JP3983682B2 - Credit card system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system that uses a credit card adapted to a form in which the accumulation and use of points differ depending on the type of store.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Usually, when a credit card issued by a company is used for purchasing goods or services at a store related to the company, points corresponding to the purchase price are given to the credit card.
[0003]
A credit card that stores information on points, ID information of partner companies, and the like has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When a customer uses a credit card, the ID information of the affiliated company stored in the credit card is read by the terminal of the member store, and it is determined whether or not the terminal is a legitimate member store terminal. The points generated by purchasing the product are added to the points stored in the credit card. The points used to purchase the item are subtracted from the points stored on the credit card.
[0004]
Further, a point exchange system between a plurality of companies has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The management center is provided with an issuance point totaling file for totaling the issuance points for each company and a usage point totaling file for totaling the usage points for each company. Based on these files, the balance of points is calculated for each company, and collection or payment is made to each company.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-157430 A
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-42251
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
A form in which a credit card issued by a company is used not only in a directly managed store of the company but also in a partner store affiliated with the company. In this way, the use of the credit card is promoted by enabling the use of the credit card at different types of stores.
[0008]
However, even with such a usage pattern of a credit card, conventionally, there is only one type of points given to a credit card, and the points are usually accumulated as points that can be used only at directly managed stores. Since there are no points for affiliated stores, it is difficult to acquire customers from affiliated stores. In addition, since no system has been established that is suitable for different types of store and use of points depending on the store (or store type), services may be differentiated by points for each store (or store type). It has become difficult.
[0009]
Points can be used as an indicator of customer credit card usage. In the conventional method, the accumulated points can be referred from the credit card, but it is impossible to grasp the usage status of the customer's credit card in each store. In particular, affiliated stores are often restricted in access to a system provided by a credit card company, and thus it is difficult to easily refer to the detailed usage status of a customer's credit card in the store.
[0010]
Therefore, there is a need for a system that uses a credit card adapted to different forms for storing and using points depending on the type of store. Further, in each store, there is a need for a system that can easily grasp the usage status of a customer's credit card from information about points stored in the credit card.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to one aspect of the present invention, a credit card having a first memory area allocated for a store belonging to the first group and a second memory area allocated for a store belonging to the second group. A system using the system is provided. The system includes a server that communicates via a network with a first terminal installed in each store belonging to the first group and a second terminal installed in each store belonging to the second group. The first terminal and the second terminal have a function of reading and writing a credit card. The server includes a first point program for stores belonging to the first group and a second point program for stores belonging to the second group. In response to the insertion or presentation of a credit card to the first terminal, the first point program stores, in the first memory area, points that can be used at stores belonging to the first group. Presenting the sum of the stored points and the points stored in the second memory area to the customer; and (b) the first memory area depending on the purchase price and the used points input to the first terminal. And rewriting the points stored in the second memory area, and causing the first terminal device to execute. In response to the insertion or presentation of a credit card to the second terminal, the second point program is stored in the second memory area as a point that can be used at a store belonging to the second group. Presenting the stored points to the customer; and (d) rewriting the points stored in the second memory area in accordance with the purchase price and use points input to the second terminal. The second terminal device is configured to be executed.
[0012]
According to this invention, it is possible to change the point accumulation and usage mode at the first group store and the second group store. Accordingly, it is possible to differentiate services between the stores of the first and second groups while giving a privilege by points to both the stores of the first and second groups. Further, from the credit card, the customer and the store clerk can know the points that can be used at the stores of the first and second groups.
[0013]
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the credit card can be used at a store belonging to the first group as a point stored in the first memory area and a point stored in the second memory area. It further has a third memory area for storing the total. According to the present invention, points that can be used at the stores belonging to the first group can be acquired from the credit card without requiring computation.
[0014]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the first memory area includes a record having a store code field for storing a store code and a point field for storing a point for each of the stores belonging to the first group. The second memory area includes a record having a store code field for storing a store code and a point field for storing points for each store belonging to the second group. The first point program (a) in response to the insertion or presentation of a credit card at the first terminal, the first of the points stored in the point field of all records in the first memory area Presenting to the customer the sum of the sum and the second sum of the points stored in the point field of all records in the second memory area; and (b) the purchase price entered at the first terminal and Rewriting the point stored in the point field of the record in the first memory area and the point stored in the point field of the record in the second memory area according to the use point, and causing the first terminal to execute It is configured as follows. In response to the insertion or presentation of a credit card in the second terminal, (c) the second point program is stored in the point field of the record having the store code of the store as a point usable at the store. A step of presenting the stored points to the customer; and (d) rewriting the points stored in the point field of the record having the store code of the store according to the purchase price and the use points input to the second terminal. And causing the second terminal device to execute the step. According to this invention, it is possible to change the point accumulation and usage pattern for each store. From the credit card, the customer and the store clerk can know the points that can be used at any store of the first group and the points that can be used at each of the stores of the second group.
[0015]
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the records in the first and second memory areas further have a field for storing data indicating the results of goods or services purchased by the customer at the store corresponding to the store code of the record. . Thereby, in each store, the usage status of the customer's credit card can be acquired from the card.
[0016]
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first memory area includes a field for storing the first total, and the second memory area includes a field for storing the second total. Further, the credit card can include a third memory area that stores a sum of the first sum and the second sum. The points indicated by the third memory area are points that can be used at the stores belonging to the first group. By providing these fields, points that can be used at stores belonging to the first group can be quickly acquired from the credit card.
[0017]
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the above step (b) executed by the first point program issues (b1) an instruction for credit settlement of the purchase of goods or services at the store to the first terminal. A point corresponding to the amount of the credit settlement is added to the point stored in the point field of the record having the store code of the store, and (b2) the product or service at the store uses the point. When an instruction to be purchased is issued to the first terminal, (b21) if the first total is equal to or greater than the used points, the number is obtained by subtracting the number of used points from the first total. Distributing the distributed points to the point field of the record included in the first memory area; (b22) first If the sum is less than the use point, the point obtained by updating the point field of the record in the first memory area to zero and subtracting the difference between the first sum and the use point from the second sum, Distributing to the point fields of the records contained in the second memory area. According to the present invention, the point use at the stores belonging to the first group is used with priority over the points accumulated at the stores of the first group. As a result, the points accumulated at the stores of the second group are easily stored.
[0018]
According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b21) executed by the first point program, if the second total is equal to or more than the used points, the number of points to be used is calculated from the second total. Distributing the points obtained by subtraction to the point field of the record included in the second memory area, and the step (b22) is performed when the second sum is smaller than the used points. The point obtained by updating the point field of the record in the memory area to zero and subtracting the difference between the second sum and the used point from the first sum is the point of the record contained in the first memory area. This is the step of distributing to the field. According to the present invention, the use of points at the stores belonging to the first group is used preferentially over the points accumulated at the stores of the second group. Thereby, the points accumulated at the stores of the first group can be easily stored, and the customer's guidance to the stores of the first group can be further strengthened.
[0019]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the credit card further includes a fourth memory area for storing a cash amount that can be used at least in a store belonging to the first group and in a store belonging to the second group. Since the credit card has an electronic money function, the versatility of the card can be improved. In one embodiment, the step (b) further includes the step of subtracting the amount corresponding to the point of use from the purchase price to calculate the amount to be settled with the card, and a predetermined percentage of the card settlement amount To the cash amount stored in the fourth memory area. The predetermined ratio can be set differently for each of the stores belonging to the first and second groups. Since a part of the card payment amount is cashed back as electronic money, the convenience of the card can be improved.
[0020]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second point programs are provided in the first and second terminals, respectively. The contents of the first and second memory areas of the rewritten credit card are transmitted to the server. According to the present invention, the cost required for communication with the server can be saved.
[0021]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the credit card used in the credit card system is an IC card.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of a credit card computer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The server 2 of the company X that issues a credit card is connected to the network 1. The credit card is realized by an IC card.
[0023]
On the storage device of the server 2 (which may be an external storage device or a memory), a customer database 4 and a store database 5 are provided. The customer database 4 stores basic information (name, age, address, etc.) for each customer, credit information about credit cards, and usage record information. The customer database 4 is a master database of information stored in the credit card.
[0024]
The store database 5 includes information on directly managed stores of the company X and information on partner stores affiliated with the company X. Information on directly managed stores and affiliated stores includes, for each store, a store code that identifies the store, a region code that identifies the region in which the store is located, and a conversion coefficient applied to the store.
[0025]
The conversion coefficient includes a first coefficient for converting points into money and a second coefficient for converting money into points. In the present embodiment, the first and second conversion counts for directly managed stores are applied to all directly managed stores, and the first and second conversion factors for partner stores are applied to all the affiliated stores. The first and second conversion factors for directly managed stores are set to be different from the first and second conversion factors for partner stores. Alternatively, a different conversion factor may be set for each store.
[0026]
Connected to the network 1 are a terminal device 7 installed in a directly managed store and a terminal device 9 installed in a partner store. The terminal devices 7 and 9 have a function capable of reading and writing a credit card which is an IC card. The terminal devices 7 and 9 can be arbitrary terminal devices including a personal computer, a POS terminal, a read / write device dedicated to an IC card, etc., each having a CPU and a memory.
[0027]
The directly managed terminal device 7 is equipped with a directly managed store engine 8 that performs processing related to the use of a credit card in the directly managed store. The affiliated terminal device 9 is equipped with an affiliated store engine 10 that performs processing related to the use of a credit card at the affiliated store. These engines are typically realized by computer programs. These engines can be downloaded from the credit server 2. Alternatively, these engines may be provided in the server 2.
[0028]
FIG. 2A shows a schematic structure of the credit card 11. The credit card 11 is provided with a magnetic stripe 12. The magnetic stripe 12 stores information (such as a card number and an expiration date) necessary for using a credit card.
[0029]
The credit card 11 further incorporates an IC chip 13. FIG. 2B shows a schematic structure of the IC chip 13. The IC chip 13 typically includes a microprocessor 14 and a memory 15. The memory 15 is realized by, for example, a writable EEPROM.
[0030]
Information necessary for using the credit card may be provided in a memory in the IC chip 13.
[0031]
The credit card 11 is provided with a contact (not shown). When the credit card 11 is inserted into a terminal 7 or 9 having an IC card read / write function, the credit card 11 communicates with the terminal 7 or 9 through the contact.
[0032]
Alternatively, a contactless IC card may be used instead of the contact IC card as described above. The non-contact IC card has a built-in antenna, and transmits and receives data using radio waves generated by the terminal 7 or 9. In the case of a contactless IC card, the card can communicate with the terminal 7 or 9 by presenting the card to the terminal.
[0033]
FIG. 3 conceptually shows a data structure stored in the memory 15 in the IC chip 13 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 3 does not show the physical structure of the data, but the logical structure of the data (this also applies to FIGS. 4, 5 and 15). ).
[0034]
The memory 15 includes a first memory area 16 and a second memory area 17. Note that the first and second regions 16 and 17 do not represent physical memory region separation, but only logical separation (this is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 5). This also applies to FIG.
[0035]
The first memory area 16 includes a directly managed store total field, and the second memory area 17 includes a partner store total field. When a purchase of a product or service is credit settled at a directly managed store, points corresponding to the credit settlement are added to the value of the directly managed store total field (hereinafter referred to as directly managed store total points). On the other hand, when the purchase of a product or service is credited at a certain affiliated store, points corresponding to the credit settlement are added to the value of the affiliated store total field (hereinafter referred to as the affiliated store total point).
[0036]
Further, the memory 15 includes a total field in the third memory area 18. The total field stores the sum of directly managed store total points and partner store total points (hereinafter referred to as total points). Instead of providing the total field, the sum of directly managed store total points and partner store total points may be calculated as necessary. The calculation can be performed by the microprocessor 14 or other processor (for example, the terminal 7, 9 or the server 2) built in the IC card.
[0037]
The points that can be used at any directly managed store are indicated by the total points. When points are used to purchase goods or services at a directly managed store, the points are used from the total points of the directly managed store. When the directly managed store total points are insufficient, the insufficient points are used from the partner store total points.
[0038]
The points available at any partner store are indicated by the partner store total points. When points are used to purchase goods or services at a partner store, the points are used from the partner store total points.
[0039]
Thus, in the present embodiment, the points acquired at the affiliated store can be used at the directly managed store so that the use of the credit card at the directly managed store is more advantageous than the use at the affiliated store.
[0040]
Alternatively, the use of points at directly managed stores may be used first from the partner store total points, and if the shortage is insufficient, the points may be used from the directly managed store total points. In this case, customer guidance to directly managed stores is further strengthened.
[0041]
In this way, a credit card suitable for a form in which points are accumulated and used depending on the type of store is realized.
[0042]
FIG. 4 shows a schematic data structure stored in the memory 15 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The first memory area 16 has a directly managed store total field, which is the same as the directly managed store total field of FIG.
[0043]
The second memory area 17 has one record for each partner store. The record includes store code, region code, current point, cumulative point and rating fields. The store code field stores a code for identifying a partner store. The region code field stores a code for identifying a region where the affiliated store is located. Alternatively, a code identifying the area may be included in the store code.
[0044]
The current point field stores points that can be used at the partner store. The current point is added according to the amount of credit settlement, and subtracted according to the used point. The accumulated point field stores the total number of points acquired in the past at the partner store. The accumulated point indicates the past purchase record of the customer at the partner store, and is not subtracted even if the point is used.
[0045]
The evaluation field stores an evaluation of the partner store customer. The evaluation is set by the person in charge of the partner store. For example, when the accumulated point is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it indicates that the customer frequently purchases goods or services of the store. In this case, “A” indicating a high evaluation is set in the evaluation field. Alternatively, only one of the cumulative point field and the evaluation field may be provided in the record so as to grasp the usage status of the customer.
[0046]
The partner store total field is the same as the partner store total field of FIG. The total of the values stored in the current point field of all the records in the second memory area is stored in the partner store total field. Instead of providing the partner store total field, the total of the values stored in the current point field of all the records may be calculated as necessary. The total field included in the third memory area 18 is the same as the total field in FIG.
[0047]
The points that can be used at any directly managed store are indicated by the total points. When a point is used to purchase goods or services at a directly managed store, it is used from the directly managed store total points. When the directly managed store total points are insufficient, the insufficient points are used from the partner store total points. When the partner store total points are used, the remaining partner store total points are redistributed among the partner stores. In response to the redistribution, the current point field value of each partner store record is updated.
[0048]
Arbitrary methods can be adopted for redistribution. In the present embodiment, redistribution is performed between partner stores that have points (that is, the current point field has a value greater than 0) according to the value of the current point. A specific method will be described later. Alternatively, an average distribution method between partner stores may be used.
[0049]
In this second embodiment, the points available at a particular affiliate store are indicated by the value of the current point field of the affiliate store record. That is, the points that can be used at a specific affiliated store are limited to the points acquired at the affiliated store. Alternatively, as in the first embodiment, the partner store total points may be used at any partner store.
[0050]
This credit card can be applied to a form in which points for a plurality of stores are directly counted for directly managed stores and points are counted for each store for affiliated stores. Further, from this credit card, the usage status of customers in each partner store or a predetermined area can be acquired from the accumulated point field and / or the evaluation field.
[0051]
FIG. 5 shows a schematic data structure stored in the memory 15 in the IC chip 13 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the second embodiment is that, as shown in the first memory area 16, the data structure of the directly managed store has the same form as that of the affiliated store. The first memory area 16 has one record for each directly managed store. The structure of the record is the same as the affiliated store record described with reference to FIG.
[0052]
The directly managed store total field is the same as the directly managed store total field in FIG. The total number of values stored in the current point field of all records in the first memory area is stored in the directly managed store total field. Instead of providing the directly managed store total field, the total of the values stored in the current point field of all the records may be calculated as necessary. The total field included in the third memory area 18 is the same as the total field in FIG.
[0053]
The points that can be used at any directly managed store are indicated by the total points. When a point is used to purchase goods or services at a directly managed store, it is used from the directly managed store total points. As a result, when the directly managed store total points remain, the remaining directly managed store total points are redistributed among the directly managed stores. On the other hand, when the points used are not enough for the total points of directly managed stores, the insufficient points are used from the total points of partner stores. As a result, when the partner store total points remain, the remaining partner point total points are redistributed among the partner stores. These redistribution methods are the same as the redistribution method described in the second embodiment, and details will be described later.
[0054]
As in the second embodiment, the points that can be used at a specific affiliated store are indicated by the value of the current point field of the affiliated store.
[0055]
This credit card can be applied to a form in which points are counted for each store for directly managed stores and partnerships. Further, from this credit card, the usage status of customers at each store can be acquired from the accumulated point field and / or the evaluation field.
[0056]
4 and 5, when a credit card is issued to a customer, records can be stored in advance in the first and second memory areas. For example, the customer's address and / or records of directly managed stores and affiliated stores in the area to which the company belongs can be stored in advance.
[0057]
When a credit card is used at a certain store, if the record about the store is not included in the memory 15, the record can be loaded from the store database 5 of the server 2 into the memory 15. If the memory 15 is full at the time of loading, a record for a store where the card is not used can be deleted from the memory 15. Loading and deletion may be performed by the microprocessor 14 of the card 11, or may be performed by the terminal 7, 9 or the server 2.
[0058]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for specifically explaining accumulation and use of points according to an embodiment of the present invention. The memory form shown in FIG. 5 is adopted. It is assumed that the above “current point” field is set to zero as an initial value.
[0059]
In transaction 1, a customer purchases a product corresponding to 20 points at a directly managed store A. As a result, “20” is stored in the current point field of the directly managed store A (store code = 0001) in the first memory area. “20” is stored in the directly managed store total field, and the partner store total field remains zero. The total field stores the sum (20 = 20 + 0) of the directly managed store total points and the partner store total points.
[0060]
In transaction 2, the customer purchases a product corresponding to 30 points at partner store B. As a result, “30” is stored in the current point field of the partner store B (store code = 1001) in the second memory area. “30” is stored in the partner store total field. The total field is updated to “50”.
[0061]
In transaction 3, the customer purchases a service corresponding to 20 points at partner store C. As a result, “20” is stored in the current point field of the partner store C (store code = 2001) in the second memory area. The partner store total field is updated to “50”. The total field is updated to “70”.
[0062]
In transaction 4, the customer uses 30 points for purchase of goods at the directly managed store D. As described above, the 70 points indicated by the grand total field can be used at any directly managed store. The customer uses 30 points.
[0063]
First, since the direct store total points are used, the direct store total field is updated to zero. The lacking 10 points are used from the partner store total points. As a result, the partner store total field is updated to “40”. Thereafter, the partner store total point “40” is redistributed among the partner stores. At the start of transaction 4, the ratio of the current points of partner store B and partner store C is 3: 2. Therefore, 24 points are distributed to partner store B and 16 points are distributed to partner store C.
[0064]
Proceeding to transaction 5, the customer uses 5 points to purchase a product at partner store C. As described above, the points that the customer can use at the affiliated store C are limited to 16 points indicated by the current point field of the store code 2001. As a result of using 5 points, the current point field is updated to “11”. The partner store total field is updated to “35”, and the total field is updated to “35”.
[0065]
7 to 10 are flowcharts of processing executed when purchasing goods or services with the credit card 11 at a directly managed store. This process is performed by the directly managed store engine 8 of the directly managed store terminal 7. Here, the credit card of the third embodiment is used.
[0066]
The routine starts when a card payment request is issued at the directly managed store terminal 7 (S11). The request can be issued, for example, in response to a card inserted or presented in the directly managed store terminal 7, or in response to a key operation or menu selection by a store clerk of the directly managed store.
[0067]
In step S12, the information and the amount of the purchased product (or service, the same applies hereinafter) are read by the operation of the store clerk (reading the barcode of the product, etc.). The information on the purchased product can include, for example, a product name, a product type, and the like.
[0068]
In step S13, the card information stored in the magnetic stripe 12 (or memory 15) of the credit card 11 is loaded into the memory of the directly managed store terminal 7. In step S14, based on the loaded card information, it is determined whether credit payment of the purchased product is possible. The determination may include accessing the server 2 as necessary. The determination includes checking card validity and credit limits.
[0069]
If it is determined that credit payment is not possible, a message that card payment is rejected is displayed (S15). If it is determined that credit settlement is possible, the process proceeds to step S16.
[0070]
In step S16, the store code and the region code of the directly managed store are read from the storage device (memory or external storage device) of the directly managed store terminal 7 or by the operation of the store clerk. In step S17, the store code and the area code stored in the memory 15 of the card 11 are loaded into the memory of the directly managed store terminal 7.
[0071]
In step S18, it is determined whether or not the store code and region code read in step S16 are included in the store code and region code loaded in step S17. If not included, the store code and the region code of the directly managed store are downloaded from the store database 5 and written in the memory 15 of the card 11 (S19). This indicates that one record is added to the first memory area.
[0072]
Proceeding to steps S21 and S22 in FIG. 8, the first and second conversion factors for the directly managed store and the first and second conversion factors for the affiliated store are stored in the memory of the directly managed store terminal 7 from the store database 5. to download. Alternatively, these conversion factors may be set in advance in the directly-managed store engine 8. In step S23, the data stored in the first to third memory areas 16 to 18 of the card 11 are loaded into the memory of the directly managed store terminal 7.
[0073]
In step S24, the value of the directly managed store total field is multiplied by the first conversion coefficient for the directly managed store to calculate the converted amount of the directly managed store total point.
[0074]
Alternatively, the amount corresponding to the current point may be calculated by multiplying the value of the “current point” field of each directly managed store record by the first conversion coefficient of the directly managed store. In this case, the converted amount of the directly managed store total points is the sum of the amounts calculated for each record.
[0075]
In step S25, the value of the affiliated store total field is multiplied by the first conversion coefficient for the affiliated store to calculate the converted amount of the affiliated store total points.
[0076]
Alternatively, the amount corresponding to the current point may be calculated by multiplying the value of the “current point” field of each affiliated store record by the first conversion coefficient of the affiliated store. In this case, the converted amount of the partner store total points is the sum of the amounts calculated for each record.
[0077]
In step S26, the converted amount of the directly managed store total points calculated in step S24 and the converted amount of the partner store total points calculated in step S25 are summed. The calculated amount for directly managed stores indicates the amount corresponding to the number of points that can be used at any directly managed store.
[0078]
In step S27, the total points indicated by the total field and the directly managed store amount calculated in step S26 are displayed on the display of the directly managed store terminal 7. Thereby, the customer and the store clerk can know the number of points that can be used in the directly managed store and the amount corresponding to the points.
[0079]
In step S27, the directly managed store total points and the affiliated store total points may be displayed. Further, the current point of each directly managed store and its converted amount, and the current point of each partner store and its converted amount may be displayed.
[0080]
Furthermore, in step S27, the cumulative point field and / or evaluation field value of each directly managed store and each partner store can be displayed on the display of the directly managed store terminal 7. Thereby, the store clerk of the directly managed store can know the detailed usage status of the customer's card.
[0081]
Proceeding to step S31 in FIG. 9, according to an instruction from the customer, the store staff of the directly managed store instructs the directly managed store terminal 7 whether or not to use points for settlement. For example, the instruction can be given to the terminal 7 by key-in the number of points to be used. If an instruction to use points is not issued, the price of the purchased product (hereinafter referred to as purchase price) is set as the card settlement amount (S32), and zero is set as the point of use (S33).
[0082]
Proceeding to step S34, the card settlement amount is obtained. Since no points are used, the card settlement amount is the same as the purchase price. In step S35, a point to be added is obtained by multiplying the card settlement amount by the second conversion coefficient for the directly-managed store. In step S36, the calculated addition point is added to the current point and the accumulated point of the record having the store code of the directly managed store. In response to this, an additional point is also added to the directly managed store total points and the total points.
[0083]
In step S31, when using points, it progresses to step S51 and the number of points to be used is read. According to the customer's instruction, the store clerk can input the number of points used to the directly managed store terminal 7. It is preferable that the amount corresponding to the number of points used is calculated on the directly managed store terminal 7 and presented to the customer. In step S52, the number of points to be used is converted into a monetary amount using the same method as in steps S24 to S26 in FIG.
[0084]
In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the directly managed store total points are preferentially used. If the directly managed store total points are insufficient, the partner store total points are used. Alternatively, the customer may determine the directly managed store total points and partner store total points to be used.
[0085]
In step S53, the converted amount of the used points calculated in step S52 is compared with the purchase price. If the converted amount of usage points is less than the purchase price, the customer needs to pay the missing amount. In step S34, the card settlement amount is calculated by subtracting the converted amount of the used points from the purchase price. Thereafter, steps S35 and S36 are performed as described above.
[0086]
Step S5 3 In FIG. 10, if the converted amount of the used points is equal to or greater than the purchase price, the card settlement amount is zero (S61 in FIG. 10). In step S62, the directly managed store total points and the used points are compared. If the directly managed store total point is equal to or greater than the use point, the use point is subtracted from the directly managed store total point (S63). Partner store total points do not change. The total points are updated to the sum of the updated directly managed store total points and partner store total points (S64).
[0087]
In step S65, the directly managed store total points calculated in step S63 are redistributed among the directly managed stores. As described above, the directly managed store total points can be distributed among the directly managed stores according to the ratio of the current points at the start of the current transaction. The current point of each directly managed store is updated to the distributed point.
[0088]
If the directly managed store total points are less than the used points, the directly managed store total points are subtracted from the used points. The resulting shortage points need to be compensated by the partner store total points. The shortage point number is subtracted from the partner store total points (S67).
[0089]
In step S68, the directly managed store total points are updated to zero. The total points are updated to the sum of the updated directly managed store total points and the updated partner store total points (S69). In step S70, the affiliated store total points calculated in step S67 are redistributed among the affiliated stores. As described above, the total number of partner stores can be distributed among the partner stores according to the ratio of the current points at the start of the current transaction. The current point of each partner store is updated to the distributed point.
[0090]
In step S71, the memory 15 of the card 11 is updated with the field value updated as described above. Further, these field values are transmitted to the server 2 to update the customer database 4 (S72). In step S73, a conventional credit card settlement process is performed. In the payment process, the card payment amount and its details (store name, product name, etc.) are transmitted to the server 2.
[0091]
In step S74, the updated content of the memory 15 of the card 11 can be stored in the storage device of the directly managed store terminal 7 by a key operation or menu selection by the store clerk. The stored contents of the memory 15 of the card 11 can be used for subsequent customer analysis.
[0092]
FIGS. 11-14 is a flowchart of the process implemented when purchasing goods or service with the credit card 11 in a partner store. This process is performed by the affiliated store engine 10 of the affiliated store terminal 9. Since the affiliated store routine executes almost the same processing as the directly managed store routine shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, only different parts will be described.
[0093]
Steps S111 to S119 shown in FIG. 11 are the same as steps S11 to S19 shown in FIG. Proceeding to step S122 in FIG. 12, the first and second conversion coefficients for the affiliated store are read from the store database 5. Alternatively, the first and second conversion factors for the affiliated store may be set in the affiliated store engine 10. In step S123, the data included in the record of the affiliated store stored in the second memory area is loaded into the memory of the affiliated store terminal 9.
[0094]
In step S125, the current point of the affiliated store record is multiplied by the first conversion coefficient for the affiliated store to calculate the converted amount of the current point. In step S127, the current point of the affiliated store and its converted amount are displayed on the display of the affiliated store terminal 9. Thereby, the customer and the store clerk can know the number of points that can be used at the partner store and the products and services that can be purchased at the points.
[0095]
In step S127, the accumulated point and / or evaluation value of the affiliated store record can be further displayed on the display of the affiliated store terminal 9. Thereby, the clerk of the affiliated store can grasp the detailed usage status of the customer's card.
[0096]
In the present embodiment, the clerk of the affiliated store can acquire only information related to the affiliated store. Alternatively, information related to other affiliated stores or directly managed stores may be read from the credit card 11 and displayed.
[0097]
The process shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the process shown in FIG. When the points are not used, the number of points corresponding to the card settlement amount is added to the current points and accumulated points of the partner store (S136). Accordingly, the partner store total points and the total points are also updated.
[0098]
When using points, if the converted amount of the used points is less than the purchase price (S153), the number of points corresponding to the difference between the converted amount of the used points and the purchase price is calculated as an additional point (S134, S135). . The addition point is added to the current point and the accumulated point of the partner store record. Accordingly, the partner store total points and the total points are also updated.
[0099]
In step S153, if the converted amount of used points is equal to or greater than the purchase price, the card settlement amount is zero (S161 in FIG. 14). In step S163, the use point is subtracted from the current point of the partner store. In accordance with the update of the current point, the partner store total point and the total point are updated (S164).
[0100]
In step S171, the memory 15 of the card 11 is updated with the field value of the affiliated store record updated as described above. Further, these field values are transmitted to the server 2 to update the customer database 4 (S172). In step S173, a credit card settlement process is performed. In step S174, the updated contents of the affiliated store record can be stored in the storage device of the affiliated store terminal 9 by a key operation or menu selection by the store clerk. The contents of the stored partner store record can be used for subsequent customer analysis.
[0101]
FIG. 15 shows a schematic data structure stored in the memory 15 in the IC chip 13 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the third embodiment (FIG. 5) is that an electronic money field is provided in the fourth memory area 19. The electronic money field stores a cash amount that can be used for general purposes. The cash amount can be used at directly managed stores, affiliated stores, and other designated stores. The cardholder can register the amount in the electronic money field by paying the desired amount. This operation can be performed via a predetermined terminal device (which can be arranged at any store, station, etc.).
[0102]
When a customer makes a payment with the credit card at a directly managed store or a partner store, a predetermined ratio (hereinafter referred to as a cash back rate) of the settled amount is added to the electronic money field as cash. In this embodiment, with respect to the cashback rate, a value for a directly managed store and a value for a partner store are prepared, and the value for a directly managed store is set to be higher than the value for a partner store. Alternatively, the cash back rate may be set for each store. The cashback rate applied to each store is stored in the store database 5.
[0103]
The flowchart of processing performed when purchasing goods or services at a directly managed store using the credit card shown in FIG. 15 is almost the same as the directly managed store routine described above except that FIG. 9 is replaced with FIG. It is. However, it is noted that downloading a cashback rate for a directly-managed store is added to step S21 of FIG. 8, and loading of data in the fourth memory area is added to step S23. I want.
[0104]
Referring to FIG. 16, steps S231 to S234 are the same as steps S31 to S34. Steps S251 to S253 are the same as steps S51 to S53. In step S235, it is determined whether to use electronic money. If not used, the process proceeds to step S238. If used, the card payment amount is calculated by subtracting the electronic money amount to be used (S236). In step S237, the electronic money amount to be used is subtracted from the electronic money field.
[0105]
In steps S238 and S239, a predetermined percentage of points corresponding to the card settlement amount is converted into a cash amount, and the cash amount is added to the electronic money field. In steps S240 and S241, the remaining percentage of points corresponding to the card payment amount is calculated as an addition point and added to the current point and accumulated point fields of the directly managed store.
[0106]
For example, if the cashback rate is 20% and the number of points corresponding to the card payment amount is 100, 20 points are converted into cash, and the converted cash amount is added to the electronic money field. The remaining 80 points are calculated as addition points.
[0107]
The flowchart of the process performed when purchasing goods or services at a partner store using the credit card shown in FIG. 15 is almost the same except that FIG. 13 is replaced with FIG. However, it is noted that downloading a cashback rate for the affiliated store is added to step S122 of FIG. 12, and loading of data in the fourth memory area is added to step S123. I want.
[0108]
Steps S331 to S334 are the same as steps S131 to S134. Steps S351 to S353 are the same as steps S151 to S153. In step S335, it is determined whether to use electronic money. If not used, the process proceeds to step S338. If used, the card payment amount is calculated by subtracting the electronic money amount to be used (S336). In step S337, the electronic money amount to be used is subtracted from the electronic money field.
[0109]
In steps S338 and S339, a predetermined percentage of points corresponding to the card settlement amount is converted into a cash amount, and the cash amount is added to the electronic money field. In steps S340 and S341, the remaining percentage of points corresponding to the card payment amount is calculated as an addition point and added to the current point and accumulated point fields of the partner store.
[0110]
For example, if the cashback rate is 10% and the number of points corresponding to the card payment amount is 100, 10 points are converted into cash, and the converted cash amount is added to the electronic money field. The remaining 90 points are calculated as addition points.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a credit card in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of an IC memory in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of an IC memory in a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data structure of an IC memory in a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of giving points in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a directly managed store routine in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a directly-managed store routine in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a directly-managed store routine in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a directly-managed store routine in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a partner store routine in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a partner store routine in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a partner store routine in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a partner store routine in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a data structure of an IC memory in a fourth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a directly-managed store routine when the card according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is used.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a partner store routine when the card according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is used;
[Explanation of symbols]
2 credit server
4 Customer database
5 store database
7 Retail store terminals
8 Store engine
9 Partner store terminals
10 Partner store engine

Claims (21)

A system using a credit card having a first memory area allocated for a store belonging to a first group and a second memory area allocated for a store belonging to a second group,
The system includes a server that communicates via a network with a first terminal installed in each store belonging to the first group and a second terminal installed in each store belonging to the second group. Has
The first terminal and the second terminal have a function of reading and writing the credit card,
The second memory area includes a record having a store code field for storing a store code and a point field for storing a point for each of the stores belonging to the second group,
Payment of the purchase price of goods or services is made either in a first form paid by credit payment without using points, or in a second form paid using points,
The server includes a first point program for stores belonging to the first group and a second point program for stores belonging to the second group;
The first point program is:
(A) a point stored in the first memory area as a point that can be used at a store belonging to the first group in response to the credit card being inserted or presented to the first terminal; Presenting the customer with the sum of the second sum of the points stored in the point field of all records in the second memory area;
(B) In accordance with the purchase price and use points input to the first terminal, the addition of points according to the amount of the purchase price that is credit-paid without using points, and the points according to the use points so that the subtraction is executed a step of rewriting the first point stored in the memory area and the second memory area records points stored in the point field of, to the first terminal device Configured and
The second point program is
(C) In response to the insertion or presentation of the credit card to the second terminal, the customer stores the points stored in the point field of the record having the store code of the store as points that can be used at the store The steps presented to
(D) In accordance with the purchase price and use points input to the second terminal, points are added according to the amount of the purchase price that is credited without using points, and points according to the use points as the subtraction, it is configured to execute the steps of rewriting the points stored in the point field of the record with the shop code of the shop, to the second terminal device,
The step (b) executed by the first point program further includes:
(B1) When an instruction to pay for the purchase price of goods or services in the store in the first form is input to the first terminal, the credit stored at the point stored in the first memory area Adding points according to the amount of the purchase price to be settled;
(B2) When an instruction to pay for the purchase price of goods or services in the store in the second form is input to the first terminal,
(B21) if said first memory area to the stored point is the point of use or, and subtracting the said use point from the points stored in the memory area of the first,
(B22) the Invite first memory area to the stored point is less than the use point, the point in the first memory region is updated to zero, the difference between the points and said use point of the first memory area Distributing the points obtained by subtracting from the second sum to the point fields of records contained in the second memory area;
A credit card system configured to cause the first terminal device to execute. The distribution of the step (b22) is further performed according to a ratio of points stored in a point field of a record included in the second memory area when the points are used in the store. Credit card system. A system using a credit card having a first memory area allocated for a store belonging to a first group and a second memory area allocated for a store belonging to a second group,
The system includes a server that communicates via a network with a first terminal installed in each store belonging to the first group and a second terminal installed in each store belonging to the second group. Has
The first terminal and the second terminal have a function of reading and writing the credit card,
The second memory area includes a record having a store code field for storing a store code and a point field for storing a point for each of the stores belonging to the second group,
Payment of the purchase price of goods or services is made either in a first form paid by credit payment without using points, or in a second form paid using points,
The server includes a first point program for stores belonging to the first group and a second point program for stores belonging to the second group;
The first point program is:
(A) a point stored in the first memory area as a point that can be used at a store belonging to the first group in response to the credit card being inserted or presented to the first terminal; Presenting the customer with the sum of the second sum of the points stored in the point field of all records in the second memory area;
(B) In accordance with the purchase price and use points input to the first terminal, the addition of points according to the amount of the purchase price that is credit-paid without using points, and the points according to the use points so that the subtraction is executed a step of rewriting the first point stored in the memory area and the second memory area records points stored in the point field of, to the first terminal device Configured and
The second point program is
(C) In response to the insertion or presentation of the credit card to the second terminal, the customer stores the points stored in the point field of the record having the store code of the store as points that can be used at the store The steps presented to
(D) In accordance with the purchase price and use points input to the second terminal, points are added according to the amount of the purchase price that is credited without using points, and points according to the use points as the subtraction, it is configured to execute the steps of rewriting the points stored in the point field of the record with the shop code of the shop, to the second terminal device,
The step (b) executed by the first point program further includes:
(B1) When an instruction to pay for the purchase price of goods or services in the store in the first form is input to the first terminal, the credit stored at the point stored in the first memory area Adding points according to the amount of the purchase price to be settled;
(B2) When an instruction to pay for the purchase price of goods or services in the store in the second form is input to the first terminal,
(B21) if the second sum is the use over point, a point obtained by subtracting the said use point from the sum of the second, distribution point field of the record contained in the second memory area And steps to
(B22) the Invite second sum is smaller than the use point, said point field of the record of the second memory area is updated to zero, the sum of the difference between the total and said use point of said second said first Storing the points obtained by subtracting from the first memory area;
A credit card system configured to cause the first terminal device to execute. The distribution of the step (b21) is further performed according to a ratio of points stored in a point field of a record included in the second memory area when the points are used in the store. Credit card system. The credit card further includes a third memory area for storing a sum of the points stored in the first memory area and the second total as points that can be used at the store belonging to the first group. The credit card system according to claim 1 or 3, comprising: The said credit card further has a 4th memory area which memorize | stores the cash amount which can be used at least the store which belongs to the said 1st group, and the store which belongs to the said 2nd group. Credit card system. The step (b) further comprises:
Subtracting the amount corresponding to the point of use from the purchase price to calculate the amount to be settled with the credit card;
Adding a predetermined percentage of the card payment amount to a cash amount stored in the fourth memory area;
The credit card system according to claim 6, comprising: The first and second point programs are provided in the first and second terminals, respectively.
The credit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein contents of the first and second memory areas of the credit card rewritten in the steps (b) and (d) are transmitted to the server. Card system. A credit card used in the credit card system according to claim 1, wherein the credit card is an IC card. A system using a credit card having a first memory area allocated for a store belonging to a first group and a second memory area allocated for a store belonging to a second group,
The system includes a server that communicates via a network with a first terminal installed in each store belonging to the first group and a second terminal installed in each store belonging to the second group. Has
The first terminal and the second terminal have a function of reading and writing the credit card,
The first memory area includes a record having a store code field for storing a store code and a point field for storing a point for each of the stores belonging to the first group,
The second memory area includes a record having a store code field for storing a store code and a point field for storing a point for each of the stores belonging to the second group,
Payment of the purchase price of goods or services is made either in a first form paid by credit payment without using points, or in a second form paid using points,
The server includes a first point program for stores belonging to the first group and a second point program for stores belonging to the second group;
The first point program is:
(A) In response to the insertion or presentation of the credit card to the first terminal, all the records in the first memory area are used as points that can be used at stores belonging to the first group. Presenting to the customer a sum of a first sum of points stored in the point field and a second sum of points stored in the point field of all records of the second memory area;
(B) In accordance with the purchase price and use points input to the first terminal, the addition of points according to the amount of the purchase price that is credit-paid without using points, and the points according to the use points Rewriting the point stored in the point field of the record in the first memory area and the point stored in the point field of the record in the second memory area so as to subtract Configured to run on a terminal device,
The second point program is
(C) In response to the insertion or presentation of the credit card to the second terminal, the points stored in the point field of the record having the store code of the store are used as points that can be used in the store. Presenting it to the customer;
(D) In accordance with the purchase price and use points input to the second terminal, points are added according to the amount of the purchase price that is credit-paid without using points, and points according to the use points as the subtraction, it is configured to execute the steps of rewriting the points stored in the point field of the record with the shop code of the shop, to the second terminal device,
The step (b) executed by the first point program further includes:
(B1) When an instruction to pay for the purchase price of goods or services in the store in the first form is input to the first terminal, the credit stored at the point stored in the first memory area Adding points according to the amount of the purchase price to be settled;
(B2) When an instruction to pay for the purchase price of goods or services in the store in the second form is input to the first terminal,
(B21) if the first sum is the use over point, a point obtained by subtracting the said use point from the sum of the first distribution point field of records included in the first memory area And steps to
(B22) the Invite first sum is smaller than the use point, said point field of the record of the first memory area is updated to zero, the sum of the second difference of the sum and said use point of the first Distributing the points obtained by subtracting from the points field of the records contained in the second memory area;
A credit card system configured to cause the first terminal device to execute. Further, the distribution of the step (b21) is performed according to the ratio of the points stored in the point field of the record included in the first memory area when the points are used in the store, and the step (b22) is performed. The credit card system according to claim 10, wherein distribution of points is performed according to a ratio of points stored in a point field of a record included in the second memory area when points are used in the store. A system using a credit card having a first memory area allocated for a store belonging to a first group and a second memory area allocated for a store belonging to a second group,
The system includes a server that communicates via a network with a first terminal installed in each store belonging to the first group and a second terminal installed in each store belonging to the second group. Has
The first terminal and the second terminal have a function of reading and writing the credit card,
The first memory area includes a record having a store code field for storing a store code and a point field for storing a point for each of the stores belonging to the first group,
The second memory area includes a record having a store code field for storing a store code and a point field for storing a point for each of the stores belonging to the second group,
Payment of the purchase price of goods or services is made either in a first form paid by credit payment without using points, or in a second form paid using points,
The server includes a first point program for stores belonging to the first group and a second point program for stores belonging to the second group;
The first point program is:
(A) In response to the insertion or presentation of the credit card to the first terminal, all the records in the first memory area are used as points that can be used at stores belonging to the first group. Presenting to the customer a sum of a first sum of points stored in the point field and a second sum of points stored in the point field of all records of the second memory area;
(B) In accordance with the purchase price and use points input to the first terminal, the addition of points according to the amount of the purchase price that is credit-paid without using points, and the points according to the use points Rewriting the point stored in the point field of the record in the first memory area and the point stored in the point field of the record in the second memory area so as to subtract Configured to run on a terminal device,
The second point program is
(C) In response to the insertion or presentation of the credit card to the second terminal, the points stored in the point field of the record having the store code of the store are used as points that can be used in the store. Presenting it to the customer;
(D) In accordance with the purchase price and use points input to the second terminal, points are added according to the amount of the purchase price that is credit-paid without using points, and points according to the use points as the subtraction, it is configured to execute the steps of rewriting the points stored in the point field of the record with the shop code of the shop, to the second terminal device,
The step (b) executed by the first point program further includes:
(B1) When an instruction to pay for the purchase price of goods or services in the store in the first form is input to the first terminal, the credit stored at the point stored in the first memory area Adding points according to the amount of the purchase price to be settled;
(B2) When an instruction to pay for the purchase price of goods or services in the store in the second form is input to the first terminal,
(B21) if the second sum is the use over point, a point obtained by subtracting the said use point from the sum of the second, distribution point field of the record contained in the second memory area And steps to
(B22) the Invite second sum is smaller than the use point, said point field of the record of the second memory area is updated to zero, the sum of the difference between the total and said use point of said second said first Distributing the points obtained by subtracting from the points field of the records contained in the first memory area;
A credit card system configured to cause the first terminal device to execute. Further, the distribution in the step (b21) is performed according to the ratio of the points stored in the point field of the record included in the second memory area when the points are used in the store, and the step (b22) is performed. The credit card system according to claim 11, wherein distribution of points is performed according to a ratio of points stored in a point field of a record included in the first memory area when points are used in the store. The record of the said 1st and 2nd memory area further has the field which stores the data which shows the track record of the goods or service which the customer purchased in the store corresponding to the store code of this record. The credit card system described in. The first memory area further includes a first sum field storing the first sum, and the second memory area further includes a second sum field storing the second sum.
The credit card system according to claim 10 or 12. The credit card stores the sum of the points stored in the first total field and the points stored in the second total field as points that can be used at the stores belonging to the first group. A third memory area;
The credit card system according to claim 15. The credit card further includes a fourth memory area for storing a cash amount that can be used at least in stores belonging to the first group and stores belonging to the second group.
The credit card system according to claim 10 or 11. The step (b) further includes subtracting an amount corresponding to the use point from the purchase price to calculate an amount to be settled with the credit card;
Adding a predetermined percentage of the card payment amount to a cash amount stored in the fourth memory area;
The credit card system according to claim 17, comprising: The predetermined ratio can be set differently for each of the stores belonging to the first and second groups.
The credit card system according to claim 18. The first and second point programs are provided in the first and second terminals, respectively.
The contents of the first and second memory areas of the credit card rewritten in steps (b) and (d) are transmitted to the server.
The credit card system according to claim 10 or 12. 21. A credit card used in the credit card system according to claim 10, wherein the credit card is an IC card.

Images