JP2009282793A - Point-exchange relay server and relaying method for point change - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a point-exchange relay server for enabling a member using point cards issued by two or more point issuers to receive, at stores such as convenience stores, goods or services exchanged with the points of the point cards. <P>SOLUTION: A member accesses the point-exchange relay server by operating a member terminal, obtains a list of goods, selects goods, and sends a request to exchange with points. The point-exchange relay server sends a request to approve a point exchange to the server of a point issuer, and once the point-exchange is approved, point-exchange information specifying the goods approved and the member is registered. To receive the goods, the member operates a store terminal installed in a convenience store or the like to access the point-exchange relay server, and receives the issuance of a coupon for the goods for which the point-exchange has been approved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is a point exchange relay server for enabling a member who uses a point card issued by two or more point issuers to receive goods or services exchanged for points on the point card at a store such as a convenience store. And a point exchange relay method.

  In companies that provide various products and services, it is widely performed to issue point cards in order to promote the purchase of their products and the use of services. The user of the point card can earn points by purchasing a product of the company that issues the point card and using the service, and can exchange the accumulated points for the designated product or service.

  As the number of companies that issue point cards increases, the number of point card users who use multiple point cards increases. As the number of point cards to be used increases, the number of point cards increases and the management becomes complicated for the user. In addition, the number of points stored per card is less likely to increase. The problem is that the options for services and services are likely to narrow.

  In order to deal with such a problem, an invention relating to a point management system having a function of a plurality of point cards in one IC card and capable of diverting points between the point cards (for example, see Patent Document 1), An invention relating to a point transaction method capable of buying and selling points from a small amount of points for a plurality of point cards (see, for example, Patent Document 2) is disclosed.

JP 2001-209862 A JP 2002-24668 A

  As described above, the invention that enables sharing of data among point cards, diversion of points, and the like enhances the convenience of users who use a plurality of point cards. On the other hand, the products and services that can be exchanged for points are subject to inventory risks borne by the company issuing the point card and logistics for handing over coupons for products and services. Is likely to be limited. As a result, even if the user uses a plurality of point cards, it may eventually be exchanged only for similar products and services.

  Considering such problems, coupons for products and services that can be exchanged for points are not distributed directly to point card users by companies that issue point cards, but distributed through existing distribution networks such as convenience stores and supermarkets. It is preferable that the merchandise or the like being added is added to the points to be exchanged. For example, if a product sold at a convenience store is targeted, the manufacturer of the product can be expected to obtain useful information for marketing through a questionnaire or the like to a member by collaborating with a point card issuing company.

  On the other hand, when adding convenience store products to the point exchange target, the convenience of the user is impaired if the point card application or point-of-receipt method is different for each point card. Therefore, it is preferable that the usage methods are integrated even when a plurality of point cards are targeted. To that end, instead of the viewpoint of data sharing among a plurality of point cards as in the invention exemplified above, a technology that integrates a method for receiving goods etc. in which points are exchanged for a plurality of point cards is required. is there.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a member who uses a point card issued by two or more point issuers exchanges a product or service for a point card point at a convenience store or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a point exchange relay server and a point exchange relay method for enabling reception at a store.

  The present invention that solves such problems is a point exchange that relays that a member who uses a point card issued by two or more point issuers receives goods or services exchanged for points on the point card at a predetermined store. A point server information storing means for storing point card information associated with a member code of the member and a customer code corresponding to each point card used by the member, and a store by exchanging points of the point card Point exchange information, including product information storage means for storing product information related to products or services that can be received at the site, a product code that identifies a product or service approved by the point issuer for exchange with points, and information about a member's member code Point exchange information storage means for storing the product information storage The product list generated from the product information read from the stage, the product list transmitting means for transmitting the product list to the member terminal operated by the member, from the member terminal, the member, the point issuer that requests the exchange of points, Point exchange request receiving means for receiving an exchange request for a product or service and a point in which the product code of the product or service included in the product list is specified; and the point issuer of the member on the point issuer computer A point exchange approval request means for transmitting an approval request for exchange of a customer code corresponding to a point card issued by the customer and a product or service point related to the product code to which the product code is attached; Receive point exchange inquiry result to receive approval right result for the approval request from computer If the approval result is to approve the exchange with points, the point card information storage means is searched to identify the member code corresponding to the customer code, and the product code and the member code are From the point exchange information registration means for registering new point exchange information to the point exchange information storage means and the store terminal operated by the member, the coupon of the product or service that can be received by the point exchange specified by the member A coupon issue request receiving means for receiving an issue request; a point exchange information search means for specifying the member code of the member; and searching the point exchange information storage means using the member code as a key; and the point exchange information search means The output instruction of the coupon of the product or service corresponding to the product code included in the searched point exchange information A point exchange relay server comprising: a coupon output means for transmitting an indication to the store terminal.

  In the present invention, for a point card issued by two or more point issuers, an exchange request for a point and a product that can be received at a store is received in advance. By registering as point exchange information that is integrated and managed in the store, a coupon that can be exchanged for products etc. can be issued at the store by checking the point exchange information from the store terminal that receives the product etc. .

  In the present invention, the product list transmission means may be configured to display the point issuer received from the member terminal on which a link pasted on a web page displayed by logging in to the point issuer's website is pressed. In response to a request to send a list of products with information to be identified and a customer code corresponding to a point card issued by the point issuer, exchanged with points on the point card issued by the point issuer from the product information storage means The product list generated by selecting a possible product or service is transmitted, and the member is attached to the transmission request from the customer code attached to the transmission request in the exchange request received by the point exchange request receiving means. The point issuer that requests the exchange of the points is identified from the information for identifying the point issuer. It can also be characterized.

  With this configuration, a member of a point card can use a service for receiving a product or the like whose points have been exchanged by a simple operation at a store via a link from the point issuer's Web page.

  In this configuration, there is provided attribute information storage means for storing attribute information relating to the member attributes for each member code of the member, and each product information corresponds to a product or service in the product information storage means. The product list transmitting means searches the point card information storage means to identify a member code corresponding to the customer code attached to the transmission request, and searches the attribute information storage means. The member attribute information corresponding to the member code is identified, and a product list generated by selecting a product or service corresponding to the attribute information from the product information storage means may be transmitted.

  With this configuration, by providing product information that matches the member's attributes accessed from the link from the point issuer's Web page, it contributes to the improvement of services for members and a marketing tool for a specific attribute group Can be used as well.

  The present invention also provides an authentication information storage means for storing authentication information in which the member code of the member is associated with an authentication key used for authentication of the member, and the member code and the authentication key input to the member terminal are received. And a member authentication means for authenticating the identity of the member by collating with the authentication information storage means, wherein the product list transmission means allows each point issuer who can exchange goods or services for points to each product. Alternatively, the product list designated for the service is transmitted to the member terminal, and the point exchange request receiving means designates the product or service selected from the product list from the member terminal authenticated by the member authentication means. Receiving an exchange request with information about the issued point issuer, and in the exchange request, from the member code received by the member authentication means, The point issuer requesting the exchange of the points is identified from the information identifying the point issuer attached to the exchange request, and the point exchange approval request means searches the point card information storage means. Then, a customer code corresponding to the member code of the member is specified, and an approval request with the customer code is transmitted.

  With this configuration, the member of the point card uses a service for receiving at the store products or the like whose points have been exchanged for a plurality of point cards by accessing the Web page of the point exchange relay according to the present invention. be able to.

  An issuance request received by the coupon issuance request receiving means, comprising an identification card information storing means for storing identification card information in which the membership code of the member is associated with an identification code corresponding to an identification card used for identification of the member The member is identified from the identification code of the identification card read at the store terminal, and the point exchange information search means searches the identification card information storage means by using the identification code as a key to search for the member code of the member It is good also as specifying.

  With this configuration, by providing product information that matches the attribute of the member who accessed the Web page of the point exchange relayer according to the present invention, it contributes to the improvement of services for the member and is directed to a specific attribute group. It can also be used as a marketing tool.

  Furthermore, the present invention comprises an identification card information storage means for storing identification card information in which an identification code corresponding to an identification code corresponding to an identification card used for identification of the member and the membership code of the member is provided. In the issue request received by the means, the member is identified from the identification code of the identification card read at the store terminal, and the point exchange information search means searches the identification card information storage means using the identification code as a key. The member code of the member may be specified.

  With this configuration, a member who receives a product or the like at a store registers in advance the card number or the like of an IC card that is used on a daily basis without having a dedicated card or the like for identifying the member. This makes it possible to receive goods etc. with a simple operation.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides a list list transmitting means for transmitting a list of products or services corresponding to a product code included in the point exchange information searched by the point exchange information searching means to the store terminal, and the store terminal Product selection information receiving means for receiving a product code of a product or service selected from the list, wherein the coupon output means corresponds to the product code received by the product selection information receiving means. An instruction to output a coupon for a product or service may be transmitted.

  If comprised in this way, the member who receives goods etc. in a store can select the part and receive goods etc., when a plurality of point exchange information is registered.

  Furthermore, the present invention can also be specified as a point exchange relay method executed by the point exchange relay server according to the present invention.

  The point exchange relay method according to the present invention is a point exchange that relays that a member using a point card issued by two or more point issuers receives goods or services exchanged for points on the point card at a predetermined store. A point card information storing means for storing point card information in which a member code of the member and a customer code corresponding to each point card used by the member are associated, and by exchanging points of the point card Product information storage means for storing product information related to products or services that can be received at the store, point exchange including information on product codes for identifying products or services approved by the point issuer for exchange with points, and member member codes A point exchange information storage means for storing information. A product list transmitting step in which a computer transmits a product list generated from product information read from the product information storage means to a member terminal operated by the member; and the computer from the member terminal to the member and a point A point exchange request receiving step for receiving a point exchange request for a product or service and a point in which the point issuer requesting the exchange of the product and the product code of the product or service included in the product list are specified; Request for approval for exchange of a customer code corresponding to a point card issued by the point issuer of the member and a point of goods or services related to the product code with the product code attached to the computer of the point issuer A point exchange approval requesting step for transmitting, and the computer, A point exchange inquiry result receiving step for receiving an approval right result for the approval request from the computer of the point issuer, and if the computer approves the exchange with the point, the point card A point exchange information registration step of searching information storage means to identify a member code corresponding to the customer code, and registering new point exchange information including the product code and the member code in the point exchange information storage means; The computer receives a coupon issue request receiving step of receiving a request for issuing a coupon for a product or service that can be received by point exchange, from the store terminal operated by the member, and the computer can receive the coupon. Specify the member code and use the member code as a key A point exchange information search step for searching exchange information storage means, and the computer outputs an instruction to output a coupon for a product or service corresponding to the product code included in the point exchange information searched in the point exchange information search step, It is a relay method of point exchange characterized by having a coupon output step transmitted to a store terminal.

  In the point exchange relay method according to the present invention, in the product list transmitting step, the computer logs in the Web site of the point issuer and a link pasted on a displayed Web page is pressed. In response to a transmission request for a product list to which a customer code corresponding to information identifying the point issuer and a point card issued by the point issuer is received from the member terminal, the point from the product information storage means The customer code attached to the transmission request in the exchange request received in the point exchange request receiving step by transmitting a product list generated by selecting a product or service exchangeable with points on the point card issued by the issuer From the information identifying the point issuer attached to the transmission request. Points issuer to request replacement of the points, can be characterized in that it is identified, respectively.

  In this method, the computer is provided with attribute information storage means for storing attribute information relating to the member attributes for each member code of the member, and in the product information storage means, each product information includes a product or service. In the product list transmission step, the computer searches the point card information storage means to identify a member code corresponding to the customer code attached to the transmission request, and Searching attribute information storage means to identify member attribute information corresponding to the member code, and transmitting a product list generated by selecting a product or service corresponding to the attribute information from the product information storage means. It may be a feature.

  In the point exchange relay method according to the present invention, the computer is provided with authentication information storage means for storing authentication information in which the member code of the member is associated with an authentication key used for identity authentication of the member, In the product list transmission step, the computer has a member authentication step of receiving a member code and an authentication key input to the member terminal and verifying the identity of the member by collating with the authentication information storage means. The computer issues a list of products designated for each product or service by a point issuer capable of exchanging products or services with points, and in the point exchange request receiving step, the computer The product selected from the product list from the member terminal authenticated in the member authentication step or Receiving an exchange request with information on the point issuer designated in the service, and in the exchange request, the member determines the point issuer attached to the exchange request from the member code received by the member authentication means. Point issuers that request the exchange of the points are respectively identified from the specified information, and in the point exchange approval request step, the computer searches the point card information storage means and corresponds to the member code of the member A customer code may be specified, and an approval request with the customer code attached may be transmitted.

  In this method, the computer is provided with attribute information storage means for storing attribute information relating to the member attributes for each member code of the member, and in the product information storage means, each product information includes a product or service. In the product list transmission step, the computer specifies member attribute information corresponding to the member code received in the member authentication step, and the attribute information is stored in the product information storage means. A product list generated by selecting a product or service corresponding to the item may be transmitted.

  Furthermore, in the relay method for point exchange according to the present invention, the computer stores identification card information in which identification card information in which the member code of the member is associated with an identification code corresponding to an identification card used for identification of the member is stored. In the issue request received in the coupon issue request receiving step, the member is specified from the identification code of the identification card read at the store terminal, and in the point exchange information search step, the computer The member code of the member may be specified by searching the identification card information storage means using the identification code as a key.

  Furthermore, in the point exchange relay method according to the present invention, the computer stores a list of products or services corresponding to the product codes included in the point exchange information searched in the point exchange information search step in the store terminal. A list list transmitting step for transmitting, and a product selection information receiving step for receiving a product code of a product or service selected from the list from the store terminal, and the coupon output step. The computer may transmit an instruction to output a coupon for a product or service corresponding to the product code received in the product selection information receiving step.

  According to the present invention, a member who uses a point card issued by two or more point issuers can access from a link from the point issuer's Web page, or directly access a point exchange relay person's Web page. By a simple operation method, it is possible to receive goods or services exchanged for points on a point card at a store such as a convenience store.

  By using such an invention, a company or the like issuing a point card can increase options for products that can be exchanged for a member of the point card and improve services for the member. The manufacturer of the product to be exchanged can be expected to obtain useful information for marketing through an alliance with a point card issuing company. It can be expected that the store serving as a place for receiving goods will contribute to an increase in the number of visitors.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Since the following description is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the following database data items and data formats, terminal operation screen examples, and the like.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a business scheme of a point exchange relay service using the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the member master table in the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a point card information table in the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the member attribute information table in the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an IC card information table in the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a product database in the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a point exchange information database in the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIGS. 10 and 11 are first and second views, respectively, showing an example of a point exchange operation screen in the first embodiment of the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a point exchange operation screen in the second embodiment of the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for accepting a point exchange request in the first embodiment of the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIGS. 14 and 15 are first and second flowcharts, respectively, showing the processing flow for accepting a point exchange request in the second embodiment of the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for point exchange approval in the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for accepting a coupon issue request in the point exchange relay server according to the present invention.

  The business scheme of the point exchange relay service using the present invention and its effect will be described with reference to FIG. In the present invention, a plurality of companies having a member organization that issues a point card are affiliated with a point exchange relay service provider, and the point exchange relay service provider receives a product or service (goods) received by a point card member at a store. Etc.). The point card member accesses the point exchange relay server to request point exchange, and the approved point exchange information is registered in the point exchange relay server. The point card member accesses the point exchange relay server from the coupon issuing terminal installed in the store, and if the point exchange information registered in advance is confirmed, the coupon that can receive goods etc. at the store is the terminal Is output from.

  In this way, by receiving point exchange requests for multiple point cards at the point exchange relay server and managing the approved points as unified point exchange information, the point card issuing companies can An infrastructure for exchanging various products sold at stores etc. with points is provided. For point card members, even if they use multiple point cards, they can receive products exchanged for point card points at convenience stores and other stores through unified and simple operations. . A store such as a convenience store can be expected to increase the number of visitors by becoming a point exchange place.

  In addition, assuming that products that are exchanged for points are provided by the manufacturer of the product, etc., the attributes of the consumer who likes the product etc. are grasped from the attributes of the members through the tie-up with the point card issuing company. Can be expected to obtain useful information for marketing. In this case, the provider of the point exchange relay service also has a matching function between a product provider such as a manufacturer and a point card issuing company.

  The point exchange relay method by the point exchange relay server according to the present invention will be outlined with reference to FIG. A point exchange relay server according to the present invention includes a Web server that transmits / receives data to / from a member terminal operated by a member of a point card via the Internet, and an interface (I / F) that transmits / receives data to / from a point card issuer system. ) A database server for managing server, point card member information, product information exchanged for points and point exchange information approved for exchange, store terminals installed in stores such as convenience stores that receive products exchanged for points, etc. An I / F server that transmits and receives data is included.

  The point card issuing company provides products that can be received at a store such as a convenience store as one of the point exchange menus. When a point card member wants to exchange points for a product that can be received at a store, the point exchange relay server is accessed from the member terminal via the Internet in advance, and points are exchanged for any point card to be used. Send a request. The point exchange request operation method includes the following two embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the point exchange relay server is accessed via a link from the Web page of the point card issuer. In this case, the point card to be exchanged with the accessed member is specified from the customer code assigned by the point card issuer specified when logging into the Web page of the point card issuer. In the second embodiment, the user directly logs in to the Web page of the point exchange relay server. In this case, a point card to be exchanged is specified by specifying a member at the time of login and designating a point card to be used when selecting a product or the like to be exchanged. The customer code assigned by the point card issuer is specified with reference to the member database.

  When the point exchange relay server receives the point exchange request, the point exchange issuer's server is identified with the customer code of the member who desires the exchange, the product, etc., and the point exchange approval request is transmitted. The point card issuer's server refers to the member's point balance to determine whether or not it can be exchanged for a desired product, etc., and returns an approval result to the point exchange relay server. The point exchange relay server that has received the approval result notifies the member terminal of the approval result, and if the point exchange is approved, the point exchange information specifying the approved member and the product is registered in the database.

  A member who is approved to exchange points visits a store such as a convenience store in order to receive goods. A terminal installed in the store is caused to read the card number of the IC card for member identification, and a request for issuing a coupon for receiving goods etc. is transmitted to the point exchange relay server. Upon receiving this, the point exchange relay server refers to the point exchange information registered in the database, displays exchangeable products on the store terminal, and outputs coupons such as products selected by the member from the store terminal. Information related to the product to be exchanged, such as information specifying the point card issuer and member, is output on the coupon in the form of a two-dimensional barcode, etc., and the member presents the coupon at the cash register of the store, The amount charged to the point card issuer can be ascertained at a store that exchanges etc.

  The type of IC card used for membership identification at the store terminal is not particularly limited, but the card number of the IC card that the member uses daily for commuter passes etc. is registered in the point exchange relay server in advance. In this case, even if the IC card is not a dedicated IC card issued by the provider of the point exchange relay service, it can be used as an identification card.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the point exchange relay server according to the present invention. The point exchange relay server 40 according to the present invention includes a Web server 41, a database server 42, a member database 43, a product database 44, a point exchange information database 45, an I / F server 46 with a point issuer server 30, the store terminal 20 and The I / F server 47 is configured.

  The Web server 41, the database server 42, the I / F server 46, and the I / F server 47 are all functionally specified, and their physical configurations are not particularly limited. The server may be composed of two or more computers, or one computer may have two or more server functions. The Web server 41 has a function of accepting access via the Internet and transmitting / receiving data to / from the Web browser of the member terminal 10. The database server 42 has a member database 43, a product database 44, and a point exchange information database 45. The I / F server 46 has a function of executing control functions, and the I / F server 47 has a function of executing data transmission / reception with the store terminal 20.

  The member database 43, the product database 44, and the point exchange information database 45 are all assigned a predetermined area of a computer storage device, but the physical computer configuration is not particularly limited, and the database server The storage device in the computer constituting the database 42 may be used, or may be provided in another computer connected to the computer constituting the database server 42. The member database 43 includes a member master table 431, a point card information table 432, a member attribute information table 433, and an IC card information table 434.

  The point issuer server 30 includes a web server 31, a point balance database 32, and an I / F server 33 with a point exchange relay server 40. Both the Web server 31 and the I / F server 33 are functionally specified, and the physical configuration of each is not particularly limited, and one server is configured by two or more computers. Alternatively, one computer may have the functions of two servers. The Web server 31 accepts access via the Internet and performs a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from the Web browser of the member terminal 10, and the I / F server 33 executes data transmission / reception with the point exchange relay server 40. It has a function. A predetermined area of a computer storage device is assigned to the point balance database 32, but the configuration of the physical computer is not particularly limited.

  The member terminal 10 is a terminal device that can be connected to the Internet, such as a personal computer or a mobile phone. The member terminal 10 is provided with a Web browser, and can access the Web server 31 of the point issuer server 30 and the Web server 41 of the point exchange relay server 40 via the Internet to transmit and receive data.

  A coupon printer 21 and an IC card reader 22 are connected to the store terminal 20. The store terminal 20 has a function of connecting to a network and can send and receive data to and from the I / F server 47 of the point exchange relay server 40. The coupon printer 21 has a function of outputting a coupon on which a two-dimensional bar code or the like to be exchanged with a product or the like is printed according to a result of the store terminal 20 inquiring to the point exchange relay server 40. The IC card reader 22 has a function of reading a card number or the like from a member identification IC card, and the read data is transmitted from the store terminal 20 to the point exchange relay server 40.

  Based on the above configuration, a specific operation of the point exchange relay server in a service using the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present service”) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, in order for a member who uses a plurality of point cards to exchange the points of any point card with a product that can be received at a store, a point exchange relay server 40 is provided with a list of products to be exchanged for points. 10 will be described. As a procedure for displaying the product list, a first embodiment in which the point exchange relay server 40 is accessed via a link from the point card issuer's Web page, and a second embodiment in which the user directly logs in to the Web page of the point exchange relay server 40. Embodiments will be described.

  10 and 11 show an example of the point exchange operation screen in the first embodiment, and the flowchart in FIG. 13 shows a processing flow for accepting a point exchange request in the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, a member who uses a plurality of point cards accesses the Web server 31 of any point card issuer server 30 from the member terminal 10 and logs in to a member-dedicated page where point inquiries can be made. To do. The login method is not particularly limited, but after login, the Web server 31 manages the session with the customer code (such as the card number of the point card) of the member assigned by the point issuer being specified, A member-dedicated page is displayed on the member terminal 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the member-dedicated page displays an option for exchanging with a predetermined product at a store such as a convenience store as one of the point exchange menus. In this option portion, a link to the Web server 41 of the point exchange relay server 40 is pasted, and when this option on the display of the member terminal 10 is pressed, a convenience is provided to the Web server 41 of the point exchange relay server 40. A transmission request for a list of products that can be exchanged at a store such as a store or a service is transmitted.

  In the product list transmission request sent here, information specifying the point issuer that displayed the member-specific page (for example, the domain name or the issuer code assigned to the point issuer in this service), The customer code (point card number etc.) of the member assigned by the point issuer is attached. These pieces of information may be set to be automatically attached to a request transmitted to the Web server 41 using, for example, cookie.

  When the Web server 41 receives such a product page transmission request (S01 in FIG. 13), the database server 42 is inquired whether the accessed member is a user of this service, and a product list for the member is created. The product information necessary to do is extracted. The database server 42 searches the point card information table 432 of the member database 43 using the member customer code attached to the transmission request for the product page as a key, and confirms whether the accessed member is a user of this service. (S02 in FIG. 13).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the point card information table 432 of the member database 43. In the point card information table 432, the member code assigned to the member who uses the service for the service, The point card information in which the customer code of the member assigned by each point issuer is associated with each point card used by the member is stored.

  In the point card information table 432, it is possible to confirm whether or not the accessing member is a user of this service depending on whether or not the customer code of the member attached to the transmission request for the product page exists for the corresponding point issuer, The membership code in this service can be specified (S03 in FIG. 13). If the customer code does not exist, error processing is performed such as displaying an error message on the member terminal 10 (S08 in FIG. 13).

  Further, the database server 42 searches the member attribute information table 433 of the member database 43 using the specified member code as a key, and acquires attribute information such as the sex and age of the member (S04 in FIG. 13). FIG. 6 shows an example of the member attribute information table 433 of the member database 43. Such attribute information may be configured so that the member can pre-register from a web page such as a questionnaire survey.

  Subsequently, the database server 42 searches the product database 44 and extracts product information such as products corresponding to the acquired member attribute information. FIG. 8 shows an example of the product database 44. A product code is attached to each product or service that can be exchanged at a store such as a convenience store (a service coupon is provided in the case of a service). Information on point cards and exchange points that can exchange points with each product, etc., and attributes that recommend each product, etc. are recorded, and can be exchanged for the points of the target point issuer from these information (Because the member's point balance cannot be confirmed at this time, all the products designated as exchange targets are selected), and product information such as products corresponding to the member attributes is extracted (FIG. 13). S05).

  The Web server 41 creates an HTML file of a product list to be displayed on the member terminal 10 from the extracted product information (S06 in FIG. 13), and transmits it to the member terminal 10 (S07 in FIG. 13). On the member terminal 10, a product list as illustrated in FIG. 11 is displayed. Each product has a selection button for requesting replacement, and information for identifying the product such as a product code is embedded therein.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the point exchange operation screen in the first embodiment, and the flowcharts in FIGS. 14 and 15 show the processing flow for accepting a point exchange request in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, a member who uses a plurality of point cards directly accesses the Web server 41 of the point exchange relay server 40 from the member terminal 10 and logs in to the member-dedicated page. The login method is not particularly limited. For example, the web server 41 receives the member code and the password assigned to the service input to the member terminal 10 (S11 in FIG. 14), and the database. The server 42 may be authenticated against the password registered in advance in the member master table 431 of the member database 43 as illustrated in FIG. 4 (S12 and S13 in FIG. 14).

  When the identity of the member is authenticated, the HTML file of the member-dedicated page is transmitted from the Web server 41 to the member terminal 10 (S14 in FIG. 14), and if an authentication error occurs, an error is returned to the member terminal 10. Error processing is performed such as displaying a message (S15 in FIG. 14).

  With the member terminal 10 on which the member-only page is displayed, session management is performed with the member code specified. Here, when the Web server 41 receives a product page transmission request from the member terminal 10 (S16 in FIG. 15), the database server 42 extracts product information necessary for creating a product list for the member. . The database server 42 searches the point card information table 432 of the member database 43 as illustrated in FIG. 5 using the member code specified from the session information or the like as a key, and specifies the point card used by the member ( S17 of FIG.

  Further, the database server 42 searches the member attribute information table 433 of the member database 43 as illustrated in FIG. 6 using the specified member code as a key, and acquires attribute information such as the sex and age of the member (FIG. 6). 15 S18).

  Subsequently, the database server 42 searches the product database 44 as illustrated in FIG. 8 and extracts product information such as products corresponding to the acquired member attribute information. In the product database 44, points can be exchanged for points issued by the member corresponding to the point card held by the member. (At this point, since the member's point balance cannot be confirmed, all the products designated for exchange are selected. And product information such as products corresponding to the member attributes is extracted (S19 in FIG. 15).

  The Web server 41 creates an HTML file or the like of a product list to be displayed on the member terminal 10 from the extracted product information (S20 in FIG. 15), and transmits it to the member terminal 10 (S21 in FIG. 15). On the member terminal 10, a product list as illustrated in FIG. 12 is displayed. Each product displays a point card issuer that is eligible for point exchange, and a selection button for requesting an exchange. The selection button includes information and a product for identifying the point card issuer. Information identifying the product, such as a code, is embedded.

  Next, a procedure in which a member selects a product or the like from the member terminal 10 on which the product list is displayed and requests the point exchange relay server 40 to exchange the point will be described. The subsequent processing procedures are basically the same in both the first and second embodiments, and are processed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the member terminal 10, a product or the like to be exchanged for points is selected from the product list display screen illustrated in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, and a selection button on the display is pressed. In any case, the exchange request for the point with the product code such as the selected product is transmitted to the Web server 41 of the point exchange relay server 40. In the case of the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. In the exchange request, information specifying a point card issuer to be exchanged for points is also attached.

  When the Web server 41 receives a request for exchange with a point to which a product code (in the second embodiment, an issuer code specifying a point card issuer) is attached (S22 in FIG. 16), the I / F server 46 Then, an approval request for exchanging a product or the like with a point is transmitted to the I / F server 33 of the point issuer server 30 (S23 in FIG. 16).

  Here, it is necessary to specify the point issuer that is the transmission destination of the approval request, but in the first embodiment, information for identifying the point issuer is attached to the transmission request for the product list. The point issuer can be identified from this information. In the second embodiment, information for specifying the point issuer is embedded in the selection button displayed in the product list, and is attached to the exchange request from the member terminal 10. Therefore, the point issuer is specified from this information. Can do.

  In addition, the point issuer server 30 determines whether or not the points can be exchanged by comparing the exchange points of the product and the member's point balance. For this purpose, the member's customer code (point card) assigned by the point issuer is used. Card number). In the first embodiment, since the customer code of the member assigned by the point issuer is attached to the transmission request for the product list, this customer code may be attached to the approval request to the point issuer server 30. In the second embodiment, since the member code assigned for this service is specified at the time of login, the corresponding point issuer is assigned to the database server 42 from the point card information table 432 of the member database 43. The member's customer code may be read out.

  The point issuer server 30 determines whether or not the exchange is possible by comparing with the point balance, and the point exchange approval result is returned from the I / F server 33 and received by the I / F server 46 of the point exchange relay server 40 ( S24 in FIG. If the exchange is not approved (S25 in FIG. 16), an error process such as displaying an error message on the member terminal 10 is performed (S28 in FIG. 16).

  When the exchange is approved (S25 in FIG. 16), the database server 42 is made to register new point exchange information with a status of not yet received in the point exchange information database 45 (S26 in FIG. 16). The point exchange information includes a product code that identifies the product, etc., that the point issuer has approved to exchange with the point, and a member code assigned for this service. Are stored in the point exchange information database 45 in units of approved products. The member terminal 10 is also notified that the point exchange has been approved (S27 in FIG. 16).

  In the approval result returned from the I / F server 33 of the point issuer server 30, the member is specified by the customer code of the member assigned by the point issuer, but this is assigned for this service. In order to register by replacing with a member code, for example, by searching the point card information table 432, the member code assigned for this service can be specified and used to generate point exchange information.

  Finally, a procedure in which a member who visits a store such as a convenience store to receive a product etc. operates the store terminal 20 installed in the store to obtain a coupon for receiving the product etc. will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 17 shows a processing flow for accepting a coupon issue request in the point exchange relay server 40.

  A member who has visited a store such as a convenience store to receive a product or the like causes an IC card reader 22 connected to the store terminal 20 to read an IC card used as a commuter pass or the like. An IC card dedicated to this service may be distributed to members, but it is preferable to substitute an IC card such as a commuter pass that is used on a daily basis in consideration of the convenience of the user. The read card number of the IC card is transmitted to the I / F server 46 of the point exchange relay server 40.

  When the card number of the IC card is received by the I / F server 46 of the point exchange relay server 40 (S31 in FIG. 17), the database server 42 extracts information related to the goods and the like that have been approved for exchange with points and have not yet been received. Let First, the database server 42 searches the card information table 434 of the member database 43 using the card number as a key (S32 in FIG. 17), and confirms whether or not the received card number is registered (S33 in FIG. 17). The member code assigned for the corresponding service is specified (S34 in FIG. 17). If the corresponding card number does not exist, an error process such as displaying an error message on the store terminal 20 is performed (S38 in FIG. 17).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the card information table 434, in which IC card information in which the card number of the IC card registered in advance by the member is associated with the member code assigned for this service is stored. . The number of IC cards is not limited to one, and card numbers may be registered in order to use two or more IC cards as identification cards.

  When the member code assigned for this service is specified, the point exchange information database 45 is subsequently searched using the member code as a key (S35 in FIG. 17), and the products approved for exchange with points, etc. It is confirmed whether or not the point exchange information in the status of not yet received has been registered (S36 in FIG. 17). If the point exchange information is registered, the coupon output data is transmitted to the store terminal 20 (S37 in FIG. 17), and the coupon is output from the coupon printer 21 connected to the store terminal 20. It is preferable to update the status of the point exchange information to “received” at the stage of transmitting the coupon output data. If the point exchange information is not registered, display data for displaying “No product available for exchange” is transmitted to the store terminal 20 (S39 in FIG. 17).

  In the coupon output from the coupon printer 21, information on a product to be exchanged such as a product code of a product, a point card issuer or a member code of a member is output in the form of a two-dimensional barcode, etc. By presenting the coupon at the cash register of the store and reading it with a reader installed at the cash register, it is possible to grasp the amount billed to the point card issuer or the provider of this service at the store where goods etc. are exchanged .

  In addition, when two or more point exchange information in a status of not yet received has been registered in the point exchange information database 45 for the member code, coupons relating to all the point exchange information may be output. It is good also as sending these lists to the store terminal 20 and making it select the goods etc. which want to output a coupon. When some products are selected, a coupon of the selected products is output and the status is updated to “received”.

It is a figure which shows the business scheme of the point exchange relay service using this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the member master table in the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the point card information table in the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the member attribute information table in the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the IC card information table in the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the goods database in the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the point exchange information database in the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the operation screen of point exchange in 1st Embodiment of the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the operation screen of point exchange in 1st Embodiment of the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen of point exchange in 2nd Embodiment of the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the point exchange request reception in 1st Embodiment of the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the processing flow of the point exchange request reception in 2nd Embodiment of the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the processing flow of point exchange request reception in 2nd Embodiment of the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the point exchange approval in the point exchange relay server concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of coupon issue request reception in the point exchange relay server concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Member terminal 20 Store terminal 21 Coupon printer 22 IC card reader 30 Point issuer server 31 Web server 32 Point balance database 33 I / F server 40 Point exchange relay server 41 Web server 42 Database server 43 Member database 431 Member master table 432 points Card information table 433 Member attribute information table 434 IC card information table 44 Product database 45 Point exchange information database 46 I / F server 47 I / F server

Claims (14)

A point exchange relay server that relays that a member who uses a point card issued by two or more point issuers receives goods or services exchanged for points on the point card at a predetermined store,
Point card information storage means for storing point card information in which the member code of the member and a customer code corresponding to each point card used by the member are associated;
Product information storage means for storing product information related to products or services that can be received at a store by exchanging points on a point card;
Point exchange information storage means for storing point exchange information including information on a product code for identifying a product or service approved by the point issuer and a member's member code;
A product list transmitting unit for transmitting a product list generated from the product information read from the product information storage unit to a member terminal operated by the member;
A point for receiving a point exchange request for a product or service and a point in which the member, a point issuer requesting point exchange, and a product code of the product or service included in the product list are specified from the member terminal Exchange request receiving means;
Request for approval for exchange of a customer code corresponding to a point card issued by the point issuer of the member and a point of goods or services related to the product code with the product code attached to the computer of the point issuer Point exchange approval request means for sending
Point exchange inquiry result receiving means for receiving an approval right result for the approval request from the point issuer computer;
If the approval result is to approve exchange with points, the point card information storage means is searched to identify the member code corresponding to the customer code, and a new code including the product code and the member code Point exchange information registration means for registering point exchange information in the point exchange information storage means;
A coupon issue request receiving means for receiving a request for issuing a coupon for a product or service that can be received by point exchange, from the store terminal operated by the member;
Point exchange information search means for specifying the member code of the member and searching the point exchange information storage means using the member code as a key;
A coupon output means for transmitting an output instruction of a coupon of a product or service corresponding to the product code included in the point exchange information searched by the point exchange information search means, to the store terminal;
A point exchange relay server comprising: The product list transmission means includes the information specifying the point issuer received from the member terminal whose link is pasted on the Web page displayed by logging in to the point issuer's website and the point In response to a transmission request for a product list with a customer code corresponding to a point card issued by an issuer, a product or service that can be exchanged for points on the point card issued by the point issuer from the product information storage means Send the product list selected and generated,
In the exchange request received by the point exchange request receiving means, the member requests the exchange of the point from the information specifying the point issuer attached to the transmission request from the customer code attached to the transmission request. The point exchange relay server according to claim 1, wherein each issuer is specified. Attribute information storage means for storing attribute information related to the member attribute for each member code of the member,
In the product information storage means, each product information has an attribute corresponding to the product or service,
The product list transmission means searches the point card information storage means to identify a member code corresponding to the customer code attached to the transmission request, and searches the attribute information storage means to correspond to the member code. 3. The point exchange relay server according to claim 2, wherein member information is specified, and a product list generated by selecting a product or service corresponding to the attribute information from the product information storage means is transmitted. Authentication information storage means for storing authentication information in which the member code of the member is associated with an authentication key used for identity authentication of the member;
A member authentication means for receiving a member code and an authentication key input to the member terminal and verifying the identity of the member by collating with the authentication information storage means;
With
The product list transmission means transmits a product list designated for each product or service by a point issuer who can exchange the product or service for points to the member terminal,
The point exchange request receiving means receives from the member terminal authenticated by the member authentication means an exchange request attached with information related to a point issuer designated for the product or service selected from the product list. In the exchange request, the point issuer requesting the exchange of the point is specified from the information for specifying the point issuer attached to the exchange request by the member from the member code received by the member authentication means. ,
The point exchange approval request means searches the point card information storage means to identify a customer code corresponding to a member code of the member, and transmits an approval request with the customer code attached thereto. Item 2. The point exchange relay server according to item 1. Attribute information storage means for storing attribute information related to the member attribute for each member code of the member,
In the product information storage means, each product information has an attribute corresponding to the product or service,
The product list transmission unit specifies member attribute information corresponding to the member code received by the member authentication unit, and selects and generates a product list corresponding to the attribute information from the product information storage unit. The point exchange relay server according to claim 4, wherein the point exchange relay server is transmitted. An identification card information storage means for storing identification card information that associates an identification code corresponding to an identification card used for identification of the member with the member code of the member;
In the issue request received by the coupon issue request receiving means, the member is identified from the identification code of the identification card read at the store terminal,
6. The point exchange relay according to claim 1, wherein the point exchange information search means specifies the member code of the member by searching the identification card information storage means using the identification code as a key. server. A list list transmission means for transmitting a list of products or services corresponding to the product code included in the point exchange information searched by the point exchange information search means to the store terminal;
Product selection information receiving means for receiving a product code of a product or service selected from the list from the store terminal;
With
The point exchange relay server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the coupon output unit transmits an output instruction of a coupon of a product or service corresponding to the product code received by the product selection information receiving unit. . A point exchange relay method in which a member who uses a point card issued by two or more point issuers relays receipt of goods or services exchanged for points on the point card at a predetermined store,
Point card information storage means for storing point card information in which the member code of the member and a customer code corresponding to each point card used by the member are associated, and a product that can be received at the store by exchanging points on the point card or Product information storage means for storing product information related to the service, and point exchange information for storing point exchange information including information on the product code for identifying the product or service approved by the point issuer for the exchange of points and the member code of the member A product list transmitting step for transmitting a product list generated from the product information read from the product information storage unit to a member terminal operated by the member;
A request for exchanging a product or service and points in which the computer specifies the member, a point issuer requesting the exchange of points, and a product code of the product or service included in the product list from the member terminal Receiving a point exchange request receiving step,
The computer includes a customer code corresponding to a point card issued by the point issuer of the member on the computer of the point issuer, and points of goods or services related to the product code to which the product code is attached. A point exchange approval request step for sending an exchange approval request;
A point exchange inquiry result receiving step in which the computer receives an approval right result for the approval request from the point issuer computer;
If the computer approves the exchange with points, the computer searches the point card information storage means to identify the member code corresponding to the customer code, and the product code and the member code A point exchange information registration step for registering new point exchange information including the point exchange information storage means,
A coupon issue request receiving step for receiving a request for issuing a coupon for a product or service that can be received by point exchange, from the store terminal operated by the member, wherein the computer is identified;
A point exchange information search step in which the computer specifies a member code of the member and searches the point exchange information storage means using the member code as a key;
A coupon output step in which the computer transmits an instruction to output a coupon of a product or service corresponding to the product code included in the point exchange information searched in the point exchange information search step to the store terminal;
A point exchange relay method comprising: In the product list transmission step, the computer identifies the point issuer received from the member terminal on which the link pasted on the web page displayed by logging in to the point issuer's website is pressed. It can be exchanged for points on the point card issued by the point issuer from the product information storage means in response to a transmission request for information and a product list with a customer code corresponding to the point card issued by the point issuer Send a product list generated by selecting a product or service,
In the exchange request received in the point exchange request receiving step, the member requests the exchange of the point from information identifying the point issuer attached to the transmission request from the customer code attached to the transmission request. 9. The point exchange relay method according to claim 8, wherein each issuer is specified. The computer is provided with attribute information storage means for storing attribute information related to the member attribute for each member code of the member,
In the product information storage means, each product information has an attribute corresponding to the product or service,
In the product list transmission step, the computer searches the point card information storage means to identify a member code corresponding to a customer code attached to the transmission request, searches the attribute information storage means and searches for the member 10. The point exchange according to claim 9, wherein the member attribute information corresponding to the code is specified, and a product list generated by selecting a product or service corresponding to the attribute information from the product information storage means is transmitted. Relay method. The computer includes authentication information storage means for storing authentication information in which a member code of the member is associated with an authentication key used for identity authentication of the member,
The computer has a member authentication step of receiving a member code and an authentication key input to the member terminal and verifying the identity of the member by collating with the authentication information storage means,
In the product list transmission step, the computer transmits a product list designated for each product or service by a point issuer who can exchange the product or service for points to the member terminal,
In the point exchange request receiving step, the computer exchanges information on the point issuer designated for the product or service selected from the product list from the member terminal authenticated in the member authentication step. The point issuer that receives the request and requests the exchange of the point from the information specifying the point issuer attached to the exchange request by the member from the membership code received by the member authentication means in the exchange request. , Each identified,
In the point exchange approval request step, the computer searches the point card information storage means to identify a customer code corresponding to the member code of the member, and transmits an approval request to which the customer code is attached. The point exchange relay method according to claim 8, wherein: The computer is provided with attribute information storage means for storing attribute information related to the member attribute for each member code of the member,
In the product information storage means, each product information has an attribute corresponding to the product or service,
In the product list transmission step, the computer specifies member attribute information corresponding to the member code received in the member authentication step, and selects a product or service corresponding to the attribute information from the product information storage means. 12. The point exchange relay method according to claim 11, wherein the generated product list is transmitted. The computer includes an identification card information storage means for storing identification card information in which a member code of the member is associated with an identification code corresponding to an identification card used for identification of the member,
In the issue request received in the coupon issue request reception step, the member is identified from the identification code of the identification card read at the store terminal,
13. The point exchange information search step, wherein the computer specifies the member code of the member by searching the identification card information storage means using the identification code as a key. Point exchange relay method. A list list sending step for sending a list of products or services corresponding to the product code included in the point exchange information searched in the point exchange information search step to the store terminal;
A product selection information receiving step in which the computer receives a product code of a product or service selected from the list from the store terminal;
Have
The said coupon output step WHEREIN: The said computer transmits the output instruction | indication of the coupon of the goods or service corresponding to the goods code received at the said goods selection information reception step. Point exchange relay method.