Patent Publication Number: US-2021182893-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method that can be applied to giving of a reward depending on purchase of a commodity or the like. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In recent years, services for giving various rewards to purchase of commodities or the like have been developed. For example, in a system for giving a regional specific point in a regional currency using an electronic medium described in Patent Literature 1, a general-purpose area and a specific regional area are respectively set. The point giving rate is set as appropriate for each set area. Accordingly, flexible operation can be performed for each region and commerce activation is achieved (paragraphs [0015] and [0030], FIG. 1, and the like of Patent Literature 1). 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-64005 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     As described above, it is desirable to provide a technology capable of performing flexible operation for giving a reward depending on purchase of a commodity or the like. 
     In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, it is an object of the present technology to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method that are capable of realizing flexible operation for giving a reward depending on purchase of a commodity or the like. 
     Solution to Problem 
     In order to accomplish the above-mentioned object, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a receiving unit and a generating unit. 
     The receiving unit receives purchase information generated on the basis of a payment operation using a user terminal for purchasing a target object, from the user terminal. 
     The generating unit generates, on the basis of the received purchase information and predetermined rule information regarding giving of a reward, reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object. 
     In this information processing apparatus, the purchase information generated on the basis of the payment operation using the user terminal for purchasing the target object is received from the user terminal. On the basis of the received purchase information and the predetermined rule information regarding giving of the reward, the reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object is generated. Accordingly, it is possible to realize flexible operation for giving a reward depending on purchase of a commodity or the like. 
     The payment operation may include a tap interaction. 
     The purchase information may include payment information regarding the purchase of the target object. 
     The purchase information may include at least one of a time at which the payment operation is performed or a position at which the payment operation is performed. 
     The user terminal may be capable of performing at least one of communication using a code image or a near field communication (NFC). 
     The information processing apparatus may further include a sending unit that sends the generated reward information to the user terminal. 
     The information processing apparatus may further include a receiving unit that receives the rule information set by a business operator. 
     The rule information may include at least one of a target object that is a reward giving target, a purchase amount that is a reward giving target, a purchase period that is a reward giving target, or a purchase position that is a reward giving target. 
     The information processing apparatus may further include a storage unit that stores a history of the received purchase information. In this case, the generating unit may generate the reward information on the basis of the stored history of the purchase information. 
     The information processing apparatus may further include a receiving unit that receives the rule information set by a business operator. In this case, the receiving unit may receive the rule information at a timing after the history of the purchase information is stored in the storage unit. 
     The information processing apparatus may further include a storage unit that stores a history of the received purchase information. In this case, the generating unit may generate analysis information regarding the purchase of the target object on the basis of the stored history of the purchase information. 
     An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present technology is an information processing method performed by a controller that is an information processing apparatus, the information processing method including receiving purchase information generated on the basis of a payment operation using a user terminal for purchasing a target object, from the user terminal. 
     On the basis of the received purchase information and predetermined rule information regarding giving of a reward, reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object is generated. 
     An information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present technology is an information processing apparatus that is usable by a user, the information processing apparatus including a generating unit, a sending unit, and a receiving unit. 
     The generating unit generates purchase information on the basis of a payment operation using the information processing apparatus for purchasing a target object of the user. 
     The sending unit sends the generated purchase information. 
     The receiving unit receives reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object, the reward information being generated on the basis of the sent purchase information. 
     The payment operation may include a tap interaction. 
     The purchase information may include payment information regarding the purchase of the target object. 
     The information processing apparatus may further include an obtaining unit that obtains, on the basis of the payment operation, at least one of a time at which the payment operation is performed or a position at which the payment operation is performed. In this case, the purchase information may include the obtained at least one of the time at which the payment operation is performed or the position at which the payment operation is performed. 
     The information processing apparatus may further include a communication unit communicable with an external apparatus. In this case, the payment operation may include an operation of bringing the information processing apparatus close to the external apparatus for communicating with the external apparatus. 
     The communication unit may be capable of performing at least one of communication using a code image or a near field communication (NFC). 
     The sending unit may send the purchase information in accordance with generation of the purchase information in real time. 
     The sending unit may collectively send the generated purchase information at a predetermined timing. 
     The information processing apparatus may include a display unit capable of displaying the received reward information. 
     An information processing method according to another embodiment of the present technology is an information processing method that is performed by a controller in an information processing apparatus, the information processing method including generating purchase information on the basis of a payment operation using the information processing apparatus for purchasing a target object of the user. 
     The generated purchase information is sent. 
     Reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object, the reward information being generated on the basis of the sent purchase information is received. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     As described above, in accordance with the present technology, it is possible to realize flexible operation for giving a reward depending on purchase of a commodity or the like. It should be noted that the effects described here are not necessarily limitative and any effect described in the present disclosure may be provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  A schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a user return system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  A block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a server apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  A block diagram showing a software configuration example of the server apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  A block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a user terminal. 
         FIG. 5  A sequence diagram showing a specific processing example of the user return system. 
         FIG. 6  A sequence diagram for more specifically describing the sequence shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  A schematic diagram showing an operation example of the server apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  A flowchart showing a specific processing example of reward information generation. 
         FIG. 9  A flowchart showing an example of reward information generation for past purchases. 
         FIG. 10  A diagram showing a specific example of rule information. 
     
    
    
     MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     [User Return System] 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a user return system  100  according to an embodiment of the present technology. The user return system  100  includes a user terminal  10 , a reader/writer  30 , a point of sale (POS) apparatus  35 , a payment system  40 , an business operator terminal  45 , and a server apparatus  50 . 
     The user terminal  10  is a terminal that can be used by the user  1 . In this embodiment, the user terminal  10  is used for purchasing an object such as a commodity. As the user terminal  10 , for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone and a tablet terminal is used. Additionally, any other terminal such as a game console, personal digital assistants (PDA), and a portable AV player may be used as the user terminal  10 . 
     The user terminal  10  has a communication function and is communicable with the reader/writer  30  or the like. For example, the user terminal  10  is equipped with an IC chip and an antenna capable of performing contactless communication with the reader/writer  30  in a narrow range of about 10 cm. 
     In this embodiment, communication (hereinafter, referred to as NFC communication) according to a short-range radio standard (near field communication: NFC) having an RF carrier frequency of 13.56 MHz and a communication speed of 100 to 400 Kbps can be performed. 
     Examples of the communication method of the NFC communication can include FeliCa (registered trademark). As a matter of course, the present technology is not limited to this communication method, and can also be applied to NFC communication according to other communication methods. 
     For example, the user  1  brings the user terminal  10 , which is set in a state in which electronic money payment can be performed, close to the reader/writer  30 . The NFC communication is performed between the user terminal  10  and the reader/writer  30 , such that the electronic money payment is performed. Accordingly, an object such as a commodity can be purchased. 
     It should be noted that as an IC card capable of electronic money payment using the NFC communication, many types of IC cards are used. Various business operators such as transportation business operators issue IC cards individually and the electronic money payment can be performed using each IC card. In this embodiment, by using the user terminal  10 , electronic money payment using each of different types of IC cards (plurality of types of electronic money) can be performed. 
     Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to perform communication with the reader/writer  30  or the like using a code image such as a QR code (registered trademark). For example, the user  1  starts a predetermined application for purchasing a commodity or the like and displays a code image on a display unit of the user terminal  10 . The user terminal  10  on which the code image is displayed is brought close to the reader/writer  30  to read the code image. Accordingly, payment using the code image such as QR code payment can be performed. 
     Further, the user terminal  10  is capable of generating purchase information and sending the purchase information to the server apparatus  50  via a network  2 . Further, the user terminal  10  is capable of receiving reward information generated by the server apparatus  50  via the network  2 . The purchase information and the reward information will be described later in detail. 
     The network  2  is constructed by the Internet, a wide area communication network, or the like, for example. Otherwise, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or the like may be used and a protocol for constructing the network  2  is not limited. 
     The reader/writer  30  has an antenna and is capable of performing contactless communication with the user terminal  10 . In this embodiment, the reader/writer  30  is capable of performing NFC communication with the user terminal  10 . 
     Further, the reader/writer  30  is capable of reading the code image displayed on the user terminal  10  and obtaining information stored in the code image. A plurality of types of code images such as a QR code and a barcode may be configured to be each readable. 
     Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to perform both the NFC communication and the communication using the code image between the user terminal  10  and the reader/writer  30 . 
     The POS apparatus  35  includes a register capable of processing purchase of commodities. For example, the POS apparatus  35  sends information about sales and inventory of the commodities purchased by the user  1  to a host computer (not shown) or the like and performs printing of receipts and the like. In this embodiment, the POS apparatus  35  generates payment information on the basis of a payment operation. 
     The payment system  40  is a computer connected to the POS apparatus  35  via a network  3 . The payment system  40  receives the payment information generated by the POS apparatus  35 . Further, the payment system  40  is constructed for each business operator that issues IC cards and manages payment information by each type of electronic money. 
     In this embodiment, the user terminal  10  and the POS apparatus  35  communicate with each other, such that the payment information of the user terminal  10  can be updated. For example, the amount of electronic money stored in the user terminal  10  is updated to a numerical value obtained by subtracting the price of the commodity. Further, the payment system  40  sends the updated payment information back to the POS apparatus  35 . 
     It should be noted that the type of the network  3  that connects the payment system  40  and the POS apparatus  35  to be communicable is not limited. For example, the network  3  may be constructed in the same protocol as the network  2  used in the server apparatus  50  or may be constructed in a protocol different from that of the network  2 . For example, the payment system  40  and the PSO apparatus  35  may be communicably connected to each other via the network  2 . 
     The business operator terminal  45  is a terminal used by a business operator  4 . The business operator terminal  45  is communicably connected to the server apparatus  50  via the network  2  and various settings of rule information are registered by the business operator  4 . For example, the business operator  4  is capable of registering settings of a point program or the like for allowing a user who purchased specific commodities of 1000 yen or more within the period of September to November to give 10% of the purchase amount as points as a fall campaign. 
     That is, the business operator  4  is capable of registering the rule information for giving the reward such as points to purchase of specific commodities or the like by the user  1  in the server apparatus  50 . The user  1  is given a reward by participating in the rule information set by the business operator  4 . 
     The server apparatus  50  comprehensively controls the user return system  100 . For example, the server apparatus  50  generates reward information on the basis of the purchase information sent from the user terminal  10  and the rule information set by the business operator  4  and sends the reward information to the user terminal  10 . Further, the server apparatus  50  generates analysis information linked to purchase information of the user  1  and personal information of the user  1  and sends the analysis information to the business operator  4 . The reward information and the analysis information will be described later in detail. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the server apparatus  50  shown in  FIG. 1 . The server apparatus  50  can be implemented by any computer such as a personal computer (PC). 
     The server apparatus  50  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  51 , a read only memory (ROM)  52 , a random access memory (RAM)  53 , an input/output interface  55 , and a bus  54  that connects them to one another. A display unit  56 , an input unit  57 , a storage unit  58 , a communication unit  59 , a drive unit  60 , and the like are connected to the input/output interface  55 . 
     The display unit  56  is, for example, a display device using liquid crystals, electro-luminescence (EL), or the like. The input unit  57  is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or another operation device. In a case where the input unit  57  includes a touch panel, the touch panel may be integrated with the display unit  56 . 
     The storage unit  58  is a non-volatile storage device, and is, for example, a hard disk drive (hard disk drive), a flash memory, or another solid-state memory. The drive unit  60  is, for example, a device capable of driving a removable recording medium  61  such as an optical recording medium and a magnetic recording tape. 
     The communication unit  59  is a modem, a router, or another communication device connectable to a LAN, a WAN, or the like for communicating with other devices. The communication unit  59  may perform wired communication or may perform wireless communication. The communication unit  59  is often used separately from the server apparatus  50 . 
     In this embodiment, the communication unit  59  enables communication with other devices via the network  2  to be performed. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the communication unit  59  corresponds to a sending unit that sends the generated reward information to the user terminal. 
     Information processing by the server apparatus  50  having the above-mentioned hardware configuration is realized in cooperation of software stored in the storage unit  58 , the ROM  52 , or the like and hardware resources of the server apparatus  50 . Specifically, an information processing method according to the present technology is realized by loading a program stored in the ROM  52  or the like and configuring the software into the RAM  53  and executing the program. 
     The program is installed in the server apparatus  50 , for example, through the recording medium  61 . Alternatively, the program may be installed in the server apparatus  50  via a global network or the like. Additionally, any non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be used. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing a software configuration example of the server apparatus  50  according to this embodiment. In such a manner that the CPU  51  shown in  FIG. 2  executes a predetermined program, a user information registering unit  62 , a rule information receiving unit  63 , a purchase information receiving unit  64 , a reward information generating unit  65 , and an analysis information generating unit  66 , which are software blocks, are realized. It should be noted that in order to realize each block, dedicated hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC) may be used as appropriate. Further,  FIG. 3  shows a user information DB  67 , a rule information DB  68 , a purchase information DB  69 , and a reward information DB  70  constructed in the storage unit  58 . 
     The user information registering unit  62  registers user information regarding the user  1  using the user terminal  10 . For example, the user information includes the personal information of the user  1 , such as a user ID, a password, a gender, an age, an address, and the like. Further, the user information includes which rule information the user  1  is participating in and participation information including a date on which the user  1  was registered in the rule information. 
     The user information registered by the user information registering unit  62  is stored in the user information DB  67 . It should be noted that the type of information registered as the user information is not limited and may be arbitrarily set. For example, for the personal information of the user  1 , items required to register, optional items to register, and the like may be set. 
     The rule information receiving unit  63  receives the rule information for giving the reward, the rule information being set by the business operator  4 . The rule information received by the rule information receiving unit  63  is stored in the rule information DB  68 . It should be noted that in this embodiment, the rule information receiving unit  63  corresponds to a receiving unit that receives the rule information set by a business operator. 
     The purchase information receiving unit  64  receives the purchase information generated by the user terminal  10 . The purchase information is information generated on the basis of a payment operation in which the user  1  uses the user terminal  10  for purchasing a commodity or the like. The purchase information received by the purchase information receiving unit  64  is stored in the purchase information DB  69 . 
     It should be noted that in this embodiment, a history of the purchase information is stored in the purchase information DB  69 . The history of the purchase information is information that summarizes purchase information generated when the user  1  purchased an object such as a commodity in the past. For example, purchase information of the user  1 , which was generated during the past three years, is stored as the history. It should be noted that the period and the number of times for storing the history of the purchase information are not limited. 
     The reward information generating unit  65  generates reward information regarding a reward depending on the purchase of the user  1  on the basis of the purchase information of the user  1  and the rule information in which the user  1  is participating. The reward information generated by the reward information generating unit  65  is stored in the reward information DB  70 . It should be noted that in this embodiment, the reward information generating unit  65  corresponds to a generating unit that generates, on a basis of the received purchase information and predetermined rule information regarding giving of a reward, reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object. 
     The analysis information generating unit  66  generates the analysis information regarding the purchase of the object on the basis of the history of the purchase information stored in the purchase information DB  69 . 
     In this embodiment, the server apparatus  50  functions as an information processing apparatus according to the present technology. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the user terminal  10 . The user terminal  10  includes a speaker  11 , a microphone  12 , a camera  13 , a touch panel  14 , an operation button  15 , an NFC communication unit  16 , an illumination unit  19 , a sensor unit  20 , a communication unit  21 , a storage unit  22 , and a controller  23 . 
     The speaker  11  is capable of outputting a sound. The speaker  11  outputs, for example, voice guidance, an alarm sound, and the like. 
     The microphone  12  is used for calling, inputting instructions by voice, collecting ambient sounds, and the like. 
     The camera  13  is capable of capturing images of the user and the surroundings. As the camera  13 , for example, a digital camera including an image sensor such as a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and a charge coupled apparatus (CCD) sensor is used. 
     The touch panel  14  functions as a display unit and is capable of displaying various images and GUIs. Further, the touch panel  14  is capable of receiving a touch operation by the user. For example, the user is capable of displaying any image such as a code image on the touch panel  14  through the touch panel  14 . 
     Further, the touch panel  14  is capable of displaying reward information given to the user  1 . In this embodiment, the contents of the rule information in which the user  1  is participating, the reward information already given to the user  1 , and the like are displayed. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the touch panel  14  corresponds to a display unit capable of displaying the received reward information. 
     The operation button  15  is provided to perform an operation different from the operation performed through the touch panel  14 , such as an power on/off operation, for example. 
     The NFC communication unit  16  includes an IC chip  17  and an antenna  18 . The IC chip  17  is an integrated circuit that realizes various functions associated with the NFC communication. The IC chip  17  is capable of performing NFC communication with the reader/writer  30  via the antenna  18 . 
     Examples of the circuit in which the IC chip  17  is integrated can include a demodulation circuit or a regulator, a load modulation circuit for selectively performing load modulation including a load resistor and a switching circuit, a processing circuit for controlling various types of data processing and load modulation, a memory element capable of storing data, and the like. Further, the IC chip  17  may further include a carrier detection circuit that generates a rectangular detection signal for detecting reception of a carrier wave. Additionally, any other configuration may be employed as the IC chip  17 . 
     The antenna  18  is, for example, a resonant circuit constituted by a coil having a predetermined inductance and a capacitor having a predetermined capacitance and functions as a sending and receiving antenna. In a case where the NFC communication is performed, polling signals, communication packets, and the like sent from the reader/writer  30  are received by the antenna  18 . Further, the antenna  18  sends carrier waves, reply packets, and the like. 
     The illumination unit  19  has a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) and a laser diode (LD) and is capable of outputting light. For example, by turning on the illumination unit  19 , it is possible to illuminate a night road and the like like a light. Further, it is also possible to notify of mail reception or the like by the illumination unit  19 . 
     The sensor unit  20  is capable of detecting a surrounding situation, a state of the user terminal  10 , a state of the user  1 , and the like. For example, a 9-axis sensor, a GPS, a biometric sensor, and the like are mounted as the sensor unit  20 . The 9-axis sensor includes a 3-axis acceleration sensor, a 3-axis gyro sensor, and a 3-axis compass sensor. It is possible to detect the acceleration, angular velocity, and azimuth of the user terminal  10  in three axes by the 9-axis sensor. The GPS obtains information about the current location of the user terminal  10 . 
     The biometric sensor obtains biometric information of the user. For example, a temperature sensor capable of measuring body temperature, a heart rate sensor capable of measuring heart rate, a sweat sensor capable of measuring sweat rate, and the like are provided as the biometric sensor. 
     The type of the sensor provided as the sensor unit  20  is not limited, and any sensor may be provided. For example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and the like capable of measuring a temperature, humidity, and the like of the environment where the user terminal  10  is used may be provided. It should be noted that it is also possible to consider the microphone  12  and the camera  13  as parts of the sensor unit  20 . 
     The communication unit  21  is a module for performing, for example, network communication, near-field communication, infrared communication, and the like with other devices. For example, a wireless LAN module such as a Wi-Fi or a communication module such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) is provided. Further, any infrared communication module may be used. It should be noted that it is also possible to consider the NFC communication unit  16  as a part of the communication unit  21 . In this embodiment, the communication unit  21  communicates with the server apparatus  30  via the network  2 . 
     The storage unit  22  is a nonvolatile storage device, and, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like is used. The storage unit  22  stores a control program for controlling the overall operation of the user terminal  10 . Further, the storage unit  22  stores data used for performing various types of processing, data generated by various types of processing, and the like. The method of installing the control program and the like in the user terminal  10  is not limited. 
     The controller  23  controls the operation of each block of the user terminal  10 . The controller  23  has a hardware configuration such as a CPU and memories (RAM and ROM) that are necessary for a computer. Various types of processing are performed in such a manner that the CPU loads the control program and the like stored in the storage unit  22 , into the RAM and executes the control program and the like. 
     For example, a programmable logic device (PLD) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and other devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) may be used as the controller  23 . 
     In this embodiment, the CPU of the controller  23  performs a program according to this embodiment (for example, an application program), such that a clock unit  24 , a purchase information generating unit  25 , a purchase information sending unit  26 , and a reward information receiving unit  27  are realized as functional blocks, and the information processing method according to this embodiment is performed. It should be noted that in order to realize each block, dedicated hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC) may be used as appropriate. 
     The clock unit  24  obtains time information. The time information includes information about date/month/year, a day of the week, and a current time. For example, the clock unit  25  is capable of obtaining the time information from the outside via the communication unit  21 . As a matter of course, the time information may be generated on the basis of an internal clock. The method of obtaining the time information, the method of calibrating the time information, and the like are not limited, and any method may be used. 
     In this embodiment, when the payment operation is performed, information about the current location of the user terminal  10  is obtained from the GPS. Further, the clock unit  25  obtains a time at which the payment operation is performed. In this embodiment, the block (not shown) that obtains the position information from the GPS included in the sensor unit  20  and the clock unit  24  correspond to an obtaining unit that obtains at least one of a time at which the payment operation is performed or a position at which the payment operation is performed on the basis of the payment operation. 
     As a matter of course, when the payment operation is performed, a time at which the communication is performed and position information of the reader/writer  30  may be obtained from the reader/writer  30 . In this case, the time at which the communication is performed and the position information of the reader/writer  30  correspond to the time at which the payment operation is performed and the position at which the payment operation is performed. The NFC communication unit  16  functions as an obtaining unit. 
     The purchase information generating unit  25  generates purchase information on the basis of the user&#39;s payment operation using the user terminal  10  for purchasing a commodity or the like  1 . It should be noted that in this embodiment, the purchase information generating unit  25  functions as a generating unit. 
     The purchase information sending unit  26  sends the purchase information generated by the purchase information generating unit  25 . In this embodiment, the purchase information sending unit  26  corresponds to a sending unit that sends the purchase information to the server apparatus  50 . 
     The reward information receiving unit  27  receives the reward information generated on the basis of the purchase information sent by the purchase information sending unit  26 . In this embodiment, the reward information received by the reward information receiving unit  27  can be displayed on the touch panel  14 . 
     In this embodiment, the user terminal  10  functions as the information processing apparatus according to the present technology. 
       FIG. 5  is a sequence diagram showing a specific processing example of the user return system  100 . 
     The user  1  performs a payment operation by bringing the user terminal  10  close to the reader/writer  30  to enter a range in which the user terminal  10  is communicable with the reader/writer  30  in order to purchase a commodity (Step  201 ). 
     The payment operation is an operation using the user terminal  10  for purchasing an object, and includes, for example, a tap interaction, which is an operation for bringing the user terminal  10  close to or in contact with the reader/writer  30 . Here, in this embodiment, the tap interaction refers to an operation of bringing the user terminal  10  close to or in contact with the reader/writer  30  in order to perform electronic money payment using the NFC communication. Further, the tap interaction also includes an operation of bringing the user terminal  10  on which the code image is displayed close to or in contact with the reader/writer  30  in order to perform payment using the code image. 
     As a matter of course, only one of the electronic money payment using the NFC communication or the payment using the code image may be possible. Alternatively, a different payment method may be possible using the user terminal  10 . In this case, the operation for performing the payment is a payment operation using the user terminal  10  for purchasing the object. 
     It should be noted that as the payment operation, an operation different from the operation of bringing the user terminal  10  close to the reader/writer  30  may be performed. For example, the payment operation can also include an operation of accessing a website through which commodity purchase or the like can be requested and purchasing the commodity. 
     In this embodiment, the purchase information receiving unit  64  corresponds to a receiving unit that receives reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object, the reward information being generated on the basis of the sent purchase information. 
     In Step  202 , the POS apparatus  35  in cooperation with the reader/writer  30  generates payment information on the basis of the payment operation and sends the payment information to the payment system  40  (Step  202 ). The payment information is information obtained when the commodity or the like is paid by electronic money. For example, the price of the commodity, a payment type indicating which electronic money was used for payment, a user who owns the electronic money, and the like can be cited. 
     The payment system  40  receives the payment information from the POS apparatus  35  and updates the received payment information. The updated payment information is sent back to the POS apparatus  35  (Step  203 ). The updated payment information is sent back to the user terminal  10  from the POS apparatus  35  through the reader/writer  30  (Step  204 ). 
       FIG. 6  is a sequence diagram for more specifically describing the sequence of Steps  201  to  205  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 6  is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of processing of the user terminal  10 . 
     The user  1  performs a payment operation on the reader/writer  30  with the user terminal  10  in order to purchase the commodity. Accordingly, electronic money payment is performed between an IC chip  81  mounted on the user terminal  10  and the reader/writer  30  (Step  301 ). As a matter of course, the payment using the code image may be performed. 
     Further, the IC chip  81  sends a payment notification notifying that the payment was performed to an application software  83  for using the user return system  100  (Step  302 ). It should be noted that the application software  83  is software performed by an application program according to the present technology and includes respective functional blocks performed by the controller  23  shown in  FIG. 4 , for example. 
     When receiving the payment notification from the IC chip  81 , the application software  83  obtains the position and time at which the payment of the commodity was performed. That is, the time at which the payment operation was performed and the position at which the payment operation was performed are obtained. It should be noted that in the example shown in  FIG. 6 , the time at which the payment operation was performed and the position at which the payment operation was performed are obtained in cooperation with an operating system (OS). As a matter of course, the present technology is not limited thereto. 
     The updated payment information is sent from the POS apparatus  35  to the IC chip  81  of the user terminal  10  through the reader/writer  30  (Step  304 ). On the basis of the payment information received by the IC chip  81 , purchase information is generated by the purchase information generating unit  25  of the application software  83 . 
     The purchase information includes payment information regarding the purchase of the target object such as the commodity. In this embodiment, the payment information updated by the server apparatus  50  is included in the purchase information. The purchase information includes the time at which the payment operation was performed and the position at which the payment operation was performed. The purchase information may include only at least one of the time at which the payment operation was performed or the position at which the payment operation was performed. That is, the purchase information is information including the position of the user  1 , the date and time when the purchase was performed, the purchase amount, the user ID, and the payment type. 
     The purchase information is sent to the server apparatus  50  by the purchase information sending unit  26  of the application software  83  (Step  306 ). For example, the payment information such as the amount and payment type is read from the IC chip  81 . The position information and the time information are obtained from the application software  83  through an OS  82  by using the payment operation as a trigger. Information including the payment information, the position information, and the time information in combination with the user ID is sent to the server apparatus  50  as the purchase information. 
     The purchase information is sent in real time, for example, in response to generation of the purchase information. Alternatively, the purchase information may be collectively sent at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is not limited, and may be arbitrarily set by the user, for example. 
     As described above, in this embodiment, the purchase information including the payment information, the position information, and the time information is sent from the user terminal  10  to the server apparatus  50  on the basis of the payment operation. That is, the purchase information is collected from the user terminal  10  to the server apparatus  50  in response to user&#39;s purchase of the commodity or the like. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the server apparatus  50 . In  FIG. 7 , the server apparatus  50  is shown focusing on the user information DB  67 , the rule information DB  68 , the purchase information DB  69 , and the reward information DB  70 . The user information registering unit  62 , the rule information receiving unit  63 , and the purchase information receiving unit  64  are not shown. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the user  1  accepts the use of the payment information and registers the user information. The registered user information is stored in the user information DB  67 . Further, the purchase information generated on the basis of the payment operation of the user  1  is received by the server apparatus  50  and stored in the purchase information DB  69 . 
     The rule information is set by the business operator  4  using the business operator terminal  45 . The set rule information is stored in the rule information DB  68 . The method of setting the rule information by the use of the business operator terminal  45  is not limited. For example, the rule information is set by accessing a webpage for setting rule information in a website operated by the user return system  100 . Alternatively, any method may be employed. 
     The rule information includes, for example, at least one of an object that is a reward giving target, a purchase amount that is a reward giving target, a purchase period that is a reward giving target, and a purchase position that is a reward giving target. 
     The object that is the reward giving target is information about which commodity or the like should be purchased for earning the reward. For example, it is possible to set that the reward is given in a case where the user  1  purchases a specific commodity. That is, the business operator  4  can set an object that the business operator  4  wishes to make the user  1  purchase as the object that is the reward giving target. 
     The purchase amount that is the reward giving target is information about how much purchases the user  1  must have made for earning the reward. For example, a setting can be made such that the reward will be given with purchases of 1000 yen or more by the user  1 . That is, the reward is given in a case where the purchase amount of the user  1  exceeds a purchase amount set by the business operator  4 . 
     The purchase period that is the reward giving target is information indicating that the reward is to be given in a case where the user  1  purchases a commodity during a specific period. For example, the business operator  4  can make a setting such that the reward will be given in a case where the user  1  purchases a commodity in June. 
     The purchase position that is the reward giving target is information indicating that the reward is to be given in a case where the user  1  purchases a commodity in a store or region set by the business operator  4 . For example, the business operator  4  can make a setting such that the reward will be given to the user  1  in a case where the user  1  makes a purchase at a local government, a shopping mall, or the like. 
     It should be noted that the rule information is not limited. For example, a setting such that the reward will be given only in a case where a plurality of specific commodities are purchased may be made. Alternatively, for example, a setting such that the user  1  who has made membership registration is given more rewards than the user  1  who has not made membership registration may be made. As a matter of course, the rule information can be any combination of those settings. 
     As the rule information, a payment method that is the reward giving target may be set. For example, a payment type (e.g., type of IC card or the like) or the like may be set as the rule information. As a matter of course, it is also possible to make a setting such that the reward is to be commonly given for all types of IC cards (all types of electronic money). 
     It should be noted that the method of registering the rule information is not limited. For example, in order to register the rule information set by the business operator  4  in a platform business operator operating the server apparatus  50 , an application for use of the platform using the server apparatus  50  may be submitted or the use fee may be paid out from an account of a back-office. 
     The reward information generating unit  65  generates reward information regarding a reward depending on the purchase of the user  1  on the basis of the purchase information and the rule information. In this embodiment, in a case where the purchase information stored in the purchase information DB  69  corresponds to the rule information stored in the rule information DB  68 , the reward information is generated. The reward information includes, for example, points and coupons for discount or exchangeable for a specific commodity. Additionally, reward information including various rewards depending on the purchase of the commodity or the like may be generated. 
     Further, rule information may be set to include a plurality of pieces of rule information. For example, it is assumed that rule information A regarding commodity purchase using an IC card A in a store A and rule information B regarding purchase of commodity purchase using an IC card B in a store B are stored. In this case, rule information C including the rule information A and B may be newly set. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a specific processing example of reward information generation. 
     The reward information generating unit  65  obtains the purchase information from the purchase information DB  69  (Step  401 ). Further, the reward information generating unit  65  obtains the user information linked to the purchase information from the user information DB  67  (Step  402 ). 
     On the basis of the purchase information and the participation information included in the user information, a loop of Steps  403  to  407  is performed. Specifically, the loop is repeated for all pieces of rule information in which the user  1  is participating and the processing ends in a case where all the loops are performed. It should be noted that the participation information is information including which rule information the user  1  is participating in and a date on which the user  1  was registered in the rule information. 
     The rule information in which the user  1  is participating is obtained from the rule information DB  68  (Step  404 ). It is determined whether the purchase information of the user  1  is an object for which the reward information is to be generated (Step  405 ). In a case where the purchase information is the object for which the reward information is to be generated (Yes in Step  405 ), the reward information is generated and the loop ends (Steps  406  and  407 ). In a case where the purchase information is not the object for which the reward information is to be generated (No in Step  405 ), the loop ends (Step  407 ). 
     In this embodiment, it is also possible to give rewards for past purchases retroactively. For example, it is possible to give a reward to a predetermined user such as a purchaser of a new commodity retroactively. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing an example of generating reward information for past purchases. 
     The user information is obtained from the user information DB  67  (Step  501 ). The rule information is obtained from the rule information DB  68  (Step  502 ). 
     The history of the purchase information in which the user  1  has performed purchase is obtained from the purchase information DB  69  (Step  503 ). The following loop is started for each obtained purchase information (Step  504 ). 
     In Step  505 , it is determined whether each piece of purchase information included in the history of the purchase information is a target for generating the reward information in the rule information. In a case where the purchase information is the object for which the reward information is to be generated (Yes in Step  505 ), the reward information is generated and the loop ends (Steps  506  and  507 ). In a case where the purchase information is not the object for which the reward information is to be generated (No in Step  505 ), the loop ends (Step  507 ). 
     The stored reward information is sent to the user terminal  10  by the communication unit  59 . Accordingly, the reward information regarding the reward depending on the purchase of the object, which is generated on the basis of the purchase information, is given to the user  1  in Step  206  of  FIG. 5 . 
     As described above, in this embodiment, the analysis information generating unit  66  generates the analysis information on the basis of the user information DB  67  and the purchase information DB  69 . The analysis information is information analyzed by linking the registered user information to the purchase information generated at a time at which the user  1  made a purchase. For example, a tendency analysis of the user  1 , such as whether the user  1  who purchases a specific commodity more often uses an urban area or a suburb area and what sort of store the user  1  uses is generated. The communication unit  59  sends the generated analysis information to the business operator  4 . 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram showing a specific example of the rule information. 
     A primary key (PK) shown in  FIG. 10  is a key selected to uniquely identify a row of a rule information TBL (table). In this embodiment, each type of rule information is identified using a rule information ID as the PK. 
     A foreign key (FK) shown in  FIG. 10  are a key associated with other tables. In this embodiment, a program identifier and the rule information ID are set as the FK and it is associated with a table of rows below the row of the FK. 
     The program identifier is a program for identifying each type of rule information. For example, by reading the rule information ID, the object that is the reward giving target set in the rule information, the purchase amount that is the reward giving target, the purchase period that is the reward giving target, the purchase position that is the reward giving target, and the like are identified. 
     The row A is the PK whose column information is a row of the rule information ID. Characters in which numbers, Roman alphabet, and the like indicating rule information are combined may be displayed as the stored information example. 
     The row B is FK whose column information is a row of the program identifier. In this embodiment, the rule information is specified from the rule information ID of the row A, and the rows C to H, which are the settings of the rule information, are referred to. 
     The row C is a row whose column information is a giving type. The giving type is information indicating to which type of purchase information generated in a case where the user  1  purchases a commodity or the like, the reward information is to be given. As shown in the table of  FIG. 10A , an example in which the reward information is to be given is displayed as the stored information example. For example, cash payment is exemplified for the payment method and payment at a specific store is exemplified for the position information or the like. 
     The row D is a row whose column information is a giving unit. The giving unit is information indicating a reference for giving the reward information on the basis of the purchase information of the user  1 . As shown in the table of  FIG. 10A , an example in which the reward information is given for every 100 yen is displayed as the stored information example. As a matter of course, the giving unit is not limited, and may be set to 1000 yen or more or the like. Further, the number of purchased commodities may be used as a unit. 
     The row E is a row whose column information is the reward information. The reward information indicates whether the reward information is to be given in accordance with the giving unit in the row D. For example, reward information of 1 pt. (point) is given for each giving unit as the stored information example. 
     The row F is a row whose column information is of a validity period type. The validity period type is information indicating a reference of the validity period of the given reward information. For example, the time of last use of specific electronic money or the like, the time when points are obtained, and the like are exemplified as the stored information example. 
     The row G is a row whose column information is a validity period. The validity period is information indicating a specific period on the basis of the validity period type of the row F. An example in which the validity period is set to one year or less on the basis of the validity period type is displayed as the stored information example. 
     The row H is a row whose column information is a retroactive period. The retroactive period is information indicating whether or not it is a target to which the reward information is to be given by applying the stored history of the purchase information for a specific period retroactively. For example, a period of 6 months or the like is exemplified as the stored information example. It should be noted that the retroactive period is not limited. For example, a specified past period of from June 1 to Jun. 30, 2017 may be used as the retroactive period. 
     It should be noted that the column information and the stored information of the rule information TBL are not limited, and may be arbitrarily set. For example, as shown in the tables of  FIGS. 10B  and C, the payment method and the position information may be set in more detail. 
     For example, as shown in the tables of  FIGS. 10B  and C, the user is identified on the basis of the user ID of the column information of row I (L). The rule information in which the specified user  1  is participating is specified by the rule information ID in the column information of row J(M) and the row K (row N to row Q) is referred to. 
     As shown in the table of  FIG. 10B , the payment information, which is the column information of the row K, can be set to give a reward in a case where payment is performed by specific electronic money or credit card, for example. 
     Further, it is possible to set the upper and lower limits of latitude and the upper and lower limits of longitude, which are the column information of the rows N to Q, as the position information as shown in the table of  FIG. 10C . For example, the upper limit of latitude may be set to 38.34799 degrees, the lower limit of latitude may be set to 38.34787 degrees, the upper limit of longitude may be set to −123.0229 degrees, and the lower limit of longitude may be set to −123.0240 degrees or the like. 
     As a matter of course, the settings of the position information are not limited and may be arbitrarily set. For example, those may be selected from a preset region list or area mapping of the region list and the latitude and longitude may be performed in a map information DB or the like. 
     As described above, in the server apparatus  50  according to this embodiment, the purchase information generated on the basis of the payment operation using the user terminal  10  for purchasing the object is received from the user terminal  10 . On the basis of the received purchase information and predetermined rule information regarding the giving of the reward, the reward information regarding the reward depending on the purchase of the object is generated. Accordingly, it is possible to realize flexible operation for giving a reward depending on purchase of a commodity or the like. 
     Many of point programs set by business operators return benefits to users on the basis of the fee for the payment amount regardless of a medium such as a mobile device or a card. Therefore, in many cases, many of return programs thereof return benefits to the users for the payment type, specifically, for the use of specific electronic money or a specific credit card. 
     However, due to diversification of payment methods, it is desirable for stores to promote further purchase by returning benefits for users&#39; use without the need for sticking to payment methods such as electronic money. 
     On the other hand, in the user return system  100  according to the present technology, the reward information is given to the user by focusing on the purchasing action of the user instead of depending on the fee for the payment amount. For example, a case where a specific store is regarded as one unit or a system capable of returning benefits to a region such as a chain store, a mall, a municipality, and the like is also possible. Accordingly, it is possible to centrally manage all transactions for the user&#39;s use actions without depending on the payment type. 
     For example, when the server apparatus  50  collects the rule information set by the business operator  4  and the purchase information of the user  1  in common, it is possible for the business operator  4  to start a point program for a plurality of types of electronic money without newly constructing a system. Accordingly, it is possible to commonly give points and interchange points. As a result, it is possible to realize flexible operation for giving a reward depending on purchase of a commodity or the like. 
     By receiving the purchase information linked to the position information, it is possible to give the reward information for payment in a specific region without integrating the payment information of the target stores. Accordingly, the reward information generated from each type of rule information corresponding to each store can be handled as common reward information. As a result, it is possible to realize flexible operation for giving a reward depending on purchase of a commodity or the like. 
     For example, Chiba city and respective electronic money service providers collaborate to distribute coupons available in Chiba City for payment of 1000 yen or more of electronic money in Chiba City. Further, for example, more points than normal points are given for payment using electronic money in stores operated by the electronic money service providers. 
     Further, by analyzing the purchase information linked to the user information, it is possible to determine the tendency of the user  1 . Accordingly, it is possible to provide a point program in accordance with the analysis information. 
     For example, in a case where it is found that specific electronic money is more often used in an urban area, it is possible to aim at use by existing users in a suburb area or acquisition of new users living in the suburb area by setting a point program to give double points in a case where payment is performed by the specific electronic money in the suburb area. 
     Further, for example, in a case where it is found that the use of a specific electronic money in a convenience store is large, it is possible to increase the use of an existing user other than a convenience store by giving more points to the use in a non-convenience store. 
     Storing the history of the purchase information of the user  1  in the purchase information DB  69  enables points to be given for the purchase information before the user  1  participates in the point program, retroactively. As a result, it is possible to realize flexible operation for giving a reward depending on purchase of a commodity or the like. Further, processing of receiving the rule information at a timing at which the history of the purchase information of the user  1  is stored in the purchase information DB  69  is also possible. 
     Further, in the user terminal  10  according to this embodiment, the purchase information is generated on the basis of the payment operation using the user terminal  10  which is the user terminal  10  usable by the user  1  and for purchasing the object of the user  1 . The generated purchase information is sent. The reward information regarding the reward depending on the purchase of the object, which is generated on the basis of the sent purchase information, is received. Accordingly, it is possible to realize flexible operation for the reward depending on the purchase of the commodity or the like to be given to the user  1  using the user terminal  10 . 
     OTHER EMBODIMENTS 
     The present technology is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and various other embodiments can be made. 
     The information processing method according to the present technology can be executed not only in a computer system configured by a single computer but also in a computer system in which a plurality of computers cooperate each other. It should be noted that in the present disclosure, the system means a set of components (such as apparatuses and modules (parts)) and it does not matter whether all of the components are in a single casing. Therefore, a plurality of apparatuses housed in separate casings and connected to one another via a network and a single apparatus having a plurality of modules housed in a single casing are both the system. 
     Execution of the information processing method according to the present technology by the computer system includes, for example, both a case where receiving of the purchase information generated on the basis of the payment operation using the user terminal for purchasing the target object from the user terminal, generation of the reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object on the basis of the received purchase information and the predetermined rule information regarding giving of the reward, and the like are performed by a single computer and a case where the respective processes are performed by different computers. Further, performing the respective processes by a predetermined computer includes causing another computer to perform some or all of those processes and obtaining results thereof. 
     That is, the information processing method according to the present technology can also be applied to a cloud computing configuration in which a single function is shared and commonly processed by a plurality of apparatuses via a network. 
     The information processing apparatus, the storage unit, the purchase information generating unit, and the like described above with reference to the drawings, the control flow of the control processing unit, and the like are merely one embodiment, and can be arbitrarily modified without departing from the gist of the present technology. That is, any other configurations, algorithms, and the like for carrying out the present technology may be employed. 
     At least two of the features according to the present technology described above may be combined. In other words, various features described in the respective embodiments may be arbitrarily combined across the embodiments. Further, the various effects described above are merely illustrative, not limitative, and other effects may be provided. 
     It should be noted that the present technology can also take the following configurations. 
     (1) An information processing apparatus, including: 
     a receiving unit that receives purchase information generated on the basis of a payment operation using a user terminal for purchasing a target object, from the user terminal; and 
     a generating unit that generates, on the basis of the received purchase information and predetermined rule information regarding giving of a reward, reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object. 
     (2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), in which 
     the payment operation includes a tap interaction. 
     (3) The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), in which 
     the purchase information includes payment information regarding the purchase of the target object. 
     (4) The information processing apparatus according to (1) to (3), in which 
     the purchase information includes at least one of a time at which the payment operation is performed or a position at which the payment operation is performed. 
     (5) The information processing apparatus according to (1) to (4), in which 
     the user terminal is capable of performing at least one of communication using a code image or a near field communication (NFC). 
     (6) The information processing apparatus according to (1) to (5), further including 
     a sending unit that sends the generated reward information to the user terminal. 
     (7) The information processing apparatus according to (1) to (6), further including 
     a receiving unit that receives the rule information set by a business operator. 
     (8) The information processing apparatus according to (1) to (7), in which 
     the rule information includes at least one of a target object that is a reward giving target, a purchase amount that is a reward giving target, a purchase period that is a reward giving target, or a purchase position that is a reward giving target. 
     (9) The information processing apparatus according to (1) to (8), further including 
     a storage unit that stores a history of the received purchase information, in which 
     the generating unit generates the reward information on the basis of the stored history of the purchase information. 
     (10) The information processing apparatus according to (9), further including 
     a receiving unit that receives the rule information set by a business operator, in which 
     the receiving unit receives the rule information at a timing after the history of the purchase information is stored in the storage unit. 
     (11) The information processing apparatus according to (1) to (10), further including 
     a storage unit that stores a history of the received purchase information, in which 
     the generating unit generates analysis information regarding the purchase of the target object on the basis of the stored history of the purchase information. 
     (12) An information processing method, including: 
     by a controller that is an information processing apparatus, 
     receiving purchase information generated on the basis of a payment operation using a user terminal for purchasing a target object, from the user terminal; and 
     generating, on the basis of the received purchase information and predetermined rule information regarding giving of a reward, reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object. 
     (13) An information processing apparatus that is usable by a user, including: 
     a generating unit that generates purchase information on the basis of a payment operation using the information processing apparatus for purchasing a target object of the user; 
     a sending unit that sends the generated purchase information; and 
     a receiving unit that receives reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object, the reward information being generated on the basis of the sent purchase information. 
     (14) The information processing apparatus according to (13), in which 
     the payment operation includes a tap interaction. 
     (15) The information processing apparatus according to (13) or (14), in which 
     the purchase information includes payment information regarding the purchase of the target object. 
     (16) The information processing apparatus according to (13) or (15), further including 
     an obtaining unit that obtains, on the basis of the payment operation, at least one of a time at which the payment operation is performed or a position at which the payment operation is performed, in which 
     the purchase information includes the obtained at least one of the time at which the payment operation is performed or the position at which the payment operation is performed. 
     (17) The information processing apparatus according to (13) to (16), further including 
     a communication unit communicable with an external apparatus, in which 
     the payment operation includes an operation of bringing the information processing apparatus close to the external apparatus for communicating with the external apparatus. 
     (18) The information processing apparatus according to (17), in which 
     the communication unit is capable of performing at least one of communication using a code image or a near field communication (NFC). 
     (19) An information processing method, including: 
     by a controller in an information processing apparatus, 
     generating purchase information on the basis of a payment operation using the information processing apparatus for purchasing a target object of the user; 
     sending the generated purchase information; and 
     receiving reward information regarding the reward depending on purchase of the target object, the reward information being generated on the basis of the sent purchase information. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           10  user terminal 
           14  touch panel 
           20  sensor unit 
           21  communication unit 
           24  clock unit 
           25  purchase information generating unit 
           26  purchase information sending unit 
           27  reward information receiving unit 
           30  reader/writer 
           35  POS apparatus 
           50  server apparatus 
           58  storage unit 
           59  communication unit 
           63  rule information receiving unit 
           64  purchase information receiving unit 
           65  reward information generating unit 
           66  analysis information generating unit 
           100  user return system