JP2002133319A - Distribution/returning/account information management system of rental article - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system being convenient for an application of a rental, a distribution and a returning, a confirmation of a stock circumstance and an account corresponding to a returning method and a period in a rental field of a video and a book, a music software, a computer software and a game software. SOLUTION: A rental agent server is provided with a member information memory means for memorizing information on a member who carries out a member register; a rental article information memory means for memorizing a stock circumstance of a video, a CD, a book and other rental articles, a reservation circumstance, a rental price and other information; an information transmission means for transmitting information for having a member certified by log-in rental and distribute a rental article to a reservation server; and a rental information control means for carrying out an information management of a rental day/time of the rental article, a recovery day/time of the rental article, rental destination of the rental article, returning/recovery side of the rental article, an account and the like based on the information transmitted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer network to which a computer, a portable information terminal, and the like are connected, a member connected to the network and a rental company are connected, and rental goods are lent out based on information transmitted from the member. The present invention relates to a rental item delivery / return / charging information management system for managing information such as date / time / rental item collection date / time, rental item rental / delivery destination, rental item return / collection destination, and billing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of computer networks and communication environments, the exchange of information through networks represented by the Internet has become active. There are many Web sites for providing various types of information, and various technologies have been developed with the Web sites. In addition to information devices such as personal computers, mobile information terminals, mobile phones, PHSs, and information home appliances such as Internet TVs and game devices have become widespread. Some mobile phones and the like have a browser function, and it is possible to browse web pages on the Internet from a mobile phone terminal.

Under such circumstances, exchange of all kinds of information such as information on goods and services and other personal information is actively performed through an electronic network. In addition, services for mediating between a side that provides information and a side that needs information, and other uses are also performed on a Web site. In particular, on the Internet today, which can be connected by anyone, it is possible to connect from anywhere, and it is possible to apply for services quickly and reliably without any geographical restrictions. Therefore, if you can build a system that can utilize these advantages in the rental field of videos, books, music software, computer software, game software, etc., if you apply for rental, delivery and return, check stock status, return method and period It is possible to exhibit new convenience that has never been used before, which is convenient for billing and the like according to the above.

[0004] Such conventional techniques include, for example,
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-85151 discloses a technique for making it possible to reduce the space of a store, reduce the work load on clerks, and further promote rentals. . The present invention relates to a scanner that captures the cover of a video / music software package as image data, a database that stores the captured image data, work name data, and the like in association with each other, and that is operated by a customer and searches the database to retrieve the desired data. A video / music software rental management system comprising a monitor and a keyboard for selecting the video / music software. According to the present invention, the cover of the package of the video / music software is captured as image data by the scanner, and the image data is stored in the database in association with the work name data and the like. Then, the user freely operates the monitor, the keyboard, and the like to search the database and select desired video / music software. Also, when connected to a user terminal outside the store, video / music software rental processing can be performed online. Further, it can be connected to another system such as an existing core system, and can be integrated with comprehensive management including management of video / music software rental processing. However, this technology discloses a technology for searching for desired data from a database of video / music software, selecting software to rent, and managing data. No system is disclosed for returning, checking the stock status, and charging according to the return method and period.

[0005] Also, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-70009 "Software rental system by network",
A technology for providing a system for renting software via a network has been disclosed. The present invention relates to a supplier-side host computer for renting and managing software, which is a rental resource, connected to a network for performing data communication, a storage device associated therewith, and a user side for borrowing software. A management table in which a password mounted on the computer and the host computer to enable the use of the software is associated with the user ID or the serial number of the software; a management system for searching for the password using the management table; Thereafter, the password is acquired from the host computer by automatically executing the network communication, and if the password cannot be acquired correctly, the main function is not used so that the main function can be used.

[0006] Alternatively, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-255194, "software library device and software rental method thereof", by managing intermediate situation data for each user, in addition to the initial state of software rental, software intermediate state A technique for providing a software rental technique in which the software in the state at the time of the previous return can be rented by reproducing the same. The present invention relates to a software program / data storage device, a software writing device, a user identification device for identifying a user, a user history storage device for storing a rental history of a user, and a writable medium. And a save data storage device for storing data stored in the save data storage device, wherein a user is identified by a user identification device together with a process of writing software in an initial state and stored in the save data storage device. The saved data is written and rented in a state where the software can be executed continuously from the past.

However, both of the above two inventions specify a user for rental of software.
This is a technique related to identification and the like, which is different from the system provided by the present invention. Therefore, although techniques for searching desired data from a database of video / music software, selecting software to rent, and managing data have been disclosed, delivery, return, and inventory status as intended by the present invention are disclosed. There is no disclosure of a system for confirming the return, charging a method according to a return method, a period, or the like.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a computer, a portable information terminal, and the like with a computer network connected to a video, a book, music software, computer software, and a game. In the field of rental of software and the like, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system that is convenient for rental application, delivery and return, check of stock status, charging according to a return method and a period, and the like.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a terminal of a user member and a user member are connected on a network to which a computer, a portable information terminal, or the like is connected. Is a system that includes a terminal of a financial institution or the like that performs settlement of a rental fee for goods, and a rental company server that rents videos, CDs, books, and other goods. Member information storage means for storing the member information that performed
Inventory of videos, CDs, books and other rental items,
Rental product information storage means for storing the reservation status, rental price, and other information, and information transmitting means for transmitting, to a reservation server, information for a logged-in and authenticated member to rent and deliver the rental product. And rental information control means for managing information such as a rental item rental date / time / rental item collection date / time, a rental item rental delivery destination, a rental item return / collection destination, and a billing based on the transmitted information. This is a rental / delivery / return / billing information management system.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention described in claim 2, in the invention described in claim 1, the rental company server is connected to a store terminal installed in each store of the rental company. The information sent to the reservation server in order to have the authenticated member log in and rent and deliver the rental item includes information indicating the area such as the member's address and the rental agent server. The rental / delivery / return / charging information management system according to claim 1, wherein the rental management can be performed by referring to the member's area and the stock status of each store. In the present invention, the rental agent server is connected to a store terminal installed in each store of the rental agent, and a logged-in and authenticated member rents a rental item. The information sent to the reservation server in order to have it sent includes information indicating the area such as the member's address, and the rental agent server refers to the member's area and the stock status of each store. The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system according to claim 1 is capable of performing lending management.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 3, in the invention according to claim 2, a store terminal installed in each store of the rental company includes:
A delivery / return / charging information management system for rental goods according to claim 2, characterized by including a terminal installed in an automobile, a motorcycle, or other transportation means.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention described in claim 4, in the inventions described in claims 1 to 3, the member authentication stored in the rental agent server when the user registers as a member. The rental product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the data includes a credit card number for settlement or includes personal authentication information input from a store terminal and is used for settlement. It is a delivery / return / billing information management system.

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, in the invention according to claim 5, in the invention according to claims 1 to 4, the store terminal connected to the system includes a store of a partner company other than a rental company. The rental according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a partner store terminal installed in the partner store or the like is included, and the rental item can be returned from the member at the partner store or the like. It is a product delivery / return / billing information management system.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the rental information control means of the rental agent server provides the rental date / time and rental of the rental item. A rental information control means is provided when managing information such as collection date and time of goods, billing, and the like.
5 is a delivery / return / billing information management system for rental items described in any of (5).

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention according to claim 7, when information relating to a rental application is transmitted from a terminal of a user member to a rental agent server in the invention according to claims 1 to 6, The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the system accepts only orders with an amount exceeding a preset rental order unit price. I have.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the invention described in claim 8, in the inventions described in claims 1 to 7, a user member makes an application for reservation rental / sales of a new product, and provides delivery information. When managing the products, the reservation sale schedule table for rental items displayed on the Web is used to make reservations, change reservations, cancel reservations, etc. of products scheduled to be released and / or received on the calendar day. A rental / delivery / return / billing information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, after a user member makes a rental application and a rental product is delivered, a new product is provided. 9. Delivery / return / return of rental goods according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that when applying for rental and delivering home, at the same time discount is applied when returning previously rented rental goods. It is a billing information management system.

[0018] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the invention set forth in claim 10, in the inventions set forth in claims 1 to 9, the user member performs prepaid payment processing such as purchase of a coupon in advance. The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the service can be used at a discount.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, the coupon can be given as a gift between members. A rental / delivery / return / billing information management system according to the tenth aspect.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a basic configuration of a system according to the present invention. Note that the server configuration of the system of the present invention is typically that shown in the basic system configuration diagram of FIG.
This is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Different configurations may be adopted as long as the systems have similar functions. For example, any one of a Web server, an application server, a database server, or the like, or each of them may be located at different locations, or may be located at the same location.

The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system of the present invention includes a user member terminal on a network to which a computer, a portable information terminal, and the like are connected. The user terminal is a terminal of a customer who makes a rental application using the system of the present invention and receives a delivery service. The user terminal for connecting to the network is usually a terminal such as a personal computer or a workstation, but is not limited to a wireless communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a PHS, a portable information terminal having these functions, and a game terminal. Various computer terminals such as devices, dedicated terminals such as Internet TV, and video conference systems are included. Further, it may be an electric device having a built-in computer, for example, a so-called information home appliance such as a game device or a television.

The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system of the present invention includes a terminal such as a financial institution in which a user member setstles a rental fee for an article. The user terminal for connecting to the network is usually a terminal such as a personal computer or a workstation,
Various information devices can be used similarly to the user terminal.

Next, delivery / return / rental of the rental product of the present invention
The billing information management system includes a rental agent server that rents videos, CDs, books, and other items. The rental agent server is usually configured by a server system including a Web server, a database server, an application server, a mail server, an authentication server, and the like. The server system includes a member information storage unit for storing member information for which member registration has been performed, and rental item information for storing inventory status, reservation status, rental price, and other information of other rental items such as videos, CDs, and books. Storage means, information transmitting means for transmitting information for a logged-in authenticated member to rent and deliver a rental item to a reservation server, and rental date / time / rental of the rental item based on the transmitted information There is provided a rental information control means for managing information such as a collection date and time of the item, a rental delivery destination of the rental item, a return and collection destination of the rental item, and billing. However, here, the basic system configuration shows an example in which these systems are installed in the same server system. However, if the application server exists in a different location or the database server is Even if they exist in such a location, these locations can be specified and specified by a URL or the like, so that even in such a system configuration, the system of the present invention can be realized.

[0024] The rental agent server includes a member information storage means for storing member information for which member registration has been performed.
The member information storage means is a database provided in a database server or the like, and stores the name, age, address, e-mail address, telephone number, credit card information, and other information about the member who has registered as a member.

The above-mentioned member information is also used to access a rental agent server and authenticate a member who makes a rental application or the like. As an example of such an authentication method, for example, when an authentication is performed by inputting an ID and a password issued by a system administrator, the screen proceeds to the next screen of the Web site. In this case, an HTML file or the like displayed on a Web site is usually stored in a Web server on the system side, and is set so as to be displayed via a browser in response to a request from an accessing terminal. In many cases, the individual ID and password are entered and transmitted by the accessing person to register and register the member information, and the member is issued a reply electronic mail or the like. Next, after passing through the authentication screen, the accessed member can proceed to the rental application screen and perform information search, rental reservation, rental application, and the like.

The rental agent server includes a rental item information storage means for storing the stock status, reservation status, rental price, and other information of other rental items such as videos, CDs, and books. The rental information is input by an input means such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a scanner at a terminal of the rental agent connected to the rental agent server, and stored in the rental item information storage means of the server of the present invention. The rental product information storage means is usually a database such as a database server, and such information is realized by a relational database or the like so that browsing, searching, extracting, and the like can be performed from various aspects. The format of the registered information includes various formats such as character information such as text, image data, 3D image data, moving image data, audio data, and combinations thereof.

[0027] The rental agent server includes an information transmitting means for transmitting information to the reservation server to allow the authenticated member to rent and deliver the rental item by logging in. Examples of a method of transmitting information include a method of transmitting information via browser software using a form provided on an online Web page, and a method of transmitting information via e-mail using e-mail software. For example, after filling out a form on a website, and then entering all the information,
By clicking the "Send" button, "Apply" button, or the like, the input information is transmitted to the server system of the present invention, and information on the rental application status is stored in the rental item information storage means, and the member is charged. Is stored in the member information storage means. The information transmitting means includes a method of transmitting using any terminal such as a wireless communication device such as a mobile phone and a PHS, and other portable information terminals.

Next, for example, in order to enable a user who does not have detailed knowledge to easily create a Web site, an Internet service provider or the like implements direct input from the Web site. Work, upload and register files. Such a method is realized by providing a program capable of operating a file such as CGI. By using these means, anyone can easily register and correct information. These processes are realized by, for example, the following application programs. As a simple program, CGI (CommonGat) using Perl, C language, etc.
This is realized by using an eway interface) program or the like. However, when the number of users, the access frequency, the capacity of the database, and the like become large, it is desirable to construct a system corresponding to this.

Today, server software for generating the contents of an html file is also realized. Such software has a query function to the database server in advance, and if you embed the contents of the database query using SQL in an HTML file with its own extension, the server can send back the page when it returns. , Replace the contents of the HTML file with the contents of the result of the inquiry. Since the contents of the database query and the appearance of the displayed page can be described in one file, C
Service development is easier than with GI programs. Also, a script environment operating on a server can be used. Microsoft's ASP (Act
live Server Page) is scripted on the server side (described in VBScript or JScript)
And a platform for running Active X controls (including Java applets).

An example of the basic processing flow of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow when a user member makes a rental application, and performs delivery and billing information processing in the system of the present invention.

The user accesses a Web site provided by the rental agent server of the present invention from the user terminal, and information such as an html file located at the URL specified by the browser is transmitted based on the transmission request from the user terminal. The corresponding file is transmitted from the web server of the rental company server and displayed on the screen of the user member terminal. What is displayed here is usually a Web site that uses the Internet to receive orders and sell rental items such as VIDEO, DVD, and GAME software on the Web. The rental items include, for example, the above-mentioned software rental items, books, music software, and other items, and at the same time, VIDEO, D
Sales of VD, GAME, CD, books, snacks and drinks (snack, soft drink, etc.) can also be performed. Such a product is configured as a system for receiving an order using the Internet and delivering it to user members in cooperation with stores such as franchise shops.

<From Member Registration / Order to Completion of Home Delivery> In FIG. 1, the member information storage means provided in the rental agent server is registered as a member receiving services via the Internet (basic personal information / credit payment at the time of credit settlement). Personal information / member information at existing stores). It is desirable that an ID number or the like as a member is assigned to each member, information is managed by the member number, and the member's information can be easily input from the next use.

In the rental item information storage means provided in the rental agent server, information on rental items such as video and game software is stored. Since this is constructed by a relational database, etc. Searches and extracts desired information from stored information using genre, cast, director, author, title, and other various information as keys, and displays it on the user member's terminal screen via browser. It is set to be displayed.

The user member terminal displays information stored in the rental item information storage means of the rental agent server, for example, the introduction of the contents of the rental item, the rental price, and other information. It is also desirable to be able to confirm stock status and the like by referring to data in the rental information storage means. In order for members to apply for rental / delivery of rental items with reference to desired information displayed on the screen of the user member terminal, a method of transmitting information by inputting an input form on a website, e-mail The information is transmitted from the user member terminal to the rental agent server by a method of transmitting the information according to (1). The information sent here includes information that identifies the rental product that is the subject of the rental application,
The information includes information for specifying a rental period, information for specifying a settlement method, information for specifying a delivery destination of a rental product, information for authenticating a user member, and the like.

Here, of the information transmitted from the user member terminal to the rental agent server, predetermined information necessary for charging and settlement is a financial institution where the user member performs settlement of the rental fee of the goods. , For example, a terminal of a credit card company, etc., and a payment process is performed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as in the second aspect of the present invention, the rental agent server is connected to a store terminal installed at each store of the rental agent. Yes, the stores (delivery shops) include branches of rental companies, franchise member stores, and stores of other companies with business alliances. As a result, it is convenient to distribute and collect rental items. In this case, in order for the authenticated member to rent and deliver the rental item,
The information transmitted to the reservation server includes information indicating the area such as the address of the member, and the rental agent server refers to the area of the member and the stock status of each store, etc.
Perform loan management. The user member is required to apply for each franchise / assignment from the member's address when applying for rental.
Rental items and sales items are selected based on the stock status of stores (delivery shops) such as shops, and the order is made after confirming the payment amount, estimated delivery time, precautions in case of delay, etc. The order information flows to the terminal of each store through the rental agent server, and the merchandise is sent out by motorcycle or the like based on the order information, and can be delivered within a predetermined time, for example, within about one hour. Also, at the time of shipping, the departure time and order details from the terminal of the shipping source store can be transmitted to the rental agent server, and the member who ordered from the rental agent server can be notified by e-mail.

Further, in the invention according to the third aspect, the store terminals installed in each store of the rental agent include terminals installed in automobiles, motorcycles and other transportation means. Therefore, in these mobile stores (delivery shops), information can be transmitted and received by terminals including a wireless communication terminal such as a mobile phone, and delivery and collection of rental items can be performed. In the case of this embodiment, the rental item can be held as inventory in the moving store, or only new works and popular items can be held as inventory. Alternatively, delivery and collection can be performed by using rental items held as stock by the store serving as the base, without holding as stock.

<Recovery of Rental Items-Until Inventory Information Flows> FIG. 2 shows a system according to the present invention, in which a user member makes a rental application, performs delivery, processes billing information, and then collects rental items. 7 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow until inventory information flows.

One of the features of the present invention is that, based on the information transmitted from the terminal of the user member, the rental date / time of the rental item, the collection date / time of the rental item, the rental delivery destination of the rental item, the rental destination of the rental item, and the like. When performing information processing by the rental information control means that manages information such as the return collection destination, charging, etc., the rental fee of the rental product is finally determined at the time of collection completion, Information management. That is, a delinquent fee or the like is generated depending on the collection date and time.

Here, as an example of a desirable embodiment,
The rental company server that manages the member information notifies the member on the day before the return date of the return date by using e-mail or the like to notify the return method, the return location, the settlement information of the delinquent fee, and the like.
User members return to affiliated convenience stores, franchise stores, etc. in the designated area, and if they are returned within the designated deadline time, the rental fee will be sufficient as the original billing information will be sufficient. Collection of goods is completed. In the case of return outside of the designated date and time, a delinquent fee will normally be charged, so the return method is the same as above, but the details of the delinquent fee will be notified by e-mail etc. Pay at stores such as stores. In addition, if a separate new delivery order is made when the member has the product to be returned, it may be returned at the time of home delivery of the product. If the return (collection) is performed before the designated date, processing such as returning a predetermined amount as a discount to the user member may be performed.

FIG. 3 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow when a user member performs information processing related to return and collection of a rental item to a store in the system of the present invention. Returned product information is immediately sent from the terminal in the convenience store or the terminal of the franchise store to the rental agent server, and is returned as inventory information.
Uploaded to the web. For collection, each store regularly returns to the convenience store where the designated area is returned, collects and delivers the code of the collected software to the PC, and sends it to the rental company server as collected information.

FIG. 4 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow when a user performs a member registration in the system of the present invention. Member registration on the Web is basically performed based on credit card information. If you are a credit card holder, register your credit card number and basic personal information. Also,
According to the invention described in claim 4, when the user registers as a member, the member authentication data stored in the rental agent server also includes personal authentication information input from the store terminal. For non-holders (students, etc.), if personal information has already been registered in advance through membership registration of stores (branches, franchise stores, etc.), for example, for store member card holders, membership card numbers and basic Register personal information. If the member card of the store has not been registered, obtain the personal certificate at the store and register as a member.
Registration of information for authentication of access to the rental agent server is completed by a method such as registering personal information as an eb service member.

FIG. 5 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow until a user member pays for billing information relating to rental in the system of the present invention. Regarding payment, it is possible to select between payment by credit card and payment at home delivery. Credit card registered members can be selected from the above two ways, and members without credit card registration are paid by home delivery or the like. Regarding payment of the late fee, a method of paying the late fee at the time of return at a partner store such as a convenience store can be adopted.

Regarding the location where the rental product is to be returned, the nearest member store or franchise store, such as a convenience store, is searched from the registered member information based on the registered member's address. The top location can be specified. It is also possible for the user member to specify a place.

Regarding return to a partner store such as a convenience store, the following method can be used, which is an example of a preferred embodiment. Enclose the barcode with the rental product information entered in advance in the rental product itself and the barcode paper with the product details and delinquent fee information entered in the product case, and send it to partner stores such as affiliated convenience stores. When returned, the clerk checks the rental product itself and checks the product code and product detail code at the cash register. If there is no overdue, the return will be completed as soon as the check is completed. If there is an overdue, by paying a predetermined fee such as a fee multiplied by the late fee and the number of days past due,
Return is completed.

As an example of the form of the service using the system of the present invention, the following rental application system can be provided. According to the invention described in claim 7, when transmitting the information on the rental application from the terminal of the user member to the rental agent server, it accepts only the order of the amount exceeding the preset unit price of the rental order. In addition to rental products such as videos, it is also possible to set an order unit price when ordering other products for sale together, or renting only two or three videos. In other words, the unit price of the order
If you set it as a method, you can borrow 3 videos of ¥ 500 per video, or accept a total of $ 1500 or more together with a single $ 500 video and other sales products, etc. When the rental application information is transmitted from the member terminal to the rental agency server, the calculated amount is checked to determine whether or not the predetermined amount has been reached. Accepts the order.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when a user member applies for reservation rental / sales of a new product and manages delivery information as in the invention described in claim 8, In addition, it is possible to use the reservation sale schedule table for rental items displayed on the Web to make reservations, change reservations, cancel reservations, etc. for products scheduled to be released / arrivald on the calendar day. Rental goods delivery / return / charging information management system. FIG.
5 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow when a user member makes an application for reservation rental / sales of a new product and manages delivery information in the system of the present invention. A reservation sales schedule table of sales products is created in the information displayed on the Web. In the monthly calendar display, the calendar shows the category of the new product by date, and links to the table of each category from there. At the link destination, a product title to be released on that day is described, and the product title is linked to a product description. Check the product on the product description screen and link to the reservation table. In the reservation table, there are indications such as product details and price, so you can check it, ask the delivery schedule date in advance,
Thereafter, when the procedure shifts to the payment procedure and the procedure is completed, a reservation commodity delivery schedule is created. In the dedicated delivery schedule, it is possible to change the delivery date, accept cancellations, and specify the delivery time. When making the change, it is preferable to set a temporal rule such as one week before the cancellation. On the day before the designated home delivery date, details and notices can be sent by e-mail or the like, the e-mail can be linked to the home delivery schedule, and confirmation or change of time designation can be received.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, as in the ninth aspect of the present invention, after a user member makes a rental application and a rental product is delivered, a new rental application is made and a home delivery is made. At the same time, there is a rental / delivery / return / billing information management system characterized in that a discount is provided when returning a previously rented rental item. FIG. 7 shows that in the system of the present invention, after a user member makes a rental application and a rental product is delivered, when a new rental application is made and delivered, the previously rented rental product is returned at the same time. 7 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow when discounting is performed. In this case, a point discount can be generated when returning at home delivery. When moving from the product order screen to the next processing screen, check the presence or absence of rental items from the member information storage means on the data server.
Move to sales procedure. If there are rental items, return them
An input form or the like for selecting “No” is displayed, and the user is asked to check on the Web whether or not to return the product at home delivery. If it is not returned, the normal procedure is performed as it is, and if it is returned, a point discount is generated and a discount rate according to the order price can be applied.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, as described in the tenth aspect, a user member performs a prepaid payment process such as the purchase of a coupon in advance, thereby providing a low-cost service. There is a rental / delivery / return / billing information management system characterized by being usable. Further, there is provided a rental / delivery / return / billing information management system characterized in that the coupon and the like can be given as a gift between members as in the invention according to claim 11. FIG. 8 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow in an embodiment in which a user can apply for a rental and purchase a coupon to use a service inexpensively in the system of the present invention. is there. For example, 3,000 ・ 5,0
Coupons such as 00 and 10,000 are issued on the Web, and the information is managed in the rental agent server. A discount rate is set on the coupon, and you can use the service at a discount by purchasing the coupon. When a member logs in and places an order, it is determined whether or not there is a coupon balance, and if so, a fee is subtracted from the coupon upon payment. In addition, when purchasing a coupon, it is possible to allow a gift to be given between members as a gift. FIG. 9 is a system chart showing a basic processing flow in this case. In this case, at the time of coupon purchase, a destination member is searched using an e-mail address, a name, or the like, the destination is confirmed from the search result, and a coupon transmission procedure is performed. The rental company server notifies the destination by e-mail or the like and manages the right to use the coupon.

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, in a computer network to which a computer or a portable information terminal is connected, in the rental field of video, book, music software, computer software, game software, etc. , Rental application, delivery and return,
It is possible to provide a system that is convenient for checking stock status, charging according to a return method, a period, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system chart showing an example of the basic configuration and processing flow of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a basic processing flow from the collection of rental items to the flow of inventory information after a user member has made a rental application, delivered, processed billing information, and the like in the system of the present invention. It is a system chart which shows.

FIG. 3 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow when a user member performs information processing related to return and collection of a rental item to a store in the system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a system showing an example of a basic processing flow when a user registers as a member in the system of the present invention.
It is a chart.

FIG. 5 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow until a user member pays for billing information relating to rental in the system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow when a user member applies for reservation rental / sales of a new product and manages delivery information in the system of the present invention. .

FIG. 7 In the system of the present invention, after a user member makes a rental application and a rental item is delivered, when a new rental application is made and delivered, the previously rented rental item is returned at the same time. 7 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow when discounting is performed.

FIG. 8 is a system chart showing an example of a basic processing flow in an embodiment in which a service can be used cheaply by a user member making a rental application and purchasing a coupon in the system of the present invention. is there.

FIG. 9 is a system chart showing a basic process flow when a coupon is purchased between members as a gift when a coupon is purchased.

Claims (11)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A user member's terminal, a terminal of a financial institution or the like where the user member pays for the rental of goods, a video, a CD, and a book on a network to which a computer, a portable information terminal, and the like are connected. , A rental agent server for renting other articles, wherein the rental agent server has member information storage means for storing member information for which member registration has been performed, videos, CDs, books, etc. Rental item information storage means for storing the inventory status, reservation status, rental price, and other information of the rental item of the rental item, and information for the logged-in and authenticated member to rent and deliver the rental item to the reservation server. Information transmission means for transmission, rental date and time of rental goods, collection date and time of rental goods based on the transmitted information, rental delivery destination of rental goods, A rental item delivery / return / billing information management system, comprising: rental information control means for managing information such as a return / return destination of the rental item and billing. 2. The rental server according to claim 1, wherein the rental agent server is connected to a store terminal installed in each store of the rental agent, and a logged-in and authenticated member rents a rental item. The information sent to the reservation server in order to receive the delivery includes information indicating the area such as the member's address, and the rental company server refers to the member's area and the stock status of each store etc. The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system according to claim 1, wherein the rental / delivery / return / charging information management system is capable of performing rental management. 3. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the store terminals installed in each store of the rental agent include terminals installed in automobiles, motorcycles and other transportation means. The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system according to claim 2. 4. The member authentication data stored in the rental agent server when a user registers as a member according to the invention described in claims 1 to 3, includes a credit card number for settlement, or 4. Delivery / return of a rental product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes personal authentication information input from a store terminal and is used for settlement.
Billing information management system. 5. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the shop terminal connected to the system includes a partner shop terminal installed in a store of a partner company other than the rental company. 2. A rental item can be returned from a partner store or the like.
A delivery / return / billing information management system for rental items according to any one of (1) to (4). 6. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the rental information control means of the rental agent server manages information such as a rental item rental date / time, rental item collection date / time, and billing. A rental information control means is provided.
The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system described in any of the above. 7. In the invention as set forth in claims 1 to 6, when information relating to a rental application is transmitted from a user member's terminal to a rental agent server, only orders having an amount exceeding a preset rental order unit price are sent. The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rental / delivery / return / billing information management system is provided. 8. A rental product displayed on a Web when a user member makes an application for reservation rental / sales of a new product and manages delivery information according to the invention described in claims 1 to 7. Using the pre-order sales schedule table, you can make reservations for products that are scheduled to be released / stocked on the calendar day.
8. The rental / delivery / return / billing information management system according to claim 1, wherein the reservation can be changed or canceled. 9. The invention according to claim 1, wherein, after the user member makes a rental application and the rental product is delivered, when a new rental application is made and the home delivery is made, the rental is performed at the same time. The delivery / return / billing information management system for rental goods according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a discount is provided when the rental goods are returned. 10. The invention according to claim 1, wherein
10. Delivery / return of rental goods according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the service can be used at a reduced price by a user member performing prepaid payment processing such as purchasing a coupon in advance. -Billing information management system. 11. The rental product according to claim 10, wherein the coupon can be given as a gift between members as a gift. Information management system.