JP2002163538A - Method of allowing benefits to user who has purchased commodities, method of inducing provider to enroll and system of commodity sales - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce user's burden in allowing a benefit to a user who has purchased commodities. SOLUTION: A provider system 10 is equipped with a communication management system 11 that manages a provider member's Internet connection, a settlement system 12 that puts settlement into practice when the user purchases commodities at a store 20 and a user information database. If the payment has been settled using the settlement system 12 when the provider member purchases a specific commodity at the store 20, the information management system 11 makes the Internet service charge to the provider member free for a certain period.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for giving a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a shopping site on a network, and a method for inviting a user to join a service provider. The present invention also relates to an apparatus and a system for providing the above method, a program describing a procedure for realizing the method, and a recording medium storing such a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The number of Internet users is rapidly increasing. Many Internet service providers (hereinafter, referred to as “providers”) have made various attempts to acquire more users (members).

For example, some providers have partnered with a manufacturer of personal computers (hereinafter, referred to as "PCs") to install programs for accessing the providers and applying for membership in the PCs in advance. I have. In this case, when the personal computer is started, an icon or the like corresponding to the program is displayed on a screen (desktop). The user then accesses the provider by clicking on the icon,
An enrollment procedure for becoming a member of the provider can be performed. At this time, benefits are often given to users who have joined the provider using the program. For example, a privilege is provided such that the usage fee of the provider is free for a certain period.

[0004] As described above, when a user who purchases a personal computer joins a specific provider using the personal computer, the user can receive benefits from the provider.

[0005]

However, as described above, in a form in which the procedure for enrolling in a provider is performed using a program installed in a purchased personal computer, the user purchases the personal computer and then proceeds to the provider. Because there is a lapse of time before it becomes possible to enroll in the provider, and since it is necessary to start the program installed on the personal computer to enroll in the provider, There has not always been effective induction of membership.

When a user who has already joined a provider as described above purchases a personal computer, the user does not usually join the provider again. In this case, even though the user has joined the provider and purchased the personal computer,
You will not be able to receive the above benefits.

[0007] However, in this case, this user is relatively disadvantageously treated as compared with a user newly joining the provider. Therefore, some providers try to give equivalent benefits to such users. However, in this case, the user has to apply for a privilege, which is troublesome.

[0008] In recent years, shopping sites on a network have become widespread, and users can purchase a personal computer or the like by accessing the site, but the above-mentioned problem has not been solved. That is, even in such a case, the user is required to obtain various information (user name, etc.) for receiving the privilege, in addition to various information (user address, name, credit number, etc.) necessary for purchasing the personal computer. , The name of the provider to which the user has joined, the member ID, the password, etc.).

As described above, in order to obtain a privilege to be given in connection with purchasing a personal computer, the user must:
Special procedures had to be taken to receive the benefits, which was troublesome. Note that this problem is not limited to the purchase of a personal computer, but may also occur, for example, when a product is purchased from a shopping site on a network.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on a user who purchases a product when giving a privilege to the user. It is another object of the present invention to effectively guide the admission to a provider. "

[0011]

A privilege granting method according to the present invention is a method for granting a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a network, wherein the user purchases the product using a user terminal. At this time, a privilege is provided to the user based on information related to the purchase of the product.

According to this method, when a user purchases a product using the user terminal, a privilege is automatically given to the user. That is, the user does not need to perform any special operation to obtain the privilege.

The merchandise sales system of the present invention is premised on a configuration for selling merchandise using a network, and sells merchandise using a service provider that provides a network connection service and an electronic settlement service using a site on the network. Including retailers. Then, when a user who purchases a product from the store uses an electronic payment service provided by the service provider to settle the price, the service provider grants a privilege.

According to the above system, when a user purchases a product from the store, if the user uses an electronic payment service provided by the service provider for payment of the product, the user is automatically provided with a privilege. Is given.
That is, the user does not need to perform any special operation to obtain the privilege.

[0015] In the method for guiding the membership of a provider according to the present invention, when a user purchases a product using a network by a user terminal, it is determined whether or not the user has joined a predetermined service provider. If the user has not subscribed to the service provider, guidance for joining the service provider is displayed on the user terminal.

According to this method, the procedure for joining the provider can be performed as a series of procedures at the time of purchasing the product, so that the user does not need to perform an operation for renewing the procedure for joining the provider after purchasing the product.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a product sales system to which the present invention is applied. In this system, a product is provided through a shopping site provided on a network, and a user can purchase a desired product by accessing the site. At this time, it is assumed that the electronic payment service can be used for payment.

The provider system 10 is, for example, a server computer, and is managed by an Internet service provider (hereinafter, referred to as “provider”). The provider system 10 includes a communication management system 11, a settlement system 12, and a user information database 13.

The communication management system 11 manages the Internet connection by members who have joined the provider managing the provider system 10 (hereinafter, referred to as “provider members”). Specifically, it provides an Internet connection service in response to a request from the provider member, and stores e-mail and the like addressed to the provider member. Also, the Internet usage status of each provider member is monitored. Then, the communication cost (internet usage fee) is calculated for each provider member and charged.

The settlement system 12 allows the user to
Process the settlement that occurs when you purchase a product from. Here, the settlement system 12 can process not only transactions relating to a user who has contracted with the provider who manages the provider system 10 (that is, a provider member), but also transactions by a user who has contracted with another provider. it can. That is, the payment system 12 is the payment system 1
Process transactions relating to any user who has a contract to use the second service. This contract is concluded, for example, between the provider who manages the provider system and each user.

The payment system 12 can process not only payments that occur when a user purchases a product from the store 20 but also other payments. For example, it also processes the settlement of a fee generated when a user browses a paid site.

As described above, each user can use the settlement system 12 irrespective of whether or not the user has joined the provider who manages the provider system 10. However,
The provider system 10 manages the users who use the settlement system 12 in the following manner. (1) A user who has joined the provider who manages the provider system 10 and uses the settlement system 12 (2) A user who has joined the provider who manages the provider system 10 but does not use the settlement system 12 (3 ) A user who uses the settlement system 12 but joins another provider. Here, the users (1) and (2) are both “provider members”. However, the present invention relates to a payment system 1
In the following, the “provider member” is often referred to as
(1) means the user. In the following, the user of the above (3) will be referred to as “electronic settlement member”.

The user information database 13 manages each user information of the provider member and the electronic settlement member.
Then, the user information database 13 is queried by the communication management system 11 and the settlement system 12 as necessary.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a database for managing provider members. This database stores user information of each member using the provider member ID as a key. Here, the provider member ID is identification information uniquely assigned to each provider member by the provider system 10.

In this database, user information such as “credit card number”, “expiration date”, “postal code”, “address”, “name”, “connection service use time”, “free privilege grant period”, “communication cost” (Internet usage fee), “purchased product information”, and the like.
Here, in the “connection service use time”, the time of connecting to the Internet using the communication management system 11 of the provider system 10 is recorded. In the “free privilege grant period”, information on a privilege given to the user using the settlement system 12 is recorded. In this embodiment, as a privilege, “from September 30, 2000 to 2
For the period of March 30, 2001, you can connect to the Internet free of charge. " The privilege will be described later in detail. Further, in the “purchased merchandise information”, information on merchandise purchased by each user in the past is recorded. Specifically, the product name, destination, purchase price, and the like of the purchased product are recorded.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a database for managing electronic settlement members. This database stores the user information of each member using the electronic settlement member ID as a key. Here, the electronic settlement member ID is identification information uniquely assigned to each electronic settlement member by the provider system 10.

The basic configuration of this database is the same as the database for managing provider members shown in FIG. However, since the electronic settlement member has not joined the provider who manages the provider system 10,
This database does not have records related to the Internet connection. Specifically, no record is provided for recording “connection service use time”, “free privilege grant period”, and “communication cost”.

Returning to FIG. The store 20 sells a product to a user using a shopping site provided on the network. The shopping site operated by the store 20 can be browsed and accessed using a general browser program. That is, various types of data are transmitted and received between the computers using the known HTTP. Then, not only the provider member and the electronic settlement member, but also other users can access this shopping site and purchase desired products therefrom. In addition, dealer 2
0 is the payment system 1 between the provider system 10
I have a contract to use 2. Then, when the merchandise is sold to the provider member or the electronic settlement member, the store 20 requests the settlement system 12 for settlement processing. However, if the provider member or the electronic settlement member designates another settlement method, the dealer 20
Does not use the settlement system 12. In addition, when the merchandise is sold to a user other than the provider member or the electronic settlement member, the store 20 does not use the settlement system 12.

The authentication system 30 is, for example, a CAFIS
(Credit and Finance Information System), which relays credit card usage data of a user who uses the settlement system 12 to a credit card company or a financial institution.

Next, a sequence when a user purchases a product using the above system will be described. here,
A case where a provider member or an electronic settlement member purchases a product from a store 20 and requests the settlement system 12 for the settlement is shown.

(A) The user starts a browser program to access a shopping site operated by the store 20 and selects a desired product. At this time, the user specifies a settlement method. As the settlement method, a method of using the settlement system 12, a method of using a credit card (in this case, not using the settlement system 12), a method of transferring to a bank account of the store 20, and the like are provided. Further, the user inputs purchaser information. Thereby, the order for purchasing the product is sent to the store 20.

(B) Upon receiving the order from the user, the store 20 requests the provider system 10 to authenticate the user and a credit card. Upon receiving this request, the provider system 10 authenticates the user using the authentication system 30 and returns the result to the store 20.

(C) When the store 20 receives the result of the user authentication and the authentication to the credit card, the store 20 ships the product to the user. (d) The settlement system 12 charges the user who purchased the product for the price of the product.

(E) The settlement system 12 pays the price of the product to the store 20. (f) The user pays the settlement system 12 for the product. In addition, the settlement system 12 does not actually charge the user for the above-mentioned product directly, but to the credit card company. Then, the credit card company debits the corresponding amount from the user's account.

On the other hand, the accounting process when the provider member connects to the Internet is executed by the communication management system 11. The communication management system 11 monitors the connection status of each provider member to the Internet. Then, a usage fee corresponding to each month is calculated and charged to each provider member. Note that the communication management system 11 actually charges the credit card company a usage fee, similarly to the settlement system 12.

Next, a description will be given of a privilege granting method directly related to the present invention. Here, a privilege is given to a user who has purchased a product using the payment system 12. It is assumed that the user is a provider member or an electronic settlement member. In the following embodiment, it is assumed that the user purchases a product (for example, a personal computer) from the store 20.

FIG. 4 (a) shows that the provider member has
It is a figure which shows the sequence at the time of purchasing goods from. The user first connects to the Internet using the provider system 10. At this time, the usage status of the Internet by the user is monitored by the communication management system 11. Then, the user accesses a shopping site operated by the store 20 using general browser software. Thereby, the top page of the shopping site is displayed on the terminal of this user.

Subsequently, the user selects a desired product from a product group provided by the shopping site. Here, it is assumed that the personal computer has been selected. The method of selecting a product depends on the configuration of the shopping site.

When a product is selected, a screen for designating a settlement method (a method of paying for the product) is displayed on the terminal of the user. Here, it is assumed that “electronic settlement”, “credit” or “bank transfer” can be selected as the settlement method. “Electronic payment” is a method for paying the payment using the payment system 12, and “credit” is a method for directly paying the credit card company without going through the payment system 12. Here, it is assumed that the user has designated “electronic payment”.

When the settlement method is designated, a screen for inputting purchaser information is displayed on the terminal of the user. Here, the buyer information is at least “member ID”
Includes "password" and "delivery address". The “member ID” is a provider member ID or an electronic settlement member ID. Here, the provider member ID is input. The “password” is a number registered in advance corresponding to the “member ID”.

When the purchaser information is input, a process for authenticating the user is executed. This authentication processing is performed by the settlement system 12 and the authentication system 30. When the user is authenticated, a message indicating that the purchase process has been completed is displayed on the terminal of the user. Further, this user is provided with the provider system 1
0 automatically gives a privilege. Here, "privilege"
Is, for example, a service that makes the fee for connecting to the Internet using the provider system 10 free for six months. Then, a message indicating that the privilege is given is displayed on the terminal of the user.

As described above, when the provider member makes a payment using the payment system 12 when purchasing a product from a shopping site provided on the network,
Benefits are automatically given to the provider member. That is, when a provider member purchases a product from the store 20, the provider member can receive the benefit without applying for the benefit.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a sequence when the electronic settlement member purchases a product from the store 20. The procedure when an electronic payment member purchases a product is basically the same as the procedure for a provider member. However, the electronic settlement member inputs the electronic settlement member ID as the “member ID” in the purchaser information. When the purchase process is completed, a screen for joining a provider managing the provider system 10 is displayed on the terminal of the user. Then, when the user inputs necessary information using this screen, an enrollment procedure is performed in the provider system 10 and a privilege is automatically given by the provider system 10. The privilege given at this time may be the same as the privilege given to the provider member,
It may be different. Here, it is assumed that the same privilege is given. In this embodiment, when the electronic settlement member joins the provider when purchasing the above-mentioned product, the privilege is automatically given. However, whether or not to receive the privilege when applying for the membership to the provider is described. May be selected by the user.

As described above, when the electronic payment member makes a payment using the payment system 12 when purchasing a product from a shopping site provided on the network, the member joins the provider who manages the provider system 10. Guide is given. Then, when the user joins the provider according to the guidance, a privilege is automatically given from the provider.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing operations of the store 20 and the settlement system 12 when an order is received from a user. Here, it is assumed that the user has ordered a product in the procedure shown in FIG. 4 (a) or FIG. 4 (b).

Steps S1 to S4 are executed by the store 20. In addition, the processing of the store 20 is, specifically,
It is executed by a computer that realizes a shopping site operated by the store 20. In step S1, information for identifying a product that the user wants to purchase is received. In step S2, information for identifying the payment method selected by the user is received. In step S3, the purchaser information input by the user is received. These pieces of information are input by the user using the user terminal, and are transmitted from the user terminal to the store 20 via the Internet.
Transmitted to

The store 20 holds the information received in steps S 1 to S 3, and when “electronic payment” is designated as the payment method, orders the user to the payment system 12 of the provider system 10. And request for user authentication. At this time, the store 20 transmits the product information and the purchaser information to the settlement system 12.
Transfer to The product information includes information for identifying the product selected by the user and the selling price of the product.

Steps S11 to S15 are executed by the settlement system 12. Note that the processing of the settlement system 12 is specifically executed by a server computer that implements the provider system 10.

In step S11, information transmitted from the store 20 is received. At this time, the received information includes the product information and the purchaser information, and the purchaser information includes the user's member ID and the corresponding password. The settlement system 12 also receives information for identifying the store 20 together with the above information.

In step S12, a member authentication is performed. That is, the “member ID” received in step S11
Is used as a key to access the user information database 13 to check whether this user is registered as a provider member or an electronic settlement member. Specifically, it is checked whether the provider member ID or the electronic settlement member ID input as the “member ID” is registered in the user information database 13. At this time, it is also checked whether a correct password has been input. If the member ID has been registered, the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, credit authentication is performed. Specifically, a credit card number or the like is transferred to the authentication system 30 to request authentication. Here, the credit number or the like may be extracted from the user information database 13 using the member ID. When the credit card is authenticated, the process proceeds to step S14.

If the member authentication fails in step S12 or if the credit authentication fails in step S13, the fact is notified to the store 20. When the store 20 receives this notification,
In step S4, an error message is displayed on the corresponding user terminal. In this case, the process of the store 20 returns to step S2.

In step S14, the order information sent from the store 20 is stored in the user information database 13 using the member ID as a key. Thereby, the user's order is registered in the user information database 13. Then, in step S15, an order completion notification is sent to the store 20.

Steps S21 to S26 are executed by the store 20. When the store 20 receives the order completion notification from the settlement system 12, at step S21,
The fact that the order of the user has been accepted is displayed on the terminal of the user. Subsequently, in step S22, it is checked whether or not the product selected by the user is a product to which a privilege should be given. Here, the store 20 has, for example, a product management table shown in FIG. This table is a list of products sold by the store 20 via the shopping site, and includes a sale price of each product, whether or not a privilege is provided, a stock quantity, and the like. The “grant of privilege” indicates whether a privilege is given to a user when the user purchases the product. In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is set that the privilege is given to the user who purchased the personal computer 01 or the personal computer 03. It should be noted that which merchandise should be subject to the award is determined by the store 20.
Alternatively, it is determined by a provider that manages the provider system 10 or by a contract between the provider and the store 20.

If the product selected by the user is a target for giving a privilege, the process proceeds to step S23; otherwise, the process skips steps S23 and S24 and proceeds to step S25.

In step S23, it is checked whether the user is a provider member or an electronic settlement member.
In this case, the member ID input by the user is checked. If the user is a provider member, the process proceeds to step S24; otherwise, the user is regarded as an electronic settlement member and the process proceeds to step S51.
Proceed to.

In step S 24, the privilege information is notified from the store 20 to the settlement system 12. This privilege information is a message indicating that the product purchased by the user is a target for granting the privilege. And payment system 1
When the privilege information is received, the privilege executing process is performed in step S31. The privilege granting process will be described later in detail.

In step S25, the store 20 ships the product ordered by the user. Note that the shipping destination of this product is the address input as purchaser information by the user. Then, in step S26, the settlement system 12 is notified that the purchase of the product by the user has been confirmed.

When the settlement system 12 receives this notification, in step S41, it bills the credit company for the above-mentioned product. Also, in step S42,
The price is paid to the store 20.

If the user who purchased the product for which the privilege is to be granted is not a provider member, that is, if the user is an electronic payment member, step S
The processing after 51 is executed. In step S51, the store 20 transmits guidance data for joining the provider managing the provider system 10 to the terminal of the user. As a result, a guidance screen for joining the provider is displayed on the terminal of the user. Thereafter, the store 20 waits for a response from the user. When the store 20 receives a response indicating that the user has joined the provider, the store 20 notifies the settlement system 12 of the response. On the other hand, if the store 20 receives a response indicating that the user does not join the provider, the store 20 proceeds to step S5.
After sending some prize to the user in 2, the process proceeds to step S25. In addition, this prize is a store 2
0, sent to the user, the cost of which may be borne by the provider managing the provider system 10.

When the settlement system 12 receives the notice from the store 20, in step S61, the settlement system 12 registers the user as a provider member. Specifically, first, an area for registering a new provider member is secured in the user information database 13. Also, the user information database 13 is accessed using the electronic settlement member ID of the user as a key, and the corresponding information (credit card number, credit card expiration date, postal code,
Address, name, purchased product information, etc.). And
The extracted information is written in the area secured as described above. Thereby, the user is registered in the provider system 10 as a provider member. At this time, a provider member ID is given to this user. Note that the provider member ID may be a temporary ID used during a period until a regular ID is specified by the user.

Thereafter, in step S62, a privilege is given. This privilege granting process is basically performed in step S
31 is the same as the process of FIG. As described above, when the provider member purchases a specific product from the store 20 and uses the payment system 12 to settle the price of the product, the provider member can receive a benefit from the provider system 10. At this time, the provider member is not required to perform any special operation to receive the privilege. In other words, the provider member does not need to display a desire to receive a privilege. On the other hand, when the electronic payment member purchases a specific product from the store 20 and uses the payment system 12 to settle the price of the product, the electronic payment member can receive guidance for joining a predetermined provider. Then, when the electronic settlement member joins the provider according to the guidance, the member can be registered as a provider member and receive a privilege from the provider system 10 at the same time.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the privilege giving process. This processing corresponds to step S31 shown in FIG. 5 or step S62 shown in FIG. 6, and is executed by the settlement system 12.

In step S101, the provider member ID of the user who purchased the product for which the privilege is to be granted
Is used as a key to access the user information database 13. In step S102, a privilege to be granted is determined. In this embodiment, the privilege to be provided is a service for making the fee for connecting to the Internet using the provider system 10 free. Therefore, in this step, the period during which the Internet usage fee should be free is calculated. Here, this period is
For example, the calculation may be performed based on the product purchased by the user, the price of the product, and the store from which the product was purchased. In this case, a long free period may be given to a user who has purchased a specific product, and a short free period may be given to a user who has purchased another product. Also, a long free period may be given to a user who has purchased a high-priced product. Further, a long free period may be given to a user who has purchased a product from a specific store, and a short free period may be given to a user who has purchased a product from another store. In step S102, the free period may be determined uniformly regardless of the product purchased by the user, the price of the product, the store where the product was purchased, and the like.

In step S103, step S102
Is set in the user information database 13. Specifically, a start date and an end date of the free service are set. In the example shown in FIG. 2, “6 months” is set as the free privilege grant period. In addition,
This “free privilege grant period” is referred to when the communication management system 11 calculates the Internet usage fee of each user. For example, when calculating the Internet usage charge of a certain user, the communication management system 11 does not charge for communication during the free period given to that user.

By the way, it is presumed that if the specifications and prices are the same, the user may select a product in consideration of the privilege. That is, assuming that a benefit is displayed for each product on the shopping site, it is presumed that the user may determine a product to be purchased in consideration of the benefit. Therefore, the store can promote the sale of the specific product by giving a great privilege to the specific product. In addition, the provider can support the business of the specific store by permitting the privilege only to the specific store.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
Whether or not the product selected by the user is a privilege-grant target product, and whether or not the user who is going to purchase the privilege-grant target product is a provider member,
Although determined by the store 20, these determinations may be performed by the settlement system 12.

The privilege given in the above embodiment is a service for making the Internet usage fee free for a certain period of time, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a service for discounting Internet usage charges may be used.

The above-described function of giving a privilege is realized by executing a program describing the processing of the above-described flowchart using a computer. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer 100 that executes the program.
Shown in Note that the provider system 10 is realized by the computer 100. Here, the provider system 10 may be realized by a plurality of computers. In this case, the communication management system 11 and the settlement system 12 may be realized by different computers. The computer 100 also realizes the store 20 or a shopping site operated by the store 20. Here, the provider system 10 and the store 20 are basically realized by different computers. Furthermore, the terminal of each user is also realized by the computer 100.

The CPU 101 loads a program describing the processing shown in the flowchart from the storage device 102 into the memory 103 and executes the program. Storage device 102
Is, for example, a hard disk and stores the above program. On the other hand, the memory 103 is, for example, a semiconductor memory and is used as a work area of the CPU 101. Note that the user information database 13 is constructed in the storage device 102.

The recording medium driver 104 is a CPU 101
The portable recording medium 105 is accessed according to the instruction.
The portable recording medium 105 is, for example, a semiconductor device (P
C card, etc.), a medium for inputting / outputting information by magnetic action (flexible disk, magnetic tape, etc.), a medium for inputting / outputting information by optical action (optical disc, etc.)
including. The communication control device 106 transmits and receives data to and from a network according to an instruction from the CPU 101.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of providing a software program or the like according to the present invention. The program according to the present invention is provided, for example, by any of the following three methods.

(A) It is provided by being installed in the computer 100. In this case, the program or the like is pre-installed before shipment, for example. (b) Provided by being stored in a portable recording medium. In this case, the programs and the like stored in the portable recording medium 105 are basically installed in the storage device 102 via the recording medium driver 104.

(C) Provided from a server on the network. In this case, basically, the computer 100 obtains the program and the like by downloading the program and the like stored in the server.

(Supplementary Note 1) This is a method of giving a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a network, wherein the user purchases a product using a user terminal.
A privilege granting method for granting a privilege to the user based on information related to the purchase of the product. (Supplementary Note 2) The method according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the privilege is provided when the price of the product is settled by a predetermined method. (Supplementary Note 3) The method according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the privilege is provided when the user purchases a predetermined specific product. (Supplementary Note 4) The method according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the privilege is provided when the user purchases a product from a predetermined store. (Supplementary Note 5) The method according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the privilege relates to use of the network by the user. (Supplementary Note 6) The method according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the privilege is a service for reducing or freeing the user's network usage fee. (Supplementary Note 7) The method according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein it is detected whether the user has joined a predetermined service provider, and if the user has not joined the service provider, Displays a guide for joining the service provider on the user terminal, and if the user joins the service provider according to the guide, the privilege is given to the user. (Supplementary Note 8) A merchandise sales system that sells merchandise using a network, including a service provider that provides a network connection service and an electronic settlement service, and a dealer that sells merchandise using a site on the network. A merchandise sales system for providing a privilege when a user who purchases a merchandise from the above-mentioned store uses an electronic settlement service provided by the service provider to settle the price. (Supplementary Note 9) In the system according to supplementary note 8, wherein the user is a member of the service provider,
The user is given a privilege related to the service provider's network connection service. (Supplementary Note 10) The system according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein when the user is a member of the service provider, the service provider's network usage fee is reduced or set free for the user. (Supplementary Note 11) In the system according to Supplementary Note 8, when the user is not a member of the service provider, the dealer displays a guidance for joining the service provider on a terminal of the user, When the user joins the service provider according to the guidance, the privilege is given to the user. (Supplementary Note 12) A service provider device that is used in a sales system that sells goods using a network and that provides a network connection service and an electronic payment service, and that is used when a user purchases goods from a site on the network. A service provider device comprising: a payment unit that performs a payment; and a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege when the user uses the payment unit. (Supplementary note 13) The service provider device according to supplementary note 12, wherein the privilege relates to use of the network by the user. (Supplementary note 14) The service provider device according to supplementary note 13, wherein the privilege reduces or reduces a network usage fee of the user. (Supplementary Note 15) A merchandise selling device that is connected to a service provider device that provides a network connection service and an electronic settlement service and that sells merchandise using a network, and a receiving unit that receives an order from a user via the network. Inquiring means for inquiring the user of a settlement method, and when the user orders a predetermined product predetermined by a contract with a provider operating the service provider, a privilege is provided to the user. Requesting means for requesting the service provider device to give the request. (Supplementary Note 16) The commodity sales device according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein the requesting unit is configured to provide the user with a request when the electronic payment service provided by the service provider device is designated as a settlement method for the commodity. The service provider device is requested to grant the privilege. (Supplementary Note 17) The commodity sales device according to supplementary note 15, wherein
The benefit relates to the use of the service provider's network by the user. (Supplementary Note 18) The commodity sales apparatus according to Supplementary Note 17, wherein
The above benefits reduce or reduce the network usage fee. (Supplementary Note 19) In a system including a service provider that provides a network connection service and an electronic settlement service and a store that sells a product using a site on the network, a product purchase device that purchases a product from the store. Having order means for ordering goods provided by the above-mentioned store via a network, and designating means for designating a payment method for purchasing the goods,
A commodity purchase device to which a privilege is given when the designation means designates an electronic settlement service provided by the service provider device as a settlement method. (Supplementary Note 20) The commodity purchase device according to Supplementary Note 19, wherein the privilege is provided when the ordering means orders a predetermined predetermined commodity. (Supplementary Note 21) The commodity purchase device according to Supplementary Note 19, wherein the privilege relates to use of the service provider's network. (Supplementary Note 22) In the product purchasing device according to Supplementary Note 21, a network usage fee to be charged by the service provider is reduced or made free of charge. (Supplementary Note 23) A recording medium for storing a program which, when executed by a computer, provides a function of granting a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a network, wherein the user has access from a site on the network. A recording medium for storing a payment program for performing payment when a product is purchased, and a privilege granting program for reducing or freeing a network usage fee of the user when the user uses the payment program. (Supplementary Note 24) This is a method for inducing membership to a service provider, and when a user purchases a product using a network using a user terminal, it is determined that the user has not joined a predetermined service provider. And a guidance method for displaying, on the user terminal, guidance for joining the service provider when the user has not joined the service provider. (Supplementary Note 25) The method according to Supplementary Note 24, wherein when the price of the product is settled by a predetermined method, it is determined that the user has not joined the service provider. (Supplementary Note 26) The method according to Supplementary Note 25, wherein the settlement method is to perform settlement using an electronic settlement service provided by the service provider. (Supplementary Note 27) A merchandise sales system that sells merchandise using a network, including a service provider that provides a network connection service and an electronic settlement service, and a dealer that sells merchandise using a site on the network. A merchandise sales system for presenting a guide for joining a service provider to a user when a user who has purchased the merchandise from the store has not joined the service provider; (Supplementary Note 28) A merchandise selling device connected to a service provider device that provides a network connection service and an electronic settlement service, and that sells merchandise using the network, and a receiving unit that receives an order from a user via the network. Inquiring means for inquiring the user of a settlement method, and when the user orders a predetermined product predetermined by a contract with the provider operating the service provider, the user has not joined the service provider. And a presentation unit for presenting a guide for joining to a user who does not have a membership. (Supplementary Note 29) In order to give a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a network, a computer may be used when a user purchases a product using a user terminal.
A privilege granting program for functioning as a means for granting a privilege to the user based on information related to the purchase of the product. (Supplementary Note 30) In order to give a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a network, a payment means for executing payment when the user purchases a product from a site on the network, A privilege granting program for functioning as a privilege granting means for reducing or freeing a network usage fee by the user when the settlement means is used. (Supplementary Note 31) In order to give a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a network, a computer is used to receive an order from the user via the network, and a contract is made between the user and a service provider. A privilege grant program for functioning as a requesting means for requesting the service provider to grant a privilege to a user when ordering a predetermined product determined in advance. (Supplementary Note 32) In order to guide the user to join a service provider, a computer determines whether or not the user has joined a predetermined service provider when the user purchases a product via a network using a user terminal. Determining means for determining, and a program for functioning as display means for displaying, on the user terminal, guidance for joining the service provider when the user has not joined the service provider.

[0076]

According to the present invention, a privilege is automatically given to a user who has purchased a product by a specific method.
The user does not need to take any special procedure to receive the benefit.

Further, according to the present invention, a procedure for joining a provider is performed as a series of procedures for purchasing a product using a network. Since the number of operations can be reduced, it is possible to realize effective enrollment guidance to the provider.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, a purchaser can obtain a privilege even if the user has already joined the provider. In addition, since the user can obtain a privilege by purchasing a product, the store has an effect of promoting product sales. In addition, it is possible for the provider to promote the use of the payment system provided to the world widely, and the payment system for the product at the contract dealer is performed by the payment system. , A fee can be obtained at a predetermined ratio to the price of the user, and the income can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a product sales system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a configuration example of a database for managing provider members.

FIG. 3 is a configuration example of a database for managing electronic settlement members.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a sequence when a provider member purchases a product from a store. (b) is a diagram showing a sequence when an electronic settlement member purchases a product from a store.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating operations of the store and the payment system when an order is received from a user.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating operations of the store and the payment system when an order is received from a user.

FIG. 7 is an example of a product management table provided in a store.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a privilege giving process.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer that executes a program describing the functions of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for providing a software program and the like according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Provider system 11 Communication management system 12 Payment system 13 User information database 20 Retail store 30 Authentication system 100 Computer 101 CPU 102 Storage device 103 Memory 104 Recording medium driver 105 Portable recording medium 106 Communication control device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification FI FI Theme Court ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 ZEC G06F 17/60 ZEC (72) Inventor Kenichi Mitsumi 4-chome, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture No. 1 in Fujitsu Limited

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A method for giving a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a network, the method comprising: when a user purchases a product using a user terminal, based on information related to the purchase of the product. A privilege providing method for providing a privilege to the user. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the privilege is provided when the price of the product is settled by a predetermined method. 3. A merchandise sales system for selling merchandise using a network, comprising: a service provider that provides a network connection service and an electronic settlement service; and a store that sells merchandise using a site on the network. A merchandise sales system for providing a privilege when a user who purchases a merchandise from the dealer uses an electronic settlement service provided by the service provider to settle the price. 4. A service provider device used in a sales system for selling goods using a network and providing a network connection service and an electronic settlement service, wherein the service provider apparatus is provided when a user purchases goods from a site on the network. A service provider device comprising: a settlement unit that performs settlement; and a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege when the user uses the payment unit. 5. A merchandise selling apparatus connected to a service provider apparatus for providing a network connection service and an electronic settlement service, and for selling merchandise using a network, wherein receiving means for receiving an order from a user via the network. Inquiring means for inquiring the user of a settlement method; and when the user orders a predetermined product predetermined by a contract with a provider operating the service provider, a privilege is given to the user. Requesting means for requesting the service provider device to provide the service provider device. 6. A merchandise purchasing apparatus for purchasing merchandise from a dealer in a system including a service provider that provides a network connection service and an electronic settlement service and a dealer that sells merchandise using a site on the network. And an ordering means for ordering the goods provided by the store via a network, and a designation means for designating a settlement method of a price for purchasing the goods, wherein the designation means serves as the settlement method as the service A product purchase device to which a privilege is given when an electronic payment service provided by a provider device is specified. 7. A recording medium for storing a program which, when executed by a computer, provides a function of giving a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a network, wherein the user has a site on the network. A recording medium for storing: a payment program for performing payment when a product is purchased from a user; and a privilege granting program for reducing or freeing a network usage fee by the user when the user uses the payment program. 8. A method of inviting a service provider to join, wherein when a user purchases a product using a network using a user terminal, it is determined that the user has not joined a predetermined service provider. And a guidance method for displaying, on the user terminal, guidance for joining the service provider when the user has not joined the service provider. 9. A merchandise sales system that sells merchandise using a network, comprising: a service provider that provides a network connection service and an electronic settlement service; and a store that sells merchandise using a site on the network. A merchandise sales system for presenting a guide for joining a service provider to a user when a user who has purchased a product from the store has not joined the service provider. 10. A merchandise sales apparatus connected to a service provider apparatus for providing a network connection service and an electronic settlement service, for selling goods using a network, and receiving means for receiving an order from a user via the network. Inquiring means for inquiring the user of a settlement method; and when the user orders a predetermined product predetermined by a contract with the provider operating the service provider, the user joins the service provider. And a presentation means for presenting a guide for joining to a user who has not entered. 11. A computer which, when a user purchases a product using a user terminal, provides information related to the purchase of the product in order to give a privilege to a user who has purchased the product using the network. A privilege granting program for functioning as a means for granting a privilege to the user based on the privilege. 12. A computer, comprising: a computer for executing payment when a user purchases a product from a site on the network, in order to give a privilege to a user who has purchased the product using the network; Is a privilege granting program for causing the user to reduce or use a network usage fee as a privilege granting device when using the settlement means. 13. A receiving means for receiving an order from a user via a network in order to give a privilege to a user who has purchased a product using a network, the computer comprising: A privilege granting program for functioning as a requesting means for requesting the service provider to grant a privilege to a user when a predetermined product predetermined by a contract is ordered. 14. A computer for guiding a user to join a service provider by using a computer to determine whether or not the user has joined a predetermined service provider when purchasing a product via a network using a user terminal. A program for causing the user terminal to display guidance for joining the service provider on the user terminal when the user has not joined the service provider.