JP5166463B2 - Point management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a point management system. More particularly, the present invention allows the point itself stored on multiple point cards that the consumer receives separately from various stores to be managed in a manner convenient for both the consumer and the card issuer. It relates to a point management system.

  Current consumers are able to accumulate “points” that are given according to the amount paid and available for future use when shopping at various stores and receiving services. Cards (hereinafter simply referred to as “point cards”) may be handed over. Point services at home appliance mass retailers and airline mileage services are well known, and points given according to credit card usage and rental video stores are also widely known.

  Prior to the general use of computers, a method of aggregating stickers that were collected using stamp-type stickers as a representation of points, such as local currency points operated by local shopping streets Existed. A stamp card that records points by imprinting on a paper point card can also be regarded as a similar method. Such manual point services are mainly discounted in the future when they are used by customers, and have a small aspect as an information collection means for point issuers to know customer consumption behavior. .

  Next, on the premise of data processing by a computer, a point card equipped with a magnetic recording medium or a bar code has come to be used. This method is still widely used today. Furthermore, an IC card or a mobile phone terminal provided with a semiconductor memory capable of electronic reading and writing in a non-contact state is also functioned as a point card. Using this method, it is easy to collect information on consumption behavior such as which consumers purchased what and where, and such information is statistically processed for future management strategies and individual consumers. Can be used for individual sales activities.

  Focusing on computer data processing, in addition to physical stores in the city, when purchasing goods and services through traditional mail-order sales using telephones and mail and Internet shopping using the Internet The points awarded to have the same function as points when using a point card. For example, even in the case of Internet shopping, consumers earn points when purchasing goods and services, check the accumulated points on the web page assigned to them, etc. Benefits can be obtained.

  Point cards have become so popular because the use of point cards has advantages for both consumers and issuers. As a consumer, there is an advantage that a privilege corresponding to the purchase amount can be obtained as a result of purchasing a product or service at a specific store. At the same time, you can enjoy game-like fun by earning points. From the point card issuer's point of view, it is true that the extent to which points can be obtained when creating a point card depends on the consumer, but demographic information such as gender, age, family relationship, occupation, address, etc. Can be obtained. Then, by correlating the demographic information of a specific consumer obtained in this way with the consumer's consumption behavior, a consumer with what demographic characteristics Information on how to purchase can be obtained. Such information is useful and valuable in developing products and services and formulating sales strategies.

  However, as every consumer feels, today it is already difficult to receive all of the reward cards that are passed when purchasing goods and services. As everyone has experienced, the number of point cards handed out at various stores quickly becomes quite large, and it is not unusual for each person's wallet to overflow with a large number of point cards. There has been an increase in the number of shops trying to give point cards. However, since the wallet has a limited volume, it is physically difficult to hold a large number of cards, for example, over 20 cards in the wallet. Considering efficiency, you don't have to carry a point card for a store that only goes once a month. Thus, an increase in the number of point cards received by one consumer is the first problem.

  Also, there are a wide variety of point cards, but when the number of points is increased to this extent, it is not always easy to clearly recognize which point card is received at which store. Although each card has a variety of designs, it is not easy to associate a specific point card with its issuer. Thus, the second problem is that identification between point cards is not easy.

  There are problems with conventional point cards not only for consumers, but also for stores. That is a cost issue. For large-scale stores and chain stores, even if a considerable investment is made in the computer system for point cards, including the communication environment such as connection to the Internet, the return on investment can be expected. However, for small shops, such capital investment is often difficult. In addition to the financial cost of capital investment, there is also a human cost problem of securing staff to maintain and manage the system for point cards. Small-scale stores often have limited staffing and are busy dealing with customers, making it difficult to maintain and manage computer systems. The third problem is the monetary and human costs required for the point card system described above.

  The present invention is provided when a consumer purchases goods or services at one or more stores in order to overcome the first to third problems related to the conventional point card described above. A point management server, a point terminal installed at each of the one or more stores and capable of communicating with the point management server via a network, and the point management server Connected to the member database storing the correspondence between the consumer's personal identifier and the identifier of one or more identification media used by the consumer in the past, and connected to the point management server The point data stored for each consumer is point information extracted from past purchase data obtained from the point terminal. And the point terminal includes means for reading an identifier of the identification medium used by the consumer at the time of purchase, and the read identifier and point information given by the purchase. Means for transmitting a transaction request to the point management server via the network, the point management server receiving the transaction request, and an identifier of the identification medium included in the received transaction request And means for searching the member database using information, and means for updating data specified by the search means in the member database and the point database using information included in the received transaction request. System is provided.

  In the system according to the present invention, the point management server may not be able to specify a personal identifier corresponding to the identifier of the identification medium included in the received transaction request as a result of the search means searching the member database. Means for transmitting a search result to the point terminal; means for storing in the member database a new correspondence between a personal identifier transmitted from the point terminal in response to the search result and an identifier of the identification medium; The point terminal may include means for receiving the search result and means for inputting the personal identifier.

  The system manages transaction information when a customer purchases or uses goods or services at one or a plurality of stores, and is installed in each of the transaction information management server and the one or more stores. Correspondence relationship between a transaction terminal communicable with a transaction information management server via a network, and a personal identifier of the customer and an identifier of one or more identification media possessed by the customer, connected to the transaction information management server Is stored in the transaction information management server, and a transaction account database in which a transaction account of the customer is stored is stored in the transaction terminal. Means for reading the identifier of the identification medium used in use, transaction terminal information, the read identifier, and the transaction information. Means for transmitting a request to the transaction information management server via the network, the transaction information management server receiving the transaction request, and the identification medium included in the received transaction request. The master database is searched by the search means from the customer database and the transaction account database using the information included in the received transaction request by the means for searching the customer database using the identifier of And a means for updating data associated with the data.

  Furthermore, it is a system for managing points given when a consumer purchases goods or services at one or a plurality of stores, and is installed at each of the point management server and the one or more stores. Correspondence relationship between a point terminal capable of communicating with a point management server via a network, and the personal identifier of the consumer and the identifier of one or more identification media possessed by the consumer, connected to the point management server Is stored in the member database, and the point database is connected to the point management server and stores point information extracted from the purchase data obtained from the point terminal for each consumer. The point terminal is an identifier of the identification medium used by the consumer when purchasing the product or service. Means for reading, and means for transmitting a transaction request including the point terminal information, the read identifier, and the purchase data to the point management server via the network, and the point management server includes the transaction Means for receiving a request; means for searching the member database using an identifier of the identification medium included in the received transaction request; and the member database using information included in the received transaction request; There is provided a system comprising: means for retrieving master data from the point database by the retrieval means, and updating data associated with the master data.

  In the system according to the present invention, the point terminal includes a point information calculation unit that calculates point information from purchase data, and the means for transmitting to the point management server includes the point terminal information, the identifier of the identification medium, and the A transaction request including point information may be transmitted to the point management server via the network.

  In the system according to the present invention, the point management server may include a point information calculation unit that calculates point information from purchase data received by the means for receiving the transaction request.

  In the system according to the present invention, at least the point terminal information, the identifier information of the identification medium, and the point information among the information connected to the member database and included in the transaction request are stored in transaction request units. A point history database is provided, and the information included in the transaction request stored in the point history database is aggregated by the point management server for each identifier information of the identification medium or the personal identifier as the master data. The point information bundled for each identifier information of the identification medium or the information of the personal identifier may be stored in the point database.

  In the system according to the present invention, when the information of the personal identifier is unregistered, the information included in all transaction requests stored in the point history database is the identifier of the identification medium that is the master data by the point management server. When the personal identifier information is already registered, the information included in all transaction requests stored in the point history database is collected by the point management server, and the personal identifier information is the master data. It may be counted for each.

  In the system according to the present invention, the information included in all transaction requests stored in the point history database is aggregated by the point management server for each identifier information of the identification medium or the personal identifier that is the master data. In this case, the point information may be classified for each point type.

In the system according to the present invention, the identification medium has unique information, and the unique information is an identifier of the identification medium.
In the system according to the present invention, for example, the identification medium is an IC card incorporating an IC chip. In this case, the identifier of the identification medium is an individual number of the IC chip.

  In the system according to the present invention, for example, the identification medium is a mobile phone terminal incorporating an IC chip. In this case, the identifier of the identification medium is an individual number of the IC chip.

  With the above configuration, when the point management system according to the present invention is used, even if a consumer does not carry a large number of point cards, for example, an IC card or a mobile phone terminal with a built-in IC chip. If any one of them is carried, a point service can be received regardless of whether the store is a member of the point management system, regardless of which product or service is purchased.

The correspondence relationship of N: 1: N in the present invention is shown in contrast to the correspondence relationship of 1: 1: 1 in the prior art. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the point management system by this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing a typical operation flow of the point management system according to the present invention. 2 is a more detailed illustration showing the typical operation of a point management system according to the present invention. 2 is a more detailed illustration showing the typical operation of a point management system according to the present invention. 2 is a more detailed illustration showing the typical operation of a point management system according to the present invention in the case of biometric authentication. An administrator setting flow (I) and a flow (II) when an unregistered consumer uses a card for the first time are shown. The outline of data processing when registering immediately on the spot is illustrated. It outlines the process for registering later instead of registering on the spot. The outline of the process when using it for the second time or later (when you have a registered personal identification ID and use a new identification medium) is illustrated. An overview of the relationship between the point history database and the point account database is illustrated.

  FIG. 1 shows how the identification medium, the consumer, and the point service are associated in the point management system according to the present invention, as compared with the case of two types of point cards according to the prior art. Note that associating a plurality of pieces of information with each other may be expressed as stringing or stringing.

  A general point service in the prior art is shown in the column A (the top column) in FIG. In this case, each one point card and one store that issued the one point card are associated with one consumer. In the simplest case, “one store” means only one store physically located in one place. For example, a point card is issued to one consumer at a certain store, and points are recorded on this point card each time the consumer purchases goods or services at this store. And when a predetermined score is accumulated, a predetermined privilege is obtained.

  However, as is widely seen today, “one store” physically exists in a plurality of different places but also means a plurality of stores belonging to the same series as A in FIG. The association shown is equivalent. For example, if a plurality of stores such as department stores, family restaurants, rental video stores, drug stores, home appliance mass retailers, and Internet cafes belong to the same group, one point card can be used if the store belongs to that group. Usually, it can be used in common. It is possible to define that the identification medium (for example, a point card) such as A described above is associated with a consumer and a store in a 1: 1: 1 relationship.

  Next, FIG. 1B shows an example of a point service (mileage service) performed with similar contents in various airlines, although the name is different for each company. A mileage card issued by an airline is usually issued by registering as a member, and every time an airline service of the airline is used, points are given according to the flight distance. Points in mileage services are often referred to as miles because of their history. When you earn a certain number of miles, you can get a free ticket or upgrade your seat. Also, through the procedure of exchanging miles (points), it is often possible to receive services equivalent to the earned miles at retail stores, hotels, car rentals, etc. that are closely related to airlines. That is, as shown on the right side of column B in FIG. 1, in the mileage service, the earned points or miles can usually be used at airlines, hotels or other merchants. It is. The point service such as this mileage service is characterized by the fact that there are a plurality of stores that can receive points equivalent benefits, but there is only one identification medium, and the basic association structure is the same as in the case of A. Yes, a 1: 1: 1 relationship is maintained.

  Next, the column C in FIG. 1 shows the association between the identification medium, the consumer, and the point service employed in the point management system according to the present invention. In the point management system according to the present invention, N identification media, one consumer, and N types of point services are associated with each other, where N is a positive integer. That is, the association is N: 1: N. N: 1: N refers to a case where N identification media and N types of point services are associated (hanged) in parallel with each other and are associated with each other. . However, as described above with respect to the mileage service, there are cases where the points accumulated on one point card can be used in a plurality of types of stores. There may be M types as integers. That is, it is not always necessary to have a correspondence relationship of N: 1: N, and there can be a correspondence relationship of N: 1: M. However, just as the relationship shown in the B column is 1: 1: 1 as in the case of the A column, the C column is not described using M different from N. I want to explain that the relationship is 1: N.

  The identification medium corresponds to the point card described above. As shown in FIG. 1, Suica (registered trademark) operated and provided by East Japan Railway Company, Eddy (registered trademark) operated and provided by Bit Wallet Co., and so-called Osaifu-Keitai ( A mobile phone terminal having a registered trademark function is included. In addition, identification media such as magnetic cards such as bank cards and credit cards, cards with barcodes and QR codes can be specified as identification media, and have unique information that can be differentiated from others. If so, everything can be handled.

  Since all N identification media (eg, N point cards) are associated with a consumer, the point management system according to the present invention reads any one of the N identification media. Even if, the same consumer is uniquely identified. Here, the “point terminal” indicates a point dedicated terminal, a POS system terminal, an information terminal or a settlement terminal installed in a convenience store, a debit card terminal, an ATM terminal, or the like.

  How such an association is made, when a consumer purchases a product or service at a store where a point terminal is installed and first registers it in the point management system according to the present invention, the card A A point terminal having an IC chip reader function reads the IC chip built-in card in a contact / non-contact manner. Thereby, the information of the IC chip (medium identifier) of the IC chip built-in card is read. The consumer also has his own personal identifier received from the point management system by any method described below. Then, the medium identifier information (identification medium information) of the identification medium (for example, watermelon) read by the point terminal is associated with the personal identifier information (personal identification ID) given to the consumer, and the correspondence relationship is stored. It is stored in the device (system server). “Purchase service” as used herein is not necessarily a paid service for consumers such as “the consumer receives the service and pays for it”, but also “cash deposit and withdrawal”, “to visit the store” Including free point accompaniment "," mileage registration ", etc.

  When the same consumer first uses another second identification medium (e.g., Eddie) at the same or another store, the personal identifier already given when using the first identification medium is, for example, By inputting using the input device connected to the point terminal, the already assigned personal identifier is associated with the second identification medium used for the first time. The same process is performed when the same consumer uses another third identification medium (for example, a mobile phone terminal).

  By repeating such processing, in the point management system according to the present invention, N point cards (IC chip built-in card, mobile phone terminal) possessed by the same consumer and one of the consumers And a correspondence table of N point cards and one consumer thereof is obtained. This is the N: 1 relationship between the N identification media and one consumer shown in column C of FIG.

  Next, the relationship between consumers and point services will be described. In the point management system according to the present invention, N types of point services are associated with a specific consumer, and the points accumulated in each point service can be used in various ways.

  Point services are roughly divided into two types. One is a unique point that can be used only at each member store (hereinafter referred to as an original point), and the other is a common point that can be used at all member stores (hereinafter referred to as a common point).

  Since the method of using the original points has been described using the column A in FIG. On the other hand, a common point refers to a common point accumulated by a certain consumer at a member store (for example, a rental video store) and another store (for example, a cleaning store) that is not directly related to the member store. ).

  In the point management system according to the present invention, original points and common points can be exchanged and used in the system. That is, for example, if there is an agreement between the consumer and the rental video store, the original point given at the rental video store can be transferred to the original point of the cleaning store so that it can be used. Also, it is possible to set so that a point service having a predetermined relationship with one specific point service can be used. In the point transfer described above, it is possible to set each point to have exactly the same value between one store and another store. For example, 1: 1.5 or 1: 2 It is also possible to perform settings such as conversion and transfer via weights such as.

  Next, a system configuration in the point management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates a point management system 200 according to the present invention and its components. The point management server 201 is in an environment capable of communicating with a point terminal 204 installed in a store which is a member of the point management system 200 according to the present invention via an arbitrary network. The point terminal 204 is a communication terminal installed in a member store, and can read an identifier such as an individual number of an IC chip built in identification media C1, C2,. Reading of the identification medium can be performed by the point terminal 204 itself in a non-contact manner or a contact manner such as a watermelon. As other reading methods, the point terminal 204 can be connected to a reading device such as a credit card or another reading device such as a barcode reader, and the reading medium can be used to read the identification medium. The point terminal 204 is provided with an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a display. The output device may be a touch panel system in which the input device and the display are integrated. The keyboard can be used when the consumer inputs the personal identifier already assigned. When it is necessary to notify the consumer from the point management server 201 such as confirmation of the personal identifier, a required display is made on the display. The network that enables communication between the point management server 201 and the point terminal 204 includes the Internet as a most typical example, but may be a LAN or the like. It may have a general authentication function.

  Examples of the identification medium that can be used in the point management system 200 according to the present invention include FeliCa (registered trademark) compatible mobile phone terminals (so-called Osaifu-Keitai (registered trademark)), watermelon (Suica), and JR other than East Japan Railway Company. IC cards with built-in IC chip (TOICA (registered trademark), ICOCA (registered trademark), Pasmo (registered trademark)) and ICs operated and provided by Group companies and Pasmo Co., Ltd. A chip license or passport can also be a candidate.

  The point management server 201 is connected to the member database 202. The member database 202 includes one consumer and up to N identification media (for example, N point cards C1, C2,..., CN) possessed by the one consumer. A correspondence table (lookup table, LUT) is stored. Specifically, the consumer is uniquely identified by the personal identifier given from the point management server 201 at the time of registration, and the identification medium is uniquely identified by the individual number of the built-in IC chip. In 202, a correspondence relationship between each consumer's personal identifier and N IC chip individual numbers at the maximum is stored.

  When a new member registration is performed, first, one piece of point data (or point data) newly generated with the identifier (for example, R1) of one identification medium used at the time of registration as a core. Accounts: PD1), for example, are linked with a 1: 1 correspondence and stored in the member database 202 and the point database 203, respectively. Then, after linking these identifiers R1 and point data PD1, a personal identifier (for example, I1) given from the point management server 201 is linked to the linked information. When the personal identifier I1 (consumer ID) is associated, the association is switched so that the identifier R1 and the point data PD1 are associated with the personal identifier I1 as a core.

  Thereafter, when the consumer additionally registers with the point management system using another identification medium, the identifier of the second and third identification medium (for example, R2, R3) is added to the personal identifier I1 which is the core. Are associated with a correspondence relationship of 2: 1, 3: 1,..., And finally a correspondence relationship of N: 1 is stored.

  The point management server 201 is also connected to the point database 203. The point database 203 stores a maximum of N point data (PD1 to PDN) accumulated by a certain consumer. When points are newly given to arbitrary point data PDN or points of arbitrary point data PDN are used in accordance with consumer consumption behavior, the number of points of point data PDN stored in the point database 203 is increased. , Updated according to grant and use. The point database 203 can also store data indicating how many points each consumer has earned at which member's store. In that case, consumption behavior data relating to which goods or services each member purchased at which store is stored. The data accumulated in this way will be useful for grasping the usage status of consumers at member stores.

  As described above, the member database 202 stores the correspondence between each member and an identification medium such as a point card. However, there are cases where consumers do not want to issue original points for a member store. In this way, even when the original point of the store is not issued, it can be accumulated and stored as a common point.

  Hereinafter, a typical operation in the point management system 200 according to the present invention will be outlined with reference to FIGS. It is assumed that each store that is a member of the point management system 200 according to the present invention and in which the point terminal 204 is installed has a point service that provides original points to consumers who use the store. In addition, if the number of stores is N, one consumer may have more than N identification media, but for simplicity of explanation, one consumer has N identification media. Assuming that N is a positive integer.

  In the point management system 200 according to the present invention, store information of N stores S1,..., SN where the point terminal 204 is installed is registered in the member database 202 in advance. That is, the store information includes identification information assigned to the point terminal 204i installed in the store Si (i is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ i ≦ N), information on the store itself, and points provided by the store Includes service. The point service is, for example, how many points are given for how much purchase price. In addition, the personal identifier I1 of the consumer registered in the point service of the store is also registered. Separately registered consumer personal information is associated with the personal identifier I1. Such personal information is stored, for example, in a server (such as a setting server described later) of a system independent of the point management system 200.

  In FIG. 3, first, in step 301, the system 200 starts operation. Specifically, prior to the start of the point service at the member store, as shown in FIG. 4, an administrator PC installed separately from the point terminal 204 is set to a setting server independent of the point management system 200 through the Internet line. Access is made and various settings are made at the own shop point terminal 204 in the setting server. The various settings here are point grant conditions for each date and / or day of the week, point type (common point or original point) of the member store, and the like. Various settings can be registered in a plurality of ways, and can be freely selected by member stores. When the point terminal 204 is activated at the start of business on a certain day, the point terminal 204 accesses the setting server, the member store side selects various settings on a certain day, and the various settings are set in the point terminal 204. Is set.

  Thereafter, the consumer X1 visits the store Si, and in the store Si, the card Cj (j is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ j ≦ N: one of the N cards owned by the customer: book Consider a case where the point terminal 204 reads a card that has not yet been registered in the inventive system 200.

  In step 302, the unregistered consumer X1 uses the point service using the card Cj at the store Si. In step 303, the point terminal 204 installed in the store Si reads the IC chip individual number of the card Cj and obtains it as unique card information (medium identifier). In step 304, the point terminal 204 includes identification information of the point terminal itself, an IC chip individual number acquired from the card Cj, and a newly generated point (a value calculated by the point terminal 204 based on the purchase amount). A transaction request is transmitted to the point management server 201.

  In step 305, when the point management server 201 refers to the correspondence table between the consumer personal identifier stored in the member database 202 and the medium identifier of the identification medium, the consumer X1 is unregistered. Neither the identification medium data nor the identification medium data exists in the member database 202. In this case, when the point management server 201 confirms that the medium identifier (card identifier) does not exist, the medium identifier is provisionally registered in the member database 202. Further, the newly generated points are temporarily registered in the point database 203 (the point A account of the original point A in FIG. 4) in association with the medium identifier. At this time, newly generated points are accumulated in the point A account.

  Thereafter, a reply that the medium identifier is not registered is transmitted to the point terminal 204, and two types of information are displayed on the display of the point terminal 204. That is, a new registration request (pattern A) when the consumer ID of the consumer X1 is not registered at all in the system 200 of the present invention and an acquired consumer ID input request (pattern B) are displayed. .

  If the consumer X1 wishes to register at the time of pattern A, he / she inputs his / her personal data using an input device such as a keyboard connected to the point terminal 204 (or the touch panel of the point terminal 204). Transmit to the management server 201. The personal data in this case includes a name, a date of birth, and the like, but may include a secret question widely used today for authentication and an answer thereto. Consumer X1 can also use the e-mail function of the mobile phone to send personal data.

  When the point management server 201 receives the personal data (consumer data) of the consumer X1, the point management server 201 registers and stores the consumer data, and assigns a new personal identifier (consumer ID) to the consumer X1. Then, the above-mentioned provisionally registered medium identifier and point A account are associated with the consumer ID and are registered. The point terminal 204 displays the consumer ID of the consumer X1 and the fact that the consumer registration has been completed. Through the above data processing, the consumer X1 is registered in the point management system 200 as the owner of the point card Cj and the point A account. In addition, the consumer X1 can receive the registered consumer ID with a mobile phone terminal or the like. In this case, since the consumer ID is recorded and stored in the mobile phone terminal, it is possible to prevent the consumer X1 from losing or forgetting the consumer ID. The consumer ID may be arbitrarily changed at a later date by the consumer X1.

  In the case of pattern B, the consumer X1 inputs his / her already acquired consumer ID using an input device such as a keyboard connected to the point terminal 204 (or the touch panel of the point terminal 204), and enters the point management server 201. Send.

  When the point management server 201 receives the consumer ID, the point management server 201 searches and specifies the consumer ID, and the medium identifier of the card Cj is linked to the consumer ID. Thereafter, the point management server 201 searches and specifies the point database 203 (point A account) of the store Si associated with the consumer ID, and newly generated points are accumulated in the point A account. Then, the point terminal 204 displays that the medium identifier of the card Cj is newly registered as the identification medium of the consumer X1.

  Here, when the consumer X1 purchases goods or services at the store Si, instead of accumulating newly generated points in the point A account, at least a part of the points earned by the consumer X1 so far is purchased. You may make it use for discount. At this time, the points appropriated for the discount are deducted from the point A account of the consumer X1 and updated.

Next, a case where the consumer X2 who has already been registered in the system 200 according to the present invention uses the same card Cj as used in the registration will be described with reference to FIG.
In step 401, the system 200 starts operation. In step 402, the registered consumer X2 purchases a product or service using the same card Cj used for registration at the store Si. In the next step 403, the point terminal 204 installed in the store Si reads the IC chip individual number of the card Cj and acquires it as unique card information (medium identifier). In step 404, the point terminal 204 transmits a transaction request including the identification information of the point terminal itself, the IC chip individual number acquired from the card Cj, and the newly generated point to the point management server 201. In step 405, the point management server 201 searches and specifies the consumer personal identifier (consumer ID) associated with the medium identifier of the identification medium stored in the member database 202. Thereafter, the newly generated points included in the transaction request are accumulated in the point database 203 (point A account) of the store Si linked to the consumer ID, and the data related to the point A account in the point database 203 is updated. . After updating the data regarding the point A account, the latest point information (newly generated points, accumulated points, etc.) is displayed on the point terminal 204.

Next, as a second embodiment, linking using biometric authentication will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, a consumer X1 who has not been registered in the system 200 of the present invention visits a store Si, and one of the N cards that he has in the store Si. Suppose that the card Cj (j is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ j ≦ N: a card not yet registered in the system 200 of the present invention) is read by the point terminal 204.

  An unregistered consumer X1 purchases a product or service using the card Cj at the store Si, and holds the card Cj over the point terminal 204 installed at the store Si. The point terminal 204 reads the IC chip individual number of the card Cj and acquires it as unique card information (medium identifier). Then, the point terminal 204 transmits a transaction request including the identification information of the point terminal itself, the IC chip individual number acquired from the card Cj, and the newly generated point to the point management server 201.

  When the point management server 201 refers to the correspondence table between the consumer personal identifier stored in the member database 202 and the medium identifier of the identification medium, since the consumer X1 is unregistered, the corresponding personal data is also identified medium data. Are not present in the member database 202. In this case, when the point management server 201 confirms that the medium identifier (card identifier) does not exist, the medium identifier is provisionally registered in the member database 202. Further, the newly generated points are provisionally registered in the point database 203 (the point A account of the original point A in FIG. 6) in association with the medium identifier. At this time, newly generated points are accumulated in the point A account.

  Thereafter, a reply that the medium identifier is not registered is transmitted to the point terminal 204, and the information is displayed on the display of the point terminal 204. That is, a new registration request (pattern A) when the consumer X1 is not registered at all in the system 200 of the present invention is displayed.

  At this time, if the consumer X1 wishes to register, the biometric features of the consumer are input using a biometric authentication device (fingerprint, vein, palm print, glow, etc.) connected to the point terminal 204, and the point Transmit to the management server 201.

  When the point management server 201 receives the biological feature data of the consumer X1, the point management server 201 registers and stores the biological feature data. Then, the biometric feature data is associated with the provisionally registered medium identifier and the point A account, respectively, and is finally registered. The point terminal 204 displays that the biometric feature data registration of the consumer X1 and the identification medium registration are completed. Through the above data processing, the consumer X1 is registered in the point management system 200 as the owner of the point card Cj and the point A account.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the biometric feature data of the consumer X1 as a key for consumer registration, the biometric feature data that is almost a unique password can be used instead of the consumer ID and the consumer data. Therefore, it is not necessary for the consumer to input consumer data. In order to send and transmit campaign information and privilege service information from the member store side to the consumer, the consumer data of the consumer X1 may be input at a later date.

  Further, since the biometric feature data of the consumer X1, that is, the consumer himself / herself becomes the consumer ID, once the registration to the system is completed, no IC chip built-in card or mobile phone is carried. Can receive point service.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the card Cj is used in the new registration of the consumer X1 in the system has been described as an example. However, the card Cj is not necessarily required, and the biometric of the consumer X1 is used. New registration to the system is also possible with only feature data.

  As described above, when the consumer X registers as a member in the point management system 200 according to the present invention (when the consumer ID is issued), the purchase amount when the product or service is purchased at the member store. Points will be awarded according to. At this time, even if the point management system 201 according to the present invention includes many stores as members, some ID chip built-in cards and mobile phones that almost everyone has today as consumers. If at least one of the terminals is carried, points can be accumulated and point services can be received at a plurality of member stores without always carrying many point cards.

  In addition, since the customer database 202 and the point database 203 all perform management of consumer customer information and associations between identification media, the point side 204 is introduced, which is free from troublesome input work for the store side. Just a point service system can be provided. The burden on the store side due to this introduction is only the rental fee and communication cost of the point terminal 204. This communication cost can also be reduced to a reasonable fee by adopting a flat-rate plan such as data communication (packet communication). Can be suppressed. Further, if a screen input method or the like is adopted as a method of using the point terminal 204, anyone can easily use it regardless of age. Therefore, according to the point management system 200 according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a point service system at a relatively small financial and human cost even in a small-scale store.

  The above is a schematic description of the system according to the present invention. In the following, details of data processing in the system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIG. 7 and the subsequent drawings without overlapping with the description so far.

  FIG. 7 shows an administrator setting flow (I) and a flow (II) when an unregistered consumer 710 uses a card for the first time. The administrator 750 can set the number of points, the type of points, and the time limit of the point terminal 204 using the setting server 751. In addition, the administrator can set an access right for each layer and limit the setting range of the point terminal 204. The information set by the administrator 750 is changed when the setting server 751 changes the setting on the point terminal 204 side via the network, and is changed when changing the processing conditions or communicating with the point management server 201 (such as the point expiration date and type). To send the information. The administrator 750 can group the point terminals 204 through the setting server 751 and operate a plurality of point systems. Various settings such as tiering, access restrictions, and aggregation units can be summarized and aggregated in an arbitrary group. Information set by the setting server 751 is also transmitted to the terminal definition / service definition database 211 to change the setting.

  Further, FIG. 7 shows a flow (II) when a certain unregistered consumer 710 uses a certain card (identification medium 701) for the first time. First use means that a card that is not registered in any system is newly used. First, the consumer 710 uses an unregistered identification medium 701 (such as an IC chip built-in card) at the point terminal 204. Secondly, the point terminal 204 indicates “occurrence date / time / point terminal information 702 / identification medium information 703 (unique) / purchase data 704 (including the type of points) / point operation task classification (grant / reward / correction)”. Send. The reason for setting the purchase data 704 is that the conversion from the amount to the points may be performed by either the point terminal 204 or the point management server 201. Third, the point management server 201 refers to the point terminal information 702 with the organization / group information set in the terminal definition / service definition database 211, and specifies the group in which the points are stored. Fourthly, the identification table 212 provided in the identified group member database 202 (identification medium information 703 (unique) and personal identification ID 705 are linked) is the identification transmitted from the point terminal 204. The personal identification ID 705 is inquired based on the medium information 703. Fifth, it is confirmed from the correspondence table 212 that there is no registered personal identification ID 705 (new identification medium information 703). Sixth, the point management server 201 sends the information transmitted in the second stage to the point history database 210 in the state where the personal identification ID 705 is blank (at this time, not the purchase data 704 but the point information 706, the point terminal information 702). Etc.). At this time, a temporary ID indicating that the personal identification ID 705 of the correspondence table 212 does not exist may be registered and associated processing may be performed.

  The point history database 210 stores all information of point grant and use in transaction units, and the stored information is linked as one transaction information (identification medium information 703 / point information 706 / point terminal). Information 702... Becomes 1: 1: 1. Here, the point history database 210 is not created in units of groups, but is created in units of one business that groups a plurality of groups. However, there is no problem even if created in units of groups.

  Seventh, transaction information having no personal identification ID 705 in the point history database 210 is collected in units of identification medium information 703 (for each identification medium information 703), further aggregated for each type of points, and stored in the point account database 203. To do. The aggregation at this time is aggregated in a predetermined group unit based on the terminal information.

  Eighth, the point management server 201 confirms that there is no personal identification ID 705 in the correspondence table 212, searches the point account database 203 with the identification medium information 703, and identifies the corresponding account.

  Ninth, the point management server 201 reads the point information 706 of the specified point account. Tenth, the point management server 201 transmits information on the corresponding point account to the point terminal 204. At the same time, the fact that there is no personal identification ID 705 is transmitted to the point terminal 204 side.

  11thly, the point terminal 204 which received the point information 706 displays so that either of the following 2 patterns may be implemented. FIG. 8 shows the processing for new registration immediately on the spot. The processing in the case where new registration is not performed immediately but is performed later is shown in FIG. Here, “later new registration” shown in FIG. 9 may be displayed. In this case, a temporary personal identification ID 705 (for example, only a temporary ID) and a temporary password are issued, and the temporary personal identification ID 705 is temporarily registered in the system. Then, log in using a temporary personal identification ID 705 and temporary password on a personal communication terminal 213 such as a PC or a mobile phone, enter personal information, etc., and optionally change the temporary personal identification ID 705 to a true personal identification ID 705. May be. At this time, the personal identification ID is overwritten.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, data processing in the case of new registration immediately on the spot will be described. This is a pattern in which the identification medium 701 already used is registered together at the time of new registration. First, the consumer 710 reads the identification medium information 703 (unique) from the point terminal 204 at the personal communication terminal 213. Information may be transmitted from the point terminal 204 to the communication terminal 213 or may be manually input separately. Second, by inputting personal information or the like at the communication terminal 213, “identification medium information 703 (unique) / personal information / point terminal information 702 / communication terminal information 813 (source mail address, individual identification information, etc.) ) "To the point management server 201. The point terminal information 702 does not matter if there is information that can identify a group (for example, when personal information is input from a specific website (homepage), a group to be registered is specified). When the consumer 710 reads the identification medium information 703 (unique) from the point terminal 204 at the personal communication terminal 213, the consumer 710 also reads the point terminal information 702 to identify the registration destination group at the time of registration. You may do it. Thirdly, the point management server 201 makes an inquiry to the organization / group information set in the terminal definition / service definition database 211 based on the point terminal information 702 and other group specifying information, thereby obtaining the member personal information 814 and A group for registering the communication terminal information 813 is specified. Fourth, the point management server 201 confirms from the transmitted communication terminal information 813 that there is no member personal information 814 registered in the past, and the entered member personal information 814, communication terminal information 813, The newly assigned personal identification ID 705 is transmitted to the member database, registered, and recorded in the correspondence table 212. At this time, if a temporary ID is issued to the personal identification ID 705, it is replaced with the numbered personal identification ID 705. If the communication terminal information 813 (such as the transmission source mail address of the communication terminal 213) has been registered in the past, it is regarded as an existing member and personal information is not registered. Also, the personal identification ID 705 is not assigned. Fifth, the point management server 201 searches for and links the same identification medium information 703 in the point history database 210 based on the identification medium information 703 transmitted together with the personal identification ID 705. Sixth, the history database 210 is searched based on the identification medium information 703 associated with the correspondence table 212 and associated with the corresponding personal identification ID 705. Seventh, the identification medium information 703 searched in the fifth stage is totaled again for each point type, linked with the personal identification ID 705, and stored in the point account database 203 (recounting of individual identification ID 705 units). do). The totaling at this time is totaled in a certain group unit based on the point terminal information 702. As a result, a personal identification ID 705 is newly stored in the point account. Eighth, the point management server 201 specifies the corresponding point account based on the personal identification ID 705 specified from the identification medium information 703. Ninth, the point management server 201 reads the point information 706 of the specified point account. Tenth, the read point account information and the issued personal identification ID 705 are transmitted to the communication terminal 213 of the consumer 710. Reply to the input terminal or specific e-mail address. In the above case, registration is performed from the communication terminal 213, but the point terminal 204 itself may have this function.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a case will be described in which registration is not performed immediately but registered later. First, a consumer 710 inputs a personal profile (personal information) using a personal communication terminal 213 such as a point terminal 204, a PC, or a mobile phone. At this time, if the identification medium information 703 is known, it is input together. A plurality of pieces of identification medium information 703 may be input. Second, “personal information / identification medium information 703 (unique) / communication terminal information 813 (source email address, individual identification information, etc.)” is transmitted to the point management server 201. At this time, information on the group to be registered is transmitted together. Information on the group to be identified may be determined by direct input or a domain by registration from a specific website (homepage). Third, the point management server 201 refers to the terminal definition / service definition database based on the group information, and identifies the member database 202 in which personal information is registered. Fourth, the point management server 201 performs duplication check based on the communication terminal information 813 and issues a personal identification ID 705. The personal identification ID 705 and the personal profile are registered in the member personal information 814 in the member database 202 of the specific group. The issuance of the personal identification ID 705 can be performed on the member database 202 side. Fifth, the personal identification ID 705 of the member personal information 814 in the member database 202 is expanded in the correspondence table 212. Sixth, when the identification medium information 703 is not registered, the identification table information 703 is blank in the correspondence table 212 and is not linked, but when the identification medium information 703 is input, the identification medium information 703 is Combine and unfold until tying. Seventh, the point management server 201 transmits the issued personal identification ID 705 to the communication terminal 213 of the consumer 710. A reply is made to the input terminal, a specific mail address, or the like, but if the association with the identification medium information 703 is performed in the sixth stage, the sixth and subsequent stages in FIG. 8 are developed.

  The above is the case of the first use, but referring to FIG. 10, the process for the second and subsequent use (when the registered personal identification ID 705 is possessed and the new identification medium 701 is used) Will be described. First, the consumer 710 uses an unregistered identification medium 701 (new identification medium, IC chip built-in card) at the point terminal 204. Secondly, the point terminal 204 is “occurrence date / time / point terminal information 204 / identification medium information 703 (unique) / personal identification ID 705 / purchase data 704 (including point type etc.) / Point operation task classification (grant / return / Correction) ”. Third, the point management server 201 refers to the terminal information with the organization / group information set in the terminal definition / service definition database, and specifies the group in which the points are stored. Fourth, the personal identification ID 705 is inquired based on the correspondence table 212 (identification medium information 703 (unique) and personal identification ID 705 are linked) provided in the member database of the specified group. Fifth, the registered personal identification ID 705 is confirmed in the correspondence table 212. Further, new identification medium information 703 is added to and associated with the registered personal identification ID 705 in the correspondence table 212 provided in the member database. This completes the 2: 1 correspondence. By repeating this, it becomes N: 1. Sixth, the point management server 201 stores the information transmitted in the second stage in the point history database 210 in a state where the personal identification ID 705 has been confirmed, and associates it with the personal identification ID 705. Seventh, the information is collected based on the newly stored identification medium information 703 from the point history database 210, and is collected in units of individual identification IDs 705, and stored in the point account in which the corresponding individual identification ID 705 is stored. Further, the point information 706 newly stored in the point account is integrated with the already stored point information 706 for each point type, and is calculated again (the point information 706 is updated). When the point account of the identification medium information 703 unit already created at this time is integrated into the point account of the personal identification ID 705 unit, the point account of the identification medium unit is deleted, but the point management server 201 points account search Since personal identification ID 705 is given priority, there is no problem even if it is not deleted. Eighth, the point management server 201 specifies the corresponding point account based on the personal identification ID 705 specified from the identification medium information 703. Ninth, the point management server 201 reads the updated point information 706 of the corresponding point account based on the information that has confirmed the association. Tenth, the point management server 201 transmits point account information to the point terminal 204.

  Finally, the relationship between the point history database 210 and the point account database 203 will be described with reference to FIG. The point history database 210 stores all information regarding the granting and use of points in units of transactions. The stored information is one transaction information (identification medium information 703 / point information 706 / terminal information... 1: 1: 1 ...). The point history is created at a higher level of the point account database 203 and can basically be accessed only by the business operator. The point account database 203 can be accessed by the consumer 710 and member stores. The point account database 203 is created in an arbitrary database group unit, narrows down target transaction information from the terminal information of the point history database 210, aggregates information in units of individual identification IDs 705, and aggregates for each point type. That is, a plurality of points are associated with the individual identification ID 705 for each type of point, and the relationship is a 1: N relationship. “1” at this time is the personal identification ID 705. When there is no personal identification ID 705, target transaction information is narrowed down from the terminal information of the point history database 210, information without the personal identification ID 705 is aggregated in units of identification medium information 703, and for each type of point Tally. That is, a plurality of points are associated with the identification medium information 703 for each type of point, and the relationship is a 1: N relationship. “1” at this time is identification medium information 703.

Claims (3)

In a system for managing points given when a consumer purchases goods or services at one or more stores, a medium identifier of an identification medium possessed by the consumer, points given according to the consumer and the points A method for associating a service , wherein the system includes a point management server, a point terminal installed in each of the one or more stores and capable of communicating with the point management server via a network, and the point A member database connected to a management server and storing a correspondence table of personal identifiers of the consumer and medium identifiers of one or a plurality of identification media possessed by the consumer; and connected to the point management server Point data extracted from past purchase data obtained from the point terminal is the consumer. A point database stored in association with a personal identifier, wherein the point terminal reads a medium identifier of the identification medium used by the consumer at the time of purchase, and the read medium identifier And means for transmitting the point data given by the purchase to the point management server via the network,
(A) the reading means of the point terminal reads a medium identifier of the identification medium;
(B) The transmitting means of the point terminal transmits the read medium identifier and the point data given by the purchase to the point management server;
(C1) When the read medium identifier already exists in the member database, the system updates the point database using the read medium identifier and the point data given by the purchase. And steps to
(C2) If the read medium identifier does not exist in the member database and the consumer's personal identifier is not registered in the member database,
The system temporarily registers the read medium identifier and the point data given by the purchase in the member database without identifying the corresponding consumer personal identifier , The point data given by purchase is temporarily registered in the point database in association with the read medium identifier temporarily registered,
The system newly registers a personal identifier newly assigned based on the consumer's personal information newly input at the point terminal or communication terminal in the member database,
The system associates the newly registered personal identifier and the temporarily registered medium identifier in the member database, and the newly registered personal identifier and the point data temporarily registered in the point database. Association,
The system switches the association between the medium identifier and the point data using the newly registered personal identifier as a core, and the medium identifier associated with the personal identifier is stored in the member database. By registering the point data associated with the personal identifier in the point database, N medium identifiers, one consumer, and N types of point services are assigned as personal identifiers, where N is a positive integer. the a karyoplast N: 1: a step to associate such that the correspondence between the N,
(C3) If the read medium identifier does not exist in the member database and the consumer's personal identifier is already registered in the member database,
The system temporarily registers the read medium identifier and the point data given by the purchase in the member database without identifying the corresponding consumer personal identifier , The point data given by the purchase is temporarily registered in the point database in association with the temporarily registered medium identifier ,
The system associates the personal identifier of the consumer input at the point terminal or communication terminal with the temporarily registered medium identifier in the member database, and the input personal identifier and the temporarily registered point data In the point database,
The system switches the association between the medium identifier and the point data using the inputted personal identifier as a core, and the medium identifier associated with the personal identifier is permanently registered in the member database, The point data associated with the personal identifier is permanently registered in the point database, so that N is a positive integer, N medium identifiers, one consumer, and N types of point services are personalized. N is the identifier nuclei: 1: a step to associate such that the correspondence between the N,
Including a method. In a system for managing points given when a consumer purchases goods or services at one or more stores, a medium identifier of an identification medium possessed by the consumer, points given according to the consumer and the points A method for associating a service , wherein the system includes a point management server, a point terminal installed in each of the one or more stores and capable of communicating with the point management server via a network, and the point A member database connected to a management server and storing a correspondence table of personal identifiers of the consumer and medium identifiers of one or a plurality of identification media possessed by the consumer; and connected to the point management server Point data extracted from past purchase data obtained from the point terminal is the consumer. A point database stored in association with a personal identifier, wherein the point terminal reads a medium identifier of the identification medium used by the consumer at the time of purchase, and the read medium identifier And means for transmitting the point data given by the purchase to the point management server via the network,
(A) the reading means of the point terminal reads a medium identifier of the identification medium;
(B) The transmitting means of the point terminal transmits the read medium identifier and the point data given by the purchase to the point management server;
(C) The system temporarily registers the read medium identifier and the point data given by the purchase in the member database without identifying the corresponding consumer personal identifier. The point data given by the purchase is temporarily registered in the point database in association with the temporarily read medium identifier ,
(D) the system registering the consumer's personal identifier newly input at the point terminal or communication terminal in the member database;
(E) The system associates the inputted personal identifier and the temporarily registered medium identifier in the member database, and associates the inputted personal identifier and the temporarily registered point data in the point database. Steps,
(F) The system switches the association between the medium identifier and the point data using the inputted personal identifier as a core, and stores the medium identifier associated with the personal identifier in the member database. And registering the point data associated with the personal identifier in the point database, so that N is a positive integer, N medium identifiers, one consumer, and N types of point services the, N is the personal identifier and nuclei: 1: a step to associate such that the correspondence between the N,
Including a method. In a system for managing points given when a consumer purchases goods or services at one or more stores, a medium identifier of an identification medium possessed by the consumer, points given according to the consumer and the points A method for associating a service , wherein the system includes a point management server, a point terminal installed in each of the one or more stores and capable of communicating with the point management server via a network, and the point A member database connected to a management server and storing a correspondence table of personal identifiers of the consumer and medium identifiers of one or a plurality of identification media possessed by the consumer; and connected to the point management server Point data extracted from past purchase data obtained from the point terminal is the consumer. A point database stored in association with a personal identifier, wherein the point terminal reads a medium identifier of the identification medium used by the consumer at the time of purchase, and the read medium identifier And means for transmitting the point data given by the purchase to the point management server via the network,
(A) the reading means of the point terminal reads a medium identifier of the identification medium;
(B) The transmitting means of the point terminal transmits the read medium identifier and the point data given by the purchase to the point management server;
(C) the system searches the member database for the read media identifier and, as a result, confirms that the read media identifier is not registered in the member database;
(D) the system associates the read medium identifier with the point data given by the purchase, and stores the point data associated with the read medium identifier in the point database;
(E) the transmitting means of the point terminal or communication terminal transmitting the consumer's personal identifier newly input at the point terminal or communication terminal to the point management server;
(F) the system searches the member database for the input personal identifier, and as a result, confirms that the input personal identifier is registered in the member database;
(G) the system, the personal identifier that has been registered in the member database is checked the input in the nucleus, to switch the association of the read medium identifier is the input personal Registering the read media identifier associated with an identifier in the member database;
(H) The system switches the association of the point data stored in the point database in association with the read medium identifier in step (d) using the individual identifier confirmed in step (f) as a core. And re-registering the point data in association with the personal identifier, so that N is a positive integer, N medium identifiers, one consumer, and N types of the point services, and the personal identifier as a core. Associating with N: 1: N corresponding to the body ,
Including a method.