JP2006277716A - Award information management method and award information management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a store to select an introduced person by giving the introduced person an incentive to visit an introduced store and giving an introducer an incentive to repeatedly introduce the introduced store. <P>SOLUTION: A coupon information management system 1 in which a store terminal 3 is connected to a user terminal 5 through a network performs a process for acquiring user information from the terminal 5 of a user 4 visiting a store 2 to perform member registration (S3), a process for acquiring information of an introduced person B and IDs of an introducer A and an introduced store X from a terminal 5 of another user (introduced person B) introduced to the store X from a user (introducer A) who has made member registration to make member registration (S6), a process for issuing a first coupon usable at the store X to the introduced person B (S8), a process for receiving the introduced person ID from the store terminal 3 when the introduced person B visits the store X (S10) and a process for issuing a second coupon to the introducer A as acknowledgement of introduction (S13). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, a store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides a user with a product or service (hereinafter referred to as “product etc.”) and a terminal of a user who purchases the product etc. at this store are connected to a network. The present invention relates to a method for managing privilege information issued by a store to a user by a computer system that is connected to each other, and a privilege information management system configured by this computer.

  Conventionally, as a means of sales promotion and customer acquisition / enclosure, various benefits (including coupons, points, mileage, trading stamps, etc. in the store accompanying the provision of products etc., collectively referred to as “coupon” in this application) Issuing is widely done. The contents of the coupons are various, such as discounts on usage charges for products, exchange for money, products, services, etc., preferential treatment as VIP members, at the store or other affiliated stores. As such a method, for example, those described in the following patent documents are helpful.

JP 2001-229460 A JP 2002-183592 A JP 2002-259660 A

  By the way, in the provision of introduction information to an unspecified number of people such as a reader of an electronic bulletin board on the WEB or an information acquirer of passing as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, the reliability of information transmission and the reliability of information are provided. There is a problem of lack of sex. For this reason, an introduction system that gives a privilege such as the above coupon as an introduction fee to a person who introduces a store in anticipation of the advertising effect of word of mouth is also widespread.

  However, in the conventional coupon issuing system and referral system, since the referrer is only given benefits such as coupons and money as referral fees, the store where the introduced person (referee) is introduced is used. There is a problem of lack of incentive to do.

  In addition, in the current situation where countless stores and point systems are flooded, even if the introducer introduces the store, there is a risk that both the introducer and the introduced person will be forgotten. In this case, it is effective for the introducer to follow the referee, but there was no mechanism to encourage such follow-up.

  On the other hand, since the store cannot select the referees, for example, even if you want to maintain a high-class atmosphere or limit the customers to specific attributes, you can not refuse the introduction of the introducer who is a customer, Sometimes there is no choice but to accept referees who do not. Even in such a case, since it is necessary to issue a predetermined coupon (introduction reward) to the introducer, the store becomes a factor in introducing (joining) the introduction system.

  There are also many promotional campaigns with a fixed period, but most of them have simple contents such as double point issuance and discounts on specific products. For this reason, existing customers and potential customers cannot obtain a sufficient effect as an incentive to use the target store during the campaign period.

  Furthermore, in the conventional referral system, coupons issued to referrals are a uniform amount per referee, or a certain percentage of the referee's use amount, all of which are uniform. Met. Therefore, it was not enough as an incentive for the introducer to continuously introduce the referee.

  In addition, in the conventional introduction system, it is necessary to notify the information of the person to be introduced to the manager of the store or system in advance. Therefore, even if the introducer himself takes the person to be introduced to the store, it is not regarded as an introduction and the coupon cannot be obtained. Even in such a case, although the store can obtain the same benefits as in the case of the above introduction in terms of acquiring new customers, it cannot issue coupons to the introducer through uniform system operation, There is a discrepancy between the benefits of referrals and rewards for referrals.

  The present invention has been made to solve the various problems described above, and only introduces the person who has visited the store (excluding sales / reputation, rumors, mere affiliates, etc. of the store itself). The referrer is provided with an effective incentive to visit the store being referred to, and it is ensured that information is transmitted reliably and the reliability of the information is ensured by word-of-mouth referrals to specific referees rather than the unspecified majority. The purpose is to link referral merits (new customer visits) and referral fees at the referral store.

  In the present invention, a store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides a user with a product or service (hereinafter referred to as “product etc.”) and a terminal of a user who purchases the product etc. at this store are connected to a network. The computer system connected to each of them acquires the user information from the terminal of the user who visited the store or the terminal of the store via the network and registers it in the member database (DB), The first that a user (introducer) registered in the member DB can receive benefits such as discounts on usage fees at other introduced users (introduced people) at the introduced store. When the introduced person visits the store and uses the first coupon, the information of the first coupon and / or the information of the introduced person is included. Shop accepts usage information over the network from a terminal of the store, it is a method and system for the subject matter to issue second coupon as a reward for introducing the introducer when receiving the store usage information.

  According to the present invention, since the coupon is issued not only to the introducer but also to the introducer, the use promotion of the introduced store can be expected. In addition, since it is based on the introduction of word-of-mouth to specific referees, rather than referrals to unspecified majority as in the conventional affiliate program, the rate of visits to referees can be dramatically improved. In addition, the referrer must be introduced on the condition that the referee has visited the store where the referee has actually been introduced (becomes a customer of the store), not at the time the referee has registered or registered. 2 coupons (introduction fees) were issued. Therefore, the introduced store only has to pay an introduction fee when it enjoys the merit of using the introduction system. Thereby, member store registration can be prompted.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coupon information management system denoted by reference numeral 1 in this figure includes store terminals 3 and 3 installed in a plurality of member stores 2 and 2, communication terminals (user terminals) 5 and 5 of users (members) 4 and 4, and The host computer is connected via a public network such as the Internet. The store terminal 3 is a general-purpose POS (Point of Sales) terminal or general-purpose personal computer (PC) with an Internet connection environment, or a general-purpose personal computer (PC) connected to the Internet and equipped with a function and a storage device for browsing HTML files. You can use a mobile phone. When some or all of the stores in the franchise chain become member stores, the coupon information management system 1 may be communicated via a headquarters or area server that supervises the stores or a store backyard system. Good. As will be described later, this store terminal 3 is preferably connected to or built in a bar code reader or digital camera for reading an electronic membership code or coupon information. In addition, the user terminal 5 can use a general-purpose mobile phone or PC having a function of connecting to the Internet and browsing an HTML file and a storage device.

  The host computer is composed of one or more computers installed in the coupon information management center 6 of a business operator who has concluded a contract for point issuance / management with the member store 2. These computers include, for example, a customer information management system of the management center-6, a general-purpose computer called a WEB server, an accounting system, and a dedicated computer. Note that illustration and description of well-known configurations such as firewalls, routers, gateway servers, mobile phone base stations, and ISPs are omitted.

  The coupon information management system 1 includes a member registration function for introducing the user 4 from the terminal 5 of the user 4 who has visited any member store 2 or the terminal 3 of the store, and performing membership registration, an introducer, and A coupon issuing function for transmitting (issuing) digitized coupon information to the terminal 5 of the user 4 who is an introduced person, and between the member store 2 that issued the coupon and the user 4 that acquired the coupon The coupon settlement function is provided for performing the predetermined cashing process when the coupon information is settled by the user 4 or when the user 4 is requested to settle the coupon.

Next, the overall scheme of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
User A visits the store X registered as a member store in the system (step S1). If the user A likes the store X or simply wants to register as a member, he / she applies for membership registration on the spot or at a later date (step S2). The application for membership registration is performed by transmitting the user A information from the user terminal 5 or the store terminal 3 to the host computer via the network. The host computer which acquired the information of the user A checks the duplicate registration, and registers the user A as a member and generates a member ID generated in the form of a QR code including the member number via the store terminal 3. Alternatively, it is transmitted (issued) directly to the mobile phone 5 of the user (member) A (step S3).

  Next, when this member A wants to introduce this store X to other users, his / her member ID and store X information (ID, store name, etc.) are stored in the mobile phone 5 of the person who wants to introduce (referee) B. The URL for connecting to the host computer (coupon information management system 1) is transmitted by e-mail or the like (step S4). You may inform it verbally or by fax. When the introduced person B who has acquired such introduction information wants to use the introduced store X, the introduced person X uses the browser software of the mobile phone 5 or PC at home to the coupon information management system 1 via the network. Access and input the ID of the introducer A and information of the store X to apply for membership registration (step S5). The coupon information management system 1 that has accepted the membership registration application from the introducer B checks the duplicate registration with reference to the member information master file, identifies the introducer A and the introduced store X, and then introduces the applicant B. Is registered as a member and a member ID (QR code) is issued (steps S6 and S7). At this time, a first coupon including preferential use such as discount at the store X is also issued to the introduced person B (step S8). This first coupon is generated in the form of a QR code including the ID of the introducer A, the ID of the introduced store X, and the ID of the user B who is the introduced person, and the introduced person B together with the member ID. Is transmitted to the mobile phone 5. Thereby, in this example, the cellular phone 5 of the introducer B stores two types of QR codes, that is, the member ID and the first coupon information. The member ID and the first coupon issue format are not limited to QR codes.

  The first coupon can also be issued as point information that can be exchanged for money or a product. Further, the first coupon may be issued even if the introducer B does not register as a member. For example, when the introducer A inputs the email address of the introducer B on the introduction information reception screen of the coupon information management center 6 and selects the store X to be introduced from the member store list, the coupon information management system 1 is introduced to the introducer. An electronic mail including the connection URL, information of the introducer A and the introduced store X is transmitted to B of the introduced person B. The referee B can acquire (download to the terminal) a simple coupon by specifying this URL and connecting to the coupon information management system 1. Simple coupon information can also be included in the introduction email to the referee B. Thereby, introduced person B can acquire a coupon which can be used in store X, without registering personal information. In this case, it is preferable that the first coupon is issued when the introduced person B registers as a member separately from or instead of the simplified coupon, and the privilege contents of these coupons are made different. . Further, it is preferable that the introduction email also includes a fixed phrase indicating that a more advantageous coupon can be acquired by registering as a member and a URL of a member registration WEB site.

  When the introduced person B registered as a member visits the store X and causes the reader connected to the store terminal 3 to read the QR code of the first coupon stored in the mobile phone 5 (step S9), the store terminal 3 Sends the coupon information management system 1 to the coupon information management system 1 via the network and requests an inquiry about availability (step S10). In the coupon information management system 1, the IDs of the introducer A, the introduced person B, and the introduced store X are identified based on the first coupon information (a list of numbers and symbols), and the store 2 that has received the inquiry Whether or not the first coupon can be used is determined based on whether or not this coupon is within the validity period. If it is determined that “usable”, the authentication result “first coupon is valid” is returned to the store terminal 3 (step S11). Thereby, the introducer B receives a discount at the store X (step S12). In addition, when the first coupon is issued in association with the introducer A or the introducer B, information (member ID or password) that can identify the introducer A or the introducer B instead of the first coupon Etc.) may be transmitted from the store terminal 3 to inquire about availability. Thereby, even when the introducer B does not bring the mobile phone storing the first coupon to the introduction store X, the privilege can be used. Further, when the first coupon is not associated with the introducer A or the like, the information of the first coupon and the specific information of the introducer A or the introducer B are transmitted and inquired.

  Also, the coupon information management system 1 identifies the introducer A who introduced the store X to the introduced person B based on the acquired information, and issues a second coupon as an introduction reward to the introducer A (step S13). ). This second coupon may be a discount at the store X similar to the first coupon, or may be given a preferential treatment such as a discount at other member stores 2 in common. Further, point information that can be exchanged for money or goods at a predetermined rate may be used. Further, the second coupon does not need to be digitized, and a paper medium such as a gift certificate may be mailed to the home of the introducer B. In this case, the coupon information management system 1 executes the second coupon issuance process by instructing the connected dedicated printer to print a gift certificate or the like.

  When the amount of the issued second coupon is fixed (gift certificate, etc.), the coupon information is settled with the introduced store X at the time of issuing the coupon to the introduced person A or monthly. Is executed (step S14). For example, if the second coupon is a gift certificate equivalent to 500 yen that can be used at all member stores, it is 600 yen, which is 100 yen as an introduction fee for 500 yen of gift certificates for the shop X being introduced. To charge. In addition, when issuing points that can be exchanged for cash, the same is settled. On the other hand, if the amount of the second coupon is not fixed at the time of issuance, such as a discount coupon (10% OFF, etc.) that can be used repeatedly at all member stores, introducer A will receive the second coupon. When used at any of the member stores, the introduced store X is charged together with the referral fee for the coupon equivalent (10% of the use amount). When the accumulated points are settled in a lump sum, the amount of burden for each introduction store is calculated monthly and settled in the same manner. Note that when the first coupon is issued in the form of point information or a gift certificate, it is settled in the same manner as described above. Further, when the second coupon is a gift certificate or the like with an expiration date set, it is preferable that the second coupon is settled when the second coupon is used in consideration of not being used.

  In this way, since the coupon is issued not only to the introducer A but also to the introducer B, the use promotion of the member store (store X) can be expected. In addition, referrals are reliably communicated and highly reliable because referrals are introduced to specific referees rather than referrals to an unspecified number of people like traditional affiliate programs. The store visit rate will also improve dramatically. In addition, the referrer must be introduced on the condition that the referee visited the store where the referee was actually introduced (became a customer of store X), not when the referee was introduced or registered as a member. A second coupon (introduction fee) was issued. Therefore, the introduced store only has to pay an introduction fee when it enjoys the merit of using the introduction system. Thereby, member store registration can be prompted.

  In order to exhibit the functions as described above, the coupon information management system 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. In the following description, as in FIG. 1, the user who is an introducer is A, the user who is the introducer is B, and the member store that is the introducer store is X as appropriate.

  In this system 1, a RAM 13, a ROM 14, a HDD (storage device) 15, and an input / output interface (I / F) 16 are connected to a CPU 11 built in a host computer of the coupon information management center 6 via a system bus 12. Yes. The input / output I / F 16 includes an output device 17 such as a CRT display, an input device 18 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a communication device 19 such as a modem, and a drive for a removable recording medium 20 such as an FD, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM. 21 are connected to each other. When the operator of the coupon information management center 6 inputs various commands (commands) by operating the input device 18, the software program is called and executed on the RAM 13 by the CPU 11, so that an OS (operation system) is obtained. The functions of the present invention are produced in cooperation with the above.

  The storage device stores a member information master file (DB) 25, a member store master file (DB) 26, a coupon issue history file 27, and a program storage unit 28. These storage units 25 to 28 are configured by a certain area secured in the storage device, and each file 25 to 27 contains information input by each function described later, or an external engine via the communication device 19. Information acquired from is described and updated as needed.

  The member information master file 25 is a database for registering information of the registered users 4 (introducing person A and introduced person B) with one record per person. Specifically, bibliographic items (address, name, email address, etc.) of user 4, payment means (bank account information for deposit, etc.), attribute information such as family composition code, occupation code, age, gender code, etc. The IDs of all member stores X1, X2,... Xn introduced to one or more referees B are registered in association with member IDs.

  The member store master file 26 is a database for registering information of member stores (stores) 2 that are affiliated with a company that operates the management center 6 in one record per store. Specifically, information such as store name, location, phone number, e-mail address, business type (Italian restaurant, nail salon, imported general merchandise store, boutique, restaurant, shot bar, etc.), URL of website, etc. are associated with the store ID. be registered.

  Further, in the present embodiment, coupon issue conditions preset by the member store 2 are stored in association with the store ID. Issuing conditions include, for example, customer attributes such as the age, sex, and occupation of the user 4 who becomes the introducer A and the introduced person B, group attributes such as families, entertainment, the number of persons, and couples, or presence / absence of membership registration And other conditions are included. According to such a coupon issue condition, a coupon issue condition search unit 32 to be described later determines whether or not a coupon is issued and issuance contents. That is, if this condition is not met, at least one of the first and second coupons is not issued, or the discount amount (rate), the face value of the gift certificate, and the number of points are set lower than the normal coupon. . Some member stores may want to limit the group attributes or age group of customers in order to maintain the store atmosphere (luxury, early American style, etc.) or in relation to the services provided, seasons, events, etc. . Therefore, the first or second coupon can be issued by accepting the introduction only to the customer group expected by the member store 2. As a result, for example, when both the introducer A and the introducer B meet the coupon issuance condition, the first and second coupons are issued, but when the introducer B does not meet the condition, Can also be issued, or only a low-priced second coupon (introduction fee) can be issued. Such an issue condition is preferably notified to the introducer A when the introducer A first visits the store 2 or when the introducer B is registered as a member.

  Further, the member store 2 can set a coupon issue period and a valid period as coupon issue conditions. These periods may be set by default. When the coupon issuance period is set, an incentive is introduced for the introducer A to introduce the introducer B within the period after visiting the store 2. Thereby, it is possible to effectively prevent the registration procedure from being forgotten while there is an intention to introduce. In addition, when the referee B issues a simple coupon without registering as a member, the validity period setting is also effective in order to prevent coupon information from spreading and diluting the value or preventing unauthorized acquisition. It is.

  When such an effective period is set, this period is notified to the introducer A and the introduced person B when the first coupon is issued. Thereby, since the introducer A can recognize that the second coupon is not issued unless the introducer B comes to the introduction store X, it becomes an effective incentive for follow-up after introduction. When the introducer A or the introducer B selects, the valid period may be notified at a predetermined timing.

  Moreover, the content of a coupon can also be varied for every some period. For example, if Referee B visits a store less than one month after registering the referral information, a 30% discount on usage, a 20% discount for less than 1-2 months, and a 10% discount for less than 2-3 months To do. Thus, it can be expected that the introducer A repeatedly encourages the introducer B to visit the introduced store X or promptly use coupons.

  Furthermore, the frequency | count of use of a 1st coupon can also be set. In this case, every time the user B obtains information using the first coupon at the introduced store X, the remaining coupon usage number in the member information master file 25 is decremented by one. It is preferable to set the number of times and the effective period in combination. In this case, the coupon availability determination unit 33, which will be described later, determines the availability based on the remaining coupon usage number and the validity period.

  The coupon issue conditions described above can be registered at the time of member store registration, and are updated at any time according to subsequent requests from the referral store X based on the results of the number and attributes of the referee B who has been introduced. . Also, a plurality of coupon issuing conditions and changing times may be set, and the issuing conditions may be changed when the times arrive. For example, by registering the seasonal changes (Nippachi, the end of the year, etc.), Christmas, welcome and farewell parties, admission / graduation events, and coupon issuance conditions (valid period, customer attributes, etc.) Campaigns can be held automatically. A plurality of coupon issue conditions are set in advance in the coupon information management center 6 and stored in the point issue condition table, and the identification code of one or more issue conditions selected by the member store 2 is stored in the member store master file. 26 may be stored.

  The coupon issue history file 27 stores the issue dates of the first and second coupons and the ID of the introduced store X in association with the IDs of the members (the introducer A and the introduced person B). Based on this issuance history, a coupon settlement processing unit 36, which will be described later, settles coupon information between the introducer A, the introduced store X, and the coupon information management center 6 at predetermined intervals such as every month (see step S14 in FIG. 1). ).

  The program storage unit 28 stores software programs that realize the functions of the present invention described above. Specifically, the member registration receiving unit 30 and the member ID issuing unit 31 as the member registration function, the coupon issuing condition search unit 32, the coupon availability determination unit 33, and the first coupon issuing unit as the coupon issuing function. 34 and the 2nd coupon issuing part 35, the coupon adjustment process part 36 as a coupon adjustment function, and the master management part 37 which carries out the integrated process of the data description and update to each said master files 25-27. Hereinafter, each function will be described in order.

  The member registration receiving unit 30 acquires information of the user 4 (introducer A and the introduced person B) via the network through the member registration application interface (application screen) displayed on the user terminal 5 or the store terminal 3. When the member application is accepted, the member information master file 25 is searched based on the name and address of the user 4 to check for duplicate registration (see steps S2 and S6 in FIG. 1). Duplicate issuance of the first coupon can be prevented by checking the duplicate registration. When the member registration application is received from the introducer B, the member registration is performed in the same manner as described above, and the acquired ID of the introducer A and the ID of the introduced store 2 are stored in the memory, and a coupon issue condition search is performed. The unit 32 acquires this. In addition, when the referee B registers as a member and logs in to the member-only page of the coupon information management center 6, a link for calling the first coupon that is effectively issued to the referee B (member) is provided. It may be noted that coupon information can be downloaded (acquired) when the introducer B clicks (presses) a link. Similarly, the second coupon may be written on the member-dedicated page.

  In this embodiment, when the introducer A comes to the introduced store X together with the introduced person, and the introduced person desires to register as a member, the member registration receiving unit 30 is also provided with the terminal 5 of the introduced person B. Alternatively, the information of the referee B, the ID of the introducer A, and the ID of the referral store X are acquired from the terminal 3 of the referral store X via the network and the member registration process is performed. In other words, even if the introducer A does not notify the referee (introduction), or the introducer B introduced by the introducer A does not register as a member in advance, both are introduced. When visiting Store X and registering as a member (subsequent registration), the first and second coupons can be issued. Thereby, the flexible coupon issuing process which has a merit in any of the introducer A, the introducer B, and the introduction store X is realizable. Even if the introducer B does not wish for membership registration (issue of the first coupon), it is preferable to issue a second coupon (introduction fee) to the introducer A.

  The member ID issuing unit 31 generates the ID of the user 4 in the form of a QR code and transmits it to the mail address of the user terminal 5 when the received user 4 is unregistered ( (See steps S3 and S7 in FIG. 1). Here, the QR code is a kind of two-dimensional code, can save space for a large amount of information compared to other two-dimensional codes, can be applied to a wide range of fields, and can be read by a reader. It has the characteristics of being fast and easy. Therefore, when generating and issuing a member ID in the form of QR code, in addition to bibliographic items such as the member's name and email address, enormous information such as member registration date and attribute information is included and read instantly. It becomes possible. The member ID may be a two-dimensional code other than a QR code (stacked barcode, matrix-type two-dimensional code, etc.), a conventional one-dimensional barcode, or a combination of numbers and symbols. In addition, such an electronic member ID can be obtained by using an existing optical bar code reader (one-dimensional or two-dimensional) connected to the POS as the store terminal 3 or a mobile phone as the store terminal 3. It can be read by analyzing the image captured by the built-in digital camera. The same applies to coupon information issued in a form such as a QR code.

  The coupon issue condition search unit 32 searches for the coupon issue condition registered in the member store master file 26 based on the ID of the introducer A and the ID of the introduced store X acquired from the member registration receiving unit 30, and introduces the coupon issue condition. It is determined whether the attributes of the person A and the introduced person B, the expiration date, and the like match the conditions. If the issuance conditions are met, the first and second coupon issuing units 34 and 35 are instructed to issue coupons, respectively. As described above, only one of the coupons may be issued. If the issuance conditions are not met, it is determined that the first and / or second coupon is not issued, or the coupon issuing units 34 and 35 are instructed to issue the above-described low-priced coupon. In any case, it is preferable to compose a standard message and send it to the terminal 4 of the introducer A by e-mail.

  When the introducer B obtains information on the first coupon from the terminal 5 of the store X where the introducer B came to the store, the coupon availability determination unit 33 checks the coupon information against the coupon issue history file 27 and introduces the coupon. Whether or not the first coupon can be used is determined based on whether the IDs of the person B, the introducer A, and the introduction store X match (see step S11 in FIG. 1). Thereby, the illegal use of a 1st coupon and the redundant issue of a 2nd coupon can be prevented. In the introduced store X, when the use permission reply is received from the coupon use permission determining unit 33, the introducer B is permitted to use (discount) the first coupon (see step S12 in FIG. 1). .

  The first and second coupon issue units 34 and 35 transmit the first coupon generated in the QR code format to the terminal 5 of the introduced person B based on the coupon issue instruction from the coupon issue condition search unit 32. Or the second coupon information generated in a predetermined format is printed out to be sent to the introducer A (see steps S8 and S13 in FIG. 1).

  When the second coupon is issued to the introducer A, the coupon settlement processing unit 36 stores the ID of the introducer B or the introduced store X and the contents of the coupon in the coupon issue history file 27 and the member ID of the introducer A. The coupon issue history information is sorted and counted by member ID on a monthly basis, and the coupon is settled between the member and the store (see step S14 in FIG. 1). In addition, since the first coupon is settled in the store X if it is a discount at the introduced store X, the processing by the coupon settlement processing unit 36 is not necessary, but when the coupon is issued with points, gift certificates, etc. The settlement process is performed in the same manner as the coupon 2.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, in addition to the first and second coupons described above, a third coupon is issued to the member who used the target store during the campaign period, and the fourth coupon is given to the member who planned the campaign. It has a feature in that it issues. Note that the same or corresponding components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Since the hardware configuration of the host computer corresponding to FIG. 2A is the same, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  The coupon information management system 50 of this embodiment receives a campaign plan from the terminal 5 of the member 4 within a predetermined reception period and associates it with the ID of this member (campaign planner C) in the campaign information database (DB) 51. A campaign plan receiving unit 52 to store, a third coupon issuing unit 53 that issues a third coupon to members who have visited the target store during the campaign period based on the number of visits and the amount of use, and after the end of the campaign period And a fourth coupon issuing unit 54 that issues a fourth coupon to the campaign planner C according to the store visit results. Information on the issued third and fourth coupons is stored in the coupon issue history file 27 as needed. The coupon issuance process / settlement process is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Further, even during the campaign period, the first and second coupons are issued in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Therefore, a plurality of coupons may be issued to the same member during the campaign period.

  The contents of the campaign include, for example, a proposal of a plurality of merchant groups based on behavior patterns of users with specific attributes (targeting single women in their 20s, buying clothes at Shibuya ○○, Lunch, etc.), proposal of slump rally for member stores in specific industries (restaurants, pubs, etc.) in any area (such as along the XX line), proposal of member stores of a common theme (ethnic fair, general store , Imported food stores and restaurants). The fourth coupon is issued according to the number of stores that visited during the campaign period. In addition, you may make it promote the participation of a non-member store by a campaign.

  With such a configuration, the invention of this embodiment provides an opportunity for members (campaign planners C) to voluntarily participate in the affiliate mechanism, thereby increasing the awareness of the parties and making it more proactive in introducing other users. Can be expected. In addition, the member store only pays the cost of the coupon according to the usage record, and the campaign is automatically developed with stores in different industries and areas that are not affiliated with each other. Sales can be increased without incurring investment or business alliances.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, in addition to the second coupon, the introduction points of the introducer A are totaled according to the use results in the introduced store X of the introduced person B, and when the introduction points reach a predetermined value, It is characterized in that the second coupon issued after that is increased. Note that the same or corresponding components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Since the hardware configuration of the host computer corresponding to FIG. 2A is the same, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

The coupon information management system 60 of this embodiment is such that when the introducer B ₁ , B _2, ... Bn, where the introducer A introduced the introduced store X, visits the store X, the introduced person B Store usage information that receives store usage information including purchase information (purchase amount, attributes and type of purchased product, etc.) at the store X of the referee B from the terminal 3 of the store X via the network A receiving unit 61 and an introduction point registration unit 63 that converts the received store usage information into an introduction point by applying a predetermined conversion rate and registers it in the store visit database (DB) 62 in association with the ID of the introducer A. When the second coupon is issued, the second coupon issuing unit 35 'searches the store visit DB 62 and totals the introduction points of the introducer A when the second coupon is issued, and the introduction points reach a predetermined value. In this case, the increased second coupon is issued.

If the second coupon is set to a fixed amount per person to be introduced (one visit), the incentive to introduce more users can be introduced because the referral fee itself can be simply multiplied by one person or 100 persons. Not enough. Therefore, in this embodiment, the store visits and use results of the introduced persons B ₁ , B ₂ ... Are converted into introduction points and accumulated for each introducer A, and the introduction points have reached, for example, 100 points. Referrer A is regarded as a good referrer and is issued after adding a second coupon (introduction fee) for subsequent referees Bn (for example, 500 yen per referee is increased to 600 yen). did. The introduction points are set, for example, as 5 points per visitor B's visit, 1 point per 1000 yen spent, 1-5 points depending on the purchase of a special menu or product set by the store X. Even if the same introducer B repeatedly visits the store, introduction points are added each time. By issuing a first coupon that can be used repeatedly to the referee B, or by giving a privilege such as a discount by presenting the member ID, the coupon information management system 1 Information on usage results can be acquired.

  With such a configuration, in the invention of this embodiment, by differentiating from other introducers, the willingness to introduce can be improved and introduction activities can be further activated. In addition, the introduced store X only increases the referral fee based on the visitor B's visit record and use record, so it is merely a reward according to the contribution of the increase in sales and does not become a heavy burden. It should be noted that the invention of this embodiment can be implemented in combination with the first and second embodiments as appropriate.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not change the summary of invention.

  For example, this is also the case when the referee B uses the introduced store X to pay the usage fee (product fee, food and drink fee, etc.) by various methods such as credit card, electronic wallet, prepaid card, debit card, etc. The invention can be suitably employed. In the case of credit card settlement, when the card company settles the usage fee at a later date, the center 6 may be inquired about whether or not the first coupon can be used. The center 6 may be notified and the coupon usage information may be notified from the center 6 to the card company. In any case, the card company charges the introduced person B for the amount obtained by subtracting the amount of the first coupon, and notifies the usage details or the like that the discount has been made with the first coupon. Moreover, the discount amount by the coupon is settled in the same manner as the card use fee with the store X. Thus, when the content of the first coupon is a discount or a cash voucher, the step (S10, S11 in FIG. 1) of inquiring the center 6 about the availability of the first coupon when using the store can be omitted. On the other hand, when the content of the first coupon is a preferential service (drink service, special menu, etc.) at the introduced store, as shown in FIG. 1, the center 6 is inquired whether the first coupon can be used or not when using the store. There is a need to.

  When the store usage fee is settled by electronic payment using a mobile phone, the mobile phone carrier or the like charges the store usage fee together with the mobile phone usage fee to the user (referee B). Also in this case, like the credit card settlement, it is clearly indicated in the usage details etc. that it was discounted by using the first coupon.

  A credit card company, a mobile phone carrier, or an affiliated company thereof may be the coupon information management center 6.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration and an overall scheme according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the coupon information management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a coupon information management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a coupon information management system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Coupon information management system 2 ... Member stores (stores)
3 ... Store terminal 4 ... User (member)
5 ... User terminal 6 ... Coupon information management center 11 ... CPU
12 ... System bus 13 ... RAM
14 ... ROM
15 ... HDD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Input / output interface 17 ... Output device 18 ... Input device 19 ... Communication device 20 ... Removable recording medium 21 ... Drive 25 ... Member information master file 26 ... Member store master file 27 ... Coupon issue history file 28 ... Program storage part 30 ... Member registration reception part 31 ... Member ID issuing part 32 ... Coupon issue condition searching part 33 ... Coupon use availability determining part 34 ... First coupon issuing part 35 ... Second coupon issuing part 36 ... Coupon settlement processing part 37 ... Master management Department 50 ... Coupon information management system 51 ... Campaign information database 52 ... Campaign plan reception part 53 ... Third coupon issue part 54 ... Fourth coupon issue part 60 ... Coupon information management system 61 ... Store use information reception part 62 ... Visit Achievement database 63… Introduction POI Door registration unit

Claims (16)

A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A method for managing privilege information issued by a store to a user by a computer system,
The computer system is
A member information registration step of acquiring the user information from the terminal of the user who visited the store or the terminal of the store via the network and registering it in the member database (DB);
From the terminal of another user (introduced person) introduced by the user (introducer) registered in the member DB, the information of the introduced person, the information of the introduced person, and the introduced store The referee registration process, which is obtained via the network together with the information of the person and registered in the member database (DB)
The store identification information includes the issuance conditions such as the maximum number of coupons issued and the expiration date, the attributes of the introducer or the referee, and the contents of the coupon. A coupon issuance condition registration step of storing in the store database (DB) in association with each other;
When the information of the introduced person is registered in the member DB, the store DB is referred to determine whether or not the first coupon can be issued to the introduced person. A first coupon issuing step of referring to and determining the content of the first coupon and issuing it in association with the introducer;
When the introducer to whom the first coupon is issued visits the store to be introduced, the store usage information including the information on the first coupon and / or the information on the introducer is networked from the terminal of the store. A store usage information reception process for receiving via,
And a second coupon issuing step of issuing a second coupon as an introduction reward to an introducer when the store use information is received. The method of claim 1, wherein
The coupon issuance condition registration step includes the issuance conditions such as the upper limit of the number of issuance of the second coupon and the expiration date, the attributes of the introducer or the introduced person, and the contents of the second coupon to be provided to the introducer. Is stored in the store database (DB) in association with
The second coupon issuing step refers to the store DB when the store use information is received, refers to the store DB, determines whether or not the second coupon is issued to the introducer, and determines that the issue is possible. Then, the content of the second coupon is determined and issued. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A method for managing privilege information issued by a store to a user by a computer system,
The computer system is
A member information registration step of acquiring the user information from the terminal of the user who visited the store or the terminal of the store via the network and registering it in the member database (DB);
The first user who can receive a benefit such as a discount on the usage fee at the introduced store to the other user (referee) who introduced the store from the registered user (introducer). A first coupon issuing step for issuing coupon information in association with an introducer;
When the introduced person visits the store and uses the first coupon, the store usage information including the information of the first coupon and / or the information of the introduced person is transmitted from the terminal of the store via the network. A store usage information receiving process,
When receiving the store use information, the second coupon issued as a reward for introduction to the introducer according to the period from the issue date of the used first coupon to the date used by the introducer. And executing a second coupon issuing step of determining a privilege content and issuing it to the introducer. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A method for managing privilege information issued by a store to a user by a computer system,
The computer system is
A member information registration step of acquiring the user information from the terminal of the user who visited the store or the terminal of the store via the network and registering it in the member database (DB);
The first user who can receive a benefit such as a discount on the usage fee at the introduced store to the other user (referee) who introduced the store from the registered user (introducer). A first coupon issuing step for issuing coupon information in association with an introducer;
When the introduced person visits the store and uses the first coupon, the store use information including the information of the first coupon and / or the information of the introduced person is transmitted from the terminal of the store via the network. A store usage information receiving process,
A second coupon issuing step for issuing a second coupon as a reward for introduction to the introducer when the store use information is received;
A campaign information notification step of notifying members of campaign information for issuing a third coupon as a campaign bonus when visiting a plurality of specific stores within a predetermined campaign period;
A campaign store information acquisition step of acquiring information of members who have visited during the campaign period from terminals of a plurality of stores targeted for the campaign via a network;
And a third coupon issuing step of issuing a third coupon according to the number of visits and / or the amount of use to each member after the campaign period ends. The method of claim 4, wherein
The computer system further includes:
A campaign information registration step of acquiring information on a plurality of stores targeted for the campaign from a member and registering it in a campaign information database (DB) in association with the identification information of the member as a group of stores targeted for the campaign;
When this campaign is implemented and any member uses the store for the campaign, the campaign registration fee will be charged to the member who registered the campaign information according to the number of members used, the total number of stores used, or the total usage amount of the members. And a fourth coupon issuing step of issuing a fourth coupon. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A method for managing privilege information issued by a store to a user by a computer system,
The computer system is
A member information registration step of acquiring the user information from the terminal of the user who visited the store or the terminal of the store via the network and registering it in the member database (DB);
The first user who can receive a benefit such as a discount on the usage fee at the introduced store to the other user (referee) who introduced the store from the registered user (introducer). A first coupon issuing step for issuing coupon information in association with an introducer;
When the introduced person visits the store, store use information including information on the introduced person and / or purchase information of the introduced person in the store is received from the terminal of the store via the network. Store usage information reception process,
An introduction point registration step of applying a predetermined conversion rate to the received store use information and converting it into an introduction point and registering it in the store visit database (DB) in association with the introducer's information;
A second coupon issuing step of issuing a second coupon as an introduction reward to an introducer when the store use information is received,
In the second coupon issuing step, the store visit record DB is searched to count the introduction points for each introducer, and the second coupon is issued to the introducer whose introduction points have reached a predetermined value. A method characterized by being. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A method for managing privilege information issued by a store to a user by a computer system,
The computer system is
A member information registration step of acquiring the user information from the terminal of the user who visited the store or the terminal of the store via the network and registering it in the member database (DB);
When the registered user (introducer) visits the store together with another user (referred person), the introducer's information is acquired from the introducer's terminal or the store terminal, and this introduced person A first coupon issuing step of issuing a first coupon that can receive benefits such as discounts on usage fees at the store;
Performing a second coupon issuing step of issuing a second coupon as a reward for introduction to the introducer. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A method for managing privilege information issued by a store to a user by a computer system,
The computer system is
A member information registration step of acquiring the user information from the terminal of the user who visited the store or the terminal of the store via the network and registering it in the member database (DB);
The first user who can receive a benefit such as a discount on the usage fee at the introduced store to the other user (referee) who introduced the store from the registered user (introducer). A first coupon issuing step for issuing coupon information in association with an introducer;
The introduced person registration step of acquiring information of the introduced person from the terminal of the introduced person together with the information of the introduced person and the information of the introduced store via the network and registering in the member database (DB);
When the introduced person visits the store and uses the first coupon, a store use information receiving step of receiving information of the first coupon from the terminal of the store via the network;
A second coupon issuing step of issuing a second coupon as an introduction reward to the introducer when receiving the information of the referee,
The said 1st and / or 2nd coupon issue process determines the privilege content of the coupon to issue based on whether the referee is registered as a member in the said member DB. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A system for managing privilege information issued to a user by the store, comprising one or two or more computers.
A member database (DB) for storing information on users who have visited any store, and information on other users (referees) introduced by the user (introducers);
The issuance conditions such as the upper limit of the number of first coupons that are given to the referee, such as discounts on usage fees, the expiration date, the attributes of the introducer or the referee, the contents of the coupon, etc. A store database (DB) registered in association with the identification information;
When the information of the introduced person is registered in the member DB, the store DB is referred to determine whether or not the first coupon can be issued to the introduced person. A first coupon issuing means for deciding the content of the first coupon with reference and issuing in association with the introducer;
When the introducer to whom the first coupon is issued visits the store to be introduced, the store usage information including the information on the first coupon and / or the information on the introducer is networked from the terminal of the store. Store usage information receiving means for receiving via,
And a second coupon issuing means for issuing a second coupon as a reward for introduction to the introducer when the store use information is received. The system of claim 9, wherein
The store DB associates the issuance conditions such as the upper limit of the number of issuance of the second coupon and the expiration date, the attributes of the introducer or the introduced person, the content of the second coupon to be provided to the introducer with the identification information of the store. To store,
When the second coupon issuing means accepts the store use information, the store coupon information is referred to the store DB to determine whether or not the second coupon can be issued to the introducer. The system is characterized in that the content of the second coupon is determined with reference to issue. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A system for managing privilege information issued to a user by the store, comprising one or two or more computers.
A member database (DB) for storing information on users who have visited any store;
The user (introducer) registered in the member DB can receive benefits such as discounts on usage fees at the introduced store for other users (referees) introduced to the store. First coupon issuing means for issuing one coupon information in association with an introducer;
When the introduced person visits the store and uses the first coupon, store use information receiving means for receiving the information of the first coupon from the terminal of the store via the network;
When receiving the store use information, the second coupon issued as a reward for introduction to the introducer according to the period from the issue date of the used first coupon to the date used by the introducer. A system comprising: a second coupon issuing means for determining a privilege content and issuing it to the introducer. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A system for managing privilege information issued to a user by the store, comprising one or two or more computers.
A member database (DB) for storing information on users who have visited any store;
The user (introducer) registered in the member DB can receive benefits such as discounts on usage fees at the introduced store for other users (referees) introduced to the store. First coupon issuing means for issuing one coupon information in association with an introducer;
When the introduced person visits the store and uses the first coupon, the store use information including the information of the first coupon and / or the information of the introduced person is transmitted from the terminal of the store via the network. Store usage information receiving means for receiving;
A second coupon issuing means for issuing a second coupon as a reward for introduction to the introducer when receiving the store use information;
Campaign information notifying means for notifying members of campaign information for issuing a third coupon as a campaign bonus when visiting a plurality of specific stores within a predetermined campaign period;
Campaign store information acquisition means for acquiring information of members who have visited during the campaign period from terminals of a plurality of stores targeted for the campaign, via a network;
And a third coupon issuing means for issuing a third coupon according to the number of visits to the store and / or usage amount to each member after the end of the campaign period. The system of claim 12, wherein
further,
A campaign information database (DB) for registering information on a plurality of stores selected by the member in association with identification information of the member as a store group to be campaigned;
When this campaign is implemented and any member uses the store for the campaign, the campaign registration fee will be charged to the member who registered the campaign information according to the number of members used, the total number of stores used, or the total usage amount of the members. And a fourth coupon issuing means for issuing a fourth coupon. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A system for managing privilege information issued to a user by the store, comprising one or two or more computers.
A member database (DB) for storing information on users who have visited any store;
The first user who can receive a benefit such as a discount on the usage fee at the introduced store to the other user (referee) who introduced the store from the registered user (introducer). First coupon issuing means for issuing coupon information in association with an introducer;
When the introduced person visits the store, store use information including information on the introduced person and / or purchase information of the introduced person in the store is received from the terminal of the store via the network. Store usage information receiving means;
Introducing point registration means for applying a predetermined conversion rate to the accepted store usage information and converting it into referral points and associating with the introducer's information and registering in the store visit database (DB),
A second coupon issuing means for issuing a second coupon as an introduction reward to an introducer when the store use information is received;
The second coupon issuing means searches the store visit DB, totals the introduction points for each introducer, and adds and issues a second coupon to the introducer whose introduction points have reached a predetermined value. A system characterized by A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A system for managing privilege information issued to a user by the store, comprising one or two or more computers.
A member database (DB) for storing information on users who have visited any store;
When the registered user (introducer) visits the store together with another user (referred person), the introducer's information is acquired from the introducer's terminal or the store terminal, and this introduced person A first coupon issuing means for issuing a first coupon for receiving a discount such as a discount on a usage fee at the store;
And a second coupon issuing means for issuing a second coupon as a reward for introduction to the introducer. A store terminal installed in a store (member store) that provides users with products or services (hereinafter referred to as “products, etc.”) and a user terminal that purchases products etc. at this store are connected via a network. A system for managing privilege information issued to a user by the store, comprising one or two or more computers.
A member database (DB) for storing information on users who have visited any store;
The first user who can receive a benefit such as a discount on the usage fee at the introduced store to the other user (referee) who introduced the store from the registered user (introducer). First coupon issuing means for issuing coupon information in association with an introducer;
A member database (DB) for registering the information of the introduced person obtained from the introduced person's terminal via the network, the information of the introduced person and the information of the introduced store;
When the introduced person visits the store and uses the first coupon, store use information receiving means for receiving the information of the first coupon from the terminal of the store via the network;
A second coupon issuing means for issuing a second coupon as a reward for introduction to the introducer when receiving the information of the referee,
The first and / or second coupon issuing means determines a privilege content of a coupon to be issued based on whether or not an introduced person is registered as a member in the member DB.

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