JP2004005703A - Electronic chip distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an online discount function capable of exercising a flexible and powerful sales promotion effect in regard to a technique for distributing electronic chips via a network. <P>SOLUTION: A user can play a network game by using a game client device 108, and the user receives electronic chips in response to points of the game. An electronic chip issuing module 102 dynamically determines an exchange rate of the points to the electronic chips in coordination with a game server device 109 while referring to an electronic chip condition calculation module 107. The user can purchase commodities by using a Web-POS client system 110, and the user can receive a discount by freely using the electronic chips issued per each user. An electronic chip expenditure module 103 dynamically determines an exchange rate of the electronic chips to money in coordination with a Web-POS server device 111 while referring to the electronic chip condition calculating module 107. Communication between them is performed using electronic mail. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technology for distributing electronic chips via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for the purpose of sales promotion, a discount ticket or a product purchase ticket is often distributed when a user purchases a product in a specific shopping street or a specific manufacturer. The user can receive a discount on the purchase amount by using the discount ticket or the like in the next shopping.
[0003]
Such a discount voucher service can increase a user's willingness to purchase and produce a sales promotion effect by limiting the period and products.
Due to the spread of computer networks such as the Internet in recent years, for example, in online shopping at a virtual mall on the Internet, the server computer corresponds to the above-described discount ticket or the like when placing an order using the Web purchase form of each product. A conventional technique for issuing ticket data and managing it as a database for each user is also known. At the next online shopping, the user can receive a discount for the ticket data issued to him / her by inputting a user ID, for example.
[0004]
However, in such a conventional technique, the distribution conditions of ticket data are fixedly assigned in advance for each product type or each manufacturer, and the sales promotion effect exhibited thereby is also fixed. Had a point.
[0005]
Therefore, for example, it has been difficult to realize, for example, a sales promotion campaign with a limited period for ticket data already issued to the user.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to realize an online discount function capable of exhibiting a flexible and powerful sales promotion effect.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is premised on electronic chip distribution technology for distributing electronic chips. First, in response to a predetermined issuing operation by the user, an electronic chip is issued based on the set electronic chip issuing conditions. Specifically, for example, an electronic chip is issued for a game operation or a product purchase operation by a user. In this case, the electronic chip issuance condition includes, for example, a conversion rate between the score of the game operation and the unit of the electronic chip, and the expiration date of the electronic chip.
[0008]
Next, for a predetermined consumption operation such as a product ordering operation or a game operation by the user, consumption of the electronic chip is accepted based on the set electronic chip consumption conditions. This electronic chip consumption condition includes, for example, a conversion rate between the unit of electronic chip and the unit of money, and the expiration date of the electronic chip.
[0009]
Further, information (chip balance, expiration date, exchange rate, etc.) related to the electronic chip held by the user is supplied to the user as electronic chip information.
Furthermore, an electronic chip issue history and an electronic chip consumption history are managed.
The electronic chip issuing module in the electronic chip distribution server device issues the electronic chip based on the score of the network game notified from the game server device, the identification information of the user who executed the network game, and the electronic chip issuing conditions The electronic chip information supply module supplies, as electronic chip information, information related to an electronic chip held by a user who operates the game client device to the game client device via the game server device. The module and the game server device communicate with each other using electronic mail.
[0010]
Based on the issuance / consumption history of the electronic chip, the electronic chip issuance condition / consumption condition is calculated. In this case, the history of predetermined issuance / consumption operation by the user is further managed, and the electronic chip issuance is performed based on the management contents of the issuance / consumption history of the electronic chip and the management content of the predetermined issuance / consumption operation by the user. The conditions and / or electronic chip consumption conditions can be calculated. Moreover, it can comprise so that a common electronic chip issue condition or an electronic chip consumption condition may be calculated for the whole user or for every user individually.
[0011]
In the configuration of the above-described invention, an electronic chip is issued based on an electronic chip issue condition in response to a game operation by a user, and an advertisement associated with the game operation is displayed as a response to the game operation. can do.
[0012]
With the configuration of the above invention, the user can play a network game such as a bingo game using a game client device installed in the store after shopping or pachinko at the store, and according to the score of the game An electronic chip can be issued. After that, the user can place orders for various products using the Web-POS client device installed in the same store or other stores, and at this time, the electronic chip issued for each user is freely available. You can use it to get a discount. As described above, according to the present invention, the electronic chip can be effectively distributed for sales promotion.
[0013]
The electronic chip information supply module supplies, as electronic chip information, information related to an electronic chip held by a user operating the sales point information client device via the point of sale information server device. The consumption module and the point-of-sale information server device communicate with each other using electronic mail.
[0014]
In addition, the operation history management module acquires and manages the collection history of the point-of-sale information via the point-of-sale information server device, and the operation history management module and the point-of-sale information server device communicate with each other. Using email.
[0015]
In this case, in particular, an exchange rate for issuing an electronic chip, more specifically, for example, an exchange rate for converting a game score into an electronic chip and an exchange rate for consuming the electronic chip, more specifically, For example, it becomes possible to dynamically change the exchange rate of money for electronic chips used at the time of product purchase based on various conditions by the electronic chip distribution server device.
[0016]
As a result, for example, the sales promotion effect for users who have a long subscription period or a high access rate will be further increased, the access to game types with less access will be increased, the sales promotion effect for stores with low sales will be increased, and the expiration date is approaching. It becomes possible to easily produce various sales promotion effects such as promoting consumption of chips.
[0017]
In the present invention, user research based on the contents of the operation history management module is also possible.
Alternatively, in the present invention, a user can connect to the Internet from a personal computer at home to answer a game, quiz, questionnaire, etc., and acquire an electronic chip based on the answer. Can be displayed. In other words, users are actively responding to games, quizzes, questionnaires, etc. in the hope that they will receive an electronic chip, and the advertising homepage of the advertising company is always displayed on the user's browser screen. It is possible to create a promotion effect.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
First embodiment
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the user can play a network game such as a bingo game using a game client device installed in the store after shopping or pachinko at the store. The user can receive an electronic chip according to the score of the game. When the game is operated, a product manufacturer, a shopping street, or the like is a sponsor. After that, the user can place orders for various products using the Web-POS client device installed in the same store or other stores, etc. At this time, the electronic chip issued for each user is freely available. You can use it to get a discount. The ordered product can be received, for example, at another store in the same shopping street or by direct delivery.
[0020]
Here, as a major feature related to the present invention, there are various exchange rates for converting game scores to electronic chips, and exchange rates for electronic chips used when purchasing products, depending on the electronic chip distribution server device. It can be changed dynamically based on conditions. As a result, for example, for users who visit many stores and access many network games, the exchange rate for electronic chips is set high from the score of the game, or stores with a small number of product orders as a whole user. For example, it is possible to easily produce various sales promotion effects by setting a high exchange rate from electronic chip to money.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of an electronic chip distribution system realized by the present invention.
The user operates the game client device 108 to execute the network game.
[0022]
The game server device 109 causes the game client device 108 operated by the user to execute a network game via the network 112 such as the Internet or a leased line network. In addition, the game server device 109 notifies the electronic chip issuing module 102 in the electronic chip distribution server device 101 of the game type, the score, and the user ID. The notification is performed using e-mail, for example.
[0023]
The operation mode of the network game by the game client device 108 and the game server device 109 is disclosed in detail in the Japanese Patent Application No. 9-246209 patent application filed by the present applicant. When such a network game system is adopted, user authentication is performed for game participants, and the game progresses once a day for a certain period of time, for example, so that the user can enjoy the game for a long time. Can do.
[0024]
In addition, for example, when this network game system is used for a service event of a store, it is possible to secure a fixed customer, and it is possible to produce a sales promotion effect such that a customer comes to the store every day by progressing the game once a day. . Furthermore, since the game progress period can be limited, an effect that the game participants can always come to the store for a certain period can be obtained. In addition, since a POS terminal or the like is used as a game terminal, a customer can participate in the game without specially installing a terminal even in a small store, and the effect of attracting customers can be increased at a low cost.
[0025]
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a more effective sales promotion effect is realized by providing such a network game system with an electronic chip issuing function.
[0026]
The electronic chip distribution server device 101 is a computer that controls the distribution and exchange rate of electronic chips.
The electronic chip issuing module 102 issues an electronic chip based on the set electronic chip issuing conditions in response to a network game operation performed by the user via the game client device 108 and the game server device 109.
[0027]
The electronic chip issuance conditions are held in an electronic chip issuance condition database managed by the electronic chip condition calculation module 107.
FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram of the electronic chip issue condition database. The exchange rate and expiration date calculated by the electronic chip condition calculation module 107 are registered in a record corresponding to each combination of each user ID and each game type in the database table.
[0028]
The electronic chip issuing module 102 searches for records on the electronic chip issuing condition database based on the game type and score notified from the game server device 109 and the user ID, and from the searched records, the exchange rate and the expiration date To extract.
[0029]
Next, the module 102 calculates the number of issued chips by multiplying the score notified from the game server device 109 by the exchange rate described above.
The module 102 registers the calculated chip issuance number in a database managed by the electronic chip history management module 105.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a data configuration diagram of the database. In the record corresponding to each combination of the user ID and the expiration date of the table of this database, the number of issued chips to the user corresponding to the user ID of the electronic chip corresponding to the expiration date, the number of chip consumption, the chip balance, In addition, the number of expired chips is registered. The electronic chip issuing module 102 registers the calculated chip issuing number in a record corresponding to the user ID notified from the game server device 109 and the expiration date extracted from the electronic chip issuing condition database (FIG. 2).
[0031]
If there is no corresponding record, a new record is registered. If there is, a new chip issue number is added to the chip issue number and chip balance of the record.
[0032]
On the other hand, the electronic chip issuing module 102 transmits the contents of all records in the electronic chip issuing condition database (FIG. 2) to the game server device 109 at regular intervals. This transmission is performed by e-mail, for example.
[0033]
Further, the electronic chip information supply module 104 transmits the contents of all records in the database (FIG. 3) managed by the electronic chip history management module 105 to the game server device 109 at regular intervals. This transmission is also performed by e-mail, for example.
[0034]
The game server device 109 is notified of HTML (hypertext markup language) game form data transmitted to the game client device 108 from the electronic chip issuing module 102 and the electronic chip information supply module 104 for each user ID and game type. Various information such as exchange rates, expiration dates, and chip balances, for example, Netscape Communications
Embed using the JavaScript language developed by the Corporation. Here, the chip balance has the user ID of the user who operates the game client device 108 among one or more records on the database (FIG. 3) managed by the electronic chip history management module 105 and has expired. It is the total value of each chip balance of the record that is not.
[0035]
The user uses the game client device 108 to play a game using, for example, a game form screen as shown in FIG. In addition to the game screen, this form screen displays “current score”, “current exchange rate”, “currently acquired chip count”, “expiration date”, “current total chip count”, etc. . In each field of “current exchange rate” and “expiration date”, an exchange rate and an expiration date transmitted from the game server device 109 are displayed. When the “current score” is updated as the game progresses, the field value of “currently acquired chip number” is automatically calculated and displayed using the exchange rate transmitted from the game server device 109.
[0036]
Further, the “current total number of chips” is automatically calculated by adding the field value of “current number of acquired chips” to the chip balance transmitted from the game server device 109. These automatic calculations and display are realized, for example, as operations in which the game client device 108 executes calculation codes in the JavaScript language embedded in the HTML game form data.
[0037]
As described above, the user can check the current acquisition number and expiration date of the electronic chip, the current exchange rate, the total number of chips currently owned by the user, and the like while playing the network game.
[0038]
Next, the user uses the Web-POS client device 110 installed in a store or the like, or the Web-POS client device 110 realized by a personal computer at home, to order products for online shopping or each store in a local shopping street. It can be performed.
[0039]
For this purpose, the point-of-sale information is controlled by the Web-POS server device 111 connected via the network 112. The point-of-sale information (POS) control by the Web-POS client device 110 and the Web-POS server device 111 is disclosed in detail in the Japanese Patent Application No. 10-13546 patent application filed by the present applicant.
[0040]
This system is characterized in that the POS function is realized on a Web server / client system that performs communication based on the HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) protocol. As a result, a low-cost POS system can be realized, and at the same time, a server device and a client device can be connected using a public network such as the Internet or a LAN (local area network) without installing a POS dedicated line. Is possible.
[0041]
The Web server / client system is a system that realizes a homepage publishing / browsing function that is widely spread on the Internet and the like, and can be easily realized using a general-purpose workstation and a personal computer. Therefore, the product sales information or the product order information registered in the server device from the client device can be easily transmitted to each product supplier or the like by HTTP communication or e-mail communication.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, by utilizing this flexibility, the Web-POS server device 111 from the electronic chip consumption module 103 and the electronic chip information supply module 104 in the electronic chip distribution server device 101 using means such as electronic mail. The electronic chip information is notified, and conversely, the consumption information of the electronic chip is notified from the Web-POS server device 111 to the electronic chip consumption module 103 in the electronic chip distribution server device 101.
[0043]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Web-POS form screen displayed on the Web-POS client device 110. The user uses a touch panel or the like to select a desired product category in the category list displayed in the upper first frame of the three divided frame screen of FIG. 5 and the number of interruptions belonging to the selected product category. Just select the desired product name in the PLU (Price Lookup) list displayed in the second frame, and enter the quantity in the quantity input field displayed in the second frame using the keyboard. A detailed form for can be automatically obtained on the third frame.
[0044]
In this case, the total amount of the line is automatically calculated and displayed as “product amount:”, and the expiration date of electronic chip “expiration date:”, chip balance “balance:”, exchange rate “rate:”, etc. Is displayed. The user inputs the number of chips that he / she wants to use for each electronic chip with an expiration date in the “Use:” field, and the discount rate “Conversion:” is displayed by multiplying the number by the exchange rate. Can do. As a result, the value obtained by subtracting the field value of “Conversion:” for each expiration date from the field value of “Product value:” is obtained as “Subtotal:”, and “Tax amount:” is automatically calculated. Finally, “order amount:” is calculated.
[0045]
The series of automatic calculation and display described above is realized as an operation in which the Web-POS client apparatus 110 executes a calculation code in the JavaScript language embedded in the Web-POS form data, for example. Specific control for this purpose can be easily realized by using the software control technique disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application No. 10-13546 patent application.
[0046]
Here, the electronic chip consumption module 103 keeps constant the client ID, expiration date, and exchange rate of all records in the electronic chip consumption condition database managed by the electronic chip condition calculation module 107 and having the data configuration shown in FIG. It is transmitted to the Web-POS server device 111 every period. This transmission is performed by e-mail, for example. Each client ID is a code for identifying each Web-POS client device 110, and the exchange rate is information indicating a monetary amount per unit of the electronic chip. Thus, in this embodiment, the exchange rate can be set independently for each store where each Web-POS client device 110 is installed.
[0047]
In addition, the electronic chip information supply module 104 transmits the contents of all records in the database (FIG. 3) managed by the electronic chip history management module 105 to the Web-POS server device 111 at regular intervals. This transmission is also performed by e-mail, for example.
[0048]
Then, the Web-POS server device 111 consumes an electronic chip into Web-POS form data by HTML transmitted to the Web-POS client device 110 for each client ID of the Web-POS client device 110 and a user ID that operates the Web-POS client device 110. Information such as each expiration date, each chip balance, and each exchange rate notified from the module 103 and the electronic chip information supply module 104 is embedded using the JavaScript language or the like.
[0049]
As described above, the Web-POS form screen as shown in FIG. 5 can be displayed on the Web-POS client device 110, and the user can freely use his own electronic chip.
[0050]
When the user presses, for example, an “order” button on the form screen, the point-of-sale information including the consumption information on the electronic chip is transmitted as form data from the Web-POS client device 110 to the Web-POS server device 111.
[0051]
The Web-POS server device 111 registers the point-of-sale information in the internal database, and also sends the user ID, each expiration date of the electronic chip, and consumption information for each expiration date, for example, by electronic mail to the electronic chip distribution server. The electronic chip consumption module 103 in the device 101 is notified.
[0052]
The electronic chip consumption module 103 displays the consumption number information for each expiration date of the electronic chip notified from the Web-POS server device 111, the user ID notified from the server device 111, and the record corresponding to each expiration date. Add to the “chip consumption” field to update the chip balance of the record.
[0053]
On the other hand, the game server device 109 transmits the period, the user ID, and the number of times of user access for each game type to the operation history management module 106 in the electronic chip distribution server device 101 by e-mail, for example, at regular intervals. . The operation history management module 106 registers such information in, for example, a game history database having a data configuration shown in FIG.
[0054]
In addition, the Web-POS server device 111 transmits the total sales of products for each period and client ID to the operation history management module 106 in the electronic chip distribution server device 101 by e-mail, for example, at regular intervals. The operation history management module 106 registers such information in, for example, a sales history database having a data configuration shown in FIG.
[0055]
In addition, the operation history management module 106 registers, for each user ID, the subscription period and total purchase amount of the user in the user history database having the data configuration shown in FIG. 9, for example.
[0056]
The electronic chip condition calculation module 107 is shown in FIG. 3, for example, which is managed by the electronic chip distribution server device 101 and the contents of the game history database, sales history database, and user history database managed by the operation history management module 106 described above. Based on the contents of the database having the data structure, for example, the contents of the electronic chip issuance condition database having the data structure shown in FIG. 2 and the contents of the electronic chip consumption condition database having the data structure shown in FIG.
[0057]
Specifically, for example, in the game history database of FIG. 7, the electronic chip condition calculation module 107 changes the exchange rate according to a predetermined function according to the number of accesses for each user ID, or the period for each user ID. The contents of the electronic chip issuance condition database shown in FIG. 2 are updated so that the exchange rate changes according to a predetermined function in accordance with the change in the number of accesses along the course.
[0058]
Alternatively, the electronic chip condition calculation module 107 may be configured such that, for example, in the game history database of FIG. 7, a game type with a smaller number of accesses increases the exchange rate according to a predetermined function, or the number of accesses decreases with the passage of time The contents of the electronic chip issuance condition database in FIG. 2 are updated so that the exchange rate increases according to a predetermined function as the game type increases.
[0059]
In addition, the electronic chip condition calculation module 107 is configured so that, for example, in the user history database of FIG. 9, a user ID with a longer subscription period has a higher exchange rate according to a predetermined function, or a user ID with a higher total purchase amount has a predetermined function. The exchange rate in the electronic chip issuance condition database in FIG. 2 is updated so that the exchange rate increases according to
[0060]
Further, the electronic chip condition calculation module 107, for example, in the sales history database of FIG. 8, the exchange rate is increased according to a predetermined function for a client ID having a lower total sales amount, or the total sales amount is decreased with the passage of a period. The exchange rate in the electronic chip consumption condition database of FIG. 6 is updated so that the exchange rate increases in accordance with a predetermined function as the client ID has a larger ratio.
[0061]
Furthermore, the electronic chip condition calculation module 107 updates the record contents in the electronic chip consumption condition database of FIG. 6 so that the exchange rate becomes smaller as the record whose expiration date is approaching.
[0062]
As described above, the exchange rate for converting the score of the game into an electronic chip and the exchange rate for money of the electronic chip used at the time of product purchase are the electronic chip condition calculation module in the electronic chip distribution server device 101. By 107, it is dynamically changed based on various conditions.
[0063]
As a result, an electronic chip whose expiry date is approaching is increasing, increasing the sales promotion effect for users with long subscription period or high access, increasing access to game types with less access, increasing sales promotion effect for stores with low sales It is possible to easily produce various sales promotion effects such as promoting consumption of goods.
[0064]
In the first embodiment described above, as described above, the game type and score notification from the game server device 109 to the electronic chip distribution server device 101 and the electronic chip from the electronic chip issuing module 102 to the game server device 109 are described. Notification of issue conditions, notification of the contents of the electronic chip history management module 105 from the electronic chip information supply module 104 to the game server device 109 and the Web-POS server device 111, and notification from the electronic chip consumption module 103 to the Web-POS server device 111 The notification of the electronic chip consumption condition and the notification of the user ID, the consumption number information of the electronic chip, etc. from the Web-POS server device 111 to the electronic chip consumption module 103 can be respectively performed using electronic mail.
[0065]
In this case, for example, the notification destination module of the information stored in the e-mail can be controlled by the setting contents of the To: header field of the e-mail, and the above case information can also be notified according to a specific format. . By using e-mail in this manner, various servers can be connected to each other with simple control, and maintenance and the like are facilitated by adopting a mail command set format that can be understood by humans.
[0066]
In the first embodiment, the electronic chip is issued when the game client device 108 and the game server device 109 execute a game, and the electronic chip is consumed by the Web-POS client device 110 and the Web-POS server device 111. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various server devices can be connected to issue or consume electronic chips.
[0067]
For example, in the first embodiment described above, the electronic chip is issued when the game client device 108 and the game server device 109 execute a game, but the Web-POS client device 110 and the Web-POS server device 111 do the same. It may be performed at the time of sale of the product.
[0068]
In addition, the calculation of the electronic chip issuance condition and the electronic chip consumption condition by the electronic chip condition calculation module 107 is not limited to the calculation based on the parameters defined in the first embodiment, but the electronic chip history management. It can be configured to be performed based on various management contents managed by the module 105 and the operation history management module 106.
[0069]
Second embodiment
In the second embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the same function as that of the first embodiment of the present invention described above, an advertisement of a sponsor company that issues an electronic chip is effectively provided to general users. to enable.
[0070]
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of an electronic chip distribution system realized by the present invention.
In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one electronic chip distribution server apparatus 101 controls the entire distribution of electronic chips. In the second embodiment, the electronic chip distribution center apparatus 1001 has an electronic chip management center 1001. An electronic chip issue management server device 1002, an electronic chip issue game server device 1003, an advertising company WWW server device 1004, an electronic chip history management server device 1005, and an electronic chip consumption server device 1006 connected to the LAN 1007 cooperate with each other. Control the entire distribution of electronic chips. The LAN 1007 is connected to the Internet 1009 via the router device 1008.
[0071]
First, the electronic chip issue management server apparatus 1002 has the same function as the electronic chip condition calculation module 107 in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
In this case, a company wishing to advertise accesses an electronic chip application homepage provided by the electronic chip issue management server apparatus 1002 from the advertising company client apparatus 1010 connected to the Internet 1009. The advertising company client device 1010 is a normal personal computer that can be connected to the Internet 1009 and has a browser application installed. When the operator of the device 1010 inputs the URL of the home page from the browser screen, URL data requesting the home page is sent to the electronic chip issue management server device 1002 via the Internet 1009, the router device 1008, and the LAN 1007. .
[0072]
On the electronic chip issuance management server apparatus 1002, a WWW server program is running. In response to the input of the URL data for the electronic chip application homepage from the advertising company client device 1010, this program first stores login form data in HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) format for entering the company ID and password. Send to the advertising company client device 1010.
[0073]
The operator of the advertising company client device 1010 (the person in charge of the company that wants to advertise) enters the company ID and password in the login form displayed on the browser screen, and then the submit button displayed on the form Click with the mouse. As a result, the form data in which the company ID and password are input is sent from the advertising company client apparatus 1010 to the electronic chip issue management server apparatus 1002 via the Internet 1009, the router apparatus 1008, and the LAN 1007.
[0074]
The electronic chip issuance management server apparatus 1002 authenticates the company ID and password with reference to the company user authentication file (not shown), and then game type, chip upper limit number, exchange rate, and expiration date for the electronic chip. Is sent to the advertising client device 1010.
[0075]
The operator of the advertising company client device 1010 inputs each of the necessary items on the electronic chip application form displayed on the browser screen, and then clicks the submit button displayed on the form with the mouse. As a result, the form data in which each necessary item is input is sent from the advertising company client apparatus 1010 to the electronic chip issue management server apparatus 1002 via the Internet 1009, the router apparatus 1008, and the LAN 1007.
[0076]
The electronic chip issue management server apparatus 1002 first adds a new record to the electronic chip issue condition database having the data structure shown in FIG. 11, and then writes the authenticated company ID in the company ID field of the record. The game type, the maximum number of chips, the exchange rate, and the expiration date are extracted from the received electronic chip application form data, and written in the corresponding fields of the record.
[0077]
Next, the general user sends various game homepages, quiz homepages, or questionnaire homepages (hereinafter collectively referred to as amusement homepages) provided by the electronic chip issuing game server device 1003 from the user client device 1011 connected to the Internet 1009. ). The user client device 1011 is a normal personal computer similar to the advertising company client device 1010. When an operator of the device 1011 (hereinafter referred to as a general user) inputs the URL of the amusement homepage from a browser screen, URL data for requesting the homepage is transmitted to the electronic chip via the Internet 1009, the router device 1008, and the LAN 1007. It is sent to the issuing game server device 1003.
[0078]
The electronic chip issuing game server device 1003 includes the functions of the game server device 109 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the functions of the electronic chip issuing module 102 in the electronic chip distribution server device 101, and as necessary. The function of the electronic chip information supply module 104 in the electronic chip distribution server apparatus 101 is included.
[0079]
On the electronic chip issuing game server device 1003, a WWW server program is running. In response to the input of URL data of the amusement homepage from the user client device 1011, this program stores game form data, quiz form data, or questionnaire form data (hereinafter collectively referred to as amusement form data) as a user client. Send to device 1011.
[0080]
The general user uses the amusement form displayed on the browser screen to enjoy a game, a quiz, or answer a questionnaire, and then clicks a submit button displayed on the form with the mouse. As a result, form data including a response to a game, a quiz, a questionnaire, or the like is sent from the user client device 1011 to the electronic chip issuing game server device 1003 via the Internet 1009, the router device 1008, and the LAN 1007.
[0081]
The electronic chip issuing game server device 1003 extracts the company ID, the game type, the answer to the game, quiz, or questionnaire, and the user ID from the form data. The device 1003 requests an exchange rate and an expiration date from the electronic chip issue management server device 1002 connected via the LAN 1007 based on the company ID and the game type. This request can be made by e-mail, for example. The electronic chip issuance management server device 1002 searches the electronic chip issuance condition database shown in FIG. 11 using the company ID and game type received from the electronic chip issuance game server device 1003 as keys, thereby obtaining the exchange rate and expiration date. They are acquired and returned to the electronic chip issuing game server device 1003 by e-mail or the like. The electronic chip issuance game server device 1003 may be configured to directly access the electronic chip issuance condition database managed by the electronic chip issuance management server device 1002 and acquire the exchange rate and the expiration date.
[0082]
Subsequently, the electronic chip issuance game server device 1003 calculates the number of chip issuances based on the answer (correct / incorrect answer or score) to the game, quiz, or questionnaire and the exchange rate.
[0083]
Then, the electronic chip issue game server device 1003 transmits the calculated chip issue number to the electronic chip issue management server device 1002 together with the company ID and the game type. The electronic chip issuing game server device 1003 searches for the corresponding record in the electronic chip issuing condition database shown in FIG. 11 using the company ID and the game type as a key, and registers it in the chip issuing number field of the searched record. The chip issuance number received from the electronic chip issuance game server device 1003 is accumulated in the number of issued chips, and the contents of the chip issuance number field are replaced by the accumulated result. The electronic chip issuing game server device 1003 may be configured to directly access the electronic chip issuing condition database managed by the electronic chip issuing management server device 1002 and update the chip issuing number.
[0084]
Subsequently, the electronic chip issuance game server apparatus 1003 includes the calculated chip issuance number and the expiration date acquired from the electronic chip issuance management server apparatus 1002 together with the user ID extracted from the form data. To 1005. The electronic chip history management server device 1005 includes the function of the electronic chip history management module 105 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and includes the module 105 together with a database of general user information (name, address, etc.). Manages a database similar to the database shown in FIG. The server device 1005 searches the corresponding record on the database using the user ID and the expiration date received from the electronic chip issue game server device 1003 as keys, and is registered in the chip issue number field of the found record. The chip issuance number received from the electronic chip issuance game server device 1003 is accumulated in the chip issuance number, and the contents of the chip issuance number field are replaced by the accumulated result. The electronic chip issuing game server device 1003 may be configured to directly access the database managed by the electronic chip history management server device 1005 and update the chip issuing number.
[0085]
As described above, a general user can receive an electronic chip by responding to a game, a quiz, or a questionnaire related to a specific advertising company.
Finally, the electronic chip issuing game server device 1003 generates a command for displaying the homepage of the advertising company corresponding to the company ID and game type extracted from the form data received from the user client device 1011, and this is connected to the LAN 1007. To the advertising company WWW server apparatus 1004. The advertising company WWW server apparatus 1004 does not necessarily have to be connected to the LAN 1007, and may be connected to the advertising company's own LAN or the like via the Internet 1009. The above command is an HTTP format server redirection command, and is composed of a character string “Location:” followed by URL data of the corresponding home page on the advertising company WWW server device 1004.
[0086]
The advertising company WWW server apparatus 1004 transmits a home page corresponding to the URL specified by the server redirection command to the user client apparatus 1011.
[0087]
The homepage transmitted from the advertising company WWW server device 1004 contains answers to games, quizzes, questionnaires, etc., performed by general users using the amusement homepage, and general users should confirm the responses. Can do. At the same time, the advertisement of the advertisement company is posted on the home page transmitted from the advertisement company WWW server apparatus 1004.
[0088]
Therefore, the general user always sees the advertisement homepage of the advertising company by responding to the game, quiz, questionnaire, or the like, and can receive an electronic chip instead. Because general users respond positively to games, quizzes, questionnaires, etc. in the hope of getting an electronic chip, the advertising homepage of the advertising company is always displayed on the browser screen of the above general users, It becomes possible to produce a large sales promotion effect.
[0089]
Next, the electronic chip consumption server device 1006 has the function of the Web-POS server device 111 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the electronic chip consumption module 103 in the electronic chip distribution server device 101, and the electronic chip information. Including the functions of the supply module 104, the same electronic chip consumption function as that of the first embodiment realized by these devices is realized.
[0090]
First, the electronic chip issue management server apparatus 1002 manages a database (see FIG. 6) similar to the electronic chip consumption condition database managed by the electronic chip condition calculation module 107 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Then, the electronic chip consumption server device 1006 responds to the client ID by transmitting the corresponding client ID (corresponding to each store such as a shopping street) to the electronic chip issuance management server device 1002 by e-mail or the like. Request expiration date and exchange rate.
[0091]
The electronic chip issue management server apparatus 1002 searches the electronic chip consumption condition database having the data structure shown in FIG. 6 by using the client ID as a key, thereby obtaining the expiration date and the exchange rate, and using it as an e-mail or the like To the electronic chip consumption server device 1006. Here, the expiration date and the exchange rate for each client ID (store) in the electronic chip consumption condition database are set by an administrator of the electronic chip management center 1001 or the like. The exchange rate is information indicating the monetary amount per unit of the electronic chip, as in the case of the first embodiment.
[0092]
Also, the electronic chip consumption server device 1006 acquires the contents of all records in the database (FIG. 3) managed by the electronic chip history management server device 1005 at regular intervals. This acquisition is also performed by e-mail, for example.
[0093]
Then, the electronic chip consumption server device 1006 transmits the expiration date of the electronic chip corresponding to the user ID input in advance from the device 1011 to the Web-POS form data transmitted to the user client device 1011, the chip balance, and Information such as the exchange rate is embedded using the JavaScript language or the like.
[0094]
As a result, the general user provides the Web-POS form screen as described in the first embodiment provided by the electronic chip consumer server device 1006 from the user client device 1011 connected to the Internet 1009 (see FIG. 5). Can be displayed, and an electronic chip owned by the user can be freely used.
[0095]
When a general user inputs product purchase information on this form screen and then presses an “order” button or the like, point-of-sale information including electronic chip consumption number information is used as form data from the user client device 1011 to consume the electronic chip. It is transmitted to the server apparatus 1006.
[0096]
The electronic chip consumption server device 1006 registers the point-of-sale information in the internal database, and also manages the user ID, the expiration date of each electronic chip, and the consumption number information for each expiration date, for example, by electronic mail. The server device 1005 is notified.
[0097]
The electronic chip history management server device 1005 displays the consumption number information for each expiration date of the electronic chip notified from the electronic chip consumption server device 1006, the user ID notified from the device 1006, and the record corresponding to each expiration date. , And add to the “chip consumption number” field (see FIG. 3) to update the chip balance of the record.
[0098]
On the other hand, the electronic chip consumption server device 1006 can also be configured as follows. That is, the apparatus 1006 displays a form screen that allows a general user to select a prize according to the balance of the electronic chip.
[0099]
When a general user selects a possible prize on the form screen and then presses an “order” button or the like, a prize selection information including information on the number of consumption of the electronic chip is sent as form data from the user client device 1011 to the electronic chip consumption server. Transmitted to the device 1006.
[0100]
The electronic chip consumption server device 1006 registers the prize selection information in the delivery preparation database, and also sends the user ID, each expiration date of the electronic chip, and consumption number information for each expiration date, for example, by electronic mail. The history management server device 1005 is notified.
[0101]
The electronic chip history management server device 1005 displays the consumption number information for each expiration date of the electronic chip notified from the electronic chip consumption server device 1006, the user ID notified from the device 1006, and the record corresponding to each expiration date. , The value is added to the “chip consumption number” field (see FIG. 3), and the chip balance of the record is updated.
[0102]
Furthermore, instead of the electronic chip consumption server device 1006, the second electronic chip distribution system having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment is connected, and the game server device 109 is based on the electronic chip. And the game client device 108 are allowed to play a virtual casino, a battle game, and the like, and the second electronic chip that can be acquired as a result is consumed by the Web-POS server device 111 and the Web-POS client device 110. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of an electronic chip distribution system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram of an electronic chip issuance condition database managed by the electronic chip condition calculation module according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a data configuration diagram of a database managed by the electronic chip history management module in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the game client device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the Web-POS client device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a data configuration diagram of an electronic chip consumption condition database managed by the electronic chip condition calculation module in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a data configuration diagram of a game history database managed by an operation history management module in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a data configuration diagram of a sales history database managed by the operation history management module in the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a data configuration diagram of a user history database managed by the operation history management module in the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of an electronic chip distribution system according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a data configuration diagram of an electronic chip issuance condition database managed by the electronic chip issuance management server apparatus in the second embodiment.

Claims (4)

An electronic chip issuing module for issuing an electronic chip based on a set electronic chip issuing condition for a predetermined issuing operation by a user;
An electronic chip consumption module that accepts consumption of the electronic chip based on set electronic chip consumption conditions for a predetermined consumption operation by a user;
An electronic chip information supply module that supplies information on an electronic chip held by the user to the user as electronic chip information;
An electronic chip history management module that manages an issue history of the electronic chip by the electronic chip issue module and a consumption history of the electronic chip by the electronic chip consumption module;
An electronic chip distribution system including an electronic chip distribution server device for distributing an electronic chip for sales promotion, further including an operation history management module for managing the history of the predetermined issuing operation and the history of the predetermined consumption operation by the user In
A game client device that executes a network game, and a game server that causes the game client device to execute the network game, and at least notifies the electronic chip issuing module of the score of the network game and identification information of a user who executed the network game Including the device,
The electronic chip issuing module in the electronic chip distribution server device is configured to output the electronic chip based on the score of the network game notified from the game server device, identification information of a user who executed the network game, and the electronic chip issuing conditions. The electronic chip information supply module issues, as electronic chip information, information on an electronic chip held by a user operating the game client device to the game client device via the game server device. The electronic chip distribution system, wherein the issuing module and the game server device communicate with each other using electronic mail. An electronic chip issuing module for issuing an electronic chip based on a set electronic chip issuing condition for a predetermined issuing operation by a user;
An electronic chip consumption module that accepts consumption of the electronic chip based on set electronic chip consumption conditions for a predetermined consumption operation by a user;
An electronic chip information supply module that supplies information on an electronic chip held by the user to the user as electronic chip information;
An electronic chip history management module that manages an issue history of the electronic chip by the electronic chip issue module and a consumption history of the electronic chip by the electronic chip consumption module;
An electronic chip distribution system including an electronic chip distribution server device for distributing an electronic chip for sales promotion, further including an operation history management module for managing the history of the predetermined issuing operation and the history of the predetermined consumption operation by the user In
A game client device that executes a network game, and a game server that causes the game client device to execute the network game, and at least notifies the electronic chip issuing module of the score of the network game and identification information of a user who executed the network game And the electronic chip issuing module in the electronic chip distribution server device is based on the score of the network game notified from the game server device, the identification information of the user who executed the network game, and the electronic chip issuing condition The electronic chip information supply module supplies, as electronic chip information, information on an electronic chip held by a user who operates the game client device to the game client device via the game server device. And
The point-of-sale information client device that inputs point-of-sale information including consumption information of the electronic chip, the point-of-sale information collected from the point-of-sale information client device, and included in the point-of-sale information in the electronic chip consumption module A point-of-sale information server device for notifying at least the consumption information of the electronic chip and the identification information of the user who consumed the electronic chip,
The electronic chip information supply module supplies, as electronic chip information, information on an electronic chip held by a user operating the sales point information client device via the point of sale information server device.
The electronic chip distribution system, wherein the electronic chip consumption module and the point-of-sale information server device communicate with each other using electronic mail. An electronic chip issuing module for issuing an electronic chip based on a set electronic chip issuing condition for a predetermined issuing operation by a user;
An electronic chip consumption module that accepts consumption of the electronic chip based on set electronic chip consumption conditions for a predetermined consumption operation by a user;
An electronic chip information supply module that supplies information on an electronic chip held by the user to the user as electronic chip information;
An electronic chip history management module that manages an issue history of the electronic chip by the electronic chip issue module and a consumption history of the electronic chip by the electronic chip consumption module;
An electronic chip distribution system including an electronic chip distribution server device for distributing an electronic chip for sales promotion, further including an operation history management module for managing the history of the predetermined issuing operation and the history of the predetermined consumption operation by the user In
The point-of-sale information client device for inputting point-of-sale information including consumption information of the electronic chip, and the point-of-sale information collected from the point-of-sale information client device and included in the point-of-sale information in the electronic chip consumption module A point-of-sale information server device for notifying at least the consumption information of the electronic chip and the identification information of the user who has consumed the electronic chip,
The operation history management module acquires and manages the collection history of the point-of-sale information via the point-of-sale information server device, and the operation history management module and the point-of-sale information server device communicate with each other. Electronic chip distribution system characterized by using e-mail. An electronic chip condition calculation module that calculates the electronic chip issuance condition and / or the electronic chip consumption condition based on the management content of the electronic chip history management module, and the electronic chip condition calculation module includes the electronic chip history management Based on the management contents of the module and the operation history management module, the electronic chip issue condition and / or the electronic chip consumption condition are dynamically changed according to a predetermined function, and the electronic chip unit and the monetary unit at that time The conversion rate is calculated, and the electronic chip consumption condition includes a conversion rate between the unit of the electronic chip and a unit of money, and an expiration date of the electronic chip. An electronic chip distribution system according to any one of the above.

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