JP2003316994A - Sales promoting method and sales promotion support system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sales promoting method and a sales promotion support system allowing free setting of conditions for provision of points or achievement of an event by a manager of a store side and allowing a customer to freely know the contents of the conditions. <P>SOLUTION: A host computer 1 includes a member database and an event setting means capable of setting a plurality of types of events to be achieved by the customer for obtaining a free gift in a particular business period of a facility. In response to inputting of a member ID from a customer card reader 8, event achievement situation by every customer derived from the member database on the basis of the inputted member ID is outputted from the host computer 1 to a terminal computer. The terminal computer 2 displays the information on a touch panel monitor 4. When the event is achieved, the customer operates the touch panel monitor 4 to obtain a token for the free gift from a customer printer 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sales promotion method in an amusement facility and the like, and a computer system for supporting sales promotion activities.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Points are given to customers according to the purchase price of products, the number of times the facility is used, the frequency of use of communication lines, etc.
It is well known how to promote sales by giving the customer the right to obtain a free gift when the owned points reach a predetermined value. From a long time ago, sales promotion activities using a similar point card format or stamp rally format have been performed, but a computer system has been recently introduced to such sales promotion activities.

For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-22829, when each of a plurality of set seminars participates, points corresponding to each seminar are given and all the points can be collected. A customer management system by a stamp rally system is disclosed in which the event is achieved and the right to obtain a free gift is obtained. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-319125 discloses a sales promotion system that reflects the customer's product purchase status collected from a terminal of a store in the setting of a campaign such as a season special sale.

[0004]

However, in the former of the above-mentioned system, there is no great difference from the conventional stamp rally, and the condition for giving points or the condition for achieving an event is uniformly set, so that flexibility is provided. Lack. Therefore, some questions remain about how to use it in actual stores and whether it can be used continuously as a means of sales promotion. Also, although we can see that the latter system contributes to store management strategies,
This does not necessarily match the idea of sales promotion centered on customer service, which is point awarding.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sales promotion method in which the manager on the store side can freely set the condition for giving points or the condition for achieving an event and the customer can freely know the contents of the condition.
And to provide a sales promotion support system.

[0006]

[Means and Actions / Effects for Solving the Problems] The first method for solving the above problems is a membership card that is registered as a customer in the membership database of the host computer attached to the facility and is required to access the host computer. This is a method of promoting the use of facilities by giving free gifts according to the use of the facility to customers who own the facility. The setting of one or more types of events related to the host computer in the host computer based on the input by the administrator, and the step of transmitting the member ID read by the customer card reader from the member card presented by the customer to the host computer. Based on the input of the member ID to the host computer, the member database is based on the input member ID. And the step of displaying and outputting the customer-specific events achievement in customer display unit derived from the scan, depending on the customers to use the facilities, characterized in that it comprises the step of updating the customer information in the member database.

According to the above method, the content of an event held at a facility such as a karaoke box is selected and set by the administrator from a large number of events registered in advance in the computer system. By setting the event content in the host computer in advance according to the business form and scale of the store or facility, you can freely change the content of the event to be carried out every business day, season, or month, It is also possible to set multiple events with different holding periods at the same time. That is, since the event is not fixed, it is highly flexible. The set event can adopt the stamp rally format, for example. In that case, the event will be achieved if the facility designated by the event is used. It is advisable to store the event achievement status of customers who are registered as members in the host computer, specifically, in the member database every time the customer uses the facility.
On the other hand, a customer who has a membership card can freely know what kind of event is being held (executed) at that time by accessing the host computer from the customer display device. In addition, you can find out how well you are performing the events that are being held. As a result, the customer's willingness to carry out the event is increased, which leads to promotion of facility use.

[0008] In a preferred mode, one of the events set in the host computer is achieved, and a command for issuing a gift voucher for the event achievement is issued from the customer display device composed of the touch panel monitor. When input, it further includes the step of issuing the voucher from the customer printer and the step of updating the customer information with the issuance of the voucher. As a result, the labor for redeeming the prizes is reduced, and the event achievement status is automatically cleared. If you complete the event, you can get free gifts when you like.

According to the second method of the present invention, the customer is registered in the member database of the host computer attached to the facility, and the customer who possesses the membership card necessary for accessing the host computer can use the facility. A method of promoting the use of a facility by giving a prize, wherein the number of points given to a customer who uses the facility is a point pattern that is distinguished for each time zone and / or each constituent unit of the facility.
The customer presents the steps of creating a plurality of points according to the input of the administrator, the step of collectively allocating the point patterns for each date in a unit period consisting of a plurality of business days according to the input of the administrator Based on the step of transmitting the member ID read by the customer card reader from the member card to the host computer and the input of the member ID to the host computer, the input member I
The step of displaying and outputting the customer-owned points derived from the member database based on D to the customer display device, the fact that the customer registered in the member database uses the facility, and the points set in the host computer By adding the customer-owned points according to the content of the pattern, and by the customer consuming the owned points and selecting one or more gifts from the plurality of kinds of gifts registered in the host computer. , A step of issuing a voucher for the selected gift from the customer printer, and a step of subtracting the possession points with the issuance of the voucher.

According to the above method, as an alternative to the event in the first method, a certain point is given to the customer who uses the facility. The customer who holds the membership card can freely know from the customer display device by accessing the host computer what kind of points are granted at that time. in addition,
You can also see how many points you have earned. Then, it is possible to freely select from among those displayed on the customer display device to obtain a desired free gift. Addition and subtraction of the number of points is executed without any special input in the host computer, so there is no burden on facility staff.

In a preferred aspect of the second method, a step of registering an image of a prize in a prize database of a host computer in association with the number of points required to obtain the prize based on an input by a manager, When presenting the membership card to the customer card reader, a step of enabling a list display of the prize images registered in the prize database on the customer display device is further included. When such a method is adopted, the prize is registered in the host computer as image data that can be added or deleted. The image data can be stored in, for example, the JPEG format. These image data are the data which comprises a prize database. The administrator may take a prize with a digital camera or the like to obtain image data and add the image data to the prize database. At that time, it is preferable to construct the prize database by classifying the points according to the number of points required to obtain the prize. By reading the image data from the premium database, the premium image can be displayed on the customer display device. If the prizes are displayed in a list according to the number of points required for acquisition,
Very easy for customers to see.

It is also possible to adopt a method in which the first method and the second method are combined, in which case the advantages of each method can be enjoyed at once.

On the other hand, the present system for solving the problem is a system for supporting the activity of promoting the use of the facility by giving the customer registered in the member database a prize according to the use of the facility. A host including a member database consisting of unique information of customers who have access to the system and event setting means capable of setting a plurality of types of events to be achieved in order for the customer to obtain a prize during a specific business period of the facility. A computer, a customer-use card reader and a customer-use display device are respectively connected, and a terminal computer for transmitting a membership ID read by the customer-use card reader from a membership card for which access rights have been set to a host computer is configured. , The host computer responds to the input of the member ID from the terminal computer. Then, the customer-specific event achievement status derived from the member database based on the input member ID is output to the terminal computer, while the terminal computer displays the information sent from the host computer on the customer display device. It is characterized by displaying.

The present invention employs a client / server system which substantially constitutes a LAN. On the host computer, based on the administrator's input,
The member database is created and the access right to the customer is set. In addition, a plurality of events to be achieved in order for the customer to win the prize are set. On the other hand, through the terminal computer, the information of the customer who holds the membership card is derived from the membership database of the host computer and displayed on the customer display device. That is, the present system having the configuration for executing the above-mentioned first method has the same advantages as the first method brings.

In a preferred aspect of the system, the host computer further includes point setting means for determining the number of points accumulated when the customer registered in the member database uses the facility and cumulatively recorded in the member database. When the member ID is input from the computer, the possession points are derived together with the event achievement status and displayed on the customer display device. According to this configuration, points to be given to the customer are set in the host computer in addition to the event. A customer who has access to the member database can earn points while using the facility to carry out the event, so that a synergistic effect of purchasing will (motivation to use the facility) can be expected.

In addition, the host computer is provided with a prize database for registering the image of the prize to be given to the customer in association with the number of points required to obtain the prize, based on the input by the administrator, and the member ID is given from the terminal computer. In response to the input, the event achievement status and the images of the prizes registered in the prize database together with the possession points may be displayed as a list on the customer display device. This makes it possible for the customer to visually recognize the prize to be obtained.

A more preferable aspect is that the touch panel monitor is used when an event set in the host computer is achieved, or when the number of possessed points reaches the number of points required to obtain the prize registered in the prize database. The printer for customer connected to the terminal computer which can issue the voucher of the gift based on the input from the display for customer constituted by. If you do this,
It is very convenient because the customer can freely select a prize and issue a voucher from the customer printer when he / she likes.

In a preferred aspect of the system, the host computer has a member ID for the host computer.
It includes a customer information updating means for updating the customer information in the member database in response to the use of the facility with respect to the customer who has been input. In this way, information about customers who have registered in the member database can be obtained by means of customer information updating means.
It can be automatically updated each time the facility is used. Of course, the member database may be updated by the input of the administrator (facility administrator).

Furthermore, by the event setting means, of the constituent units of the facility managed by the system, an arbitrary constituent unit designated by the administrator is set as the target facility of the event, and is set as the target facility by one customer. When all of the constituent units are used within a specific business period, the event is considered to have been achieved, and that effect can be stored in the member database by the customer information updating means. By doing so, for example, by making a part of the facility with a low utilization rate an event target, it becomes possible to give the part the ability to attract customers.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present system can be suitably applied to amusement facilities including, for example, karaoke rooms, billiards, relaxation rooms, meeting rooms, bowling, table tennis, movie theaters, fashion hotels and the like. In particular, it is suitable for a complex amusement facility equipped with a plurality of types of equipment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and of course, it can be suitably applied to restaurants such as family restaurants, beer halls, coffee shops, mass dining rooms, snacks, and even facilities such as beauty salons, esthetic salons, and nail salons. . Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the present system. The sales promotion support system 100 includes a host computer 1, one or a plurality of terminal computers 2, and terminal devices connected to the computers 1 and 2. The host computer 1 and the terminal computer 2 are
They are interconnected to form a local area network. In the example of FIG. 1, since there is only one terminal computer 2, a peer-to-peer type connection is used for convenience.
It takes the form of a client / server system in which a host computer 1 serves as a server and a terminal computer 2 serves as a client. Therefore, it is easy to provide a plurality of terminal computers 2 by forming a network structure via the concentrator.

The host computer 1 is installed, for example, in the front of the facility and is operated only by the facility manager. An administrator card reader 6, an administrator card writer 5, an input device 10 (including a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse), a printer 9 and a monitor 3 are communicatively connected to the host computer 1. The manager card reader 6 is used when points are given to a customer who uses the facility, and the manager card writer 5 is used when a customer is registered in the database and a member card is issued. Furthermore, according to the customer's choice of guest rooms and facilities to be used, a facility manager (a facility staff member and host computer administrator)
Guest room management terminal 12 (facility management terminal) operated by
Are connected to the host computer 1. The guest room management terminal 12 may be operated by the customer. The guest room management terminal 12 is composed of, for example, a touch panel display, and is connected to the accounting computer 13. In addition, the guest room management terminal 12 is closely related to the customer information updating process when points are automatically given to customers who are registered as customers in the member database of the system 100 according to the use of the facility. Yes, this guest room management terminal 12
It may be included in the system 100. Details of the customer information update process related to the guest room management terminal 12 will be described later.

On the other hand, the terminal computer 2 is arranged in the facility so that the customer can operate it. A customer card reader 8, a customer printer 7, and a monitor 4 are connected to the terminal computer 2. Monitor 4
Is composed of a touch panel monitor, and this monitor 4 also serves as a customer input device. However, a keyboard or a mouse may be provided as an input means other than the monitor 4. When the member card is inserted into the customer card reader 8, the member ID is sent to the host computer 1 and the service by the system 100 can be enjoyed. The processing result in the host computer 1 is the monitor 4
Is displayed on the screen (details will be described later). The member ID includes the concept of information for the host computer 1 to identify each customer.

Next, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the host computer 1. Host computer 1
Is the CPU 15, BI that is the main body of the program executing means.
ROM 17 storing a control program such as OS, RAM 19 functioning as a work area for executing the program or as a temporary storage area for data, storage device 2
3 (storage means), input / output interface 21 (I /
O) and the LAN adapter 25. The above-mentioned devices are connected via the input / output interface 21. The LAN adapter 25 is the host computer 1
And bidirectional communication with the terminal computer 2.
The storage device 23 is a built-in IDE hard disk of the host computer 1, and stores an OS program file, an application program file, a device driver, and the like. And the sales promotion support system 100
The system program file, the member database, and the prize database, which are the core of the storage device 23,
Remembered in. Although not shown, the terminal computer 2
The basic configuration of is similar to that of the host computer 1.
The member database and the prize database are provided only in the host computer 1.
The system program as an application is installed on both computers. That is, the host computer 1 and the terminal computer 2 are synchronized with each other, and a number of processes to be described later are executed. For the host computer 1 and the terminal computer 2, a Unix (registered trademark of US X / Open Company Limited) type operating system such as Windows (registered trademark of US Microsoft Corporation), Linux (registered trademark of Linus Torvalds) is used. It can be preferably used.

In the host computer 1 and the terminal computer 2, the system program can be executed in response to the activation of the computer. The program of the system 100 can be written in an object-oriented language such as Visual Basic, Visual C ++ (registered trademark), or Java (registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.), which is available from Microsoft Corporation, USA. . The member database can be constructed by a relational database management system that is compatible with system programs.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a system program stored in the storage device 23 of the host computer 1.
In the host computer 1, the terminal computer 2
The processing (processing program) executed based on the input from the input device 10 regardless of the request from the user is the membership card creation processing, the prize registration processing, the point setting processing, the event setting processing, and the printing processing. These processes are processes performed by the facility manager in the host computer 1 in advance at the system setting stage. On the other hand, the normal process is a process at the time of displaying the connection status with the terminal computer 2 and the customer arrival status on the monitor 3. The normal processing is waiting for a request from the terminal computer 2 or the guest room management terminal 12
Holds a waiting signal for entering a room from the terminal computer, receives a request from the terminal computer 2, accesses a member database, and extracts information from the member database. Further, the normal process also takes charge of the function of updating the customer information in the member database in response to the customer using the facility. Hereinafter, each process will be specifically described.

(Membership Card Creation Processing) FIG. 4 shows
6 is a conceptual diagram of a member database stored in the storage device 23. FIG. Each of the customer's personal information (customer information) in the member database is distinguished by using the customer code as a primary key. When the membership card is inserted into the customer card reader connected to the terminal computer 2 and the membership ID is input to the host computer 1 via the terminal computer 2, the customer is identified based on the customer code and the membership ID. Information is identified. That is, a search / judgment is made regarding whether or not the customer is registered in the member database.
The usage record data that constitutes customer information includes information such as the usage record of the facility by each customer, the last visit date, owned points, and accumulated points. These are main information sources when displaying customer information on the touch panel monitor 4.

The membership card is usually created together with the customer registration in the member database. Figure 5
Shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a form for customer registration in the member database. If the customer registration icon (not shown) displayed on the monitor 3 is clicked during the normal processing, the membership card creation processing is started and the form of FIG. 5 is displayed on the monitor 3. The facility manager inputs the customer information (address, name, age ... Etc.) obtained from the customer into the form and clicks "Update" to register the customer in the member database. Customer code input field 31
When a new customer code is input to the member database, a new registration to the member database is executed, and when a customer code registered in the member database is input, the customer information in the member database is corrected. The type is displayed in the display column 30. Of course, any customer information can be deleted from the member database. In the case of new customer registration, the card writing form 32 is displayed by clicking the card writing icon, and it becomes possible to input the member ID data to the new card from the manager card writer 5. A magnetic card and an IC card can be exemplified as the membership card as the portable storage medium.

(Premium Registration Process) In the free premium registration process, an image of a premium given to a customer (member) in accordance with the degree of use of the facility,
It is a stage of storing in the storage device 23 of the host computer 1 together with detailed information (referred to as premium information) about the premium. The premium information and image data associated with the premium information constitute a premium database. The prizes registered in the prize database can be displayed on the touch panel monitor 4 as a list when the customer presents the membership card to the customer card reader 8. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the free gift database. The prize information in the prize database includes information such as a prize code, a prize name, a classification code, a purchase amount, required (acquiring) points, an inventory quantity, and a minimum inventory quantity. The free gift code is a code unique to each free gift and is information for specifying free gift information. The classification code is a code characterized by the number of points required to obtain each free gift, and if the number of points required to get the free gift (referred to as the required number of points) is the same, the classification code is also the same. Then, the free gift database has image data of file names (for example, 15-1.jpg) associated with the free gift code and the classification code. As described above, in the free gift database, the image data and the required number of points are associated with each other.

Concretely, what the facility manager should do before utilizing the system is, for example, image data obtained by photographing a prize with a digital camera,
The prize information is stored in the storage device 23. First, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the prize registration form. If the premium registration icon (not shown) displayed on the monitor 3 is clicked during the normal process, the premium registration process is started and the form of FIG. 7 is displayed on the monitor 3. The prize information can be registered from the prize registration form. When performing new registration, when making corrections, when deleting prize information that has already been registered in the prize database,
In any case, the process is executed from this form. If the number entered in the prize code entry field 34 is a number already existing in the prize database, "correction" is displayed in the display field 35, and if it is a new number, a "new" signature is displayed. . If the correction function is used, it is possible to change the number of points required to acquire the prize by changing only the classification code even for the registered prize, which is considered to be highly flexible. As for the classification code, it may be selected from pre-programmed ones and designated, or may be arbitrarily designated by the facility manager.
In this embodiment, the former is adopted.

Next, FIG. 8 shows an example of the image data registration form. In the system 100, the image data obtained by photographing the prize with the digital camera and the prize information are associated with each other on the form shown in FIG. For the prizes registered in the prize database in the prize registration form described above, the registered prize column 3
7 is displayed together with the prize code and the product name. In the example of FIG. 8, no image is registered for "○○○ toaster". To register the image of the toaster, first click the prize name in the registered prize column 37 to select it. Then, the selected premium name is displayed in the premium setting status column 41. Next, the image file selection field 39
If you select a more desired image file, the prize setting status column 41
The selected file name is displayed on the screen, and the image is displayed in the image display field 43. Then, when "Image set" is clicked, it means that the prize information and the image data are linked and registered in the prize database.

(Point Setting Process) In the point setting process, before giving the customer the points necessary to obtain the prize registered in the prize database,
This is a process for setting which facility (karaoke room, billiards, meeting room, relaxation room, etc.) is used and how many points are awarded. These can be freely set by the facility manager. In the present system 100, the items to be set are (a) a point pattern in which the number of points to be given to a customer who uses the facility is differentiated for each time zone and / or for each structural unit of the facility in accordance with the input by the administrator. To create multiple
(B) These point patterns are collectively set for each date in a unit period consisting of a plurality of business days.

As for (b), the point pattern can be set for each date collectively in an arbitrary period up to one year ahead. The period may be determined monthly or weekly depending on the facility manager's convenience. Figure 9
Shown in Fig. Is an example of an annual point schedule (synonymous with point pattern) setting form. In this form, the date for which the schedule is set (one year in the present embodiment) is displayed in a calendar format. The facility manager can set a point pattern for a part or all of the displayed dates. The facility manager can select (drag) a preset point pattern from the pattern selection field 47 and assign (drop) it to a desired date. As described above, in the present system 100, the points to be given to the customer are not uniquely determined, but can be set individually for each date. The point pattern is characterized by, for example, pattern numbers 1 to 6, and its registration is performed using the point pattern registration form described below.

Next, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the point pattern registration form. First, it is noted that the facility unit can be regarded as a rental element (hereinafter, simply referred to as a room) in the facility such as karaoke room 101, room 102 ..., billiards B1 and B2. Creating the point pattern described in the above (a) is nothing but defining the point value given to each room or each time zone. Then, not only one point pattern but also a plurality of points patterns can be created and registered, so that it is possible to prepare a plurality of patterns like the pattern numbers 1 to 6 shown in FIG. To create a point pattern with the form shown in FIG. 10, the pattern number is entered in the pattern number entry field 56. In the name entry field 54, enter the name to be given to the point pattern (basic weekday points, basic holidays ... et
c). Then, a point value having a specific pattern number is created by inputting point values into the point input fields 50 that are separated for each hour and for each room. According to such a point pattern creation form, it is possible to set the points to be given for each usage charge of the facility. For example, in the case of a karaoke room, if the room is large, the rental fee is usually high,
Billiards are cheaper to rent per unit time than karaoke rooms. Needless to say, point patterns can be modified and deleted from this form. As described above, the present system 100 is provided with the point setting means (including the point pattern creating means and the point pattern setting means), the substance of which is processed based on the system program (point setting program) and the program. It can be said that it is the CPU 15 (see FIG. 2).

In the present system 100, not only the above point pattern setting but also birthday point setting for giving special points to birthday customers can be performed as shown in FIG. 11, for example. It is like this. The customer's birthday can be derived from the membership database, as described above.

(Event Setting Process) Next, the event setting process will be described. The meaning of the "event" set in the system 100 is broad, but includes a point rally element. The event is, for example, 1
It is set in the host computer 1 as a condition to be achieved in order for a customer registered in the member database to obtain a prize during a specific business period of the facility, such as a monthly period, a February period, and so on. For example, the following events can be set freely.・ Conquer all karaoke rooms (event clear condition to use all karaoke rooms in the facility within the designated period) ・ Karaoke 101, 205 conquer (use 2 rooms on the left within the designated period) ・ Karaoke optional designation 5 Room conquest (use 5 karaoke rooms designated by the facility manager within the designated period)

The above-mentioned event setting is shown in FIG.
This can be easily done using the event setting form shown in. When the event setting icon (not shown) displayed on the monitor 3 is clicked during the normal processing, the event setting processing is started and the form of FIG. 12 is displayed on the monitor 3. First, the event code is entered in the code entry field 61. Registering a new event, changing the content of an already registered event (for example, the set period), or deleting the registered event,
Both are possible. Each event is characterized by this event code and set in the host computer 1. Next, the event name, the prize when the event is achieved, and the set period of the event are input in the entry field 57. Unlike the above-mentioned case of giving points, the prize given when the event is achieved is specified by the facility manager, but for example, when the event is achieved, a certain number of points are given. It is also possible to set to be given. Then, the customer can freely select a desired prize from the prizes registered in the prize database. In addition, the event setting period is 1
It can be specified on a daily basis.

Next, the room (unit of the facility) to be the target of the event is designated. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the present invention is applied to a complex facility including a karaoke room, a billiard room, a meeting room, and a relaxation room. Whether to make it a target facility for each event,
It can be set in the event target designation field 59. In the example of FIG. 12, since karaokes 201 to 208 are marked, these karaoke rooms are the target of the event "Karaoke 2F8 room domination".
The registered events are displayed in a list in the registered event column 60 together with the set period. Not only one type of event but also two or more types can be set. And, it goes without saying that the set periods of the respective events may overlap with each other. That is, the set period of each event can be set individually as a different specific business period.

To what degree the customer registered in the member database has achieved the above-mentioned event,
The host computer 1 recognizes the following. As described above, the usage record of the facility by the customer is included in the usage record on the member database (see FIG. 4). By referring to this usage record, it is possible to obtain information as to when each customer used which facility. By comparing the information with the event contents set in the host computer 1, it is possible to obtain information on the event achievement status of each customer. As will be described later, the event achievement status displayed on the touch panel monitor is based on the information thus obtained.

The system 100 includes the event setting means as described above. The substance of the event setting means is a system program (event setting program) and a CP that performs processing based on the program.
It can be said to be U15 (see FIG. 2).

(Normal Process) The normal process is a process executed when the system is actually used, and is a process executed by the host computer 1 and the terminal computer 2 in synchronization with each other. In each of the host computer 1 and the terminal computer 2, when the system program is activated and it becomes possible to communicate with each other, normal processing can be executed. First, the member I
When the stored membership card D is presented, the customer card reader 8 reads the membership ID from the membership card.
The read member ID is transmitted to the host computer 1 via the terminal computer 2. In the host computer 1, the member ID entered in the CPU 15
Is checked on the member database, and if registered, the customer information read from the member database based on the member ID is
It is transferred from the host computer 1 to the terminal computer 2. The terminal computer 2 displays the customer information on the touch panel monitor 4 connected to itself.

When the host computer 1 and the terminal computer 2 are turned on and the system 100 is activated, the touch panel monitor 4 displays as shown in FIG.
The date, the event performed (set) on that day, and the set point pattern are displayed together with a telop prompting for the presentation of the membership card. That is, through the event setting process and the point setting process described above, the information indicating the event content and the point pattern set in the host computer 1 in advance is transferred from the host computer 1 to the terminal computer 2 when the system is activated, and the touch panel monitor 4 is operated. Will be displayed in.

When the member card is presented to the customer card reader 8, the display contents shown in FIG. 14 are switched on the touch panel monitor 4. That is, the host computer 1 collates the member ID and displays the customer information read from the member database. The customer information includes the customer name, address, possession point (current score), number of visits to the store, and event achievement status. However, in the example of FIG. 14, when there is an achieved event among the set events, the achieved event name is displayed. Further, it is possible to display a detailed achievement status regarding an individual event, and in that case, the display screen is switched to that shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 18, on the touch panel monitor 4, among the one or more events set in the host computer 1 and displayed and output on the customer display device, the event selected and input by the customer is displayed together with the set period. ,
The degree of event achievement by the customer is displayed and output as visual information including any of characters, colors, pictures and geometric patterns. For example, in the example of FIG. 18, the achievement level for the event “Easy 6 room domination” is displayed. Square segment on screen (separated into squares)
Is a unit of facility under the control of the system 100,
That is, karaoke rooms 101-208, billiard B
B, meeting rooms M1 and M2, and relaxation rooms R1 to R5. Host computer 1
The structural unit that is the target of the event set to is displayed separately from the other structural units. As a result, the customer can instantly understand which is the target facility of the event. Further, among the constituent units of the event, facility units (rooms) that have already been used are displayed in a colored image so that the customer can recognize them (see the message on the screen). . When all the constituent units of the event target are used (when the event is achieved), a voucher for a gift of the event achievement is issued from the customer printer 7 by inputting a command from the issue button. If the event has not been achieved, the publish button is disabled. The gift voucher can be exchanged for a predetermined gift at the front of the facility or the like. As described above, in the present system 100, the customer himself / herself can check the achievement level of the event one by one, and the facility manager will not be bothered at all.

When the gift voucher is issued, the terminal computer 2 outputs a voucher issuing signal to the host computer 1. In the host computer 1, the customer information in the member database is updated based on the input of the voucher issuing signal. That is, the voucher issued data is added to the customer information. This eliminates the problem that the gift voucher is issued twice. In addition, when the gift voucher is issued, the number of gift stocks recorded in the gift database is subtracted. The number of stocks of free gifts is reflected in the daily report issued from the printer 9 connected to the host computer 1, so that it is not necessary to manage stocks one by one.

Up to this point, the processing relating to the event set in the host computer 1 has been described. On the other hand, the customer owns points that can be earned each time he or she visits the store, regardless of whether or not the event is completed. The prizes obtained by consuming the possession points are the prizes registered in the prize database in the prize registration process described above, and the system 100 can display images of the prizes on the touch panel monitor 4. Member ID is host computer 1
After being input to, the list of the images of the prizes registered in the host computer 1 is displayed on the touch panel monitor 4. In the premium display mode selected by the customer, the number of points required to obtain the premium is displayed as shown in FIG. Touching (selecting and inputting) a desired point column on this screen further switches the display screen, and as shown in FIG. 16, a list of prize groups having the same number of points required to obtain is displayed. Furthermore, FIG.
Touch each gift image on the screen shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the image is enlarged and displayed, and a command for issuing a gift voucher can be input on the enlarged display screen. When the voucher issuing command is input from the prize enlargement screen of FIG. 17, the voucher is issued from the customer printer 7. In response to the issuing process, the terminal computer 2 outputs a voucher issuing signal to the host computer 1. In the host computer 1, the update process of the customer information in the member database is executed according to the signal input. The update process is a subtraction process (point subtraction means) of the owned points included in the customer information.

(Pointing and updating of visit records) This is a direct process of giving points to customers according to the use of facilities. According to the system 100, the staff of the facility does not need to input the points one by one, the member card is stored when the room is rented to the customer, and the member ID stored in the card is stored in the host computer from the manager card reader 6. All you have to do is enter 1. Further, not only the points are added, but the visit record such as when and which facility is used is automatically updated in the member database. Hereinafter, those processes will be described.

In the system 100, it has been described above that the guest room management terminal 12 is connected to the host computer 1 (see FIG. 1). The guest room management terminal 12 is also connected to the accounting computer 13. The guest room management terminal 12 and the accounting computer 13 are responsible for accounting for the facility (sales for one day, sales for each guest room, etc.). This system 1
00 may include these. In the guest room management terminal 12,
For example, a touch panel monitor operated when renting a room to a customer can be adopted. That is, when the facility manager touches the image of the room displayed on the guest room management terminal 12 when the customer uses the facility, the guest room management terminal 12 sends a facility usage signal (to the host computer 1 and the accounting computer 13). (Also called a room entry signal) is output. The facility utilization signal is a signal input to the host computer 1 so that the host computer 1 (correctly, the CPU 15) recognizes which room is used. In this way, in response to the facility manager inputting the information on the constituent units used by the customer among the constituent units of the facility from the guest room management terminal 12, the guest room management terminal 12 sends a certain time to the host computer 1. The facility use signal of is input. Then, within a certain time when the facility use signal is input to the host computer 1, the manager card reader 6 causes the host computer 1 to operate.
If the member ID is entered in, the entered member ID
The customer information corresponding to is updated in the member database.

In the present system 100, when the member card is inserted into the reader, who used which part of which facility in what year, month, day, hour, minute, etc. is pointed out this time. How many points were earned, were there special points such as birthday points, what was the status of the event, how many events were achieved,
Various information such as is recorded in the member database. However, the information that should be entered from outside the system is "
There is only one type of “which part of the facility was used.” Therefore, if there is a device that can transmit this information, the target facility or industry of this system 100 will be greatly expanded. Is configured as an information collecting and outputting unit that collects information "which part of the facility was used" and outputs the information to the host computer 1, and is not limited to the touch panel monitor. , For example, the billing computer itself, automatic billing machine, room management system, POS
A system etc. can also be adopted. There is concern about how to deal with facilities that do not have these facilities, but the guest room management terminal 12 is composed of, for example, a command transmission board (information collection output means), and is connected to the host computer 1 by RS232C communication, for example. By doing so, the sales promotion support system 100 that does not depend on other systems such as a POS system and a room management system.
Can be built. As a result, in addition to the facilities already mentioned, rental video shops, cosmetics stores, electronics stores, saunas,
You will be able to consider introducing this system to any facility that is engaged in service business, such as public baths, eyeglass shops, boutiques, clothing stores, department stores, supermarkets, gas stations, accessory stores, golf driving ranges, game centers, and pachinko parlors.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the command transmission board described above. The command transmission board 80 is not simply a keyboard, but a C of the host computer 1.
It is configured as a device with a built-in microcomputer that can directly output the facility use signal to the PU 15. The facility use signal is output to the host computer 1 in the form of command data such as "A001". This command data includes facility classification information (alphabet portion) such as karaoke and billiards, and facility number information (numerical portion). The facility manager inputs a predetermined facility use command from the command transmission board 80. Display unit 82
Displays the entered command. "Ente
If an output command is given to the command transmission board 80 from r ″, the above command data is output from the RS232C terminal to the host computer 1. Further, the command transmission board 80 has a microcomputer equipped with a storage device. Therefore, it is possible to make a shortened setting without having to enter all of the above commands.If such a command transmission board 80 is attached to the system 100,
The target facilities and shops of the system 100 are further expanded. Also, connection work with other systems is not required, which contributes to cost reduction.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart briefly showing the flow of the above processing. The customer information update process is programmed to proceed to the next step when the member ID is input to the host computer 1 from the manager card reader 6. In the case of YES, it is determined whether or not the aforementioned facility utilization signal is being input (S2). Yes
In the case of, it is determined whether the input member ID corresponds to any of the customer codes in the member database (S3). In the case of YES, the point pattern set at that time is read in the host computer 1 (S4), and points are given to the customer corresponding to the inputted member ID according to the point pattern and the facility use signal. (S5). Specifically, the process of adding the owned points in the member database is performed. At the same time, the visit record (visit date, time, facility used, etc.) is added / updated (S6). Needless to say, the point pattern is information stored in a predetermined area of the storage device 23 of the host computer 1. This also applies to the above-mentioned event.

Further, in a facility where the staff and the customer do not face each other, for example, a facility such as a fashion hotel, the customer may select the facility to be used from the guest room management terminal 12. In such a case, the customer himself / herself operates the guest room management terminal 12, inserts the membership card into the customer card reader 8, and inserts the membership ID into the host computer 1.
May be input.

The system 100 includes the customer information updating means as described above, but the substance of the customer information updating means is the system program (normal processing program).
It can be said that the CPU 15 performs processing based on a program (see FIG. 2).

Next, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display example of the monitor 3 connected to the host computer 1. The system 3 is connected to the monitor 3 connected to the host computer 1.
The information shown in FIG. 20 is displayed in response to 0 being activated. First, the contents of the event and the contents of the point pattern set in the host computer 1 on that day are displayed in the operation status column 70, the event display column 71, and the room-specific point column 72. Room point column 72
In, the point pattern is displayed for each room, which is a structural unit of the facility. In the reception status display field 75, the history of the member ID input from the manager card reader 6, that is, the guest room use history of the day is displayed.
The “customer” refers to a facility user registered in the member database of the host computer 1. The issue status display field 76 displays the issue status of the gift voucher on that day. In the terminal status display field 74, the communication status with the terminal computer 2 (prize terminal) and the guest room management terminal 12 (reception) is displayed in a distinguishable manner. That is,
The information indicating whether or not communication is possible is displayed as visual information including any of characters, colors, pictures and geometric patterns. Similarly, the communication status with the manager card reader 6 and the manager card writer 5 is displayed in the communication status display field 73. While the room entry signal is being input from the guest room management terminal 12, the room entry signal notification field 77 displays the room number corresponding to the entered signal. Meanwhile, when the member card is inserted into the manager card reader 6 and the member ID is input to the host computer 1, the customer code and the customer name are displayed in the card information display field 78. Although a room entry signal is input from the guest room management terminal 12 for a certain period of time (for example, a few minutes), even if the member ID cannot be input to the host computer 1 during that time, the customer can use this form to enter You can give points to.

As described above, in the present embodiment, many functions provided in the system and the configuration for executing the functions have been described.
It goes without saying that the system does not have to have all the functions, and that it is possible to build a system in which each function is freely selected according to the user's request. That is, a system having only the event setting means and a system having only the point setting means may be constructed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a host computer.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a system program stored in a storage device of a host computer.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a member database.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a customer registration form.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a free gift database.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a prize registration form.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an image data registration form.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an annual point schedule setting form.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a point pattern registration form.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a birthday point setting form.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an event setting form.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel monitor.

FIG. 14 is a view following FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG.

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG.

FIG. 18 is a view similarly to FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of customer information update processing.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display example of a monitor connected to a host computer.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a command transmission board.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Host computer 2 terminal computer 4 Touch panel monitor (customer display device) Card manager for 6 managers 7 Customer Printer 8 Customer card reader 12,80 Guest room management terminal (facility management terminal) 15 CPU 19 RAM 23 Storage device (HDD) 100 sales promotion support system

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. Use of a facility by giving a gift corresponding to the use of the facility to a customer who is registered in a member database of a host computer attached to the facility and has a membership card necessary for accessing the host computer. As a condition to be achieved in order for the customer to obtain a premium in a specific business period of the facility, the method of
The type or two or more types of events in the host computer based on the input by the administrator, and the step of transmitting the member ID read by the customer card reader from the member card presented by the customer to the host computer. And, based on the input of the member ID to the host computer, displaying and outputting the customer-specific event achievement status derived from the member database based on the input member ID to the customer display device, Updating the customer information in the member database in response to the customer using the facility. 2. A command for issuing a voucher for a gift of event achievement is input from the customer display device, which is constituted by a touch panel monitor, when one of the events set in the host computer is achieved. If
2. The sales promotion method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of issuing the voucher from a customer printer and updating the customer information with the issuance of the voucher. 3. A display output to the customer display device 1
Of the above events, the event selected by the customer is displayed and output to the customer display device as the visual information including the setting period and the event achievement degree by the customer including any of characters, colors, patterns and geometric patterns. The sales promotion method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of: 4. When two or more types of events are set by the administrator, the set periods of those events can be individually set as the specific business periods different from each other. Sales promotion method described in. 5. Use of the facility by giving a gift according to the use of the facility to a customer who is registered in a member database of a host computer attached to the facility and has a membership card necessary for accessing the host computer. A plurality of point patterns in which the number of points to be given to the customer who used the facility is distinguished according to the time of day and / or each structural unit of the facility are created according to the input of the administrator. A step of collectively allocating and setting those point patterns for each date in a unit period consisting of a plurality of business days according to an input of the administrator; and a card reader for a customer from a membership card presented by the customer. Transmitting the member ID to be read to the host computer, and the member ID is transmitted to the host computer. Based on the input, the step of displaying and outputting the customer-owned points derived from the member database on the basis of the input member ID to the customer display device, the customer registered in the member database Using facilities, adding the customer-owned points according to the content of the point pattern set in the host computer, and selecting from among the plurality of types of prizes registered in the host computer A step in which the customer consumes the possession points and selects one or more prizes to issue a voucher for the selected prize from the printer for the customer; and the possession points along with the issuance of the voucher. And a step of subtracting a sales promotion method. 6. A step of registering an image of the free gift in a free gift database of the host computer in association with the number of points required to obtain the free gift, based on an input of the administrator, The sales promotion method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of enabling a list display of the prize images registered in the prize database on a customer display device when a membership card is presented to a card reader. 7. The prizes registered in the host computer are displayed in a list on the customer display device including a touch panel monitor, and the voucher is transferred from the customer printer based on an input from the touch panel monitor. The sales promotion method according to claim 6, which is issued. 8. A system for supporting an activity for promoting the use of a facility by giving a prize according to the use of the facility to a customer registered in a member database, and a customer who has an access right to the system. A host database including a membership database consisting of unique information of the facility, event setting means capable of setting multiple types of events to be achieved for the customer to win a prize during a specific business period of the facility, a card reader for the customer and a customer And a terminal computer that is connected to each of the display devices and transmits a member ID read by the customer card reader from the member card to which the access right is set to the host computer, wherein the host computer is the terminal computer. In response to the member ID being input, The customer-specific event achievement status derived from the member database based on the member ID is output to the terminal computer, while the terminal computer displays the information sent from the host computer on the customer display device. A sales promotion support system characterized by displaying. 9. The terminal computer further includes point setting means for setting the number of points accumulated when a customer registered in the member database uses the facility, and the points are cumulatively recorded in the member database. 9. The sales promotion support system according to claim 8, wherein possession points are derived together with the event achievement status and displayed on the customer display device in response to the member ID being input from a computer. 10. The point setting means creates a plurality of point patterns in which the number of points to be given to a customer is differentiated for each time zone and / or each structural unit of the facility, and a plurality of the point patterns are provided. 10. The sales promotion support system according to claim 9, further comprising point pattern setting means for collectively allocating and setting each date in a unit period including business days. 11. The host computer includes a prize database that registers an image of a gift to be given to a customer in association with the number of points required to obtain a gift, based on an input from the administrator, the terminal. The event display status and images of prizes registered in the prize database together with the possession points can be displayed as a list on the customer display device in response to the member ID being input from a computer. 9. The sales promotion support system described in 9 or 10. 12. The sales promotion support system according to claim 8, further comprising a customer printer connected to the terminal computer and issuing a gift voucher when an event set in the host computer is achieved. 13. The sales promotion support system according to claim 8, wherein the customer display device is a touch panel monitor. 14. The touch panel monitor is configured when an event set in the host computer is achieved, or when the possession point reaches a point necessary for obtaining a prize registered in the prize database. 12. The sales promotion support system according to claim 11, further comprising a customer printer connected to the terminal computer that can issue a gift voucher based on the input from the customer display device. 15. The host computer relates to a customer whose member ID is input to the host computer,
The sales promotion support system according to any one of claims 8 to 14, further comprising customer information updating means for updating customer information in the member database according to use of facilities. 16. The event setting means sets, as a target facility of an event, an arbitrary constituent unit designated by the manager among the constituent units of the facility managed by the system, and the target facility is set as a target facility by one customer. 16. The sales promotion support system according to claim 15, wherein an event is achieved when all the constituent units are used within the specified business period, and the fact is stored in the member database by the customer information updating means. 17. The sales promotion according to claim 12, wherein when the voucher is issued from the customer printer, the membership database is updated based on the issuance signal of the voucher being input to the host computer. Support system. 18. A facility management terminal connected to the host computer, further comprising: a facility management terminal, wherein the administrator inputs information on a configuration unit used by a customer from the facility management terminal. While the facility management signal is input from the facility management terminal to the host computer for a certain period of time, the customer information updating unit causes the member to be added to the host computer within a certain period of time when the facility utilization signal is input. The sales promotion support system according to claim 15, wherein when an ID is input, the customer information corresponding to the input member ID is updated in the member database.