JP2010039702A - Value management server, program, value management system, and value management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely transmit a value gift such as electronic money between users. <P>SOLUTION: A value management server is provided with: a personal account 114 configured to store a value corresponding to each of a plurality of user terminals 200 connected through a communication network 400; and an electronic gift card account 120 associated with the personal account 114, and configured to be transferred between itself and the personal account 114 according to an instruction from each user terminal 200, and to hold a value available in a specific service. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a value management server, a program, a value management system, and a value management method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system for transmitting and receiving gifts using electronic money between two parties is known. For example,
In an Amazon Gift card known for online shopping, a system for transmitting and receiving electronic money used exclusively in specific online member stores has been constructed. In this system, electronic money gifts can be transmitted / received only between a presentation source and a present destination.

JP 2003-178245 A

  However, in the conventional system, value such as electronic money only between two parties is simply transmitted and received, and the user who receives the value has no choice but to use up the value. For this reason, the use of gifts such as electronic money is restricted, and there is a problem in that a factor of dissemination is caused.

  In particular, dedicated electronic money that can only be used at specific online merchants is imposed only at specific merchants. For this reason, even if the user is presented with electronic money, if there is nothing to purchase at a specific member store, the electronic money card is left unused.

  Furthermore, since the usage history cannot be held with the conventional electronic money, there is a problem that it is difficult to construct CRM (Customer Relationship Management) data based on the usage status of the electronic gift card. Even if marketing data can be constructed, there is a problem that the reliability of the electronic gift card is low because the use frequency of the electronic gift card is low.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is new and improved that can freely send value gifts such as electronic money between users. A value management server, a program, a value management system, and a value management method are provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, a fixed account corresponding to a plurality of user terminals connected via a communication network and holding a value corresponding to each user, and the fixed account There is provided a value management server including a transfer account that is associated and transferred between the fixed accounts in accordance with an instruction from each user terminal and holds a value that can be used in a specific service.

  Further, the moving account may hold information including at least a transfer history of the moving account and a use history of a value usable in the specific service.

  In addition, when payment is made with the value of the mobile account, if the value required for payment exceeds the value balance of the mobile account, another transfer associated with the same fixed account as the mobile account You may use the value of the account.

  In addition, when making a payment with the value of the mobile account, if the value required for the payment exceeds the value balance of the mobile account, the value of the fixed account associated with the mobile account is used. It may be a thing.

  Further, the marketing information may be generated based on the information held by the moving account and the personal information of the user corresponding to each user terminal.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a first means for holding a value corresponding to each user corresponding to a plurality of user terminals connected via a communication network, A program for causing a computer to function as a second means associated with the fixed account, transferred between the fixed accounts in accordance with an instruction from each user terminal, and holding a value usable for a specific service Is provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of user terminals and a plurality of user terminals connected via a communication network are supported, and a value corresponding to each user is set. A value having a fixed account to be held, and a transfer account that is associated with the fixed account and is transferred between the fixed accounts in accordance with instructions from each user terminal and holds a value that can be used in a specific service A value management system comprising a management server is provided.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a fixed account that holds values corresponding to a plurality of user terminals connected via a communication network can be used in a specific service. There is provided a value management method comprising the steps of associating a moving account holding a certain value and transferring the moving account between the plurality of fixed accounts.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a value management server, a program, a value management system, and a value management method capable of freely sending a value gift such as electronic money between users.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an electronic money system (value management system) 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic money system 800 includes a management server 100, a user terminal 200, and a mail server 300. The management server 100 and the user terminal 200 are connected via a communication communication network 400 such as an Internet line or a dedicated line. Note that the communication network 400 is not limited to these.

  The user terminal 200 is a device connected to the communication network 400, and is a device such as a personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a KIOSK terminal, a television receiver (TV), or AUDIO equipment. The user terminal 200 only needs to be able to log in to the personal area 110 of the management server 100 via the communication network 400 and perform settings such as use of an electronic gift card, confirmation of the use status, and the like. It is not limited.

  The management server 100 is a server in which a provider that provides an electronic money service manages user information, electronic gift card information, and the like. In FIG. 1, the functional block of the management server 100 is shown in addition to the system configuration. A personal area 110 corresponding to each user terminal 200 is set in the management server 100. FIG. 1 shows that N personal areas 110 are set, and the electronic money service provider manages a plurality of users. As a general rule, one personal area 110 is given to one user who is examined by a business operator, but a plurality of personal areas 110 may be given to one user. Each personal area 110 is provided with a My Page 112 and a personal account 114. Each personal area 110 has a unique ID.

  My page 112 can log in for each individual user such as a web page. My page 112 may be a page accessed from a mobile phone as well as a web page that can be browsed on a general PC. Further, the My Page 112 may be a page that can be browsed from a TV or AUDIO device. The user can refer to the value balance and the like of the personal account 114 by logging into the my page 112. In addition, the user purchases an electronic gift card, transfers an electronic gift card, purchases a product using the electronic gift card, purchases a product using the value of electronic money held in a personal account on My Page 112, And so on.

  When transferring an electronic gift card from My Page 112, the transfer destination is specified and the electronic gift card to be sent is specified. Here, the transfer destination is specified by the unique ID of the transfer destination user or an e-mail (e-mail) address. The electronic gift card is specified by the name of the electronic gift card, a unique ID, and the like.

  The personal account (fixed account) 114 is an account (account) that manages values (money, points, etc.) that each user has individually. The personal account 114 is assigned to each user by an electronic money business operator who manages the management server 100.

  The electronic gift card account (mobile account) 120 is an account of an electronic gift card purchased by the user, and is created when the electronic gift card is purchased. In the present embodiment, one electronic gift card is associated with only one user. When the user purchases an electronic gift card, an electronic gift card account corresponding to the electronic gift card is created, and the created electronic gift card account 120 is linked to the personal area 110 of the purchased user. The association is performed by associating the unique ID of the personal area 110 (or the personal account 114) with the ID of the electronic gift card account 120. Through the association, the electronic gift card account 120 is connected to the personal account 114 in the personal area 110.

  The electronic gift card can be used by the purchased user. The user who purchased the electronic gift card can release the association of the electronic gift card account 120 and transfer the electronic gift card to other users. When the electronic gift card is transferred, the electronic gift card account 120 leaves the personal area 110 of the transfer source user and is connected to the personal area 110 of the transfer destination user. Even if the user is not an electronic money business user, an electronic gift card can be transferred if there is information that can uniquely specify a transfer destination such as an e-mail address.

  The electronic gift card can be used only for a specific service (for example, purchase of a product at a store of a specific brand, use of a service of a specific brand), etc., and is issued by a business operator of the store, a service provider, or the like. When the user holding the electronic gift card uses the value of the electronic gift card, the used value is subtracted from the value balance of the electronic gift card account 120. In the present embodiment, the electronic gift card cannot be replenished with value, but it may be replenishable (reloadable).

  The mail server 300 is used when sending and receiving e-mail between users. Electronic gift cards can be transferred between users by attaching them to an email. The user can attach a message, a file, or the like when sending the electronic gift card.

[Information held by an electronic gift card account]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a management target of the electronic gift card account 120. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic gift card account 120 includes a gift card type, a gift card ID, an owner ID, a sender ID, a destination ID, a balance, a purchaser member ID, a purchase amount, a purchase date and time, the number of times of delivery, etc. Manage information.

  The gift card type is information indicating the type of electronic gift card, and is information indicating the type of value (amount, points, etc.) that can be used, the store that can be used, the service, and the like. The gift card ID is an ID unique to the gift card. Information such as stores and services that can use electronic gift cards can be included in the gift card ID. The owner ID is the ID of the user who currently owns the electronic gift card. The sender ID is the ID of the user who sent the electronic gift card, and the sender ID is the ID of the user who will send the electronic gift card. The balance is the current value balance of the electronic gift card, and the purchaser member ID is the ID of the user who first purchased the electronic gift card. The purchase date and time is the date and time when the electronic gift card was first purchased, and the number of times of sending is the number of times the electronic gift card was transferred.

  Further, the electronic gift card account 120 manages a sending history 122 and a usage history 124 created based on these pieces of information. The sending history 122 is information representing a history of sending electronic gift cards. The sending history 122 describes all information related to sending, such as sending source ID, sending destination ID, and sending date and time. The sending history 122 is always recorded when the electronic gift card is sent. The sending history 122 may be transmitted to the user terminal 100 via the communication network 400 and displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 200.

  The usage history 124 is information indicating the usage history of the electronic gift card such as purchase of goods and usage of services. The usage history 124 describes all information related to usage such as the processing amount (payment amount, settlement amount), value balance before and after processing, and personal information of the user. The usage history 124 is always recorded when the electronic gift card is used. The usage history 124 may also be transmitted to the user terminal 200 via the communication network 400 and displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 200.

  These pieces of information held by the electronic gift card account 120 are updated when the electronic gift card account 120 is transferred or used. More specifically, when a mail with an electronic gift card attached is transmitted by the mail server 400, the management server 100 acquires information related to the mail transmission based on the ID of the electronic gift card account 120 corresponding to the electronic gift card. To do. Based on this information, the management server 100 updates information such as the owner ID, sending source ID, sending destination ID, and sending history 122 of the electronic gift card account 120. Further, when an electronic gift card is used and a product or the like is purchased, the usage history 124 is updated.

  In the system of this embodiment, it is also possible to transfer the electronic gift card account 120 within the management server 100 without using the mail server 400. In this case, the management server 100 itself recognizes the transfer of the electronic gift card account 120 from the usage status of the My Page 112, for example, and updates the information of the electronic gift card account 120.

[Function block configuration of the management server]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the functional block configuration of the management server 100 in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 100 includes an input unit 132, a my page processing unit 134, a personal account management unit 136, an electronic gift card account management unit 138, and a CRM data output unit 140. Note that the functional blocks of the management server 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 can be configured by hardware (circuits), or an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) and software (programs) for causing them to function. When these functional blocks are configured by an arithmetic processing unit and software, the program can be stored in a recording medium such as a memory provided in the management server 100.

  Operation information of the user terminal 200 is input to the input unit 132 via the communication network 400. The my page processing unit 134 performs processing on the my page 112 based on the operation information input to the input unit 132 and sends the processing result to the personal account management unit 136 and the electronic gift card account management unit 138. The personal account management unit 136 is a block for managing the personal account 114, and manages the purchase of products using the value balance held in the personal account 114 of each user, value replenishment, value balance inquiry, and the like. The electronic gift card account management unit 138 is a block for managing the electronic gift card account 120. The electronic gift card account 120 is a block for purchasing products using the value balance held in the electronic gift card account 120, inquiring the value balance, transferring the electronic gift card, and electronic gift card. Various data including a sending history 122 and a usage history 124 held in the account 120 are managed. The CRM data generation unit 140 generates CRM data as marketing data based on the information held by the electronic gift card account 120 and the personal information of the user registered at the time of user registration.

[Processing by the management server]
Next, the use and transfer processing of the electronic gift card will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Here, it is assumed that the electronic gift card is transferred from the user (A) to the user (C) via the user (B). First, in step S <b> 10, the user (A) logs in to the My Page 112 from the user terminal 200 via the communication network 400.

  Next, in step S12, the user (A) searches for various electronic gift cards on the My Page 112 via the communication network 400 from the user terminal 200, and purchases the electronic gift card. As a payment method at the time of purchase, there is a method of using money, a credit card, a bank account, etc. of an electronic money business operator, but it is not particularly limited.

  Next, in step S14, the user (A) logs in to the my page 112 from the user terminal 200 via the communication network 400 in order to transfer the electronic gift card. Then, a message to be sent to the transfer destination user (B) is created on My Page 112, and the electronic gift card is attached to the mail and sent. The electronic gift card is sent to the user (B) via the mail server 300. When the electronic gift card is transferred, the association of the electronic gift card account 120 with the personal account 114 of the user (A) is released.

  Next, in step S16, the user (B) logs in to the My Page 112 from the user terminal 200 via the communication network 400, receives an email from the user (A) on the My Page 112, and receives an electronic gift card. Receive. As a result, the electronic gift card account 120 is linked to the personal account 114 of the user (B). In addition, information on the sending history 122 of the electronic gift card account 120 is updated. The method for receiving the electronic gift card is not particularly limited.

  Next, in step S18, the user (B) selects a product that can be used by the received electronic gift card on the member store site corresponding to the electronic gift card or My Page 112, and purchases the product. By purchasing the product, a value corresponding to the price of the product is deducted from the value balance of the electronic gift card account 120. In addition, information on the usage history 124 of the electronic gift card account 120 is updated.

  Next, in step S20, the user (B) sends an electronic gift card to the user (C). The user (B) logs in to the My Page 112 from the user terminal 200 via the communication network 400, creates a message or the like on the My Page 112, and sends an electronic gift to the user (C) via the mail server 400. Send the card.

  In the next step S22, the user (C) logs in to the My Page 112 from the user terminal 200 via the communication network 400, receives an email on the My Page 112, and receives an electronic gift card. As a result, the electronic gift card account 120 is associated with the personal account 114 of the user (C). In addition, information on the sending history 122 of the electronic gift card account 120 is updated.

  In the next step S24, the user (C) selects a product that can be used by the received electronic gift card on the member store site corresponding to the electronic gift card or My Page 112, and purchases the product. By purchasing the product, a value corresponding to the price of the product is deducted from the value balance of the electronic gift card account 120. In addition, information on the usage history 124 of the electronic gift card account 120 is updated.

  According to the process of FIG. 4, the electronic gift card is transferred between the users, and accordingly, the electronic gift card account 120 is linked to the personal area 114 of the user holding the electronic gift card. Further, every time a user holding an electronic gift card purchases a product using the electronic gift card, the price of the product is deducted from the value balance of the electronic gift card account 120. Further, every time an electronic gift card is transferred or used, the information of the electronic gift card account 120, the sending history 122, and the usage history 124 are updated. As described above, in the system of the present embodiment, the information of the electronic gift card account 120 can be updated and managed independently of the information of the personal account 112 of each user.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in more detail processing when a user who holds an electronic gift card makes a payment (payment) with the electronic gift card. First, in step S30, the user selects a specific product on the member store site or My Page 112, and purchases the product using an electronic gift card.

  In the next step S32, it is determined whether or not payment is possible with one electronic gift card held by the user. That is, here, it is determined whether or not the payment amount is equal to or less than the value balance of the electronic gift card of 1. This determination is made by the electronic gift card account management unit 138. If payment can be made with one electronic gift card, the process proceeds to step S34, and payment is made with one electronic gift card.

  On the other hand, if payment cannot be made with one electronic gift card in the next step S32, that is, if the payment amount exceeds the value balance of the electronic gift card, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, it is determined whether or not the user has the same kind of electronic gift card that can be used for payment. This determination is made by the electronic gift card account management unit 138. For example, if it is determined in step S30 that the user can use a card that can be used for purchasing a brand A product and it is determined in step S32 that payment cannot be made with one card, a card that can be used for purchasing a brand A product is used. It is determined whether it is held by others.

  If the same type of electronic gift card is held in step S36, the process proceeds to step S38, and the shortage is paid with the same type of electronic gift card based on a command from the electronic gift card account management unit 138. On the other hand, if the same type of gift card is not held, the process proceeds to step S40, and a notification to that effect is sent to the personal account management unit 136. In step S40, the shortage is paid from the value balance of the personal account based on the command of the personal account management unit 136.

  According to the process of FIG. 5, the electronic gift card can be compensated with another electronic gift card for the shortage of the value of the electronic gift card. If it cannot be compensated with another electronic gift card, it can be compensated from the value balance of the personal account. As described above, in the system of this embodiment, the values of the electronic gift card account 120 and the personal account 112 are optimally used by exchanging information between the electronic gift card account 120 and the personal account 112 as necessary. Is possible. Further, the user makes the personal account management unit 136 and the electronic gift card account management unit 138 function as desired by an operation on the My Page 112, thereby making a payment with the balance of the electronic gift card account 120 by a desired value. It is possible to perform processing such as paying the rest with the value of the personal account 112.

[About marketing information]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing electronic gift card CRM information. The CRM information is composed of information on the electronic gift card account 120. When using the system, the user transmits personal information such as age, sex, address, date of birth, and e-mail address from the user terminal 200 to the management server 100 and registers the personal information in the management server 100. Therefore, on the management server 100 side, by referring to the electronic gift card sending history 122, usage history 124, and personal information, to which user the electronic gift card was transferred, and It is possible to determine whether the product has been purchased. The CRM data generation unit 140 of the management server 100 creates CRM data including these pieces of information. The business operator who manages the system sends CRM data to the business operator who has issued the electronic gift card. Thereby, the business who has issued the electronic gift card can acquire the marketing information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an electronic gift card that can be used only on-line can be transferred to a third party in the same manner as a gift card in the real world, and the usage frequency can be increased. .

  In addition, the electronic gift card account 120 holds the electronic gift card sending history 122 and the usage history 124 so that information such as the purchaser of the electronic gift card, the user, and what kind of product or service has been used can be obtained. I can understand everything. In addition, since the use frequency of the electronic gift card is increased, detailed marketing information such as CRM data can be acquired.

  Further, by transferring one electronic gift card, a plurality of users use the electronic gift card, and more data can be acquired. Accordingly, it is possible to acquire information other than purchase, such as transfer frequency, friendship, transfer interval, and user profile, which cannot be obtained with a single function gift card.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

It is a mimetic diagram showing composition of an electronic money system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the management object of an electronic gift card account. It is a schematic diagram which shows the functional block structure of a management server in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the use and transfer process of an electronic gift card. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the user who holds an electronic gift card paying with an electronic gift card in detail. It is a schematic diagram which shows electronic gift card CRM information.

Explanation of symbols

100 Management Server 132 Input Unit 114 Personal Account

Claims (8)

A fixed account corresponding to a plurality of user terminals connected via a communication network and holding a value corresponding to each user;
A mobile account that is associated with the fixed account, is transferred between the fixed accounts in accordance with instructions from each user terminal, and holds a value that can be used in a specific service;
A value management server comprising:   The value management server according to claim 1, wherein the transfer account holds information including at least a transfer history of the transfer account and a use history of a value usable in the specific service.   When payment is made with the value of the mobile account, if the value required for payment exceeds the value balance of the mobile account, another mobile account associated with the same fixed account as the mobile account The value management server according to claim 1, wherein the value is used.   When payment is made with the value of the mobile account, if the value necessary for payment exceeds the value balance of the mobile account, the value of the fixed account associated with the mobile account is used. Item 2. The value management server according to item 1.   The value management server according to claim 2, wherein marketing information is generated based on information held by the moving account and user personal information corresponding to each user terminal. First means for holding a value corresponding to each user corresponding to a plurality of user terminals connected via a communication network;
Second means for holding a value associated with the fixed account, transferred between the fixed accounts in accordance with an instruction from each user terminal, and usable in a specific service;
As a program to make the computer function. With multiple user terminals;
Corresponding to the plurality of user terminals connected via a communication network, a fixed account holding a value corresponding to each user, the fixed account associated with the fixed account, and according to an instruction from each user terminal A value management server having a mobile account that holds values transferred between and usable by a particular service;
A value management system with Associating a fixed account holding a value corresponding to a plurality of user terminals connected via a communication network with a mobile account holding a value usable in a specific service;
Transferring the mobile account between the plurality of fixed accounts;
A value management method comprising:

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