JP2013235399A - Point processing system, point processing method, and point processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate troublesome work for checking whether or not to use points whenever a settlement is performed between a user and a clerk and prevent the user from missing an opportunity of using points by carelessness of the user and the clerk.SOLUTION: A point processing system, in settlement processing, determines whether or not appropriating already issued points on the basis of use conditions of points preset by a user; when not appropriating them therefor, determines a use amount included in a settlement request as a price; and when appropriating the points therefor, determines an amount when appropriating the points on the basis of use conditions of the appropriate points, and outputs the determined price to a terminal device of a parlor.

Description

  The present invention relates to a point processing system, a point processing method, and a point processing program for issuing points that can be used for settlement.

  Conventionally, there has been a point service that issues points that can be used for payment when a product or service is paid for the next time or later, depending on the purchase price of a product or service provided by a store or the number of visits. In a store where such a point service has been introduced and where payment is made in a face-to-face manner, for example, a user (customer) presents a point card storing points to the store clerk at the time of payment. And it was told whether or not to use the points already issued.

  Further, in a store where such a point service has been introduced and the payment is made in a face-to-face manner, for example, the clerk presents a user (customer) who presented a point card or the like in which points are stored. On the other hand, it was confirmed whether or not the points already issued were used.

  Specifically, conventionally, for example, a value corresponding to a point issued to a user is stored in association with credit card identification information, and when a payment is made using a credit card, There has been a technology that realizes effective use of issued points by making a payment with an amount obtained by subtracting a value stored in association with identification information of a corresponding credit card (for example, Patent Document 1 below) See).

JP 2010-282439 A

  However, the above-described conventional technique uses points between the user and the store clerk each time payment is made when points are stored in a point card or the like presented at the time of payment in a store where payment is made in a face-to-face manner. There was a problem that it was annoying to check whether or not to do. Some users tend to hate to announce how points are used when making payments for reasons such as “embarrassed” or “noisy”, and such users may not be able to use points effectively. There was a problem.

  In addition, when the above-mentioned conventional technology has forgotten to confirm whether or not to use the points between the user and the store clerk at the time of payment, or the user has forgotten the expiration date of the points There was a problem that the user missed the opportunity to use points. In order to avoid the loss of the opportunity to use points due to the expiration date, the user must know the expiration date of the points, and there is a problem that the burden on the user is heavy.

  In addition, in the conventional technology described above, in order to avoid the loss of the opportunity to use points due to the expiration date, when the points are used frequently every time payment is made, the user applies the points to the payment. There was a problem that usefulness could not be fully realized.

  The present invention eliminates the trouble of confirming whether or not to use a point each time a settlement is made between a user and a store clerk in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and carelessness of the user or store clerk. It is an object of the present invention to provide a point processing system, a point processing method, and a point processing program that can prevent a user from losing a point use opportunity.

  In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems caused by the prior art, the present invention confirms whether or not points are to be used each time between the user and the store clerk at the time of payment at a store where payment is made in a face-to-face manner. An object of the present invention is to provide a point processing system, a point processing method, and a point processing program that can prevent the user from losing the opportunity to use points due to carelessness of users and store staff. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the point processing system according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a payment request including a usage amount of goods or services and user identification information from a terminal device of a store; Settlement accepted by the accepting means from a point condition database that stores the points issued according to the price of goods or services provided to the user for each user identification information and the use conditions of the points in association with each other Usage condition acquisition means for acquiring the usage conditions for the points associated with the user identification information included in the request, and the settlement request received by the reception means based on the usage conditions for the points acquired by the usage condition acquisition means To determine whether or not to use the points stored in the point condition database for the settlement processing according to When it is determined that the determination means and the determination means do not apply, the usage amount included in the settlement request received by the reception means is determined as a price, and when the determination means determines that it is appropriate, the usage condition acquisition means Price determining means for determining the price when the points stored in the point condition database are allocated to the usage price based on the usage conditions for the acquired points, and the price determined by the price determining means for the terminal of the store An output means for outputting to the apparatus; a completion notification receiving means for receiving a payment completion notice including a payment amount for the payment processing performed by the terminal device of the store based on the price output by the output means; and the completion Based on the payment completion notification received by the notification receiving means, a point for calculating points according to the payment amount included in the payment completion notification. And updating the point condition database by adding the points calculated by the point calculation means to the points associated with the identification information received by the receiving means among the points stored in the point condition database. And updating means.

  Further, in the point processing system according to the present invention, in the above invention, the point condition database stores, for each piece of the identification information, information relating to the expiration date of the points stored in the point condition database, and the determination unit includes: When the expiration date comes within a predetermined period from the time when the accepting unit accepts the settlement request, it is determined that the points are to be applied.

  Further, in the point processing system according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the determination unit determines to apply the point based on the expiration date, the point is applied to the terminal device of the store. Confirmation request output means for outputting a confirmation request as to whether or not to perform a settlement process in exchange for the amount appropriated for the use amount, and the confirmation request output by the confirmation request output means from the terminal device of the store Response accepting means for accepting response information notifying approval or non-approval of the settlement process, wherein the price determining means determines the price based on the response information accepted by the response accepting means .

  Further, in the point processing system according to the present invention, in the above invention, the point condition database stores, as the use condition, a lower limit point number that defines a lower limit value for determination to apply the point, and the determination means includes When the number of points stored in the point condition database is equal to or greater than the lower limit point number, it is determined that the points are to be used.

  In the point processing system according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the point condition database stores the number of unit points defining a unit using the point as the use condition, and the determination means includes the point condition. When the number of points stored in the database is equal to or greater than the number of unit points, it is determined that the points will be applied, and the price determination means allocates points that are an integral multiple of the number of unit points to the usage amount The amount of money is determined as a price.

  Further, in the point processing system according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the accepting unit accepts a settlement request, a number that is an integral multiple of the number of unit points and a point after settlement processing in the terminal device of the store If the difference is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the remaining point number determining means, and if the remaining point number determining means determines that the difference is less than or equal to a predetermined value, points greater than the difference are issued. And an informing means for informing at least one of the amount and the goods or services of the amount.

  In addition, the point processing method according to the present invention includes a reception step of receiving a settlement request including a use amount of goods or services and user identification information from a terminal device of a store, and the user for each of the user identification information. From the point condition database that stores the points issued according to the price of the goods or services provided to the user and the usage conditions of the points in association with each other, it is associated with the identification information of the user included in the settlement request received by the receiving step The point condition database for the payment processing according to the payment request received by the receiving step based on the usage conditions of the point acquired by the usage condition acquiring step and the usage conditions of the point acquired by the usage condition acquiring step. A determination step for determining whether or not to apply the points stored in the If it is determined that it will not be applied, the usage amount included in the settlement request received in the receiving step is determined as a price, and if it is determined that it will be applied in the determining step, the usage conditions for the points acquired in the usage condition acquiring step are determined. A price determining step for determining the price when the points stored in the point condition database are allocated to the usage price, and an output for outputting the price determined by the price determining process to the terminal device of the store A completion notification receiving step for receiving a payment completion notification including a payment amount for the payment processing performed by the terminal device of the store, based on the price output in the output step, and the payment received by the completion notification receiving step Based on the completion notification, the point for calculating the points according to the payment amount included in the payment completion notification is calculated. The point condition database is updated by adding the points calculated by the point calculation step to points associated with the identification information received by the reception step among points stored in the point condition database. And an update process.

  In addition, the point processing program according to the present invention includes a reception process for receiving a payment request including a use amount of a product or a service and user identification information from a terminal device of a store, and each identification information of the user. Identification of the user included in the settlement request received by the receiving step from the point condition database that stores the point issued according to the price of the product or service provided to the user and the usage condition of the point in association with each other Based on the usage conditions of the points acquired in the usage conditions acquisition process, the usage conditions acquisition process of acquiring the usage conditions of the points associated with the information, the payment processing according to the payment request received in the reception process, Judgment to determine whether or not to apply the points stored in the point condition database If it is determined that it will not be applied in the determination step, the usage amount included in the settlement request received in the reception step is determined as the price, and if it is determined to be applied in the determination step, it is acquired in the usage condition acquisition step. A price determining step for determining the price when the points stored in the point condition database are allocated to the usage price based on the usage conditions of the point, and the price determined by the price determining process at the terminal device of the store An output step for outputting to the terminal, a completion notification receiving step for receiving a payment completion notification including a payment amount for the payment processing performed by the terminal device of the store based on the price output by the output step, and the completion notification Based on the payment completion notification received in the reception process, depending on the payment amount included in the payment completion notification A point calculation step for calculating points, and the point condition by adding the points calculated by the point calculation step to the points associated with the identification information received by the reception step among the points stored in the point condition database And an update process for updating the database.

  According to the point processing system, the point processing method, and the point processing program according to the present invention, there is no need to bother the user and the store clerk to confirm whether or not to use the point for each settlement, and the user or the store clerk. It is possible to prevent the user from losing the opportunity to use points due to carelessness.

  In addition, according to the point processing system, point processing method, and point processing program according to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of confirming whether or not points are used each time payment is made between the user and the store clerk. Moreover, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the user from losing the opportunity to use the points due to carelessness of the user or the store clerk.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration | structure of the point processing system of embodiment concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the computer apparatus which implement | achieves the point processing apparatus which comprises the point processing system of embodiment concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the terminal device of the shop which comprises the point processing system of embodiment concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the computer apparatus which implement | achieves the user's terminal device which comprises the point processing system of embodiment concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the portable telephone which implement | achieves the user's terminal device which comprises the point processing system of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows the example of a display screen in the point processing system of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows the example of a display screen in the point processing system of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 3) which shows the example of a display screen in the point processing system of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a point condition database. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the point processing apparatus with which the point processing system of embodiment concerning this invention is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the terminal device of the shop of embodiment concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the point processing apparatus of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the point processing system of the 1st application example concerning this invention.

  Exemplary embodiments of a point processing system, a point processing method, and a point processing program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(System configuration of point processing system)
First, the system configuration of the point processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of a point processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a point processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a point processing device 110, a store terminal device 120, and a user terminal device 130.

  The point processing device 110 is communicably connected to a terminal device 120 of a store and a terminal device 130 of a user via a network 140 such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the point processing device 110 also functions as a settlement server. The point processing device 110 may be separate from the payment server. In this case, the point processing device 110 can be realized by a computer device that can communicate with the payment server. Specifically, the point processing device 110 can be realized by, for example, a computer device (see FIG. 2) called a server computer.

  The terminal device 120 in the store is connected to the point processing device 110 via a network 140 such as the Internet so as to be communicable. Specifically, the terminal device 120 of the store can be realized by, for example, a POS terminal (see FIG. 3). The terminal device 120 in the store may be realized by, for example, a POS terminal having a card payment function.

  The store terminal device 120 may be connected to a credit inquiry terminal for a card such as a CAT (Credit Authorization Terminal) terminal or a multi-function payment terminal such as an INFOX terminal. The multi-function payment terminal provided in the terminal device 120 of the store may be integrated into a POS terminal that realizes the terminal device 120 of the store.

  The user terminal device 130 is communicably connected to the point processing device 110 via a network 140 such as the Internet. Specifically, the user terminal device 130 is realized by, for example, a computer device called a personal computer (see FIG. 4A) or a mobile phone (portable computer device) such as a smartphone. (See FIG. 4-2).

(Hardware configuration of computer device realizing point processing device 110)
Next, a hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes the point processing device 110 constituting the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes the point processing device 110 constituting the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the computer apparatus includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an HDD (hard disk drive) 204, an HD (hard disk) 205, and a network I / F (interface) 206. The units 201 to 206 included in the computer device that implements the point processing device 110 are connected by a bus 200.

  The CPU 201 controls the entire computer device that implements the point processing device 110. The ROM 202 stores a program such as a boot program. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The HDD 204 controls data read / write with respect to the HD 205 according to the control of the CPU 201. The HD 205 stores data written under the control of the HDD 204.

  The network I / F 206 is connected via a network 140 such as the Internet to a computer device that implements a user terminal device 130 or a terminal device 120 in a store. A network I / F 206 controls an interface between a network such as the Internet and the inside, and controls input / output of data in a computer device that realizes the point processing device 110.

(Hardware configuration of store terminal device 120)
Next, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 120 in the store that constitutes the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the terminal device 120 in the store that constitutes the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, the store terminal device 120 includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, HDD 304, HD 305, display 306, touch panel 307, keyboard 308, barcode scanner 309, printer 310, and drawer opening. A device 311, a network I / F 312, a speaker 313, and a card reader 314 are provided. Moreover, each part 301-314 with which the terminal device 120 of a shop is provided is connected with the bus | bath 300, respectively.

  The CPU 301 controls the entire terminal device 120 in the store. The ROM 302 stores various programs to be executed at the time of card settlement, merchandise sales registration, or sales settlement. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301. For example, the CPU 301 communicates with the point processing device 110 via the network I / F 312 when making a card payment.

  The terminal device 120 in the store can directly communicate with the point processing device 110 via the network I / F 312. Further, the terminal device 120 of the store connects to a server computer provided for each store or each group via the network I / F 312 and communicates with the point processing device 110 via the server computer. Good.

  The HDD 304 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the HD 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. The HDD 304 stores data written under the control of the HD 305. Specifically, the HD 305 stores, for example, a merchandise master file and a sales file. The product master file and the sales file in the terminal device 120 of the store can be acquired from the above server computer, for example. Since the product master file and the sales file are publicly known, description thereof is omitted.

  The display 306 can be realized by a display device including a liquid crystal panel, for example. The display 306 displays a window (browser) regarding data such as a document, an image, and function information, as well as a cursor, an icon, and a tool box. The terminal device 120 of the store of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of displays 306 per unit, such as a display that displays information on the store clerk side and a display that displays information on the user side. The display 306 may be only a display that displays information on the store clerk side.

  When the touch panel 307 is stacked on the display surface side of the display 306 and detects that a writing member such as a finger or a pen is in contact with the touch panel 307, the CPU 301 generates an electrical signal corresponding to the contact position (operation position) of the writing member with respect to the touch panel. Output for. As the touch panel 307, various known methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitance method, an acoustic pulse recognition method, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, an infrared light shielding method, and an image recognition method can be used. The keyboard 308 includes keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operated key to the CPU 301.

  The barcode scanner 309 can be realized by an optical mark recognition device (OMR: Optical Mark Reader) that can optically read a barcode or a two-dimensional code attached to a product. The barcode scanner 309 includes a light source such as an LED, a polygon mirror that scans light from the light source, a sensor that receives reflected light from a reading object, and a decoding circuit that decodes an optical signal received by the sensor. By using a CCD image sensor as the sensor, it becomes possible to read a two-dimensional code. Data decoded by the decoding circuit is output to the CPU 301.

  The printer 310 performs a printing process for printing the contents of settlement on roll paper. It can be realized by a printer of various known printing methods such as a thermal printer, a laser printer, and an ink jet printer. The printer 310 includes a roll paper holding mechanism that holds the roll paper, a printer head that performs printing on the roll paper, a cutter mechanism that cuts the printed roll paper at an arbitrary length, and the like.

  When a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal device 120 of the store, the drawer opening device 311 opens the drawer device connected to the terminal device 120 of the store. Specifically, the drawer opening device 311 can be realized by a solenoid or the like, for example, and operates when a release signal output from the CPU 301 is received in response to an operation of the “deposit / cash” key on the keyboard 308. Unlock the drawer device.

  The speaker 313 outputs a sound of “beep” when a product is scanned and a notification sound when an abnormality such as an error occurs. The speaker 313 includes a voice coil (not shown), and outputs a sound by applying an electric signal according to the sound signal output from the CPU 301 to the voice coil.

  The card reader 314 reads data recorded on a card such as a point card. The card reader 314 may be capable of reading data recorded on a card such as a credit card, which is used in a settlement using the card. The card may be of a type with an IC chip or a type with a magnetic stripe.

(Hardware configuration of computer device realizing user terminal device 130)
Next, a hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes the terminal device 130 of the user configuring the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4-1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes the user terminal device 130 constituting the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  4A, a computer device that realizes the user terminal device 130 includes a CPU 411, a ROM 412, a RAM 413, an HDD 414, an HD 415, a display 416, an input device 417, and a network I / F 418. I have. The units 411 to 418 included in the computer device that implements the user terminal device 130 are connected by a bus 410.

  The CPU 411 controls the entire computer device that implements the user terminal device 130, and executes various programs stored in the ROM 412 while using the RAM 413 as a work area. The HDD 414 controls data read / write with respect to the HD 415 according to the control of the CPU 411. The HD 415 stores data written under the control of the HDD 414.

  The display 416 displays various display screens. Specifically, the display 416 displays, for example, an input screen for specifying shopping conditions, an input screen for inputting approval information for a payment approval request, and the like. Specifically, the display 416 can be realized by various known displays such as a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, and an organic EL display.

  The input device 417 can be realized by a keyboard having a plurality of input keys. The keyboard has a numeric keypad for inputting numbers. The keyboard may include cursor keys that move the input position and the operation position. The input device 417 may include a pointing device such as a mouse that specifies an input position or an operation position. The input device 417 outputs a signal corresponding to an input operation on the input device 417.

  The network I / F 418 performs communication with a computer device that implements the point processing device 110. The network I / F 418 controls the interface between the computer device that realizes the point processing device 110 and the inside of the computer device that realizes the user terminal device 130, and transmits data between the computer device that realizes the point processing device 110. Control input and output.

  The computer device that implements the user terminal device 130 communicates with the computer device that implements the point processing device 110 via the network I / F 418, for example, and various input screens displayed on the display 416. Various types of input information input via the key is transmitted to a computer device that implements the point processing device 110.

(Hardware configuration of portable telephone that realizes user terminal device 130)
Next, a hardware configuration of a mobile phone (portable computer device) that realizes the user terminal device 130 that constitutes the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4B is a block diagram of the hardware configuration of the mobile phone that implements the user terminal device 130 that constitutes the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4B, a hardware configuration of a smartphone is shown as a mobile phone that realizes the user terminal device 130.

  In FIG. 4B, a smartphone that realizes the user terminal device 130 configuring the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU 421, a ROM 422, a RAM 423, a network I / F 424, and a display 425. An operation unit 426, a microphone 427, a speaker 428, and a camera 429. Moreover, each component 421-429 with which the smart phone which implement | achieves the user's terminal device 130 which comprises the point processing system 100 of embodiment concerning this invention is provided is respectively connected by the bus | bath 420.

  The CPU 421 controls the entire smartphone. The ROM 422 stores a program such as a boot program. The RAM 423 is used as a work area for the CPU 421. The network I / F 424 controls data input / output with a computer device or another smartphone connected to the network 140 via the network 140 such as the Internet. Further, the network I / F 424 is connected to a telephone line network, and realizes a voice call with a communication terminal device such as another smartphone (mobile phone or PHS) or a fixed phone.

  The display 425 displays, for example, various types of marks, icons, tool boxes, and the like that indicate a set mode (manner mode, drive mode, etc.) and radio wave reception status when a smartphone is used as a mobile phone (or PHS). To do. The display 425 can be realized mainly by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

  The operation unit 426 includes keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like, and performs data input. The operation unit 426 can be realized by, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard. An operation unit 426 realized by a touch panel, a keyboard, or the like outputs a signal corresponding to an input operation on the operation unit 426.

  When the operation unit 426 is realized by a touch panel, the touch panel is stacked on the display surface side of the display 425. When the touch panel detects that a writing member such as a finger or a pen is in contact, the touch panel outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the contact position of the writing member with respect to the touch panel.

  The microphone 427 performs analog / digital conversion of the voice of the speaker input as analog data, and generates digital audio data. The speaker 428 performs digital / analog conversion on digital audio data transmitted from the other party, and outputs audio by energizing a coil in the speaker cone based on the analog audio data.

  The camera 429 captures an imaging target by operating the operation unit 426 and generates image data. The generated image data is stored in the RAM 423 or the like. The network I / F 424 is connected to a network 140 such as the Internet and controls an interface between the network 140 and the inside of the smartphone that realizes the user terminal device 130.

(Display screen example)
Next, a display screen example in the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 5, 6-1 and 6-2 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of display screens in the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, the example of a display screen which the display with which a user's terminal device 130 is provided is shown. In FIG. 5, the display screen 500 displays the user's card number, the number of points issued and accumulated so far, the expiration date (point expiration date) of the points, and the like.

  The display screen 500 displays the point usage conditions. The point usage conditions displayed on the display screen 500 indicate the point usage conditions set when the display screen 500 is displayed and a list of point usage conditions that can be set. In the display screen 500, the use conditions of the points set at the time when the display screen 500 is displayed by a square whose inner side is filled are shown. In addition, the display screen 500 shows the use conditions of points that can be set by a white square inside.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate examples of display screens displayed on the display 306 included in the terminal device 120 of the store. 6A, the display screen 610 is displayed on a display that displays information on the store clerk side of the display 306 provided in the terminal device 120 of the store.

  The display screen 610 is “20 yen per point. If you purchase XX (product name) (100 yen), you will get 2 points. How about XX?” Display information to be communicated to. It is preferable to display only a message on the display for displaying information on the clerk's side so that the content displayed on the display screen can be read to the user only by reading the content. The display screen 610 can be displayed in a pop-up on the display 306 provided in the store terminal device 120 so as to overlap the information previously displayed on the display that displays information on the store clerk side.

  Thereby, it is not necessary to speak that the store clerk has arranged it independently, and the store clerk can promptly respond to the user. In this way, for example, in a convenience store at lunch break or in a supermarket in the evening, it is possible to eliminate the delay of the response by requesting a unique arrangement from the store clerk in the situation where the user should respond quickly. Can be performed quickly.

  6B, the display screen 620 is displayed on a display that displays information on the user side among the displays 306 provided in the terminal device 120 of the store. The display screen 620 displays “points accumulated before settlement processing (pre-purchase points)”, “use amount (product amount) subject to settlement processing”, and “(scheduled) points used for this settlement” (Points used), “Amount to be paid by users (payment amount)”, “Points newly issued by this settlement (current points)”, “Points after this settlement (points remaining)”, etc. Various types of information regarding points that change during the payment process are displayed. In the display screen 620, it is preferable to display a plurality of pieces of information so that the user can use points with the content that the user considers optimal.

(Example of point condition database)
Next, an example of each point condition database used by the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, various processes are realized using a point condition database.

  The point condition database is stored in the HD 205 provided in the point processing device 110, for example. The point condition database is not limited to being stored in a storage medium provided integrally with the point processing device 110, for example. For example, the point condition database may be stored in a storage medium provided in a computer device separate from the point processing device 110 or in a storage device separate from the point processing device 110.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the point condition database. In FIG. 7, the point processing device 110 stores, for each user identification information, a point issued according to the price of a product or service provided to the user and a use condition of the point in association with each other. A point condition database 700 is provided.

  The user identification information is information that can uniquely identify the user, and can be realized by, for example, a credit card number. In the credit card number, the card issuer such as a credit card company can be specified by the first six-digit bank identification number (BIN). The credit card number includes a BIN, is composed of an arbitrary number sequence assigned by the card issuer, and is unique information for each card.

  Further, the user identification information may be realized by a membership number combining a predetermined number of digits or alphabet, for example. In this case, the membership number can be stored, for example, in a storage medium provided in a membership card issued to a user who has subscribed to the point processing system 100.

  User identification information realized by a membership number or the like is not limited to information that can identify each user. The user identification information realized by the membership number or the like may be information that can uniquely identify a card such as a point card issued to each user, instead of identifying each user.

  In this embodiment, the point processing device 110 issues a number (point number) of points according to the price for the settlement processing performed with the input of the user identification information. Further, in this embodiment, the point processing device 110 pays to the store the product or service provided to the user such as the product purchased by the user or the service used by the user. Is determined as the price, and points (number of points) corresponding to the price are issued. The payment may be made using cash or may be made by card settlement using a card such as a credit card.

  In this embodiment, the point processing device 110 calculates a number of points (number of points) according to the price for the settlement processing according to a predetermined condition, and issues points for the calculated number of points to the user. . The point processing device 110 stores the points issued to the user in the point condition database 700 in association with the identification information of the user input in the settlement processing related to the calculation of the points. In this embodiment, the point processing device 110 has the latest (most recent) user who has the latest input date and time among the points calculated by performing the payment process and the user identification information received until the points are calculated. Are stored in the point condition database 700 in association with each other.

  Further, in this embodiment, the point processing device 110 identifies the user with the latest (latest) input date and time among the date and time when the point is calculated and the user identification information received until the point is calculated. If the date and time when the information is received is separated by a predetermined time or more, the point may not be calculated. As a result, for example, the user who was the object of the previous payment process presented the membership card and indicated the intention of payment, but interrupted the payment process before making payment, and the next payment process If the target user does not have a membership card, the point corresponding to the price for the user who paid for the next payment process is the target for the previous payment process. Can be stored in the identification information of the person.

  For example, in a retail store such as a convenience store, it is widely performed to input predetermined information such as the gender and approximate age of a visitor when starting a payment process. The point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to, for example, a retail store that operates to input predetermined information when starting a settlement process, and the sex of the store visitor, the approximate age, etc. By associating the identification information of the user received for the first time after being input with the points related to the payment processing performed for the first time after the gender or approximate age of the customer is input, It can be stored in the point condition database 700 by the processing device 110.

  The points issued by performing the settlement process can be used by paying for the payments for the subsequent settlement process. When performing payment processing, if the points issued up to the previous payment processing are used for payment, the point processing device 110 subtracts the amount corresponding to the points used for payment from the usage amount of the product or service. Is determined as a price, and points corresponding to the price are issued. Depending on the number of points stored, the points can be applied so that all of the price is paid in points.

  As described above, the point use condition is whether or not to use the points issued by the previous settlement process and stored in the point condition database 700 for the payment for the current settlement process when the settlement process is performed. Is specified. In this case, the usage conditions of points are specifically issued by, for example, “use points when performing payment processing” or “use points when performing payment processing, without using points. It is possible to define whether or not to use the points stored in the point condition database 700 by setting such as “Accumulating the points that have been made”.

  In addition, the point usage conditions may define a criterion for determining the number of points to be used for payment related to the payment process when the payment process is performed. In this case, specifically, the usage conditions of the points are set according to, for example, “Use as much as possible”, “Use as much as 500 yen”, etc. A criterion for determining the number of points to be used for payment can be defined.

  Specifically, for example, when the usage condition “use points when performing settlement processing” is set, the point usage period can be defined by the usage conditions of points. More specifically, the usage conditions of the points that define the time when the points are used are, for example, “Used when one month or more has passed since the use of the previous point”, “10th to 20th of every month. You may prescribe when to use points, such as “Use for payments made during the day” or “Use when the point expires within one month”. In addition, the usage conditions of the points may specify how the points are used, such as “appropriate to the payment amount”, “replace with 1000 premiums when 1000 points are accumulated”, and the like. .

  Specifically, for example, when the usage condition “use points when performing payment processing” is set, it is possible to set the usage conditions of points that define how to use the points. More specifically, the use conditions of the points that define how to use the points are, for example, “use all the stored points (as much as possible)”, “use in units of 100 points.” By setting as described above, it is possible to further define how to use the points determined to be used.

  The number of unit points defining the unit for using points, such as “use in units of 100 points”, can be arbitrarily set, for example, “100 points”, “50 points”, etc. . The number of unit points can be set to “1 point”, for example. For example, the operator of the point processing system 100 can arbitrarily set the number of unit points. Alternatively, the number of unit points may be arbitrarily set by the user.

  The number that is an integral multiple of the number of unit points is realized by a number such as “100”, “200”,..., “1000”,. The number that is an integral multiple of the number of unit points is realized by a number such as “50”, “100”,..., “550”,. The

  Multiple points usage conditions can be combined. Specifically, for example, in the case of setting a point usage condition of “use when one or more points are used” and a point usage condition of “use all accumulated points.” All points that can be used will be used for the price. In this case, depending on the number of points, an amount corresponding to the number of points to be applied is deducted from the price. In this case, depending on the number of stored points, the entire price can be paid using the points.

  Each information stored in the point condition database 700 can be arbitrarily set by the user. Specifically, for example, when the point processing apparatus 110 receives an access request to a predetermined WEB site created by an operator of the point processing system 100 from the terminal apparatus 130 of the user, the point processing apparatus 110 Screen information for displaying, for example, a WEB page that accepts input of point usage conditions is output to the terminal device 130.

  The user terminal device 130 displays various display screens such as a WEB page based on the screen information output from the point processing device 110. The user performs an input operation to input the point usage conditions according to the display content of the display screen displayed on the user terminal device 130. The user terminal device 130 outputs a use condition registration request to the point processing device 110 when a predetermined input operation is received while a display screen for inputting the point use conditions is being displayed. The use condition registration request includes identification information of the user, information on the use condition of the point input by the user, and the like.

(Functional configuration of the point processing device 110)
Next, a functional configuration of the point processing device 110 included in the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the point processing device 110 included in the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 8, each function of the point processing device 110 included in the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit 801, a reception unit 802, a use condition acquisition unit 803, a determination unit 804, and a confirmation. Request output unit 805, response reception unit 806, price determination unit 807, output unit 808, completion notification reception unit 809, point calculation unit 810, update unit 811, remaining point number determination unit 812, notification This is implemented by the unit 813 and the update receiving unit 814.

  Storage unit 801, reception unit 802, usage condition acquisition unit 803, determination unit 804, confirmation request output unit 805, response reception unit 806, price determination unit 807, output unit 808, notification of completion The reception unit 809, the point calculation unit 810, the update unit 811, the remaining point number determination unit 812, the notification unit 813, and the update reception unit 814 are realized by each unit configuring the point processing device 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Can do.

  The storage unit 801 includes various databases such as the point condition database 700. The accepting unit 802 accepts a settlement request including the usage amount of goods or services and user identification information from the terminal device 120 of the store. The accepting unit 802 receives a settlement request including card information stored in a card such as a point card read by the terminal device 120 of the store, a sales price of the product associated with the product code read by the terminal device 120 of the store, and the like. Accept.

  The usage condition acquisition unit 803 acquires from the point condition database 700 the usage conditions for points associated with the user identification information included in the payment request received by the reception unit 802. The use condition acquisition unit 803 extracts user identification information included in the payment request from the payment request received by the reception unit 802, and is associated with the user identification information extracted from the payment request in the point condition database 700. Get the usage conditions for the points stored in memory.

  The determination unit 804 determines whether or not to apply the points stored in the point condition database 700 to the payment processing according to the payment request received by the reception unit 802 based on the point usage conditions acquired by the usage condition acquisition unit 803. Judging. Specifically, for example, in the point condition database 700, the determination unit 804 sets a point usage condition of “use when 100 points are accumulated” and points associated with the identification information of the corresponding user. If the number is 150 points, it is determined that the points will be applied.

  Further, the determination unit 804 may determine that the points will be applied when the expiration date comes within a predetermined period from the time when the reception unit 802 receives the settlement request. The predetermined period dating from the expiration date can be arbitrarily set by the user, for example. In addition, for example, the operator of the point processing system 100 may arbitrarily set the predetermined period going back from the expiration date.

  Specifically, for example, the determination unit 804 determines the points acquired from the point condition database 700 based on the settlement request that the predetermined period is set to 30 days and the reception unit 802 receives on April 10, 2012. When the expiration date in the use conditions is “May 1, 2012”, it is determined that the points will be applied. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 804 is acquired from the point condition database 700 based on a settlement request that the predetermined period is set to 30 days and the reception unit 802 receives on March 30, 2012. When the expiration date in the usage conditions of the points is “May 1, 2012”, it is determined that the points will not be applied.

  In addition, the determination unit 804 may determine that the point is to be applied when the number of points stored in the point condition database 700 is equal to or greater than the lower limit point number that is a lower limit value for determining to apply the point. For example, the user can arbitrarily set the lower limit value for the determination of appropriating points. Moreover, the operator of the point processing system 100 etc. may set arbitrarily the lower limit concerning determination which allocates a point, for example.

  Specifically, for example, in the point condition database 700, the determination unit 804 sets the lower limit number of points to 100 points, and the number of points associated with the corresponding user identification information is 150 points. If it does, it will be determined that points will be appropriated.

  Further, the determination unit 804 may determine that the point is appropriated when the number of points stored in the point condition database 700 is equal to or greater than the number of unit points. Specifically, for example, in the point condition database 700, the determination unit 804 sets the number of unit points to 100 points, and the number of points associated with the corresponding user identification information is 150 points. If it is determined that 100 points will be appropriated. Specifically, for example, in the point condition database 700, the determination unit 804 sets the number of unit points to 100 points, and the number of points associated with the corresponding user identification information is 230 points. If it is, it is determined that 200 points will be appropriated.

  When the determination unit 804 determines that the points are to be applied based on the expiration date, the confirmation request output unit 805 requests confirmation of whether or not to perform a settlement process using the amount of the points applied to the usage amount as a price. Output confirmation request. Specifically, the confirmation request output unit 805 is acquired from the point condition database 700 based on the settlement request that the predetermined period is set to 30 days and the reception unit 802 receives on April 10, 2012, for example. The confirmation request is output when the expiration date in the use condition of the point is “May 1, 2012”.

  The confirmation request output from the confirmation request output unit 805 is, for example, an instruction to display a message such as “The point expiration date is approaching. Do you want to use points?” On the display 306 provided in the terminal device 120 of the store. Contains information. The confirmation request uses points such as “use points” or “store points without using points” on the display 306 (customer side display) of the terminal device 120 of the store. Instruction information for displaying an operation key for inputting a user's intention as to whether to approve or reject the settlement process may be included.

  In operation of the point processing system 100, a user or a store clerk operates an operation displayed on the display 306 provided in the terminal device 120 of the store for the user's intention to approve or disapprove the payment processing using the points. Input by operating keys. When the user's intention regarding whether to approve or unapprove the payment processing using points is input, the terminal device 120 of the store sends response information notifying the input content to the point processing device 110. Output. The response accepting unit 806 accepts response information that is output from the terminal device 120 of the store in response to the confirmation request output from the confirmation request output unit 805 and notifies the approval or non-approval of the settlement process.

  The price determining unit 807 determines the usage amount included in the settlement request accepted by the accepting unit 802 as the price when the judging unit 804 judges that it is not appropriated, and the usage condition acquisition unit when the judging unit 804 judges that it is appropriated Based on the usage conditions of points acquired in 803, the price when the points stored in the point condition database 700 are allocated to the usage price is determined as the price.

  The price determining unit 807 may determine the price based on the response information received by the response receiving unit 806. Specifically, for example, the predetermined period is set to 30 days, and the expiration of the use conditions of points acquired from the point condition database 700 based on the settlement request received by the receiving unit 802 on April 10, 2012 When the due date is “May 1, 2012”, as a result of the confirmation request output unit 805 outputting the confirmation request, the response reception unit 806 receives response information notifying the non-approval of the corresponding settlement process, Judge that points will not be applied.

  As a result, even if it is determined that points will be allocated based on the expiration date, if the user has the intention of “saving points until the expiration date,” the points will be included in the applicable settlement process. It can be avoided.

  Further, the price determining unit 807 may determine the price when a point that is an integral multiple of the number of unit points is used as the usage price. Specifically, for example, the price determining unit 807 sets the number of unit points to 100 in the point condition database 700, and the number of points associated with the identification information of the corresponding user is 150 points. If so, the price when 100 points are allocated to the usage amount is determined as the price.

  Specifically, for example, the price determining unit 807 sets the number of unit points to 100 in the point condition database 700 and sets the number of points associated with the identification information of the corresponding user to 230. If it is a point, the price when 200 points are allocated to the usage amount is determined as the price.

  The price determining unit 807 is not limited to determining the price when a point that is an integral multiple of the number of unit points is used as the usage price. Specifically, for example, the price determining unit 807 sets the lower limit point number to 100 points in the point condition database 700 and the point number of points associated with the identification information of the corresponding user is 150 points. In such a case, the price when 150 points are allocated to the usage fee may be determined as the price.

  The output unit 808 outputs the price determined by the price determining unit 807 to the terminal device 120 of the store. When the terminal device 120 at the store receives the price output from the point processing device 110, the terminal device 120 performs a payment process using the price as the payment amount. The settlement process may be a settlement process with payment of cash, or may be a settlement process with settlement means in place of cash such as a credit card or electronic money. Since the payment process performed by the terminal device 120 in the store is a known technique, the description thereof is omitted. After performing the payment process, the terminal device 120 of the store outputs a payment completion notification including the payment amount for the payment process to the point processing device 110.

  The completion notification reception unit 809 receives a payment completion notification including the payment amount for the payment processing performed by the terminal device 120 of the store based on the price output by the output unit 808. Based on the payment completion notification received by the completion notification reception unit 809, the point calculation unit 810 calculates points according to the payment amount included in the payment completion notification.

  The update unit 811 updates the point condition database 700 by adding the points calculated by the point calculation unit 810 to the points associated with the identification information received by the receiving unit 802 among the points stored in the point condition database 700. . In addition, the update unit 811 determines the point condition database when the payment amount included in the payment completion notification received by the completion notification reception unit 809 is the same as the price determined by the price determination unit 807 and output by the output unit 808. The point condition database 700 is updated by subtracting points corresponding to the number of points used for determining the price from the points stored in the 700.

  When the accepting unit 802 accepts a settlement request, the remaining point number determining unit 812 has a difference between a number that is an integral multiple of the number of unit points and the point after settlement processing in the terminal device 120 of the store is a predetermined value or less. Determine whether or not. For example, the operator of the point processing system 100 can arbitrarily set the predetermined value.

  A specific example of processing performed by the remaining point number determination unit 812 will be described. As a specific example, for example, an operating condition is set in which 0.1 points are issued per 10 yen price, and 1 point is converted into 1 yen and applied to the settlement amount. The number of points accumulated by the user is 198. A situation in which a point usage condition “use when 100 points or more” and a point usage condition “use in units of 100 points” are stored in the point condition database 700. Below, the case where the payment request | requirement of the payment amount of 120 yen is received is demonstrated as an example.

  In this case, the number of points that can be used for the settlement process is 100 points, and the remaining number of points after the settlement process is 198 points−100 points = 98 points. In this case, since 100 points are allocated to the settlement process, the price is 20 yen. Then, when the settlement processing is performed with the price of 20 yen, 0.2 points are issued to the corresponding user, and the number of points after the settlement processing of the user is 98.2 points. Become.

  The remaining point number determination unit 812 is based on 98.2 points, which is the number of points after the settlement processing is performed, and the use condition of the points “use in units of 100 points.” A difference from the two points is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In this case, the difference is 0.8 points.

  For example, when the predetermined value serving as a reference for determination is ± 1, in the above example, the difference is 0.8 points, so that the difference is determined to be equal to or smaller than the predetermined value. When each condition shown in the above example is set, if the difference is “1.1” or “−1.1”, the remaining point number determination unit 812 determines that the difference is not less than or equal to a predetermined value. To do.

  When the remaining point number determination unit 812 determines that the difference is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the notification unit 813 notifies at least one of the amount of money at which points greater than the difference are issued and the product or service of the amount. . Specifically, for example, in the situation indicated by the specific example in the description of the remaining point number determination unit 812, the notification unit 813 has a predetermined value of ± 1 as a determination reference and a difference of 0.8 points. In some cases, the terminal device 120 of the store has two points on the display 306 provided in the terminal device 120 of the store. In such a manner, instruction information for displaying a message recommending the purchase of a product for 100 yen is output to the user.

  When the terminal device 120 of the store includes a display for displaying information to the store clerk and a display for displaying information to the user, a message recommending the user to purchase a predetermined amount of product is: It may be displayed on a display for displaying information to the store clerk, may be displayed on a display for displaying information to the user, or may be displayed on any display.

  In addition, when the terminal device 120 of the store includes a display that displays information to the user, the notification unit 813 uses the display that displays information to the user as in the display screen 620. Instruction information for displaying information for guiding a person's point status may be output. Thereby, the user can quickly understand the situation, and can quickly determine whether or not to purchase a product of the corresponding amount. As a result, the waiting time of the next user following the user can be reduced.

  The update receiving unit 814 receives an update request output from the user terminal device 130. In the update request, as described above, by accessing a predetermined WEB site from the user's terminal device 130, the point usage conditions and the like are input according to the display content of the display screen displayed on the user's terminal device 130. Is output from the terminal device 130 of the user. The update receiving unit 814 may directly receive an update request from the user terminal device 130 or may receive an update request output from the user terminal device 130 via a predetermined WEB site. When the update receiving unit 814 receives an update request, the update unit 811 updates the point usage conditions in the point condition database 700 based on the update request.

(Processing procedure of store terminal device 120)
Below, the process sequence of the terminal device 120 of the store of embodiment concerning this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the terminal device 120 in the store according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, it is first determined whether or not an input of card information has been accepted (step S901). In step S901, it is determined whether or not an input of card information has been accepted by determining whether or not a credit card or membership card reading process has been performed.

  In step S901, the process waits until an input of card information is accepted (step S901: No). When an input of card information is accepted (step S901: Yes), it is determined whether an input of a product code is accepted (step S902). ). In step S902, for example, it is determined whether or not an input of a product code has been accepted by determining whether or not a barcode attached to the product has been read. In step S902, when the input of the product code is not received (step S902: No), the process waits until the input of the product code is received.

  In step S902, when an input of a product code is received (step S902: Yes), product information associated with the product code is acquired based on the received product code (step S903). In step S903, for example, from the product database that stores the sales price or product name of the product in association with each product code in advance in the store server device or the like, the product code received in step S902: Yes. Get associated product information.

  Then, a subtotal amount is calculated based on the product information acquired in step S903 (step S904), and it is determined whether or not the “deposit / cash total” key is operated each time the subtotal amount is calculated (step S905). . In step S905, if the “deposit / cash total” key has not been operated (step S905: No), the process returns to step S902 to determine whether or not an input of a product code has been accepted.

  On the other hand, when the “deposit / cash total” key is operated in step S905 (step S905: Yes), the payment key is operated in step S905: Yes after accepting the input of card information in step S901: Yes. A settlement request including the subtotal amount calculated based on the merchandise information acquired until then and the identification information of the user included in the card information received in step S901: Yes is generated (step S906). . Then, the settlement request generated in step S906 is transmitted to the point processing device 110 (step S907).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a confirmation request output from the point processing device 110 has been accepted in response to the settlement request transmitted in step S907 (step S908). In step S908, when the confirmation request has not been received (step S908: No), the process proceeds to step S913.

  On the other hand, when a confirmation request is received in step S908 (step S908: Yes), confirmation information is output to the display 306 provided in the terminal device 120 of the store (step S909). In step S909, for example, on the display 306 provided in the terminal device 120 of the store, a message such as “The expiration date of points is approaching. Do you want to use points?”, “Use points” or “ Confirmation information by displaying the instruction information that displays the operation key to input the user's intention about whether to approve or deny payment processing using points, such as "Accumulate without using points." Is output.

  In step S910, it is determined whether a confirmation operation for the confirmation information output in step S909 has been accepted (step S910). In step S910, for example, payment processing using points is performed such as “use points” or “store points without using points” displayed on the display 306 provided in the terminal device 120 of the store. It is determined whether or not a confirmation operation has been accepted by determining whether or not an operation key for inputting a user's intention to approve or not approve is operated.

  In step S910, the process waits until a confirmation operation for the confirmation information output in step S909 is accepted (step S910: No). When the confirmation operation is accepted (step S910: Yes), a response is made based on the contents of the accepted confirmation operation. Information is generated (step S911). And the response information produced | generated in step S911 is output with respect to the point processing apparatus 110 (step S912).

  In step S913, it is determined whether or not the price output from the point processing device 110 has been received (step S913). In step S913, when the price output from the point processing device 110 is not received (step S913: No), the process returns to step S908.

  On the other hand, when the price output from the point processing device 110 is received in step S913 (step S913: Yes), settlement processing is executed based on the received price (step S914). In step S914, it may be a settlement process with payment of cash, or a settlement process with settlement means in place of cash such as a credit card or electronic money.

  Next, a payment completion notification related to the payment processing executed in step S914 is generated (step S915), and the payment completion notification generated in step S915 is output to the point processing device 110 (step S916). End the process.

(Processing procedure of the point processing device 110)
Next, a processing procedure of the point processing device 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the point processing device 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, first, the process waits until a settlement request output from the terminal device 120 of the store is accepted (step S1001: No).

  In step S1001, when the payment request output from the terminal device 120 of the store is received (step S1001: Yes), the user identification information and the payment amount included in the payment request are extracted from the received payment request ( Step S1002). Then, based on the user identification information extracted in step S1002, the point condition database 700 is referenced to acquire the point usage conditions associated with the user identification information (step S1003).

  Next, based on the usage conditions of the points acquired in step S1003, it is determined whether or not the points are to be applied to the payment processing related to the payment request received in step S1001: Yes (step S1004). In step S1004, when points are not applied (step S1004: No), the process proceeds to step S1009.

  On the other hand, in the case where the points are applied in step S1004 (step S1004: Yes), the determination that the determination in step S1004: Yes is applied based on the use conditions of the points acquired in step S1003 approaches the expiration date. In other words, it is determined whether or not the expiration date of the point is approaching (step S1005).

  In step S1005, when the determination result that the point is applied is not the determination result due to the point expiration date approaching (step S1005: No), the process proceeds to step S1009. On the other hand, in step S1005, when the determination result that the point is appropriated is a determination result due to the point expiration date approaching (step S1005: Yes), a confirmation request is generated (step S1006). In step S <b> 1006, a confirmation request is generated that requests confirmation of whether or not to perform settlement processing using the amount of points allocated to the usage amount as a price.

  And the confirmation request produced | generated in step S1006 is output with respect to the terminal device 120 of the shop used as the transmission source of the payment request received in step S1001: Yes (step S1007). Then, it waits until the response information with respect to the said confirmation request is received from the terminal device 120 of the shop used as the transmission destination of the confirmation request output in step S1007 (step S1008: No).

  In step S1008, when response information for the confirmation request is received from the terminal device 120 of the store that is the transmission destination of the confirmation request output in step S1007 (step S1008: Yes), the response information and the determination result in step S1004 are displayed. Based on step S1001: Yes, the price of the settlement process related to the settlement request accepted in step S1001 is determined (step S1009). Thereafter, the price determined in step S1009 is output to the terminal device 120 of the store serving as the transmission source of the settlement request received in step S1001: Yes (step S1010).

  Next, it waits until it receives the payment completion notification output from the terminal device 120 of the store that executed the payment processing based on the price output in step S1010 (step S1011: No). In step S1011, when the payment completion notification output from the terminal device 120 of the store is received (step S1011: Yes), the points issued in the current payment processing based on the payment amount included in the received payment completion notification Is calculated (step S1012).

  After that, the point condition database 700 is updated by adding the points calculated in step S1012 to the points associated with the user identification information extracted in step S1002 (step S1013), and the series of processing ends.

  As described above, the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention acquires the point usage conditions associated with the user identification information included in the payment request received from the terminal device 120 of the store, Based on the acquired usage conditions of the points, it is determined whether or not the points stored in the point condition database 700 are applied to the payment processing according to the payment request.

  If the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention determines not to apply, it determines the usage amount included in the settlement request as the price, and if determined to apply, the usage conditions for the acquired points are set. Based on this, the amount when the points are applied to the usage amount is determined as the price, and the determined price is output to the terminal device 120 of the store.

  Further, the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is based on the price output to the terminal device 120 of the store, and completes the payment including the payment amount for the payment processing performed by the terminal device 120 of the store A point condition database is obtained by receiving a notification, calculating points according to the payment amount included in the payment completion notification based on the received payment completion notification, and adding the calculated points to the points stored in the point condition database 700 The feature is that 700 is updated.

  According to the point processing system 100 of the embodiment according to the present invention, the user can use the designated user without notifying whether to use or accumulate the points issued by the previous payment at the time of settlement. Points can be used according to conditions.

  As a result, according to the point processing system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of confirming whether or not to use a point each time a settlement is made between the user and the store clerk, and the user or the store clerk. It is possible to prevent the user from losing the opportunity to use the points due to carelessness.

  In particular, according to the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when making a payment in a store where payment is made in a face-to-face manner, it is bothersome to check whether a point is used each time a payment is made between the user and the store clerk. In addition, it is possible to prevent the user from losing the opportunity to use the points due to carelessness of the user or the store clerk.

  In addition, the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention receives a settlement request from the terminal device 120 of the store based on the information regarding the expiration date of the points stored in the point condition database 700 for each identification information. It is characterized in that when the expiration date comes within a predetermined period from the time, it is determined that the points will be applied to the settlement processing.

  According to the point processing system 100 of the embodiment according to the present invention, the user normally accumulates points without notifying whether to use or accumulate points at the time of settlement, and when the expiration date approaches Points can be used according to the usage conditions specified by the user.

  Thus, according to the point processing system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the trouble of confirming whether or not to use the points each time the settlement is made between the user and the store clerk, and forgetting the expiration date. This prevents the user from losing the opportunity to use points.

  Moreover, when it is judged that the point processing system 100 of embodiment concerning this invention allocates a point based on an expiration date, with respect to the terminal device 120 of a store, the amount which allocated the point to the usage amount is set as a price. It is characterized in that a confirmation request as to whether or not to perform settlement processing is output, response information for the output confirmation request is received from the terminal device 120 of the store, and a price is determined based on the received response information. .

  According to the point processing system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, whether or not points are used only when the expiration date of the points is approaching a user who is normally set to store points. By confirming the above, the user can recognize that the expiration date is approaching, and can accumulate points until just before the expiration date arrives.

  As a result, according to the point processing system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the user can use the points in a manner that matches the user's wishes as much as possible, and uses the points due to forgetting the expiration date. It is possible to prevent a person from losing the opportunity to use points.

  In addition, the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention determines that the point is appropriated when the number of points stored in the point condition database 700 is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit number of points. It is characterized by that.

  According to the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user, when paying, does not explain to the store clerk how to use the points, and for example, by applying the points, the user can substantially discount 100 yen or more. The points can be used in accordance with the usage conditions designated so that the points are applied when the user can feel the usefulness of applying the points.

  As a result, according to the point processing system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to bother the user and the store clerk to confirm whether or not to use the points each time payment is made, and the user's wishes It is possible to prevent the user from losing the opportunity to use the points due to carelessness of the user or the store clerk while giving priority to.

  Further, the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention determines that the point is appropriated when the number of points stored in the point condition database 700 is equal to or greater than the number of unit points, and is an integral multiple of the number of unit points. The feature is that the amount of money when the points are used for the usage amount is determined as the price.

  According to the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user, when paying, does not explain to the store clerk how to use the points, and for example, by applying the points, the user can substantially discount 100 yen or more. The points can be used in accordance with the usage conditions designated so that the points are applied when the user can feel the usefulness of applying the points.

  As a result, according to the point processing system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to bother the user and the store clerk to confirm whether or not to use the points each time payment is made, and the user's wishes It is possible to prevent the user from losing the opportunity to use the points due to carelessness of the user or the store clerk while giving priority to.

  In addition, when the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention receives a payment request, the difference between the number that is an integral multiple of the number of unit points and the point after the payment processing in the terminal device 120 of the store is predetermined. When the value is equal to or less than the value, at least one of the amount of money for which points greater than the difference are issued and the product or service of the amount is notified.

  According to the point processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user is discounted substantially in units of 100 yen by applying the points without explaining the method of using the points to the store clerk at the time of settlement. For example, when the user can feel the usefulness of applying points, the points can be used according to the usage conditions specified to apply the points.

  As a result, according to the point processing system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to bother the user and the store clerk to confirm whether or not to use the points each time payment is made, and the user's wishes It is possible to prevent the user from losing the opportunity to use the points due to carelessness of the user or the store clerk while giving priority to.

  The embodiment described above can be applied as shown in the following application examples. In the first application example, an example in which the point processing system according to the present invention is applied to an electronic toll collection system called ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) will be described.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a point processing system of a first application example according to the present invention. The system configuration of ETC will be briefly described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, an ETC that realizes the point processing system of the first application example according to the present invention includes an ETC vehicle-mounted device (not shown) mounted on a vehicle 1101, and a communication device that can communicate with the ETC vehicle-mounted device. And an ETC facility such as a roadside device 1102 equipped with a display for guiding tolls.

  The roadside device 1102 is provided at an entrance (entrance gate) or exit (exit gate) to a toll road such as an expressway and a toll gate in the expressway, and has a communication function for communicating with an ETC on-board device. ing. The roadside device 1102 installed at the entrance (entrance gate) to the highway transmits entrance information to the ETC on-board unit mounted on the vehicle 1101 passing through the entrance (entrance gate). The entrance information includes, for example, information that can identify the interchange where the roadside device 1102 that is the transmission source of the entrance information is installed.

  The roadside device 1102 installed at the exit (exit gate) from the expressway is connected to an entrance (from the ETC in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle 1101 that passes through the exit (exit gate) to the entrance ( When the vehicle passes the entrance gate), the entrance information received by the ETC on-board device is received (acquired). Further, the roadside device 1102 installed at the exit (exit gate) from the expressway determines the travel distance that the vehicle 1101 equipped with the ETC on-board device travels on a toll road such as an expressway based on the received entrance information. Accumulate and calculate the toll according to the accumulated travel distance.

  The roadside device 1102 installed at the exit (exit gate) from the expressway further includes a notification unit that notifies the calculated toll, and notifies the calculated toll by text or voice. Further, the roadside device 1102 installed at the exit (exit gate) from the expressway transmits information on the calculated toll to the ETC on-board unit mounted on the vehicle 1101 passing through the exit (exit gate). The ETC on-vehicle device that has received the information related to the calculated toll charges notifies the toll fee by text or voice based on the received information. In ETC, as described above, it is detected that a vehicle 1101 equipped with an ETC on-board device has entered a toll road such as an expressway, or that the vehicle 1101 has exited from a toll road such as an expressway. The travel distance and toll of the vehicle 1101 can be calculated.

  In ETC, communication is performed between an ETC vehicle-mounted device mounted on a vehicle 1101 and a roadside device 1102 installed at an exit (exit gate) from an expressway, thereby mounting the vehicle 1101 mounted with the ETC vehicle-mounted device. The toll will be settled according to the travel distance. Tolls for tolls are installed (inserted) on ETC on-board equipment mounted on vehicles passing through entrances (exit gates) and exits (exit gates) on toll roads such as expressways and tollgates on expressways. The credit card company, which is the issuer of the ETC card to be issued, takes over the payment of the user to the ETC operator. The toll charged by the credit card company will be charged to the user by the credit card company at a later date.

  Conventionally, when the toll generated by traveling on an expressway as described above is postpaid using an ETC card having a credit card function, a service that is issued a number of points according to the postpaid amount, so-called “ETC Mileage Service” exists. In this “ETC mileage service”, the issued points can be applied to the toll for the next and subsequent passes through a predetermined procedure, and returned to free traffic.

  The point processing system of the first application example according to the present invention makes it possible to use points issued by the “ETC mileage service” other than the next toll fee. When using the point processing system of the first application example according to the present invention, prior to use, the user is issued by the “ETC mileage service” by the user himself / herself as in the above embodiment. Set the usage conditions of the points to be used in advance. The set point usage conditions can be stored in a storage medium such as an IC chip provided in the ETC card, for example.

  In the point processing system of the first application example according to the present invention, communication is performed with the roadside device 1102 installed at the exit (exit gate) when passing through the exit (exit gate) from the expressway. Every time it is performed, the points issued (assumed to be issued) by the “ETC mileage service” are accumulated and stored. The points can be stored in a storage medium such as an IC chip included in the ETC card, for example.

  In the point processing system of the first application example according to the present invention, the user does not actually complete the payment to the storage medium such as the IC chip provided in the ETC card, but the payment according to the later charge is made. Points that are expected to be issued when completed are stored. Each time the ETC on-board unit stores points in a storage medium such as an IC chip provided in the ETC card, the total number of points stored in the storage medium is calculated, and the calculated total points and usage conditions for the preset points are used. To the roadside device 1102 installed at the exit (exit gate).

  In the point processing system of the first application example according to the present invention, a roadside device 1102 installed at an exit (exit gate) or a toll gate is provided to be able to communicate with an ETC server device (not shown). When a regular or predetermined trigger occurs, information relating to the privilege provided by the point processing system of the first application example according to the present invention is acquired from the server device. Then, when the roadside device 1102 installed at the exit (exit gate) receives the total points transmitted from the ETC on-board unit and the usage conditions for the points, the server is based on the received points and the usage conditions for the points. It is determined whether or not the privilege acquired from the device has a privilege that matches the usage conditions of the points set in advance by the user.

  The roadside device 1102 installed at the exit (exit gate) or the toll booth includes information on the privilege when there is a privilege that matches the usage conditions of the points set in advance by the user in the privilege acquired from the server device. Are transmitted to the ETC on-vehicle device that is the transmission source of the points and the usage conditions of the points. When the ETC in-vehicle device receives information on a privilege that matches the use conditions of the points set in advance by the user from the roadside device 1102 installed at the exit (exit gate), the corresponding privilege can be received based on the information. Inform you.

  Regarding the operation of the point processing system of the first application example according to the present invention, for example, a vehicle 1101 traveling in an upward direction on the Chuo Expressway passes through the Hachioji main toll gate and passes through the Ishikawa parking area (in FIG. 11). The case of moving to the east of the National Fuchu Interchange (see arrow A in FIG. 11) will be described as an example. According to the point processing system of the first application example of the present invention, for example, when the vehicle 1101 (1101a) passes through the Hachioji main toll gate from the west to the east, payment is performed at the Hachioji main toll gate. As a result, the number of points corresponding to the toll for the settlement is issued. The issued points are transmitted to the ETC on-board unit mounted on the vehicle 1101 (1101a) via the roadside device 1102 installed at the Hachioji Main Line Tollgate.

  Here, for example, it is assumed that the benefit of “free coffee for all passengers in the Ishikawa parking area” can be received with the number of points issued according to the toll for the settlement at the Hachioji Main Tollgate. In this case, after completing the checkout at the Hachioji Main Tollgate, you can output the message "All passengers have free coffee in the Ishikawa parking area" before reaching the branch that enters the Ishikawa parking area. . The message can be output, for example, by sound emitted from a speaker included in the ETC on-board unit installed in the vehicle 1101 (1101b) that has passed through the Hachioji main toll gate.

  Also, in this case, when the payment is completed at the Hachioji Main Tollgate, and the toll is notified at the tollgate, the number of points issued or the cumulative number of points added together with the toll notification, In addition, a message such as the above-mentioned message “Available for all passengers in the Ishikawa parking area is free of charge” may be notified. As a result, the relevance between the fact that the payment has been made and the privilege can be received can be easily understood.

  In addition, the point processing system of the first application example according to the present invention is not limited to a privilege in a facility on a highway such as a parking area or a service area, but a privilege that can be received after going down from a highway to a general road. It may be provided. For example, after completing payment at the Hachioji Main Line Tollgate and before joining the general road at Chofu Interchange, the message “You can get a free service of 5 liters of gasoline at the gas station right after going down Chofu Interchange”. Can be output. In this case as well, the message can be output by, for example, sound emitted from a speaker included in the ETC on-vehicle device.

  Alternatively, in this case, for example, an ETC vehicle-mounted device and a car navigation system are called, and an electronic device mounted on the vehicle is connected, and text information indicating the message is displayed on the display screen of the electric device. A message may be output as necessary. Alternatively, for example, a message can be output by connecting an ETC on-vehicle device and an electronic device called a car navigation system and outputting sound through a speaker of the electric device.

  As described above, according to the point processing system of the first application example of the present invention, when using the ETC, the user notifies whether the points issued by the previous use of the ETC are used or stored. Instead, points can be used according to the usage conditions specified by the user. In particular, the ETC is intended to realize toll collection by an unattended system. Therefore, by applying the point processing system according to the present invention to this ETC, a toll booth or a It is possible to prevent the user from losing the opportunity to use the points due to carelessness of the user or the staff, while eliminating the trouble of confirming whether or not to use the points each time the service area is passed.

  Next, as a second application example, an example will be described in which the present invention is applied to a shopping system that performs shopping using a shopping cart in a retail store such as a supermarket. In this case, each time a product is placed in a shopping cart at a retail store such as a supermarket, the total amount of the product placed in the shopping cart is calculated, and the points are calculated when the calculated amount of the product is settled. Can be issued. And the privilege at the time of utilizing the point for the settlement of the product is output at an arbitrary time before the settlement.

  In this case, for example, when a portable display is attached to a shopping cart in advance and the shopping cart approaches an area where payment is performed, the benefit is output on the display attached to the shopping cart. A privilege can be output by displaying text information indicating a privilege when using points.

  Next, as a third application example, an example when applied to an order management system in a restaurant such as a pub will be described. In the third application example, if you eat and drink up to 4500 yen, for example, "If the order amount exceeds 5000 yen, you will get 500 yen discount when using the points." A message for guiding that a discount privilege can be received by using, a message for guiding conditions for receiving the discount privilege, and the like are output.

  Alternatively, in the third application example, for example, when the settlement amount is a predetermined amount such as 8,000 yen at the present time, “If the transaction exceeds 10,000 yen, a discount of 1000 yen will be made using points. A message that informs the user that a discount privilege for a fee can be received by using points for settlement, a message that guides the conditions for receiving the discount privilege, and the like can be output.

  In any of the first to third application examples, when a situation occurs that is close to the condition set by the user in advance, or the condition set in advance by the user is already satisfied. The user is informed of the benefits by various messages without making any inquiry to the user.

  In this way, the first to third application examples all notify the user of the privilege without confirming the user's intention in advance, such as “Do you want to do?” It is a feature. This eliminates the hassle of confirming whether or not to use points each time a payment is made between the user and the store clerk, and that the user misses the opportunity to use points due to the carelessness of the user or store clerk. Can be prevented.

  As described above, the point processing system, the point processing method, and the point processing program according to the present invention are useful for a point processing system, a point processing method, and a point processing program applicable to a point service that issues points that can be used for payment. In particular, the present invention is suitable for a point processing system, a point processing method, and a point processing program that support the points so that they can be used easily and in accordance with demands.

100 point processing system 110 point processing device 120 terminal device 130 store terminal device 801 storage unit 802 reception unit 803 usage condition acquisition unit 804 determination unit 805 confirmation request output unit 806 response reception unit 807 price determination unit 808 output unit 809 Completion notification reception unit 810 Point calculation unit 811 Update unit 812 Remaining point number determination unit 813 Notification unit 814 Update reception unit

Claims (8)

Accepting means for accepting a payment request including the usage amount of the product or service and the identification information of the user from the terminal device of the store;
Settlement accepted by the accepting means from a point condition database that stores the points issued according to the price of goods or services provided to the user for each user identification information and the use conditions of the points in association with each other Usage condition acquisition means for acquiring the usage conditions of the points associated with the user identification information included in the request;
Judgment means for judging whether or not the point stored in the point condition database is applied to the settlement processing corresponding to the settlement request accepted by the accepting means, based on the use condition of the points obtained by the use condition obtaining means. When,
When it is determined that the determination means is not appropriate, the usage amount included in the settlement request received by the reception means is determined as a price, and when the determination means is determined to be appropriate, the usage condition acquisition means Price determination means for determining the price when the points stored in the point condition database are allocated to the usage price based on the usage conditions as the price;
Output means for outputting the price determined by the price determination means to the terminal device of the store;
A completion notification receiving means for receiving a payment completion notification including a payment amount for the payment processing performed by the terminal device of the store based on the price output by the output means;
Point calculation means for calculating points according to the payment amount included in the payment completion notification based on the payment completion notification received by the completion notification reception means;
Updating means for updating the point condition database by adding the points calculated by the point calculating means to the points associated with the identification information received by the receiving means among the points stored in the point condition database;
A point processing system comprising: The point condition database stores information on the expiration date of points stored in the point condition database for each identification information,
The point processing according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines to apply the point when the expiration date comes within a predetermined period from the time when the reception unit receives the settlement request. system. Whether or not to perform a settlement process in which the amount of the point used for the usage amount is paid to the terminal device of the store when the determination unit determines that the point is applied based on the expiration date Confirmation request output means for outputting the confirmation request,
Response accepting means for accepting response information for notifying approval or non-approval of the settlement processing in response to the confirmation request output from the confirmation request output means from the terminal device of the store;
With
The point processing system according to claim 2, wherein the price determining unit determines the price based on response information received by the response receiving unit. The point condition database stores, as the use condition, a lower limit point number that defines a lower limit value for determining to apply the point,
3. The point processing system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines to apply the point when the number of points stored in the point condition database is equal to or greater than the lower limit point number. . The point condition database stores, as the use condition, the number of unit points that define a unit for using the point,
When the number of points stored in the point condition database is equal to or greater than the number of unit points, the determination unit determines to apply the points,
3. The point processing system according to claim 1, wherein the price determination unit determines an amount when a point that is an integral multiple of the number of unit points is applied to the usage amount as a price. When the accepting unit accepts a settlement request, the remaining to determine whether the difference between the number that is an integral multiple of the number of unit points and the point after settlement processing in the terminal device of the store is equal to or less than a predetermined value Point number judging means,
When the remaining point number determination means determines that the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value, an informing means for informing at least one of the amount of money for which the point equal to or more than the difference is issued, and the product or service of the amount of money,
The point processing system according to claim 5, further comprising: An accepting step of accepting a payment request including the usage amount of the product or service and the identification information of the user from the terminal device of the store;
Settlement accepted by the accepting step from the point condition database that stores the points issued according to the price of goods or services provided to the user for each user identification information and the use conditions of the points in association with each other A use condition acquisition step of acquiring a use condition of a point associated with the identification information of the user included in the request;
Judgment step of determining whether or not to apply the points stored in the point condition database to the payment processing according to the payment request received in the reception step based on the usage conditions of the points acquired in the usage condition acquisition step When,
If it is determined not to be appropriated by the determination step, the use amount included in the settlement request received by the reception step is determined as a price, and if it is determined to be appropriated by the determination step, the points acquired by the use condition acquisition step are determined. A price determination step of determining the price when the points stored in the point condition database are allocated to the usage price based on the usage conditions as the price;
An output step of outputting the price determined by the price determination step to the terminal device of the store;
A completion notification receiving step for receiving a payment completion notification including a payment amount for the payment processing performed by the terminal device of the store based on the price output by the output step;
A point calculation step of calculating points according to the payment amount included in the payment completion notification based on the payment completion notification received by the completion notification reception step;
An update step of updating the point condition database by adding the point calculated by the point calculation step to a point associated with the identification information received by the reception step among the points stored in the point condition database;
The point processing method characterized by including. On the computer,
An accepting step of accepting a payment request including the usage amount of the product or service and the identification information of the user from the terminal device of the store;
Settlement accepted by the accepting step from the point condition database that stores the points issued according to the price of goods or services provided to the user for each user identification information and the use conditions of the points in association with each other A use condition acquisition step of acquiring a use condition of a point associated with the identification information of the user included in the request;
Judgment step of determining whether or not to apply the points stored in the point condition database to the payment processing according to the payment request received in the reception step based on the usage conditions of the points acquired in the usage condition acquisition step When,
If it is determined not to be appropriated by the determination step, the use amount included in the settlement request received by the reception step is determined as a price, and if it is determined to be appropriated by the determination step, the points acquired by the use condition acquisition step are determined. A price determination step of determining the price when the points stored in the point condition database are allocated to the usage price based on the usage conditions as the price;
An output step of outputting the price determined by the price determination step to the terminal device of the store;
A completion notification receiving step for receiving a payment completion notification including a payment amount for the payment processing performed by the terminal device of the store based on the price output by the output step;
A point calculation step of calculating points according to the payment amount included in the payment completion notification based on the payment completion notification received by the completion notification reception step;
An update step of updating the point condition database by adding the point calculated by the point calculation step to a point associated with the identification information received by the reception step among the points stored in the point condition database;
A point processing program characterized in that

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