JP5941865B2 - Server apparatus, electronic coupon management method, communication system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for appropriately managing the use of electronic coupons stored in storage means such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, a non-volatile memory, and a hard disk.

  In recent years, electronic coupon services for smartphones and mobile phones have been provided. According to this electronic coupon service, the user can use the electronic coupon simply by downloading the electronic coupon to his / her terminal device and reading it with a reader / writer installed in the store. For example, when using an electronic coupon from a non-contact IC communication compatible terminal, contactless communication with a reader / writer is performed, and when using an electronic coupon from a non-IC communication compatible terminal, a QR code (Registered by Denso Wave Co., Ltd.) Barcode identification information such as a trademark (the same applies hereinafter) is displayed on the screen, and coupon information and the like are transmitted and received by the barcode reader.

  When this electronic coupon service is provided, restrictions may be imposed on the provision or use number of electronic coupons. For example, in the coupon issue server described in Patent Document 1, the number of electronic coupons distributed is managed for each mobile terminal, and the number of electronic coupons distributed to each mobile terminal is limited to a predetermined number. Moreover, in the coupon issuing server described in Patent Document 2, the identification information of the issued coupon is converted into a QR code, and the usage history of each coupon identification information is managed on the server side, so that the electronic coupon by copying the QR code can be obtained. Prevent unauthorized use.

JP 2007-072906 A JP 2011-145997 A

  However, in any patent document, the user can re-acquire from any terminal until he / she uses the acquired coupon, or the use environment such as so-called multi-device use or mobile terminal model change. Was not supposed. For this reason, even when one electronic coupon is used from a plurality of portable terminals, there is a possibility that a plurality of electronic coupons are issued and used, and the use of appropriate coupons cannot be managed on the server side.

  Specifically, in the coupon issue server described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to limit the number of electronic coupons distributed for each portable terminal to a predetermined number, but the number of electronic coupons distributed for each user is a predetermined number. The number cannot be limited. For example, when one user uses a plurality of terminal devices, the user can receive more electronic coupons than a user who uses a single terminal device.

  Moreover, in the coupon issue server of patent document 2, it manages so that it can identify uniquely by the coupon identification information memorize | stored for every member number information of the coupon purchaser, and counts the frequency | count of use when permitting several use. It is possible to manage the purchaser's coupon usage history. For this reason, when a coupon is distributed from a user who has made a regular purchase, or when it is stolen due to multiple or counterfeiting, it is counted as the number of times the purchaser is included in the coupon identification information. In some cases, the user who has purchased the product cannot use the product due to the use of the product that has not been used.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when the same electronic coupon is provided to each of a plurality of terminal devices used by one user, the limit number of sheets is set. It is intended to prevent the electronic coupon from being used beyond.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device and a memory area of the terminal device when the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device. Storage control for controlling to store the date and time of writing or coupon writing information including information specified based on the date and time of writing of the electronic coupon to the memory area of the terminal device in association with each other. And when the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, and the storage unit are stored in association with each other. An output unit that outputs a signal permitting use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device when the coupon writing information matches. To provide a server device.

  In a preferred aspect, when an electronic coupon is provided to a terminal device, a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device and coupon writing information are stored in association with each other in the storage unit. When the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device and an update control unit that controls the coupon writing information to be updated to another coupon writing information, the terminal device has the terminal device. The write instruction unit that instructs to write the electronic coupon in the memory area, and when the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device and the coupon writing information are stored in the memory And the electronic device is stored in the memory area of the terminal device with respect to the terminal device by the writing instruction unit. Use indicating that the use of an electronic coupon by a terminal device used by the user should be prohibited in the storage unit in association with a user ID that identifies the user of the terminal device Control to set a prohibition flag, and control by the update control unit to update the coupon writing information stored in association with the user ID in the storage unit to another coupon writing information And a flag setting unit that controls to release the use prohibition flag set in association with the user ID, and the output unit uses the electronic coupon by the terminal device. In addition, the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, and the storage unit If the use prohibition flag is set in association with the user ID in the storage unit even if the coupon writing information stored with the electronic coupon matches, the electronic coupon by the terminal device is set. A signal may be output that rejects the use of.

  Moreover, in a preferred aspect, the update control unit instructs the update control to write the coupon in the memory area of the terminal device by the write instruction unit to the terminal device to which the electronic coupon is provided. It may be executed after the writing process is performed in the terminal apparatus and after the result of the writing process is notified to the server apparatus.

  Moreover, in a preferable aspect, when the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device, the flag setting unit includes coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, and a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device; When the coupon writing information stored in association with the storage unit matches, the use prohibition flag is set in the storage unit in association with the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device. You may make it not control.

  Moreover, in a preferable aspect, when the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device, the flag setting unit stores coupon writing information in the storage unit in association with a user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device. If not, the storage unit may not be controlled to set the use prohibition flag in association with the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device.

  Moreover, in a preferable aspect, when the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the output unit includes a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device and a use prohibition flag set in the storage unit. Even when the electronic coupon is an electronic coupon whose number of use is not limited, a signal permitting the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device may be output.

  Moreover, in a preferable aspect, when the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the output unit includes coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device, and the Even when the coupon writing information stored in association with the storage unit does not match, if the electronic coupon is an electronic coupon whose number of use is not limited, A signal permitting use of the electronic coupon may be output.

  In addition, the present invention provides a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device and a date and time when the electronic coupon is written in a memory area of the terminal device when the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device. A storage control step for controlling to store in the storage unit the coupon writing information including information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon is written to the memory area of the terminal device; When an electronic coupon is used, coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device, and coupon writing information stored in association with the storage unit An electronic step having an output step of outputting a signal permitting the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device if the two match. To provide a pop management method.

  The present invention is also a communication system including a server device and a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the server device identifies a user of the terminal device when an electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device. Coupon writing information including ID and information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon was written in the memory area of the terminal device or the date and time when the electronic coupon was written to the memory area of the terminal device And a storage control unit that controls to store them in the storage unit, and when the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device and the user of the terminal device are identified The user ID and the coupon writing information stored in association with each other in the storage unit match the terminal device An output unit that outputs a signal permitting use of the child coupon, and each of the plurality of terminal devices identifies a user of the terminal device when requesting the server device to provide an electronic coupon A communication system is provided that transmits at least a user ID among an ID and coupon writing information to the server device.

  Further, according to the present invention, when an electronic coupon is provided to a terminal device, the electronic coupon is written in a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device and a memory area of the terminal device. A storage control step of controlling to store in the storage unit the coupon writing information including information specified based on the date and time or the date and time when writing of the electronic coupon is instructed to the memory area of the terminal device; When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, and the coupon writing stored in association with the storage unit An output step of outputting a signal permitting use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device when the information matches Providing a program for execution.

  According to the present invention, even when the same electronic coupon is provided to each of a plurality of terminal devices used by one user, when the electronic coupon is used, the terminal in addition to the coupon ID Since the use permission / inhibition is determined using the coupon writing information acquired from the apparatus, it is possible to prevent the electronic coupon from being used beyond the limit number.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an ASP server 10. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the coupon management table 131. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the user management table. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the use management table 133. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a terminal device 20. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an ASP server 10. FIG. 3 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the communication system 1. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a UI unit 24 of the terminal device 20. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a set start process. It is a figure which shows an example of the update of a data table. It is a flowchart which shows a set confirmation process. It is a figure which shows an example of the update of a data table. It is a figure which shows an example of the update of a data table. It is a figure which shows an example of the update of a data table. It is a flowchart which shows use permission determination processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the update of a data table. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the communication system 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of 1 A of communication systems. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of ASP server 10A. It is a figure which shows the data structure of 132 A of user management tables. It is a figure which shows the data structure of 133 A of usage management tables. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the terminal device 20C. It is a sequence chart which shows operation | movement of the communication system 1A. It is a flowchart which shows issue processing. It is a flowchart which shows use permission determination processing.

1. First embodiment 1-1. Configuration Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes an ASP (Application Service Provider) server 10, a terminal device 20, a store management server 30, a store terminal 40, and an application management server 50.

  The ASP server 10 is a server device that provides an electronic coupon service to the terminal device 20. In response to a request from the terminal device 20, the ASP server 10 provides the terminal device 20 with an electronic coupon provided by a plurality of service providers.

  The terminal device 20 is a smartphone, for example, and acquires an electronic coupon provided from the ASP server 10. The terminal device 20 is not limited to a smartphone, but may be another terminal device such as a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

  When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device 20, the store management server 30 transmits an inquiry about whether or not to use the electronic coupon to the ASP server 10 and receives an answer to the inquiry from the ASP server 10. Device.

  The store terminal 40 is a computer device installed in a store where an electronic coupon can be used. The store terminal 40 includes a reader / writer 41 that performs wireless communication with the non-contact IC card included in the terminal device 20 to read / write data, and stores data read by the reader / writer 41. Send to. Further, the store terminal 40 receives information about whether or not to use the electronic coupon from the store management server 30 and performs settlement of the electronic coupon based on the information.

  The application management server 50 is a computer device that manages the electronic coupon writing process in the terminal device 20.

  In the communication system 1, the ASP server 10, the terminal device 20, the store management server 30, and the application management server 50 are each connected to a network NW. The network NW is a communication network including, for example, a mobile communication network, a gateway, and the Internet. The store management server 30 and the store terminal 40 are connected by, for example, a dedicated communication line.

  In FIG. 1, only one terminal device 20 is illustrated, but actually, there may be a plurality of terminal devices 20 that can receive the electronic coupon service. Further, one store management server 30 may be installed per store, one store may be installed per plurality of stores, or one may be installed for each service provider. Moreover, the shop terminal 40 is installed in each shop which can use an electronic coupon, and actually there may exist two or more. Further, the store terminal 40 does not necessarily support non-contact IC communication, and displays a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code on the screen of the portable terminal and reads an electronic coupon using a reader. It may be a simple configuration.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the ASP server 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the ASP server 10 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

  The control unit 11 is a microprocessor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU controls each unit of the ASP server 10 by reading the program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 13 into the RAM and executing it.

  The communication unit 12 is an interface for connecting to the network NW. The control unit 11 communicates with an external device connected via the network NW by the communication unit 12.

  The storage unit 13 includes a hard disk device, for example, and stores a program necessary for providing an electronic coupon service executed by the control unit 11. In addition, the storage unit 13 stores a coupon management table 131, a user management table 132, and a usage management table 133.

  In addition, the memory | storage part 13 may memorize | store another information regarding provision of an electronic coupon service. For example, the storage unit 13 may store the conditions (user attributes such as age and sex) of the user to be provided with the electronic coupon, the provision period of the electronic coupon, the usable period of the electronic coupon, and the like. However, in the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted. The electronic coupon according to the present embodiment is electronic data called electronic value, and is not provided or used as a paper medium. However, in the following description, the classifier of the electronic coupon is “sheet” for convenience of the description.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the coupon management table 131. As shown in FIG. 3, the coupon management table 131 associates each information of “coupon ID”, “restricted number (total)”, “used number (total)”, and “remaining number (total)”. It is a data table.

  “Coupon ID” is identification information for identifying an electronic coupon provided by the ASP server 10. The “restricted number (total)” is the total available number of electronic coupons set for each electronic coupon. In the ASP server 10, the total number of electronic coupons used by each terminal device 20 is managed so as not to exceed the total limit number.

  “Used number (total)” is the total number of electronic coupons used by each terminal device 20. It can be said that the above-mentioned total limit number is the upper limit value of the total use number. The “remaining number (total)” is the number of electronic coupons that can be provided to each terminal device 20. In the ASP server 10, the total number of electronic coupons provided to each terminal device 20 is managed so as not to exceed the total remaining number.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, an electronic coupon having a coupon ID “CID001” and an electronic coupon having a coupon ID “CID002” are shown as examples of the electronic coupon. In the record on the first line shown in FIG. 3, the total limit number of electronic coupons with coupon ID “CID001” is “1000”, the total number of used coupons is “0”, and the total remaining number of copies is “ 1000 ". On the other hand, in the record on the second line, the total number of electronic coupons with coupon ID “CID002” is “5000”, the total number of use is “0”, and the total remaining number is “5000”. It shows that there is.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the user management table 132. As shown in FIG. 4, the user management table 132 includes “user ID”, “coupon ID”, “restricted number (individual)”, “set undetermined number”, “set unused number”, “used number”. It is a data table in which each information of “individual” and “remaining number of sheets (individual)” is associated.

  “User ID” is identification information for identifying the user of the terminal device 20. This user ID is assigned for each user in the ASP server 10, for example. “Coupon ID” is the same information as the coupon ID written in the coupon management table 131.

  The “restricted number (individual)” is the maximum number of electronic coupons that can be used by one user, set for each electronic coupon. In the ASP server 10, the number of electronic coupons used per user is managed so as not to exceed the individual limit number. This limit number of individuals is the upper limit of the number of individual users.

  The “set unconfirmed number” indicates that the ASP server 10 has instructed the terminal device 20 to write an electronic coupon, but the writing process to the terminal device 20 (hereinafter also referred to as “set”) has succeeded. Whether or not the number of electronic coupons is uncertain. The set undetermined number is, for example, the number of electronic coupons for which the writing process has not been completed or the number of electronic coupons for which the writing process has been completed but the success or failure has not been notified to the ASP server 10 yet.

  The “set unused number” is the number of electronic coupons that have been successfully written to the terminal device 20 and have not been used yet. The set unused number is the number of electronic coupons that the ASP server 10 knows is stored in the memory area 251 of the IC chip 25 of the terminal device 20. The set unused number indicates the number of electronic coupons that can be used by the terminal device 20.

  “Used number (individual)” is the number of electronic coupons already used by one user. The “remaining number (individual)” is the number of electronic coupons that can be provided to the user. The ASP server 10 is managed so that the number of electronic coupons provided to one user does not exceed the number of remaining individuals.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, information related to a user having a user ID “UID001” is shown as an example of user management data. For example, in the record in the first row shown in FIG. 4, the personal limited number of electronic coupons with the coupon ID “CID001” is “10”, the set undetermined number, the set unused number and the individual used number Are “0”, and the remaining number of individuals is “10”.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the usage management table 133. As shown in FIG. 5, the usage management table 133 is a data table in which information items “user ID”, “coupon writing information”, and “usage prohibition flag” are associated with each other.

  “User ID” is the same information as the user ID written in the user management table 132. The “coupon writing information” is information specified based on the date and time when the ASP server 10 instructs the terminal device 20 to write the electronic coupon. The “use prohibition flag” is information indicating whether or not use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20 should be prohibited. When the use of the electronic coupon should be prohibited, it is set to “ON”, and when it should not be prohibited, it is set to “OFF”.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, information related to the user having the user ID “UID001” is illustrated as an example of usage management data. The record on the first line shown in this example indicates that the coupon writing information is not written and the use prohibition flag is set to OFF.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the terminal device 20. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21, a voice input / output unit 22, a wireless communication unit 23, a UI (UserInterface) unit 24, an IC chip 25, and a storage unit 26. .

  The control unit 21 includes a microprocessor having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU controls each unit of the terminal device 20 by reading the program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 26 into the RAM and executing it. The voice input / output unit 22 includes a microphone and a speaker, and realizes functions related to voice input / output in the terminal device 20. The wireless communication unit 23 is an interface for connecting to a network NW that includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The UI unit 24 includes, for example, a touch panel, receives an operation from the user, and displays an image.

  The IC chip 25 includes a processor, an antenna, and a memory area 251 used for reading and writing data, and is an IC chip for performing proximity contactless communication. The processor of the IC chip 25 accesses the memory area 251 in accordance with a signal received by the antenna or a signal output from the control unit 21, and reads or writes data.

  An electronic coupon is written in the memory area 251. Specifically, a coupon ID for identifying an electronic coupon and the number of electronic coupons are written in association with each other. When the electronic coupon is written, coupon writing information indicating information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon writing process is instructed is also written.

  The memory area 251 is a memory area shared by a plurality of service providers. Only the electronic coupon of any one of the plurality of service providers is written in the memory area 251. For example, in the state where an electronic coupon of a certain service provider is stored in the memory area 251, when an electronic coupon of another service provider is newly written, the memory area 251 is originally created by the newly written electronic coupon. The electronic coupon stored in is overwritten. Further, even when an electronic coupon of the same service provider is newly written, the electronic coupon originally stored in the memory area 251 is overwritten. Therefore, two or more pieces of coupon writing information are not stored in the memory area 251. Note that a plurality of electronic coupons can be simultaneously stored in the memory area 251 as long as they are electronic coupons of the same service provider.

  Further, the IC chip 25 stores the user ID in a predetermined memory area other than the memory area 251.

  Even when the terminal device 20 deletes the electronic coupon in the memory area 251 by the writing process, the terminal device 20 can return to the state before the deletion by making an inquiry to the ASP server 10. This is because the ASP server 10 manages information related to provision and use of electronic coupons for each user in the user management table 132.

  The storage unit 26 includes, for example, an EEPROM, and stores a coupon management application 261 in addition to a program executed by the control unit 21. By executing the coupon management application 261, the control unit 21 communicates with the application management server 50 to execute the electronic coupon writing process. The coupon management application 261 is executed when the terminal device 20 receives provision of an electronic coupon.

  Next, a functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the ASP server 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of functions characteristic of the present invention among functions related to provision and use of the electronic coupon of the ASP server 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 11 of the ASP server 10 executes a program, thereby executing a storage control unit 111, an update control unit 112, a write instruction unit 113, a flag setting unit 114, and an output. The function of the unit 115 is realized.

  When an electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device 20, the storage control unit 111 identifies the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20, and the date and time when the electronic coupon is written into the memory area of the terminal device. Control is performed so that the coupon writing information indicating the information specified based on the information is stored in the storage unit in association with each other. Specifically, the storage control unit 111 uses the user ID and coupon writing information including information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon that is the provision target is instructed to be written to the terminal device 20. Control to write to the management table 133.

  Here, the concept of “coupon writing information” includes not only the coupon writing date and time indicating the date when the electronic coupon was written, but also a random number generated by a function that is uniquely determined based on the coupon writing date and time. Including. Moreover, in addition to the above-mentioned coupon writing date and time or random numbers, the concept of “coupon writing information” includes information regarding the expiration date and usage area set for the coupon writing information, and whether or not the person is the person. Information that can be determined (user attribute information) and information that includes a flag for requesting identity authentication when using an electronic coupon are also included. In addition, here, the concept of “coupon writing date / time” includes not only information consisting of a set of date and time when the electronic coupon was written, but also information consisting only of the date when the electronic coupon was written, and electronic coupons. Information consisting of only the time of day is included.

  When the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device 20, the update control unit 112 stores a user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device and coupon writing information in association with each other in the storage unit. Then, control is performed so that the reference data is updated to different coupon writing information. Specifically, the update control unit 112 stores the coupon writing stored when the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20 and the coupon writing information are stored in the usage management table 133 in association with each other. The information is controlled to be updated to coupon writing information indicating information specified based on the date and time when the terminal device 20 is instructed to write the electronic coupon.

  The update control unit 112 is instructed to write the electronic coupon in the memory area 251 of the terminal device 20 by the writing instruction unit 113 with respect to the terminal device 20 to which the electronic coupon is provided. This is executed after the writing process is performed in the terminal device 20 and the result of the writing process (specifically, the success of the writing process) is notified to the ASP server 10.

  When the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device 20, the writing instruction unit 113 instructs the terminal device 20 to write the electronic coupon in the memory area 251 of the terminal device 20.

  When an electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device 20, the flag setting unit 114 stores a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device and coupon writing information in association with each other in the storage unit. In addition, before the writing instruction unit 113 instructs the terminal device 20 to write the electronic coupon in the memory area 251 of the terminal device 20, the user ID is associated with the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20. Then, the storage unit controls to set a use prohibition flag indicating that the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20 used by the user should be prohibited.

  Specifically, when the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20 and the coupon writing information are stored in the usage management table 133 in association with each other, the flag setting unit 114 uses the writing instruction unit 113 to store the terminal. Control is performed to set the use prohibition flag to ON in the use management table 133 in association with the user ID before the device 20 is instructed to write the electronic coupon in the memory area 251 of the terminal device 20. To do.

  In addition, after setting the use prohibition flag as described above, the flag setting unit 114 causes the update control unit 112 to store the coupon writing information stored in the storage unit in association with the user ID in another coupon document. After being controlled to be updated to the embedded information, the usage prohibition flag set in association with the user ID is canceled. Specifically, after the flag setting unit 114 sets the use prohibition flag to ON, the coupon control information stored in association with the user ID in the use management table 133 by the update control unit 112 is stored in the terminal After being controlled to be updated to the coupon writing information indicating information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon writing process is instructed to the device 20, it is set in association with the user ID. Control to set the use prohibition flag to OFF.

  In addition, when the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device 20, the flag setting unit 114 uses the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device 20, the user ID that identifies the user of the terminal device 20, and the storage unit. When the coupon writing information stored in association with each other matches, the storage unit does not control to set the use prohibition flag in association with the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20. Specifically, the flag setting unit 114 is stored in association with the coupon writing information notified from the terminal device 20 when the electronic coupon is provided, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20, and the usage management table 133. If there is a match with the existing coupon writing information, the use management table 133 is not controlled to set the use prohibition flag to ON in association with the user ID.

  Further, when an electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device 20, the flag setting unit 114 is associated with a user ID that identifies the user of the terminal device 20 and the coupon writing information is not stored in the storage unit. In the storage unit, the use prohibition flag is not controlled in association with the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20. Specifically, if the coupon writing information is not stored in the usage management table 133 in association with the user ID that identifies the user of the terminal device 20, the flag setting unit 114 It is not controlled to set the use prohibition flag to ON in association with the user ID.

  The output unit 115 stores the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device 20 when the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device 20, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20, and the storage unit in association with each other. When the written coupon information matches, the terminal device 20 outputs a signal permitting the use of the electronic coupon. Specifically, the output unit 115 stores the coupon writing information notified from the terminal device 20, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20, and the coupon writing information stored in the usage management table 133 in association with each other. Is output, a signal permitting the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20 is output.

  Note that when the electronic device is used by the terminal device 20, the output unit 115 associates the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device 20 with the user ID that identifies the user of the terminal device 20 in the storage unit. Even when the stored coupon writing information matches, if the use prohibition flag is set in association with the user ID in the storage unit, use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20 Outputs a signal rejecting.

  Specifically, the output unit 115 stores the coupon writing information notified from the terminal device 20, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20, and the coupon writing information stored in the usage management table 133 in association with each other. If the use prohibition flag is set to ON in association with the user ID in the use management table 133, a signal rejecting the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20 is sent. Output.

  In addition, when the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device 20, the output unit 115 is associated with a user ID that identifies the user of the terminal device, even when the use prohibition flag is set in the storage unit. When the electronic coupon is an electronic coupon whose use number is not limited, a signal permitting the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20 is output.

  Specifically, the output unit 115 associates the coupon of the electronic coupon to be used even when the usage prohibition flag is set in the usage management table 133 in association with the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device. When the limit number is not set in the coupon management table 131 and the user management table 132 for the ID, a signal permitting use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20 is output.

  In addition, when the electronic device is used by the terminal device 20, the output unit 115 associates the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device 20 with the user ID that identifies the user of the terminal device 20 in the storage unit. Even when the stored coupon writing information does not match, if the electronic coupon is an electronic coupon whose number of use is not limited, the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20 is permitted. Output a signal.

  Specifically, the output unit 115 stores the coupon writing information notified from the terminal device 20, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device 20, and the coupon writing information stored in the usage management table 133 in association with each other. If the limit number is not set in the coupon management table 131 and the user management table 132 for the coupon ID of the electronic coupon to be used, even if Outputs a permission signal.

1-2. Operation Next, the operation of the communication system 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the communication system 1.

  When the terminal device 20 acquires an electronic coupon, it transmits a coupon acquisition request to the ASP server 10 (step Sa1). Specifically, the terminal device 20 issues a coupon acquisition request including a coupon ID indicating an electronic coupon to be acquired, information indicating the number of acquired electronic coupons, and a user ID stored in the IC chip 25. It transmits to the ASP server 10. At this time, if the coupon writing information is stored in the memory area 251 of the IC chip 25, the terminal device 20 may transmit the coupon writing information in the coupon acquisition request when the electronic coupon is reacquired. Good.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen displayed on the UI unit 24 when the terminal device 20 tries to acquire an electronic coupon. The user of the terminal device 20 operates the UI unit 24 to select the number of electronic coupons to be acquired from the pull-down menus Pa1 and Pa2, and then selects the soft button Ba labeled “Acquire coupons”. When coupon writing information is stored in the ASP server 10, the soft button Ba may be displayed as “re-acquire coupon”.

  The ASP server 10 that has received the coupon acquisition request from the terminal device 20 executes a set start process (step Sa2). Here, the set start process is a process until the ASP server 10 instructs the terminal device 20 to write the electronic coupon. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the set start process.

  In step Sa21 in FIG. 10, the ASP server 10 determines whether or not the coupon writing information is stored in the usage management table 133 in association with the user ID included in the coupon acquisition request.

  If the coupon acquisition information is not included in the coupon acquisition request as a result of this determination (step Sa21; NO), the ASP server 10 executes the process of step Sa24. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the coupon acquisition request includes information indicating the coupon writing information (step Sa21; YES), the ASP server 10 executes the process of step Sa22.

  In step Sa22, the ASP server 10 determines whether the coupon writing information indicated by the coupon acquisition request matches the coupon writing information stored in the usage management table 133 in association with the user ID included in the coupon acquisition request. Judge whether or not. That is, the ASP server 10 determines whether or not the terminal device 20 that has requested acquisition of an electronic coupon this time and the terminal device 20 that has requested acquisition of the previous electronic coupon are the same terminal device.

  As a result of this determination, if the two coupon writing information matches (step Sa22; YES), the ASP server 10 executes the process of step Sa24. On the other hand, if the two pieces of coupon writing information do not match as a result of the determination (step Sa22; NO), the ASP server 10 executes the process of step Sa23.

  In step Sa23, the ASP server 10 sets the use prohibition flag to ON in the use management table 133 in association with the user ID included in the coupon acquisition request. As a result, use of the electronic coupon associated with the user ID included in the coupon acquisition request is prohibited.

  Next, in step Sa24, the ASP server 10 determines whether or not the number of electronic coupons to be acquired can be provided. Specifically, the ASP server 10 refers to the coupon management table 131 and the user management table 132, and the total remaining number of electronic coupons and the remaining number of individuals indicated by the coupon ID included in the coupon acquisition request are as follows. It is determined whether or not the number is equal to or greater than the number of acquisitions indicated by the coupon acquisition request.

  As a result of the determination, if the total remaining number of electronic coupons or the remaining number of individuals is less than the acquired number (step Sa24; NO), the ASP server 10 transmits an error notification to the terminal device 20 ( Step Sa25), the set start process is terminated. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the total remaining number of electronic coupons and the remaining number of individuals are greater than or equal to the acquired number (step Sa24; YES), the ASP server 10 executes the process of step Sa26.

  In step Sa26, the ASP server 10 sets the number of acquired electronic coupons as the set unconfirmed number. Specifically, the ASP server 10 first subtracts the acquired number of sheets from the total remaining number in the coupon management table 131 for the electronic coupon indicated by the coupon ID included in the coupon acquisition request. Next, in the user management table 132, the ASP server 10 writes the coupon ID in association with the user ID included in the coupon acquisition request, and sets the acquired number indicated by the coupon acquisition request as the set unconfirmed number To do.

For example, when the coupon ID of the electronic coupon to be acquired is “CID001”, the acquired number is “5”, and the remaining number of acquired electronic coupons is “1000”, FIG. As shown in a), in the coupon management table 131, the total remaining number “1000” associated with the coupon ID “CID001” is reduced by “5” to become “995”. Furthermore, when the user ID of the user to whom the electronic coupon is provided is “UID001”, as shown in FIG. 11B, it is associated with the user ID “UID001” in the user management table 132. The coupon ID “CID001” is written, and the acquired number “5” is set as the set unconfirmed number.
This completes the description of the set start process.

  When the set start processing ends, the ASP server 10 transmits a processing request for requesting provision of an electronic coupon to the terminal device 20 to the application management server 50 (FIG. 8, step Sa3). Here, the processing request includes information related to the electronic coupon provided to the terminal device 20. Specifically, the coupon ID for identifying the electronic coupon and information indicating the number of acquired electronic coupons are included.

  The application management server 50 that has received the processing request from the ASP server 10 generates an inquiry ID for identifying the processing request, and returns this inquiry ID to the ASP server 10 (step Sa4).

  The ASP server 10 that has received the inquiry ID from the application management server 50 transmits a writing instruction for instructing the terminal device 20 to write the electronic coupon to the terminal device (step Sa5). Here, the writing instruction includes the inquiry ID received from the application management server 50 and coupon writing information including information specified based on the date and time when the writing instruction is performed.

  The terminal device 20 that has received the write instruction from the ASP server 10 executes the coupon management application 261 and transmits the inquiry ID included in the write instruction to the application management server 50 (step Sa6).

  The application management server 50 that has received the inquiry ID from the terminal device 20 transmits information on the electronic coupon included in the processing request identified by the inquiry ID to the terminal device 20 (step Sa7). Here, the information regarding an electronic coupon is information which shows coupon ID which identifies an electronic coupon, and the number of acquisition of the electronic coupon.

  The terminal device 20 that has received the information related to the electronic coupon executes the electronic coupon writing process based on the information (step Sa8). Specifically, the terminal device 20 writes a coupon ID for identifying an electronic coupon in association with the number of electronic coupons in the memory area 251 of the IC chip 25. The terminal device 20 also writes the coupon writing information indicated by the writing instruction received from the ASP server 10 together in the memory area 251.

  When the writing process is completed, the terminal device 20 transmits a result notification indicating the result of the writing process to the application management server 50 (step Sa9). This result notification includes information indicating the success or failure of the writing process. Further, the terminal device 20 transmits an end notification indicating that the writing process has ended to the ASP server 10 (step Sa10).

  The ASP server 10 that has received the end notification from the terminal device 20 inquires of the application management server 50 about the success or failure of the writing process (step Sa11). Upon receiving this inquiry, the application management server 50 transmits a result notification notifying the success or failure of the writing process to the ASP server 10 (step Sa12). This result notification includes information indicating the success or failure of the writing process.

  The ASP server 10 that has received the result notification from the application management server 50 executes a set confirmation process (step Sa13). This set confirmation process is a process of updating various data tables of the ASP server 10 in accordance with the result of the writing process executed in the terminal device 20. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the set confirmation process.

  In step Sa1301, the ASP server 10 determines the success or failure of the writing process executed in the terminal device 20 based on the result notification received from the application management server 50. As a result of this determination, if the success of the writing process is confirmed (step Sa1301; YES), the ASP server 10 executes the process of step Sa1302. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, when the failure of the writing process is confirmed (step Sa1301; NO), the ASP server 10 executes the process of step Sa1306.

  In step Sa1302, the ASP server 10 executes a process of collecting electronic coupons that are not used in the terminal device 20. Specifically, the ASP server 10 first clears all the set unused numbers that are associated with the user ID of the user of the terminal device 20 in the user management table 132. Next, the ASP server 10 adds the set unused number cleared in the user management table 132 to the total remaining number of corresponding electronic coupons in the coupon management table 131. The reason for performing such processing is that when electronic coupon writing processing is performed, the electronic coupon already stored in the memory area 251 is overwritten by a new electronic coupon.

  For example, for the user having the user ID “UID001”, when the set unused number “5” is stored in the user management table 132 in association with the coupon ID “CID001”, it is shown in FIG. In the table, the set unused number “5” associated with the user ID “UID001” is “0”. Furthermore, in the coupon management table 131, when the total remaining number of sheets associated with the coupon ID “CID001” is “995”, as shown in FIG. The total remaining number “995” increases by “5” to “1000”.

  Next, the ASP server 10 performs a process of setting the acquired number of sheets that has been set as the set undetermined number in the set start process as the set unused number (step Sa1303). Specifically, the ASP server 10 sets the set undetermined number associated with the user ID of the user of the terminal device 20 in the user management table 132 as the set unused number, and the set not yet set number. Clear the number of used cards.

  For example, when “5” is set as the set unconfirmed number of electronic coupons having the coupon ID “CID001” in the user management table 132 in association with the user ID “UID001” in the set start process, As shown in FIG. 14, the set undetermined number “5” is changed to “0”, and the set unused number is changed from “0” to “5”.

  Next, the ASP server 10 updates the coupon writing information stored in the usage management table 133 (step Sa1304). Specifically, the ASP server 10 writes the electronic coupon to the terminal device 20 based on the date and time included in the coupon writing information associated with the user ID of the user of the terminal device 20 in the usage management table 133. Update according to the date and time when the instruction was given.

  Next, the ASP server 10 turns off the use prohibition flag (step Sa1305). Specifically, the ASP server 10 turns OFF when the use prohibition flag associated with the user ID of the user of the terminal device 20 in the use management table 133 is set to ON. Then, the ASP server 10 ends the set confirmation process.

  If it is determined in step Sa1301 that the writing process has failed (step Sa1301; NO), the ASP server 10 clears the acquired number of sheets that has been set as the set unconfirmed number in the set start process. Then, the process of returning to the entire remaining number is performed (step Sa1306). Specifically, the ASP server 10 clears the set unconfirmed number associated with the user ID of the user of the terminal device 20 in the user management table 132, and displays the cleared set unconfirmed number in the coupon management table 131. , It is added to the total remaining number of corresponding electronic coupons.

  For example, for the user having the user ID “UID001” in the set start process, if the set undetermined number “5” is set in the user management table 132 in association with the coupon ID “CID001”, FIG. ), The set undetermined number “5” associated with the user ID “UID001” is “0” in the table. In addition, in the coupon management table 131, when the total remaining number associated with the coupon ID “CID001” is “995”, as shown in FIG. The total remaining number “995” increases by “5” to “1000”.

After the processing of step Sa1306 is completed, the ASP server 10 sets the use prohibition flag to OFF (step Sa1305), and then ends the set confirmation processing.
This completes the description of the set confirmation process.

  In this set confirmation process, the order of the processes from step Sa1302 to step Sa1304 may be changed.

  When the user of the terminal device 20 holds the terminal over the reader / writer 41 of the store terminal 40 to use the electronic coupon after the set confirmation process is completed, the reader / writer 41 stores the user ID and coupon stored in the IC chip 25. Read write information. Then, the store terminal 40 transmits the read information to the store management server 30. The store management server 30 that has received the information from the store terminal 40 transmits a use permission inquiry for inquiring whether or not to use the electronic coupon to the ASP server 10 (FIG. 8, step Sa14). This use permission / inquiry inquiry includes a user ID read from the IC chip 25 and information indicating coupon writing information.

  The ASP server 10 that has received the use permission inquiry from the store management server 30 executes a use permission determination process (step Sa15). FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the use permission determination process.

  In step Sa1501, the ASP server 10 determines whether or not the electronic coupon to be used is set to a limited number for use. Specifically, the ASP server 10 sets a limited number of coupons in the coupon management table 131 and the user management table 132 for the coupon ID associated with the user ID included in the use permission inquiry in the user management table 132. Judge whether or not.

  As a result of the determination, if the limit number for use of the electronic coupon is not set (step Sa1501; NO), the ASP server 10 determines that the use of the electronic coupon is permitted (step Sa1504), and determines whether or not to use the electronic coupon. The process ends. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the limited number of sheets is set for the use of the electronic coupon (step Sa1501; YES), the ASP server 10 executes the process of step Sa1502.

  In step Sa1502, the ASP server 10 determines whether or not use of the electronic coupon is prohibited. Specifically, the ASP server 10 determines whether or not the use prohibition flag is set to ON in the use management table 133 for the user ID included in the use permission inquiry.

  As a result of the determination, if the use prohibition flag is set to ON (step Sa1502; YES), the ASP server 10 determines that the use of the electronic coupon is not permitted (step Sa1505), and performs the use permission determination process. finish. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, when the use prohibition flag is set to OFF (step Sa1502; NO), the ASP server 10 executes the process of step Sa1503.

  In step Sa1503, the ASP server 10 determines whether or not the coupon writing information indicated by the usage permission inquiry matches the coupon ID information associated with the user ID included in the usage permission inquiry and the usage management table 133. Judge about.

As a result of the determination, if both coupon writing information matches (step Sa1503; YES), the ASP server 10 determines that the use of the electronic coupon is permitted (step Sa1504), and ends the use permission / inhibition determination process. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the two pieces of coupon writing information do not match (step Sa1503; NO), the ASP server 10 determines that the use of the electronic coupon is not permitted (step Sa1505), and uses permission determination processing. finish.
The above is the description of the use permission / inhibition determination process.

  In this usage permission determination process, the order of the processes from step Sa1501 to step Sa1503 may be changed.

  When the use permission / rejection determination process ends, the ASP server 10 transmits a result notification for notifying the result of the process to the store management server 30 (FIG. 8, step Sa16). The store management server 30 that has received the result notification from the ASP server 10 transfers the result notification to the store terminal 40. The store terminal 40 that has received the transfer of the result notification from the store management server 30 reads the result notification from the IC chip 25 on the display unit of the own device when the notification of the result permits the use of the electronic coupon. The electronic coupon information is displayed, and selection by the user is accepted. On the other hand, if the result notification does not permit the use of the electronic coupon, an error notification is displayed on the display unit of the own device.

  When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device 20, the store terminal 40 sends a use notification including a coupon ID of the used electronic coupon, information indicating the number of used electronic coupons, and a user ID to the store management server 30. Send to. The store management server 30 that has received the use notification from the store terminal 40 transfers the use notification to the ASP server 10 (step Sa17).

  The ASP server 10 that has received the transfer of the usage notification from the store management server 30 performs a process of updating each data table based on the usage notification (step Sa18). Specifically, the ASP server 10 subtracts the set unused number that is associated in the user management table 132 with the coupon ID and user ID included in the usage notification by the usage number indicated in the usage notification. The usage number indicated in the usage notification is added to the personal usage number. Further, the ASP server 10 subtracts the usage number indicated in the usage notification from the remaining personal number.

For example, when one electronic coupon with a coupon ID “CID001” is used by a user with a user ID “UID001”, the user ID “UID001” and a coupon are displayed in the user management table 132 as shown in FIG. The set unused number “5” associated with the ID “CID001” is reduced by “1” to “4”, and the individual use number “0” is increased by “1” to become “1”. Also, the remaining number “10” of the individual is reduced by “1” to become “9”.
The above is the description of the operation of the communication system 1.

  Next, the operation of the communication system 1 described above will be described based on more specific examples. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a specific example referred to in the following description. In the following description, the setting of the coupon writing information and the use prohibition flag, and the relationship between the setting and whether or not the electronic coupon can be used will be described.

  When the terminal device 20A used by the user A transmits a coupon acquisition request for requesting acquisition of one electronic coupon A to the ASP server 10 (event 1), the ASP server 10 executes a set start process (event 2). ). In this set start process, one electronic coupon A is set as the set unconfirmed number. At this time, as shown in FIG. 18, since the coupon writing information is not stored in the ASP server 10, the use prohibition flag is not set to ON.

  When the set start process ends and a write instruction is transmitted from the ASP server 10 to the terminal apparatus 20A, the terminal apparatus 20A executes the write process (event 3). In this writing process, one electronic coupon A is written to the terminal device 20A.

  When the writing process is completed and an end notification is transmitted from the terminal device 20A to the ASP server 10, a set confirmation process is executed in the ASP server 10 (event 4). In this set confirmation process, the electronic coupon A, which has been set as the set unconfirmed number, is set as the set unused number. Further, the coupon writing date and time of the terminal device 20A is stored as one piece of coupon writing information.

  Next, when the terminal device 20A used by the user A transmits a coupon acquisition request requesting acquisition of five electronic coupons A to the ASP server 10 (event 5), the ASP server 10 executes a set start process. (Event 6). In this set start process, five electronic coupons A are set as the set unconfirmed number. At this time, since the coupon writing information stored in the terminal device 20A matches the coupon writing information stored in the ASP server 10, the use prohibition flag is not set to ON.

  When the set start process ends and a write instruction is transmitted from the ASP server 10 to the terminal device 20A, the write process is executed in the terminal device 20A (event 7). In this writing process, five electronic coupons A are written to the terminal device 20A.

  When the writing process is completed and an end notification is transmitted from the terminal device 20A to the ASP server 10, a set confirmation process is executed in the ASP server 10 (event 8). In this set confirmation process, the five electronic coupons A set as the set unconfirmed number are set as the set unused number. Further, coupon writing information of the terminal device 20A is stored.

  Next, when the terminal device 20B used by the user A transmits a coupon acquisition request requesting acquisition of five electronic coupons A to the ASP server 10 (event 9), the ASP server 10 executes a set start process. (Event 10). In this set start process, five electronic coupons A are set as the set unconfirmed number. Further, since the coupon writing information recorded in the ASP server 10 at this time is the coupon writing information of the terminal device 20A, the use prohibition flag is set to ON. As a result, the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20A is prohibited.

  When the set start process ends and a write instruction is transmitted from the ASP server 10 to the terminal device 20B, the write process is executed in the terminal device 20B (event 11). In this writing process, five electronic coupons A are written to the terminal device 20B. However, at this time, since the coupon writing information of the terminal device 20A is still stored in the ASP server 10, use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20B is prohibited.

  When the writing process is completed and an end notification is transmitted from the terminal device 20B to the ASP server 10, a set confirmation process is executed in the ASP server 10 (event 12). In this set confirmation process, the five electronic coupons A set as the set unconfirmed number are set as the set unused number. Further, the coupon writing information of the terminal device 20B is stored, and the use prohibition flag is set to OFF. As a result, while the electronic coupon can be used by the terminal device 20B, the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device 20A, the coupon prohibition flag is set to OFF, but the coupon writing information is the coupon document of the terminal device 20B. Since it has been updated to include information, it will continue to be prohibited.

  According to the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment described above, when an electronic coupon is written on the terminal device 20 by the user, information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon is instructed to the device. Is written in the ASP server 10. And when the said user uses an electronic coupon, the coupon writing information memorize | stored in the terminal device 20 at the time of the utilization and the coupon writing information memorize | stored in ASP server 10 are compared, both The use of the electronic coupon is permitted only when the two match. Thus, for example, when one user has 10 usage limit sheets, 10 electronic coupons are written in the first terminal device 20 and 10 in the second terminal device 20. Even if one electronic coupon is written, the use of the electronic coupon is prohibited for the terminal device 20 that has written first.

  Moreover, according to the communication system 1 which concerns on this embodiment, it is the terminal device 20 different from the terminal device 20 with which the electronic coupon is already provided, Comprising: An electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device 20 used by the same user In the case of being performed, the use prohibition flag is set to ON from the set start process to the set confirmation process. As a result, the electronic coupon is first written until the electronic coupon is written to the terminal device 20 that will acquire the electronic coupon later and the coupon writing information is stored in the ASP server 10. The use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device 20 is prohibited.

  More specifically, for example, in the event 11 of the case shown in FIG. 18, the use of the electronic coupon A by the terminal device 20A is prohibited because the use prohibition flag is set to ON. However, if the use prohibition flag is not set to ON, the ASP server 10 stores the coupon writing information of the terminal device 20A, so that the use of the electronic coupon A by the terminal device 20A is permitted. At this time, if the usage limit number of the electronic coupon A is set to 5, the user A can use the electronic coupon A by the terminal device 20A and the terminal device 20B exceeding the usage limit number. It will be possible.

  However, as described above, in the set start process for the terminal device 20B, since the use prohibition flag is set to ON, the use of the electronic coupon A by the terminal device 20A is prohibited in the event 11.

2. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the terminal device 20 is provided with the IC chip 25, and the electronic chip is used by holding the IC chip 25 over the reader / writer 41. However, without providing the terminal device 20 with the IC chip 25, the two-dimensional code is displayed on the UI unit 24 of the terminal device 20 and is read by the reader / writer 41 so that the electronic coupon can be used. May be. In this embodiment, such an aspect will be described. In the following description, elements similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

2-1. Configuration FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system 1A according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the communication system 1A includes an ASP server 10A, a terminal device 20C, a store management server 30, and a store terminal 40. In the present embodiment, the application management server 50 does not exist as compared with the first embodiment.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the ASP server 10A. As shown in FIG. 20, the ASP server 10 </ b> A differs from the ASP server 10 according to the first embodiment in the data table stored in the storage unit 13. Specifically, a coupon management table 131, a user management table 132A, and a usage management table 133A are stored. Note that the data structure of the coupon management table 131 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 21 shows the data structure of the user management table 132A. As shown in FIG. 21, the user management table 132A includes “user ID”, “coupon ID”, “restricted number (individual)”, “unused number”, “used number (individual)”, and “remaining number ( It is a data table in which each piece of information “person” is associated. Compared with the user management table 132 according to the first embodiment, “unused number” is stored instead of “unset number of sets” and “unused number of sets”. This “unused number” is the number of electronic coupons that have not been used yet.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the data structure of the usage management table 133A. As shown in FIG. 22, the usage management table 133A is a data table in which pieces of information “user ID”, “coupon writing information”, and “used flag” are associated with each other.

  “User ID” is identification information for identifying the user of the terminal device 20C. “Coupon writing information” is information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon is stored in the terminal device 20C. The “used flag” is information indicating whether or not the electronic coupon has already been used. If the electronic coupon has already been used, it is set to “YES”, and if it has not been used yet, it is set to “NO”.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the terminal device 20C. As shown in FIG. 23, the terminal device 20C is different from the terminal device 20 according to the first embodiment in that the terminal device 20C does not include the IC chip 25 and the coupon management application 261. In the terminal device 20C according to the present embodiment, the user ID for identifying the user of the device and the two-dimensional code provided from the ASP server 10A are stored in the storage unit 26, for example.

2-2. Operation Next, the operation of the communication system 1A will be described. FIG. 24 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the communication system 1A.

  When acquiring the electronic coupon, the terminal device 20C transmits a coupon acquisition request to the ASP server 10A (step Sb1). This coupon acquisition request includes a coupon ID indicating an electronic coupon to be acquired, information indicating the number of acquired electronic coupons, and a user ID stored in the storage unit 26. The user ID may be transmitted to the ASP server 10A separately from the coupon acquisition request. The ASP server 10A that has received the coupon acquisition request from the terminal device 20C executes the issuing process (step Sb2). FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the issuing process.

  In step Sb21, the ASP server 10A determines whether or not the number of electronic coupons to be acquired can be provided. Specifically, the ASP server 10A refers to the coupon management table 131 and the user management table 132A, and determines the total remaining number of electronic coupons and the remaining number of individuals indicated by the coupon ID included in the coupon acquisition request. It is determined whether or not the number is equal to or greater than the number obtained by the coupon acquisition request.

  As a result of this determination, if the total remaining number of electronic coupons or the remaining number of individuals is less than the acquired number (step Sb21; NO), the ASP server 10A transmits an error notification to the terminal device 20C ( Step Sb22), the issue process is terminated. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the total remaining number of electronic coupons and the remaining number of individuals are greater than or equal to the acquired number (step Sb21; YES), the ASP server 10A executes the process of step Sb23.

  Moreover, when setting an expiration date with respect to an electronic coupon, ASP server 10A performs the process which collects the electronic coupon in step Sb23, when there exists an electronic coupon which was not utilized in the terminal device 20C. May be. Specifically, the ASP server 10A first clears all unused numbers associated with the user ID of the user of the terminal device 20C and the user management table 132A. Next, the ASP server 10A adds the unused number cleared in the user management table 132A to the total remaining number of corresponding electronic coupons in the coupon management table 131.

  Next, the ASP server 10A sets the number of acquired electronic coupons as an unused number (step Sb24). Specifically, the ASP server 10A first subtracts the acquired number of sheets from the total remaining number in the coupon management table 131 for the electronic coupon indicated by the coupon ID included in the coupon acquisition request. Next, in the user management table 132A, the ASP server 10A writes the coupon ID in association with the user ID included in the coupon acquisition request, and sets the acquired number indicated by the coupon acquisition request as an unused number. .

  Next, the ASP server 10A generates a two-dimensional code indicating the electronic coupon to be acquired (step Sb25). Specifically, the ASP server 10A stores information specified based on the coupon ID and user ID included in the coupon acquisition request and the date and time when the electronic coupon is issued (for example, the electronic coupon is stored in the terminal device 20C). A character string combined with coupon writing information indicating (date and time) is converted into a two-dimensional code. Here, the ASP server 10A may generate a one-dimensional code instead of the two-dimensional code. Further, the ASP server 10A may encrypt the character string or add an electronic signature (hash value encrypted with a secret key) to the character string and convert the character string to a two-dimensional code.

  Next, the ASP server 10A associates the user ID included in the coupon acquisition request with the coupon writing information and writes it in the usage management table 133A (step Sb26). In addition, the ASP server 10A sets the used flag to NO in association with these pieces of information.

  In this issuing process, the order of the processes from step Sb23 to step Sb26 may be changed. Further, the process of step Sb23 may be omitted.

  When the issuing process ends, the ASP server 10A transmits the generated two-dimensional code to the terminal device 20C (FIG. 24, step Sb3). Thereafter, when the user of the terminal device 20C receiving the two-dimensional code uses the electronic coupon, the two-dimensional code is displayed on the UI unit 24 of the terminal device 20C, and the two-dimensional code is displayed on the store terminal 40. The reader / writer 41 is caused to read. The store terminal 40 that has read the two-dimensional code by the reader / writer 41 extracts the coupon ID, the user ID, and the coupon writing information from the two-dimensional code. Among these pieces of information, the user ID and the coupon writing are extracted. Information is transmitted to the store management server 30.

  The store management server 30 that has received the information from the store terminal 40 transmits a use permission / inquiry inquiry for inquiring whether or not to use the electronic coupon to the ASP server 10A (step Sb4). This use permission / inquiry inquiry includes the user ID received from the store terminal 40 and information indicating the coupon writing information.

  The ASP server 10A that has received the use permission inquiry from the store management server 30 executes a use permission determination process (step Sb5). FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the use permission determination process.

  In step Sb51, the ASP server 10A determines whether the coupon writing information indicated by the usage permission inquiry matches the user ID included in the usage permission inquiry and the coupon writing information associated with the usage management table 133A. Judge about.

  As a result of this determination, if the coupon writing information does not match (step Sb51; NO), the ASP server 10A determines that the use of the electronic coupon is not permitted (step Sb55), and ends the use permission determination process. . On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if both pieces of coupon writing information match (step Sb51; YES), the ASP server 10A determines whether or not the electronic coupon has been used (step Sb52). Specifically, the ASP server 10A determines whether or not the used flag associated with the user ID and coupon ID included in the use permission inquiry and the use management table 133A is set to ON.

  As a result of this determination, if the electronic coupon has been used (step Sb52; YES), the ASP server 10A determines that the use of the electronic coupon is not permitted (step Sb54), and ends the use permission determination process. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that the electronic coupon has not been used (step Sb52; NO), it is determined that the use of the electronic coupon is permitted (step Sb53), and the use permission / inhibition determination process is terminated.

  In this usage permission determination process, the order of the processes from step Sb51 to step Sb52 may be changed.

  When the use permission determination process ends, the ASP server 10A transmits a result notification for notifying the result of the process to the store management server 30 (FIG. 24, step Sb6). The store management server 30 that has received the result notification from the ASP server 10 </ b> A transfers the result notification to the store terminal 40. The store terminal 40 that has received the result notification displays the information of the electronic coupon extracted from the two-dimensional code on the display unit of the own device when the result notification permits the use of the electronic coupon. , Accepts selection by the user. On the other hand, if the result notification does not permit the use of the electronic coupon, an error notification is displayed on the display unit of the own device.

  When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device 20C, the store terminal 40 sends a use notification including the coupon ID of the used electronic coupon, information indicating the number of used electronic coupons, and the user ID to the store management server 30. Send to. The store management server 30 that has received the use notification from the store terminal 40 transfers the use notification to the ASP server 10A (step Sb7).

  The ASP server 10A that has received the transfer of the usage notification from the store management server 30 performs a process of updating each data table based on the usage notification (step Sb8). Specifically, the ASP server 10A subtracts the unused number that is associated with the coupon ID and the user ID included in the usage notification in the user management table 132A by the usage number indicated in the usage notification. The usage number indicated in the usage notification is added to the usage number. Further, the ASP server 10A subtracts the usage number indicated in the usage notification from the remaining number of individuals. Also, the ASP server 10A sets the used flag associated with the user ID included in the usage notification in the usage management table 133A to ON.

The timing at which the used flag is set to ON is not limited to this example, and may be the time when it is determined that the use of the electronic coupon is permitted in the use permission determination process. In this case, even if a time difference occurs between the timing of the usage settlement process and the timing of usage notification transmission, it is possible to prevent the electronic coupon from being used repeatedly.
The above is the description of the operation of the communication system 1A.

  According to the communication system 1A according to the present embodiment described above, when an electronic coupon (two-dimensional code) is written on the terminal device 20C by the user, information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon was written on the device. Is written in the ASP server 10A. When the electronic coupon is used by the user, the coupon writing information read from the two-dimensional code is compared with the coupon writing information stored in the ASP server 10 and the two match. Only the use of electronic coupons is permitted. Therefore, even if a plurality of the same electronic coupons are issued by the same user, the electronic coupons that can be used by the user are only the lastly issued electronic coupons. In addition, even if the two-dimensional code indicating the electronic coupon has been copied by another person, if the same electronic coupon is reissued, the electronic coupon indicated in the copied two-dimensional code cannot be used. can do.

3. Modifications The above embodiment may be modified as follows. The following modifications may be combined with each other.

3-1. Modification 1
In the first embodiment, a terminal ID may be used instead of the coupon writing information. The terminal ID is information for identifying the terminal device 20, and may be stored in a memory area other than the memory area 251 of the IC chip 25, for example. Even when the terminal ID is used instead of the coupon writing information, since the terminal ID is information that can identify each terminal device 20, the electronic coupon exceeding the limit number using the plurality of terminal devices 20 is used. Use can be prevented. Also in the second embodiment, a terminal ID may be used instead of the coupon writing information.

  In addition, when using terminal ID instead of coupon writing information in 1st Embodiment, you may make it acquire terminal ID separately from a coupon acquisition request in step Sa1 of FIG. Specifically, after receiving a coupon acquisition request that does not include a terminal ID from the terminal device 20, the ASP server 10 may request and acquire the terminal ID from the terminal device. At this time, the ASP server 10 may acquire the terminal ID of the terminal device 20 via the application management server 50 in the same manner as the processing from steps Sa3 to Sa12 in FIG.

  Moreover, when using terminal ID instead of coupon writing information in 1st Embodiment, terminal ID written in the usage management table 133 of ASP server 10 in step Sa1304 of FIG. You may make it be provided to the ASP server 10 from the said terminal device after completion | finish of a loading process. Specifically, the terminal ID is included in the result notification transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the application management server 50 in step Sa9 in FIG. 8, and from the application management server 50 to the ASP server 10 in step Sa12 in FIG. The terminal ID may be included in the result notification transmitted to the ASP, and the ASP server 10 may write the terminal ID in the usage management table 133 in step Sa1304 in FIG.

3-2. Modification 2
In the above embodiment, the program executed by the ASP server 10 or 10A may be provided to the ASP server 10 or 10A via a computer-readable recording medium. Here, the recording medium is, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk, an optical recording medium such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program may be provided to the ASP server 10 or 10A via a network such as the Internet.

3-3. Modification 3
In the first embodiment, the process of step Sa22 of the set start process shown in FIG. 8 may be omitted. That is, when the determination result at step Sa21 is affirmative, the process at step Sa23 may be executed. In this case, the coupon acquisition request transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the ASP server 10 in step Sa1 in FIG. 8 may not include information indicating the coupon writing information.

3-4. Modification 4
In any of the above-described embodiments, it is assumed that only the coupon writing date or the date when writing is instructed is used as the coupon writing information, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, it may be a random number generated by a function that is uniquely determined. Further, even when the coupon writing date / time or instruction date / time is combined with an expiration date for this coupon writing information, information regarding the area of use, information that can be used to determine whether or not the user is authentic, and a flag that requests user authentication at the time of use. Good. As a result, even if coupon information such as IC data or QR code is stolen by a third party, and it is not reissued without being noticed by the person, it can be determined whether or not the person is over a certain period of time or a certain region. By displaying information on the store terminal or asking the user for identity verification, it is possible to prevent an unintended third party from using the coupon.

  Although details are not shown as to whether or not it is used in a certain area, the setting location of the ID terminal is made a database in advance on the server side using the reader / writer ID provided in the store to be used, and the use permission judgment is made. The location information of the portable terminal may be acquired at the time of reading at the store terminal by using a well-known position positioning technique using GPS or the like.

  Furthermore, information that can determine whether the store clerk is the person is, for example, the age, sex, model used, etc. of the electronic coupon issuance target user is registered in advance during the coupon issuance process, and the user's mobile phone when reading at the store terminal You may take the method of acquiring from a terminal and confirming identity. In addition, a declaration of use is made at the time of issuance from the mobile terminal that first issued the electronic coupon (for example, a button for declaring use is pressed on the acquisition completion screen), and the portable terminal ID is included in the signal at that time You may take the method. In any of the methods, in a use case where data is simply written in a plurality of portable terminals, a configuration may be adopted in which the person limitation is more accurately performed in addition to the number of issued sheets.

3-5. Modification 5
The coupon writing information in the first and second embodiments and various modifications is based on the date and time (coupon writing date) when the ASP server 10 instructs the terminal device 20 to write the electronic coupon. Although the specified information is included, the date and time when the electronic coupon writing process is actually completed in the terminal device 20 may be used as the coupon writing date and time. In this case, the ASP server 10 does not need to include information indicating the date and time when the coupon writing is instructed in the writing instruction transmitted to the terminal device 20 in step Sa5 in FIG. In Sa8, instead of the date and time when the coupon writing notified from the ASP server 10 is instructed, the coupon writing information including the date and time when the writing process in the own apparatus is completed is written in the memory area 251. .

  Further, the terminal device 20 includes coupon writing information including the coupon writing date and time in the result notification transmitted to the application management server 50 in step Sa9 in FIG. 8, and the application management server 50 in step Sa12 in FIG. The result notification transmitted to the ASP server 10 includes coupon writing information including the coupon writing date and time, and the ASP server 10 is notified from the application management server 50 in step Sa1304 of the set confirmation process shown in FIG. The coupon writing information stored in the usage management table 133 is updated with the coupon writing information.

3-6. Modification 6
In the process of step Sa1501 shown in FIG. 16 in the first embodiment, the ASP server 10 determines whether or not the limit number is set based on the coupon ID included in the use permission inquiry. May be specified. In this case, the store terminal 40 reads the coupon ID from the IC chip 25 of the terminal device 20 in addition to the user ID and the coupon writing information, and transmits the information to the store management server 30. The store management server 30 that has received the information from the store terminal 40 transmits a use permission inquiry including the information to the ASP server 10.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system, 10 ... ASP server, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Communication part, 13 ... Memory | storage part, 20 ... Terminal device, 21 ... Control part, 22 ... Voice input / output part, 23 ... Wireless communication part, 24 ... UI unit, 25 ... IC chip, 26 ... storage unit, 30 ... store management server, 40 ... store terminal, 41 ... reader / writer, 50 ... application management server, 111 ... storage control unit, 112 ... update control unit, 113 ... Write instruction unit, 114 ... Flag setting unit, 115 ... Output unit, 131 ... Coupon management table, 132 ... User management table, 133 ... Usage management table, 251 ... Memory area, 261 ... Coupon management application

Claims (10)

When the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, the date and time when the electronic coupon was written in the memory region of the terminal device, or the memory region of the terminal device A storage control unit that controls to store in the storage unit the coupon writing information including information specified based on the date and time when the writing of the electronic coupon is directed to
When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, and the coupon writing stored in association with the storage unit A server device comprising: an output unit that outputs a signal permitting use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device when the information matches. When an electronic coupon is provided to a terminal device, when the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device and coupon writing information are stored in association with each other in the storage unit, the coupon writing is performed. An update control unit for controlling the information to be updated to another coupon writing information;
A writing instruction unit that instructs the terminal device to write the electronic coupon in a memory area of the terminal device when the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device;
When an electronic coupon is provided to a terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device and coupon writing information are stored in association with each other in the storage unit. Before instructing the terminal device to write the electronic coupon in the memory area of the terminal device by the insertion instruction unit, the storage unit is associated with a user ID that identifies the user of the terminal device. The terminal device used by the user is controlled to set a use prohibition flag indicating that the use of the electronic coupon should be prohibited, and is stored by the update control unit in association with the user ID in the storage unit. After the controlled coupon writing information is updated to another coupon writing information, it is set in association with the user ID. Anda flag setting unit that controls so as to release the use prohibition flags that are,
When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the output unit associates coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device with a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device in the storage unit. Even when the stored coupon writing information matches, if the use prohibition flag is set in association with the user ID in the storage unit, use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a signal rejecting the request is output.   The update control unit is instructed to write the coupon in the memory area of the terminal device by the write instruction unit to the terminal device to which the electronic coupon is provided for the update control. 3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the server device is executed after the processing is performed at the terminal device and after the result of the writing process is notified to the server device.   When the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device, the flag setting unit associates the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device with the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device in the storage unit. When the coupon writing information stored in the storage device matches, the storage unit is not controlled to set a use prohibition flag in association with the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device. The server device according to claim 2 or 3.   When the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device, the flag setting unit is associated with a user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, and the coupon writing information is not stored in the storage unit. 5. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit is not controlled to set a use prohibition flag in association with a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device. .   When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the output unit is associated with a user ID that identifies a user of the terminal device, even when a use prohibition flag is set in the storage unit 6. When the electronic coupon is an electronic coupon whose number of use is not limited, a signal for permitting the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device is output. The server device according to claim 1.   When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the output unit associates coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device with a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device in the storage unit. Even if the stored coupon writing information does not match, if the electronic coupon is an electronic coupon whose number of use is not restricted, the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device is permitted. The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a signal to be output is output. When the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, the date and time when the electronic coupon was written in the memory region of the terminal device, or the memory region of the terminal device A storage control step of controlling to store in the storage unit coupon writing information including information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon is written to
When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, and the coupon writing stored in association with the storage unit And an output step of outputting a signal permitting the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device when the information matches. A communication system comprising a server device and a plurality of terminal devices,
The server device
When the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, the date and time when the electronic coupon was written in the memory region of the terminal device, or the memory region of the terminal device A storage control unit that controls to store in the storage unit the coupon writing information including information specified based on the date and time when the writing of the electronic coupon is directed to
When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, and the coupon writing stored in association with the storage unit An output unit that outputs a signal permitting the use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device when the information matches, and
When each of the plurality of terminal devices requests the server device to provide an electronic coupon, a user ID for identifying a user of the terminal device and at least a user ID among coupon writing information are stored in the server device. The communication system characterized by transmitting to. On the computer,
When the electronic coupon is provided to the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, the date and time when the electronic coupon was written in the memory region of the terminal device, or the memory region of the terminal device A storage control step of controlling to store in the storage unit coupon writing information including information specified based on the date and time when the electronic coupon is written to
When the electronic coupon is used by the terminal device, the coupon writing information acquired from the terminal device, the user ID for identifying the user of the terminal device, and the coupon writing stored in association with the storage unit A program for executing an output step of outputting a signal permitting use of the electronic coupon by the terminal device when the information matches.

Images