JP2009295084A - Point system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ease a mental sense of resistance to disclose consumers' personal information while correctly managing point information. <P>SOLUTION: A point system (1) includes a plurality of cards (30a-30d) which store card identification information (311), respectively, a plurality of store terminal means (20a-20c) which store terminal identification information (211), respectively, a server means (10) which stores point information (113, 114) for each card identification information and each terminal identification information and stores a plurality of point issuance condition information (111) respectively corresponding to the terminal identification information and a plurality of membership information (115) respectively corresponding to the card identification information, and a network (40) which connects the plurality of store terminal means and the server means mutually. In the point system, the point information is uniquely managed by the server means, and the point issued according to the personal information contained in membership information is increased proportionally. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a point system that manages points issued or collected when a product is purchased in a shopping street, for example.

  As this type of point system, a shopping mall point system in which a store terminal and a center server device are connected to each other via the Internet has been proposed. Here, in particular, a technology is described in which a member store independently changes a point issue rate for a purchase amount (see Patent Document 1). Alternatively, a shopping street Web point system that stores point information acquired or returned by a consumer in a point service server using an always-on Internet connection service and does not require storing point information in an ID card or IC card. It has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

  Alternatively, a point service system has been proposed in which a point issue rate and a return rate can be set for each store constituting a virtual shopping street on the Internet. Here, in particular, a technique is described in which the issue rate is increased when the possession point reaches 10,000 points (see Patent Document 3). Alternatively, a system has been proposed in which members are ranked according to the number of visits to the store and a privilege is given to a customer whose rank has dropped compared to the previous month (see Patent Document 4).

  In Patent Document 5, a store that has issued a boarding discount point on an IC card having an area for storing a prepaid bus or railway transportation fee (boarding fee value) is issued by the store. A technique for storing the number of boarding discount points is described. Patent Document 6 describes a technique for performing communication using an encryption capable of preventing eavesdropping and tampering for ensuring security in the exchange of information between the server and the client via the Internet in the electronic purchasing system. Has been.

JP 2002-279273 A JP 2003-233747 A JP 2006-209792 A JP 2004-103020 A JP 2003-108898 A JP 2001-344487 A

  However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, for example, at a fixed time of the day, the point transaction data stored in the store terminal is transferred to the center server device, and the point balance record is updated. Then, when some trouble occurs, there is a technical problem that it becomes extremely difficult to accurately manage the issued or collected points. Further, the technique described in Patent Document 2 has a technical problem that a consumer has to input a purchase price into a store terminal.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 3, for example, login information must be input every time the system is used. Alternatively, prior to the use of the system, for example, a name, a delivery destination (typically an address), etc. of the product must be input. In particular, there is a technical problem that it may be difficult to secure a new subscriber because a mental burden of disclosure of personal information occurs on consumers. In addition, in the technology described in Patent Document 4, personal information such as name, address, occupation, and age must be entered on the application form when applying for the issuance of a membership card. As a result, there is a technical problem that it may be difficult to secure a new subscriber. Further, the techniques described in Patent Documents 5 and 6 have a technical problem that it is extremely difficult to solve the above problems.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, for example, and can reduce mental resistance to disclosing personal information of consumers while accurately managing the issued or collected points. It is an object to provide a point system.

  In order to solve the above problems, the point system of the present invention provides a plurality of cards each storing card identification information, a plurality of store terminal means each storing terminal identification information, and point information for each card identification information. And a plurality of point issuance condition information corresponding to the terminal identification information and a plurality of member information corresponding to the card identification information, respectively, Server means connected to each other via a network, and when issuing points to one of the plurality of cards, one store terminal means among the plurality of store terminal means is the one card The card identification information stored in the card is acquired, and further, the server means consumes the acquired card identification information and the one card. Transmits the purchase price information indicating the price of the purchased product and the terminal identification information stored in the one store terminal means via the network, and the server means stores the plurality of stored point issuance conditions. The point issuance condition information corresponding to the transmitted terminal identification information is specified from the information, the member information corresponding to the transmitted card identification information is specified from the plurality of stored member information, and the transmitted Issuing the points based on purchase amount information, the specified point issue condition information and the specified member information, and further, the transmitted card identification based on the issue point information indicating the issued points The point information corresponding to the information is updated, and the point information corresponding to the transmitted terminal identification information is updated.

  According to the point system of the present invention, the point system includes a plurality of cards, a plurality of store terminal means such as a cash register with a card reader, and a memory, a processor, a mass storage device, and the like. Server means and a network such as the Internet. Here, the “point” according to the present invention refers to a product that can be exchanged for a product or the like (that functions as virtual money) or a privilege (for example, a gift certificate, a discount ticket, a souvenir) at a member store of the point system. Etc.) and interchangeable values.

  Such points are issued according to predetermined conditions (for example, 1 point for every 500 yen of purchase price, 0.1 point for each visit) according to the purchase price of merchandise and the number of visits, etc. . Alternatively, at a member store, it is exchanged (that is, collected) for a product, a privilege, or the like under a predetermined condition (for example, 1 point for 1 yen, 1000 points for a gift certificate for 1000 yen). In addition, goods are not restricted to things, such as food and clothing, for example, For example, you may include services, such as legal consultation and information.

  “Point information” according to the present invention means computerized information indicating such points. In particular, point information indicating issued points is referred to as “issue point information”. In addition, since “point information” has the property that its contents can be updated, stored, issued, etc. at each stage, for example, “point information corresponding to card identification information” (that is, possessed by one card) Information indicating points) and “point information corresponding to terminal identification information” (that is, information indicating points issued or collected by a store where one store terminal means is installed).

  The “point issuing condition” according to the present invention is a condition for determining whether or not to issue a point, and how many points to be issued when issuing a point. This is a condition set as a variable condition according to the number of points).

  “Point issuance condition information” means digitized information indicating such point issuance conditions. This point issue condition information corresponds to the terminal identification information (that is, point issue condition information exists for each store terminal means), and the point issue condition indicated by the point issue condition information is typical. Are set independently for each store terminal means (that is, for each store).

  “Member information” according to the present invention means computerized information including personally identifiable information such as name, address, and telephone number (hereinafter referred to as “personal information” as appropriate). When member information does not include personal information, the member information typically includes information indicating “no information”.

  The “card” according to the present invention is not limited to the card dedicated to the point system, and is a card used in another system or service such as an electronic money card with an IC chip or a transportation ticket with an IC chip. Also good. That is, in the point system, any card may be used as long as it can be identified from other cards and the store terminal means can recognize the card.

  Further, if the card has a card function as referred to in the present invention, the shape itself may not be a card shape or a flat plate shape. Furthermore, what is built in or added to a mobile phone, a mobile device or the like is also included in the “card” herein in a broad sense. However, in a narrow sense, a card is, for example, a business card size and means a card that does not require a power source, and that card is easier to use as a card.

  When issuing points to one of a plurality of cards, first, one store terminal means (typically, a store where a consumer who owns one card purchases a product) The provided store terminal means obtains card identification information such as an ID number stored in one card. Here, the “card identification information” is identification information such as an identification ID or ID number uniquely assigned so that individual cards (that is, cards handed to individual customers) can be identified from each other. is there.

  Next, the one store terminal means, for the server means, acquires the card identification information acquired via the network, the purchase price information indicating the price of the product purchased by the consumer who owns the one card, and the one store. For example, terminal identification information such as an ID number stored in the terminal means is transmitted. Here, “terminal identification information” refers to an identification ID or ID number uniquely assigned to enable individual store terminal means (that is, personal computers, workstations, etc. installed in individual stores) to be identified from each other. Or the like.

  Next, the server means specifies point issuance condition information corresponding to the transmitted terminal identification information from the stored plurality of point issuance condition information based on the transmitted terminal identification information. Before and after the specification of the point issuance condition information, the server means specifies the member information corresponding to the transmitted card identification information from the plurality of stored member information based on the transmitted card identification information. .

  Subsequently, the server means issues points based on the transmitted purchase price information, the specified point issue condition information, and the specified member information. Specifically, for example, the purchase amount indicated by the transmitted purchase amount information is “1659 yen”, and the point issue condition indicated by the specified point issue condition information is “1 point for every purchase amount of 100 yen”. In some cases, the server means typically calculates “16 points” by rounding down the fraction.

  Next, the server means determines the issuance rate according to the personal information included in the specified member information (more specifically, if the member information includes a name, for example, the issuance rate is 1.1. Or, if the member information includes name, address, and occupation, for example, the issue rate is determined to be 1.8). Subsequently, the server means issues points (for example, 17.6 points if the issue magnification is 1.1) obtained by multiplying the calculated points by the determined issue magnification.

  When the member information does not include personal information (that is, when information indicating “no information” is included), the server means typically determines the issue rate as 1.

  Subsequently, the server means updates the point information corresponding to the card identification information based on the issuance point information indicating the issued point (that is, the information indicating the point possessed by one card) and the issuance point. Based on the information, the point information corresponding to the terminal identification information (that is, information indicating the points issued or collected by the store where the one store terminal means is installed) is updated.

  When the point information corresponding to the card identification information is not stored in the server means, typically, the server means newly generates and stores the point information corresponding to the card identification information. The point indicated by the newly generated point information may be zero or a predetermined value (for example, 500 points as a newly registered privilege).

  According to the inventor's research, for example, in a point system in which the point information stored in the store terminal means is transmitted to the server means via the network at a fixed time of the day, and the server means updates the point information. For example, when some trouble such as a failure of the store terminal means occurs, it becomes extremely difficult to accurately manage the points. Furthermore, the store terminal means is installed in a place where people enter relatively frequently, from dozens to several tens, or hundreds or more. Then, it has been found that the probability that the store terminal means will have a problem is significantly higher than the server means in which only one or several units are installed.

  However, in the present invention, as described above, the point information stored in the server means is constantly updated (that is, the point information is centrally managed by the server means). Thereby, even if a malfunction occurs in the store terminal means, the point information can be managed accurately.

  Note that if a backup of the point information stored in the server means is sequentially acquired, or if the same point information is managed by a plurality of server means, the server means (or one of the server means) Even if a problem occurs in the server means), the point information can be managed accurately. In addition, when the point system includes a plurality of server means, if each of the plurality of server means is installed in different buildings or areas, it is possible to provide a robust system against, for example, a fire or an earthquake disaster. it can.

  In addition, in the present invention, as described above, points are issued at an extra cost based on member information. For this reason, if the extent of the premium is set so that the mental resistance to disclosing the consumer's personal information is reduced (ie, attractive to the consumer), the consumer The possibility of voluntarily disclosing personal information can be increased. As a result, a sales strategy more suitable for consumers can be established, and an improvement in the repeater rate and activation of the shopping street can be expected.

  On the other hand, if personal information is not included in the member information, if the information indicating "no information" is included in the member information, the consumer uses the point system without disclosing the personal information. be able to. As a result, for example, a procedure at the time of enrollment (for example, filling in an application form) can be omitted. Alternatively, consumers who do not want to disclose personal information can be taken in as members.

  Further, in the point system, typically, if the card is brought into contact with or inserted into the store terminal means (specifically, for example, a card reader), or close to a predetermined range, the store terminal means is Since the card identification information stored in the card can be acquired, the burden on the consumer can be reduced compared to, for example, the case where the consumer inputs the identification information, and the waiting time for waiting for the turn, for example. Etc. can be reduced.

  Furthermore, since the point issuance condition information corresponds to each store terminal means, for example, the point issuance condition only for a specific store on a specific period such as the central bank or year-end gift, a specific day of the week, a specific day of the month, etc. Can be changed independently of other stores. Thereby, it becomes easy to give the feature for every store, and it can be expected to secure new customers and improve sales.

  Or the imbalance by the difference in the unit price of the handling goods for every store can be eliminated. Specifically, in stores with relatively high unit prices, such as electrical stores, the point issuance condition is set to 1 point for every purchase amount of 500 yen, for example, and in stores with relatively low unit prices, such as greengrocers, If the point issuance conditions are set to 0.2 points for every 100 yen of purchase, for example, points will be issued every time a product is purchased at any store. For example, repeaters increase only at stores where points are likely to be issued. The imbalance of doing can be resolved.

  Further, if a card used in another system or service is diverted or used together, it is possible to eliminate the annoyance that a consumer has to carry a plurality of cards. As a result, it can be expected to secure new subscribers and repeaters. In addition, the merchant of the point system does not have to have unnecessary stock of cards dedicated to the point system, which can reduce costs and save card storage space. Is advantageous.

  As described above, the store terminal means only acquires the card identification information stored in the card, for example, does not record the issued points or the like on the card (that is, changes in the information stored in the card). Or no update). For this reason, it is not necessary to set an area for storing the point information related to the point system in the card (that is, the card memory is not consumed), and the card used in another system or service is diverted or used together. However, it has no effect on other systems or services.

  For example, if the store terminal means is configured to print the possession point on a receipt or the like, the consumer can confirm the possession point relatively easily, which is very advantageous in practice.

  In one aspect of the point system of the present invention, each of the plurality of member information includes disclosure information related to disclosure of personal information, which is information that can identify an individual, and the point is issued to the one card. The server means issues the points based on the transmitted purchase price information, the specified point issue condition information, and the disclosure information included in the specified member information.

  According to this aspect, each of the plurality of member information includes disclosure information related to disclosure of personal information. Here, “disclosure information” according to the present invention means information indicating the degree of personal information included in member information in numerical values. Specifically, the disclosed information is determined, for example, as the number of items of disclosed personal information (for example, “3” if the name, address and telephone number are disclosed) or according to the items of personal information. (For example, “name: 0.1”, “address: 0.2”, “phone number: 0.2”, “age: 0.1”, etc.) If the address and age are disclosed, it is represented as “0.4”).

  When the disclosure information is expressed as the number of items, for example, a value obtained by adding the value obtained by dividing the number of items by 10 to 1 may be set as the above-described issue magnification. On the other hand, when the disclosed information is expressed as a total score determined according to the item, for example, a value obtained by adding the total score to 1 may be set as the above-described issue magnification.

  When issuing points to one card, the server means issues points based on the transmitted purchase price information, the specified point issuing condition information, and the disclosure information included in the specified member information.

  As a result, according to this aspect, the member information can be applied to the issuance of points relatively easily, which is very advantageous in practice.

  In this aspect, the personal information may include at least one of a name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, gender, age, and occupation.

  With this configuration, for example, it is possible to grasp the regional distribution of members and develop new regions, or to make announcements suitable for each member (for example, if the occupation is a housewife, an email indicating that there is a time sale) Can be delivered to mobile phones), which is very advantageous in practice.

  In another aspect of the point system of the present invention, the server means further stores, for each of the card identification information, card usage information related to the usage status of each of the plurality of cards, and the plurality of stored point issue condition information Each of which includes a plurality of point issuing conditions, and when issuing the points to the one card, the server means corresponds to the transmitted terminal identification information from the stored plurality of point issuing condition information A plurality of points specified in the point issue condition information specified based on the specified card use information, while specifying the point issue condition information and specifying the card use information corresponding to the transmitted card identification information One point issuance condition is selected from the issuance conditions, and the transmitted card identification information is selected from the plurality of stored member information. Identify the member information corresponding to said transmitted purchase amount information, issues the points based on the selected one point issuing condition and member information the identified were.

  According to this aspect, the server means further stores the card usage information relating to the usage status of each of the plurality of cards for each card identification information. Here, the “card usage information” means, for example, the number of times that a certain store terminal means is used (that is, the number of visits to the store where the store terminal means is installed) and the use of a certain store terminal means. This means information indicating the degree of use of the member store of the point system of the consumer who owns the card, such as the total points issued (that is, the payment amount to the store where the store terminal means is installed).

  Each of the point issuance condition information includes a plurality of point issuance conditions. That is, for each store terminal means, a plurality of point issuing conditions are set according to, for example, the total number of points, the number of visits, the date of visit.

  Specifically, for example, if the total number of points issued for one card is 200 points or more due to the purchase of a product in a store having one store terminal means, 2 points for every 500 yen of purchase amount If the total number of points issued is less than 200 points, a point issuance condition is set such that one point is issued for every 500 yen of purchase amount.

  When issuing points to one card, the server means specifies the point issuance condition information corresponding to the terminal identification information transmitted from a plurality of stored point issuance condition information and transmits it from the stored card usage information. Card usage information corresponding to the received card identification information is specified. Subsequently, the server means selects one point issuance condition among a plurality of point issuance conditions included in the identified point issuance condition information based on the identified card usage information.

  Subsequently, the server means specifies member information corresponding to the card identification information transmitted from the plurality of stored member information. Next, the server means issues points based on the transmitted purchase price information, the selected one point issuance condition, and the specified member information.

  For example, if information indicating that points were issued under conditions favorable to receipts, etc., the consumer who owns one card recognizes that points are issued in a relatively easy manner. be able to. As a result, for example, the customer can be prevented from leaving, which is very advantageous in practice.

  In this aspect, the selected one point issue condition may be a condition having the highest point issue rate among a plurality of point issue conditions included in the specified point issue condition information.

  With this configuration, the point issuance condition that is most advantageous for the consumer is automatically selected, so that an improvement in the repeater rate can be expected.

  The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the best mode for carrying out the invention described below.

  Embodiments of a point system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, as an example of the point system according to the present invention, a point system in a shopping street in which a plurality of stores are formed is cited.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the point system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Point system configuration)
First, the overall configuration of the point system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the point system according to this embodiment.

  1, the point system 1 includes a server 10, a plurality of store terminals 20a to 20c, and a plurality of cards 30a to 30d owned by a plurality of consumers 50a to 50d. The server 10 and the plurality of store terminals 20 a to 20 c are connected to each other via the Internet 40. The “server 10”, “plural store terminals 20a to 20c”, and “Internet 40” according to the present embodiment are the “server means”, “plural store terminal means”, and “network” according to the present invention, respectively. It is an example.

  Next, the configuration of the server 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server according to this embodiment.

  2, the server 10 includes a storage unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, an encryption / decryption processing unit 140, an arithmetic processing unit 150, an input processing unit 160, and a control unit 170. The display unit 120 and the input processing unit 160 of the server 10 are mainly used during maintenance of the server 10 (or the point system 1 including the server 10) by a server administrator or the like, for example.

  The storage unit 110 stores point issuance condition information 111, point collection condition information 112, possessed point information 113, terminal point information 114, and member information 115. Here, “held point information 113” and “terminal point information 114” according to the present embodiment are respectively “point information corresponding to card identification information” and “point information corresponding to terminal identification information” according to the present invention. It is an example.

  The point issuance conditions are set for each of the store terminals 20a to 20c (see FIG. 1), for example, by a store manager or the like provided with the store terminals 20a to 20c. Therefore, the server 10 collectively stores the point issuance conditions set for each of the store terminals 20a to 20c as the point issuance condition information 111.

  Next, the configuration of the store terminal 20a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the store terminal according to the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of each of the store terminals 20b and 20c shown in FIG. 1 is the same as that of the store terminal 20a, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 3, the store terminal 20a includes a storage unit 210, a display unit 220, a communication unit 230, an encryption / decryption processing unit 240, an arithmetic processing unit 250, an input processing unit 260, a control unit 270, a card reading unit 280, and printing. A portion 290 is provided. In the storage unit 210, terminal identification information 211 is stored in advance, and use point information 212, purchase amount information 213, and the like are temporarily stored in a point issuing process or a point collection / issuing process described later.

  Next, the configuration of the card 30a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the card according to this embodiment. The configuration of each of the cards 30b to 30d shown in FIG. 1 is the same as that of the card 30a, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 4, the card 30 a includes a storage unit 310. The storage unit 310 stores card identification information 311.

(Point confirmation process)
Next, in the point system 1 configured as described above, a point confirmation process executed when the consumer 50a (see FIG. 1) purchases a product at a store including the store terminal 20a (see FIG. 1). This will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  In FIG. 5, first, a consumer 50a possesses a product to be purchased, goes to a cashier counter, for example, and stores a card 30a owned by the consumer 50a or a store clerk (not shown) in the store terminal 20a. When 280 (see FIG. 3) is contacted, for example, a card detection unit (not shown) included in the card reading unit 280 detects the card 30a.

  Subsequently, the control unit 270 (see FIG. 3) controls the card reading unit 280 so as to read and acquire the card identification information 311 stored in the storage unit 310 (see FIG. 4) of the card 30a (step S101). ). The “store terminal 20a” and the “card 30a” according to the present embodiment are examples of the “one store terminal means” and the “one card” according to the present invention, respectively.

  Next, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a uses the acquired card identification information 311 and the terminal identification information 211 stored in the storage unit 210 (see FIG. 3) as predetermined values such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer). The encryption / decryption processing unit 240 (see FIG. 3) is controlled so as to be encrypted by the above method. Subsequently, the control unit 270 transmits the encrypted card identification information 311 and terminal identification information 211 to the server 10 via the communication unit 230 (see FIG. 3) and the Internet 40 (see FIG. 1) ( Step S102).

  Next, the control unit 170 (see FIG. 2) of the server 10 encrypts / decrypts the card identification information 311 and the terminal identification information 211 received via the communication unit 130 (see FIG. 2), respectively. The control unit 140 (see FIG. 2) is controlled. Subsequently, the control unit 170 specifies the corresponding holding point based on the decrypted card identification information 311 from the holding point information 113 as shown in FIG. 6, for example (step S103).

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the retained point information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the possessed point information 113 does not include personal information that can specify an individual, such as a name and an address.

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 controls the encryption / decryption processing unit 140 so as to encrypt the stored point information indicating the specified stored point. Subsequently, the control unit 170 transmits the encrypted possessed point information to the store terminal 20a through the communication unit 130 and the Internet 40 based on the decrypted terminal identification information 211 (step S104). .

  Note that the terminal identification information 211 is not limited to specifying the store terminal to which the possessed point information is to be transmitted, but is used to determine whether or not the store terminal is properly registered in the point system 1, for example. Also good.

  Next, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a controls the encryption / decryption processing unit 240 to decrypt the possessed point information received via the communication unit 230. Subsequently, the control unit 270 displays the decrypted possessed point information on the display unit 220 (see FIG. 3), and once ends the process (step S105).

  The consumer 50a checks the possessed point information displayed on the display unit 220, and determines whether to use the point. Alternatively, the store clerk notifies the consumer 50a of the displayed retained point information and confirms whether or not to use the points.

(Point issue processing)
Next, point issue processing executed when points are not used will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  In FIG. 7, first, a store clerk operates an input means (not shown) such as a numeric keypad, for example, so that information on the product that the consumer 50a intends to purchase (for example, the name or type of the product, unit price, quantity, etc.). Is entered.

  Subsequently, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a controls the input processing unit 260 (see FIG. 3) so as to extract information related to the amount of money from the input information. Subsequently, the control unit 270 controls the calculation processing unit 250 (see FIG. 3) to calculate the purchase amount based on the information related to the extracted amount. Subsequently, the control unit 270 temporarily stores the purchase amount information 213 indicating the calculated purchase amount in the storage unit 210 (step S201).

  Next, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a encrypts the stored purchase amount information 213, the card identification information 311 and the terminal identification information 211 acquired in step S101 (see FIG. 5), respectively. The decryption processing unit 240 is controlled. Subsequently, the control unit 270 transmits the encrypted purchase amount information 213, the card identification information 311 and the terminal identification information 211 to the server 10 via the communication unit 230 and the Internet 40 (step S202).

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 encrypts and decrypts the purchase amount information 213, the card identification information 311 and the terminal identification information 211 received via the communication unit 130, respectively. To control. Subsequently, the control unit 170 specifies the corresponding point issuance condition information based on the decrypted terminal identification information 211 from the point issuance condition information 111 as shown in FIG. 8, for example (step S203). FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of point issue condition information according to the present embodiment.

  Concurrently with the specification of the point issuance condition information described above, the control unit 170 of the server 10 applies the corresponding member information based on the card identification information 311 decrypted from the member information 115 as shown in FIG. Is identified (step S204). FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of member information according to the present embodiment. Note that “-” in FIG. 9 indicates that information is not accumulated.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the member information 115 includes personal information such as name, address, and telephone number. In addition, a score is set for each item, and the member information 115 indicates the total score corresponding to the items that are disclosed (that is, the information is stored) in the “disclosure information” according to the present invention. It is stored as a total score as an example. Note that the score for each item may be set so that, for example, an item that is more important when a sales strategy is established, or the score may be set uniformly for all items.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, when personal information is not disclosed (that is, when all items are “−”), member information with a total score of zero is created and stored. Thereby, even the consumer who does not want to disclose personal information can use the point system 1.

  Note that the member information 115 may include, for example, information indicating the last purchase date, purchase frequency, etc., in addition to the personal information. In this way, for example, when a predetermined period of time has passed since the last purchase date, a special coupon is provided on the condition that the customer departure is suppressed by sending a discount coupon or a voucher or the purchase frequency is relatively high. It is possible to increase the willingness to purchase by issuing points, etc., which is very advantageous in practice.

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 calculates the points to be issued based on the specified point issue condition information and the total score included in the specified member information (see FIG. 2). ) Is controlled (step S205).

  Specifically, for example, the store terminal 20a is installed in “XX shop chicken store”, the member information corresponding to the card 30a is the member information of “Jiro Suzuki” shown in FIG. When the purchase amount indicated by the amount information 213 is 600 yen, the control unit 170 determines the specified point issuance condition (here, one point for every purchase amount of 100 yen) and the decrypted purchase amount information 213 (here Then, the arithmetic processing unit 150 is controlled so as to calculate the points from 6 yen (in this case, 6 points).

  Subsequently, the control unit 170 of the server 10 multiplies the calculated points by using a value obtained by adding 1 to the total score (1.0 here) included in the specified member information (that is, 2) as the issue magnification. Thus, the arithmetic processing unit 150 is controlled (here, 12 points are points to be issued).

  The issuance rate is ranked according to, for example, the total score included in the specified member information (specifically, for example, the total score of 1.5 or higher is rank A, and the total score is 1.0 to 1.5). Is rank B, the total score 0.5 to 1.0 is rank C, the total score 0.1 to 0.5 is rank D, the total score 0 is rank E, etc. Specifically, for example, issue rank 2 for rank A, issue ratio 1 for rank E, etc.).

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 updates the possessed point information 111 based on the calculated points and the decrypted card identification information 311 (step S206), and also calculates the calculated points and the decrypted points. Based on the terminal identification information, for example, the store point information 114 as shown in FIG. 10 is updated (step S207).

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the store point information according to the present embodiment. The store point information 114 is used for settlement between the manager of the point system 1 or the management company and each store.

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 identifies the corresponding holding point based on the decrypted card identification information 311 from the updated holding point information 113. Subsequently, the control unit 170 controls the encryption / decryption processing unit 140 to encrypt the stored point information indicating the specified stored point and the issue point information indicating the calculated point.

  Subsequently, based on the decrypted terminal identification information 211, the control unit 170 transmits the encrypted possessed point information and issue point information to the store terminal 20a via the communication unit 130 and the Internet 40. (Step S208).

  Next, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a controls the encryption / decryption processing unit 240 to decrypt the possessed point information and the issue point information received via the communication unit 230, respectively. Subsequently, the control unit 270 displays the decrypted possessed point information and issued point information on the display unit 220, respectively (step S209).

  Subsequently, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a prints the decrypted possession point information and issuance point information together with information on the product purchased by the consumer 50a, for example, on a receipt, etc. 3 is controlled (step S210), and on the basis of the stored purchase amount information 213, for example, sales record information (not shown) is updated, and the process is temporarily terminated.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the possession point information 113 is managed by the card identification information 311 and does not include personal information. In addition, even if the member information 115 does not include personal information, the point system 1 can be used without any problem. Therefore, it is not necessary to ask the consumer to submit an application form in which the name, address, etc. are described, for example, at the time of new membership, and the burden on the consumer can be further reduced. Alternatively, consumers who do not want to disclose personal information can be taken in as members.

  On the other hand, since points are issued at an extra cost according to the personal information included in the member information 115, if the fact is notified to the consumer, the possibility that the consumer voluntarily discloses the personal information can be increased. . As a result, a sales strategy more suitable for consumers can be established, and an improvement in the repeater rate and activation of the shopping street can be expected.

(Point collection / issuance processing)
Next, point collection / issuance processing executed when points are used will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  In FIG. 11, first, a store clerk operates an input means (not shown) such as a numeric keypad to input information about a product that the consumer 50a intends to purchase.

  Subsequently, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a controls the input processing unit 260 to extract information related to the amount of money from the input information. Subsequently, the control unit 270 controls the calculation processing unit 250 to calculate the purchase amount based on the information related to the extracted amount. Subsequently, the control unit 270 temporarily stores the purchase amount information 213 indicating the calculated purchase amount in the storage unit 210 (step S301).

  Next, use point information 212 indicating points used by the consumer 50a is input by the store clerk operating the input means. Subsequently, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a temporarily stores the input usage point information 212 in the storage unit 210 (step S302).

  Next, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a uses the stored purchase amount information 213, the stored usage point information 212, the card identification information 311 and the terminal identification information 211 acquired in step S101 (see FIG. 5), respectively. The encryption / decryption processing unit 240 is controlled so as to be encrypted. Subsequently, the control unit 270 transmits the encrypted purchase amount information 213, the usage point information 212, the card identification information 311 and the terminal identification information 211 to the server 10 via the communication unit 230 and the Internet 40 ( Step S303).

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 encrypts / receives the purchase amount information 213, the usage point information 212, the card identification information 311, and the terminal identification information 211 received via the communication unit 130, respectively. The decoding processing unit 140 is controlled. Subsequently, the control unit 170 specifies the corresponding point collection condition based on the decrypted terminal identification information 211 from the point collection condition information 112 as shown in FIG. 12, for example (step S304).

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of point collection condition information according to the present embodiment. In the point collection condition information 112 shown in FIG. 12, the point collection conditions are set for each store terminal, but may be set uniformly for the entire point system 1.

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 performs calculation processing so as to calculate the amount to be charged based on the specified point collection condition, the decrypted use point information 212, and the decrypted purchase amount information 213. The unit 150 is controlled (step S305). Here, the “amount to be charged” is an amount obtained by subtracting an amount obtained by converting the point indicated by the use point information 212 from the specified point collection condition from the purchase amount indicated by the purchase amount information 213. means.

  Subsequently, the control unit 170 specifies the corresponding point issuance condition information from the point issuance condition information 111 based on the decrypted terminal identification information 211 (step S306) and is decrypted from the member information 115. The corresponding member information is specified based on the card identification information 311 (step S307).

  Subsequently, the control unit 170 controls the arithmetic processing unit 150 to calculate the points to be issued based on the calculated billing amount, the specified point issuing condition information, and the specified member information ( Step S308). In step S305, when the calculated amount to be charged is zero, typically, the processing in steps S306 to S308 is omitted.

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 updates the possessed point information 113 based on the calculated points, the decrypted use point information 212, and the decrypted card identification information 311 (Step S309). The store point information 114 is updated based on the calculated points, the decrypted use point information 212, and the decrypted terminal identification information (step S310).

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 identifies the corresponding holding point based on the decrypted card identification information 311 from the updated holding point information 113. Subsequently, the control unit 170 encrypts the holding point information indicating the specified holding point, the issuing point information indicating the calculated point, and the billing amount information indicating the calculated amount to be charged. Control the decryption processing unit 140.

  Subsequently, based on the decrypted terminal identification information 211, the controller 170 encrypts the possessed point information, the issuance point information, and the billed amount for the store terminal 20a via the communication unit 130 and the Internet 40. Information is transmitted (step S311).

  Next, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a controls the encryption / decryption processing unit 240 to decrypt the possessed point information, issue point information, and billing amount information received via the communication unit 230, respectively. . Subsequently, the control unit 270 displays the decrypted possession point information, issue point information, billing amount information, and stored use point information 212 on the display unit 220 (step S312).

  Subsequently, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a uses the decrypted possession point information, issuance point information and billing amount information, and the stored use point information 212 together with information on the product purchased by the consumer 50a, for example. The printing unit 290 is controlled so as to print on a receipt or the like (step S313), and on the basis of the stored purchase amount information 213, for example, sales record information (not shown) is updated, and the process is temporarily terminated. .

<Modification>
Next, a modification of the point system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a card according to a modification having the same purpose as in FIG. The configuration of each of the cards 30b to 30d shown in FIG. 1 is the same as that of the card 30a, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, card identification information 311 and a boarding fare value 312 are stored in the storage unit 310 of the card 30a. As described above, the cards 30a to 30d according to this modification are typically SF (Stored Fare) type, so-called prepaid type IC cards. That is, the storage unit 310 in each of the cards 30a to 30d is preliminarily filled with a predetermined amount of boarding fee as electronic money ("ride fee value 312" in FIG. 13), and the boarding fee is charged with the filled electronic money. It is to be settled.

  In this modification, since the card used in transportation can be used as a part of the point system 1, it is not necessary to issue a separate card to a newly joining consumer, and practically. Very advantageous.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment according to the point system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the server and the calculation of points to be issued in the point issuing process and the point collection / issuing process are different. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the description overlapping with that of the first embodiment is omitted, and the common portions in the drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only FIGS. 14 to 17 are basically different only. The description will be given with reference.

  First, the configuration of the server according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server according to this embodiment having the same concept as in FIG.

  2, the server 10 includes a storage unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, an encryption / decryption processing unit 140, an arithmetic processing unit 150, an input processing unit 160, a control unit 170, a selection unit 180, and a system clock 190. It is configured with.

  The storage unit 110 includes point issue condition information 111, point collection condition information 112, possessed point information 113, terminal point information 114, member information 115, and issue condition selection information as an example of “card use information” according to the present invention. 116 is stored.

(Point issue processing)
Next, in the point system 1 configured as described above, when a consumer 50a (see FIG. 1) purchases a product without using points at a store including the store terminal 20a (see FIG. 1). The point issuing process to be executed will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  In FIG. 15, after the point confirmation processing (see FIG. 5), the control unit 270 (see FIG. 3) of the store terminal 20a sends the server 10 the encrypted purchase amount information 213 and the card via the Internet 40. When the identification information 311 and the terminal identification information are transmitted (step S202), the control unit 170 (see FIG. 14) of the server 10 receives the purchase amount information 213 received via the communication unit 130 (see FIG. 14), The encryption / decryption processing unit 140 (see FIG. 14) is controlled to decrypt the card identification information 311 and the terminal identification information 211, respectively.

  Subsequently, the control unit 170 of the server 10 identifies the corresponding point issuance condition information based on the decrypted terminal identification information 211 from the point issuance condition information 111 as illustrated in FIG. 16, for example. FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of point issue condition information according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the point issuance condition information corresponding to certain terminal identification information (here, the terminal identification information of the store terminal installed at “△△ rice mill”) includes a plurality of point issuance conditions. Yes. For example, “500 yen 1 point” indicates that 1 point is issued for every 500 yen of purchase amount. In addition, “500 yen 2 points total points ≧ 100” means that 2 points are issued for every 500 yen of purchase if the total number of points issued due to purchase of goods at a rice polishing store is 100 or more. Is shown. In addition, “100 yen 1 point 2008/05/03 to 2008/05/06” is issued for every 100 yen when a product is purchased between May 3rd and 6th, 2008. It is shown that.

  Concurrently with the specification of the point issue condition information described above, the control unit 170 of the server 10 corresponds to the issue condition selection information 116 as shown in FIG. 17 based on the decrypted card identification information 311, for example. Specify issue condition selection information. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of issue condition selection information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, the number of visits to the store is stored for each store (or for each terminal identification information).

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 identifies the specified point issue condition based on the specified point issue condition information, the specified issue condition selection information, and the date and time indicated by the system clock 190 (see FIG. 14). The selection unit 180 (see FIG. 14) is controlled to select one point issuance condition from a plurality of point issuance conditions included in the information (step S401).

  Specifically, for example, the store terminal 20a is installed in “△△ rice mill store”, and the information indicated by the condition selection information corresponding to the card 30a is “total points: 4096, Δ △ rice mill stores”. If the point is 123, the number of visits is 30, and the date and time indicated by the system clock 190 is “17:20 on May 14, 2008”, the selection unit 180 causes the highest point issuance rate to be “500 yen”. The condition “2 points total points ≧ 100” is selected.

  Alternatively, when the date and time indicated by the system clock 190 is “May 4, 2008 14:35”, the selection unit 180 causes the highest point issuance rate to be “100 yen 1 point 2008/05/03 to 2008 / The condition “05/06” is selected.

  Concurrently with the selection of the one point issuance condition described above, the control unit 170 of the server 10 specifies the corresponding member information from the member information 115 based on the decrypted card identification information 311 (step S402). ).

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 calculates a point to be issued based on the decrypted purchase amount information 213, the selected one point issuance condition and the specified member information. 150 (see FIG. 14) is controlled (step S403).

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 updates the possessed point information 111 based on the calculated points and the decrypted card identification information 311 (step S404), and also calculates the calculated points and the decrypted points. Based on the terminal identification information, for example, the store point information 114 as shown in FIG. 10 is updated (step S405).

  Next, the control unit 170 of the server 10 identifies the corresponding holding point based on the decrypted card identification information 311 from the updated holding point information 113. Subsequently, the control unit 170 controls the encryption / decryption processing unit 140 to encrypt the stored point information indicating the specified stored point and the issue point information indicating the calculated point.

  Subsequently, based on the decrypted terminal identification information 211, the control unit 170 transmits the encrypted possessed point information and issue point information to the store terminal 20a via the communication unit 130 and the Internet 40. (Step S406).

  Next, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a controls the encryption / decryption processing unit 240 to decrypt the possessed point information and the issue point information received via the communication unit 230, respectively. Subsequently, the control unit 270 displays the decrypted possessed point information and the issued point information on the display unit 220, respectively (step S407).

  Subsequently, the control unit 270 of the store terminal 20a prints the decrypted possession point information and issuance point information together with information on the product purchased by the consumer 50a, for example, on a receipt, etc. 3 (see FIG. 3) (step S408), and based on the stored purchase price information 213, for example, sales record information (not shown) is updated and the process is temporarily terminated.

(Point collection / issuance processing)
A point collection / issuance process executed when the consumer 50a purchases a product using points at a store having the store terminal 20a will be described.

  In step S306 in FIG. 11, the control unit 170 of the server 10 specifies corresponding point issuance condition information based on the decrypted terminal identification information 211 from the point issuance condition information 111 shown in FIG. From the issuance condition selection information 116 as shown in FIG. 17, the corresponding issuance condition selection information is specified based on the decrypted card identification information 311.

  Subsequently, the control unit 170 of the server 10 includes a plurality of points included in the specified point issue condition information based on the specified point issue condition information, the specified issue condition selection information, and the date and time indicated by the system clock 190. The selection unit 180 is controlled to select one point issuance condition from the point issuance conditions.

  Next, in step S <b> 307 in FIG. 11, the control unit 170 of the server 10 identifies the corresponding member information based on the decrypted card identification information 311 from the member information 115. Subsequently, in step S308 in FIG. 11, the control unit 170 of the server 10 calculates the points to be issued based on the calculated billing amount, the selected one point issuance condition, and the specified member information. Thus, the arithmetic processing unit 150 is controlled.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and points accompanying such changes The system is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the whole point system composition concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the shop terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the card | curd which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the point confirmation processing concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the possession point information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the point issuing process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the point issue condition information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the member information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a key map showing an example of store point information concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows point collection and issue processing concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a key map showing an example of point collection condition information concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the card | curd which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the point issue processing concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the point issue condition information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the issuing condition selection information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Point system, 10 ... Server, 20a-20c ... Store terminal, 30a-30d ... Card, 40 ... Internet, 50a-50d ... Consumer, 111 ... Point issue condition information, 112 ... Point collection condition information, 113 ... Holding Point information, 114 ... terminal point information, 115 ... member information, 116 ... issuance condition selection information, 211 ... terminal identification information, 311 ... card identification information

Claims (5)

A plurality of cards each storing card identification information;
A plurality of store terminal means for storing terminal identification information,
Point information is stored for each card identification information and each terminal identification information, and a plurality of point issuing condition information corresponding to each of the terminal identification information and a plurality of member information corresponding to each of the card identification information are stored. And server means connected to each of the plurality of store terminal means via a network,
When issuing points to one of the plurality of cards,
One store terminal means among the plurality of store terminal means acquires card identification information stored in the one card, and further, the acquired card identification information, the one Sending purchase amount information indicating the amount of the product purchased by the consumer who owns the card and terminal identification information stored in the one store terminal means via the network,
The server means specifies point issuance condition information corresponding to the transmitted terminal identification information from the plurality of stored point issuance condition information, and the transmitted card identification from the stored plurality of member information Identifying member information corresponding to the information, issuing the point based on the transmitted purchase price information, the specified point issuance condition information and the specified member information, and further issuing the issued point A point system that updates the point information corresponding to the transmitted card identification information and updates the point information corresponding to the transmitted terminal identification information based on the issued issuance point information. Each of the plurality of member information includes disclosure information related to disclosure of personal information, which is information that can identify an individual,
When issuing the point to the one card, the server means, based on disclosure information included in the transmitted purchase amount information, the specified point issue condition information and the specified member information The point system according to claim 1, wherein the point system is issued.   The point system according to claim 2, wherein the personal information includes at least one of a name, an address, a telephone number, an e-mail address, sex, age, and occupation. The server means further stores card usage information related to the usage status of each of the plurality of cards for each card identification information,
Each of the stored plurality of point issuance condition information includes a plurality of point issuance conditions,
When issuing the point to the one card, the server means specifies point issuance condition information corresponding to the transmitted terminal identification information from the plurality of stored point issuance condition information, and the transmitted Identifying card usage information corresponding to the card identification information, selecting one point issuing condition from a plurality of point issuing conditions included in the specified point issuing condition information based on the specified card usage information, Further, the member information corresponding to the transmitted card identification information is identified from the stored plurality of member information, the transmitted purchase price information, the selected one point issuance condition, and the identified member The point system according to claim 1, wherein the point is issued based on information.   5. The point according to claim 4, wherein the selected one point issuance condition is a condition having the highest point issuance rate among a plurality of point issuance conditions included in the specified point issuance condition information. system.

Images