JP2006072475A - Device and program for information processing, and for information providing - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience in a point-management system. <P>SOLUTION: A store clerk executes point addition-and-subtraction processing by using a store terminal device comprising a cellular phone and a micro bar-code reader. When the store clerk first reads processing codes on an exclusive sheet through the micro bar-code reader and inputs them, a prescribed program is started in the micro bar-code reader. Then, the store clerk reads customers' ID labels through the micro bar-code reader to input them, inputs the number of added or subtracted points by reading the numeral codes on the exclusive sheet through the micro bar-code reader, and then transmits the inputted data to a service center. The service center updates the data of a point database based on the transmitted data. Thus, a store equipped with such a store terminal can easily install a system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information providing device, an information processing program, and an information providing program, and relates to, for example, managing a service point (hereinafter referred to as a point) issued when a store provides a point service. .

Issuing points according to the amount of money used or the number of times as an effective means to encourage customers to repeat (buy) and purchase products in a wide range of home appliance mass retailers, major retailers, and restaurants Point service is used.
This point service is a system in which points are accumulated when a service provider (sales store, etc.) issues a dedicated card for customer identification to the customer and presents the card when using the service. It has become.
The customer can receive service from the store according to the accumulated balance of points.
Conventionally, techniques for improving the convenience of such a point service system have been proposed, including the following patent documents.

JP 2003-44934 A

Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for constructing a point system configured using a mobile phone terminal and a public line.
In this point system, customer identification information for identifying a customer who can provide a point service is managed in association with information on companies that operate different point services, information on points acquired by the customer, and the like. Then, the customer identification information is stored (stored) in the mobile phone terminal owned by the user. The user can receive a point service provided by a plurality of point service providing companies by displaying on the mobile phone terminal and presenting the customer identification information.

By the way, in order to operate the point service system as described above, it is necessary to construct a point management system for managing customer points.
For the construction of a point management system, for example, a large amount of expenses such as issuing a point card for identifying a customer (member) and installing a dedicated server are required.
For example, 800 yen / card for issuance of point cards, 300,000 yen / unit for dedicated terminal devices, operation commission fee, even for general-purpose packages using low-cost rewrite cards that are popular in recent years rather than dedicated systems linked to registers Cost over 30,000 yen / month.
In addition, consumers' wallets and card holders are already flooded with credit cards, bank cards, and point cards from mass merchants, and the addition of new cards is not welcomed.
For this reason, for example, there are obstacles in the introduction to small shops, restaurants, beauty salons, etc., and it has been difficult to utilize the point system.

Furthermore, in the operation of point services provided at a wide range of stores, it is required to reduce the burden on customers who use the point services and the burden on store staff who provide the point services.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an information processing apparatus, an information providing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information providing program that improve the convenience of a point management system.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a communication function for an information providing device that manages a balance of points used when receiving a predetermined service provided by a store for each customer ID set for a customer to whom points are given. A connection means to which a communication terminal device is connected, a reading means for reading the customer ID, a command for commanding addition or subtraction of points, and a micro barcode encoded with numerical information; and the reading means Based on the read micro bar code, the acquisition unit acquires the customer ID, the command, and the numerical information, and the acquisition unit acquires the customer ID, the command, and the numerical value information, and the communication terminal device connected to the connection unit. A point balance acquisition means for acquiring a balance of points corresponding to the customer ID from the information providing device, and the acquisition means Point addition processing request for adding points indicated by the numerical information created based on the obtained command, or subtracting points indicated by the numerical information within the range of the point balance Transmitting the point subtraction processing request to be transmitted to the information providing apparatus via the communication terminal device connected to the connection means together with the customer ID and the numerical information. .

  The invention according to claim 2 corresponds to the customer ID transmitted from the information processing device according to claim 1 and the database storing the point balance and the e-mail address for each customer ID capable of specifying the store. A first point balance transmission means for transmitting a point balance corresponding to the customer ID stored in the database to the information processing device based on a point balance inquiry request; and a customer transmitted from the information processing device. Based on the ID, the numerical information, and the point addition processing request or the point subtraction processing request, the points indicated by the numerical information are obtained for the point balance corresponding to the customer ID stored in the database. When access from a database update means to add or subtract and an internet-connected terminal device is detected, Email transmission request means for requesting the terminal device to send an email addressed to the information providing device, and transmission of the email sent from the terminal device based on the email transmission request means stored in the database The object is achieved by including second point balance transmission means for transmitting a point balance corresponding to the original address to the transmission source address in association with the store.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the mail transmission request unit transmits a predetermined transmission destination address to the terminal device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the second point balance transmission means is configured such that the e-mail transmitted from the terminal device is a blank e-mail with no body text. If there is, the point balance is transmitted.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a communication function for an information providing device that manages a balance of points used when receiving a predetermined service provided by a store for each customer ID set for a customer to whom points are given. And a reading means for reading a micro bar code in which numerical information is encoded, and a connection means to which a communication terminal device having the information is connected, a command for instructing the customer ID, point addition processing or subtraction processing, and numerical information Via a processing device, an acquisition function for acquiring the customer ID, the command and the numerical information based on the micro bar code read by the reading means, and the communication terminal device connected to the connection means. The point balance acquisition for acquiring the balance of points corresponding to the customer ID acquired by the acquisition function from the information providing device. Function and a point addition processing request for adding the points indicated by the numerical information created based on the command acquired by the acquisition function, or indicated by the numerical information within the range of the point balance A transmission function of transmitting a point subtraction processing request for subtracting the amount of points received, together with the customer ID and the numerical information, to the information providing device via the communication terminal device connected to the connection means; To achieve the above object.

  The invention according to claim 6 is transmitted from the information processing device according to claim 1 to the information providing device including a database in which the point balance and the e-mail address are stored for each customer ID capable of specifying the store. A first point balance transmission function for transmitting a point balance corresponding to the customer ID stored in the database to the information processing device based on a point balance inquiry request corresponding to the customer ID; and the information processing device Based on the customer ID, numerical information, and the point addition processing request or point subtraction processing request transmitted from, the point balance corresponding to the customer ID stored in the database is indicated by the numerical information. Database update function that adds or subtracts the amount of points received and access from terminal devices connected to the Internet If detected, the terminal device transmits a mail transmission request function for requesting the terminal device to send an e-mail addressed to the information providing device, and a mail transmission request means stored in the database. The object is achieved by realizing a second point balance transmission function for transmitting the point balance corresponding to the transmission source address of the received electronic mail to the transmission source address in association with the store.

  According to the present invention, point addition / subtraction can be performed using an inexpensive device. Moreover, the convenience at the time of reference of a point balance can be improved.

[Outline of the embodiment]
When receiving a point service such as point addition or payout, the customer presents the customer ID label on which the customer ID issued for each store is displayed in a micro bar code to the store clerk.
The store clerk performs point addition / subtraction processing using a store terminal device including a mobile phone compatible with the Internet and a micro bar code reader connected to the mobile phone.
First, the store clerk selects a processing item to be executed from a dedicated sheet on which processing codes and numeric codes are displayed as micro bar codes, and reads and inputs the corresponding codes with a micro bar code reader. When a process item is input, a predetermined program for executing the corresponding process in the micro barcode reader is automatically activated.

Next, the store clerk reads and inputs the customer ID label presented by the customer with a micro bar code reader.
Subsequently, the store clerk inputs the number of points to be added when the points are added, and the number of payout points when the payout processing is performed by reading the numeric code of the dedicated sheet with a micro bar code reader.
After inputting each data, the store clerk reads the transmission code of the dedicated sheet with a micro bar code reader and transmits the input data to the service center using the data transmission function of the mobile phone.
The service center receives the data transmitted from the store terminal device, and updates the point data of the corresponding customer ID stored in the point database based on the received data.
As described above, since the store side can provide point services to customers simply by providing a store terminal device composed of a mobile phone and a micro barcode, the point service system is introduced at a low cost. be able to.

The customer's e-mail address is stored in advance in the service center point database in association with the customer ID.
A customer accesses a dedicated site operated by the service center from a mobile phone compatible with the Internet, and sends an e-mail to the service center using the e-mail transmission function of the mobile phone.
When the service center receives the e-mail from the customer, the service center searches the point database for the corresponding customer ID using the source address as a key.
Then, the service center provides services according to the customer's request, such as inquiry of the number of points and change of customer attributes registered in the point database, based on the data corresponding to the searched customer ID.
Thus, by associating the e-mail address and the customer ID in the point database, the customer can make the service center recognize the customer ID only by notifying the e-mail address.

[Details of the embodiment]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the point management system 1 of the present embodiment.
The point management system 1 includes a service center 2, a store headquarter terminal 3, a store terminal device 4, a dedicated sheet 5, the Internet 6, a mobile phone 7 possessed by a customer, and a label card 8 to which a customer ID label 81 is attached. Has been.

The service center 2 performs management of points issued at each store, customer information, store information, etc., and overall management control of the point management system 1. The service center 2 is operated by a supplier that provides the point management system 1.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the service center 2.
The service center 2 includes a concentrating server 21, a point management server 22, a point database 23, and a communication server 24. These devices are connected via a bus line so that data can be exchanged with each other.

The collection server 21 is a server device that collectively receives data transmitted to the service center 2.
The concentrator server 21 has a control device 211 having an input function, a storage function, an arithmetic function, an output function, and the like for controlling the concentrator server 21, and an interface function between the concentrator server 21 and the Internet 6. A communication I / F 212 is provided. Note that the control device 211 and the communication I / F 212 are connected via a bus line.

The point management server 22 is a server device for performing processing for providing the service of the point management system 1, and mainly performs management control of various data stored in the point database 23.
The point management server 22 includes a control device 221, a display device 222, an input / output device 223, and a function of the point management server 22 that have an input function, a storage function, a calculation function, an output function, and the like for controlling the point management server 22. Is provided with a storage device 224 in which various programs for exhibiting the above are stored.
The display device 222 is a device that displays the processing result in the point management server 22, and is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like.

The input / output device 223 includes an input device for inputting data to the point management server 22 and an output device for outputting data to the outside. As an input device, a keyboard, a mouse, a scanner device, or the like is used. As an output device, a printer device or the like is used.
The storage device 224 stores various programs for realizing processing executed by the point management server 22 such as a login program, a new registration program, a point addition program, a point payout program, a data inquiry program, and a customer ID reissue program. Has been.
The point management server 22 performs various processes by reading a program stored in the storage device 224 into the control device 221 and executing it.

The point database 23 is a database that stores various data used in the point management system 1 such as customer data, point data, store data, and the like.
The point database 23 further stores accompanying data such as map data used when presenting the store location and store campaign information data.
The data stored in the point database 23 is managed by the point management server 22, and the data is rewritten (updated) as needed based on an instruction from the point management server 22.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the point database 23.
The point database 23 is created using a relational database (relational database) method, and related data is expressed in a table format.
The point database 23 includes store data that stores information related to stores, and customer data that stores information related to customers such as customer attributes associated with customer IDs.
The store data includes an identifier (reader ID) of the micro barcode reader 42 (FIG. 1) owned by the store, an information ID number provided from the service center, a dedicated site URL, a store address, a telephone number, a person in charge name, The e-mail address set in the store headquarters terminal 3, the description of the point service provided by the store, the data regarding store attributes such as the link destination address of the map database, the history data of the point service used at the store, etc. Stored in association with each code.
The customer data in the point database 23 is associated with customer ID data such as a telephone number, an e-mail address, a name, and an address, and a customer ID such as a store code, a point balance, a point update history, etc. Stored in association with each customer ID

Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the communication server 24 is a server device that mediates exchange of data with the outside of the service center 2.
The communication server 24 includes a control device 241, a communication I / F 242, a mail server 243, a storage device 244, and a dedicated site server 245.
The control device 241 has an input function, a storage function, a calculation function, an output function, and the like for controlling the communication server 24.
The communication I / F 242 has an interface function between the communication server 24 and the Internet 6.
The mail server 243 is a server device having a message transmission / reception function, a mailbox function, and a message management function for configuring an electronic mail system.
The storage device 244 stores various programs for exhibiting the function of the communication server 24, such as a dedicated site service program and a report distribution program.
The dedicated site server 245 is a server device for operating a dedicated site provided on the Internet 6. The dedicated site is a site that acts as a window for exchanging services provided by the service center 2 via the Internet 6.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the store headquarter terminal 3 is a terminal device that sends and receives a point status report that is transmitted from the service center 2 and totals points issued by the store and customer point usage statuses. .
Further, the store headquarter terminal 3 performs various data input processing when registering new customer attribute information or the like in the point database of the service center 2.
Further, the store headquarter terminal 3 manages the issued customer ID and the inventory data of the spare machine of the store terminal device 4.

The store terminal device 4 includes a mobile phone 41 and a micro bar code reader 42.
The mobile phone 41 is a mobile terminal device equipped with a data communication function capable of transmitting and receiving various data via a communication line network including the Internet 6 and a communication interface with the micro barcode reader 42. The data communication function installed in the cellular phone 41 includes an electronic mail transmission / reception function, a function for accessing a site established on the Internet 6, and the like.
In the present embodiment, the description will be given using the mobile phone 41. However, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) may be used instead of the mobile phone 41. Even in this case, a device equipped with a communication interface with the micro barcode reader 42 and a data communication function is used.

The micro bar code reader 42 is a device that reads a micro bar code as data, and has a function of applying light to the micro bar code, reading the reflected light, and converting it into character information.
The micro barcode reader 42 is a device that can be connected to the mobile phone 41, and functions as an input device that inputs various data to the mobile phone 41.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the micro bar code reader 42.
Operation button 421, operation control unit 422, scanner unit 423, read data processing circuit 424, communication I / F (interface) 425, CPU (central processing unit) 426, ROM (read-only memory) 427, RAM (random) Access memory) 428 is provided.

The operation button 421 is a button for accepting an operation input by the user, and the operation control unit 422 detects the pressed state of the operation button 421 and transfers the signal to the CPU 426.
The scanner unit 423 is a reading unit that reads data by pressing a micro barcode, and a signal read by the scanner unit 423 is input to a read data processing circuit 424.
The read data processing circuit 424 performs processing for converting a signal read by the scanner unit 423 into digital data.
The communication I / F 425 is an interface for exchanging data with the mobile phone 41.

The CPU 426 executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM 427.
The ROM 427 stores various programs for causing the micro bar code reader 42 to function and data of a unique terminal identifier (reader ID) attached to the micro bar code reader 42.
The RAM 428 is a storage device that temporarily stores necessary data when the CPU 426 executes arithmetic processing. In addition, the RAM 428 stores micro barcode data transferred from the read data processing circuit 424 as needed.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the dedicated sheet 5 codes operation information for instructing processing to be executed by the store terminal device 4 when providing point service to the customer, and numerical information used for inputting the number of points. The displayed micro bar code is displayed.
The exclusive seat 5 is provided in the store that provides the point service together with the store terminal device 4 (for example, in the vicinity of the cash register).
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the dedicated sheet 5.
The dedicated sheet 5 includes a processing code indicating an operation command of the store terminal device 4 and a numerical code indicating numerical data.
As processing in the store terminal device 4 indicated by the processing code, there are point addition processing, point payout processing, telephone number addition processing, new issue processing, reissue processing, forced payout processing, transmission processing, cancellation processing, and the like.

A point addition process is a process which adds the point issued according to the money etc. which the customer used in the store to the point balance of applicable customer ID.
The point payout process is a process of subtracting the points to be used from the point balance of the corresponding customer ID when receiving the provision of service from the store using the points acquired so far.
The telephone number addition process is based on the telephone number of the customer registered in advance in the point database 23 in association with the customer ID when the customer who has acquired the customer ID forgets the customer ID label 81, etc. This is a process of adding points issued according to the amount of money used by the customer at the store to the point balance of the corresponding customer ID.

The new issue process is a process in which the store issues a customer ID to a new customer.
The reissue process is a process for reissuing the customer ID when the customer loses the customer ID label 81 or when the customer ID label 81 becomes unreadable.
In this reissue process, unlike the new issue process, by performing identity verification based on the customer's telephone number, e-mail address, etc. registered in advance in the point database 23 in association with the customer ID, The balance of points of the old customer ID can be transferred.
The compulsory payout process is a process for paying out all points of the customer ID corresponding to the cancellation and setting the point balance to zero.
The transmission process is a process of finally transmitting predetermined data stored in the micro barcode reader 42 to the service center 2.
The canceling process is a process for forcibly interrupting the ongoing process and returning (resetting) the shop terminal device 4 to the initial state.

The numerical code described in the dedicated sheet 5 is obtained by converting each numerical value from 0 to 9 into a micro bar code.
The numeric codes are stored in the RAM 428 in the order read by the micro bar code reader 42. Therefore, for example, when inputting numerical data “123”, the micro bar code corresponding to the order of “1”, “2”, “3” on the dedicated sheet 5 is read by the micro bar code reader 42 and input. be able to.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the mobile phone 7 is a mobile terminal device possessed by a customer, and has a data communication function capable of transmitting and receiving various data via a communication line network including the Internet 6.
Data communication functions installed in the mobile phone 7 include an e-mail transmission / reception function, a function for accessing a site established on the Internet 6, and the like.
In the present embodiment, the description will be made using the mobile phone 7. However, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a PDA may be used instead of the mobile phone 7.

The label card 8 is a card possessed by the customer with a sticker-like customer ID label 81 provided from each store.
FIG. 6 shows an example of the label card 8.
A plurality of customer ID labels 81 provided from each store are affixed to the label card 8.
In the customer ID label 81, a character string of the customer ID issued in the upper part is displayed, a micro barcode encoded with the customer ID is displayed in the middle part, and the issuer of the customer ID label 81 is displayed in the lower part. Store name and information ID are displayed.
Since the character string of the customer ID displayed in the upper section is a notation used when registering a new customer attribute using a dedicated site service described later, customer attribute registration from the store headquarter terminal 3 is performed. If possible, it is not always necessary. In such a case, since the character string representation of the customer ID on the customer ID label 81 can be deleted, the customer ID label 81 can be further reduced in size.
In addition, since the customer ID issued for each store is stored in the store data of the point database 23 described above, the customer ID can specify the issuer store by itself.

The customer ID is an identifier for identifying a user when using the point service provided by the store, and corresponds to a membership number written on a credit card or a conventional point card.
The information ID displayed together with the store name is a character string (or number) used when the customer uses a dedicated site operated by the service center 2. Since the information ID and the store code are associated in the point database 23, the point management system 1 can identify the corresponding store based on the information ID.
A plurality of customer ID labels 81 can be attached to both sides of the label card 8. Therefore, even when using a point service provided by multiple stores, there is no need to manage multiple point cards issued for each store as in the past, providing superior portability and user convenience. Can be improved.
In the present embodiment, the customer ID label 81 is affixed to the label card 8, but the customer ID label 81 may also be affixed directly to other cards, notebooks, and cellular phones 7, for example. Thus, since the customer ID label 81 can be easily stored (attached) in a place considering portability, the convenience of the customer holding the customer ID label 81 can be improved.

Here, the micro barcode used in the dedicated sheet 5 and the customer ID label 81 described above will be described.
A micro bar code is a code that represents an identification code or the like corresponding to an operation command or information data by arranging black lines with varying thicknesses and intervals.
In particular, the micro bar code is displayed with a width of the thinnest black line of about 100 μm, and the area ratio is reduced to 1/20 to 1/30 compared with a general bar code.

Next, a point management processing method in the point management system 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
First, a registration processing method of a store that uses the point management system 1 to manage points issued when providing point services to customers, that is, a store that introduces the point management system 1 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for registering a store using the point management system 1 in the service center 2.
The store registration process using the point management system 1 is performed between the store headquarter terminal 3 and the service center 2.

First, when the point management system 1 is introduced, the operator of the service center 2 provides the micro bar code reader 42 in which the reader ID is stored in the ROM 427, the dedicated sheet 5, the customer ID label 81 to be distributed to the customer, and the service center 2. Related documents with the store code etc. to be sent are sent to the store headquarters.
The person in charge at the store headquarters receives the micro barcode reader 42, the dedicated sheet 5, the customer ID label 81, and related documents, and then registers information (store data) related to the store according to the following procedure.
The person in charge uses an input device such as a keyboard to store store data such as a store code, reader ID, store name, address, telephone number, contact receiving e-mail address, contact name, point service description, etc. Type in 3.
These store data are input in advance by obtaining a predetermined registration format from the service center 2 via the Internet 6 and using this registration format.
The store headquarter terminal 3 accepts store data input by the person in charge by storing the store data input in the storage area in the device (step 11).

After completing the input of all the store data, the person in charge inputs a command (transmission command) that causes the store headquarter terminal 3 to execute a process of transmitting the input store data to the service center 2 via the Internet 6.
After detecting the input of the transmission command, the store headquarter terminal 3 transmits the store data stored in the storage area to the service center 2 via the Internet 6 (step 12).
In addition, before transmitting data to the service center 2, the data to be transmitted is encrypted if necessary.

When the store data is transmitted from the store headquarters terminal 3, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentration server 21 (step 21). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When the store data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads and activates a program for executing store registration processing from the storage device 224.
Then, the point management server 22 registers the received store data in the point database 23 (step 22).
When the store data registration process in the point database 23 is completed, the point management server 22 creates a message indicating that the registration process in the point management system 1 is completed, and the contents of the store data registered in the point database 23 At the same time, the data is transferred to the communication server 24.
The communication server 24 transmits the registration completion message data and the registered store data transferred from the point management server 22 to the store headquarter terminal 3 via the Internet 6 (step 23).
The store headquarter terminal 3 receives the registration completion message data and the registered store data transmitted from the service center 2 (step 13), and ends the process.
The store headquarter terminal 3 receives this registration completion message, so that the person in charge can know that the registration processing of the store has been completed in the service center 2.

Next, a customer registration processing method for issuing a customer ID for identifying a customer, which is required when the customer uses a point service provided by the store, will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for registering a customer who uses the point service provided by the store in the service center 2.
When the store clerk receives a request for providing point service from a customer in the store, the store clerk performs a process of newly issuing a customer ID in order to enable use of the point service for the customer.
The store clerk prepares an unissued customer ID label 81 owned by the store in advance.
Then, the store clerk selects the new issue process from the process code field of the dedicated sheet 5 and causes the store terminal device 4 to read it. Specifically, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 against a predetermined micro bar code instructing a new issue process, and causes the micro bar code data to be read.

Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts input of micro-barcode read data instructing a new issue process in the micro-bar code reader 42 (step 31).
The CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates a predetermined program stored in the ROM 427 based on the received data, that is, a new issue processing command.
Various programs stored in the ROM 427 of the micro bar code reader 42 execute processing commands (commands) not only to the micro bar code reader 42 but also to the control unit of the mobile phone 41 via the communication I / F 425. Can be made.
In addition, the store terminal device 4 scans the display area of the mobile phone 41 when the store clerk performs each process, for example, “Please scan customer ID”, “Enter the number of points”, “Send code” Please display the operation instructions to the store clerk at any time. The store clerk operates the store terminal device 4 in accordance with these operation instructions to perform data input processing.

Next, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 against the micro bar code displayed on the unissued customer ID label 81 to read the customer ID.
The store terminal device 4 accepts input of customer ID read data in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 32). The received customer ID data is stored in the RAM 428 of the micro barcode reader 42.
Subsequently, the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the transmission process code from the process code column of the dedicated sheet 5.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts the input of the reading data of the transmission processing code in the micro bar code reader 42 (step 33).
When receiving the transmission processing code, the CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates the transmission program stored in the ROM 427.

When the transmission program is activated, the CPU 426 reads the reader ID stored in the ROM 427 and stores it in the RAM 428 (step 34).
Then, the CPU 426 transmits the customer ID and reader ID data stored in the RAM 428 to the service center 2 via the Internet 6 using the data communication function of the mobile phone 41 (step 35).
In addition, before transmitting data to the service center 2, the data to be transmitted is encrypted if necessary.

When the customer ID and the reader ID data are transmitted from the store terminal device 4, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentration server 21 (step 41). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When the data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads and activates a program for executing a new customer ID registration process from the storage device 224.
Then, the point management server 22 registers the received customer ID and reader ID data in the point database 23 (step 42).

When the registration process of the customer ID in the point database 23 is completed, the point management server 22 creates a message indicating that the registration process of the customer ID in the point management system 1 is completed and transfers the message to the communication server 24.
The communication server 24 transmits the registration completion message data transferred from the point management server 22 to the store terminal device 4 via the Internet 6 (step 43).
The shop terminal device 4 receives the registration completion message data transmitted from the service center 2 (step 36).
When the store terminal device 4 receives this registration completion message, the person in charge can know that the registration process of the customer ID has been completed in the service center 2.
At this point, the newly registered customer ID can be used, and the customer can receive the point service by presenting the customer ID label.

When a store clerk issues a new customer ID, the store clerk requests the customer who requests registration to provide customer information. This customer information is provided by prompting the customer to enter information in a predetermined format (such as an application form).
The customer information items include name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, gender, and the like. However, at least the telephone number or e-mail address used for customer identification (authentication) is required.

The person in charge registers information related to the customer (customer attribute data) based on the information provided by the customer (customer information).
The person in charge inputs customer attribute data such as name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, and sex into the store headquarter terminal 3 using an input device such as a keyboard.
These customer attribute data are input in advance by obtaining a predetermined registration format from the service center 2 via the Internet 6 and using this registration format.

The store headquarters terminal 3 receives the customer attribute data input by the person in charge by storing the customer attribute data input in the storage area in the apparatus (step 51).
After the input of all customer attribute data is completed, the person in charge inputs a command (transmission command) that causes the store headquarters terminal 3 to execute processing for transmitting the input customer attribute data to the service center 2 via the Internet 6. .
After detecting the input of the transmission command, the store headquarter terminal 3 transmits the customer attribute data stored in the storage area to the service center 2 via the Internet 6 (step 52).
In addition, before transmitting data to the service center 2, the data to be transmitted is encrypted if necessary.

When data is transmitted from the store headquarters terminal 3, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentration server 21 (step 44). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When the customer attribute data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads a program for executing the customer attribute registration process from the storage device 224 and activates it.
Then, the point management server 22 registers the received customer attribute data in the point database 23 (step 45).

When the customer attribute data registration process in the point database 23 is completed, the point management server 22 creates a message indicating that the registration process in the point management system 1 is completed, and the customer attribute data registered in the point database 23 Together with the content of the message to the communication server 24.
The communication server 24 transmits the registration completion message data and the registered customer attribute data transferred from the point management server 22 to the store headquarter terminal 3 via the Internet 6 (step 46).
The store headquarter terminal 3 receives the registration completion message data and the registered customer attribute data transmitted from the service center 2 (step 53), and ends the process.
The store headquarters terminal 3 receives this registration completion message, so that the person in charge can know that the customer attribute data registration process has been completed in the service center 2.
The registration process of the customer attribute data described above may be performed in a customer attribute registration service provided by a dedicated site described later.

Next, a point service providing method when the customer uses the store will be described.
When a customer uses a store, the store performs a process of issuing points according to the usage amount, for example.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for the store to issue points.
When the clerk issues points, such as at the time of payment, the customer is requested to present the customer ID label 81 in advance to the customer to be issued.
In response to this request, the customer presents the clerk with the label card 8 with the customer ID label 81 provided from the corresponding store.

The store clerk selects the point addition processing from the processing code column of the dedicated sheet 5 and causes the store terminal device 4 to read it. Specifically, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 against a predetermined micro bar code instructing point addition processing, and causes the micro bar code data to be read.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts input of microbarcode reading data instructing point addition processing in the microbarcode reader 42 (step 61).
The CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates a predetermined program stored in the ROM 427 based on the received data, that is, the point addition processing command.

Next, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 against the micro bar code displayed on the customer ID label 81 presented by the customer to read the customer ID.
The shop terminal device 4 accepts input of customer ID read data in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 62). The received customer ID data is stored in the RAM 428 of the micro barcode reader 42.
Subsequently, the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the number of points to be added using the numeric code of the dedicated sheet 5. Specifically, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 against the micro bar code of the numeric code in order from the maximum digit of the number of points to be input, and reads the data of the micro bar code. Make it.
The shop terminal device 4 accepts input of reading data of the number of points in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 63). The data of the accepted number of points is stored in the RAM 428 of the micro barcode reader 42.

Subsequently, the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the transmission process code from the process code column of the dedicated sheet 5.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts the input of the reading data of the transmission processing code in the micro bar code reader 42 (step 64).
When receiving the transmission processing code, the CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates the transmission program stored in the ROM 427.

When the transmission program is activated, the CPU 426 reads the reader ID stored in the ROM 427 and stores it in the RAM 428 (step 65).
Then, CPU 426 transmits the customer ID, reader ID, and point number data stored in RAM 428 to service center 2 via Internet 6 using the data communication function of mobile phone 41 (step 66).
In addition, before transmitting data to the service center 2, the data to be transmitted is encrypted if necessary.

When data is transmitted from the store terminal device 4, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentrator server 21 (step 71). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads a program that executes point addition processing from the storage device 224 and activates it.
Then, the point management server 22 performs a process of adding points to the point balance of the corresponding customer ID based on the received data, and updates the data in the point database 23 (step 72).

When the update processing of the point database 23 is completed, the point management server 22 creates a message indicating that the point addition processing is completed, and transfers the message to the communication server 24 together with the updated point balance data of the point database 23.
The communication server 24 transmits the addition process completion message data and the point balance data transferred from the point management server 22 to the store terminal device 4 via the Internet 6 (step 73).
The shop terminal device 4 receives the addition process completion message data and the point balance data transmitted from the service center 2 (step 67).
When the store terminal device 4 receives this addition processing completion message, the store clerk can know that the point addition processing for the customer ID has been completed in the service center 2.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for paying out points from a customer's point balance.
When a customer receives a service using points issued from the store, the store performs a process of paying out points according to the service to be provided from the customer's point balance.
When a customer receives a service using points, for example, at the time of a transaction, the store clerk requests the customer who is a service providing target to present the customer ID label 81 in advance.
In response to this request, the customer presents the clerk with the label card 8 with the customer ID label 81 provided from the corresponding store.

The store clerk selects the point payout process from the process code column of the dedicated sheet 5 and causes the store terminal device 4 to read it. Specifically, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 against a predetermined micro bar code instructing the point payout process, and causes the micro bar code data to be read.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts input of micro bar code reading data instructing point payout processing in the micro bar code reader 42 (step 81).
The CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates a predetermined program stored in the ROM 427 based on the received data, that is, the point payout processing command.

Next, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 against the micro bar code displayed on the customer ID label 81 presented by the customer to read the customer ID.
The store terminal device 4 accepts input of customer ID read data in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 82). The received customer ID data is stored in the RAM 428 of the micro barcode reader 42.
Subsequently, the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the transmission process code from the process code column of the dedicated sheet 5.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts input of the reading data of the transmission processing code in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 83).
When receiving the transmission processing code, the CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates the transmission program stored in the ROM 427.

When the transmission program is activated, the CPU 426 reads the reader ID stored in the ROM 427 and stores it in the RAM 428 (step 84).
Then, the CPU 426 transmits the customer ID and reader ID data stored in the RAM 428 to the service center 2 via the Internet 6 using the data communication function of the mobile phone 41 (step 85).
In addition, before transmitting data to the service center 2, the data to be transmitted is encrypted if necessary.

When data is transmitted from the store terminal device 4, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentrator server 21 (step 101). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When the data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads and activates a program that executes a customer ID inquiry process from the storage device 224.
And the point management server 22 performs the inquiry process which reads the data of applicable customer ID from the point database 23 based on the received data (step 102).
The point management server 22 transfers the customer ID data read from the point database 23, that is, the result of the customer ID inquiry process in the point database 23 to the communication server 24.

The communication server 24 transmits the result data of the customer ID inquiry process transferred from the point management server 22 to the store terminal device 4 via the Internet 6 (step 103).
The store terminal device 4 receives the result data of the customer ID inquiry process transmitted from the service center 2 (step 86).
Then, the store clerk informs the customer of the number of points that can be used based on the result of the inquiry processing of the customer ID received by the store terminal device 4. The customer tells the store clerk how many points to use (pay).

The store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the number of points paid out using the numeric code of the dedicated sheet 5. Specifically, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 against the micro bar code of the numeric code in order from the maximum digit of the number of points to be input, and reads the data of the micro bar code. Make it.
The shop terminal device 4 accepts input of reading data of the number of points in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 87). The data of the accepted number of points is stored in the RAM 428 of the micro barcode reader 42.

Subsequently, the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the transmission process code from the process code column of the dedicated sheet 5.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts the input of the reading data of the transmission processing code in the micro bar code reader 42 (step 88).
When receiving the transmission processing code, the CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates the transmission program stored in the ROM 427.

When the transmission program is activated, the CPU 426 reads the reader ID stored in the ROM 427 and stores it in the RAM 428 (step 89).
Then, CPU 426 transmits the customer ID, reader ID, and point number data stored in RAM 428 to service center 2 via Internet 6 using the data communication function of mobile phone 41 (step 90).
In addition, before transmitting data to the service center 2, the data to be transmitted is encrypted if necessary.

When data is transmitted from the store terminal device 4, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentrator server 21 (step 104). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When the data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads a program for executing the point payout process from the storage device 224 and activates it.
Then, the point management server 22 performs a process of subtracting points from the point balance of the corresponding customer ID based on the received data, and updates the data in the point database 23 (step 105).

When the update processing of the point database 23 is completed, the point management server 22 creates a message indicating that the point payout processing is completed, and transfers the message to the communication server 24 together with the updated point balance data of the point database 23.
The communication server 24 transmits the payout process completion message data and the point balance data transferred from the point management server 22 to the store terminal device 4 via the Internet 6 (step 106).
The shop terminal device 4 receives the payout process completion message data and the point balance data transmitted from the service center 2 (step 91).
When the store terminal device 4 receives the payout process completion message, the store clerk can know that the point subtraction (payout) process for the customer ID has been completed in the service center 2.

By the way, when a customer uses a store that provides a point service, the customer ID label 81 is often forgotten even though the customer ID label 81 has already been issued.
Therefore, in the point management system 1 according to the present embodiment, a point service is provided by authenticating a customer ID based on a telephone number registered in advance for a customer who cannot present the customer ID label 81 when using the store. It can be used.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for issuing a point by authenticating a customer ID based on the customer's telephone number.
The store clerk requests the customer who has forgotten the ID label 81 to provide the customer's telephone number information in advance when issuing points such as at the time of payment.
The customer presents or tells the store clerk a telephone number in response to this request.

The store clerk selects the telephone number addition processing from the processing code column of the dedicated sheet 5 and causes the store terminal device 4 to read it. Specifically, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 against a predetermined micro bar code instructing the telephone number addition process, and causes the micro bar code data to be read.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts input of micro-barcode reading data instructing telephone number addition processing in the micro-bar code reader 42 (step 111).
The CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates a predetermined program stored in the ROM 427 based on the received data, that is, a telephone number addition processing command.

The store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the customer's telephone number using the numeric code of the dedicated sheet 5. Specifically, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 against the micro bar code of the numeric code in the order of the input telephone number, and reads the data of the micro bar code.
The store terminal device 4 receives input of reading data of a telephone number in the micro bar code reader 42 (step 112). The received telephone number data is stored in the RAM 428 of the micro bar code reader 42.

Subsequently, the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the transmission process code from the process code column of the dedicated sheet 5.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts the input of the reading data of the transmission processing code in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 113).
When receiving the transmission processing code, the CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates the transmission program stored in the ROM 427.

When the transmission program is activated, the CPU 426 reads the reader ID stored in the ROM 427 and stores it in the RAM 428 (step 114).
Then, using the data communication function of mobile phone 41, CPU 426 transmits the customer's phone number and reader ID data stored in RAM 428 to service center 2 via Internet 6 (step 115).
In addition, before transmitting data to the service center 2, the data to be transmitted is encrypted if necessary.

When the data is transmitted from the store terminal device 4, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentration server 21 (step 131). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When the data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads and activates a program that executes a customer ID inquiry process from the storage device 224.
Based on the received data, the point management server 22 executes an inquiry process for reading the customer ID data in which the corresponding telephone number is registered as customer attribute data from the point database 23 (step 132).
The point management server 22 transfers the result of the customer ID inquiry process in the point database 23 to the communication server 24.

The communication server 24 transmits the result data of the customer ID inquiry process transferred from the point management server 22 to the store terminal device 4 via the Internet 6 (step 133).
The store terminal device 4 receives the result data of the customer ID inquiry process transmitted from the service center 2 (step 116).
At this time, if the corresponding customer ID exists in the received data, this customer ID data is extracted and stored in the RAM 428 of the micro barcode reader 42.
Then, the store terminal device 4 determines whether or not a customer ID corresponding to the previously input telephone number exists in the point database 23 based on the received result data of the customer ID inquiry process (step 117). ).

If it is determined that it does not exist in the point database 23 (step 117; N), the processing is terminated as it is.
When it is determined that it exists in the point database 23 (step 117; Y), the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the number of points to be added (issued) using the numeric code of the dedicated sheet 5. Specifically, the store clerk presses the micro bar code of the numeric code in order from the maximum digit of the number of points to be input to the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 to read the data of the micro bar code. .
The shop terminal device 4 accepts input of reading data of the number of points in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 118). The data of the accepted number of points is stored in the RAM 428 of the micro barcode reader 42.

Subsequently, the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the transmission process code from the process code column of the dedicated sheet 5.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts the input of the reading data of the transmission processing code in the micro bar code reader 42 (step 119).
When receiving the transmission processing code, the CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates the transmission program stored in the ROM 427.

When the transmission program is activated, the CPU 426 reads the reader ID stored in the ROM 427 and stores it in the RAM 428 (step 120).
Then, the CPU 426 transmits the customer ID, reader ID, and point number data stored in the RAM 428 to the service center 2 via the Internet 6 using the data communication function of the mobile phone 41 (step 121).
In addition, before transmitting data to the service center 2, the data to be transmitted is encrypted if necessary.

When data is transmitted from the store terminal device 4, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentrator server 21 (step 134). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads a program that executes point addition processing from the storage device 224 and activates it.
Then, the point management server 22 performs processing for adding points to the point balance of the corresponding customer ID based on the received data, and updates the data in the point database 23 (step 135).

When the update processing of the point database 23 is completed, the point management server 22 creates a message indicating that the point addition processing is completed, and transfers the message to the communication server 24 together with the updated point balance data of the point database 23.
The communication server 24 transmits the addition process completion message data and the point balance data transferred from the point management server 22 to the store terminal device 4 via the Internet 6 (step 136).
The shop terminal device 4 receives the addition process completion message data and the point balance data transmitted from the service center 2 (step 122).
When the store terminal device 4 receives this addition processing completion message, the store clerk can know that the point addition processing for the customer ID has been completed in the service center 2.

In this way, by notifying the service center 2 of the telephone number and performing the customer ID authentication process based on the telephone number, points can be issued to customers who do not bring the customer ID label.
Similarly, by performing a customer ID authentication process based on a telephone number, points can be paid out from the point balance of a customer who does not bring a customer ID label. When paying points using phone number authentication, in order to prevent unauthorized use of points by third parties, not only phone numbers but also other customer attribute information such as customer name and date of birth are presented. These data are transmitted to the service center 2 to perform customer ID authentication processing.

Next, a method of issuing another customer ID to a customer who has already issued a customer ID when the customer ID label 81 is lost or the customer ID label 81 is damaged will be described. Here, the customer ID is reissued to the customer, but the old customer ID and the reissued customer ID are different, and the existing customer ID is not continuously used.
When reissuing the customer ID, the point balance of the old customer ID can be transferred to the customer ID to be reissued.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for reissuing the customer ID.
When the store clerk receives a request for reissuing the customer ID label 81 from the customer, the store clerk performs a process of newly issuing a customer ID in order to continuously use the point service for the customer.
The store clerk prepares an unissued customer ID label 81 owned by the store in advance.
Further, the store clerk requests the customer who is the reissuance target of the customer ID label 81 to provide customer phone number information.
The customer presents or tells the store clerk a telephone number in response to this request.

The store clerk selects the reissue process from the process code field of the dedicated sheet 5 and causes the store terminal device 4 to read it. Specifically, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 against a predetermined micro bar code instructing the reissue process, and causes the micro bar code data to be read.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 accepts input of micro-barcode reading data instructing the reissue process in the micro-bar code reader 42 (step 141).
The CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates a predetermined program stored in the ROM 427 based on the received data, that is, a reissue process command.

The store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the customer's telephone number using the numeric code of the dedicated sheet 5. Specifically, the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 in the store terminal device 4 against the micro bar code of the numeric code in the order of the input telephone number, and reads the data of the micro bar code.
The store terminal device 4 accepts input of reading data of a telephone number in the micro bar code reader 42 (step 142). The received telephone number data is stored in the RAM 428 of the micro bar code reader 42.

Subsequently, the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the transmission process code from the process code column of the dedicated sheet 5.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 receives the input of the reading data of the transmission processing code in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 143).
When receiving the transmission processing code, the CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates the transmission program stored in the ROM 427.

When the transmission program is activated, the CPU 426 reads the reader ID stored in the ROM 427 and stores it in the RAM 428 (step 144).
Then, the CPU 426 transmits the customer's telephone number and reader ID data stored in the RAM 428 to the service center 2 via the Internet 6 using the data communication function of the mobile phone 41 (step 145).
In addition, before transmitting customer ID and reader ID data to the service center 2, if necessary, the data to be transmitted is encrypted.

When data is transmitted from the store terminal device 4, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentrator server 21 (step 161). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When the data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads and activates a program that executes a customer ID inquiry process from the storage device 224.
Based on the received data, the point management server 22 executes an inquiry process for reading from the point database 23 the customer ID data in which the corresponding telephone number is registered as the customer attribute data (step 162).
The point management server 22 transfers the result of the customer ID inquiry process in the point database 23 to the communication server 24.

The communication server 24 transmits the result data of the customer ID inquiry process transferred from the point management server 22 to the store terminal device 4 via the Internet 6 (step 163).
The shop terminal device 4 receives the result data of the customer ID inquiry process transmitted from the service center 2 (step 146).
At this time, if the corresponding customer ID exists in the received data, this customer ID data is extracted and stored in the RAM 428 of the micro barcode reader 42 as old customer ID data.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 determines whether or not a customer ID corresponding to the previously inputted telephone number exists in the point database 23 based on the received result data of the customer ID inquiry process (step 147). ).

If it is determined that it does not exist in the point database 23 (step 147; N), the processing is terminated as it is. In this case, the store clerk continues the procedure for newly issuing the customer ID label 81.
When it is determined that it exists in the point database 23 (step 147; Y), the store clerk presses the scanner unit 423 of the micro bar code reader 42 against the micro bar code displayed on the unissued customer ID label 81, and the customer ID To read.
The shop terminal device 4 accepts input of customer ID read data in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 148). The received customer ID data is stored in the RAM 428 of the micro barcode reader 42.
Subsequently, the store clerk causes the store terminal device 4 to read the transmission process code from the process code column of the dedicated sheet 5.
Then, the shop terminal device 4 receives the input of the reading data of the transmission processing code in the micro barcode reader 42 (step 149).
When receiving the transmission processing code, the CPU 426 of the micro barcode reader 42 activates the transmission program stored in the ROM 427.

When the transmission program is activated, the CPU 426 reads the reader ID stored in the ROM 427 and stores it in the RAM 428 (step 150).
Then, the CPU 426 transmits the customer ID, reader ID, and old customer ID data stored in the RAM 428 to the service center 2 via the Internet 6 using the data communication function of the mobile phone 41 (step 151).
In addition, before transmitting data to the service center 2, the data to be transmitted is encrypted if necessary.

When data is transmitted from the store terminal device 4, the service center 2 receives the transmitted data at the concentrator server 21 (step 164). The service center 2 transfers the data received by the concentration server 21 to the point management server 22.
When the data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads and activates a program for executing a customer ID reissue process from the storage device 224.
Then, the point management server 22 registers the customer ID and reader ID data in the point database 23 based on the received data (step 165). At this time, the point management server 22 performs processing for transferring the point balance of the old customer ID to the newly registered new customer ID.

When the registration processing of the customer ID in the point database 23 is completed, the point management server 22 creates a message indicating that the reissue processing of the customer ID to the point management system 1 is completed, and the communication server together with the point balance data 24.
The communication server 24 transmits the customer ID reissue processing completion message data and the point balance data transferred from the point management server 22 to the store terminal device 4 via the Internet 6 (step 166).
The store terminal device 4 receives the reissue process completion message data of the customer ID transmitted from the service center 2 (step 152).
When the store terminal device 4 receives this customer ID reissue process completion message, the store clerk can know that the customer ID reissue process has been completed in the service center 2.

As described above, according to the point management system 1 according to the present embodiment, processing in the store such as point issuance processing and payout processing when using the point service provided by the store is performed by the store terminal device 4 as a clerk. It can be executed simply by operating.
Since this store terminal device 4 is not a device linked to a POS (point-of-sale information management) system or a register, there is no special infrastructure maintenance such as providing a dedicated line at the time of introduction. Even in restaurants, beauty salons, etc., it can be easily introduced.
The customer ID label 81 for identifying a customer used in the point management system 1 according to the present embodiment can be miniaturized by using a micro barcode, and is issued from a major mass retailer. Compared to point cards, it is very portable. Therefore, customer convenience in the case of holding a large number of customer ID labels 81 can be improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when data is transmitted from the store terminal device 4 to the service center 2, the unique reader ID data stored in the micro barcode reader 42 constituting the store terminal device 4 is also combined. Thus, it is possible to appropriately recognize the data transmission source.
For example, even if the store clerk has erroneously read the customer ID label 81 issued by another store, the service center 2 is transmitted with the store code that issued the transmitted customer ID data. By comparing with the store code in which the reader ID is registered, the store clerk's error can be detected.
Further, the service center 2 compares the store code of the issuer of the transmitted customer ID data with the store code in which the transmitted reader ID is registered, so that the point addition / subtraction process being executed is appropriate. It can be determined whether or not the operation is performed on the route. Thereby, falsification of the point database 23 due to unauthorized access can be prevented.

Next, the dedicated site service that the service center 2 provides directly to customers will be described.
This dedicated site service refers to the number of points provided to customers who own the customer ID label 81 and registered in the point database via a dedicated site established on the Internet 6 operated by the service center 2. This service accepts changes in customer attributes.
The customer uses the dedicated site service using the mobile phone 7 possessed by the customer.
If the customer attribute data has been registered in the point database 23, it is assumed that the e-mail address registered in the point database 23 is set in the mobile phone 7.

When using a dedicated site service, the customer first accesses the dedicated site and selects a service to be used from the service menu.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for selecting a service menu from a dedicated site.
First, the customer accesses the dedicated site using the data transmission function of the mobile phone 7. Specifically, the dedicated site is accessed by inputting the URL of the dedicated site provided in advance from the store from which the customer ID label 81 is issued. Note that the URL of the dedicated site input here specifies the top page of the dedicated site.
The cellular phone 7 detects the customer's key operation and transmits an access request to the dedicated site via the Internet 6 using the data transmission function based on the input URL data (step 171).

In the service center 2, the communication server 24 receives an access request for the dedicated site from the mobile phone 7.
When the communication server 24 receives an access request to the dedicated site, the control device 241 activates the dedicated site service program stored in the storage device 244 and accesses (connects) the mobile phone 7 to the dedicated site server 245. Let
Next, the dedicated site server 245 transmits screen data for prompting input of an information ID (hereinafter referred to as information ID input screen data) to the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 6 (step 181).
The mobile phone 7 receives the information ID input screen data (step 172), and displays the information ID input screen on the display based on the received data.

The customer inputs the information ID (three-digit number) displayed on the customer ID label 81 by key operation according to the display on the mobile phone 7.
The cellular phone 7 detects the customer's key operation and accepts the input information ID data (step 173). The input data of the received information ID is stored in a RAM provided in the mobile phone 7.
Then, the cellular phone 7 transmits the information ID data stored in the RAM via the Internet 6 to the dedicated site server 245 using the data transmission function (step 174).

The dedicated site server 245 receives the information ID data transmitted from the mobile phone 7 (step 182).
The dedicated site server 245 then accesses (connects) the mobile phone 7 to the site corresponding to the received information ID (step 183). The URL of the site corresponding to the information ID is obtained by searching the store data stored in the point database 23 using this information ID as a key, and reading from the searched store data.
Next, the dedicated site server 245 transmits screen data for prompting input of a service menu (hereinafter referred to as menu selection screen data) to the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 6 (step 184).
In this way, in the dedicated site service, based on the information ID input by the customer, the URL of the store-dedicated site existing below the top page of the dedicated site is specified and automatically linked (jumped).

The mobile phone 7 receives the menu selection screen data (step 175), and displays the menu selection screen on the display based on the received data.
The customer selects a desired service from the service menu displayed on the display of the mobile phone 7, and inputs the selection by key operation.
The cellular phone 7 detects the customer's key operation and accepts the selection of the input service menu (step 176). The received service menu selection data is stored in a RAM provided in the mobile phone 7.
Then, the cellular phone 7 transmits the selection data of the service menu stored in the RAM via the Internet 6 to the dedicated site server 245 using the data transmission function (step 177).

The dedicated site server 245 receives the service menu selection data transmitted from the mobile phone 7 (step 185), and ends the process.
In this way, after selecting a service menu from the dedicated site, a service based on the selected menu can be used.
The service menu provided by the dedicated site service includes, for example, a customer attribute registration service that accepts customer attribute registration when customer attribute information is unregistered, a point inquiry service for checking point balance, and a registered customer Customer attribute change service that accepts attribute changes.

Next, a method for providing a service selected from the service menu will be described for each service to be provided. Here, the point inquiry service, customer attribute registration service, and customer attribute change service will be described.
First, the subsequent processing procedure when the point inquiry service is selected from the service menu, that is, when the point inquiry service is selected in the process of step 176 described above, will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for providing a point inquiry service.
When the selection of the point inquiry service is accepted by the mobile phone 7, that is, when a request for providing the point inquiry service is transmitted from the customer (mobile phone 7) to the service center 2, the dedicated site server 245 A blank mail request for requesting transmission of an electronic mail addressed to the electronic mail address without a subject / text (hereinafter referred to as blank mail) is transmitted to the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 6 (step 211). When making this empty mail request, the data of the e-mail address of the service center 2 is attached to the transmission data.

The mobile phone 7 receives the empty mail transmission request (step 201), activates the electronic mail transmission function based on the received data, and displays the electronic mail transmission screen on the display. The e-mail transmission function is automatically activated by selecting an e-mail address of a transmission destination (destination) displayed on the screen. At that time, the selected e-mail address is automatically entered in the input field of the transmission destination (destination).
The e-mail address of the transmission source, that is, the e-mail address set in the mobile phone 7 is automatically attached to the e-mail data when the e-mail is transmitted. Absent.

The cellular phone 7 transmits a blank mail to the service center 2 using the electronic mail transmission function (step 202).
The service center 2 receives the empty mail transmitted from the mobile phone 7 by the mail server 243 of the communication server 24 (step 212).
The control device 241 of the communication server 24 reads the e-mail address data of the transmission source from the empty mail data received by the mail server 243, and calculates the point balance of the customer ID in which the read e-mail address is registered as the customer attribute data. The point balance inquiry process read from the point database 23 is executed (step 213).

The communication server 24 sends the point balance data read from the point database 23, that is, an e-mail in which the result of the point balance inquiry process in the point database 23 is input to the text field to the address of the empty mail source, Transmit to the mobile phone 7 (step 214).
The mobile phone 7 receives the e-mail in which the result of the point balance inquiry process is input (step 203), and ends the process.
The customer can know the point balance by confirming the contents of the received e-mail.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the customer can confirm the point balance only by transmitting a blank mail from the mobile phone 7 to the service center 2. That is, the customer can confirm the point balance without performing a cumbersome operation such as inputting a customer ID.

Next, the subsequent processing procedure when the customer attribute registration service is selected from the service menu, that is, when the customer attribute registration service is selected in the process of step 176 described above will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for providing a customer attribute registration service.
When the selection of the customer attribute registration service is accepted by the mobile phone 7, that is, when a customer attribute registration service provision request is transmitted from the customer (mobile phone 7) to the service center 2, the dedicated site server 245 displays the customer ID. Screen data (hereinafter referred to as customer ID input screen data) is transmitted to the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 6 (step 231).
The mobile phone 7 receives the customer ID input screen data (step 221), and displays the customer ID input screen on the display based on the received data.

The customer inputs the customer ID indicated by the micro barcode displayed on the customer ID label 81 by key operation according to the display on the mobile phone 7.
The mobile phone 7 detects the customer's key operation and accepts the input customer ID data (step 222). The received customer ID input data is stored in a RAM provided in the mobile phone 7.
Then, the cellular phone 7 transmits the customer ID data stored in the RAM via the Internet 6 to the dedicated site server 245 using the data transmission function (step 223).

The dedicated site server 245 receives the customer ID data transmitted from the mobile phone 7 (step 232).
Subsequently, the dedicated site server 245 transmits screen data for prompting input of customer attribute data (hereinafter referred to as customer attribute input screen data) to the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 6 (step 233).
The mobile phone 7 receives the customer attribute input screen data (step 224), and displays the customer attribute input screen on the display based on the received data.
The customer inputs customer attribute data by key operation in accordance with the display on the mobile phone 7.
The mobile phone 7 detects the customer's key operation and accepts the input customer attribute data (step 225). The received customer attribute input data is stored in a RAM provided in the mobile phone 7.
Then, the cellular phone 7 transmits the customer attribute data stored in the RAM via the Internet 6 to the dedicated site server 245 using the data transmission function (step 226).

The dedicated site server 245 receives the customer attribute data transmitted from the mobile phone 7 (step 234). The communication server 24 transfers the data received by the dedicated site server 245 to the point management server 22.
When the customer attribute data is transferred to the point management server 22, the control device 221 reads a program for executing the customer attribute registration process from the storage device 224 and activates it.
Then, the point management server 22 registers the received customer attribute data in the point database 23 (step 235).
When the registration process of the customer attribute data in the point database 23 is completed, the point management server 22 creates a message indicating that the registration process in the point management system 1 is completed, and the customer attribute registered in the point database 23 The data is transferred to the communication server 24 together with the data contents.

The communication server 24 transmits an e-mail in which the registration completion message data transferred from the point management server 22 and the registered customer attribute data are input in the text column to the mobile phone 7 (step 236).
The mobile phone 7 receives the email in which the registered customer attribute data is input (step 227), and ends the process.
The customer can know the registered customer attribute content by confirming the received electronic mail content.
Thus, according to the present embodiment, the customer attributes can be registered by the customer without using the store terminal device 4.

Next, the subsequent processing procedure when the customer attribute change service is selected from the service menu, that is, when the customer attribute change service is selected in the process of step 176 described above will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for providing a customer attribute change service.
When the selection of the customer attribute change service is accepted by the mobile phone 7, that is, when a customer attribute change service provision request is transmitted from the customer (mobile phone 7) to the service center 2, the dedicated site server 245 A blank mail request for requesting transmission of a blank mail addressed to the electronic mail address 2 is transmitted to the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 6 (step 251).
The mobile phone 7 receives the empty mail transmission request (step 241), activates the electronic mail transmission function based on the received data, and displays the electronic mail transmission screen on the display.

The cellular phone 7 transmits a blank mail to the service center 2 using the electronic mail transmission function (step 242).
The service center 2 receives the empty mail transmitted from the mobile phone 7 by the mail server 243 of the communication server 24 (step 252).
The control device 241 of the communication server 24 reads the source e-mail address data from the empty mail data received by the mail server 243, and the customer attribute data of the customer ID in which the read e-mail address is registered as the customer attribute data. Is read from the point database 23 to execute the customer attribute inquiry process (step 253).
Based on the result of the customer attribute inquiry process, the communication server 24 transmits customer attribute change screen data for accepting the customer attribute change to the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 6 (step 254).
The mobile phone 7 receives the customer attribute change screen data (step 243), and displays the customer attribute change screen on the display based on the received data.

The customer selects the customer attribute to be changed in accordance with the display on the display of the mobile phone 7, and inputs the changed content data by key operation.
The cellular phone 7 detects the customer's key operation and accepts the input change data of the customer attribute (step 244). The input data of the received customer attribute change data is stored in a RAM provided in the mobile phone 7.
Then, the cellular phone 7 transmits the change data of the customer attribute stored in the RAM via the Internet 6 to the dedicated site server 245 using the data transmission function (step 245).

The dedicated site server 245 receives the customer attribute change data transmitted from the mobile phone 7 (step 255). The communication server 24 transfers the data received by the dedicated site server 245 to the point management server 22.
Then, the point management server 22 rewrites the data in the point database 23 based on the received customer attribute change data and performs an update process (step 256).
When the rewriting process of the data in the point database 23 is completed, the point management server 22 creates a message indicating that the change process of the customer attribute data is completed, and communicates with the contents of the customer attribute data registered in the point database 23. Transfer to server 24.

The communication server 24 transmits to the mobile phone 7 an e-mail in which message data indicating that the change processing of the customer attribute data transferred from the point management server 22 has been completed and the registered customer attribute data are entered in the text column. (Step 257).
The mobile phone 7 receives the e-mail in which the message data indicating that the customer attribute data change process is completed (step 246), and ends the process.
The customer can know the changed customer attribute content by confirming the received electronic mail content.
Thus, according to this Embodiment, a customer attribute can be changed by the customer himself / herself without using the store terminal device 4.

  In the dedicated site service of the present embodiment, as described above, a blank mail is transmitted from the mobile phone 7 and the customer authentication process is performed based on the email address of the blank mail transmission source. The customer authentication method is not limited to this. For example, as in the case of an e-mail address, telephone number data registered as customer attribute data in the point database 23 in advance, data combining a name and a date of birth Or the like may be transmitted from the mobile phone 7.

Moreover, the point management system 1 of this Embodiment has the function to distribute a point status report as a service which the service center 2 provides to a store.
This point status report is a total of historical data such as the number of newly registered customers, the number of points added, the number of points paid out, and the point balance for each store.
The point status report is periodically created in the point management server 22 and transferred to the communication server 24. Then, the communication server 24 distributes this point status report to the store terminal device 4 via the Internet 6.
The point status report may be issued when an issue request from the store terminal device 4 is issued to the service center 2. In this case, the store terminal device 4 notifies the period of history data to be counted together with the point status report issue request.
Each store can easily grasp the usage status of the customer's point service at the store by checking the contents of the point status report.

It is the figure which represented the structure of the point management system typically. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a service center. It is the figure which showed an example of the data stored in the point database. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a micro barcode reader. It is the figure which showed an example of the exclusive sheet. It is the figure which showed an example of the label card. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure which registers the shop using a point management system in a service center. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure which registers the customer who uses the point service which a store provides to a service center. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure in which a store issues a point. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure which pays out points from a customer's point balance. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure which authenticates customer ID based on a customer's telephone number, and issues a point. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure which reissues customer ID. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure which selects the service menu from an exclusive site. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence which provides point inquiry service. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence which provides a customer attribute registration service. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence which provides a customer attribute change service.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Point management system 2 Service center 3 Store headquarter terminal 4 Store terminal apparatus 5 Dedicated seat 6 Internet 7 Mobile phone 8 Label card 21 Concentration server 22 Point management server 23 Point database 24 Communication server 41 Mobile phone 42 Micro bar code reader 81 Customer ID label 211 Control device 212 Communication I / F
221 Control device 222 Display device 223 Input / output device 224 Storage device 241 Control device 242 Communication I / F
243 Mail server 244 Storage device 245 Dedicated site server 421 Operation button 422 Operation control unit 423 Scanner unit 424 Read data processing circuit 425 Communication I / F
426 CPU
427 ROM
428 RAM

Claims (6)

Connected to a communication terminal device having a communication function for an information providing device for managing a balance of points used for receiving a predetermined service provided by a store for each customer ID set for a customer to whom points are given Connecting means,
Reading means for reading the customer ID, a command for instructing addition or subtraction of points, and a micro barcode encoded with numerical information;
Obtaining means for obtaining the customer ID, the command and the numerical information, respectively, based on the micro barcode read by the reading means;
Point balance acquisition means for acquiring a balance of points corresponding to the customer ID acquired by the acquisition means from the information providing apparatus via the communication terminal device connected to the connection means;
Point addition processing request for adding points for the amount indicated by the numerical information created based on the command acquired by the acquisition means, or the amount indicated by the numerical information within the range of the point balance A transmission means for transmitting a point subtraction processing request for subtracting a point together with the customer ID and the numerical information to the information providing apparatus via the communication terminal apparatus connected to the connection means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: For each customer ID capable of specifying a store, a database storing a point balance and an e-mail address;
A point balance corresponding to the customer ID stored in the database is transmitted to the information processing device based on a point balance inquiry request corresponding to the customer ID transmitted from the information processing device according to claim 1. 1 point balance transmission means;
Based on the customer ID, numerical information, and point addition processing request or point subtraction processing request transmitted from the information processing device, for the point balance corresponding to the customer ID stored in the database, Database update means for adding or subtracting the points indicated by the numerical information;
A mail transmission requesting means for requesting the terminal device to transmit an e-mail addressed to the information providing device when an access from a terminal device connected to the Internet is detected;
A second point balance stored in the database, the point balance corresponding to the transmission source address of the e-mail transmitted from the terminal device based on the mail transmission requesting means being associated with the store and transmitted to the transmission source address A transmission means;
An information providing apparatus comprising:   The information providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mail transmission request unit transmits a predetermined transmission destination address to the terminal apparatus.   The second point balance transmission means transmits the point balance when the e-mail transmitted from the terminal device is a blank e-mail with no text. Item 4. The information providing apparatus according to Item 3. Connected to a communication terminal device having a communication function for an information providing device for managing a balance of points used for receiving a predetermined service provided by a store for each customer ID set for a customer to whom points are given An information processing apparatus comprising: a connecting means; and a reading means for reading the customer ID, a command for instructing addition or subtraction of points, and a micro barcode encoded with numerical information,
An acquisition function for acquiring the customer ID, the command, and the numerical information, respectively, based on the micro barcode read by the reading unit;
A point balance acquisition function for acquiring a balance of points corresponding to the customer ID acquired by the acquisition function from the information providing apparatus via the communication terminal device connected to the connection means;
A point addition processing request for adding points for the amount indicated by the numerical information, created based on the command acquired by the acquisition function, or the amount indicated by the numerical information within the range of the point balance A transmission function for transmitting a point subtraction processing request for subtracting a point to the information providing device via the communication terminal device connected to the connection means together with the customer ID and the numerical information;
An information processing program characterized by realizing the above. For each customer ID for which the store can be specified, an information providing device including a database storing a point balance and an e-mail address.
A point balance corresponding to the customer ID stored in the database is transmitted to the information processing apparatus based on the point balance inquiry request corresponding to the customer ID transmitted from the information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 1 point balance transmission function,
Based on the customer ID, numerical information, and point addition processing request or point subtraction processing request transmitted from the information processing device, for the point balance corresponding to the customer ID stored in the database, A database update function that adds or subtracts points indicated by numerical information, and
A mail transmission request function for requesting the terminal device to transmit an e-mail addressed to the information providing device when an access from a terminal device connected to the Internet is detected;
A second point balance stored in the database, the point balance corresponding to the transmission source address of the e-mail transmitted from the terminal device based on the mail transmission requesting means being associated with the store and transmitted to the transmission source address Send function,
An information providing program characterized by realizing

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