JP2002342634A - Method and system for processing point, point processor, point recorder and point card - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a point card system for integrating points used in a virtual environment through a network and points used in a real environment and managing the points and a points card displaying the respective points. SOLUTION: A customer integration DB 500 integrates virtual points used the virtual environment through the network and real points used in the real environment and manages the points. The virtual points and the real points are respectively transmitted to a virtual points imparting terminal 600 and a store terminal 700 installed in a store 10. When a user comes into the store 10, the virtual points and the real points are printed on the points cards 100 carried by the user by the virtual points imparting terminal 600 and the store terminal 700.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0002] The present invention relates to, for example, points added based on the purchase price in a real environment (hereinafter referred to as real points) and addition based on the purchase price in a virtual environment via a network. The present invention relates to a point processing method and system for sharing points such as points (hereinafter referred to as virtual points) on a database, a point processing device, a point recording device, and a point card for displaying virtual points and real points.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, a point system has been operated in which points are added based on the purchase price when shopping, and a service corresponding to the accumulated points is received. For example, in shopping malls, when purchasing a product, a common point is added based on the purchase price, and a point system that can receive various services according to the common points accumulated since the next purchase is operated. . Also,
At the point of purchase of electrical and electronic equipment, points are added based on the purchase price when purchasing electrical and electronic equipment, and a point system that can receive discounted services according to the points accumulated after the next purchase is operated. I have.
In a store that sells automobile supplies, a point system is added that is added when parts and repairs related to automobiles are performed. In addition, airlines operate a point system that is added when purchasing a ticket for boarding an airplane. A rental video store operates a point system that is added when renting a video.

In recent years, with the spread of communication networks such as the Internet, it has become possible to develop similar point systems in a virtual environment on the network. For example, at a store in a virtual environment on a network such as a virtual mall, points are added based on the purchase price when purchasing a product, and various services can be received according to the points accumulated since the next purchase. The system is operating. In addition, a point system is operated in which points are added when a predetermined Web site is accessed and a desired Web page is browsed, and an amount corresponding to the saved points is paid.

[0004]

Generally, in a point system that is not performed via a network, a point card is distributed to a user, and when the user comes to the store,
A method of recording the accumulated points on a point card is employed. At this time, a magnetic card or a rewrite card is usually used as the point card.

In a point system using a magnetic card, a method of recording and managing a user's identification number on a magnetic card and a user's purchase history and accumulation points on a computer installed at a head office or the like is provided. Has been done. However, in the point system using the magnetic card, since the point is not displayed on the surface of the card, the user cannot confirm the accumulated points. In order to confirm, it is necessary to read the personal identification number recorded on the magnetic card by the reader of the store and print the point data stored in the computer at the headquarters on the receipt based on the personal identification number.

On the other hand, in a point system using a rewrite card, points are printed on the surface of the card.
The user can confirm the current accumulated points by looking at the card. However, there is no point card used for sharing and operating both points of a point system operated on a network and a point system operated in a real environment without passing through a network. For this reason, a card that displays virtual points and real points is desired.
Also, a system for displaying virtual points and real points is desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a point processing method and system for operating virtual points and real points, a point for storing data of virtual points and real points in association with each other. It is an object to provide a processing device, a point recording device for recording virtual points and real points, and a point card for displaying virtual points and real points.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a point processing method according to the present invention comprises: a first point given according to a predetermined action performed by a user via a network; A point processing method for processing a second point given in response to a predetermined action directly performed by a user without using a network, comprising: a user identification information; A storage step of storing the points and the second points obtained by the user in association with each other, and searching for the stored first and second points obtained by the user,
Recording the search result on the portable information storage medium of the user.

[0009] Further, the point processing system according to the present invention provides a first point given according to a predetermined action performed by a user via a network, and a direct processing by a user without through a network. A point processing system for processing a second point given according to a predetermined action, wherein the identification information of the user, the first point obtained by the user, and the second point obtained by the user And a first point and a second point obtained by the user from the storage means.
And a medium recording means for searching for the point and recording the search result in the portable information storage medium of the user.

Further, the point processing device according to the present invention comprises:
User identification information, a first point given by the user in response to a predetermined action via a network, and a first point given in accordance with a predetermined action performed directly by the user without using a network Storage means for storing the second points associated with each other, and, when the user has performed a predetermined action via a network, the first point given based on the action is stored in the storage means. To be added to the first point obtained by the user stored in the first
The adding means, and the user storing, in the storage means, a second point given based on the action when the user directly performs a predetermined action not via a network. Second to be added to the second point obtained by
And adding means.

[0011] Further, the point recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
A first point given according to a predetermined action performed by a user via a network, and a second point given according to a predetermined action performed directly by a user without using a network. A point recording apparatus for recording on a portable information recording medium, comprising: a loading means on which a portable information recording medium carried by a user is loaded; a first point acquired by the user; and a first point acquired by the user. Second
Point management device that associates and stores points
Transmitting means for transmitting the identification information of the user; receiving means for receiving the first point and the second point of the user transmitted by the point management device; Recording means for recording the second point on the loaded portable information recording medium.

Further, the point card according to the present invention has a first area for displaying a first point given in accordance with a predetermined action performed by a user via a network, And a second area for displaying a second point given in accordance with a predetermined action performed directly on the second area.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an outline of the point card system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the point card system 1. The point card system 1 has a store 10, a headquarters 20, and a point card center 30.

The store 10 is a store that sells products directly to users. The store 10 is under the management of the headquarters 20, and sells products to users. Real points are given to users when selling products. Headquarters 20
It is the main store of the store 10 and manages the management of the store 10. The headquarters 20 has established a virtual store for selling products on the network. When selling products at a virtual store, virtual points are given to the user. The point card center 30 is a center that manages real points and virtual points acquired by users in the store 10 and the virtual store.

When a user purchases a product at the store 10 and the virtual store, it is necessary to register as a member. Each member is assigned a member identification number,
When purchasing a product, the member identification number is presented and the product is purchased. When purchasing a product at the store 10, the member is given real points that are added based on the purchase price. Also, when purchasing a product at a virtual store, virtual points are given based on the purchase price. Also, the member can receive benefits such as discounted sales according to points and exchange for prizes after the next product purchase.

Next, a detailed configuration of the point card system will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a point card system 1 includes a point card 100, a user terminal 2
00, a virtual store server 300 and a net customer DB 400 installed in the head office 20, a customer integrated DB 500 installed in the point card center 30, a virtual point grant terminal 600 and a store terminal 700 installed in the store 10, the first Network 80
0, having a second network 900.

Hereinafter, the components of the point card system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. The point card 100 is a card that displays real points and virtual points, and is, for example, a rewrite card. FIG. 2 shows a point card 100 in which real points and virtual points are printed on the card surface.
FIG. On the surface of the point card 100,
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the member identification number, name, real point, and virtual point are displayed.

On the point card 100, the latest virtual point is printed by the virtual point providing terminal 600, and the virtual point is displayed. In addition, the point card 100 is printed with real points by the shop terminal 700 and displays the real points.

The user terminal 200 is a computer for accessing the virtual store server 300, for example. The user terminal 200 sends a request according to the operation of the keyboard, mouse, and the like performed by the member to the Internet 700.
To the virtual store server 300 via the. Further, the user terminal 200 transmits a request to browse virtual points and real points to the virtual store server 300.

The virtual store server 300 is a server that provides a service for selling goods on a network. The virtual store server 300 opens a virtual store HP (homepage), and stores the user terminal 200
It provides product sales information in response to a request from and sells products. In addition, in response to the point browsing request from the user terminal 200, the virtual store server 300 requests data of the member's virtual points and real points from the customer integrated DB 500, and transmits the data received as a result of the request to the requesting user terminal 200. Send. The virtual store server 300 transmits the member identification number and the purchase history data to the net customer DB 400.

The net customer DB 400 is a database that stores a member identification number and virtual purchase history data. The net customer DB 400 receives and stores the member identification number and purchase history data of the member from the virtual store server 300. In addition, net customer DB400
Transmits the member identification number and the virtual purchase history data to the customer integrated DB 500 managed by the point card center on a monthly basis.

The customer integration DB 500 is a database that integrates virtual points and real points, and has a storage function, a point generation function, an update function, and a transmission / reception function. The customer integration DB 500 stores the member identification number, the real purchase history data and real points at the store 10, and the virtual purchase history data and virtual points at the virtual store server 300 in association with each other.

Further, the customer integrated DB 500 compares the virtual purchase history data of the member transmitted by the net customer DB 400 with the stored virtual purchase history data up to the previous period, and based on the comparison result, the virtual purchase history data on a monthly basis. Generate points and update the database.
Further, the customer integrated DB 500 compares the real member's real purchase history data transmitted by the store terminal 700 with the stored purchase history data up to the previous period, and generates monthly real points based on the comparison result. And update the database. In addition, the customer integration DB 500 transmits the member identification number of the member and the virtual points on a monthly basis to the virtual point providing terminal 300. In addition, the customer integration DB 500 transmits the member identification number of the member and the real point on a monthly basis to the store terminal 700.

The customer integration DB 500 receives a request for converting a real point into a virtual point or a virtual point into a real point from the virtual point providing terminal 600, and stores the member's point stored in response to the request. And the result of the conversion is transmitted to the virtual point providing terminal 600.

The virtual point providing terminal 600
This is a device for printing virtual points on the point card 100, and is connected to the customer integration DB 500 via the second network 900. The virtual point granting terminal 600 receives the member identification number and the monthly virtual points from the customer integrated DB 500,
Point card 1 brought by member when member came to the store
Record the virtual point at 00. By looking at the surface of the point card 100, the member can refer to the virtual points without using a specific device such as a machine for printing a receipt.

The virtual point providing terminal 60
0 indicates that when the member receives the privilege according to the accumulated virtual point, the virtual point corresponding to the privilege is subtracted, and the resulting virtual point is printed on the point card 100 brought. At this time, the virtual point providing terminal 600 transmits the used virtual points and virtual purchase history data to the customer integrated DB 500. In addition, when the member desires to convert a virtual point into a real point or a real point into a virtual point, the virtual point providing terminal 600 transmits the request to the customer integration DB 500. The virtual point providing terminal 600 receives the conversion result from the customer integrated DB 500 and prints the points.

[0027] The shop terminal 700 is
Is a computer that records real points on a card R / W (reader / writer) and a POS (not shown).
(Point Of Sales system) A cash register is connected. The store terminal 700 integrates the member identification number of the member and the real purchase history data into the customer integration D
Send to B500. When the member uses the accumulated real points and receives a privilege, the store terminal 700 subtracts the used real points from the real points so far,
The real point of the subtraction result is printed on the point card 100 by the card R / W. At that time, the store terminal 700
The used real point and real purchase history data are transmitted to the customer integrated DB 500.

The first network 800 is the Internet, and connects the user terminal 200 and the virtual shop server 300. The second network 900 is a communication network, and is a dedicated line that does not leak information to the outside. The second network 900 is a customer integration DB5
00 and virtual shop server 300, Internet customer DB
400, the virtual point providing terminal 600 and the shop terminal 700 are connected, and the net customer DB 400 and the virtual shop server 300 are connected.

Next, the operation of the point card system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for adding real points and virtual points to a point card. Step ST1: A member who purchases goods on the net
Virtual store server 30 using user terminal 200
0, and browses the HP of the virtual store provided by the virtual store server 300 using the member identification number. The user terminal 200 responds to an operation of browsing the HP using a keyboard, a mouse, or the like operated by the member,
The request is transmitted to the virtual store server 300.
The virtual store server 300, in response to the request,
Provide product sales information.

The member selects a desired product from the products displayed on the HP and performs predetermined electronic commerce procedures and the like from the user terminal 200. Submit your credit card number to purchase the product. Internet customer DB400
Receives the member ID number and purchase history data of the member from the virtual store server 300, and stores the member ID number and purchase history data in association with each other. The network customer DB 400 stores the member identification number and its purchase history data in the customer integrated DB 500 in the second network 90.
Send via 0.

Step ST2: The customer integration DB 500
The received member identification number and purchase history data are compared with the member identification number and purchase history data up to the previous period stored in the customer integration DB 500 to generate a monthly purchase history, and a virtual A point is generated, and a database is constructed in association with the member identification number.

Step ST3: The customer integration DB 500
The member identification number of the member and the virtual points on a monthly basis are transmitted to the virtual point providing terminal 600 via the second network 700. The virtual point providing terminal 600 stores the received member identification number of the member and the virtual points on a monthly basis.

Step ST4: Member receives point card 1
When bringing in 00, the virtual point giving terminal 600 records the monthly virtual points on the point card 100 brought. The member can check the monthly virtual points by looking at the point card 100. When the member desires to convert from virtual points to real points or from real points to virtual points, the virtual point providing terminal 600 transmits a request for converting points to the customer integration DB 500. Received customer integration DB5
00 converts the points and transmits the conversion result to the virtual point providing terminal 600. The virtual point providing terminal 600 receives the conversion result and prints the virtual point of the conversion result on the point card 100.

Step ST5: When the member receives the privilege according to the accumulated virtual points, the clerk of the store 10 requests the input device (not shown) connected to the virtual point providing terminal 600 to reduce the virtual points corresponding to the privilege. Enter The virtual point granting terminal 600 subtracts the stored virtual points of the member in response to the request, and prints the resulting virtual points on the point card 100 brought. The virtual point providing terminal 600 transmits the member identification number and the virtual point resulting from the subtraction to the customer integration DB 500.

The customer integrated DB 500 receives the member identification number and the subtracted virtual point from the virtual point providing terminal 600, and updates the stored database based on the received data. Similarly, when the member receives a discount on shopping at the store 10 according to the virtual points, the virtual point providing terminal 600 and the customer integration DB 500 perform a virtual point subtraction process.

Step ST6: If the member has made a purchase at the store 10, the store terminal 700 transmits the member identification number and the real purchase history data to the customer integrated DB 500. At that time, the shop terminal 700 records the real points on the point card 100 via the card R / W device. The customer integrated DB 500, based on the member identification number and the real purchase history data transmitted by the store terminal 700,
Update the stored database.

Step ST7: When the member confirms the virtual point and the real point on the network, the user terminal 200 transmits a request for confirming the virtual point and the real point to the virtual store server 300. The virtual store server 300, based on the received request, the customer integration D
Requests virtual point and real point data of the member from B500, and as a result of the request, customer integration DB
500 receives the transmitted data, and transmits the received data to the requesting user terminal 200.

To summarize the functions of the point card system 1 described above, in the point card system 1, the customer integrated DB 500 receives the real purchase history and the virtual purchase history from the net customer DB 400 and the store terminal 700, and based on the reception result. Then, a virtual point and a real point of the member are generated and stored in association with the member identification number. Therefore, in the point card system 1, the virtual points and the real points of the members can be shared.

The virtual point providing terminal 60
0 and the store terminal 700 can receive the virtual points and the real points of the member from the customer integrated DB 500 and print the respective points on the point card 100. Therefore, in the point card system 1, the member can always check the virtual points and the real points by looking at the point card 100.

The virtual shop server 300
Upon receiving a request to browse virtual points and real points from the user terminal 200, the customer integration DB 500
Tell the navel request. The customer integration DB 500 searches for each point and transmits the search result to the virtual store server 300. The virtual store server 300
The virtual point and the real point are transmitted to the requesting user terminal 200. Therefore, in the point card system 1, the member is the user terminal 200
The virtual point and the real point can be confirmed using.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and various suitable modifications are possible. For example, in the present embodiment, the virtual store server 30
0, net customer DB400 and customer integrated DB500
Have been described as separate computer devices, but may operate within one computer device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the virtual store server 300 is installed in the head office 20, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the virtual store server 300 may be installed at the point card center 30, or may be installed at a desired place if it can be connected to a network.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second network 900 is a dedicated line, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, the Internet.
At this time, measures are taken to prevent information from leaking to the outside, such as encrypting and transmitting communication data.

In this embodiment, the virtual points are printed by the virtual point providing terminal 600 and the real points are printed by the store terminal 700. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. Points may be printed by one terminal.

The point card 100 is not limited to a rewrite card, but may be an IC card.
Further, a medium on which points can be printed such as a paper or plastic plate may be used. Further, the point card 100 may have a liquid crystal display screen, receive data of real points and virtual points, and display points on the liquid crystal based on the received data.

Further, in the present embodiment, the virtual points and the real points are handled on a monthly basis. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Also, the points have been described as being added based on the purchase price, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, points are points that are added based on the number of correct answers of quizzes, points that are added based on the appearance of virtual games, pachinko games on the net, points that are added based on the winning points of virtual mahjong etc. There may be. In this case, for example, the virtual points may be exchanged for actual points or actual pachinko balls or the like.

The points printed on the point card 100 may be rewritable or non-rewritable. Further, points may be added only a predetermined number of times, for example, five times. After the predetermined number of times, a new point card may be issued. If rewriting is not possible, it may be timely issued to the member.

In the present embodiment, in step S4, the virtual point is changed to the real point, or
Although the real points are converted to the virtual points, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and may be exchanged when purchasing a product at the store 10 or may be exchanged when purchasing a product on a network. It may be exchanged when receiving a privilege.

In this embodiment, the customer integration DB 5
00 converted points, but the present invention is not limited to this mode, and the virtual point providing terminal 600 may convert points. Alternatively, the store terminal 700 may perform the conversion.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a point processing method for sharing a virtual point and a real point and recording each point on a point card. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a point processing system that shares a virtual point and a real point, and records each point on a point card. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a point processing device for sharing and fusing virtual points and real points.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a point recording apparatus for printing virtual points and real points on a point card. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a point card in which virtual points and real points can be displayed on the card surface, and the virtual points and real points can always be confirmed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a point card system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display on the surface of the point card of the point card system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process of the point card system shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Point card system 10 ... Store 20 ... Head office 30 ... Point center 100 ... Point card 200 ... User terminal 300 ... Virtual store server 400 ... Net customer DB 500 ... Customer integration DB 600 ... Virtual point grant terminal 700 ... Store terminal 800 ... First network 900... Second network

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 G06F 17/60 410E 410G 506 506 ZEC ZEC B42D 15/10 501 B42D 15/10 501D 551 551 G06K 17/00 G06K 17/00 R 19/00 G07G 1/12 321L G07G 1/12 321 G06K 19/00 U F term (reference) 2C005 HB14 JC03 3E042 CC01 CD04 EA01 5B035 BC00 5B058 KA08 YA01 YA20

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A first point given according to a predetermined action performed by a user via a network, and a first point given according to a predetermined action performed directly by a user without using a network. A point processing method for processing a second point, comprising: storing a user's identification information, a first point obtained by the user, and a second point obtained by the user in association with each other; A medium recording step of retrieving the stored first and second points obtained by the user and recording the search result on the portable information storage medium of the user. 2. When the user performs a predetermined action via a network, a first point given based on the action is obtained by the stored first point obtained by the user. A first addition step of adding to the points of the above, and when the user has directly performed a predetermined action without using a network, a second addition is performed based on the action.
2. The point processing method according to claim 1, further comprising: adding a second point to the stored second point obtained by the user. 3. When the user receives a predetermined service based on the acquired first point, the user stores the first point corresponding to the predetermined service. A first subtraction step of subtracting from the obtained first point; and a second step corresponding to the predetermined service when the user receives a predetermined service based on the obtained second point. 3. The point processing method according to claim 2, further comprising: a second subtraction step of subtracting points from the stored second points obtained by the user. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of converting the first point acquired by the user to a second point or the second point acquired by the user to a first point. The point processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. A first point given according to a predetermined action performed by a user via a network, and a first point given according to a predetermined action performed directly by a user without using a network. A point processing system for processing a second point, comprising: storage means for storing user identification information, a first point obtained by the user, and a second point obtained by the user in association with each other; A point processing system comprising: a medium recording unit that retrieves the first point and the second point obtained by the user from the storage unit, and records the search result in a portable information storage medium of the user. 6. The storage means stores, when the user has performed a predetermined action via a network, a first point given based on the action in the storage means. Add to the first point obtained by the user, and if the user has performed a direct predetermined action without going through a network, a second award is given based on the action.
The point processing system according to claim 5, wherein the points are added to the second points obtained by the user and stored in the storage unit. 7. The storage means, when the user receives a predetermined service based on the acquired first point, stores the first point corresponding to the predetermined service in the storage means. Is subtracted from the first point obtained by the user stored in the user, and when the user receives a predetermined service based on the obtained second point, this corresponds to the predetermined service. The point processing system according to claim 6, wherein the second point is subtracted from the second point obtained by the user and stored in the storage unit. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising point conversion means for converting the first point obtained by the user into a second point or converting the second point obtained by the user into a first point. The point processing system according to any one of claims 5 to 7. 9. A user's identification information, a first point given by the user in response to a predetermined action via a network, and a predetermined point which the user directly performs without passing through the network. Storage means for associating and storing a second point given in accordance with an act; and a first point given based on the act when the user has performed a predetermined act via a network. Is added to the first point obtained by the user stored in the storage means, and when the user has performed a direct predetermined action without going through a network, The second granted based on the act
And a second adding means for adding the points to the second points obtained by the user stored in the storage means. 10. When the user receives a predetermined service based on the acquired first point, the first point corresponding to the predetermined service is stored in the storage means. A first subtraction unit for subtracting from the first point obtained by the user; and, when the user receives a predetermined service based on the obtained second point, this corresponds to the predetermined service. A second point for subtracting a second point from a second point obtained by the user and stored in the storage means;
The point processing device according to claim 9, further comprising a subtraction unit. 11. The first point acquired by the user as a second point or the second point acquired by the user.
The point processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a point conversion unit configured to convert the point of (1) into a first point. 12. A first point given according to a predetermined action performed by a user via a network, and
What is claimed is: 1. A point recording device for recording, on a portable information recording medium, a second point given in response to a predetermined action directly performed by a user without using a network, wherein the portable information recording device carries the user. Transmission of transmitting identification information of the user to a loading means on which a medium is loaded, and a point management device that stores the first point obtained by the user and the second point obtained by the user in association with each other. Means, the first of the user transmitted by the point management device
Receiving means for receiving the first point and the second point, and receiving the first point and the second point,
Recording means for recording on the loaded portable information recording medium. 13. A first area for displaying a first point given according to a predetermined action performed by a user via a network, and a first area for displaying a first point provided by the user directly without using the network. Second to display a second point given according to the act
Loyalty card having an area with.