JP6993840B2 - Management server, credit center server, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a point service for accumulating and managing points according to product purchases and services to consumers (users).

As an idea of sales promotion according to product purchase and service, there have been services such as distribution of coupon tickets and stamp cards. In recent years, by digitizing such coupon tickets, not only can they be exchanged for goods and services, but also "points" that can be settled instead of cash have been replaced.

The overall picture of the conventional management and operation of the point card will be described with reference to FIG. The numbers in parentheses in the figure indicate the order of the steps. As an example of the service or product purchase provided by the business operator to the user, it is assumed that the business operator provides a parking lot and the user makes a payment with a payment machine.

When the user starts a transaction with a business operator, the business operator issues a point card. The user who holds this point card is hereinafter referred to as a "member user". In the business operator, the data for identifying the individual user is digitized and registered in the member database in association with the ID of the point card.
The business operator provides services to member users (1).
The member user who received the service pays the fee as the consideration for the service, but the business operator requests that the payment machine show the point card if it is available.
The member user presents his / her own point card to the checkout machine (2). The presented point card stores electronic data for identifying an individual user, and the electronic data is received by the point card receiving means in the settlement machine.

The checkout machine is the electronic data (points) read from the point card to the point service server (abbreviated as "point service" in the figure) installed in the credit card center (abbreviated as "CC" in the figure). (Card data) is transmitted (3). The point service server stores the electronic data.

Subsequently, the user pays the fee, but in this case, the payment is made by credit card. The user causes the payment machine to read the electronic data stored in the credit card and performs the payment procedure (4).
The electronic data (credit card data) stored in the credit card is read by the card data receiving means in the payment machine and transmitted to the credit card sensor (server) (5). The credit card center further transmits the credit card data to (the server) of the payment communication company (6).
The payment communication company (server) transmits the credit card data to the credit card company related to the credit card data (7). The credit card company returns to the payment communication company (server) whether or not the received credit card data is valid. The reply is received by the credit card sensor (server) (9).

The credit card sensor (server) transmits data on whether or not the credit card related to the credit card data is valid to the checkout machine. In the settlement machine, the card settlement means receives the data (10). If the credit card is valid, the settlement is completed, and if it is not valid, cash settlement is requested and the settlement is terminated.

The point service server also receives data on whether or not the credit card related to the credit card data is valid (12). Then, when the settlement is completed, the point giving means gives points to the point card (13).

Since the technology related to the present invention has been searched, the main points are described below.
Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that can easily redo a transaction that has been settled by a credit card.
Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a credit card company can provide bonus points to a store in order to contribute to the spread of credit cards in stores.
Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for reducing the risk of an unexpected loss to a provider of a payment service in which a user receives money to be paid to a store from the user and pays the money to the store.

Japanese Patent No. 5555678 Japanese Patent No. 5646696 Japanese Patent No. 574050

By the way, every time the payment is made, the user has to make a payment with a point card, and if the payment is to be performed with a credit card, two cards are required.
It is presumed that many users potentially feel that this operation is troublesome, if not annoying.

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technique capable of completing a point service without presenting a point card only by performing payment with a credit card.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventor of the present application has a management server that manages member users and their point cards, a credit center server that executes information processing between the management server and a credit card company, and those servers. Provides a computer program to control.

(First invention)
The first invention is a management server that executes settlement and point management of a credit card for settlement of charges and a point card corresponding to individual identifiable point card data that accumulates points based on the settlement. (For example, member management server).
That is, a credit card data receiving means (for example, a credit number receiving means, which receives credit card data related to the credit card associated with the point card from a communication terminal related to a member user who is the owner of the point card. C card and P card data receiving means) and
A P / C linking data creating means for creating P / C linking data for linking the credit card data received by the credit card data receiving means with the point card data, and
A credit link database (for example, a member-specific credit link database, a P / C card database) that stores P / C link data created by the P / C link data creation means together with point card data, and
A credit registration possibility determination means for transmitting the credit card data together with the P / C association data to the credit card center and receiving registration permission data as to whether or not the credit card can be registered.
When the above credit card is used for payment of charges, the credit card center that determines whether or not the credit card can be settled receives the fact that the payment has been completed together with the above P / C linked data reception. Means and
A point calculation means for calculating points related to the above settlement using the P / C link data received by the P / C link data receiving means, and a point calculation means.
A member-specific point database that accumulates points calculated by the point calculation method for each member user,
(See FIGS. 5 and 6).

(Glossary)
The "charge" means the amount to be paid by the member user for the consideration for the paid service, the consideration for the purchase of the product, and the like.
The "credit card data" is data stored in a storage means (IC chip or magnetic tape portion) incorporated in the credit card to identify the card. A typical example is a 16-digit credit card number, but the data for identifying the card is not limited to the credit card number.
"Point card" is a simple type of point card that stores only the data that identifies the point card in order to link the management of points, and when it is also used as a credit card ("member credit card"). Will be described later).
In the "credit card linking database", the point card data (point card ID) and the credit card number to be linked are not directly linked, but the P / C linking data and the point card data that can be linked to the credit card number are linked. Store in combination (see FIG. 6). The management server does not store the credit card number, but when the credit association data is obtained (stored or stored), the point card can be identified.

(Action)
The credit card data receiving means receives the credit card data related to the credit card associated with the point card from the communication terminal related to the member user who is the owner of the point card. The received credit card data is associated with the point card data and accumulated in the credit association database.
When a credit card is used for payment of charges, the payment end data receiving means receives the fact that the payment has been completed from the credit card center that determines whether or not the credit card can be settled, together with the P / C linked data.
The point calculation means calculates the points related to the above-mentioned settlement using the received settlement end data. Since the point card can be specified for the calculated points by using the P / C association data, the member-specific point database is accumulated for each member.

By registering the credit card associated with the point card in advance, the member user can accumulate the points related to the settlement in the point card even if the settlement is made using only the credit card at the time of settlement. Compared to the conventional method, which required both a point card and a credit card for payment, the payment procedure for member users is simplified.

(Variation 1 of the first invention)
The first invention can also be formed as follows.
That is, when the above-mentioned credit registration possibility determination means receives that the credit card related to the credit card data transmitted to the credit card center together with the P / C linked data cannot be registered.
A credit-linked data erasing means for erasing the credit-linked data related to the credit card data in the credit-linked database may be provided (see FIG. 6).

When the credit registration permission determination means receives the fact that the credit card cannot be registered, the credit-linked data erasing means deletes the credit-linked data related to the credit card data. As a result, the credit-linked database does not accumulate useless data.

(Variation 2 of the first invention)
According to the first invention, it is feasible to prevent a member user from giving duplicate points when making a payment with another credit card even though the member user has a member credit card. It is more preferable to provide it as a management server.
That is, the point duplication suppression data receiving means for receiving the credit card data related to the credit card used by the member user for the settlement and the point duplication suppression data receiving means for receiving the point duplication deterrence data are used to obtain the point duplication. It is provided with a point duplication suppression determination means for controlling so as not to occur. Then, the point calculation means suppresses the duplication of points by the point duplication suppression determination means and accumulates points in the member-specific point database (see FIG. 5).

(Action)
The point duplication suppression data receiving means receives the credit card data related to the credit card used by the member user for settlement. Based on the received credit card data, the point duplication deterrence determination means determines whether or not the points are duplicated.
The point calculation means calculates points based on the determination result of the point duplication grant by the point duplication suppression determination means. Then, if there is no duplication, points are accumulated in the above-mentioned member-specific point database.
Here, it is possible to prevent the duplication of points from being given to member users.

(Variation 3 of the first invention)
In addition to the above-mentioned variation 2, the management server capable of suppressing the duplication of points, which is provided by limiting the first invention, can also be provided as follows.
That is, the sales data receiving means for receiving the sales data when the charge is settled by the member credit card, the point duplication deterrence determination means for determining the presence or absence of duplication of points based on the credit association database, and the point duplication deterrence determination means. Equipped with
The point calculation means may be calculated by using the sales data and the credit-linked database so as not to give duplicate points (see FIG. 7).

(Action)
The sales data receiving means receives the sales data when the charge is settled by the member credit card.
The point duplication deterrence determination means determines whether or not points are duplicated based on the credit-linked database. The point calculation means uses sales data and a credit-linked database to calculate points so that points are not given in duplicate.
Here, it is possible to prevent the duplication of points from being given to member users.

(Second invention)
The second invention relates to a credit center server that supports data transmission / reception with a credit card company with respect to the management server according to the first invention.
The management server receives credit card data related to the credit card associated with the point card from a communication terminal related to a member user who is the owner of the point card, and a credit card data receiving means thereof. A credit linking database that creates and stores P / C linking data for linking credit card data received by the card data receiving means with point card data, and credits of the credit card data together with the P / C linking data. A credit registration determination method that sends to the card center and receives whether or not the credit card can be registered, and a credit that determines whether or not the credit card can be settled when the above credit card is used for payment of charges. It is provided with a P / C linked data receiving means for receiving the fact that the payment has been completed from the card center together with the P / C linked data.
The credit center server is a credit number receiving means for receiving the credit card data related to the credit card linked to the point card and the P / C linked data linked to the credit card data in the management server, and the credit card. Credit number to ask the card company whether or not the credit card can be used. Credit number storage to receive the approval from the credit card company's approval means that the credit number related to the specified credit card can be used. The means and a credit card number database for storing the credit card number related to the approval received by the credit number storage means are provided.
Then, when the member user makes a payment by credit card and the card company approves the payment, the credit sales receiving means for receiving the credit sales data including the payment amount, and the credit sales receiving means.
A target transaction determination means for determining whether or not the credit sales data received by the credit sales receiving means is a credit card stored in the credit number database.
A credit provided with a P / C linked data transmission means for transmitting P / C linked data linked to the credit card data to the management server when the credit card is stored in the credit number database. It is a center server.

(Glossary)
"Credit center (sometimes referred to as" CC "in the figure) is a credit card payment center, which is used for credit card companies required for payment, setting of payment methods that can be handled, credit, and sales. A business company that provides functions such as data creation processing and credit card number storage. In this description, the functions of the following "payment communication company" are comprehensively described (see FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 7).
A "payment communication company" is a business company that connects to a plurality of credit card company systems and provides data transfer such as credit and sales. (See FIG. 2).

(Action)
The credit number receiving means receives the credit card number related to the credit card associated with the point card in the management server. Then, the credit number consulting means consults with the card company whether or not the credit card can be used.
If the credit card company approves that the credit number for the given credit card is available, the credit number storage means receives the approved credit number and the credit card number is stored in the credit card number database. Stores.

When the member user makes a payment by credit card and the payment is approved by the card company, the credit sales receiving means receives the credit sales data including the payment amount. The target transaction determination means determines whether or not the received credit sales data is a credit card stored in the credit number database. If the credit card is stored in the credit number database, the P / C linked data transmission means transmits to that effect to the management server.
When the management server receives that the credit card can be settled, the point calculation means calculates the points together with other data such as the settlement amount, identifies the point card linked to the P / C linked data, and identifies the point card. In the member-specific point database, the calculated point data is stored in the point card (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

By functioning the credit center as described above, even if the member user makes a payment using only the credit card at the time of payment, the points related to the payment are accumulated in the point card registered in advance by the member user. Will be done. As a result, the presentation of the point card can be omitted in the settlement procedure of the member user, which can be simplified.

(Third invention)
The third invention is a computer program that controls the management server according to the first invention, and corresponds to a credit card for settlement of charges and individual identifiable point card data that accumulates points based on the settlement. It relates to a computer program that controls a management server that executes payment and point management of the point card.
The program includes a credit card data receiving procedure for receiving credit card data related to the credit card associated with the point card from a communication terminal related to a member user who is the owner of the point card.
The procedure for creating P / C linked data for creating P / C linked data for linking the credit card data received in the credit card data receiving procedure with the point card data, and the procedure for creating P / C linked data.
The credit link data storage procedure for storing the P / C link data created in the P / C link data creation procedure together with the point card data in the credit link database, and the credit link data storage procedure.
A credit registration permission determination procedure for transmitting the credit card data together with the P / C association data to the credit card center and receiving registration permission data on whether or not the credit card can be registered, and a credit registration permission determination procedure.
When the above credit card is used for payment of charges, the credit card center that determines whether or not the credit card can be settled receives the fact that the payment has been completed together with the above P / C linked data reception. Procedure and
A point calculation procedure for calculating points related to the above settlement using the P / C association data received in the P / C association data reception procedure, and a point calculation procedure.
The member-specific point data accumulation procedure for accumulating the points calculated by the point calculation procedure in the member-specific point database for each member user, and the member-specific point data accumulation procedure.
Is a computer program that causes the management server to execute the above.

(Variation 1 of the third invention)
The third invention may be as follows.
That is, when the credit registration permission determination means receives that the credit card related to the credit card data transmitted to the credit card center together with the P / C link data cannot be registered, the credit card in the credit link database. The management server may be made to execute the credit-linked data erasing procedure for erasing the credit-linked data related to the data.

(Variation 2 of the third invention)
The third invention is when there is a member credit card that can be used for both payment and point granting of a member user who has been registered as a member in advance, and the member user pays the fee with a credit card other than the above-mentioned member credit card. It is more preferable to use a computer program that controls the management server to prevent the points from being given in duplicate.
That is, the point duplication suppression data reception procedure for receiving the credit card data related to the credit card used by the member user for payment, and the procedure for receiving the point duplication suppression data.
The point duplication deterrence determination procedure for determining the presence or absence of duplication of points based on the credit card data received in the point duplication suppression data reception procedure and the credit-linked database described above, and the point duplication deterrence determination procedure.
Will be executed by the above-mentioned management server.
Then, in the point calculation procedure, the points are calculated based on the determination of the point duplication addition by the point duplication suppression determination means.

(Variation 3 of the third invention)
The third invention may obtain the same function as the variation 2 of the third invention described above as follows.
That is, the sales data reception procedure for receiving the sales data when the charge is settled by the member credit card, the point duplication suppression determination procedure for determining the presence or absence of duplication of points based on the credit association database, and the point duplication suppression determination procedure. To be executed by the above-mentioned management server.
In the point calculation procedure, the points are calculated so as not to be duplicated by using the sales data and the credit-linked database.

(Fourth invention)
The fourth invention relates to a computer program for controlling a credit center server according to the second invention.
The management server receives credit card data related to the credit card associated with the point card from a communication terminal related to a member user who is the owner of the point card, and a credit card data receiving means thereof. It is equipped with a credit card linking database that stores credit card data received by the card data receiving means by linking it with point card data.
The computer program that controls the credit center server mentioned above
The credit number receiving procedure for receiving the credit card number related to the credit card associated with the point card on the above management server, and the procedure for receiving the credit card.
The credit number consultation procedure to ask the card company whether the credit card can be used, and
A credit number storage procedure that receives the approval from the credit card company's approval means that the credit number related to the specified credit card can be used, and the credit number storage procedure.
The credit card number data storage procedure for storing the credit card number related to the approval received in the credit number storage procedure in the credit card number database, and the procedure for storing the credit card number data.
Let the credit center server run it and
When a member user makes a payment with a credit card and the card company approves the payment, the credit sales reception procedure for receiving the credit sales data including the payment amount and the credit sales reception procedure.
The target transaction determination procedure for determining whether the credit sales data received in the credit sales reception procedure is a credit card stored in the above credit number database, and the target transaction determination procedure.
When the credit card is stored in the credit number database, the credit data transmission procedure for transmitting the fact to the management server and the credit data transmission procedure.
Is a computer program that causes the credit center server to execute.

(Invention of computer program)
The computer program according to the third and fourth inventions is executed by using hardware resources such as a storage means such as a CPU and RAM constituting the server.
Further, it can be distributed by storing it in a recording medium and distributing it, or by transmitting it via communication equipment.

According to the first and third inventions, a management server capable of completing a point service without presenting a point card and a computer program for controlling the management server can be provided by simply performing payment with a credit card. I was able to.
According to the second and fourth inventions, a credit center server and a computer program that controls the credit center server that contributes to completing the point service without presenting the point card by simply performing the settlement with the credit card. I was able to provide it.

It is a block diagram which shows the prior art. It is a block diagram which shows the technique which concerns on this invention. It is a hardware block diagram which shows the 1st Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram which shows the 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration for preventing the duplication of points. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the transition of data in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration for preventing the duplication of points. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the transition of data in FIG. 7. It is a sequence showing a procedure for linking and registering a point card and a credit card. It is a sequence showing the procedure of the settlement procedure. It is a sequence showing the calculation of points and the procedure for preventing the points from being awarded to a plurality of cards in duplicate. It is a sequence showing a procedure for a member user to confirm the number of points related to a point card. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the scene which a member user registers a credit card data.

The embodiment of the present invention (parking fee settlement terminal, member management server, payment center, credit card company) will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 13.

(Fig. 2)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a technique according to the present invention. The numbers in parentheses in the figure indicate the order of information processing. In addition, wireless data communication is shown by a two-dot broken line, and in the case of a dedicated line or a wired connection, it is shown by a solid line.
Here, the "member user" is a user who has been issued a point card by the business operator when starting a transaction with the business operator, and is a user who holds the point card. In the business operator, the individual ID given to each point card is registered in association with the information that identifies the individual member such as the name of the member user.

The member user registers the ID on the point card (for example, the point card number) and the ID on the credit card (for example, the credit card number) in advance by linking them (1). This registration operation will be supplemented later with reference to FIG.
The registration destination is a database in a credit settlement center (abbreviated as "credit center (CC)" in the figure) and a P / C card database (in the figure, the database is abbreviated as "DB").
This credit card payment center executes transmission / reception with and from the card company via the payment communication company.

After registration, the service will be provided by the business operator (2). Here, it is described that the member user has received the provision of the paid service (more specifically, the use of the parking lot service), but the present invention is not only for payment of the service consideration in the service industry but also for the purchase of the product. There may be.

The member user uses a credit card tied to a point card when paying the service consideration to the payment machine. The card data receiving means reads the electronic data of the credit card (3).
The read card data is transmitted to the credit center (server) (4), transferred to the payment communication company (server) (5), and notified to the card company (server) (6).
The card company (server) determines whether the credit card related to the transmitted card data is valid, and returns it to the payment communication company (server) (7). The payment communication company (server) transfers the validity of the card to the credit center (server) (8), and the credit center (server) sends it to the checkout machine (9).

The checkout machine transmits the validity of the credit card data to the server that manages the point service (“point service” in the figure), and if it is valid, transmits to that effect to the point calculation means (12).
The point calculation means calculates the number of points for the service consideration to be settled, and transmits the number of points to the member-specific point database (13).
Member users can check the number of their points by accessing the dedicated site using the ID of the point card (14).

Note that FIG. 2 illustrates that the credit center (CC) holds the point database for each member and the P / C card database in which the point card and the credit card are linked.

(Fig. 3)
FIG. 3 shows the hardware configuration in the first embodiment. The payment communication company and the card company are not shown in FIG. 3 (also in FIG. 4).
The member user logs in to the dedicated site via the Internet using his / her own communication terminal (for example, a smartphone or a personal computer) (see FIG. 13), and accesses the data server of the credit center. Then, the credit card data (abbreviated as "C card data" in the figure) and the point card data (abbreviated as "P card data" in the figure) are registered in a predetermined format in the dedicated site (1).

For the business operator according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, as a data server, the C card and P card data receiving means and the received C card data and P card data are linked and stored for each member user. It is equipped with a linked database.
When the user transmits the C card data and the P card data in a predetermined format in the dedicated site, the data is stored in the member-specific credit-linked database. Then, the data in this P / C card database is transmitted to (the server of) the credit center (3).

The payment machine has a credit card data receiving means for reading the credit card data related to the user, a payment possibility data receiving means for receiving payment possibility data as to whether or not payment is possible from the credit center, and payment possible with the payment possibility data. It is provided with a settlement-enabled data transmission means for transmitting settlement-enabled data to the effect of the above to the point management server.

When the member user intends to pay the parking lot usage fee to this payment machine with a credit card registered in advance, he / she performs an operation such as selecting payment with a credit card at the payment machine. Then, the credit card is inserted into the checkout machine, and the credit card data is read into the C card data receiving means of the checkout machine (4).
The credit card data read by the C card data receiving means is transmitted to the credit center (5). Then, the credit card center transmits the settlement possibility data as to whether or not the credit can be settled, and the settlement possibility data is received by the settlement possibility data receiving means in the settlement machine (6). When the settlement possibility data is "settlement possible", the settlement possibility data transmission means in the settlement machine transmits the settlement possibility data to the point management server (8).

The point management server has a payment end data receiving means that receives payment end data from the credit center, a point calculation means that calculates points, and a member-specific point database that manages the points calculated by the point calculation means for each member user. It is equipped with.
Receives data necessary for point calculation, such as settlement end data sent by the settlement possible data transmission means in the settlement machine and the credit center, and the settlement amount (8, 9). Then, the calculated points are accumulated in the member-specific point database for each member (10).

A member user can confirm the number of points by accessing the dedicated site using the ID of the point card (for example, the number attached to the point card) (11).
The checkout machine does not require the member user to present the point card. That is, the member user can add points only by using a credit card.

When a member user intends to make a payment in cash, the payment machine is required to present a point card. The same applies when the credit card used for payment is rejected and the member user tries to switch to cash payment.
Even when the member user tries to make a payment with a credit card other than the pre-registered credit card, the payment machine may request the presentation of the point card.

(Fig. 4)
In FIG. 3, the data server related to the business operator and the point management server that manages the points of the member users are shown separately. Both are servers for executing management for member users, and may be formed integrally. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 shows the case of being integrally formed.
Since other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted.
In addition, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the consultation with the card company is omitted.

(Fig. 5)
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an embodiment in which a configuration for not giving points in duplicate is added. Here, as hardware, there are a member management server, a checkout machine, and a credit center.
Duplicate registration of points can occur as follows. In other words, if the charges are settled using a member-only card (with a credit card function) that has already been issued and a credit card that has been linked and registered, the point card that is linked to the credit card that has been settled. Points will be awarded to both the member-only card and the member-only card. In this case, it is necessary to have a system configuration and an algorithm for not giving points to the member-only card (or point card) (giving points to only one of them). FIG. 5 (also in FIG. 7) shows a configuration and a procedure for suppressing duplicate registration of points.

(Registration with link)
The member user accesses the dedicated site with the communication terminal related to the credit data (generally, the credit card number is used = some parts are abbreviated as "credit number" in the figure), and the credit card number. (Credit card data) is transmitted (see FIG. 13).
To access the dedicated site, data (membership number, etc.) for individually identifying the point card is required, and the point card data is recorded as data for each member when issuing the point card. (See FIG. 6).

The dedicated site (see FIG. 13) is managed by a member management server, and the credit card number receiving means provided in the member management server receives the credit card number data transmitted from the communication terminal related to the user. .. Then, the P / C linking data for linking with the point card is given to the credit card number by the P / C linking data creating means, and the P / C linking data is added to the member together with the point card data. It is accumulated in another credit-linked database.

On the other hand, regarding the credit card number received by the credit card number receiving means on the member management server, it is necessary to consult with the card company to confirm whether or not the credit card related to the number can be registered. Specifically, the procedure is as follows.
First, the credit registration approval / disapproval determination means transmits the credit number to (the server) of the credit center together with the P / C association data, and the credit number receiving means in the credit center receives the credit number. Then, the credit number consulting means consults the card company (server) with the credit number. Consultation (sending and receiving) will be done through the credit center, not directly to the credit card company.

The credit card company inquires about the credit number related to the consultation from the credit center by the prescribed means (detailed explanation is omitted), and judges the validity of the card number, the validity of the credit card related to the card number, etc. Then, the judgment result is returned to the credit number consultation means of the credit center (server).
The determination result is received by the credit registration availability determination means via the credit number receiving means (the credit card number is not received), and is transmitted to the communication terminal related to the member user via the credit registration permission / rejection notification means. The operations up to this point are executed at the dedicated site (see FIG. 13).

On the other hand, in the credit center, the credit card number that can be registered is stored by the credit number storage means, and is stored in the credit number database by linking it with the P / C linking data transmitted from the member management server together with the credit card number (. See FIG. 6).
The credit card number stored in the credit card number database is used when the settlement procedure is performed by the credit card related to the credit card number.

(Erase of data related to credit cards that cannot be registered)
When the above-mentioned credit registration permission determination means receives that the credit card related to the credit card data transmitted to the credit card center together with the P / C linked data cannot be registered, it relates to the relevant credit card data in the above-mentioned credit linked database. The credit-linked data erasing means deletes the credit-linked data.

In FIG. 6, it is expressed as follows.
That is, if the credit card number that Mr. A tried to register does not exist, or the number is related to a credit card that has already become invalid, it is "invalid" in the credit number database at the credit center. Then, in the member management server that receives the fact that the credit card number is invalid together with the P / C linked data, the data related to Mr. A is deleted from the member-specific credit linked database.

(Settlement procedure)
It is assumed that the member user has provided some service from the business operator, and the payment of the service consideration is executed by the payment machine (or the terminal for payment = abbreviated as "payment machine" in the figure). In that case, the credit number receiving means of the checkout machine reads the credit card number from the credit card that should have been registered for association by the member user.
The read credit card number is received by the credit card number receiving means of the credit center and transmitted to the card company (the server approval means) via the credit number consultation means. The credit card company checks whether the credit card number can be settled. For example, even if the above-mentioned linked registration is possible, the credit card may be invalid or the credit limit may be exceeded at the time of payment, so this confirmation work is required.

The confirmation result of the credit card company is received by the credit number consultation means at the credit center, and is received by the credit availability receiving means of the payment machine via the credit number receiving means.
If the confirmation result can be settled by the credit card, the credit use completion display means informs the member user by using a display screen or voice (in FIG. 5, it is expressed as if the credit use completion display means is executing). Yes). It is technically possible to notify the communication terminal when the payment procedure is performed by the credit card function built into the communication terminal such as a smartphone in advance.

If the above confirmation result is that the payment cannot be made with the credit card, the payment machine notifies the member user to that effect by using a display screen or voice (credit use completion display means).
After that, the member user will make a payment by another means such as another credit card or cash.

When it becomes possible for the member user to make a payment using a credit card read by the credit number receiving means of the payment machine, the credit sales transmitting means transmits the payment amount to the credit sales receiving means in the credit center. At the credit center, the settlement amount is stored in the credit sales database.

(Calculation of points)
The conditions for point calculation are that the credit card can be used effectively (the credit card has not expired, the payment limit has not been exceeded, etc.), and that the credit card payment is eligible for points. Become. This point has already been mentioned above.
Further, it is checked in the point addition to the credit card that the point addition to the credit card related to the settlement is not subject to the duplicate grant. The algorithm for adding duplicates is as follows.

(Suppression of duplicate points)
The member management server's point duplication suppression data receiving means temporarily records points (or sales data as basic data for converting the number of points) in the member-specific point database.
On the other hand, in the credit center, as described above, the credit card receiving means receives the credit card number for linking registration, links it to the point card number, and already stores it in the credit card number database.

The target transaction determination means determines whether or not the consideration (credit sales data) settled by the credit card is the target of points. The target transaction determination means accesses the credit card number database and determines whether or not the credit card number used for settlement is the target of linked registration.
The P / C linked data transmission means transmits the P / C linked data to the member management server together with data indicating whether or not the points are to be awarded. Then, those data are received by the P / C associated data receiving means in the member management server.

Which card is given points after the point duplication deterrence determination means uses the point duplication deterrence data that has already been received by the point duplication deterrence data receiving means to prevent duplication of points from occurring. Judge (which card will not be given points). When the point calculation means receives the determination result and the number of points is added, it is registered as data to the point card associated with the P / C association data in the member-specific point database (see FIG. 6).
For example, if the credit card used for payment is not a credit card associated with a point card but a member-only card with a credit card function, points are not given to the member-only card.

(Point confirmation)
If the user accesses the dedicated site using the communication terminal related to himself / herself, he / she can receive from the given point status notification means such as how many points are given.

(Fig. 6)
FIG. 6 describes the main part of the data transition in FIG. 5 with concrete virtual data. Although there are many overlaps with the explanation using FIG. 5, a brief explanation will be given.
First, when the member management server receives the point card data (abbreviated as "P card data" in the figure) and the credit card number (denoted as "C card data (card number)") from the member user, the credit card number is sent to the point card. Create P / C linking data for linking and store it in the member-specific credit linking database. The credit card number is not saved on the member management server.

The credit card number and P / C card association data are transmitted from the member management server to the credit center (the member's name is not transmitted). Then, in the credit number database, the credit card number, the P / C card association data, and the validity / invalidity of the credit card number are stored for each member.
If the credit card number is valid, the credit card number is registered in the member-specific credit association database. If it is invalid, the credit card number will be deleted in the member-specific credit-linked database.
When the settlement procedure is performed by the credit card registered in the member-specific credit link database, the added points related to the point card data are accumulated in the point management database.

(Fig. 7)
FIG. 7 is a variation of the hardware configuration described with reference to FIG. The differences from the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are as follows.
The first is the role of a means for determining whether or not credit registration is possible.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, after confirming the validity of the credit card related to the credit card number through the credit center, feedback is given to the member-specific credit association database.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the feedback to the member-specific credit-linked database is not immediately executed, but the credit registration approval / disapproval notification means is executed.

Along with the above differences, there is also a difference in the presence or absence of P / C associated data erasure means.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, after confirming the validity of the credit card through the credit center, the data associated with the credit card number that cannot be registered is deleted from the member-specific credit association database by the P / C associated data erasure means. I was supposed to delete it.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the P / C associated data erasing means is not provided.

The second is the difference in the judgment of deterring point duplication.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the point duplication suppression data is received, and the point duplication suppression is determined using the data and the P / C association data.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the sales data receiving means in the member management server receives the sales data transmitted from the sales data transmitting means of the settlement machine. Is the point duplication deterrence determination means a point card linked to the P / C linked data by collating the P / C linked data transmitted from the credit center with the data stored in the member-specific credit linked database? Judge whether or not. Then, if there is a point card to be linked, the points are calculated together with the sales data and registered in the member-specific point database so that the points are added.

(Fig. 8)
FIG. 8 describes the main part of the data transition in FIG. 7 with concrete virtual data.
The only difference from FIG. 6 is the presence or absence of the P / C linked data erasing means, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. Since there is no P / C linked data erasing means, point card data and P / C linked data that cannot be registered remain in the member-specific credit linked database, but the algorithm allows unnecessary data to remain. Is simplified.

(Fig. 9)
9 to 12 show the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 in a sequence.
FIG. 9 shows a sequence of link registration (abbreviated as “link registration” in the figure). With reference to FIG. 7, what kind of operation is executed in the member user, the member management server, and the credit center will be supplementarily described.
A member user logs in to a predetermined site related to a member management server using a communication terminal (for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, etc.) related to himself / herself using a member ID (for example, a number attached to a point card related to himself / herself). do. Then, the credit card number, which is the credit card data, is linked to the point card related to itself and registered.

In the member management server, the credit number receiving means receives the credit card number. Then, whether or not the credit card number can be registered is transmitted to the credit center by means of determining whether or not the credit card can be registered (approval act).
The credit card number is received by the credit number receiving means at the credit center and inquires to the card company. The credit card company determines whether the credit card number is valid and returns the determination result to the credit center.

If the credit card number is valid, the credit card number sent from the member user and the point card related to the same member user are linked and registered in the member-specific credit linking database.
After the link registration is completed, the credit number storage means on the member management server sends the credit card number to the credit center again. At the credit center, the credit number receiving means stores the retransmitted credit card number in the credit card number database, assuming that the credit card number is worthy of registration. Then, the P / C association data is transmitted from the credit card number database to the credit registration availability notification means.

(Fig. 10)
FIG. 10 is a sequence showing the procedure of the settlement procedure.
The member user selects payment by credit card for the payment method displayed by the payment machine, and enters the credit card number after confirming the production amount. In some cases, a credit card is inserted, the credit card data stored in the credit card is read into the checkout machine, and the checkout person is asked to enter the personal identification number of the credit card.

The credit card availability receiving means in the checkout machine asks the card company whether the credit card number is valid. The credit card company's approval means receives the consultation, confirms the validity of the credit card number, and if it is valid, returns the approval. If it is invalid, we will reply to that effect.
At this time, the credit card company does not store the credit card number.

If the credit card number is valid, the credit sales receiving means in the credit center receives the credit sales data related to the settlement from the settlement machine. Then, the credit sales data is transmitted to the card company.
The credit card company sends a notification that the credit card has been used via the checkout machine. The checkout machine informs the member user that the checkout with the credit card has been completed.

The checkout machine sends the credit sales data to the credit center, and the credit center receives the credit sales data.

(Fig. 11)
FIG. 11 is a sequence showing the calculation of points and the procedure for preventing the points from being awarded to a plurality of cards in duplicate. Since it overlaps with the above description using FIG. 5, further description will be omitted.

(Fig. 12)
FIG. 12 is a sequence showing a procedure for a member user to confirm the number of points related to the point card. This also overlaps with the above description using FIG. 5, and further description thereof will be omitted.

(Fig. 13)
FIG. 13 shows a screen for a member user who has acquired a point card in advance to log in to a member-only site with a dedicated ID and perform registration so that points can be added without presenting the point card at the time of production. Illustrate.
The screen for logging in with a dedicated ID and accepting registration or change of credit card number is shown in the center of the figure. Based on this screen, the member user inputs a credit card number and its expiration date. Then, by clicking the registration button, the P / C association data associated with the credit card number is created through the procedure described with reference to FIG. Then, even if the settlement procedure is performed only with the credit card, the points associated with the settlement will be added.

As shown in characters in the figure, the member user registers the credit card number after agreeing to the service.
Further, by accessing the member-only site as shown in FIG. 13, the number of points of one's own point card can be confirmed regardless of whether or not the credit card number is registered.

The invention of the present application is a manufacturing industry and management maintenance industry for payment machines and vending machines, a financial industry such as a credit card company, a data service industry such as communication storage of data related to payment machines and vending machines, and a parking lot management and operation service industry. , The software development industry that provides software for servers used in the management and operation service industry of the parking lot, and the software development industry that provides software used for payment machines, vending machines, and information terminals.

Claims (5)

It is a management server that executes settlement and point management of a credit card for settlement of charges and a point card corresponding to individual identifiable point card data that accumulates points based on the settlement.
A credit card data receiving means for receiving credit card data related to the credit card associated with the point card from a communication terminal related to a member user who is the owner of the point card.
A P / C linking data creating means for creating P / C linking data for linking the credit card data received by the credit card data receiving means with the point card data, and
A credit-linked database that stores P / C-linked data created by the P / C-linked data creation means together with point card data, and
A credit registration possibility determination means for transmitting the credit card data together with the P / C association data to the credit card center and receiving registration permission data as to whether or not the credit card can be registered.
P / C linked data receiving means that receives the fact that payment has been completed from the credit card center that determines whether or not the credit card can be settled when the credit card is used for payment of charges together with the P / C linked data. When,
A point calculation means for calculating points related to the above settlement using the P / C link data received by the P / C link data receiving means, and a point calculation means.
A member-specific point database that accumulates points calculated by the point calculation method for each member user,
Management server with. When the above-mentioned credit registration approval / disapproval determination means receives that the credit card related to the credit card data transmitted to the credit card center together with the P / C linked data cannot be registered.
The management server according to claim 1, further comprising a credit-linked data erasing means for erasing the credit-linked data related to the credit card data in the credit-linked database. A credit card company for a credit card for settlement of charges and a management server that performs settlement and point management for a point card corresponding to individual identifiable point card data that accumulates points based on the settlement. A credit center server that supports sending and receiving data to and from
The management server includes a credit card data receiving means for receiving credit card data related to the credit card associated with the point card from a communication terminal related to a member user who is the owner of the point card.
A credit card linking database that creates and stores P / C linking data for linking credit card data received by the credit card data receiving means with point card data, and
A credit registration possibility determination means for transmitting the credit card data together with the P / C linking data to the credit card center and receiving whether or not the credit card can be registered.
P / C linked data receiving means that receives the fact that payment has been completed from the credit card center that determines whether or not the credit card can be settled when the above credit card is used for payment of charges together with the above P / C linked data. When,
Equipped with
The credit center server mentioned above
A credit number receiving means for receiving credit card data related to a credit card associated with a point card and P / C associated data associated with the credit card data in the management server.
A credit number consultation method that asks the card company whether or not the credit card can be used,
A credit number storage means that receives the approval from the credit card company's approval means that the credit number related to the specified credit card can be used, and
A credit card number database that stores the credit card numbers related to the approval received by the credit number storage means, and
And to prepare
A credit sales receiving means for receiving credit sales data including the settlement amount when a member user makes a settlement with a credit card and the settlement is approved by the card company.
A target transaction determination means for determining whether or not the credit sales data received by the credit sales receiving means is a credit card stored in the credit number database.
A credit provided with a P / C linked data transmission means for transmitting P / C linked data linked to the credit card data to the management server when the credit card is stored in the credit number database. Center server. A computer program that controls a management server that performs settlement and point management for credit cards for settlement of charges and point cards that correspond to individual identifiable point card data that accumulates points based on the settlement. There,
A credit card data receiving procedure for receiving credit card data related to the credit card associated with the point card from a communication terminal related to a member user who is the owner of the point card, and
The procedure for creating P / C linked data for linking the credit card data received in the credit card data receiving procedure with the point card data, and the procedure for creating P / C linked data,
The credit link data storage procedure for accumulating the P / C link data created in the P / C link data creation procedure together with the point card data in the credit link database,
A credit registration permission determination procedure for transmitting the credit card data together with the P / C linking data to the credit card center and receiving registration permission data on whether or not the credit card can be registered, and a procedure for determining whether or not the credit card can be registered.
Procedure for receiving P / C linked data to receive the fact that payment has been completed from the credit card center that determines whether or not the credit card can be settled when the above credit card is used for payment of charges together with the above P / C linked data. When,
The point calculation procedure for calculating the points related to the above settlement using the P / C association data received in the P / C association data reception procedure, and the point calculation procedure.
The member-specific point data accumulation procedure for accumulating the points calculated by the point calculation procedure in the member-specific point database for each member user, and the member-specific point data accumulation procedure.
Is a computer program that causes the above-mentioned management server to execute. When the above-mentioned credit registration approval / disapproval determination procedure receives that the credit card related to the credit card data sent to the credit card center together with the P / C linked data cannot be registered.
The computer program according to claim 6, wherein the management server is to execute the credit-linked data erasing procedure for erasing the credit-linked data related to the credit card data in the credit-linked database.

Images