JP5146044B2 - Benefit information return system and benefit information return method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a privilege information return system and a privilege information return method for managing privilege information that can be reduced to valuable value.

2. Description of the Related Art Electronic money (value) that is stored in an integrated circuit (IC) chip mounted on a mobile phone, a credit card, or the like in recent years and used as a currency when making a settlement has become widespread. In stores where electronic money can be used, a service is provided that gives points (privilege information) that can be returned to electronic money or other benefits each time the customer uses electronic money in order to acquire customers. In general, points are issued when electronic money is read from an IC chip by a dedicated terminal device, transmitted from the terminal device to the server device via the network, and stored in the server device. In addition, the points stored in the server device are read out by the terminal device and returned to electronic money or the like (see Patent Document 1). Thereby, if it is a terminal device that can be connected to the server device, operations such as issuance of points and return to electronic money can be performed.
JP 2004-94620 A

  As described above, when the operation is performed using the dedicated terminal device, the terminal device needs to be always connected to the server device. It is possible to always connect the terminal device to the server device if the terminal device is a fixed type installed in a store, for example. However, when the terminal device is carried by a store clerk in the store or installed in a moving vehicle such as a bus, it is difficult to always connect to the server device. When the terminal device is not connected to the server device, the number of points stored in the server device cannot be confirmed from the terminal device. For this reason, a terminal device that is not connected to the server device cannot perform a return operation to electronic money.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to be able to reduce privilege information to valuable value even if it is not always connected to a server device storing privilege information. It is in providing the privilege information return system and privilege information return method which become.

  The privilege information return system disclosed in the present application is a privilege information return system including a terminal device that is connected so as to be able to perform data communication with a server device having privilege information storage means for storing privilege information that can be returned to a predetermined valuable value. The terminal device receives the privilege information stored in the privilege information storage means from the server device, stores the first management number of the received privilege information in ascending order or descending order, and the terminal-side storage means Separately, the second management number is read from the recording medium in which the management number is recorded, and the size of the read second management number and the first management number of the privilege information stored in the terminal-side storage unit is determined. When the first management number of the privilege information is stored in ascending order by the terminal-side storage unit, the first management number determined to be larger than the read second management number is obtained from the terminal-side storage unit If the first management number of the privilege information is stored in descending order by the terminal-side storage means, the terminal-side storage means displays the first management number determined to be smaller than the read second management number The privilege information acquired by the first management number is reduced to valuable value.

  According to the privilege information return system disclosed in the present application, the management number (first management number) of the privilege information received from the server device is stored in ascending order or descending order, so that the management number is also managed by the terminal device. It becomes possible. The size of the second management number read from the recording medium on which the second management number is recorded is determined. When the first management number is stored in ascending order, the first management number determined to be larger than the read second management number is obtained from the terminal-side storage means, thereby reducing it to valuable value. It becomes possible to search for the management number of the privilege information that is not. In addition, when the first management number is stored in descending order, the first management number determined to be smaller than the read second management number is obtained from the terminal-side storage means, thereby reducing it to valuable value. It becomes possible to search for the management number of the privilege information that is not. Further, by reducing the privilege information set with the acquired first management number to valuable value, issuance of valuable value based on the privilege information even if the server device storing the privilege information is not always connected Is possible. Further, by writing the acquired first management number in the recording medium, it is possible to grasp to which management number the privilege information has been reduced to valuable value.

  According to this privilege information return system, the management number can be managed also by the terminal device. According to this privilege information return system, it becomes possible to search for the management number of privilege information that has not been reduced to valuable value. According to this privilege information return system, it becomes possible to search for the management number of privilege information that has not been reduced to valuable value. According to this privilege information return system, by writing the acquired first management number on the recording medium, it is possible to grasp to which management number the privilege information is returned to valuable value.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a privilege information return system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The point return system (privilege information return system) according to the present embodiment is installed in a store where payment can be made with electronic money (valuable value), for example. In the point return system, when a customer makes a payment with electronic money, a privilege point (privilege value, privilege information) corresponding to the payment amount is issued. Bonus points are issued for each settlement, and electronic money corresponding to the accumulated bonus points is returned to the customer. In this embodiment, when the payment amount by electronic money is 500 yen and 1 point (hereinafter referred to as pt) privilege points are issued and 500 pt privilege points are accumulated, 500 yen electronic money is returned to the customer. It will be explained as a thing.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a point reduction system according to the present embodiment.

  The point redemption system includes a reader / writer (terminal device) 1 that writes and reads data to and from an IC card (recording medium) 3, and a server device 2 that is connected to a plurality of reader / writers 1 so that data communication is possible. Yes. The plurality of reader / writers 1 and the server device 2 may be installed in the same store, or may be installed in different stores.

  The IC card 3 is a card possessed by a customer and incorporating an IC chip for recording various data, an antenna for enabling wireless communication, and the like. The IC card 3 stores a card identification (ID) for identifying the IC card 3, balance information of electronic money, a returned number (hereinafter referred to as a returned No), and the like. The returned No is a management number (second management number) transmitted / received to / from the reader / writer 1 when reward points are returned to electronic money, and will be described in detail later.

  The IC card 3 according to the present embodiment is of an electromagnetic induction type using, for example, a communication frequency band of 13 MHz, and receives a wireless signal transmitted from a dedicated terminal device such as the reader / writer 1 to transmit non-contact power. It works by. The IC card 3 transmits the data stored in the IC chip so that the reader / writer 1 can read the data, and stores the data received from the reader / writer 1 in the IC chip. As a result, the IC card 3 is read and written by the reader / writer 1 in a non-contact manner. Note that an IC chip that stores electronic money or the like may be mounted on a mobile phone, and settlement using electronic money may be performed using the mobile phone.

  The reader / writer 1 is carried by a store clerk, for example, and is connected to the server device 2 via the network 4 so that data communication is possible. The reader / writer 1 is not always connected to the server device 2 but is connected to the server device 2 at a predetermined timing such as when the reader / writer 1 is activated. The reader / writer 1 transmits / receives necessary data to / from the server device 2 and then disconnects. That is, the reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment performs the following operation in a state where communication with the server device 2 is not connected.

  The reader / writer 1 performs settlement with electronic money, issuance of privilege points, and reward points. When performing payment using electronic money, the reader / writer 1 uses a radio signal for requesting electronic money corresponding to the purchase amount (settlement amount) when a customer purchases a product by the operation of a store clerk (hereinafter referred to as an electronic money request signal). To send. The reader / writer 1 receives the electronic money request signal and receives the data signal transmitted from the IC card 3. The data signal includes electronic money corresponding to the requested settlement amount, a card ID, and the like. The reader / writer 1 performs payment by electronic money by receiving the data signal.

  Further, when making a payment with electronic money, the reader / writer 1 issues privilege points corresponding to the electronic money read from the IC card 3. In this embodiment, the reader / writer 1 issues 1pt privilege points each time 500 yen of electronic money is read from the IC card 3. The reader / writer 1 stores the issued privilege point together with the card ID, and transmits the privilege point to the server device 2 when connected to the server device 2.

  When reward points are returned to electronic money, the reader / writer 1 transmits a radio signal (hereinafter referred to as an electronic money return signal) including electronic money corresponding to the reward points to be returned by the operation of the store clerk. The IC card 3 that has received the electronic money return signal adds the electronic money contained in the electronic money return signal to the stored electronic money, thereby updating the balance information of the electronic money held by itself.

  When there is a connection request from the reader / writer 1, the server device 2 connects to the reader / writer 1 via the network 4 so that data communication is possible. The server device 2 receives the privilege points issued by the reader / writer 1 from the reader / writer 1 connected for communication, and accumulates and stores them for each card ID. The server device 2 generates distribution data when the specific point accumulated and stored is 500 pt. In the distribution data, a card ID having privilege points that can be returned to electronic money is set. The server device 2 transmits the distribution data to the reader / writer 1 when connected to the reader / writer 1 by communication. The reader / writer 1 returns the privilege points to electronic money based on the received distribution data. Although details will be described later, by generating the distribution data, the reader / writer 1 can return the reward points to electronic money even if the reader / writer 1 is not always connected to the server device 2.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server device 2 and the reader / writer 1.

  The server apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 20, a read only memory (ROM) 21, a random access memory (RAM) 22, a memory unit 23, a communication unit 24, an operation unit 25, a display unit 26, and the like. . These hardware units are connected to each other via a bus 2a.

  The control unit 20 includes a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processor unit (MPU). Then, according to a predetermined timing, a control program stored in advance in the ROM 21 or the memory unit 23 is read out to the RAM 22 as appropriate and executed, and the operation of each hardware unit described above is controlled. Various control programs necessary for operating the server apparatus 2 are stored in the ROM 21 in advance. The RAM 22 is configured by a static RAM (SRAM), a flash memory, or the like, and temporarily stores various data generated when the control unit 20 executes a control program.

  The communication unit 24 enables data communication with the reader / writer 1 via the network 4. The operation unit 25 includes various operation keys necessary for the administrator to operate the server device 2. When each operation key is operated by the administrator, the operation unit 25 sends a control signal corresponding to the operated operation key to the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 executes processing corresponding to the acquired control signal. The display unit 26 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays the operation status of the server device 2, information input via the operation unit 25, information to be notified to the administrator, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 20. To do.

  The memory unit 23 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The memory unit 23 stores various control programs and the like necessary for operating the server device 2. The memory unit 23 stores an issue point database (hereinafter referred to as issue point DB) 23a, a return point database (hereinafter referred to as return point DB) 23b, and distribution data 23c.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the issue point DB 23a.

  The issue point DB 23a stores the card ID for identifying the IC card 3, the total pt of privilege points, and the last update date when the total pt is updated. The total pt is incremented every time a privilege point is received from the reader / writer 1, and the received privilege point is subtracted every time the privilege point is returned to electronic money. The control unit 20 can grasp which IC card 3 has how many privilege points based on the issue point DB 23a. In the issue point DB 23a, a card ID that has not been updated for a certain period from the last update date may be deleted.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the reduction point DB 23b.

  The return point DB 23b stores return data (privilege information). The return data is generated for each card ID having a total pt of 500 pt in the issue point DB 23a. The return data includes return data having a card ID, a return No, a return pt, a creation date, an expiration date, a return date, and the like. The card ID is a card ID whose total pt is 500 pt in the issue point DB 23a. The return number is a management number (first management number) set for each card ID each time return data is generated. The reduction No. continues in ascending order in the reduction data having the same card ID. For example, a continuous return number such as “0001”, “0002”, “0003”, etc. is set every time return data having a card ID “00001” is generated. The reduction pt is the number of points to be reduced to electronic money. In this embodiment, privilege points are returned to electronic money in units of 500 pt. The creation date and the expiration date are the date when the return data is created and the last date when the return data can be used effectively. The reduction data that has passed the expiration date is no longer used. The return date is the date when the privilege point corresponding to the return No is returned to electronic money in the reader / writer 1.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the distribution data 23c.

  The distribution data 23c is created by extracting the card ID, the return No, the return pt, and the expiration date of the return data for which the return date of the return point DB 23b is not registered and the expiration date has not passed. The created distribution data 23c is transmitted to the reader / writer 1 when the reader / writer 1 and the server apparatus 2 are connected for communication.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reader / writer 1 of this embodiment includes a control unit 10, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, a memory unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, a transmission / reception unit 17, and the like. The hardware units are connected to each other via a bus 1a.

  The control unit 10 has a CPU or MPU. Then, the control unit 10 appropriately reads and executes a control program stored in advance in the ROM 11 to the RAM 12 according to a predetermined timing, and controls the operation of each hardware unit described above. Various control programs necessary for operating the reader / writer 1 are stored in the ROM 11 in advance. The RAM 12 is configured by SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and temporarily stores various data generated when the control unit 10 executes the control program.

  The operation unit 15 includes various operation keys necessary for the administrator to operate the reader / writer 1. When each operation key is operated by the administrator, the operation unit 15 sends a control signal corresponding to the operated operation key to the control unit 10, and the control unit 10 executes processing corresponding to the acquired control signal. The display unit 16 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays the operation status of the reader / writer 1, information input via the operation unit 15, information to be notified to the store clerk, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 10. .

  The transmission / reception unit 17 performs data communication with the IC card 3 via the antenna 17a. For example, when the store clerk operates the operation unit 15, the transmission / reception unit 17 transmits a radio signal such as an electronic money request signal or an electronic money return. And the transmission / reception part 17 receives the data signal which IC card 3 which received the radio signal transmits.

  The memory unit 13 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The memory unit 13 stores various control programs necessary for operating the reader / writer 1. The memory unit 13 stores data read by the reader / writer 1 and distribution data 13 a received from the server device 2. The distribution data 13 a stored in the memory unit 13 is the same data as the distribution data 23 c transmitted from the server device 2. The reader / writer 1 returns the privilege points to electronic money based on the distribution data 13a and writes it to the IC card 3.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the IC card 3.

  The IC card 3 includes a control unit 30, a ROM 31, a RAM 32, a transmission / reception unit 33 having an antenna 33a, a memory unit 34, and the like, and these hardware units are connected to each other via a bus 3a.

  The control unit 30 has a CPU or MPU. Then, according to a predetermined timing, a control program stored in advance in the ROM 31 or the memory unit 34 is read out to the RAM 32 as appropriate and executed, and the operation of each hardware unit described above is controlled. Various control programs necessary for operating the IC card 3 are stored in the ROM 31 in advance. The RAM 32 is configured by SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and temporarily stores various data generated when the control unit 30 executes the control program.

  The transmission / reception unit 33 modulates or demodulates each data in order to transmit / receive data to / from the reader / writer 1 via the antenna 33a. The transmission / reception unit 33 operates by contactless power transmission from the antenna 33a side and supplies power so that the IC card 3 can operate. Thereby, the IC card 3 can be used semipermanently without a battery.

  The memory unit 34 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The memory unit 34 stores various control programs and the like necessary for operating the IC card 3 in advance. The memory unit 34 stores a card ID 34 a assigned to each IC card 3, electronic money balance information 34 b, a returned No 34 c and the like. The returned No. 34c is data extracted from the distribution data 13a when the reader / writer 1 returns the privilege points to electronic money based on the distribution data 13a.

  The reader / writer 1 returns bonus points to electronic money based on the distribution data 13a and the returned No read from the IC card 3. The reader / writer 1 reads the card ID and the returned No from the IC card 3, and searches the distribution data 13a for a returned No greater than the returned No with the same card ID as the read card ID. If the search is successful, the reader / writer 1 returns the reward points for the reduction pt corresponding to the searched reduction No. to electronic money. At this time, the reader / writer 1 writes the maximum value of the retrieved reduction No. in the IC card 3 as a reduced No.

  For example, when the reader / writer 1 reads the reduced number “0002” from the IC card 3 having the card ID “00001”, the reader / writer 1 from the distribution data 13a with the card ID “00001” from “0002”. Search for a large reduction No. When searching for the reduction Nos. “0003” and “0004” greater than “0002”, the reader / writer 1 reduces the reward points of the reduction pt “500 pt” corresponding to each of the reduction Nos to electronic money. Then, the reader / writer 1 transmits an electronic money return signal including the returned electronic money and the maximum values “0004” of the searched return numbers “0003” and “0004”. As a result, the electronic money obtained by returning the privilege points to the IC card 3 is added (so-called charging), and “0004” is stored as the returned No ..

  In the following, functions realized by the control unit 20 of the server device 2 executing a control program stored in the ROM 21 or the memory unit 23 in the point reduction system having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the server apparatus 2 according to the embodiment.

  The server device 2 according to the embodiment includes a point reception unit 41, a point update unit 42, a return data generation unit 43, a distribution data generation unit 44, a distribution data transmission unit 45, a returned No reception unit 46, a return result reflection unit 47, and the like. Including. The server device 2 has the above-described functions when the control unit 20 executes a control program stored in the ROM 21 or the memory unit 23.

  The point receiving unit 41 receives privilege points issued by the reader / writer 1 from the reader / writer 1. The point update part 42 adds the received privilege point to the privilege point memorize | stored in issue point DB23a, and updates issue point DB23a. In addition, when the return data generation unit 43 generates the return data, the point update unit 42 subtracts the returned privilege points from the privilege points stored in the issue point DB 23a, and updates the issue point DB 23a. Specifically, since reward data is generated every time 500 points of bonus points are accumulated, the point update unit 42 subtracts 500 pt from the stored privilege points when the return data generation unit 43 generates return data. .

  The return data generation unit (management number setting means) 43 searches the issued point DB 23a for a card ID whose accumulated privilege points exceed 500 pt, generates return data, and adds it to the return point DB 23b. The distribution data generation unit 44 extracts the return data for which the expiration date has not passed and the return date is not registered from the return point DB 23b, and generates the distribution data 23c. The distribution data transmission unit 45 transmits the generated distribution data to the reader / writer 1. The returned No receiving unit 46 receives the returned No from the reader / writer 1. The returned No is a reduction No included in the distribution data 13a stored in the reader / writer 1, and is a reduction No that has been returned to electronic money. The returned No transmitted from the reader / writer 1 includes the date on which the return to electronic money was performed. The return result reflecting unit 47 registers the date returned to the electronic money on the return date corresponding to the received return No. in the return point DB 23b.

  Hereinafter, functions realized by the control unit 10 of the reader / writer 1 executing a control program stored in the ROM 11 or the memory unit 13 in the point reduction system having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the reader / writer 1 according to the embodiment.

  The reader / writer 1 of this embodiment includes a settlement unit 51, a point issue unit 52, a point storage unit 53, a point transmission unit 54, and the like. The reader / writer 1 has the above-described functions when the control unit 10 executes a control program stored in the ROM 11 or the memory unit 13.

  The settlement unit 51 reads electronic money corresponding to the settlement amount when the customer purchases the product from the IC card 3 and performs settlement with the electronic money. The point issuing unit 52 issues privilege points corresponding to the settlement amount and stores them in the point storage unit 53. The point transmission unit (privilege value transmission means) 54 transmits the privilege points stored in the point storage unit 53 to the server device 2 when the connection with the server device 2 is established.

  Further, the reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment includes a distribution data receiving unit 55, a distribution data storage unit 56, a return No search unit 57, a returned No read unit 58, an electronic money return unit 59, and the like. The distribution data receiving unit 55 receives the distribution data from the server device 2 and stores it in the distribution data storage unit 56. The reduced No reading unit (reading unit) 58 reads the reduced No from the IC card 3, and the reduction No search unit (search unit) 57 stores a reduction No larger than the read reduced No in the distribution data storage unit 56. Search from the distributed data. The electronic money return unit (return means) 59 returns the privilege points to electronic money based on the search result of the return No search unit 57 and writes the reward points to the IC card 3. In addition, the electronic money return unit (writing means) 59 writes the maximum return No searched by the return No search unit 57 to the IC card 3 as a returned No.

  The reader / writer 1 of the embodiment includes a reduced No storage unit 60, a reduced No transmission unit 61, and the like. The reduced No storage unit 60 stores the maximum reduction No searched by the reduction No search unit 57, and the reduced No transmission unit (terminal-side transmission unit) 61 communicates with the server device 2 to connect to the server device 2. Send to.

  Next, operations of the reader / writer 1 and the server device 2 of the point redemption system will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the reader / writer 1. The process shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the control unit 10 when the reader / writer 1 is activated.

  First, the control unit 10 executes initialization processing such as erasure of memory contents (S101), and establishes communication connection with the server apparatus 2 (S102). The control unit 10 receives the distribution data transmitted from the server device 2 and updates the distribution data 13a in the memory unit 13 (S103). At this time, the control unit 10 may update the difference between the received distribution data and the stored distribution data, or rewrite the stored distribution data to the received distribution data. Also good. Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the reduced No is stored (S104). The returned No is stored when the bonus points are returned to electronic money. When the reduced No is stored (S104: YES), the control unit 10 transmits the reduced No to the server device 2 (S105). And the control part 10 interrupts | blocks communication with the server apparatus 2 (S106). When the reduced No is not stored (S104: NO), the control unit 10 executes the processes after S106.

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not payment by electronic money is started and data is read from the IC card 3 (S107). When data is read from the IC card 3 (S107: YES), the control unit 10 issues privilege points (S108). Specifically, when reading data from the IC card 3, the control unit 10 transmits an electronic money request signal to the IC card 3 by a store clerk's operation. The IC card 3 that has received the electronic money request signal transmits a data signal including the electronic money for the requested settlement amount, the card ID, and the returned No. The control unit 10 can read data such as electronic money by receiving a data signal transmitted from the IC card 3. And the control part 10 issues the privilege point corresponded to the read electronic money. In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 issues 1pt privilege points when reading 500 yen of electronic money. The control unit 10 stores the issued privilege points in the memory unit 13.

  The control unit 10 searches for a reduction No. that is larger than the reduction No. read from the IC card 3, and determines whether it is stored in the distribution data (S109). At this time, the control unit 10 searches for a return No. of the same card ID as the card ID read together with the No. of return. When a reduction No greater than the reduced No is stored (S109: YES), the control unit 10 reduces the privilege points of the reduction pt corresponding to the searched reduction No to electronic money (S110). Note that the control unit 10 writes the returned electronic money to the IC card 3. Thereby, the electronic money is charged to the IC card 3. The control unit 10 stores the return No. for which the return to electronic money has been completed, together with the card ID as a returned No (S111). Then, the control part 10 performs the process of S112. In addition, when data is not read from the IC card 3 (S107: NO), and when a reduction number larger than the reduced number is not stored (S109: NO), the control unit 10 executes the process of S112. To do.

  The control unit 10 determines whether an end operation has been performed by the user (S112). When the end operation is performed (S112: YES), the control unit 10 ends the operation, and when the end operation is not performed (S112: NO), the process returns to S107, and the processes after S107 are executed. To do.

  As described above, the reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment communicates and connects with the server device 2 at the time of activation, receives distribution data from the server device 2, and then disconnects from the server device 2 and receives the received distribution. The electronic money is returned based on the data. With the distribution data, the reader / writer 1 does not need to be connected to the server device 2 when the privilege points are returned to electronic money. Further, in the distribution data, privilege points that can be returned to electronic money are managed by a return No. that continues in ascending order, and the reader / writer 1 is based on a management No. that is larger than the returned No. Reduction. That is, it is possible to prevent the reward points from being multiply-reduced by not reducing the reward points with respect to the reduction No smaller than the reduced No. In addition, the maximum value of the management No. in the distribution data that is larger than the reduced No. is written in the IC card 3 as the reduced No. Can be recorded.

  FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure by the server device 2. The processing shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 is executed by the control unit 20.

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not communication connection is established with the reader / writer 1 that has requested connection (S201). When the communication connection is not established (S201: NO), the control unit 20 moves the process to S208. When communication connection is established (S201: YES), the control unit 20 transmits distribution data to the reader / writer 1 (S202). Note that the control unit 20 does not transmit the distribution data when the distribution data is not stored. Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a reduced No has been received from the reader / writer 1 (S203). When the returned No is received (S203: YES), the control unit 20 updates the return point DB 23b (S204). Specifically, the control unit 20 searches the reduction point DB 23b for a reduction number that matches the received reduction number. The received refunded No includes the date when it was returned to electronic money, and the control unit 20 registers the date returned to electronic money on the return date corresponding to the searched return No. When the reduced No has not been received (S203: NO), the control unit 20 moves the process to S205.

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not a privilege point has been received from the reader / writer 1 (S205). The privilege point is stored in the reader / writer 1 each time it is issued in the reader / writer 1. When the privilege point has not been received (S205: NO), the control unit 20 moves the process to S207. When the privilege point is received (S205: YES), the control unit 20 updates the issue point DB 23a (S206). Specifically, the control unit 20 adds the received privilege point to the total pt of the issue point DB 23a. Thereafter, the control unit 20 cuts off communication with the reader / writer 1 (S207), and executes distribution data generation processing (S208).

  In the distribution data generation process, the control unit 20 checks the total pt of the card ID “i” (S301). As the card ID, numbers that are consecutive in ascending order from “00001” are set, and the initial value of i is set to “00001”. Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the total pt of the card ID “i” is 500 pt or more (S302). If the total pt of the card ID “i” is not 500 pt or more (S302: NO), the control unit 20 moves the process to S304. When it is 500 pt or more (S302: YES), the control unit 20 generates return data having a card ID, a return No, a return pt, a creation date, an expiration date, a return date, and the like (S303). At this time, the control unit 20 updates the return point DB 23b and the issue point DB 23a. Specifically, the control unit 20 adds the generated reduction data to the reduction point DB 23b and subtracts 500 pt from the total pt of the issue point DB 23a.

  The control unit 20 sets “i” to “i + 1” (S304), and determines whether “i” is larger than “n” which is the final number of the card ID (S304). That is, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a process for creating return data has been performed for all card IDs in the issue point DB 23a. When “i” is larger than “n” which is the final number of the card ID (S305), the control unit 20 determines that the process of creating the return data is performed for all the card IDs, and generates distribution data ( S306). Specifically, the control unit 20 extracts the card ID, the return No, the return pt, and the expiration date from the return data for which the expiration date has not passed and the return date is not registered from the return point DB 23b.

  The control unit 20 ends the distribution data generation process and determines whether or not an end operation has been performed (S209). When the end operation is performed (S209: YES), the control unit 20 ends the operation, and when the end operation is not performed (S209: NO), the process returns to S201, and the processes after S201 are executed. To do.

  As described above, the server device 2 generates distribution data when privilege points that can be returned to electronic money are accumulated, and transmits the distribution data to the reader / writer 1 when connected to the reader / writer 1. Thereby, even if it is a case where the privilege point is memorize | stored in the server apparatus 2, it becomes possible for the reader / writer 1 to return a privilege point, without always connecting with the server apparatus 2. FIG. In addition, since the reward No is set in ascending order for each reward pt, the server apparatus 2 receives the reward No from the reader / writer 1, and to which reward No. the leader writer 1 receives the reward No. It is possible to grasp whether or not the reduction was performed.

  In this embodiment, the reader / writer 1 communicates with the server device 2 at the time of activation and transmits / receives necessary data, but the communication connection with the server device 2 is performed when the reader / writer 1 is powered off. There may be, and it can change suitably. In the present embodiment, the privilege points are returned to electronic money, but may be returned to valuable value other than electronic money, such as a product or a coupon. In addition, the reward rate of reward points can be changed.

  In this embodiment, the reward point pt of reward points to be returned to electronic money is registered in the distribution data, but the distribution data may be registered with only a return number and a card ID. For example, when the reward point reduction pt is fixed, it is stored in advance in the reader / writer 1 as a program. When the reward points are returned based on the returned No read by the reader / writer 1 from the IC card 3 and the distribution data return No, the predetermined points are returned to electronic money. Thereby, the reader / writer 1 can perform a reward point return process if only the return No and the card ID can be received from the server device 2. As a result, the reader / writer 1 can perform bonus point reduction processing with a small amount of data.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described above, but each configuration, operation, and the like can be changed as appropriate, and are not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  Further, the search means of the privilege information return system disclosed in the present application is configured to search for a plurality of management numbers. When the search means searches for a plurality of management numbers, the return means is based on each management number. The privilege information can be reduced to valuable value, and the writing means can be configured to write the maximum management number searched by the searching means to the recording medium. According to such a configuration, the management number recording area of the recording medium can be minimized, and it can be expected to immediately and accurately determine which management number has been reduced to valuable value. .

  Further, the management number setting means of the privilege information return system disclosed in the present application sets a continuous management number every time privilege information is stored in the privilege information storage means, and the terminal device searches by the search means. It is also possible to further comprise terminal-side transmission means for deleting privilege information having a management number equal to or lower than the management number from the server-side storage means by transmitting the maximum management number that has been set to the server device. According to such a configuration, the privilege information returned on the server side can be accurately managed, the same function as when connected online can be obtained, and unnecessary by deleting the privilege information already returned. Transmission of privilege information to the terminal can be prevented, and it can be expected that the storage capacity of the terminal device is effectively suppressed.

  In addition, the terminal device of the privilege information return system disclosed in the present application transmits the privilege value issued by the issuing unit to the terminal device when the terminal device is connected to the issuing unit that issues the privilege value at a predetermined timing. A privilege value transmitting unit, and the server device stores a privilege value storing unit that stores the privilege value transmitted by the terminal device, and a predetermined value when the privilege value stored in the privilege value storing unit reaches a predetermined number. It may be configured to further include an accumulation control unit that accumulates a number of privilege values as privilege information in the privilege information storage unit. According to such a configuration, only the information of the reducible recording medium that has reached the predetermined number of privilege points needs to be transmitted to the terminal device, the amount of information transmitted to the terminal device can be minimized, and the storage of the terminal device It can be expected to reduce the capacity.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline of the point reduction system concerning an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a server apparatus and a reader / writer. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of an IC card. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating issue point DB. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating reduction | restoration point DB. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating delivery data. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the server apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the reader / writer which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence by a reader / writer. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence by a server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence by a server apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader / writer 2 Server apparatus 3 IC card 4 Network 57 Reduction | restoration No search part 58 Reduction | restoration No reading part 59 Electronic money return part

Claims (5)

A privilege information return system comprising a terminal device connected to be capable of data communication with a server device having privilege information storage means for storing privilege information that can be reduced to a predetermined valuable value,
The terminal device
Receiving means for receiving privilege information accumulated in the privilege information accumulating means from the server device;
Terminal-side storage means for storing the management number (first management number) of privilege information received by the receiving means in ascending order or descending order;
Reading means for reading the second management number from a recording medium in which the management number (second management number) is recorded separately from the terminal-side storage means;
A determination unit that determines the size of the second management number read by the reading unit and the first management number of the privilege information stored in the terminal-side storage unit;
When the first management number of privilege information is stored in ascending order by the terminal-side storage unit, the first management number determined to be larger than the second management number obtained from the reading unit is stored in the terminal-side storage Obtained by means, or
When the first management number of privilege information is stored in descending order by the terminal-side storage unit, the first management number determined to be smaller than the second management number obtained from the reading unit is stored in the terminal-side storage Search means obtained from the means;
Return means for reducing privilege information set with the first management number acquired by the search means to valuable value;
A privilege information return system comprising: writing means for writing the first management number acquired by the search means to the recording medium. The search means includes
You can get multiple primary control numbers,
The reducing means includes
When a plurality of first management numbers are acquired by the search means, privilege information is returned to valuable value based on each first management number,
The writing means includes
The privilege information return system according to claim 1, wherein the maximum first management number acquired by the search means is written in the recording medium. A management number setting unit that sets a continuous first management number each time privilege information is stored in the privilege information storage unit;
The terminal device
By transmitting the maximum first management number acquired by the search means to the server device, the privilege information having the first management number equal to or lower than the first management number is deleted from the server-side storage means. The privilege information return system according to claim 2, further comprising a terminal-side transmission unit. The terminal device
Issuing means for issuing a privilege value at a predetermined timing;
A privilege value transmitting means for transmitting the privilege value issued by the issuing means to the terminal device when connected to the terminal device;
The server device
Privilege value storage means for storing the privilege value transmitted by the terminal device;
Claim 1 thru | or the accumulation | storage control means which accumulate | store a predetermined number of privilege values as privilege information in the said privilege information storage means, when the privilege value accumulate | stored in this privilege value storage means becomes a predetermined number. 4. The privilege information return system according to any one of 3. A privilege information return method for managing privilege information in a system comprising a terminal device connected to a server device having privilege information storage means for storing privilege information that can be reduced to a predetermined valuable value and capable of data communication,
Receiving from the server device the privilege information stored in the privilege information storage means;
Storing the received privilege information management number (first management number) in ascending or descending order;
Reading the management number (second management number) from a recording medium in which the management number is recorded separately from the storing step;
Performing a size determination between the read management number (second management number) and the first management number;
If the first management number is stored in ascending order, obtain the first management number determined to be greater than the second management number, or
If the first management number is stored in descending order, obtaining a first management number determined to be smaller than the second management number;
A step of reducing the privilege information in which the acquired first management number is set to valuable value;
A privilege information return method comprising: writing the acquired first management number into the recording medium.

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