing terminal 300 as necessary.

Another aspect of the present invention may provide a method having processing steps performed in the distribution server 200, the map server 100, or the information processing terminal 300. Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention may provide a program executed in the distribution server 200, the map server 100, or the information processing terminal 300. This program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided by downloading via the Internet, etc.

In the above-described embodiment, the coupon screen may be divided according to the type of coupon information that can be used. For example, if the user selects the type "dining and drinking", a coupon screen for dining and drinking is displayed. This coupon screen for dining and drinking contains only coupon information that can be used at restaurants. On the other hand, if the user selects the type "shopping services", a coupon screen for shopping services is displayed. This coupon screen for shopping services contains only coupon information that can be used at stores other than restaurants, such as stores that sell products or stores that provide services other than providing dining and drinking.

In the above-described embodiment, coupon information that can be used for lunch may be accompanied by an additional image indicating that the coupon can be used for lunch, for example, a label containing the words "Lunch available."

In the above-described embodiment, the coupon details screen may include a button that accepts an operation to instruct the display of a map provided by the map server 100. When this button is pressed by a user, a map is displayed on the display unit 305 of the information processing terminal 300 according to the map information provided by the map server 100.

10: Coupon system, 100: Map server, 200: Distribution server, 300: Information processing terminal, 301: Processor, 302: Memory, 303: Communication interface, 304: Input unit, 305: Display unit, 306: Positioning unit, 311: Reception means, 312: First acquisition means, 313: First display control means, 314: Second acquisition means, 315: Second display control means

Claims (12)

A display unit;
a first display control means for displaying map information including information indicating the positions of each of a plurality of stores on a map on the display unit;
An acquisition means for acquiring each coupon information associated with a coupon that can be used at each of the plurality of stores present on the map displayed on the display unit;
a second display control means for displaying, on the display unit, a second screen area for displaying the acquired coupon information in a predetermined order and a first screen area for displaying the map information in a single screen;
A group of the coupon information is formed for each store, and the groups are displayed side by side in the second screen area . A display unit;
a first display control means for displaying map information including information indicating the positions of each of a plurality of stores on a map on the display unit;
An acquisition means for acquiring each coupon information associated with a coupon that can be used at each of the plurality of stores present on the map displayed on the display unit;
a second display control means for displaying, on the display unit, a second screen area for displaying the acquired coupon information in a predetermined order and a first screen area for displaying the map information in a single screen;
An information processing terminal in which a group of the coupon information is formed for each store, and the group formed for a store determined in response to a user's operation is displayed together in the second screen area of the display unit. The information processing device further includes a means for acquiring a position of the information processing terminal,
The information processing terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second display control means displays coupon information that can be used at stores that are present on the map displayed on the display unit and that are within a target range defined based on the position of the information processing terminal. a receiving unit for receiving a designation of a display range of the map information from a user,
The information processing terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the second display control means displays coupon information that can be used at stores that are present on the map displayed on the display unit and that are within a predetermined target range with respect to the display range. 5. The information processing terminal according to claim 3, wherein the first display control means determines a scale of the displayed map so that the number of stores existing in the target area falls within a predetermined range. 5. The information processing terminal according to claim 3, wherein the first display control means determines a scale of the displayed map so that the number of coupon information pieces provided by stores in the target area falls within a predetermined range. 7. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, wherein each of the coupon information is displayed in a scrollable manner in the second screen area. 8. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, wherein the second display control means further displays information indicating a time when the coupon information can be used. 8. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, wherein the second display control means further displays information indicating a remaining number of coupons to be issued. An information processing terminal according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the location where each coupon information is displayed is determined based on at least one of the following: the content of restrictions on the use of the coupon information, the distance from the current location of the store providing the coupon information, and conditions specified by the user regarding the store or the coupon information. On the computer,
displaying map information including information indicating the positions of each of the plurality of stores on a map on a display unit;
acquiring coupon information associated with coupons that can be used at each of the plurality of stores present on the map displayed on the display unit;
and displaying, on the display unit, a second screen area for displaying the acquired coupon information in a predetermined order and a first screen area for displaying the map information in a single screen.
A group of the coupon information is formed for each store, and the groups are displayed side by side in the second screen area . On the computer,
displaying map information including information indicating the positions of each of the plurality of stores on a map on a display unit;
acquiring coupon information associated with coupons that can be used at each of the plurality of stores present on the map displayed on the display unit;
and displaying, on the display unit, a second screen area for displaying the acquired coupon information in a predetermined order and a first screen area for displaying the map information in a single screen.
A program for forming a group of each coupon information for each store, and displaying the group formed for a store determined in response to a user's operation together in the second screen area of the display unit.

Images