JP2004127267A - Point management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system in which points provided by makers or stores are managed by one card and the stored points are transferred to be easily utilized. <P>SOLUTION: In the point system for issuing points corresponding to utilization results of clients and providing services or articles corresponding to the points, the system is composed of an IC card 1 wherein a memory 11 for storing points and a point management application 13 are incorporated, a point system management means 3 for managing the entire system, and an IC card read/write means 5 installed in a marker or a store. The management means 3 has a function for registering/managing makers and issuing a cryptographic key for accessing the point management application 13 intrinsic for each maker at the time point of registration, and the point management application 13 is utilized from the read/write means 5 by using information such as the cryptographic key. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a point system issued by using a product, such as when purchasing a product, and more particularly to a system for managing points using an IC card.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A system for giving rewards and services to customers by giving points to the customers according to the purchase of goods and the provision of services, and having the customers collect the points is used daily. Specifically, a service stamp or a coupon in the form of a stamp, such as a blue chip, which was handed or attached to the product at the time of payment, is attached to a predetermined mount by a customer, or a predetermined stamp is applied to the mount each time. This system allows customers to collect points until the points are reached, and if they collect more than a certain point, they can receive services such as discounts and premiums in exchange for them.
In the case of a method of attaching a coupon or the like to a mount, many customers do not carry the mount and take a service ticket home and attach it to the mount. Generally, service tickets are small and easily lost.
Also, in the method of stamping on the backing paper every time it is used, there is a case where the stamp is not held at the time of shopping and cannot be stamped. At this time, the manufacturers and stores respond in various ways, such as issuing a new backing sheet or passing a record for sealing at a later date, such as using a receipt.
Further, in a method of newly issuing a mount, there is a mode in which the stamps on a plurality of mounts are combined into one at a later date, and a mode in which they are not combined.
[0003]
There is also a method in which a magnetic stripe or a card with a built-in IC is issued for a customer and the number of points is recorded on the card each time the card is used. The merit of this method is that no mount is required, and the usage record can be stored not only in the card but also in a device that reads and writes the card. Whereas the management method using a mount has no remedy in case of loss, this method can re-issue the card or refill the record of the reading / writing device, which is an advantage for the customer. Further, there is an advantage that the maker and the store can manage customers and use the information as information for sales promotion.
[0004]
In addition to the above cards, cards provided with bar codes are also used. In this method, points cannot be managed in a card, and the points are stored and centrally managed in a read / write device in a store. In terms of using a card, the advantage of the customer is the same as that of using a card using magnetism or IC.
Even in a system using cards, it is a fact that many manufacturers and stores operate incompatible cards using their own systems, and it is troublesome to always carry all cards. Furthermore, as in the case of the seal method, it is conceivable that the user forgets to bring it. In addition, in order to manage a large number of customers, it is necessary to increase the size of the store-side device or introduce a system such as POS.
[0005]
To introduce such an expensive system, a method using a multifunctional telephone has been devised as disclosed in JP-A-6-96096 and JP-A-6-110905.
[0006]
In addition, there is a point management method when shopping with a credit card. This is a method in which points are sent together with a usage statement sent later. In this case, the tallying method is a method in which the customer attaches to the backing sheet, but there is an advantage that the points are reliably delivered to the customer. However, in this method, only points issued by the credit company are managed, and points unique to the store (manufacturer, store) used cannot be handled. If a similar service were to be offered at the store, it would obviously be impractical in terms of the cost of sending it to each individual.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Manufacturers and stores provide customers with point services in various ways as shown in the conventional example. As a result, there is a problem that the customer must manage many types of mounts and cards.
Further, points may be managed in a common manner between affiliated manufacturers, affiliated stores, and shopping streets. It is desired that the system be capable of grasping the use results of each store in use, even in the case of common management and operation.
[0008]
On the other hand, in addition to the method of using the collected points at a store, there is also a method of attaching the points to a mount or postcard and sending them to exchange them for goods, or a method of applying and receiving goods by lottery.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to solve these problems so that points provided by a plurality of manufacturers and stores can be used with one card.
Still another object of the present invention is to make it possible to use points that are commonly managed in a series or the like with one card, in addition to points for each maker or each store.
Still another object of the present invention is to make it possible to transfer the points stored in the card and to collect and send the points.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Point system management means having a function of managing the entire point system that issues points according to the customer's usage record and provides services or products to the points, and maker or store that operates the point system or tie up with these The point system management means has a configuration including an IC card reading / writing means handled by a member store, a point management application for managing points provided by the point system management means, and an IC card having a built-in point management application. Has a function of performing registration and management of a maker operating the point system, and issuing an encryption key for accessing the point management application unique to each maker at the time of registration. No It was a method using the reading and writing means using a combination with each of the encryption key or encryption key and other information, such as manufacturer codes from mosquitoes.
[0011]
The point management application is independent regardless of the maker or the like, and is commonly used by all the manufacturers and stores registered in the point system management means to centrally manage each point.
An encryption key or a combination of an encryption key and a maker code, which is given from the point system management means at the time of registration of each maker or store and used when using the point management application, is a unique key. Further, the point management application has a function of permitting reading and writing of only data in an area corresponding to the used key.
In the case where a plurality of applications are to be mounted on one card in the future, a point management application is installed as one of these applications, so that not only reading / writing means but also other built-in application programs in the IC card can be used. Points can be used with a similar mechanism.
[0012]
When using an IC card on which a plurality of applications are mounted, it is conceivable to mount different point management systems of a plurality of systems. However, according to the system of the present invention, it is only necessary to mount one point-only application. Has the advantage of avoiding duplication of programs.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The overall configuration of the point management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The point management system according to the first embodiment includes an IC card 1 owned by a customer equipped with a point management application 13, a point system management company 3, and a read / write device 5 installed in a store participating in the system. Is done.
[0014]
The IC card 1 has a memory 11 and a point management application 13 provided by the point system management company 3 in the form of, for example, a program.
The point management application 13 has at least a function of performing encryption processing on key data used when accessing the application, and a function of managing points in the memory 11. That is, the point management application 13 is provided with a control unit 131, an encryption processing unit 132, and a point processing unit 133, and combines key data or key data with one or more pieces of other information from a plurality of manufacturers. It can be used from the read / write device 5 using a device, and has a function of permitting read / write of only data in an area corresponding to the used key data.
[0015]
The point system management company 3 includes a point system management unit having a function of managing the entire point system. This point system management unit has a function of registering and managing each of the A store, the B store, and the C store, and Has a function of issuing key data which is a key unique to each store. These key data are used when using a point management application 13 described later. In this embodiment, the encryption key and the registered store number are returned as key data.
[0016]
The read / write devices 5A, 5B, 5C provided in each store have a function of using the IC card 1 and the installed point management application 13.
[0017]
In order to register with the point system management company 3 and receive services at a shop that uses the point system of the company, the customer issues an IC card 1 with the encryption key A from the point system management company 3. receive.
When the customer receives points at the A store, the customer's IC card 1 is set in the read / write device 5A of the A store. At this time, the read / write device 5A sends the encrypted data processed using the read encryption key A and the registered store number to the point management application 13 for access.
The point management application 13 decrypts the encrypted data sent in accordance with the rules determined in advance by the point system management company 3, determines whether or not the accessing store is a registered correct member, and determines the member-specific information. Get the registered store number.
If the store has used the IC card 1 in the past, a point storage area corresponding to the registered store number has already been secured in the memory 11.
When using the IC card 1 at this store for the first time, the point management application 13 newly secures a storage area for storing points of the store A in the memory 11.
[0018]
The shop A can access the point storage area for its own shop by the above procedure, and can read and write points. The points are sent from the read / write device 5A to the point management application 13 together with the command to add the points, and the application adds the points to the existing points and stores the points again.
When points are used, the number of points to be withdrawn is sent together with the command from the read / write device 5A to the point management application 13, and the application re-stores points obtained by subtracting the required amount from the existing points.
[0019]
Similarly, the B store and the C store access the point management application 13 using the respective encryption keys and registered store numbers, and manage the respective points. The point management application 13 functions so as to allow access only to the area corresponding to the registered store number used at the time of accessing this application, thereby making it impossible to operate each other's points.
In this way, it is possible to manage points of a plurality of stores on one IC card by a common method.
[0020]
The storage structure of the memory 6 when the first embodiment is expanded will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is an example in which areas 11-2A and 11-2C of use history are secured in the storage areas 11A and C for the stores A and C in addition to points.
As described above, the recording areas 11A, 11B, and 11C are secured in the memory 6 for each store. In the area for each store, an area in which a store code is stored and an area 11-1 for storing points are provided, and an area 11-2 for storing usage history is provided as necessary. By using a flag or the like, it is possible to mix a store that has an area of use history such as a store A or a store C and a store that does not have an area of use history, such as store B.
[0021]
The procedure until each store accesses the point management application 13 in the IC card is the same as in the first embodiment. The read / write device 5A sends the point data to the point management application 13 to write the points as in the above-described example. At this time, the point management application 13 updates the point data of the point area 11-1A of the store A and adds one to the data of the usage history storage area 11-2A. When using points, the points are subtracted, but no operation is performed on the usage history.
By providing such a function, it is possible to grasp the number of times of use of the customer regardless of the remaining amount of points. Points can be reduced by using them, and it is possible to make up for the fact that it becomes impossible to know the number of times of use of the customer, and the use as customer management becomes possible.
[0022]
In order to realize such a function, a new command for accessing the history area is provided, or an area to be accessed can be managed by an argument, so that the read / write device is not tied to the rules incorporated in the point management application 13. It is also possible to make it possible to operate data freely from. Further, if this configuration is further extended, each store can have a plurality of areas for storing points. For example, points for a limited time can be managed separately from normal points.
[0023]
When the point management application 13 is accessed, in addition to the method of making the point of another store inaccessible at all as described above, it is also possible to permit only reading. By doing so, it is possible to check the points of other stores at a nearby store, which is advantageous for the customer.
Furthermore, by providing a key for reading out points of all shops in common, it is possible to confirm the point balance using any device that handles IC cards. As electronic money of the IC card type spreads, devices for checking the balance in the card spread to each individual. It is also possible to use a device in which an IC card read / write device is connected to a home personal computer. Therefore, the customer can easily check the point balance without going to the store.
[0024]
The encryption can be simplified depending on the degree. To give an example, the key data individually issued by each store is shared. Even if the key data is shared, the store can be specified by accessing the IC card with the combination of the common key and the registered store number. This is applicable when operating only in a small, closed area.
[0025]
A similar function can be realized by using a table registered in advance without using an encryption key. In this embodiment, when the point system management company 3 transfers the IC card 1 to the customer, the point management program 13 adds the table data to the point management program 13 and provides it. The confirmation of the store performed by the point management program 13 can be determined by determining whether or not the store is registered in this table. There is a method in which an encryption key for each maker and store is registered in this table, and the point management program 13 uses the key when decrypting the encryption.
[0026]
Further, when each maker or store operating the point system accesses the IC card for the first time, a method of writing a key element for access, such as an encryption key, from the read / write device to the table area can be considered. With this mechanism, it is possible to solve the problem that the table method needs to be updated when a new store is added.
[0027]
The configuration of the point management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, an IC card capable of mounting a plurality of applications on one sheet is used. This embodiment is an example in which a point system is combined with a method in which each store conventionally trades with a customer using an IC card or the like.
The point management system according to this embodiment includes an IC card 1 capable of loading a plurality of applications, a point system management company 3, a read / write device 5A of a store A, a read / write device 5B of a store B, and a read / write device of a store C. 5C.
[0028]
A plurality of applications can be mounted on the IC card 1. A memory 11 for storing points and a point management application 13 provided by the point system management company 3 are mounted on the IC card 1. Each store for using services specific to each store, which is a manufacturer application, has its own application, for example, application A15A of store A, application B15B of store B, and application C15C of store C.
The memory 11 is also used as an application data storage area in the IC card 1.
[0029]
The point management application 13 has at least a function of performing encryption processing on key data used when accessing the application, and a function of managing points in the memory 11. That is, the point management application 13 is provided with a control unit 131, an encryption processing unit 132, and a point processing unit 133, and combines key data or key data with one or more pieces of other information from a plurality of manufacturers. It can be used from the read / write device 5 using a device, and has a function of permitting read / write of only data in an area corresponding to the used key data.
[0030]
The point system management company 3 includes a point system management unit having a function of managing the entire point system. This point system management unit has a function of registering and managing each of the A store, the B store, and the C store, and Has a function of issuing key data which is a key unique to each store. These key data are used when using a point management application 13 described later. In this embodiment, the encryption key and the registered store number are returned as key data.
[0031]
The read / write devices 5A, 5B, 5C provided in each store have a function of using the point management application 13 mounted on the IC card 1 as in the first embodiment, and are compatible with the read / write devices. It has a function of using a maker application which is an application provided by each store.
[0032]
The relationship between the point system management company 3 and each of the A store, the B store, and the C store and the function of the point management application 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0033]
In the above system, for example, it is assumed that the store A uses a credit function. At this time, the read / write device 5A has a function necessary for a transaction with the credit company, and the application A15A in the card corresponding to the function is accessed by this function.
The application A15A has, for example, a function of managing personal data for inquiry and a function of managing credit use history.
When the customer makes a purchase using the credit at the store A, the read / write device 5A communicates with the application A15A, fetches the card data, and makes an inquiry to the credit company. If the transaction is possible, a procedure with the credit company is performed, and the credit use history is processed with the application A15A. At this time, the read / write device 5A issues points according to the current usage amount.
Next, the application being accessed is switched from the application A15A to the point management application 13, and the points are added to the point area 11-1A of the store A as described in the first embodiment.
As described above, it is possible to perform shopping with credits as in the related art and manage points on the same card.
[0034]
Further, an example will be described in which the B store operates a gas station or a rental shop by incorporating the application B15B into the IC card 1 as a membership card. The read / write device 5B of the store B accesses the application B15B of the IC card 1 and acquires the member information. After performing the lending process on this day, the application is switched to the point management application 13, and the point corresponding to the usage amount is written into the point area 11-1B of the B store, and the process ends.
In this type of business, where points are conventionally managed with stamps, a single card can serve as both a membership card and point mount.
[0035]
Furthermore, it is assumed that the C store is a pachinko parlor and the application C15C has a function as a prepaid card when borrowing a ball.
The read / write device 5C is incorporated in the pachinko machine, and when the customer mounts the IC card 1, accesses the application C15C to acquire the balance for pachinko ball lending. After judging this information, a pachinko ball specified by the customer is lent out.
When the pachinko ball lending is completed, a service may be provided in which the point management application 13 is accessed and points corresponding to the ball lending amount are written in the point area of the C store. In addition, the balls acquired in the pachinko game are calculated by the payout counting machine of the C store. By inserting the IC card 1 into this device, the payout counting machine accesses the point management application 13 and is counted. The points according to the number of the balls are written in the point area 11-1C of the C store, and the ball totaling process is terminated.
The points issued at the C store have the same value as the ball that was obtained in the pachinko game of the C store, and can be exchanged for premiums such as tobacco and chocolate. Conventionally, in stores where the number of balls to be used for prize exchange is managed by a receipt or a magnetic card, the use of an IC card makes it possible to manage from lending of balls to collection of the balls with a single card.
[0036]
A system configuration of a point management system on the Internet using a public line according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The point management system according to this embodiment is a general household having an IC card 1, a point system management company 3, a read / write device 5A of an Internet shop A, a read / write device 5B of an Internet shop B, and an IC card read / write device. And a personal computer 7.
[0037]
The IC card 1 includes a point management application 13 provided by the point system management company 3, an in-card dedicated application A15A for the Internet shop A for using services unique to each store, and an in-card dedicated application B15B for the Internet shop B. Is installed.
Here, the in-card dedicated application A15A incorporates the electronic money settlement function and the encryption key A issued exclusively for the Internet shop A from the point system management company 3, and the in-card dedicated application B15B is similarly encrypted. B shall be incorporated.
Further, the IC card 1 has a built-in memory 11 for storing points, and is also used as a data storage area for applications in the IC card 1.
[0038]
The personal computer 7 has an IC card reading unit, and is equipped with an in-device dedicated application A71A and an in-device dedicated application B71B in order to access a dedicated application in a card corresponding to each shop. It has at least a function of accessing an Internet shop and a function of accessing an application mounted on the IC card 1.
[0039]
Each Internet shop has at least a function of acquiring order and registration information from a customer via a public line and a function of issuing points according to a fee required for ordering or registering.
[0040]
The relationship between the point system management company 3 and each of the Internet shops A and B and the function of the point management application 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0041]
In the above system, for example, when a customer purchases a product at the Internet shop A, which is a merchandise store using electronic money settlement, using the personal computer 7, the customer attaches the IC card 1 to the personal computer 7 and Order the desired product via The Internet shop A receiving this order accesses the personal computer 7 by the read / write device 5A, and urges access to the dedicated application A15A in the IC card 1. Access to the read / write device 5A of the Internet shop A and the in-card dedicated application A15A of the IC card 1 is controlled by the in-device dedicated application A71A of the personal computer 7.
[0042]
Next, the read / write device 5A of the Internet shop A sends the price information of the product to the personal computer 7, and requests the customer to permit transfer of the electronic money corresponding to the price from the IC card 1.
When the customer authorizes payment with the personal computer 7, the electronic money is transferred from the dedicated application A15A in the IC card 1 of the customer to the reading / writing device A5A of the Internet shop A.
When the reception of the electronic money is completed, the Internet shop A issues points according to the price of the product via the personal computer 7.
In transmitting the points via the public line, the points issued by the Internet shop A are subjected to encryption processing as a measure against eavesdropping and falsification.
[0043]
The points are sent to the personal computer 7 via the public line, and the in-device dedicated application A71A of the IC card 1 sends the sent points to the in-card dedicated application A15A as it is.
The dedicated application A15A in the card decrypts the points and sends the encryption key A unique to the Internet shop A and the decrypted points to the point management application 13.
The point management application 13 decrypts the transmitted encryption key A by the decryption method prescribed by the point system management company 3, and then stores the points in the designated area.
[0044]
In this system, the point issuing function of the IC card reading / writing device 5 as shown in the above embodiment is not provided in the reading / writing means of the personal computer 7 for directly reading / writing the IC card. Having a point issuing function in an apparatus at hand of a customer leads to forgery of points, and in a usage method like this example, it is preferable to have a point issuing function on the host side.
[0045]
The points received through Internet shopping as described above can be used in the reverse order as discounts at the time of subsequent product purchases or exchange for premiums such as original goods.
[0046]
Next, the Internet shop B is used as a license issuing organization that issues and manages a license, and the IC card 1 is loaded with an in-card update application 15B for updating the license period, and issues and manages a license. An example will be described.
Upon receiving the license update request from the license holder via the public line, the Internet shop B accesses the in-device dedicated application B71B. The in-device dedicated application B71B has a function of transmitting and receiving data exchanged between the license issuing organization and the in-card update application 15B.
The license issuing organization acquires the information of the license holder such as name, birth date, permanent address, grant date and expiration date from the in-card update application 15B of the IC card 1, and registers with the license issuing organization. After comparing and judging the information, the validity period is updated.
At the time of updating, if the name, permanent address, and date of birth need to be changed, the input may be performed using the personal computer 7.
It is also possible to access the database of the government office and record the latest personal information.
[0047]
If an ID photo is required, a digital camera may be connected to the personal computer 7, the image may be sent to the license issuing organization via a line, and the data may be taken into the IC card 1 as data.
It is more effective in preventing counterfeiting that electronic image data can be extracted only by a special method, rather than pasting the owner's photograph directly on the license.
The renewal cost can be settled by electronic money as in the above example.
[0048]
When renewing the license, points are issued from the license issuing organization to the area dedicated to the license issuing organization of the IC card 1 according to the license score system.
Japan's scoring system assigns a predetermined score to traffic violations and accidents, and stops driving licenses when the score reaches a certain standard. The points are increased or decreased in consideration of the past driving history or the driving situation after the deduction.
In the method of this embodiment, the information on whether the renewal target managed by the license issuing organization has a certain point until the renewal date or whether a certain period of time has passed since the violation of the rules before the renewal date, etc. Points can be issued on the spot with additional judgment.
In the event of a traffic offense, a wireless connection is made between the police car and the license issuing machine, and this point can be deducted in the same manner as in the above-described Internet transactions. As a result, the point information can always be kept the same between the license issuing organization and the IC card. Therefore, when inquiring a driver's license at a police car or at various counters, it is possible to simply read the IC card directly, and it takes less time than inquiring by communication.
[0049]
In the above-described embodiment, an example of the point management system in which other stores cannot access the points dedicated to each store has been described. However, it is conceivable that a plurality of stores, manufacturers, and organizations use the points jointly.
With reference to FIG. 5, a configuration of a point management system of a type in which a plurality of stores share points to use points according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a point management system that can be used jointly by a plurality of stores registered with a point system management company and can simultaneously issue the points at a plurality of stores will be described.
[0050]
The configuration of the point management system according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. However, the point area of the memory 11 is divided into point areas 11A to 11C dedicated to each store and a plurality of member stores. And the point system management means registers and manages a maker that operates the point system, and manages a plurality of manufacturers in a group, and a point management application unique to each group. In that it has a function of issuing group key data such as an encryption key for accessing the.
[0051]
The point system management company 3 has a function of registering each of the A store, the B store, and the C store, and has a function of issuing encryption key data serving as a unique key, and a group unique to accessing the group point. It has a function to issue keys.
Here, it is assumed that the group points can be shared and used by the shop A, the shop B, and the shop C, and can be issued by each shop.
[0052]
The point management application 13 has at least a function of performing encryption processing on key data and a group key dedicated to each store, and a function of managing points in a memory.
It is also assumed that the IC card 1 has a built-in point management application 13 provided by the point system management company 3 and a memory 11.
[0053]
When the customer uses the IC card 1 to make a purchase at the A store, the A store issues points corresponding to the purchase amount to the customer's IC card 1. The issuance of points is performed by the read / write device 5A of the store A, and points unique to the store A and group points usable at the store B and store C can be issued.
[0054]
The process of storing the point dedicated to the store A in the IC card 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.
On the other hand, when issuing a group point, the read / write device 5A sends the group point and the group key A to the point management application 13. The point management application 13 writes the transmitted points in the group point area 11G of the memory 11 in the same manner as the points issued by each store.
At this time, by expanding the group key A, the group number can be confirmed, and the method of managing a plurality of groups can use the method of identifying each store as it is.
[0055]
It is also possible to issue points for each store and group points separately, or create a point management application on the card so that when one point is issued, it is automatically written to the other. It is.
[0056]
This embodiment can be used when a group of A store, B store, and C store carries out a campaign with a prize for an overseas trip, or a year-end lottery sale with a shopping street as a group.
Group points can be issued at each store during the campaign period, and the group points can be used instead of the conventional lottery ticket.
[0057]
Furthermore, in this system, the points of the group and the points of each store can be managed independently, so new services such as increasing the points of each store during the sale period and conducting lottery separately from the group can be implemented. Conceivable.
A method of using points stored in an IC card according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0058]
As described above, if this system is used, it is possible to pay electronic money at a vending machine, and at that time, accumulate points in a maker area of an IC card by an application provided by a maker in the vending machine. . In other words, the conventional operation of collecting the sticker attached to the can by the soft drink maker on the backing sheet is automatically performed for each shopping, which is advantageous for the customer.
However, when applying, it is more inconvenient to apply the points stored in the IC card as compared to a method of attaching a sticker to a mount and throwing it on a post.
For example, a method of converting points in an IC card from electronic information into paper using a terminal device of a maker or a store, pasting the converted information on a postcard, and applying can be considered.
This embodiment solves such inconvenience.
[0059]
The point management system according to this embodiment includes a customer IC card 1, an application center 91 of a maker, an inquiry center 93 for performing personal authentication, and a vending machine 95 with an application function.
The customer IC card 1 has points stored in the point area storage area 11-1 in the memory 11, and a general unique card number 17 that can be used as an ID number for identifying an individual. I have.
The application center 91 of the maker is provided with an application table 911 for storing the card number 17 and the number of points corresponding thereto.
The inquiry center 93 is provided with an inquiry table 931 that stores a card number and the name, address, age, telephone number, and the like of the owner of the card, and can extract the address, name, and the like of the owner from the card number.
The vending machine 95 includes a control unit 951, a communication unit 952, and a data encryption unit 953. In addition to a communication function of transmitting a card number and points to the application center 91, point information of the IC card 1 is provided. It has a function as a read / write device for accessing the device.
[0060]
In such a system, when the customer inserts the IC card 1 into the reading / writing device of the vending machine 95 and purchases the goods as usual, the vending machine 95 writes points on the IC card 1.
At this time, if it is possible to apply, the vending machine 95 notifies the customer that the applicable score has been achieved. The customer informs the device of the intention to apply by using a button or the like.
As a result, the vending machine 95 collects the points from the customer's IC card 1, acquires the card number of the card, encrypts the card number, and transmits the encrypted card number to the application center 91.
The application center 91 makes an inquiry to the inquiry center 93 using the sent card number, obtains personal information such as the address and name of the cardholder, and can send out prizes and the like using the personal information as a destination.
[0061]
For items requiring a lottery, the points sent by the application center 91 and the card number of the customer may be held until the lottery date, and only the winner may be inquired to the personal authentication center 93 with the card number.
[0062]
According to the present embodiment, a single maker can handle a plurality of points, and in a campaign for a limited time, it is also possible to apply by accumulating only points during the period separately from normal purchase.
[0063]
It goes without saying that the security for the application can be improved by using a dedicated line between the vending machine 95 and the application center 91. However, conversely, by connecting the application center 91 to a general subscriber telephone, it is possible to apply using a personal computer or telephone at home, thereby improving usability.
The function of downloading data from the IC card 1 may be provided not only in a reading / writing device such as a vending machine or a personal computer terminal but also in the application center 91.
Naturally, a read / write device of a store may have this function.
[0064]
In a conventional point system using a seal or the like, points can be easily exchanged between individuals. The points stored in the IC card are electronic information. Therefore, it goes without saying that points can also be transferred between individuals so that electronic money can be transferred.
[0065]
As described above, in the present specification, manufacturers and stores are not only institutions that manufacture and provide tangible products, but also provide services such as restaurants and manufacture and provide intangible intangible products such as information. It can be a public organization that provides administrative services and the like.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
Conventionally, manufacturers, stores, and the like have provided point-based services to customers in various ways. As a result, there was a problem that the customer had to manage many types of mounts and cards. In addition, the points collected were pasted on a backing card or postcard, and then exchanged for goods etc. by mail, in addition to use at the store, but according to the present invention, these problems are solved, and multiple manufacturers and stores provide You can use the points you do with one card.
[0067]
Further, according to the present invention, in addition to points for each maker and each store, points that are commonly managed in a series or the like can be used with one card.
According to the present invention, points stored in a card can be transferred, and points can be collected and sent.
[0068]
The system of the present invention can be operated in cooperation with other applications in the card in the case of an IC card on which a plurality of applications can be mounted. By linking with the electronic money application, payment and point reception can be performed with one card.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a point management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in a memory of an IC card used in the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a point management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a point management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a point management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a point management system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 IC card
3 point system management company
5 Read / write device
7 PC
11 memory
13 Point management application
15 Applications
71 In-device dedicated application
91 Application Center
93 Inquiry Center
95 Vending machine with application function

Claims (11)

Point system management means having a function of managing the entire point system that issues points according to the customer's usage record and provides services or products to the points, and a maker operating the point system or a member affiliated with the maker In a point management system having an IC card read / write unit handled by a store, a point management application for managing points provided by the point system management unit, and an IC card having a built-in point management application,
The point system management means has a function of registering and managing a maker that operates the point system and issuing key data such as an encryption key for accessing the point management application specific to each maker at the time of registration. And
The above point management application can be used from the read / write means by using a combination of key data or key data and one or more pieces of other information from a plurality of manufacturers, and an area corresponding to the key data used at this time is used. A point management system having a function of permitting reading and writing of only the data. The IC card can be loaded with a plurality of applications, and the IC card includes at least the point management application and one or more maker applications corresponding to the reading / writing means.
2. The point management system according to claim 1, wherein the read / write unit can also use the maker application. Point system management means having a function of managing the entire point system that issues points according to the customer's usage record and provides services or products to the points, and a maker operating the point system or a member affiliated with the maker IC card reading / writing means handled by a store, a point management application for managing points provided by the point system management means, and a point management application provided by a maker operating a point system using the point management application and used by the reading / writing means A point management system including a maker application to be installed and an IC card capable of mounting at least the point management application and a plurality of applications having one or more maker applications. ,
The point system management means has a function of registering and managing a maker that operates the point system, and issuing key data such as an encryption key for accessing the point management application specific to each maker at the time of registration. And
The point management application can be used by using a combination of each key data or key data and one or more pieces of other information from the maker applications of a plurality of manufacturers. A point management system having a function of permitting read / write of only data in an area. 4. The point management application according to claim 3, wherein the IC card reading / writing means can use the key data or a combination of the key data and one or more pieces of other information similarly to the maker application. Point management system. Point system management means that has the function of managing the entire point system that issues points according to the customer's usage record and provides services or products to the points, and tie-ups with a plurality of manufacturers that operate the point system or their manufacturers A point management system comprising: an IC card reading / writing unit handled by a participating merchant, a point management application for managing points provided by the point system management unit, and an IC card having a built-in point management application.
The point system management means registers and manages a maker operating the point system, manages a plurality of manufacturers in a group, and stores key data such as a group encryption key for accessing the point management application unique to each group. Has at least a function to issue,
The point management application can be used by a plurality of manufacturers that operate the point system. If the point management application is used from the IC card reading / writing means using group key data or a combination of key data and one or more pieces of other information, A point management system characterized in that only data in an area corresponding to used key data can be read and written, and common point management can be performed by a plurality of manufacturers. The IC card can be loaded with a plurality of applications, and the IC card includes at least the point management application and one or more maker applications corresponding to the reading / writing means.
The point management system according to claim 5, wherein the read / write unit can also use the maker application. Point system management means that has the function of managing the entire point system that issues points according to the customer's usage record and provides services or products to the points, and tie-ups with a plurality of manufacturers that operate the point system or their manufacturers The IC card read / write means handled by the participating merchant, a point management application for managing points provided by the point system management means, and a maker operating a point system using the point management application are provided. A point management system including a plurality of maker applications used corresponding to the reading and writing means, and an IC card capable of mounting the point management application and a plurality of applications having one or more maker applications. In Temu,
The point system management means registers and manages a maker that operates the point system, manages a plurality of manufacturers as a group, and stores group key data such as an encryption key for accessing the point management application unique to each group. Has at least a function to issue,
The point management application can be used from a plurality of the maker applications. If the key management application is used using a combination of group key data or key data and one or more pieces of other information, an area corresponding to the used key data can be used. A point management system characterized in that only data can be read and written so that a plurality of manufacturers can perform common point management. 8. The point management application according to claim 7, wherein the IC card read / write unit can use the group key data or a combination of the key data and one or more pieces of other information similarly to the maker application. Point management system. Point management means for storing point information and an IC card having personally identifiable information; an IC card read / write means capable of being read and written by the maker operating the point system or a member store affiliated with the maker; In the IC card point management system comprising the point collecting means having the function of collecting and storing together with personal information,
The IC card reading / writing means and the point counting means have a communication function,
The point management system, wherein the IC card reading / writing means collects information identifying the points and individuals in the IC card, and transfers the information to the point counting means. Point management means for storing point information and an IC card having a code number capable of identifying an individual; IC card reading and writing means which can be read and written by the maker operating the point system or a member store affiliated with the maker. , An IC card point management system comprising a function of collecting points and storing them together with a code number, and a point totaling means having means for specifying an individual from the code number;
The IC card reading / writing means and the point counting means have a communication function,
The IC card reading / writing means picks up points and code numbers in the IC card, transfers them to the point counting means,
A point management system, wherein the point counting means specifies an individual from a code number by means for specifying the individual. The point management system according to claim 9, wherein the points according to claim 9 are managed similarly to the point management system according to claim 1.

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