JP7772646B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and a program.

Conventionally, stores and other establishments that sell products or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "products") have conducted various activities (promotions) to promote the sales of their products. For example, a product information display device has been proposed that reads the identification information of a product that a customer is considering purchasing and then displays information about that product and advertising information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, the above-mentioned conventional technologies simply present information to customers and do not provide them with interest or enjoyment, and are not necessarily effective in increasing their willingness to purchase. For this reason, there is a demand for promotions that provide interest and enjoyment to customers.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an information processing device and program that can carry out promotions that interest and entertain customers.

An information processing device according to an embodiment includes a setting unit that sets a lottery probability for a product, a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information read by a terminal device carried by a customer, a selection unit that selects promotion information based on the lottery probability for a product identified by the product identification information on the condition that the product identification information acquisition unit has acquired the product identification information, and an output unit that outputs the promotion information selected by the selection unit to the terminal device that read the product identification information. The product identification information acquisition unit also acquires product identification information that has been confirmed for purchase by the terminal device from among the product identification information read by the terminal device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the entire system including the store system of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data configuration of the product master stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the member master stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of a promotion management table stored in the storage unit of the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product/lottery table stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of a lottery rate table stored in the storage unit of the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of an inventory quantity correction value table stored in the storage unit of the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of a customer information correction value table stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of an event information distribution management table stored in the storage unit of the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of a server device according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a lottery rate setting process performed by the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the lottery rate setting process by the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a promotion information transmission process performed by the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an event information distribution process performed by the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment.

The following describes an information processing device and program according to an embodiment, with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in the embodiments described below, an example is described in which the terminal device carried by the customer is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the customer, but the terminal device may also be a mobile terminal such as a tablet provided by the store.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described below, an example will be described in which the information processing device is a server device that functions as a store server, but this is not limited to this. The information processing device may also be a management server located outside the store. It is also possible for the information processing device to be configured from multiple computers.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire system, including the store system 100. The store system 100 of this embodiment is applied to a store that sells products, such as a supermarket. The store system 100 is communicatively connected to a management server 200 managed by the company that operates the store.

The store system 100 includes a terminal device 1, an accounting device 2, and a server device 3. The accounting device 2 and the server device 3 are connected to each other via a network N such as a local area network (LAN) so that they can communicate with each other. The terminal device 1 is connected to the accounting device 2 and the server device 3 via a wireless LAN or the like so that they can communicate with each other.

Terminal device 1 is configured, for example, as a smartphone owned by customer C. A shopping application program (hereinafter also referred to as a "shopping app") is installed on terminal device 1. By running the shopping app within the store, terminal device 1 becomes able to connect to the store's wireless LAN and perform processes for shopping at the store and for obtaining promotional information.

For example, the terminal device 1 registers the product by reading the product ID from a code symbol such as a barcode attached to the product through the operation of customer C. Product registration involves obtaining product information (product name, price, etc.) from the product master based on the input product ID and registering (storing) it in the memory unit. The product master is a master file that associates product IDs with product information, and may be stored in the terminal device 1 or in the server device 3. The product ID is information that identifies the product and is an example of product identification information.

The terminal device 1 also transmits the read product ID to the server device 3 and receives promotional information from the server device 3. Promotional information is information used by the store to promote product sales, and is information related to the store's unique electronic character (hereinafter simply referred to as "character"), discount coupons, gift vouchers, and other special offers. Upon receiving the product ID, the server device 3 conducts a lottery (selection) based on the lottery rate (probability of winning) established for the product ID, and transmits promotional information according to the lottery results to the terminal device 1. In this embodiment, the promotional information is information related to the character, such as the lottery results and the character.

Customer C will be given promotional information based on the lottery, so they can enjoy shopping with excitement and interest, wondering whether they will win a character, and if so, whether they will get the character they want. In particular, by transmitting promotional information based on the lottery when Customer C reads the product ID from the code symbol attached to the product in order to purchase it, it is expected that this will increase Customer C's motivation to purchase while shopping in the store's sales area. For example, if Customer C does not win a character, it is expected that Customer C will purchase a new product in order to have a chance to obtain that character.

Furthermore, the terminal device 1 receives event information from the server device 3. The event information is information notifying of an event related to promotional information and is determined based on the lottery rate for selecting the promotional information. Examples of event information include information notifying that the lottery rate for a specific character known as a rare character has been changed and increased, information notifying that the lottery rate for a specific product has been set high, and information notifying that the lottery rate for a specific time period has been set high.

The checkout device 2 is a so-called self-service checkout device where, for example, customer C performs the checkout operation themselves. Based on the checkout information received from the terminal device 1, the checkout device 2 performs checkout processing related to payment by cash payment or cashless payment such as credit card payment. The checkout processing is the process for paying for the products purchased by customer C. Note that the checkout device 2 may also be a POS (Point of Sales) terminal operated by a store clerk.

The server device 3 functions as a store server that manages store information. The server device 3 receives payment information, such as product information for products paid for in the checkout process and payment method information, from each checkout device 2, and manages store sales information. The server device 3 also obtains product inventory information and customer information for customer C from the management server 20 as needed.

Furthermore, the server device 3 selects promotion information based on a predetermined lottery probability, on the condition that the product ID read by the terminal device 1 has been acquired, and transmits the information to the terminal device 1. Here, "on the condition that the product ID read by the terminal device 1 has been acquired" means that in addition to the product ID read by the terminal device 1 having been acquired, the condition also includes the completion of payment for the product associated with that product ID.

In this embodiment, when the server device 3 acquires a product ID from the terminal device 1, it selects and transmits promotion information to the terminal device 1. As described above, this is expected to increase the purchasing motivation of customer C while shopping in the sales area. However, the server device 3 may also select and transmit promotion information on the condition that it acquires a product ID and information indicating that payment for the product associated with that product ID has been completed. In this case, the server device 3 may acquire the product ID from the checkout device 2.

The server device 3 also distributes the above-mentioned event information to the terminal device 1. The server device 3 may distribute the event information to customer C in the store via wireless LAN, or may distribute the event information to all members via public lines. The timing at which the event information is distributed can be set arbitrarily. For example, the event information may be distributed before the store opens or the day before the event. The server device 3 is an example of an information processing device.

The management server 200 is a server that manages information for multiple stores, and manages product inventory information for each store, customer information for registered members, sales information for each store, etc. Inventory information is updated as needed in response to transaction processing at the transaction device 2 of each store, and is the real-time number of items in stock. Customer information includes the number of times a member has visited each store, purchase history (purchased items, purchase amount, etc.). Note that the information managed by the management server 200 may also be managed by the server device 3 of each store.

Next, the configuration and functions of the terminal device 1 will be described in detail. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the terminal device 1. The terminal device 1 comprises a control unit 10, a display unit 11, an operation unit 12, a scanner 13, a communication unit 14, and a memory unit 15. The control unit 10, display unit 11, operation unit 12, scanner 13, communication unit 14, and memory unit 15 are connected to each other via a bus 16 or the like.

The control unit 10 is configured as a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are connected to each other via a bus 16.

CPU 101 controls the overall operation of terminal device 1. ROM 102 stores various programs, such as programs used to drive CPU 101, and various data. RAM 103 is used as a work area for CPU 101, and loads various programs and data stored in ROM 102 and memory unit 15. Control unit 10 executes various control processes for terminal device 1 by having CPU 101 operate in accordance with the control programs stored in ROM 102 and memory unit 15 and loaded in RAM 103.

The RAM 103 also includes a product information section 1031. The product information section 1031 stores product information related to the product ID read by the scanner 13. Product registration is performed by storing product information in the product information section 1031.

The display unit 11 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 11 displays product information for registered products. The display unit 11 also displays a registration screen for registering products that do not have barcodes.

The operation unit 12 is used to input information into the control unit 10 and is composed of a touch panel or the like provided on the surface of the display unit 11. For example, the operation unit 12 inputs the product ID of a product that does not have a barcode into the control unit 10. The operation unit 12 also inputs information to the control unit 10 instructing it to send registered product information to the accounting device 2.

Scanner 13 is equipped with an optical imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). Scanner 13 reads the product ID from a code symbol such as a barcode attached to the product and inputs it to control unit 60. Specifically, scanner 13 recognizes the code symbol such as a barcode attached to the product purchased by customer C optically or by imaging it. Scanner 13 then decodes the recognized code symbol and reads the product ID indicated by the code symbol. Note that the code symbol recognized by scanner 13 may be decoded by control unit 10. Scanner 13 may also read (recognize) the product ID using general object recognition (object recognition).

The communication unit 14 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the accounting device 2 and the server device 3. By connecting to external devices via the communication unit 14, the control unit 10 can send and receive information (data) with the external devices.

The memory unit 15 is composed of a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and retains its stored contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 15 stores a control program 151 and a member ID 152.

The control program 151 is a shopping app, for example. The member ID is information uniquely assigned by the store to customer C, who is a member. The member ID is an example of customer identification information that identifies customer C.

Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 10 of the terminal device 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 10 of the terminal device 1. The control unit 10 functions as an input unit 1001, a registration unit 1002, a transmission/reception unit 1003, and a display control unit 1004 when the CPU 101 operates in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the storage unit 15. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

Various types of information are input to the input unit 1001 from the operation unit 12 and scanner 13. For example, app launch instructions, checkout instructions, etc. are input to the input unit 1001 from the operation unit 12. An app launch instruction is information that instructs the device to launch a shopping app. A checkout instruction is information that instructs the device to send checkout information, including information registered in the product information unit 1031, to the checkout device 2. In addition, the product ID read by the scanner 13 is input to the input unit 1001 from the scanner 13.

The registration unit 1002 executes product registration. Specifically, the registration unit 1002 transmits the product ID entered into the input unit 1001 to the server device 3 via the transmission/reception unit 1003, and obtains product information corresponding to the product ID in response. The registration unit 1002 then registers the obtained product information in the product information unit 1031. The product information registered in the product information unit 1031 includes the product ID.

In addition, if the terminal device 1 stores the product master 322 (see Figure 5), the registration unit 1002 may obtain the product information by reading the product information corresponding to the product ID from the product master 322.

The transmission/reception unit 1003 transmits and receives information to and from external devices. For example, the transmission/reception unit 1003 transmits transaction information to the transaction device 2, including product information registered in the product information unit 1031. The transmission/reception unit 1003 also transmits a product information request to the server device 3, associating the product ID entered into the input unit 1001 with the member ID stored in the memory unit 15. The transmission/reception unit 1003 then receives product information corresponding to the transmitted product ID and promotion information from the server device 3 in response to the product information request. The transmission/reception unit 1003 also receives event information distributed by the server device 3 at any time.

The display control unit 1004 causes the display unit 11 to display various information. For example, the display control unit 1004 causes the display unit 11 to display product information registered by the registration unit 1002. The display control unit 1004 also causes the display unit 11 to display various controls for inputting information such as app launch instructions and payment instructions.

Next, the configuration and functions of the server device 3 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device 3. The server device 3 comprises a control unit 30, a communication unit 31, and a storage unit 32. The control unit 30, communication unit 31, and storage unit 32 are connected to each other via a bus 33 or the like.

The control unit 30 is configured as a computer equipped with a CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 33.

CPU 301 controls the overall operation of server device 3. ROM 302 stores various programs, such as programs used to drive CPU 301, and various data. RAM 303 is used as a work area for CPU 301, and loads various programs and data stored in ROM 302 and memory unit 32. Control unit 30 executes various control processes for server device 3 by having CPU 301 operate in accordance with the control programs stored in ROM 302 and memory unit 32 and loaded in RAM 303.

The memory unit 32 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and retains its stored contents even when power is cut off. The memory unit 32 stores a control program 321, a product master 322, a member master 323, a promotion information management table 324, a product/lottery table 325, a lottery rate table 326, an inventory quantity correction value table 327, a customer information correction value table 328, and an event information distribution management table 329.

The control program 321 is a program for realizing functions such as setting the lottery rate determined for a product, acquiring a product ID, selecting promotion information based on the lottery rate, and outputting promotion information to the terminal device 1.

The product master 322 is a master file that stores information about products sold at the store. Since the products sold at the store change daily, the product master 322 is updated as appropriate. Figure 5 shows the data structure of the product master 322. The product master 322 stores product IDs, product names, and prices in association with each other.

Member master 323 is a master file that stores information about store members. A member is a customer C who uses the store and has registered as a member. The information registered in member master 323 is obtained from customer C when that customer C registers as a member. Figure 6 shows the data structure of member master 323. Member master 323 stores member IDs, names, and notification destinations in association with each other.

The notification destination indicates the destination of information sent to the member, and is, for example, the communication address of the terminal device 1 owned by the member. When sending information to customer C's terminal device 1, the server device 3 references the notification destination in the member master 323.

The promotion information management table 324 is a data table that manages promotion information sent to customer C. The information registered in the promotion information management table 324 can be set and updated as desired by the store. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the promotion information management table 324. The promotion information management table 324 stores character IDs, character names, and characters (images) in association with each other.

A character ID is information that identifies a character. A character is a distinctive image issued by a store and is an example of promotional information. A store issues a large number of characters and gives a character selected by lottery to customer C. By using the characters as promotional information, the store can, for example, run a promotion such as giving a prize to customer C if he or she acquires a certain number or more different characters.

Note that the promotion information management table 324 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 7. For example, the promotion information management table 324 may manage coupons as promotion information. In this case, the promotion information management table 324 stores coupon IDs and coupon details (such as discount amounts) in association with each other. Various other benefits for customer C can also be used as promotion information.

The product/lottery table 325 is a data table that manages the lottery odds set for products that customer C has purchased or is planning to purchase. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product/lottery table 325. The product/lottery table 325 stores product IDs and lottery odds table IDs in association with each other.

The product/lottery table 325 can be set and updated as desired, and the same lottery rate table ID may be associated with multiple product IDs. For example, if a store wants to apply the same lottery rate table to all products, the product/lottery table 325 associates the same lottery table ID with all product IDs.

The lottery rate table 326 is a data table that manages the lottery rate for each character. There are as many lottery rate tables 326 as there are lottery rate table IDs set in the product/lottery table 325. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the lottery rate table 326. Figure 9 shows lottery rate table IDs 901 and 902. The lottery rate table 326 stores character IDs and lottery rates in association with each other.

The lottery rate setting in the lottery rate table 326 is arbitrary. For example, for products with product packaging that has a similar color distribution to the character, the lottery rate for that character can be set higher.

The inventory quantity correction value table 327 is a data table that stores correction coefficients for rewriting the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 according to the inventory quantity of the product. The lottery rate is corrected by multiplying the correction coefficient by the lottery rate. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the inventory quantity correction value table 327. The inventory quantity correction value table 327 stores inventory quantities in association with correction coefficients. The inventory quantity correction value table 327 can be set and updated as desired. Note that the inventory quantity correction value table 327 may be set for each product. If the purchase quantity and inventory quantity to be secured differ for each product, it is desirable for the store to prepare an inventory quantity correction value table 327 for each product.

In Figure 10, stock quantity X is a value greater than stock quantity Y, and stock quantities are classified into three states. When stock quantity is less than Y, which is the lowest, the correction coefficient is set to none, in other words, the correction coefficient is set to 1. In other words, even when processing is performed to correct the lottery rate according to the stock quantity, if the stock quantity is less than Y, the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 will remain unchanged.

When the stock quantity is the next lowest, between Y and X, the correction coefficient is set to 0.9. In other words, the lottery rate registered in the lottery rate table 326 is corrected to 90 percent. When the stock quantity is the highest, at X or more, the correction coefficient is set to 0.8. In other words, the lottery rate registered in the lottery rate table 326 is corrected to 80 percent. When correcting the lottery rate, all lottery rates other than the losers registered in the lottery rate table 326 may be corrected, or only some of the lottery rates other than the losers may be corrected. For example, only the lottery rate corresponding to the character ID of the character with the lowest lottery rate (hereinafter also referred to as a "rare character") may be corrected.

In the example of Figure 10, the higher the stock quantity, the lower the lottery probability, making it more difficult to win a character. This is expected to increase customer C's purchasing motivation if they lose the lottery, meaning that customer C will be motivated to purchase the product by hoping to win next time. This makes it possible to promote sales of products with high stock quantities, in other words, products that the store wants to sell. However, the stock quantity correction value table 327 is not limited to the example of Figure 10.

For example, contrary to the example in Figure 10, the larger the inventory quantity, the higher the lottery winning rate. In this case, for example, by notifying customer C as event information that the lottery winning rate has increased, it is expected that customer C's purchasing motivation will be increased. The correction coefficient can be set arbitrarily according to the store's sales strategy.

The customer information correction value table 328 is a data table that stores correction coefficients for rewriting the lottery probability in the lottery probability table 326 according to customer information. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the customer information correction value table 328. The customer information correction value table 328 stores the number of visits and the correction coefficient in association with each other. The number of visits is an example of customer information.

As shown in Figure 11, if the number of visits per month is less than the set value Z, the correction coefficient is set to none, in other words, the correction coefficient is set to 1. In other words, even when processing is performed to correct the lottery probability according to the number of visits, if the number of visits is less than the set value Z, the lottery probability in the lottery probability table 326 remains unchanged. Note that the number of visits per month may be the number of visits in the previous month, or the average number of visits over the most recent specified period (e.g., 3 months, 6 months, etc.).

If the number of visits per month is equal to or greater than the set value Z, the correction coefficient is set to 1.1. In other words, the lottery rate registered in the lottery rate table 326 is corrected to increase it by 10%. This allows for a lottery rate that favors customer C, who visits the store frequently. When correcting the lottery rate, all lottery rates other than the losing ones registered in the lottery rate table 326 may be corrected, or only some of the lottery rates other than the losing ones may be corrected, just as when correcting based on inventory quantity.

The customer information set in the customer information correction value table 328 is not limited to the number of visits. For example, monthly purchase amount, number of items purchased, etc. can also be used as customer information. The customer information correction value table 328 is also not limited to the example shown in Figure 11. For example, contrary to the example shown in Figure 11, the lottery winning rate may be increased if the number of visits is low, and the correction coefficient can be set arbitrarily according to the store's sales strategy.

The event information distribution management table 329 is a data table that sets the conditions for distributing events. Specifically, it is a data table used to determine whether or not to distribute event information when the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 is changed. The lottery rate may be changed when the store inputs data to update the lottery rate table 326, or when the lottery rate table 326 is automatically updated based on the inventory quantity correction value table 327 or customer information correction value table 328. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the data structure of the event information distribution management table 329. The event information distribution management table 329 stores the specific character lottery rate and whether or not event information is distributed, in association with each other.

The specific character lottery rate is, for example, the lottery rate for a rare character. In the example of Figure 12, if the lottery rate is changed and the rare character lottery rate is set to a value equal to or greater than the set value V, event information is distributed. The distributed event information may be information notifying users that the rare character lottery rate has increased. In other words, the content and distribution of the event information are determined according to the lottery rate. Here, the lottery rate for a specific character is not limited to the lottery rate for a rare character, but may also be the lottery rate for one or more characters.

Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the server device 3 will be described. Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the server device 3. The control unit 30 functions as a setting unit 3001, an acquisition unit 3002, a product information extraction unit 3003, a selection unit 3004, an event information determination unit 3005, and a transmission/reception unit 3006, as the CPU 301 operates in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 302 or the storage unit 32. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

The setting unit 3001 sets the lottery rate determined for each product. Specifically, the setting unit 3001 registers (stores) information in the product/lottery table 325 and lottery rate table 326. The setting unit 3001 sets the lottery rate by registering the input lottery rate (the lottery rate determined by the store or product manufacturer). The setting unit 3001 also corrects the registered lottery rate according to inventory information and customer information and sets it as the new lottery rate.

The acquisition unit 3002 acquires the product identification information read by the terminal device 1. Specifically, the acquisition unit 3002 receives the product ID read by the terminal device 1 from the terminal device 1 via the transmission/reception unit 3006. Note that the acquisition unit 3002 may also receive the product ID read by the terminal device 1 from the checkout device 2 via the transmission/reception unit 3006. The acquisition unit 3002 is an example of a product identification information acquisition unit.

The acquisition unit 3002 also acquires inventory information indicating the number of items in stock. Specifically, the acquisition unit 3002 sends an inventory request to the management server 200 via the transmission/reception unit 3006, and receives inventory information from the management server 200. The acquisition unit 3002 is an example of an inventory information acquisition unit.

Furthermore, the acquisition unit 3002 acquires customer identification information that identifies customer C. Specifically, the acquisition unit 3002 receives the member ID stored in the terminal device 1 from the terminal device 1 via the transmission/reception unit 3006. The acquisition unit 3002 is an example of a customer identification information acquisition unit. The acquisition unit 3002 also sends a customer information request including the member ID to the management server 200 via the transmission/reception unit 3006, and receives customer information from the management server 200. The acquisition unit 3002 is an example of a customer information acquisition unit.

The product information extraction unit 3003 extracts product information corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 3002 from the terminal device 1 from the product master 322.

The selection unit 3004 selects promotion information based on the lottery probability established for the product identified by the product identification information, provided that the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired the product identification information. Specifically, when the acquisition unit 3002 acquires a product ID read by the terminal device 1, the selection unit 3004 extracts the lottery table ID corresponding to the product ID from the product/lottery table 325 shown in FIG. 8.

The selection unit 3004 then performs a lottery based on the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 for the extracted lottery table ID, and selects either a character ID or a "lose." If the selection unit 3004 selects a character ID, it selects a character (image) corresponding to that character ID from the promotion information management table 324.

The event information determination unit 3005 determines the event information to be notified to customer C based on the lottery rate set by the setting unit 3001. Specifically, when the lottery rate set by the setting unit 3001 is changed, the event information determination unit 3005 refers to the event information distribution management table 329 and determines whether the lottery rate for the specific character changed in each lottery rate table 326 is equal to or greater than the set value V.

Next, the event information determination unit 3005 extracts the lottery rate table ID from the lottery rate table 326 where the lottery rate for the specific character is equal to or greater than the set value V as a result of the change in the lottery rate. Then, the event information determination unit 3005 references the product/lottery table 325 and reads out the product ID corresponding to the extracted lottery rate table ID.

The event information determination unit 3005 determines, as event information, information notifying that the lottery rate for a specific character has increased when the product with the read product ID is purchased. For example, the event information determination unit 3005 determines, as event information to be sent to the terminal device 1, a message stating, "We are currently holding an event to increase the appearance rate of character XX for product XX." Note that the method of determining event information is not limited to the above, and any method may be used as long as it determines event information based on the lottery rate.

The transmission/reception unit 3006 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices. For example, the transmission/reception unit 3006 receives product information requests, including product IDs and member IDs, from the terminal device 1. The transmission/reception unit 3006 also transmits product information, promotion information, event information, and the like to the terminal device 1. Furthermore, the transmission/reception unit 3006 transmits inventory information requests and customer information requests to the management server 200, and receives inventory information and customer information from the management server 200 in response to these requests. The transmission/reception unit 3006 is an example of an output unit.

Next, we will explain how to set the lottery probability in the server device 3 configured as described above. In this embodiment, there are three methods for setting the lottery probability:

The first setting method involves the store setting a predetermined lottery probability for each product. For example, the store inputs data from the product/lottery table 325 shown in FIG. 8 and the lottery probability table 326 shown in FIG. 9 into the server device 3, and the setting unit 3001 stores the input data in the memory unit 32.

The second setting method involves correcting the lottery rate set in the lottery rate table 326 according to the number of items in stock. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the lottery rate setting process related to the second setting method.

The control unit 30 determines whether the setting unit 3001 has detected a trigger (step S1), and if not (N in step S1), returns to the processing of step S1 and waits. Here, a trigger is information that instructs the start of the lottery rate setting process. For example, if the lottery rate setting process is set to be executed at a set time, it is information indicating that the set time has arrived. The trigger may also be an instruction to start the lottery rate setting process input by a store clerk, etc.

When a trigger is detected (Y in step S1), the transceiver unit 3006 sends an inventory information request to the management server 200 (step S2) and receives inventory information from the management server 200 in response to the inventory information request (step S3).

The setting unit 3001 then calculates the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 set for each product using the correction coefficient set in the inventory quantity correction value table 327 (step S4). In detail, the setting unit 3001 reads the lottery rate table 326 corresponding to the product whose inventory quantity has been obtained from the product/lottery table 325, and reads the correction coefficient corresponding to the inventory quantity of that product from the inventory quantity correction value table 327. The setting unit 3001 then calculates the lottery rate by multiplying the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 by the correction coefficient. The setting unit 3001 calculates the lottery rate for the lottery rate tables 326 corresponding to all products.

The setting unit 3001 rewrites the lottery probability in the lottery probability table 326 with the calculated lottery probability, updating the lottery probability table 326 (step S5). Note that the setting unit 3001 may also generate a new lottery probability table 326 based on the calculated lottery probability. The control unit 30 then terminates the lottery probability setting process.

The third setting method involves correcting the lottery rate set in the lottery rate table 326 according to member information. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the lottery rate setting process for the third setting method.

The control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired a member ID (step S11), and if not (N in step S11), returns to the processing of step S11 and waits. The member ID is transmitted from the terminal device 1, for example, when customer C visits the store and launches the shopping app.

Once the member ID is acquired (Y in step S11), the transmission/reception unit 3006 sends a member information request including the member ID acquired by the acquisition unit 3002 to the management server 200 (step S12), and receives member information of the member identified by the member ID from the management server 200 in response to the member information request (step S13). In this embodiment, the member information is the number of times the member visits the store per month.

The setting unit 3001 then calculates the lottery rate in the lottery rate table 326 set for each product using the correction coefficient set in the customer information correction value table 328 (step S14). In detail, the setting unit 3001 reads the correction coefficient corresponding to the number of visits acquired by the acquisition unit 3002 from the customer information correction value table 328. The setting unit 3001 then calculates the lottery rate by multiplying the lottery rate in each lottery rate table 326 by the correction coefficient.

The setting unit 3001 stores a new lottery rate table 326 based on the calculated lottery rate, in association with the member ID. The setting unit 3001 stores the new lottery rate tables 326 for all lottery rate tables 326. The control unit 30 then terminates the lottery rate setting process.

Next, we will explain how the server device 3 configured as described above sends promotional information. In this embodiment, when customer C reads the product ID from the code symbol attached to the product, that is, when registering the product, the promotional information is sent to the terminal device 1, assuming that the product will be purchased. This is expected to increase customer C's desire to purchase while shopping in the sales area.

Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the promotion information transmission process.

The control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired the product ID and member ID (step S21), and if not (N in step S21), returns to the processing of step S21 and waits. More specifically, the control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired the product ID and member ID included in the product information request received by the transmission/reception unit 3006.

When the acquisition unit 3002 acquires the product ID and member ID (Y in step S21), the product information extraction unit 3003 extracts product information (step S22). In detail, the product information extraction unit 3003 reads the product information corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 3002 from the product master 322.

Next, the selection unit 3004 selects a lottery rate table 326. Specifically, the selection unit 3004 reads the lottery rate table 326 corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 3002 from the product/lottery table 325. Next, the selection unit 3004 performs a character lottery (step S24). Specifically, the selection unit 3004 performs a character lottery using the lottery rate set in the lottery rate table 326 read in step S24.

The transmission/reception unit 3006 transmits the product information extracted in step S22 and character information based on the results of the lottery performed in step S24 to the terminal device 1 (step S25). The transmission/reception unit 3006 transmits the product information and character information to the notification destination corresponding to the member ID obtained in step S21 in the member master 323. The character information transmitted here is information related to the character, and if any character is selected, it is the character (image), and if no character is selected, it is information indicating that the character was not selected. The control unit 30 then terminates the promotion transmission process.

In this embodiment, customer C can obtain promotional information as soon as he or she reads the product ID from the code symbol attached to the product, i.e., before the payment for the product has been completed. For this reason, it is conceivable that a malicious customer C could obtain promotional information without purchasing the product. As an example, it is conceivable that a malicious customer C could read the product ID, obtain the promotional information, and then cancel the product registration. Therefore, measures can be taken to prevent this.

For example, the terminal device 1 may be configured to display a purchase confirmation button corresponding to each read product ID, and the product registration may be set so that it cannot be canceled once the purchase confirmation button is pressed, and a request for promotional information about the product whose purchase has been confirmed may be sent to the server device 3 when the purchase confirmation button is pressed.

Next, we will explain the distribution of event information in the server device 3 configured as described above. In this embodiment, the event information distribution process is triggered by a change in the lottery rate in any of the lottery rate tables 326.

Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the event information distribution process.

The control unit 30 determines whether the lottery rate in any of the lottery rate tables has been changed (step S31), and if it has not been changed (N in step S31), returns to the processing of step S31 and waits. In detail, the control unit 30 determines whether any of the lottery rate tables 326 has been rewritten by the setting unit 3001.

When the lottery rate is changed (Y in step S31), the event information determination unit 3005 reads the lottery rate for the specific character from the lottery rate table 326 with the changed lottery rate (step S32). Next, the event information determination unit 3005 determines whether the lottery rate read in step S32 is equal to or greater than the set value V (step S33).

If the lottery rate for a specific character is equal to or greater than the set value V (Y in step S33), the event information determination unit 3005 determines event information (step S34). In particular, for products whose lottery rate for a specific character is equal to or greater than the set value V, the event information determination unit 3005 determines information notifying that the lottery rate for a specific character has increased as event information.

The transmitter/receiver unit 3006 distributes the event information to members whose information is registered in the member master 323 via a public line such as the Internet (step S35). The control unit 30 then terminates the event information distribution process. Note that if, in step S33, the lottery rate for the specific character is not equal to or greater than the set value V (N in step S33), the control unit 30 skips the processes of steps S34 and S35 and terminates the event information distribution process.

As described above, according to the server device 3 of this embodiment, when customer C attempts to purchase a product on the sales floor and reads the product ID from the code symbol attached to the product, a character lottery is held and character information such as the lottery results is sent to customer C's terminal device 1. This allows customer C to enjoy the joy that comes with purchasing a product while shopping on the sales floor. Furthermore, the store can expect customer C's purchasing motivation to increase as a result of obtaining character information.

As described above, the server device 3 of this embodiment includes a setting unit 3001 that sets the lottery rate determined for the product, and a terminal device 1 that stores product identification information (
The device includes a product identification information acquisition unit (acquisition unit 3002) that acquires a product identification information (product ID), a selection unit 3004 that selects promotion information based on a lottery rate determined for the product identified by the product identification information, provided that the acquisition unit 3002 has acquired the product identification information, and an output unit (transmission/reception unit 3006) that outputs the promotion information selected by the selection unit 3004 to the terminal device 1 that reads the product identification information.

By providing customer C with promotional information based on a lottery, the server device 3 can run a promotion that will interest and entertain customer C. As a result, it is expected that customer C's desire to purchase will be increased.

In addition, the setting unit 3001 of the server device 3 in this embodiment can set the lottery rate for each product.

This allows stores to change the lottery odds for each product to suit their sales strategies. For example, stores can run promotions that fit their sales strategies by setting different lottery odds for products they want to sell more aggressively than for other products.

Furthermore, the server device 3 of this embodiment further includes an inventory information acquisition unit (acquisition unit 3002) that acquires inventory information indicating the number of products in stock, and the setting unit 3001 sets the lottery rate based on the inventory information acquired by the inventory information acquisition unit.

This allows stores to set the lottery rate according to the product's inventory status. For example, for products with high inventory, it is possible to set a lottery rate that is likely to promote sales. Moreover, since the lottery rate can be automatically set according to inventory information, promotions can be carried out efficiently.

In addition, the server device 3 of this embodiment further includes a customer identification information acquisition unit (acquisition unit 3002) that acquires customer identification information (member ID) that identifies customer C, and the setting unit 3001 sets the lottery probability based on the customer information regarding customer C identified by the customer identification information.

This allows the store to set the lottery rate according to customer C, allowing for more flexible promotions.

In addition, the server device 3 of this embodiment further includes an event information determination unit 3005 that determines the event information to be notified to customer C based on the lottery probability set by the setting unit 3001, and the output unit (transmission/reception unit 3006) outputs the event information.

This allows the store to determine the event information to notify customer C about in relation to promotional information by utilizing the lottery rate used to select promotional information. This means that the store does not need to separately consider the event information, and can distribute the event information efficiently.

In the above embodiment, the control programs executed by the terminal device 1 and the server device 3, which is an information processing device, may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and provided. Also, the control programs executed by the terminal device 1 and server device 3 in the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or may even be provided via a network such as the Internet.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1 Terminal device 3 Server device (information processing device)
3001 Setting unit 3002 Acquisition unit (product identification information acquisition unit, inventory information acquisition unit, customer identification information acquisition unit)
3004 Selection unit 3005 Event information determination unit 3006 Transmission/reception unit (output unit)

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-94598

Claims (6)

a setting unit that sets a lottery rate determined for each product;
a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information read by a terminal device carried by a customer;
a selection unit that selects promotion information based on a lottery probability determined for a product identified by the product identification information, on the condition that the product identification information acquisition unit has acquired the product identification information;
an output unit that outputs the promotion information selected by the selection unit to the terminal device that reads the product identification information;
Equipped with
The product identification information acquisition unit acquires product identification information that has been confirmed to be purchased by the terminal device from the product identification information read by the terminal device . The setting unit is capable of setting a lottery rate for each product.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The system further includes an inventory information acquisition unit that acquires inventory information indicating the number of products in stock,
the setting unit sets a lottery rate based on the inventory information acquired by the inventory information acquisition unit.
3. The information processing device according to claim 1. a customer identification information acquisition unit for acquiring customer identification information for identifying a customer;
the setting unit sets a lottery probability based on customer information relating to the customer identified by the customer identification information.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . an event information determination unit that determines event information to be notified to customers based on the lottery probability set by the setting unit,
The output unit outputs the event information.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . A program for controlling an information processing device by a computer,
The computer
a setting unit that sets a lottery rate determined for each product;
a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information read by a terminal device carried by a customer;
a selection unit that selects promotion information for a product identified by the product identification information based on the lottery rate set by the setting unit, on the condition that the product identification information acquisition unit has acquired the product identification information;
an output unit that outputs the promotion information selected by the selection unit to the terminal device that reads the product identification information;
and make it work ,
The product identification information acquisition unit acquires product identification information that has been confirmed to be purchased by the terminal device from the product identification information read by the terminal device .