JP2014153904A - Credit card system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a credit card system which allows a user to pay a commodity price by using points to be obtained by a subsequent usage of a credit card.SOLUTION: A credit card system comprises: a claims DB 10B which stores claims information on commodities purchased by using a credit card; and claim object exclusion means which excludes a purchase price of a selected commodity by updating the claims DB 10B, under the condition that it is determined that the number of points calculated as points to be obtained by a subsequent use of the credit card reaches the number of points required in exchange for the selected commodity indicated by selected commodity information acquired by selected commodity acquisition means, when the credit card user selects the commodity whose price the user wants to pay with points to be obtained by the subsequent use of the credit card from among commodities whose prices are not paid yet by the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to a credit card system for processing points obtained by using a credit card.

  Point services that allow users to earn points according to the amount of money they use when credit cards are used have become widespread. In this point service, the number of exchange points is determined in advance for various products, and when the user reaches the number of exchange points related to the desired product, The merchandise can be acquired by notifying the credit card company that the exchange is desired.

  Conventionally, various techniques for efficiently exchanging points and products in such a point service have been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, product exchange information in which information related to a product that is desired to be exchanged is received from a user terminal as an exchange request before the accumulation point and the product are exchanged. According to the above, if the accumulated point of the user has reached the exchangeable point necessary for the exchange of the product registered in the product exchange information at a predetermined interval, and it is determined that the user has reached the exchangeable point In addition, there is disclosed a merchandise management apparatus that exchanges merchandise and exchangeable points and stores points obtained by subtracting exchangeable points from accumulation points as new accumulation points of users. In the case of this merchandise management device, the credit card user does not need to perform complicated work such as registering that in the credit card company system every time he wants to exchange points and merchandise, It becomes possible to exchange points and products smoothly.

JP 2008-210286A

  However, in the case of the above-described conventional point service and the above-described conventional product management device used in the point service, the products that can be exchanged for points are limited to those predetermined by the credit card company. There is a problem that the desired product does not necessarily exist. In addition, even if there is a desired product, there is a problem that the user cannot acquire the product until his / her points reach the number of points determined for the product.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, The main objective is to provide the credit card system which can solve the subject mentioned above.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a credit card system according to one aspect of the present invention is a credit card system that stores billing information related to a charge for a product purchased by using a credit card. When a product that is desired to be paid for by points earned by subsequent use of the credit card is selected from among the purchased products that have not yet been paid for, By selecting selected product acquisition means for acquiring selected product information indicating the selected product that is the selected product, calculating means for calculating points acquired by subsequent use of the credit card, and updating the billing information , The amount corresponding to the point calculated by the calculation means Characterized in that it comprises the amount billed reduction means to be deducted from the purchase price of selected products.

  In the above aspect, when the amount calculated by the billing amount reduction means reaches a point necessary for exchanging with the selected product indicated by the selected product information acquired by the selected product acquisition means, The purchase price of the selected product may be excluded from the billing target by updating the billing information.

  Further, in the above aspect, when a period is specified for subsequent use of the credit card by the user, the apparatus further includes a specified period receiving unit that receives specified period information indicating the specified period from the terminal device. The calculation unit may be configured to calculate points acquired within a period indicated by the specified period information received by the specified period reception unit.

  Further, in the above aspect, the calculating unit is configured to calculate points acquired within the period according to the length of the period indicated by the specified period information received by the specified period receiving unit. May be.

  Moreover, the said aspect WHEREIN: The said calculation means may be comprised so that the point acquired by the said use may be calculated according to the shop which concerns on the subsequent use of the said credit card.

  Further, in the above aspect, the calculation unit may be configured to calculate points acquired by the use according to an area to which a store related to the subsequent use of the credit card belongs.

  Further, in the above aspect, the calculation means may be configured to calculate points acquired by the use according to the business type to which the store related to the subsequent use of the credit card belongs.

  Further, in the above aspect, the calculating means is configured to calculate points acquired by the use according to a relationship between a store related to subsequent use of the credit card and a store where the selected product is sold. It may be.

  Further, in the above aspect, it further comprises other card point calculating means for calculating points obtained by subsequent use of another credit card different from the credit card, and the bill amount reducing means updates the billing information. Thus, an amount corresponding to the sum of the points calculated by the calculating means and the points calculated by the other card point calculating means may be reduced from the purchase price of the selected product.

  Further, in the above aspect, the billing amount reducing means updates the billing information to obtain an amount corresponding to the sum of the points calculated by the calculating means and the points already acquired for the credit card. You may be comprised so that it may reduce from the purchase price of selection goods.

  In the above aspect, if the points calculated by the calculating means have not reached the points necessary for exchanging with the selected product indicated by the selected product information acquired by the selected product acquiring means, the shortage of points Deficiency point information generating means for generating deficiency point information indicating, and transmission means for transmitting deficiency point information generated by the deficiency point information generation means to a terminal device used by a user of the credit card. You may make it provide further.

  Furthermore, in the above aspect, the shortage point information generating means may be configured to generate shortage point information including information relating to use of a credit card necessary for acquiring the shortage points.

  According to the credit card system of the present invention, it becomes possible to make a payment using points obtained by future use of the credit card, so that the convenience of the credit card can be improved.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the credit card system which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its communication destination. The figure which shows an example of the layout of the claim database provided in the credit card system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the layout of the registration card database provided in the credit card system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the layout of the goods database provided in the credit card system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the layout of the posterior point database provided in the credit card system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the layout of the utilization condition database provided in the credit card system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the posterior point registration process performed by the credit card system and member terminal which concern on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the display of a member terminal. The figure which shows an example of the period setting screen displayed on the display of a member terminal. The figure which shows an example of the registration completion screen displayed on the display of a member terminal. The figure which shows an example of the additional registration screen displayed on the display of a member terminal. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the posterior point update process performed by the credit card system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the posterior point inquiry process performed by the credit card system and member terminal which concern on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the inquiry screen displayed on the display of a member terminal. The figure which shows an example of the separate utilization condition screen displayed on the display of a member terminal. The figure which shows an example of the simulation result screen displayed on the display of a member terminal. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the posterior point notification process performed by the credit card system and member terminal which concern on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the service utilization result screen displayed on the display of a member terminal. The figure which shows the other example of the service utilization result screen displayed on the display of a member terminal. The figure which shows an example of the registration cancellation | release screen displayed on the display of a member terminal.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, each embodiment shown below illustrates the method and apparatus for actualizing the technical idea of this invention, Comprising: The technical idea of this invention is not necessarily limited to the following. Absent. The technical idea of the present invention can be variously modified within the technical scope described in the claims.

  In the credit card system according to the embodiment of the present invention, for products that have not yet been paid for among the products purchased by using the credit card, the price obtained by using the credit card thereafter is used as the price. Realize payment service. Hereinafter, such a service is expressed as a “post-event point service”.

[Configuration of credit card system]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a credit card system and its communication destination according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the credit card system (hereinafter referred to as “card system”) 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of member terminals 2 used on each credit card member (hereinafter referred to as “card member”) side. Are connected to a plurality of member store terminals 3, 3,... Installed in each member store of the credit card. In addition, the card system 1 is communicably connected to a computer system (not shown) of a bank having a designated account used for debiting the credit card usage amount.

  The card system 1 includes a CPU that executes various computer programs, a storage device such as a RAM / ROM and a hard disk, and a computer including devices such as a communication interface used when communicating with each communication destination. Yes. The hard disk includes a card member database (DB) 10A, a billing database (DB) 10B, a registration card database (DB) 10C, a product database (DB) 10D, a post-point database (DB) 10E, and a usage status database (DB). 10F is provided. Details of these databases will be described later. Note that the card system 1 may be realized by a single computer that executes various processes including a specific process described later, or a distributed system that executes these various processes in a distributed manner by a plurality of computers. It may be realized by a system.

  The member terminals 2, 2,... Are constituted by devices having communication functions such as personal computers, mobile phones, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). The card system 1 communicates with these member terminals 2, 2,... Via a communication network 100A such as the Internet.

  The member store terminals 3, 3,... Are provided at each member store as described above, and are used when each card member uses a credit card at the member store. The card system 1 communicates with these member store terminals 3, 3,... Via the dedicated line 100B.

Hereinafter, details of each database provided in the hard disk of the card system 1 will be described.
(A) Card member DB10A
The card member DB 10A is a database that stores card member information including attribute information such as the name and address of each card member and various information such as the card number and expiration date of a credit card owned by the card member. The card system 1 uses information stored in the card member DB 10A when executing various processes such as credit inquiry.

(B) Claim DB 10B
The billing DB 10B is a database that stores billing information related to billing for charges generated by the use of a credit card by each card member. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the billing DB 10B. As shown in FIG. 2, the billing DB 10B includes a card number field 101 for storing a card number of a used credit card, a use date / time field 102 for storing a date and time when a credit card is used, and a credit card usage amount. A usage amount field 103 to be stored, a member store field 104 in which the name of a member store for identifying a store in which a credit card is used, and a product name field 105 in which a product name of a purchased product is stored are included. ing. When sales occur due to the use of a credit card, the card system 1 generates billing information based on the sales and registers it in the billing DB 10B.

(C) Registration card DB10C
The registration card DB 10 </ b> C is a database that stores registration card information related to a credit card for which use registration of the subsequent point service has been performed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the registration card DB 10C. As shown in FIG. 3, the registration card DB 10C has a registration number field 201 for storing a registration number for identifying use registration for the post-point service, and a card number for storing the card number of the credit card related to the use registration. A field 202, a member name field 203 in which the name of the card member who owns the credit card is stored, an acquisition point field 204 in which the number of points acquired for the credit card is stored, and a date of use registration are stored. A registration date field 205. The card system 1 generates the above registration card information for the credit card related to the use registration every time use registration of the subsequent point service is performed, and registers it in the registration card DB 10C.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, it is possible to make a payment by summing up the points acquired for not only one credit card but also a plurality of credit cards. In the following, when the posterior point service is used with a plurality of credit cards as described above, one specific credit card is expressed as a representative card, and the other credit cards are expressed as additional cards. The registration card information is generated for each of the representative card and the additional card and registered in the registration card DB 10C.

(D) Product DB 10D
The product DB 10D is a database that stores product information related to products that have been subjected to the post-point service. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the product DB 10D. As shown in FIG. 4, the product DB 10D has a product code field 301 in which a product code for identifying a product is stored, and a product name field 302 in which the product name of the product is stored. The card system 1 generates the above-described product information for the product related to the use registration, that is, the product to be paid for by the points acquired in the future, every time the use of the post-point service is registered. Register in the product DB 10D.

(E) Post facto point DB10E
The posterior point DB 10E is a database that stores posterior point information for managing the service usage status of the posterior point service. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the posterior point DB 10E. As shown in FIG. 5, the posterior point DB 10E includes a registration number field 401 in which the registration number of each use registration of the posterior point service is stored, a card number field 402 in which the card number of the credit card related to the registration is stored, Product code field 403 in which the product code of the product related to registration is stored, necessary point field 404 in which the number of points necessary for payment for the product is stored, and total point field in which the total number of points acquired is stored 405, if there is an additional card, an additional card field 406 in which the card number of the additional card is stored, a period field 407 in which the application period of the subsequent point service is stored, and point allocation for the price of the goods related to the registration Allocation status information indicating the status is stored It has an equivalent field 408. In the present embodiment, if the allocation status information in the allocation field 408 is “1”, it means that the service is being applied and it has not been determined whether or not points will be allocated. In the case of “3”, the points required for the payment could not be allocated because the points required for payment could not be acquired during the service application period. It is shown that the points are allotted because they could be earned. The card system 1 generates the above-mentioned post-point information related to the use registration every time use registration of the post-point service is performed, and registers this in the post-point DB 10E. As will be described later, this posterior point information is updated as appropriate.

(F) Usage situation DB10F
The usage status DB 10F is a database that stores usage status information related to the usage status of credit cards that have been registered for use in the post service point service. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the usage status DB 10F. As shown in FIG. 6, the usage status DB 10F includes a card number field 501 for storing the card number of the used credit card, a member name field 502 for storing the name of the card member who is the user of the credit card, A member store field 503 in which the name of the member store used is stored, an industry field 504 in which the industry to which the member store belongs is stored, a product name field 505 in which the product name of the product purchased by the use is stored, An amount field 506 for storing the amount of money, a point field 507 for storing the number of points acquired by using the amount, and a use date / time field 508 for storing the date and time of use are provided. Each time a credit card that has been registered for use in the post-service point service is used, the card system 1 generates usage status information indicating the contents of the usage and registers it in the usage status DB 10F.

[Operation of credit card system]
Next, the operation of the card system 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to a flowchart and the like. The main processing executed by the card system 1 according to the present embodiment includes (1) a post-point registration process for performing usage registration for the post-point service, and (2) updating the usage status of the post-point service. Subsequent point update processing, (3) Subsequent point inquiry processing for inquiring the usage status of the post-point service, and (4) Service usage results to the registrant when the post-point service application period has passed. There is a post point notification process for notification. Details of each of these processes will be described below.

(1) Post point registration process The post point registration process is executed by the card system 1 and the member terminal 2. The card member instructs the member terminal 2 to access the card system 1 when there is a product that is desired to be the target of the subsequent point service in the invoice received from the credit card company. The member terminal 2 accesses the card system 1 according to the card member's instruction, and requests a registration screen for the post point service. At the time of this access, the card system 1 is stored in the card member DB 10A with the card number of a credit card (hereinafter referred to as “registered card”) input by the card member, a preset password, and the like. The card member authentication process is executed using the existing card member information. As a result, the following processing is executed only when authentication is successful.

  Upon receiving the request, the card system 1 searches the billing DB 10B using the card number as a key, and generates various types of information displayed on the registration screen using the billing information of the registration target card obtained as a result. Then, the card system 1 transmits the generated information to the member terminal 2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the posterior point registration process executed by the card system 1 and the member terminal 2.
When the member terminal 2 receives various types of information displayed on the registration screen transmitted from the card system 1 as described above, the member terminal 2 displays a registration screen composed of the various types of information on the display (S101). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the registration screen. As shown in FIG. 8, the registration screen 1001 shows the billing information of the registration target card, that is, the use date, the use member store, the use product and the use amount for the use for which the payment has not yet been made. In addition, the registration screen 1001 is provided with a plurality of check boxes for selecting a product that is the target of the post-point service, and a button 1002 for moving to the next screen.

  The card member uses the input unit provided in the member terminal 2 to check the check box associated with the product desired to be the target of the post-point service, thereby selecting the target product of the post-point service. The product selection information shown is input, and then a button 1002 is clicked. When the member terminal 2 accepts the input of the product selection information performed by the card member in this way (S102), the member terminal 2 transmits the product selection information to the card system 1 (S103).

  When the card system 1 receives the product selection information transmitted from the member terminal 2 (S201), the card system 1 transmits period setting information for setting the application period of the posterior point service to the member terminal 2 (S202). This period setting information includes the registration number in the subsequent point service, the card number of the registration target card, the product name of the target product, and the number of points required for paying the price of the target product in points. Yes. When the member terminal 2 receives the period setting information (S104), the member terminal 2 displays a period setting screen including the received period setting information on the display (S105).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the period setting screen described above. As shown in FIG. 9, the period setting screen 1101 displays a registration number, a card number, a product name, and a required number of points included in the period setting information. The period setting screen 1101 includes a plurality of periods (“3 months”, “2 months”, and “1 month” in the example shown in FIG. 9) that are candidates for the application period of the posterior point service, and their periods. A point return rate when “” is set and a check box for selecting one of these periods are displayed. Here, the point return rate is determined to be higher as the application period is shorter. Further, the period setting screen 1101 is provided with a button 1102 for instructing the completion of registration.

  The card member inputs period selection information indicating the selected application period by checking a check box associated with the desired application period using the input unit of the member terminal 2, and then presses the button 1102. Click. When the member terminal 2 receives the input of the period selection information performed by the card member in this way (S106), the member terminal 2 transmits the period selection information to the card system 1 (S107).

  When the card system 1 receives the period selection information transmitted from the member terminal 2 (S203), the card system 1 generates posterior point information by using various information included in the period setting information and the period selection information, and uses the posterior point DB 10E. (S204). Here, in the appropriation field 408, “1” indicating that it is not determined whether or not the point appropriation is determined is stored. If there is a point already acquired for the registration target card, the point is stored in the acquired total points field 405. This makes it possible to effectively use the acquired points. Next, the card system 1 generates registration card information related to the registration target card and registers it in the registration card DB 10C (S205). Thereafter, the card system 1 transmits registration completion information indicating that registration of the subsequent point service has been completed to the member terminal 2 (S206).

  When the member terminal 2 receives the registration completion information transmitted from the card system 1 (S108), the member terminal 2 displays a registration completion screen indicating that the registration is completed on the display (S109). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the registration completion screen. As shown in FIG. 10, the registration completion screen 1201 displays a registration number, a card number, a product name, the number of necessary points, and a target period as registration contents. The registration completion screen 1201 also includes an input field 1202 for inputting the name and e-mail address of the card member related to the additional card, an add button 1203 for instructing a request for additional registration, and a request for additional registration. A non-add button 1204 for ending the registration process without giving an instruction is provided.

  When a card member wishes to request registration of an additional card, the name and e-mail address of the card member who is the owner of the additional card are entered in the input field 1202 using the input unit of the member terminal 2 and added. A button 1203 is clicked. On the other hand, if registration of an additional card is not desired, the card member clicks the non-add button 1204 without performing input in the input field 1202. The member terminal 2 determines the presence or absence of additional card registration based on the input by such a card member (S110). If it is determined that no additional card is registered (NO in S110), the member terminal 2 ends the process. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an additional card registered (YES in S110), the member terminal 2 transmits additional request information including the name and e-mail address input in the input field 1202 to the card system 1. (S111).

  When the card system 1 receives the additional request information transmitted from the member terminal 2 (S207), the card system 1 sends additional registration request notification information indicating that a request for additional registration of the subsequent point service has been received. (S208), and the process is terminated.

  Note that the above e-mail contains a URL for accessing an additional registration site for completing additional registration. When the card member requested to register additionally receives the above e-mail using his / her own member terminal 2, the card member adds it on the display of the member terminal 2 by accessing the URL described in the e-mail. Display the registration screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the additional registration screen. As shown in FIG. 11, on the additional registration screen 1301, the registration contents of the post-point service are displayed, and further, a check box for selecting whether or not to perform additional registration, and when additional registration is performed. A card number input field 1302 for an additional card to be used and a transmission button 1303 for instructing transmission of the input information are provided. A cardholder who has received a request for additional registration checks the check box for selecting that if he / she does not wish to perform additional registration, while the check box for selecting that if he / she wishes to perform additional registration. Then, enter the card number in the input field 1302. Thereafter, the card member clicks a send button 1303. As a result, information input to the additional registration screen 1301 is transmitted to the card system 1.

  When the received information is information indicating that the additional registration is not performed, the card system 1 transmits an e-mail for notifying the fact to the card member who requested the additional registration. On the other hand, when the received information is information indicating that additional registration is performed, the card number included in the received information is stored in the additional card field 406 of the posterior point DB 10E. Further, the card system 1 generates registration card information related to the additional card and registers it in the registration card DB 10C. Thereby, the registration of the additional card is completed.

  In the present embodiment, the post point registration process is performed after the card member receives the invoice from the credit card company, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, before receiving an invoice, the card member obtains the usage status of the credit card from the card system 1 using the member terminal 2, and there is a product that he / she wishes to be subject to the point service after that. In addition, the above-described post point registration process may be executed.

  After the post point registration process is completed, the card member who registered his / her credit card acquires points by using the credit card. The card system 1 acquires each information such as the date and time of use, the amount of money used, and the acquired points from the member store terminal 3, generates usage status information based on the acquired information, and uses this information as the usage status DB 10F. Register with. While this process is repeated, the following a posteriori point update process is executed at an appropriate timing such as a closing date.

(2) Post point update process The post point update process is a process executed by the card system 1. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the subsequent point allocation process. As shown in FIG. 12, the card system 1 first uses the card number stored in the card number field 402 of the posterior point DB 10E to identify a credit card to be processed in subsequent posterior point allocation processing (S301). ). Next, the card system 1 extracts usage status information relating to the identified credit card (hereinafter referred to as “processing target card”) from the usage status DB 10F (S302).

  Next, the card system 1 determines whether or not an additional card is registered for the processing target card by referring to the additional card field 406 of the posterior point DB 10E (S303). If it is determined that the card system 1 is not registered (NO in S303), the card system 1 proceeds to Step S305. On the other hand, if it is determined that an additional card is registered (YES in S303), the card system 1 extracts usage status information relating to the additional card from the usage status DB 10F (S304). In addition, when a plurality of additional cards are registered, usage status information relating to all the additional cards is extracted.

  The card system 1 calculates the total points acquired by adding the points indicated in the usage status information extracted as described above, that is, the points acquired by using each credit card (S305). Next, the card system 1 identifies the application period by referring to the period stored in the period field 407 of the posterior point DB 10E, and determines whether or not the execution time of the process is within the application period ( S306). Here, if it is determined that it is out of the period because the application period has already passed (NO in S306), the card system 1 proceeds to step S311 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is within the period (YES in S306), the card system 1 has reached the necessary number of points stored in the necessary point field 404 of the subsequent point DB 10E, which is obtained in step S305. It is determined whether or not the price of the target product can be paid based on the total number of points acquired (S307).

  If it is determined in step S307 that payment is impossible (NO in S307), the card system 1 updates the acquired total points by storing the calculated total acquired points in the acquired total points field 405 of the post-point DB 10E. Execute (S308). On the other hand, when it is determined that the payment can be made (YES in S307), the card system 1 updates the acquired total points and the appropriation status information in the post facto point DB 10E (S309), and charges related to the billing of the target product The information is deleted from the billing DB 10B (S310). Here, the allocation status information is updated to “3” indicating that the points have been allocated. As a result, payment for the price of the target product is not performed.

  If the card system 1 determines in step S306 that it is out of the period (NO in S306), the card system 1 updates the allocation status information in the post point DB 10E to “2” indicating that allocation was not possible (S311). ). Next, the card system 1 calculates the shortage amount when the acquired total points are applied to the price of the target product (S312), and updates the content of the billing DB 10B so that the shortage amount becomes the billed amount (S313). . As a result, the card member is charged only for the insufficient amount.

  With the above-mentioned post-renewal point update process, if payment is possible with points within the applicable period, point payment will be performed and payment will be completed, and points will be accumulated if points have not reached the price of the target product Will continue. Further, when the application period has elapsed, points are allocated to a part of the price of the target product, and only the remaining amount is charged.

  Note that the card system 1 executes the above-described post-point update processing for all credit cards having card numbers stored in the card number field 402 of the post-point DB 10E.

(3) Ex-post Point Inquiry Process The ex-post point inquiry process is a process for a registered member to inquire about the usage status of the ex-post point service, and is executed by the card system 1 and the member terminal 2. The card member instructs the member terminal 2 to execute the post point inquiry process at an arbitrary timing during the application period of the post point service. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the subsequent point inquiry process. As shown in FIG. 13, when receiving an instruction from a card member, the member terminal 2 transmits an inquiry request for instructing an inquiry about the usage status of the posterior point service to the card system 1 (S401). Note that this inquiry request includes the card number of a credit card that has been registered for the use of the subsequent point service.

  When the card system 1 receives the inquiry request transmitted from the member terminal 2 (S501), it uses the card number included in the inquiry request to obtain the posterior point information of the credit card to be processed from the posterior point DB 10E. Extract (S502). Next, the card system 1 uses the extracted posterior point information to generate service usage status information indicating the usage status of the service (S503), and further achieves the individual usage status information indicating the individual usage status and the target. Simulation information indicating a simulation about the use of the credit card until the time is generated is generated (S504, S505). Details of these service usage status information, individual usage status information, and simulation information will be described later.

  Next, the card system 1 transmits the inquiry information including the service usage status information, the individual usage status information, and the simulation information generated in steps S503 to S505 to the member terminal 2 (S506). When the member terminal 2 receives the inquiry information (S402), the member terminal 2 displays an inquiry screen indicating the service usage status information included in the inquiry information on the display (S403). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the inquiry screen. As shown in FIG. 14, the inquiry screen 1401 displays the number of points that are insufficient until the goal is achieved, the registered contents, the total number of points acquired, and the breakdown of points. The inquiry screen 1401 is provided with a button 1402 for instructing confirmation of the individual usage status and a button 1403 for instructing display of simulation information.

  By referring to the inquiry screen 1401, the card member can confirm the number of points necessary to achieve the target. Here, the card member clicks the button 1402 using the input device when he / she wants to confirm the detailed usage status of his / her credit card. As a result, an individual usage status screen showing the individual usage status information included in the inquiry information is displayed on the display of the member terminal 2. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the individual usage status screen. As shown in FIG. 15, the individual usage status screen 1501 displays, in addition to the usage details indicating the usage status of the credit card, regional information, business type information, and store information related to each region, business type, and store. Yes.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, as the regional information, a message regarding the point return rate when a credit card is used in a specific prefecture and a table showing a plurality of prefecture names are shown. In this table, the display portion of the prefecture where the member store used so far is located is marked. And as said message, when using in the member store located in the prefecture which is not marked, it is shown that a higher point return rate than usual is applied. When the card member subsequently uses a credit card at a member store located in this specific prefecture, the card system 1 calculates the earned points by applying the high point return rate. Thus, by applying a different point return rate for each region, it becomes possible to promote the use in a specific region.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, the business type information includes a message regarding the point return rate when a credit card is used in a specific business type, and a table showing a plurality of business types. In this table, the display part of the type of industry to which the member stores used so far belong is marked. And as said message, when using in the member store which belongs to the industry which is not marked, it is shown that a higher point return rate than usual is applied. When the card member subsequently uses a credit card at a member store belonging to this specific industry, the card system 1 calculates the earned points by applying the high point return rate. In this way, by applying a different point return rate for each industry, it becomes possible to promote the use in a specific industry.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, as the store information, the store name of the store that purchased the target product for the subsequent points, and a higher point return rate than usual when a credit card is used at the store are applied. A message is shown. When the card member subsequently uses a credit card at the member store, the card system 1 calculates the earned points by applying the high point return rate. Thus, by applying a different point return rate for each store, it becomes possible to promote the use at a specific store.

  When the card member clicks a button 1403 on the inquiry screen 1401 using the input device of the member terminal 2, a simulation result screen showing simulation information included in the inquiry information is displayed on the display of the member terminal 2. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the simulation result screen. As shown in FIG. 16, the simulation result screen 1601 obtains the number of points required to achieve the target, a message indicating the points that can be earned when used in a specific region / industry / store, and the number of points. In order to do this, a table showing how much product you should purchase at which store, a message showing how much you should purchase to earn that point, and Is displayed. The card member who refers to the simulation result screen can know how to use the credit card in the future in order to achieve the goal.

  The simulation result screen 1601 is provided with a display field 1602 for displaying various types of campaign information related to credit card usage. In the display field 1602, for example, campaign information indicating that the point return rate is higher than usual is displayed. By confirming the campaign information, the card member examines whether or not the campaign should be used to achieve the goal.

(4) Subsequent point notification process When the application period of the subsequent point service set by the card member has elapsed, the card system 1 executes a post-point notification process for notifying the card member of the use result of the service. . FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure for the post-point notification process. As shown in FIG. 17, the card system 1 identifies the card number of the credit card for which the application period of the posterior point service has elapsed, and then extracts the posterior point information of the credit card from the posterior point DB 10E (S601). Next, the card system 1 generates service use result information indicating the use result of the service using the extracted posterior point information (S602), and transmits the service use result information to the member terminal 2 (S603). ). Details of the service use result information will be described later.

  When the member terminal 2 receives the service use result information transmitted from the card system 1 (S701), the member terminal 2 displays a service use result screen indicating the service use result information on the display (S702). FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service use result screen when the total number of acquired points reaches the required number of points, that is, when the target is achieved. As shown in FIG. 18, the service use result screen 1701 displays a message indicating that the goal has been achieved, registration contents, the total number of points acquired, and a breakdown of the points. By confirming this service use result screen 1701, the card member can confirm that the goal has been achieved.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service use result screen when the total number of acquired points does not reach the required number of points, that is, when the target is not achieved. As shown in FIG. 19, the service use result screen 1801 displays a message indicating that the goal has not been achieved, registration contents, the total number of points acquired, and a breakdown of the points. The service use result screen 1801 displays a message indicating that a part of the price will be allocated with the total points acquired and that the amount charged as a result will become the balance. By confirming the service use result screen 1801, the card member can confirm that the goal has not been achieved, and as a result, the balance is billed.

  In addition, the card member can cancel the registration of the service before the application period of the subsequent point service elapses. The card member who wishes to cancel the registration uses the member terminal 2 to request the card system 1 to cancel the registration. In this case, deregistration information related to deregistration is transmitted from the card system 1 to the member terminal 2, and the member terminal 2 that has received this displays a deregistration screen composed of the deregistration information on the display. FIG. 20 shows an example of the registration cancellation screen. As shown in FIG. 20, the registration cancellation screen 1901 displays registration contents, the total number of points acquired, a breakdown of points, and the time when cancellation is applied. The registration cancellation screen 1901 is provided with a button 1903 for instructing cancellation of registration. The card member who refers to the deregistration screen 1901 confirms the registration contents and determines that the service deregistration is to be performed, and clicks a button 1903 using the input device. As a result, information instructing deregistration of the service is transmitted to the card system 1. When the card system 1 receives the information, the card system 1 deletes the information related to the credit card related to the deregistration from the registration card DB 10C and the subsequent point DB 10E, and completes the deregistration.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to pay for a product purchased by using a credit card, using the points acquired by the credit card thereafter. Therefore, it is possible to acquire a desired product by points instead of a product predetermined by a credit card company as in the past. Furthermore, since the product can be obtained even if the number of points determined for the product has not been reached, it is possible to provide a point service that is very convenient for card members.

  The credit card system of the present invention is useful as a computer system or the like that processes points generated by using a credit card.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Credit card system 10A Card member database 10B Request database 10C Registration card database 10D Merchandise database 10E Subsequent point database 10F Usage status database 2 Member terminal 3 Merchant terminal 100A Communication network 100B Private line

Claims (12)

In a credit card system that stores billing information related to a charge for goods purchased by using a credit card,
Among the purchased products that have not yet been paid for by the credit card user, there is a product that the user wishes to pay for using points earned by subsequent use of the credit card. When selected, a selected product acquisition means for acquiring selected product information indicating the selected product that is the selected product;
Calculating means for calculating points obtained by subsequent use of the credit card;
A credit card system, comprising: a billing amount reducing unit that updates the billing information to reduce an amount corresponding to the point calculated by the calculating unit from a purchase price of the selected product. When the point calculated by the calculation unit reaches a point necessary for exchanging the selected product indicated by the selected product information acquired by the selected product acquisition unit, the billing amount reduction unit Is configured to exclude the purchase price of the selected product from being charged by updating
The credit card system according to claim 1. When a period is specified for subsequent use of the credit card by the user, the apparatus further comprises specified period receiving means for receiving specified period information indicating the specified period from the terminal device,
The calculating means is configured to calculate points acquired within a period indicated by the specified period information received by the specified period receiving means;
The credit card system according to claim 1 or 2. The calculating means is configured to calculate points acquired within the period according to the length of the period indicated by the specified period information received by the specified period receiving means.
The credit card system according to claim 3. The calculation means is configured to calculate points acquired by the use according to a store related to the subsequent use of the credit card.
The credit card system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The calculation means is configured to calculate points acquired by the use according to an area to which a store related to the subsequent use of the credit card belongs.
The credit card system according to claim 5. The calculating means is configured to calculate the points obtained by the use according to the type of business to which the store related to the subsequent use of the credit card belongs.
The credit card system according to claim 5 or 6. The calculation means is configured to calculate points acquired by the use according to the relationship between the store related to the subsequent use of the credit card and the store that sold the selected product.
The credit card system according to claim 5. Further comprising other card point calculation means for calculating points obtained by subsequent use of another credit card different from the credit card,
The billing amount reducing means updates the billing information, thereby obtaining an amount corresponding to the sum of the points calculated by the calculating means and the points calculated by the other card point calculating means for the purchase price of the selected product. Configured to deduct from,
The credit card system according to claim 1. The billing amount reduction means updates the billing information to obtain an amount corresponding to the total of the points calculated by the calculation means and the points already acquired for the credit card from the purchase price of the selected product Configured to reduce,
The credit card system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. If the points calculated by the calculation means have not reached the points necessary for exchanging with the selected product indicated by the selected product information acquired by the selected product acquisition means, missing point information indicating a shortage of points is displayed. A shortage point information generating means to generate;
The credit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: transmission means for transmitting the shortage point information generated by the shortage point information generation means to a terminal device used by a user of the credit card. Card system. The deficient point information generating means is configured to generate deficient point information including information related to use of a credit card necessary for acquiring the deficient points.
The credit card system according to claim 11.

Images