JP2004030216A - Point managing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a service point system which is usable at a plurality of stores from issuing dishonored points. <P>SOLUTION: When a user 50 who uses a service point card specifies movement from generated service points to common service points, a control part 16 compares the amount corresponding to the common service points with an amount stored in a reserve account 26. When the former is less, the control part 16 subtracts the moved service points from a generated point storage part 10 and adds them to a common point storage part 12. Further, the amount corresponding to the service points is moved from the reserve account 26 to a determined money account 28. When the former is larger, on the other hand, the service points are not moved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technology for managing points in a point system having an exchange value for goods as well as cash. In particular, it relates to a technology for managing service points.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is a system in which when a product is purchased at an actual store, an electronic store, or the like, a predetermined percentage of the payment amount is issued as a service point. Generally, the user uses the issued service point instead of money. The advantage of this system for users is that they can receive a discount equivalent to a service point for product purchases. On the other hand, the advantage for the store is that the user uses the store again to receive a discount corresponding to the service point. Generally, this service point can often be used only in the issuing store. However, it is more attractive for the user to be able to use the service at a store other than the store that issued the service point. This is because there are more opportunities to receive discounts. In general, service points that can be used at a plurality of affiliated stores may be different from the store that issues the service point and the store that is used. Therefore, liquidation of the service points between the stores becomes an issue.
[0003]
An example of a conventional service point system that can be used between a plurality of stores is as follows. The business server accumulates service points issued at stores other than the store among the service points used by the user at the predetermined store. Then, the service point issuing store is collectively charged with money corresponding to the service point. This is a system in which a service point issuing store pays for a service point to settle the money. Since a store using a service point issued by another store can receive money equivalent to the service point, the service point has a value equivalent to cash and does not cause a loss to the store. On the other hand, a store that issues service points must automatically pay the service point issuance responsibility because it is necessary to pay money equivalent to the issued service points to other stores. The above prior art is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-2002-63464.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Under such circumstances, the inventor has come to recognize the following problem. In order to proceed smoothly with the settlement of service points using the conventional system, trust relationships between member stores are generally important. This is because a store that uses a service point issued by another store temporarily changes the amount equivalent to the service point. Therefore, a store that has been charged for a service point replacement fee from another store must immediately transfer the amount to a designated bank account. In the meantime, if the store that issued the service point is unable to liquidate the service point due to bankruptcy or the like, there is a problem that the service point is undelivered. Further, since an electronic store using the Internet can be easily opened, it is generally more difficult to determine the credit risk than in an actual store. If a store with low creditworthiness joins a store with a low credit risk criterion, there is a problem that after excessively issuing service points, there is a high possibility that the store will not be able to pay the price before settlement.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for managing service points that can be used in a plurality of stores. In particular, in a service point system that can be used in a plurality of stores, a technique is provided that reduces the risk of non-delivery of service points when liquidating service points. Furthermore, in a service point system that can be used in a plurality of stores, a technology is provided that reduces the risk of excessively issuing service points when liquidating service points.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a point management device. This device stores an occurrence point accumulation unit that accumulates service points generated in a predetermined store, an individual point accumulation unit that accumulates service points that can be used in the store, and a service point that can be used in a plurality of stores including the store. It includes a common point accumulating section for accumulating, and a control section for controlling movement of service points among the generated point accumulating section, the individual point accumulating section, and the common point accumulating section.
[0007]
The “store” is a company that buys and sells products and provides services. This includes not only physical stores but also electronic stores installed on the Internet.
The “predetermined store” indicates one selected store, but includes not only that but also a case where a plurality of stores can be treated as one store like a chain store.
The “service point” is a point added by a store to purchase of a product or the like, and is a point having a value that can be exchanged for a product like money. The management of these points is performed as a card or electronic information.
According to this device, the service points that can be used in common at a plurality of stores and the service points that can be used at the issuing store are separately managed, and the issuing store and the using store of the service point are different only for the former. , It is possible to reduce the risk of losing a service point.
[0008]
The control unit may permit the movement of the service point from the generation point accumulation unit to the individual point accumulation unit and the common point accumulation unit. When the service point is moved, a predetermined reward point may be added to the service point. Further, when the service point is moved in a predetermined store before purchasing a product using the point, the reward point may be increased as the time margin is increased. In addition, the total amount corresponding to the service points accumulated in the accrued point accumulation unit and the service points expected to be generated in the future is stored in the reserve account, and the amount corresponding to the service points accumulated in the common point accumulation unit is determined. When an account is prepared and a service point is moved between the accrued point accumulating unit and the common point accumulating unit, the corresponding amount may be controlled to be moved between the reserve account and the finalized account.
[0009]
If the amount corresponding to the service point to be moved is larger than the amount prepared in the reserve account, the service point need not be moved. Further, the service point generation limit may be controlled as a point number obtained by subtracting the service points stored in the generation point storage unit from the point number corresponding to the amount prepared in the reserve account. Further, in the use of service points, when the number of service points stored in the individual point storage unit is insufficient, the shortage may be supplemented by the service points stored in the common point storage unit.
[0010]
An operation unit that receives an instruction regarding the movement of the service point from the user and outputs the instruction to the control unit may be further included. It may further include a log collection unit that records the movement of service points among the occurrence point accumulation unit, the common point accumulation unit, and the individual point accumulation unit. A point collation unit may be further included that appropriately collates the service points stored in the generated point accumulation unit with the amount prepared in the reserve account and confirms that the service points are equal to or less than the number of points determined from the amount. It may further include a common collating unit for collating the service points accumulated in the common point accumulating unit with the amounts prepared in the financing account as appropriate, and confirming the coincidence.
[0011]
“Reward points” are points added without the user paying the point equivalent price. Further, the setting may be different for each store.
According to this device, when the generated service point is transferred to a service point that can be commonly used in a plurality of stores, the service point is not transferred unless there is no money corresponding to the account corresponding to the generated service point. It is possible to reduce the danger. Further, by limiting the amount of generated service points to the amount accumulated in the corresponding account, the risk of excessively issuing service points can be reduced.
In addition, any combination or rearrangement of the above-described components, and those expressing the present invention as a method, a computer program, or the like are also effective as embodiments of the present invention.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a common settlement system 100 according to the first embodiment. The common settlement system 100 includes a common settlement center 110, a member store A30, a store A account 32, a member store B40, a store B account 42, and a user 50. Further, the common settlement center 110 includes an occurrence point accumulation unit 10, a common point accumulation unit 12, a store A individual point accumulation unit 14, a control unit 16, an operation unit 18, a log collection unit 20, a point collation unit 22, a common collation unit 24. , A reserve account 26 and a financing account 28.
[0013]
The common settlement center 110 is a device that manages service points that can be used at all stores participating in the service point service and service points that can be individually used at those stores. This does not need to be a single device, and devices that exist individually may be connected by a network or the like.
The member store A30 and the member store B40 are stores participating in the service point service. These include not only physical stores but also electronic stores on the Internet.
The store A account 32 and the store B account 42 are accounts owned by the member stores A30 and B40. These include financial institutions other than banks.
[0014]
The accrual point accumulation unit 10 is a device in which the user 50 purchases a product at the affiliated store A30 and accumulates service points generated thereby. This may be for each user 50. The occurrence point accumulation unit 10 is provided for each store. The service points are generated at a predetermined ratio with respect to the amount of money used in the store, and have a function of being exchangeable for goods or services like money. Further, for example, since the service point can be realized as electronic information, the generation point storage unit 10 is configured by a hard disk or the like.
[0015]
The reserve account 26 is an account corresponding to the accrual point accumulation unit 10. The common matching unit 24 may be a single account, or may be separate accounts for the user 50 and each store. The store can issue service points up to the amount accumulated in the reserve account 26.
The common point accumulation unit 12 is a storage device that accumulates service points that can be used in a plurality of stores. For example, the accumulation is performed for each user 50.
The fixed money account 28 is an account corresponding to the common point accumulation unit 12. The financing account 28 may be a single account or a separate account for each user 50.
[0016]
The store A individual point storage unit 14 is a storage device that stores service points that can be used in the member store A30. This may be per user 50. The service points stored in the common point storage unit 12 can be used in both the member store A30 and the member store B40, whereas the service points stored in the store A individual point storage unit 14 are stored in the member store A30. Can be used. Although not shown, an individual point accumulation unit corresponding to the affiliated store B40 also exists separately.
[0017]
The control unit 16 controls processes such as transfer of service points among the generated point accumulation unit 10, the common point accumulation unit 12, the store A individual point accumulation unit 14, the member store A30, and the member store B40. One control unit 16 does not need to perform all the processes. For example, the function of controlling the store A individual point accumulation unit 14 may be outside the common settlement center 110. As a result, service points that can be used in common by a plurality of stores can be used together with the existing service point system for each store.
[0018]
The operation unit 18 is an operation unit that instructs the user 50 to move a service point from the generation point accumulation unit 10 to the common point accumulation unit 12 or the store A individual point accumulation unit 14. This does not need to be a dedicated terminal. For example, a personal computer connected to the control unit 16, the generated point storage unit 10, the common point storage unit 12, the store A individual point storage unit 14, and the like via a network or the like (hereinafter, referred to as “ PC ”). It is assumed that the PC has a user interface that can receive a user's instruction.
[0019]
The log collection unit 20 is a device that appropriately records the movement of service points in the generated point accumulation unit 10, the common point accumulation unit 12, and the store A individual point accumulation unit 14, that is, increases and decreases in service points. When the service point is electronic information, this is constituted by a hard disk or the like. Further, it may be configured as a part of a device such as the occurrence point accumulation unit 10, the common point accumulation unit 12, and the store A individual point accumulation unit 14. The timing of recording by the log collection unit 20 may be at the time when the number of service points increases or decreases or at a fixed time interval.
[0020]
The point matching unit 22 is a device that appropriately records the amount of money corresponding to the service points stored in the generated point storage unit 10 and the amount of money prepared in the reserve account 26. The common collation unit 24 is a device that appropriately records the amount corresponding to the service points stored in the common point storage unit 12 and the amount prepared in the determinate account 28. These are configured similarly to the log collection unit 20. Generally, since the reserve account 26 and the financing account 28 are installed in a financial institution such as a bank, information on the amount is input from the financial institution to the point collation unit 22 and the common collation unit 24 via a network or the like.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a procedure for issuing service points. As a premise, each store affiliated with the service point separately contracts with the common settlement center 110. The common settlement center 110 issues, for example, a service point card common to member stores. Generally, only the point ID and the date of manufacture are stored in this card, but no personal information is stored. Even if there is no card, for example, the same function can be realized by storing the information of the card in a device existing on the network and accessing the information using information such as a password.
[0022]
The member store A30 deposits the service point reserve into the reserve account 26 in the common settlement center 110 (S10). The control unit 16 stores the number of service points corresponding to the account balance of the reserve account 26 as service point issuance capacity. The service point issuance capacity increases as the balance of the reserve account 26 increases, and decreases as the balance of the reserve account 26 decreases. The user 50 purchases a product at the affiliated store A30 (S12). The service may be provided. At this time, the user 50 presents the service point card to the member store A30, and the member store A30 checks the point ID, the number of balance points, and the like using a dedicated card reader or the like. This is because even if there is no card, the same function can be realized by the user 50 accessing the device existing on the network in which the information on the service point is stored using information such as a password. It is possible.
[0023]
After acquiring these pieces of information, the control unit 16 calculates the number of service points generated at this time, and compares this with the service point issuance capacity of the member store A30 (S14). When the number of generated points is less than the service point issuance capacity (Y in S14), the control unit 16 issues the service point (S16). Further, the control unit 16 subtracts this generated service point number from the service point issuance margin (S18) and adds it to the generated point accumulation unit 10 (S20). On the other hand, when the number of generated points is larger than the service point issuance capacity (N in S14), the control unit 16 does not issue the service point (S22). As a result, it is possible to prevent issuance beyond the ability to pay service points.
[0024]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a procedure for moving service points from the occurrence point accumulation unit 10 to the common point accumulation unit 12 or the store A individual point accumulation unit 14. When the user 50 uses the service point, it is conceivable to use the service point at the issuing store or at another store. The user 50 checks the number of generated service points (S30). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen for moving a service point from the occurrence point accumulation unit 10 to the common point accumulation unit 12 and the store A individual point accumulation unit 14. This screen is displayed on, for example, a terminal installed in a convenience store or a PC connected to a network, and includes a current point display unit 60 and a movement point display unit 62. The current service point is displayed on the current point display section 60.
[0025]
The user 50 can change the service point from the generated service point to the common service point and the individual service point by inputting a predetermined value for the service point to be moved to the movement point display section 62 (S32). The issuing store has the advantage of not having to pay the service store equivalent amount to other stores by having the individual service points specified. On the other hand, the user 50 has the advantage of receiving a reward point unique to the store from a specific store, for example, by specifying an individual service point, and using a service point at a plurality of stores by specifying a common service point. There is an advantage that you can. For example, it is assumed that a change between an individual service point and a common service point cannot be made. When the user 50 presses the move button 64 and designates movement to the common service point (Y in S32), information such as the point ID, the specific store name, and the number of movement points is transmitted to the control unit 16, and the control unit 16 The amount corresponding to the moving service point is compared with the amount stored in the reserve account 26 (S34).
[0026]
If the former is less (Y in S34), the controller 16 subtracts the moving service point from the generated point accumulator 10 and adds it to the common point accumulator 12. Further, the amount corresponding to the service point is transferred from the reserve account 26 to the finalized account 28 (S36). On the other hand, if the former is large (N in S34), the service point is not moved (S38). In this way, when money cannot be transferred due to the shortage of the balance of the reserve account 26, the transfer to the common service point is stopped, so that the common service point does not become a delinquent point. On the other hand, when the user 50 specifies the change from the generated service point to the individual service point (N in S32), the control unit 16 subtracts the service point number from the generated point storage unit 10 and stores the store A individual point. It is added to the section 14. The control unit 16 instructs the transfer of the corresponding amount from the reserve account 26 to the store A account 32 (S40).
[0027]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a procedure for using service points. The user 50 decides to purchase a product using the service point at the affiliated store A30 (S50). The user 50 presents the service point card to the member store A30, and the member store A30 checks the point ID and the number of balance points using a dedicated card reader or the like. This is because even if there is no card, the same function can be realized by the user 50 accessing the device existing on the network in which the information on the service point is stored using information such as a password. It is possible.
[0028]
After acquiring these pieces of information, the control unit 16 compares the service points to be used with the number of individual service points stored in the store A individual point storage unit 14 (S52). When the number of used service points is smaller than the number of individual service points (N in S52), the control unit 16 subtracts the number of points to be used from the store A individual point storage unit 14 corresponding to the point ID (S54). On the other hand, when the number of used service points is larger than the number of individual service points (Y in S52), the control unit 16 uses all the number of points stored in the store A individual point storage unit 14 corresponding to the point ID (S56). .
[0029]
Further, the control unit 16 calculates the number of missing points. The control unit 16 instructs that the number of insufficient points is subtracted from the common point accumulation unit 12 corresponding to the point ID, and that the amount corresponding to the store A account 32 is transferred from the determinate account 28 (S58). If the points are still insufficient even after the above processing (Y in S60), the control unit 16 moves the service points stored in the generated point storage unit 10 corresponding to the point ID to the common point storage unit 12, and corresponds. The amount is transferred from the reserve account 26 to the final account 28 (S62). Thereafter, the service points stored in the common point storage unit 12 are used, and a corresponding amount is transferred from the determinate account 28 to the store A account 32 (S64).
[0030]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a log file recorded in the log collection unit 20. When the log collection unit 20 is configured by a hard disk or the like, the log file is, for example, a text file or an electronic file having another format. Generally, this file is created for each service point ID. As shown in FIG. 6, the log file includes the generated service point balance for each store stored in the generated point storage unit 10 with respect to time, the common service point balance stored in the common point storage unit 12, and the store A individual point storage. The individual service point balance for each store stored in the unit 14 is recorded. These recordings themselves may be performed by the control unit 16. In FIG. 6, reward points are considered.
[0031]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a management file recorded in the point collating unit 22. The management file recorded in the common collating unit 24 has the same configuration. When the point matching unit 22 is configured by a hard disk or the like, the log file is, for example, a text file or an electronic file having another format. Generally, this file is created for each service point ID. As shown in FIG. 7, in the management file, the generated service point balance and the remaining balance stored in the reserve account 26 with respect to time are recorded similarly to the log collection unit 20. Further, when these are compared and the balance is larger than the point balance, the determination result is recorded as OK. These recordings themselves may be performed by the control unit 16.
[0032]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a service point generated in a predetermined store is changed to a service point that can be commonly used in a plurality of stores, if the balance of the account corresponding to the generated point is insufficient. Since no change is made, it is possible to prevent a service point that can be used in common at a plurality of stores from being a credit point. Further, by limiting the amount of generated service points to the amount of the corresponding account, it is possible to prevent the service points from being issued excessively.
[0033]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a common settlement system 100 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the user 50 uses a service point at an electronic store from a PC via the Internet.
The user 50 accesses the common settlement center 110 using a WWW browser on a PC. The user 50 performs various processes related to service points from the operation unit 18 in the common settlement center 110. At this time, the common settlement center 110 requests the user 50 to input predetermined information in order to prevent access by an invalid user. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the request screen. Here, the input of the point ID and the password is requested. Generally, there is no need to disclose personal information to such information.
[0034]
The control unit 16 determines whether the user 50 is valid based on the information. If the user 50 is valid, the generated service points are stored in the generated point storage unit 10 or the generated service points are stored in the generated point storage unit 10. It becomes possible to move the service points from the unit 10 to the common point storage unit 12 and the store A individual point storage unit 14 and to use service points in the member store A 30 and the store A account 32. When the service point is moved, a screen similar to that of FIG. 4 is displayed on the WWW browser. When the user 50 inputs predetermined information on this screen and decides to move, the information is transmitted to the control unit 16 in the common settlement center 110 via the Internet. The control unit 16 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment. The same applies to the use of service points.
[0035]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the common settlement system can be used not only at an actual store but also at an electronic store on the Internet. Further, by making the service point storage unit common between the actual store and the electronic store, one service point can be used in common and the convenience is improved.
[0036]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a common settlement system 100 according to the third embodiment. Embodiment 3 is different from Embodiment 1 in the method of adding reward points when the generated service points are changed to individual service points. In the first embodiment, a predetermined reward point is added when a service point is changed. On the other hand, FIG. 9 shows reward points added in the third embodiment. If the service points are changed to individual service points before use, the reward points increase in proportion to the time after the change, and become constant after a predetermined time. Here, as an example of the predetermined time, it is 10 days. These calculations are performed by the control unit 16 in the common settlement center 110, and are added to the individual service points stored in the store A individual point storage unit 14.
[0037]
When the user 50 uses the individual service point at time a in FIG. 9, the reward point does not become the maximum value that can be added, but when the user 50 uses it at time b, the reward point becomes the maximum value that can be added. The user 50 changes the generated service point to the individual service point as soon as possible because the reward point increases as the time from the change to the individual service point to the use is longer. On the other hand, since the affiliated store A30 and the affiliated store B40 are changed to the individual service points earlier, the possibility of being changed to the common service point is reduced.
[0038]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the reward points when the generated service points are changed to the individual service points prior to the use of the service points are increased as the time from the change to the use of the service points is longer. Thus, it is possible to prompt the user to make an early change.
[0039]
(Embodiment 4)
Embodiment 4 describes a technique in which the user 50 uses a service point in the above-described embodiment and performs the settlement.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a settlement system 2100 according to the embodiment. The settlement system 2100 has a user terminal 210, a member store terminal 212, and a common server 214.
The user terminal 210 is a terminal operated by the user 50. The user terminal 210 has a function of accessing the common server 214 via a network. For example, it is a mobile phone terminal or a PDA. The user terminal 210 does not need to be owned by the user, and may be installed in a store.
[0040]
The member store terminal 212 is, for example, a terminal used when a member store such as the member store A30 or the member store B40 performs authentication or settlement for the user 50 using the service point. The member store terminal 212 has an interface for inputting predetermined information and a function of accessing the common server 214 via a network. A general-purpose personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as “PC”) may be used as long as it has these functions, and need not be a dedicated device.
[0041]
The common server 214 is located in the common settlement center 110, manages the ID of service points owned by the user 50 and the number of balance points, and authenticates them in response to requests from the user terminal 210 and the member store terminal 212. And a device for transmitting information necessary for settlement. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the common server 214. The common server 214 includes a login authentication unit 230, a specific code input unit 232, an information output unit 234, an authentication information confirmation unit 236, a payment information confirmation unit 238, and a completion information output unit 240. This configuration can be realized in terms of hardware by the CPU, memory, or other LSI of any computer, and can be realized in terms of software by a program or the like loaded in the memory. The functional blocks are drawn. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof. Further, it is not necessary for one device to have these functions, and a plurality of devices may be used.
[0042]
The login authentication unit 230 receives a login request from the user terminal 210 and performs authentication. The specific code input unit 232 receives the specific code from the member store terminal 212. The information output unit 234 outputs predetermined information to the user terminal 210 or the member store terminal 212 according to the results of the login authentication unit 230 and the specific code input unit 232. The predetermined information will be described later. The authentication information confirmation unit 236 receives information indicating that the authentication has been completed from the member store terminal 212, and confirms this. After the confirmation by the authentication information confirmation unit 236, the payment information confirmation unit 238 receives the information regarding the payment from the member store terminal 212 and performs a predetermined process. The completion information output unit 240 outputs completion information to the member store terminal 212 when the settlement is completed.
[0043]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of settlement when using service points. It is assumed that the user already has the service point user ID, and the amount corresponding to the user ID has been transferred to a predetermined account. A user purchases a product using a service point at a store affiliated with the service point service.
[0044]
The user accesses the login authentication unit 230 in the common server 214 using the WWW browser of the user terminal 210. At this time, the user inputs a user ID, a password, and an ID of a member store to be used (S210). This is shown in FIG. When the user terminal 210 successfully logs in to the common server 214, the information output unit 234 in the common server 214 transmits the user ID, the member store ID, the specific code, the specific code valid time, the service point balance, and the like from the database to the user terminal 210. (S212). FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a screen of the user terminal 210 that receives and displays the above information. Here, the specific code is a code sequence having a certain length determined from a user ID, a member store ID, time, and the like. Here, the specific code received by the user terminal 210 at this time is valid only in the member store to be used in terms of location, and only temporally within the specific code valid time. The user presents this information to the clerk of the member store (S214).
[0045]
If the member store ID is correct, the clerk of the member store inputs the specific code to the user interface of the member store terminal 212 and accesses the specific code input part 232 of the common server 214 (S216). FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen of the member store terminal 212. Here, the specific code input unit 232 may request the member store terminal 212 for authentication information about the member store such as a password. The information output unit 234 in the common server 214 transmits the user ID, member store ID, specific code valid time, service point balance, and the like corresponding to the specific code from the database to the member store terminal 212 (S218). FIG. 16 is a display screen of the member store terminal 212. The clerk of the member store compares the information with the display content of the user terminal 210, and if they match, authenticates the user and treats the same as the one that presented the service card (S220). At that time, the clerk at the member store selects the Yes button 220 in FIG. 16 and transmits the information to the authentication information confirmation unit 236 in the common server 214 (S222).
[0046]
The member store terminal 212 transmits the user ID, the member store ID, the specific code, and the number of payment points to the payment information confirmation unit 238 in the common server 214 (S224). The number of settlement points is the number of service points used by the user for purchasing a product. Further, these pieces of information may be transmitted not to the common server 214 but to a separate payment server. The payment information confirmation unit 238 subtracts the number of payment points from the number of service points corresponding to the user ID, and completes the payment. The completion information output unit 240 in the common server 214 transmits the settlement completion information to the member store terminal 212 (S226), and then the member store delivers the product to the user (S228).
[0047]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when using a service point having exchange value for goods like cash, when these cards are not present and there is no dedicated device such as a barcode reader, By using a specific code that is generated randomly and has a valid time and an area, it is possible to secure and authenticate even if a general-purpose PC or the like is used.
[0048]
The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. . Here are some examples.
[0049]
In the first embodiment, a service point is acquired by purchasing a product at an actual store or an electronic store. However, acquisition of service points is not limited to purchase of a product. For example, you may acquire as a premium | prize by play, such as a game. In short, the service point issuer only has to pay the amount corresponding to the points.
[0050]
In the first embodiment, a service point is used for purchasing a product in an actual store or an electronic store. However, the use of the service point is not limited to the purchase of a product, and may be used when receiving provision of a service. For example, when accessing the Internet, a service point may be used for use of a provider. In short, it may be used for payment of a predetermined price.
[0051]
In the first embodiment, when a service point is used, first, an individual service point is used, a common service point is used for a shortage, and a generated service point is used for a shortage. However, the method of using the service point is not limited to this. For example, various service points may be used at a fixed rate. Alternatively, a separately existing prepaid point may be used. The point is that the use of these points may be paid for accordingly.
[0052]
In the third embodiment, the reward points increase at a constant rate according to time. However, the rate of increase in reward points over time is not limited to this. For example, it may be increased quadratically according to time. In short, it is sufficient that a user who takes a long time from the change of the service point type to the use thereof can receive more reward points. Further, a predetermined limit value may be set for the reward points.
[0053]
In the fourth embodiment, the authentication technique when using the service point has been described. However, this is not limited to using service points. For example, it is also possible to accumulate service points. In short, it is only necessary to be able to authenticate a user who does not own a reward card.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to manage service points that can be used in a plurality of stores. In particular, in a service point system that can be used at a plurality of stores, it is possible to reduce the risk of non-delivery of service points when liquidating service points. Further, in a service point system that can be used at a plurality of stores, it is possible to reduce the risk of excessively issuing service points when clearing service points.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a service point management device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a procedure in issuing a service point by the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a procedure in moving a service point by the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen for moving a service point by the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a procedure in using a service point by the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a log file in a log collection unit by the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a management file in a collating unit by the apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen for user authentication according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a change over time of reward points according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a settlement apparatus according to Embodiment 4.
11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a common server in the device of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a procedure of settlement by the apparatus of FIG. 10;
13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal requesting a specific code by the device of FIG. 10;
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal that has obtained a specific code by the device of FIG. 10;
15 is a diagram showing a display screen of a member store terminal requesting information on a person to be authenticated by the apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display screen of a member store terminal that performs collation by the device of FIG. 10;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 occurrence point accumulation unit, 12 common point accumulation unit, 14 store A individual point accumulation unit, 16 control unit, 18 operation unit, 20 log collection unit, 22 point collation unit, 24 common collation unit, 26 reserve account, 28 settlement Gold account, 30 member store A, 32 store A account, 40 member store B, 42 store B account, 50 user, 60 current point display section, 62 transfer point display section, 64 transfer button, 100 common settlement system, 110 common settlement Center, 210 user terminal, 212 member store terminal, 214 common server, 220 Yes button, 222 No button, 230 login authentication section, 232 specific code input section, 234 information output section, 236 authentication information confirmation section, 238 settlement information confirmation section , 240 completion information output unit, 2100 payment system.

Claims (12)

An occurrence point accumulation unit that accumulates service points generated in a predetermined store;
An individual point storage unit for storing service points usable in the store,
A common point storage unit that stores service points that can be used in a plurality of stores including the store,
A control unit that controls movement of the service point between the occurrence point accumulation unit, the individual point accumulation unit, and the common point accumulation unit,
A point management device comprising: The point management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit permits the movement of the service point from the occurrence point accumulation unit to the individual point accumulation unit and the common point accumulation unit. The point management device according to claim 1, further comprising: an operation unit configured to receive an instruction regarding movement of the service point from a user and output the instruction to the control unit. 4. The point management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adds a predetermined reward point to the service point when moving the service point. 5. The control unit, when the movement of the service point is performed in a predetermined store prior to the purchase of a product using the point, increases the reward point as the time margin increases. 5. The point management device according to 4. The point according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a log collection unit that records the movement of the service point between the occurrence point accumulation unit, the common point accumulation unit, and the individual point accumulation unit. Management device. The total amount corresponding to the service points accumulated in the accrual point accumulation unit and the service points scheduled to occur in the future is stored in a reserve account, and the amount corresponding to the service points accumulated in the common point accumulation unit is calculated. When the control unit prepares for a definite money account and moves the service point between the generated point accumulating unit and the common point accumulating unit, the control unit moves a corresponding amount between the reserved money account and the definite money account. The point management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control is performed as follows. The point according to claim 7, wherein the control unit does not move the service point when an amount corresponding to the service point to be moved is larger than an amount prepared in the reserve account. Management device. The control unit controls the limit of the number of service points to be generated as a number of points obtained by subtracting service points accumulated in an accrual point accumulation unit from a number of points corresponding to an amount prepared in the reserve account. The point management device according to claim 7, which performs the operation. A point collating unit that appropriately collates the service points accumulated in the accrued point accumulating unit with the amount prepared in the reserve account and confirms that the service point is equal to or less than the number of points determined from the amount. The point management device according to claim 7, further comprising: 8. The common point matching unit according to claim 7, further comprising: a common matching unit that checks the service points stored in the common point storage unit and the amount prepared in the financing account as appropriate, and confirms a match between the service points. Point management device. The control unit, in using the service points, when the number of service points stored in the individual point storage unit is insufficient, compensates for the shortage by the service points stored in the common point storage unit. The point management device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:

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