JP7070870B2 - Point lending device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a point lending device.

When the balance of electronic money is insufficient for the settlement amount, a system has been proposed in which all or part of the settlement amount is lent and settled (for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of system, for example, the upper limit of the loan amount is set uniformly at the center that provides the service.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-44576

If the upper limit of points that can be lent is set uniformly in a system such as a center that provides services, depending on the person to whom the points are lent, more points than the appropriate points may be lent and a bad debt may occur. Or, less than the appropriate points are lent, which may reduce convenience.

In order to solve the above problems, the point lending device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention has a management unit that manages a point grant history, which is a history of points granted to the grant target, and a loan to the grant target. When the determination unit that determines the upper limit of possible points based on the point grant history and the balance of points granted to the grant target are less than the settlement amount indicated by the settlement request from the grant target. , A lending unit that lends points equal to or less than the upper limit.

According to the present invention, the upper limit of lending points can be appropriately set.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the payment system including the point lending apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the storage contents of the point management table shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the method of determining the upper limit of lending points. It is a sequence chart which shows an example of the operation of the payment system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the payment system including the point lending apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

[1. First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a payment system 10 including a point lending device (point lending server 100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The payment system 10 shown in FIG. 1 can settle a part or all of the purchase price of a product or service by using the points of the point service. Points are benefits that have exchange value in exchange for goods or services. For example, electronic currency corresponds to points. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the payment system 10 and the like will be described assuming that 1 point corresponds to 1 yen.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the payment system 10 includes a point lending server 100, a network NW, and a store terminal device 200 that accepts payment using points. The number of store terminal devices 200 is not limited to one. The point lending server 100 is an example of a point lending device.

The point lending server 100 manages points used in the point service. For example, the point lending server 100 is realized by a computer system including a processing device 120, a storage device 140, a communication device 160, and a timekeeping device 180. Each element of the point lending server 100 is connected to each other by a single bus or a plurality of buses. In addition, in this specification, the term "device" in a processing device, a storage device, a communication device and a timekeeping device may be read as another term such as a circuit, a device or a unit. Further, each element of the point lending server 100 may be composed of a single or a plurality of devices, and some elements of the point lending server 100 may be omitted.

The processing device 120 is a processor that controls the entire point lending server 100, and is composed of, for example, a single chip or a plurality of chips. The processing device 120 is composed of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, registers, and the like. In addition, a part or all of the functions of the processing device 120 are realized by hardware such as DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). You may. The processing apparatus 120 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

The management unit 122, the determination unit 124, the lending unit 126, and the point settlement unit 128 shown in the processing device 120 of FIG. 1 are examples of functional blocks for executing point lending. For example, the processing device 120 functions as a management unit 122, a determination unit 124, a lending unit 126, and a point settlement unit 128 by reading and executing the control program PR1 from the storage device 140.

The management unit 122 manages the points given to the owner of the point card PCD for each card ID that identifies the point card PCD. For example, the management unit 122 manages the point grant history, which is the history of points given to the owner of the point card PCD, by using the point management table TBL. The stored contents of the point management table TBL will be described with reference to FIG. The owner of the point card PCD is an example of a point grant target. Further, the card ID is an example of a point management identifier that identifies a point grant target.

The determination unit 124 determines the upper limit of points that can be lent to the owner of the point card PCD based on the point grant history. The upper limit is set, for example, in association with the card ID. In this case, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit of lending points to be set in association with the card ID based on the point grant history associated with the card ID to which the upper limit is set. For example, the determination unit 124 estimates points given within a predetermined period in the future in association with the card ID for which the upper limit value is set as scheduled points based on the point grant history, and based on the estimated scheduled points. Determine the upper limit.

Since the upper limit of points that can be lent is determined based on the planned points estimated using the point grant history, more points than the appropriate points will be lent and less points will be lent than the appropriate points. Can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in convenience and reduce the bad debt of the lent points. A specific example of the method of determining the upper limit value will be described with reference to FIG.

When the balance of points given to the owner of the point card PCD (hereinafter, also referred to as the point balance) is less than the settlement amount indicated by the settlement request from the owner of the point card PCD, the lending unit 126 Lend points below the upper limit. For example, the lending unit 126 receives payment information from the store terminal device 200 including the payment amount and the card ID of the point card PCD used for payment (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the card ID “Q12345”). The card ID of the point card PCD used for payment is an example of the point management identifier used for payment. Hereinafter, the card ID of the point card PCD used for payment is also referred to as the card ID used for payment.

When the balance of points given in association with the card ID used for settlement is less than the settlement amount, the lending unit 126 that has received the settlement information up to the upper limit associated with the card ID used for settlement. Lend points to be used for settlement within the range of. That is, when the points held by the owner of the point card PCD used for settlement are less than the settlement amount, the lending unit 126 associates the points that can be lent with the point card PCD used for settlement. Lend points up to the upper limit.

The point settlement unit 128 executes settlement using at least one of the points held by the owner of the point card PCD and the points lent to the owner of the point card PCD. For example, the point settlement unit 128 makes a settlement using at least one of the points held by the owner of the point card PCD used for the settlement and the points lent in association with the point card PCD used for the settlement. To execute. The function of the point settlement unit 128 may be realized by a settlement device or the like different from the point lending server 100. That is, the point settlement unit 128 may be omitted from the functional block that executes the lending of points.

The storage device 140 is a recording medium that can be read by the processing device 120, and stores a plurality of programs including the control program PR1 executed by the processing device 120, various data used by the processing device 120, and a point management table TBL. .. The storage device 140 is composed of, for example, one or more types of storage circuits such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and RAM (Random Access Memory).

The communication device 160 is a device that communicates with another device via a mobile communication network or a network NW such as the Internet. The communication device 160 is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module. The communication device 160 can communicate with, for example, the store terminal device 200 via the network NW.

The timekeeping device 180 generates date and time information indicating the current date and time. Specifically, date and time information is generated by counting pulse signals obtained by dividing a clock signal generated by a crystal oscillator or the like. The date and time information indicates the date and time. Time means the time of day.

The store terminal device 200 is installed in, for example, a store that provides a product or service to a customer. Then, when the purchase price of the product or service is settled using points, the store terminal device 200 executes electronic payment using the points with the point lending server 100. For example, the store terminal device 200 has a reading device (not shown) that reads the card ID of the point card PCD, and provides payment information including the payment amount (purchase price) and the card ID acquired through the reading device to the point lending server 100. Send to. As described above, the processing device 120 of the point lending server 100 that has received the payment information functions as the lending unit 126, the point settlement unit 128, and the like, and makes a payment using the points. The detailed operation of the point lending server 100 and the store terminal device 200 when executing electronic payment using points will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the point management table TBL shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the point management table TBL is managed for each card ID. As shown in FIG. 2, the point management table TBL stores event dates, event contents, grant points, points used, loan points, point balances, and upper limit values in association with each other. The event date, the content of the event, and the points given are examples of the point giving history.

The event date indicates the date on which an event such as granting points, using points, lending points, or updating the upper limit occurs. The content of the event indicates the reason for granting, using or lending points. The points given indicate points given by using the point service or the like. The points used indicate the points used for payment. Lending points indicate points lent at the time of settlement. The point balance indicates the balance of points given in association with the card ID after the event. If the point balance is negative, the absolute value of the point balance indicates the unpaid points of the points lent by the event date. The upper limit indicates the upper limit of points that can be lent. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the upper limit is updated on the first day of each month such as March 1st and April 1st.

The upper limit may be set for all card IDs managed by the point lending server 100, or may be set for a specific card ID among all card IDs. The specific card ID is, for example, a card ID whose upper limit is allowed to be set by the owner of the point card PCD. Further, when the upper limit value is set for all the card IDs, the upper limit value may be set to the initial value "0" until the point lending occurs for the first time. Points are not lent to the card ID for which the upper limit is not set and the card ID for which the upper limit is set to "0". Further, whether or not to receive the loan of points may be preset by the owner of the point card PCD for each point card PCD.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, 500 points are given as continuous thanks points for the owner of the point card PCD corresponding to the card ID "Q12345" who continuously subscribed to the point service for one year on April 5, 2017. It is shown that it was granted. As of April 5, 2017, the point balance is "1345" and the upper limit is "343".

In addition, in March 2018, it was shown that points were awarded for using Super ABC, paying mobile phone communication charges, answering questionnaires, paying electricity bills, and paying gas and water bills. ing. Furthermore, it was shown that the points were used to settle the products purchased at the drug store on March 18, 2018, and the points were used to settle the products purchased at the department store on March 26, 2018. It is shown that points were lent to make up for the shortfall. For example, the lending department 126 has an upper limit updated on March 1, 2018 because the point balance "1210" at the time of purchasing the product on March 26, 2018 is less than the settlement amount "1500 yen". In the range up to "304", the shortage points "290" are lent in association with the card ID "Q12345". The points lent in association with the card ID "Q12345" are collected from the generated points when the points to be given in association with the card ID "Q12345" are generated.

For example, since points were awarded for the use of Super ABC on April 4, 2018, a part of the unpaid portion "290" of the points "290" lent by April 4, 2018. Is recovered from the generated point "44". As a result, the point balance after using Super ABC on April 4, 2018 will be updated to "-246". In addition, since the continuous thanks points were granted on April 5, 2018, all of the unpaid points "246" of the points "290" lent by April 5, 2018 were generated points "500". The repayment of the points collected from and lent is completed. As a result, the point balance after the grant of continuous thanks points on April 5, 2018 will be updated to "254". The content stored in the point management table TBL is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the points granted and points used columns may be integrated. In this case, the point of use is indicated by, for example, a negative value. Next, an example of a method of determining the upper limit value based on the point grant history (event date stored in association with each other, event content, and grant points) will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of determining an upper limit value of points that can be lent. In FIG. 3, in order to make the figure easier to see, the description of items other than the event date, the event content, the given points, and the upper limit value is omitted from the stored contents of the point management table TBL. Further, in FIG. 3, in order to make the figure easier to see, numerical examples of the upper limit values are shown only on March 1, 2018 and April 1, 2018 among the upper limit values of each event day. Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4, and Example 5 in the upper limit value column shown in FIG. 3 show the upper limit values calculated in the five examples described below, respectively.

The method of determining the upper limit value based on the point grant history (event date, event content and grant points stored in association with each other) is not limited to the following five examples. In the following five examples, a method of determining the upper limit value will be described with a predetermined period in the future as one month of the month following the update date of the upper limit value. For example, when the upper limit is updated on April 1, 2018, the future predetermined period is one month from May 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018. In FIG. 3, the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set is set to the card ID “Q12345”, and the point grant history is used as the event date, event content, and grant points stored in the point management table TBL, and the upper limit value is determined. To explain. That is, the “grant target” in the description in FIG. 3 indicates the owner of the point card PCD corresponding to the card ID “Q12345”.

In Example 1, the determination unit 124 specifies points periodically given to the grant target as regular points from the point grant history. That is, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given periodically in association with the card ID "Q12345" as regular points from the point giving history. For example, the determination unit 124 specifies points that are repeatedly given at specific intervals a number of times equal to or greater than a threshold value as periodic points. Then, the determination unit 124 estimates the points given in association with the card ID "Q12345" in the future predetermined period as scheduled points based on the periodic points, and determines the upper limit value based on the estimated scheduled points. ..

For example, the determination unit 124 refers to the event content stored in the point management table TBL, and is given monthly points for payment of communication charges for mobile phones, payment of electricity charges, and payment of gas charges. Specific points are specified as regular points, and points given for payment of water bills are specified as regular points given every two months. That is, the determination unit 124 specifies the points given to the event that occurs periodically as the periodic points.

In the renewal of the upper limit on March 1, 2018, the month in which the water bill is paid will not be included in the future predetermined period. In this case, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given to the payment of the communication charge of the mobile phone, the payment of the electricity charge, and the payment of the gas charge as regular points. For example, the determination unit 124 refers to the point award history in February 2018, and determines the total points "261" given to the payment of the communication charge of the mobile phone, the payment of the electricity charge, and the payment of the gas charge. , Calculated as a regular point. Then, the determination unit 124 estimates that the periodic point "261" is a scheduled point to be given in association with the card ID "Q12345" in a predetermined period in the future, and sets an upper limit value based on the estimated scheduled point "261". decide. For example, the determination unit 124 determines the integer portion "234" of the product "234.9" of the planned point "261" and the predetermined value "0.9" as the upper limit value.

In addition, in the update of the upper limit on April 1, 2018, the month in which the payment of water charges occurs will be included in the predetermined period in the future. In this case, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given to the payment of the communication charge of the mobile phone, the payment of the electricity charge, the payment of the gas charge, and the payment of the water charge as regular points. For example, the determination unit 124 refers to the point grant history in March 2018, and refers to the points granted for the payment of the communication charge of the mobile phone, the payment of the electricity bill, the payment of the gas bill, and the payment of the water bill, respectively. The total "277" is estimated as the planned point. Then, the determination unit 124 determines the integer portion "249" of the product "249.3" of the planned point "277" and the predetermined value "0.9" as the upper limit value.

The determination unit 124 may determine the value obtained by rounding off the decimal point of the product of the planned point and the predetermined value as the upper limit value. Further, the predetermined value is not limited to "0.9" as long as it is "1" or less. Further, for example, the determination unit 124 may determine the upper limit value by subtracting a predetermined amount (for example, 50) from the scheduled point.

Alternatively, the determination unit 124 calculates the average value of the points given periodically for one month as the regular points based on the point grant history of a plurality of months, and based on the calculated regular points (average value), Scheduled points may be estimated. In addition, among the events that occur regularly, the points given to each of the electricity and gas charges (electricity and gas charges) whose usage is considered to fluctuate depending on the season will be explained in Example 2 in the future. It may be extracted from the point grant history of the predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the predetermined period of.

As described above, in Example 1, the scheduled points are estimated based on the regular points, which are the points given periodically. Therefore, in Example 1, it is possible to reduce the estimated planned points to be larger than the points actually given within a predetermined period in the future. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bad debt of the lent points.

In Example 2, the determination unit 124 estimates the scheduled points based on the history of the predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the predetermined period in the future among the histories included in the point grant history. For example, the determination unit 124 may use the history included in the point award history associated with the card ID "Q12345" based on the point award history for a predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the future predetermined period. The points given in association with the card ID "Q12345" within a predetermined period are estimated as scheduled points. Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the estimated scheduled point.

In the update of the upper limit on March 1, 2018, the predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the future predetermined period (one month from April 1, 2018 to April 30, 2018) is, for example, 2017. It is a month from April 1st to April 30th. In this case, the determination unit 124 determines the points for one month (predetermined period in the past year) from April 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017 in the point grant history associated with the card ID "Q12345". Refer to the grant history.

Then, the determination unit 124 sets the points "795" given in association with the card ID "Q12345" in April 2017 as points (planned points) given in April 2018 (future predetermined period). presume. The determination unit 124 determines the integer portion "715" of the product "715.5" of the planned point "795" and the predetermined value "0.9" as the upper limit value. In the update of the upper limit on March 1, 2018, the month in which continuous thanks points will be granted will be included in the future predetermined period, so the upper limit will be compared with the upper limit on April 1, 2018, which will be described later. And set to a large size.

In the update of the upper limit on April 1, 2018, the predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the future predetermined period (one month from May 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018) is, for example, 2017. It is a month from May 1st to May 31st. In this case, the determination unit 124 sets the points "331" given in May 2017 (predetermined period in the past year) as points (planned points) given in May 2018 (predetermined period in the future). presume. Then, the determination unit 124 determines the integer portion "297" of the product "297.9" of the planned point "331" and the predetermined value "0.9" as the upper limit value.

The determination unit 124 may determine the value obtained by rounding off the decimal point of the product of the planned point and the predetermined value as the upper limit value. Further, the predetermined value is not limited to "0.9" as long as it is "1" or less. Further, for example, the determination unit 124 may determine the upper limit value by subtracting a predetermined amount (for example, 50) from the scheduled point.

Further, the predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the predetermined period in the future may be the predetermined period in the year two years or more ago. Alternatively, the determination unit 124 may estimate the points awarded within the predetermined period in the future based on the average value of the points awarded during the predetermined period in the past plurality of years.

As mentioned above, in Example 2, the planned points are estimated based on the history of the predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the predetermined period in the future. Therefore, in Example 2, it is possible to reduce that the estimation result of the planned points is affected by the difference in the amount of points given due to the difference in time between the electricity bill in spring and the electricity bill in winter. As a result, the upper limit can be set appropriately, and the bad debt of the lent points can be reduced.

In Example 3, the determination unit 124 estimates the scheduled points based on the history of the most recent fixed period among the histories included in the point grant history. For example, the determination unit 124 has the card ID "Q12345" within a predetermined period in the future based on the point grant history for the most recent fixed period among the histories included in the point grant history associated with the card ID "Q12345". Estimate the points given in association with the planned points. Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the estimated scheduled point.

In the update of the upper limit on March 1, 2018, for example, the history of the latest fixed period is the history of giving points for one month from February 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018. In this case, the determination unit 124 refers to the point grant history in February 2018 among the point grant history associated with the card ID "Q12345", and determines the point "348" granted in February 2018. It is estimated to be points (planned points) to be awarded in April 2018 (future predetermined period). Then, the determination unit 124 determines the integer portion "278" of the product "278.4" of the planned point "348" and the predetermined value "0.8" as the upper limit value.

In Example 3, since the estimated points are estimated including points other than the points to which the scheduled points are periodically given (regular points), the estimated scheduled points are larger than those in Example 1. Therefore, in Example 3, the predetermined value is set to “0.8”, which is smaller than “0.9” in Example 1.

In the update of the upper limit on April 1, 2018, for example, the history of the latest fixed period is the history of giving points for one month from March 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018. In this case, the determination unit 124 assigns the points "384" given in association with the card ID "Q12345" in March 2018 to the points (planned points) given in April 2018 (future predetermined period). I presume. Then, the determination unit 124 determines the integer portion "307" of the product "307.2" of the planned point "384" and the predetermined value "0.8" as the upper limit value.

The determination unit 124 may determine the value obtained by rounding off the decimal point of the product of the planned point and the predetermined value as the upper limit value. Further, the predetermined value is not limited to "0.8" as long as it is "1" or less. For example, the predetermined value may be "0.9". Further, for example, the determination unit 124 may determine the upper limit value by subtracting a predetermined amount (for example, 50) from the scheduled point.

Further, the history of the latest fixed period may be a history of giving points for a period longer than one month. For example, in the update of the upper limit value on April 1, 2018, the determination unit 124 may use the history of the latest fixed period as the point grant history for two months from February 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018. good. In this case, the determination unit 124 may estimate the scheduled points based on the points (average value) per month of the points given from February 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the points per month (the average value of the points "348" in February and the points "384" in March) given from February 1st to March 31st, 2018. ) Is "366". In this case, the determination unit 124 estimates that the points "366" per month of the points given in February and March 2018 in the update of the upper limit on April 1, 2018 are the planned points. Then, the determination unit 124 sets the integer portion "292" of the product "292.8" of the planned point "366" and the predetermined value "0.8" as the upper limit value. By using the point award history for several months, it is possible to reduce the influence of infrequently occurring events on the estimation results of scheduled points.

As described above, in Example 3, the scheduled points are estimated based on the history of the most recent fixed period. Therefore, when the method of Example 3 is adopted, the capacity for storing the point grant history can be made smaller than that of the case of adopting the method of Example 2.

In Example 4, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given periodically in association with the card ID “Q12345” as regular points from the point giving history. For example, the determination unit 124 identifies points to be given to an event that occurs periodically, such as payment of a communication fee for a mobile phone, as in Example 1 described above. Then, the determination unit 124 estimates the points given periodically in association with the card ID "Q12345" within a predetermined period in the future as the periodic scheduled points based on the periodic points.

Further, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given irregularly in association with the card ID "Q12345" as irregular points from the point grant history. For example, if the decision unit 124 gives points to a specific event such as the use of Super ABC or the answer to a questionnaire multiple times, a similar event (the same type as the specific event) scheduled within a predetermined period in the future It is estimated that points will be given to the event) as well. That is, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given to the irregularly occurring events such as the use of Super ABC or the answering of the questionnaire as irregular points. Then, the determination unit 124 estimates the points given irregularly in association with the card ID "Q12345" within a predetermined period in the future as irregular scheduled points based on the irregular points.

Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the value obtained by multiplying the periodic scheduled point by the weighting coefficient and the value obtained by multiplying the irregular scheduled point by the weighting coefficient smaller than the weighting coefficient of the periodic scheduled point. decide. Assuming that the periodic scheduled points are PP, the irregular scheduled points are IP, the weighting coefficient of the periodic scheduled points is Wp (Wp≤1), and the weighting coefficient of the irregular scheduled points is Wi (Wi <Wp). The upper limit value (L) is represented by, for example, the equation (1). In addition, "int ()" of the formula (1) indicates an integer part of the value in parentheses, and "*" indicates a multiplication.
L = int (PP * Wp + IP * Wi) ... (1)

For example, in the update of the upper limit on March 1, 2018, the determination unit 124 will give a total of "261" points given to the payment of the communication charge of the mobile phone, the payment of the electricity charge, and the payment of the gas charge. Is estimated as a regular scheduled point. In addition, the determination unit 124 estimates that the total of points "87" given to the use of Super ABC and the response to the questionnaire are irregular scheduled points.

Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the weighted periodic scheduled points and the weighted irregular scheduled points. In Example 4, the numerical example of the upper limit value when the weighting coefficient (Wp) of the periodic scheduled points is "0.9" and the weighting coefficient (Wi) of the irregular scheduled points is "0.8". show. The determination unit 124 sets the upper limit value of "304" calculated by substituting the periodic scheduled point "261" and the irregular scheduled point "87" into the PP and IP of the above equation (1), respectively. ..

In the update of the upper limit on April 1, 2018, the decision-making unit 124 is the total of the points given to the payment of the communication charge of the mobile phone, the payment of the electricity charge, the payment of the gas charge and the payment of the water charge, respectively. Estimate "277" as a regular scheduled point. In addition, the determination unit 124 estimates that the total of points "107" given to the use of Super ABC and the response to the questionnaire are irregular scheduled points. Then, the determination unit 124 sets an upper limit of "334" calculated by substituting the periodic scheduled points "277" and the irregular scheduled points "107" into the PP and IP of the above-mentioned equation (1), respectively. Set to a value.

That is, the determination unit 124 identifies points periodically given to the grant target as regular points from the point grant history, and periodically schedule points to be granted to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future. Estimate based on regular points. Further, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given irregularly to the grant target as irregular points from the point grant history, and schedules the points granted irregularly to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future. Estimate based on irregular points as points. Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the value obtained by multiplying the periodic scheduled point by the weighting coefficient and the value obtained by multiplying the irregular scheduled point by the weighting coefficient smaller than the weighting coefficient of the periodic scheduled point. decide.

The determination unit 124 may determine the sum of the integer part of "PP * Wp" and the integer part of "IP * Wi" in the equation (1) as the upper limit value. Alternatively, the determination unit 124 may determine the value obtained by rounding off the decimal point of "PP * Wp + IP * Wi" in the equation (1) as the upper limit value. Further, even if the determination unit 124 determines the sum of the value obtained by rounding off the decimal point of "PP * Wp" in the equation (1) and the value obtained by rounding off the decimal point of "IP * Wi" as the upper limit value. good. Further, the weighting coefficient (Wp) of the periodic scheduled points and the weighting coefficient (Wi) of the irregular scheduled points are not limited to the above-mentioned numerical examples as long as Wi <Wp ≦ 1 is satisfied.

Further, the determination unit 124 calculates the average value of the points given periodically for one month as the regular points based on the point grant history of a plurality of months, and based on the calculated regular points (average value), Periodic scheduled points may be estimated. Similarly, the determination unit 124 calculates the monthly average value of the points given irregularly as irregular points based on the point grant history of a plurality of months, and uses the calculated irregular points (average value) as the irregular points. Based on this, irregular scheduled points may be estimated. In addition, among the events that occur regularly, the points given to each of the electricity and gas charges (electricity and gas charges) whose usage is considered to fluctuate depending on the season are the future explained in Example 2. It may be extracted from the point grant history of the predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the predetermined period of.

As described above, in Example 4, the upper limit is set based on the weighted periodic scheduled points and the weighted irregular scheduled points. Therefore, in Example 4, it is possible to reduce the fact that the upper limit value becomes too small as compared with Example 1. Since the weighting coefficient of irregular scheduled points is smaller than the weighting coefficient of periodic scheduled points, it is possible to reduce the setting of an upper limit value larger than the points actually given within a predetermined period in the future. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bad debt of the lent points.

In Example 5, the determination unit 124 estimates the periodic scheduled points described in Example 4 based on the points in which the fluctuation of the points given periodically in association with the card ID “Q12345” is less than a predetermined amount. It is divided into fixed points, which are points, and variable points, which are points other than fixed points. Further, the determination unit 124 has a fixed point multiplied by a first weighting coefficient, a variable point multiplied by a second weighting coefficient smaller than the first weighting coefficient, and an irregular value described in Example 4. The upper limit is determined based on the value obtained by multiplying the planned point by a third weighting coefficient smaller than the second weighting coefficient.

The fixed point is PP1, the variable point is PP2, the irregular scheduled point is IP, the first weighting coefficient is Wp1 (Wp1≤1), the second weighting coefficient is Wp2 (Wp2 <Wp1), and the third weighting coefficient is. When Wi (Wi <Wp2), the upper limit value (L) is represented by, for example, the equation (2). The meanings of "int ()" and "*" in the formula (2) are the same as those in the formula (1).
L = int (PP1 * Wp1 + PP2 * Wp2 + IP * Wi) ... (2)

For example, when the predetermined amount is "10", among the points given regularly, a plurality of points given for the payment of the communication charge of the mobile phone, the payment of the gas charge, and the payment of the water charge, respectively. The amount of fluctuation in the month is less than 10. In addition, the amount of fluctuation of points given to the payment of electricity bills in a plurality of months is 10 or more. In this case, among the regular scheduled points, the points estimated based on the points given to the payment of the communication charge of the mobile phone, the payment of the gas charge, and the payment of the water charge are fixed points, and the points are electric. The points estimated based on the points given to the payment of the fee are the variable points.

In the update of the upper limit on March 1, 2018, the decision-making unit 124 will periodically set the total points "131" given to the payment of mobile phone communication charges and the payment of gas charges as scheduled points. It is estimated to be a fixed point. Further, the determination unit 124 estimates that the point "130" given to the payment of the electricity bill is a variable point among the periodic scheduled points. That is, the determination unit 124 determines the periodic scheduled point “261” described in Example 4 based on the points whose fluctuation of the periodically assigned points is less than a predetermined amount, which is the fixed point “131”. And the variable point "130", which is a point other than the fixed point. Further, as described in Example 4, the determination unit 124 estimates that the total of points "87" given to the use of Super ABC and the response to the questionnaire are irregular scheduled points.

Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the weighted fixed point, the weighted fluctuation point, and the weighted irregular scheduled point. In Example 5, the first weighting coefficient (Wp1) is "0.9", the second weighting coefficient (Wp2) is "0.85", and the third weighting coefficient (Wi) is "0.8". A numerical example of the upper limit value is shown. The determination unit 124 substitutes the fixed points "131", the fluctuation points "130" and the irregular scheduled points "87" into the PP1, PP2 and the IP of the above equation (2) to calculate "298". Set to the upper limit.

In the update of the upper limit on April 1, 2018, the decision-making unit 124 will give the total of points "171" given to the payment of the communication charge of the mobile phone, the payment of the gas charge and the payment of the water charge, respectively. Estimated to be a fixed point among the regular scheduled points. Further, the determination unit 124 estimates that the point "106" given to the payment of the electricity bill is a variable point among the periodic scheduled points. In addition, the determination unit 124 estimates that the total of points "107" given to the use of Super ABC and the response to the questionnaire are irregular scheduled points. Then, the determination unit 124 calculates, for example, by substituting the fixed point “171”, the fluctuation point “106”, and the irregular scheduled point “107” into PP1, PP2, and the IP of the above-mentioned equation (2), respectively. 329 ”is set as the upper limit value.

That is, the determination unit 124 identifies points periodically given to the grant target as regular points from the point grant history, and periodically schedule points to be granted to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future. Estimate based on regular points. Further, the determination unit 124 determines the periodic scheduled points at fixed points, which are points estimated based on the points where the fluctuation of the points given periodically to the award target is less than a predetermined amount, and points other than the fixed points. Divide into certain fluctuation points. Further, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given irregularly to the grant target as irregular points from the point grant history, and schedules the points granted irregularly to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future. Estimate based on irregular points as points. Then, the determination unit 124 has a fixed point multiplied by a first weighting coefficient, a variable point multiplied by a second weighting coefficient smaller than the first weighting coefficient, and an irregular scheduled point second. The upper limit value is determined based on the value obtained by multiplying the third weighting coefficient smaller than the weighting coefficient of.

The determination unit 124 may determine the sum of the integer part of "PP1 * Wp1", the integer part of "PP2 * Wp2", and the integer part of "IP * Wi" in the equation (1) as the upper limit value. .. Alternatively, the determination unit 124 may determine the value obtained by rounding off the decimal point of "PP1 * Wp1 + PP2 * Wp2 + IP * Wi" in the equation (2) as the upper limit value. Further, the determination unit 124 rounds off the value after the decimal point of "PP1 * Wp1" in the equation (2), the value rounded off after the decimal point of "PP2 * Wp2", and the value after the decimal point of "IP * Wi". The sum with the set value may be determined as the upper limit value.

Further, the first weighting coefficient (Wp1), the second weighting coefficient (Wp2), and the third weighting coefficient (Wi) are not limited to the above-mentioned numerical examples as long as Wi <Wp2 <Wp1 ≦ 1 is satisfied. Further, the determination unit 124 calculates the average value of the points given periodically for one month as the regular points based on the point grant history of a plurality of months, and based on the calculated regular points (average value), Periodic scheduled points may be estimated. Further, the determination unit 124 calculates a monthly average value of points given periodically with a fluctuation amount less than a predetermined amount based on the point giving history of a plurality of months, and based on the calculated average value, A fixed point may be estimated. Further, the determination unit 124 calculates the monthly average value of the points given irregularly based on the point grant history of a plurality of months, and estimates the irregular scheduled points based on the calculated average value. You may.

As described above, in Example 5, the periodic scheduled point is divided into a fixed point and a variable point, and the second weighting coefficient attached to the variable point is smaller than the first weighting coefficient attached to the fixed point. Therefore, in Example 5, the upper limit determined using fixed points, variable points, and irregular scheduled points is affected by the difference in the amount of points given due to the difference in time between the electricity bill in spring and the electricity bill in winter. You can reduce the amount of receiving. As a result, the upper limit can be set appropriately, and the bad debt of the lent points can be reduced.

FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the payment system 10 shown in FIG. The operation shown in FIG. 4 is an example of the point lending method. Before the determination in step S120 is executed, the upper limit value is set by the determination unit 124 as described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S20, the store terminal device 200 reads the card ID used for payment. For example, when purchasing a product, the owner of the point card PCD informs the clerk that the price of the product will be paid in full in points, and causes the reading device of the store terminal device 200 to read the card ID of the point card PCD.

Next, in step S40, the store terminal device 200 transmits the payment information including the payment amount (the price of the product) and the card ID acquired via the reading device to the point lending server 100. The point lending server 100 that has received the payment information executes the determination in step S120.

In step S120, the processing device 120 of the point lending server 100 functions as the lending unit 126, and determines whether or not the point balance is less than the settlement amount. If the point balance is less than the settlement amount, the operation of the processing device 120 proceeds to step S140. On the other hand, when the point balance is equal to or greater than the settlement amount, the operation of the processing device 120 proceeds to step S180.

In step S140, the processing device 120 functions as the lending unit 126, and determines whether or not the sum of the shortage of the point balance with respect to the settlement amount and the unpaid portion of the lending points is equal to or less than the upper limit value. When the sum of the shortage and the unpaid portion is equal to or less than the upper limit, the operation of the processing apparatus 120 shifts to step S160. On the other hand, when the sum of the shortage and the unpaid amount exceeds the upper limit, the processing device 120 functions as the lending unit 126 in step S220, and the point shortage information including the point balance and / or the shortage amount is transmitted to the store terminal. Notify the device 200 and end the operation related to the point settlement.

In step S160, the processing device 120 functions as the lending unit 126, and lends the points for compensating for the shortage in association with the card ID. That is, the lending unit 126 lends the points allocated for settlement to the owner of the point card PCD within the range up to the upper limit. After the processing of step S160 is executed, the operation of the processing apparatus 120 shifts to step S180.

In step S180, the processing device 120 functions as a point settlement unit 128, and executes point settlement for settlement using points. For example, when the point balance is equal to or greater than the settlement amount, the point settlement unit 128 executes point settlement using the points held in association with the card ID. Alternatively, when the lending unit 126 lends the points to make up for the shortage in step S160, the point settlement unit 128 executes point settlement using the points or the like lent in association with the card ID.

Next, in step S200, the processing device 120 functions as the point settlement unit 128, notifies the store terminal device 200 of the settlement completion information indicating the point balance, the completion of the settlement, and the like, and ends the operation related to the point settlement.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit of points that can be lent to the grant target based on the point grant history. Further, when the balance of the points given to the grant target is less than the settlement amount indicated by the settlement request from the grant target, the lending unit 126 lends the points equal to or less than the upper limit. Specifically, the determination unit 124 associates the upper limit value of lending points set in association with the point management identifier (for example, card ID) with the point management identifier to which the upper limit value is set. Determined based on the grant history. The lending unit 126 receives payment information including a payment amount and a point management identifier used for payment. For example, when the balance of points given in association with the point management identifier used for settlement is less than the settlement amount, the lending unit 126 that has received the settlement information is associated with the point management identifier used for settlement. We will lend points to be used for settlement within the range up to the upper limit. As a result, the upper limit can be set appropriately, and the bad debt of the lent points can be reduced. Therefore, for example, the owner of the point card PCD can purchase the product by point payment without changing to another payment method even if the point balance is less than the price of the product.

In the point lending server 100, since the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value that can be lent based on the point grant history associated with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set, the bad debt of the lent points is reduced. can. For example, when the upper limit is determined based on the point grant history, the value is larger than the points actually granted within a predetermined period in the future, compared to the case where the upper limit is uniformly set by the point service system or the like. It is possible to reduce the setting of the upper limit value. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bad debt of the points lent within the range up to the upper limit. Further, in the point lending server 100, since the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the point grant history associated with the point management identifier, the upper limit is investigated by investigating the occupation, income, debt, etc. of the point lending target person. The upper limit can be set more easily than when determining the value.

Further, in the first embodiment, the determination unit 124 estimates the points given to the grant target within the predetermined period in the future as scheduled points based on the point grant history, and determines the upper limit value based on the scheduled points. Specifically, the determination unit 124 estimates points to be given within a predetermined period in the future as scheduled points in association with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set, and estimates the points to be given based on the point grant history. Determine the upper limit based on.

For example, in the first method of determining the upper limit value, the determination unit 124 identifies the points periodically given to the grant target as regular points from the point grant history, and estimates the scheduled points based on the regular points. Specifically, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given periodically in association with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set as the periodic points from the point giving history. Then, the determination unit 124 estimates the scheduled points based on the periodic points, and determines the upper limit value based on the estimated scheduled points. In this case, since the scheduled points are estimated based on the points given periodically, it is possible to reduce that the estimated scheduled points become a value larger than the points actually given within a predetermined period in the future. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bad debt of the lent points.

Further, in the second method, the determination unit 124 estimates the scheduled points based on the history of the predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the predetermined period in the future among the histories included in the point grant history. Specifically, the determination unit 124 is a history of a predetermined period in the past year corresponding to a predetermined period in the future among the histories included in the point grant history associated with the point management identifier to which the upper limit value is set. Estimate the planned points based on. Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the estimated scheduled point. In this case, since the planned points are estimated based on the history of the predetermined period in the past year, the estimated result of the planned points is affected by the difference in the amount of points given due to the difference in time such as the electricity bill in spring and the electricity bill in winter. Can reduce receiving. As a result, the upper limit can be set appropriately, and the bad debt of the lent points can be reduced.

Further, in the third method, the determination unit 124 estimates the scheduled points based on the history of the most recent fixed period among the histories included in the point grant history. Specifically, the determination unit 124 estimates the scheduled points based on the history of the most recent fixed period among the histories included in the point grant history associated with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set. .. Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the estimated scheduled point. In this case, since the scheduled points are estimated based on the history of the latest fixed period, the capacity for storing the point grant history can be made smaller than that of the second method described above.

Further, in the fourth method, the determination unit 124 identifies points periodically given to the grant target as regular points from the point grant history, and points to be periodically granted to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future. Is estimated based on the regular points as regular scheduled points. Further, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given irregularly to the grant target as irregular points from the point grant history, and schedules the points granted irregularly to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future. Estimate based on irregular points as points. Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the value obtained by multiplying the periodic scheduled point by the weighting coefficient and the value obtained by multiplying the irregular scheduled point by the weighting coefficient smaller than the weighting coefficient of the periodic scheduled point. decide.

Specifically, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given periodically in association with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set as the periodic points from the point giving history. Then, the determination unit 124 estimates the points that are periodically given within a predetermined period in the future in association with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set, as the periodic scheduled points, based on the periodic points. Further, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given irregularly in association with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set as irregular points from the point grant history. Then, the determination unit 124 estimates the points given irregularly within a predetermined period in the future in association with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set as irregular scheduled points based on the irregular points.

Then, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value based on the value obtained by multiplying the periodic scheduled point by the weighting coefficient and the value obtained by multiplying the irregular scheduled point by the weighting coefficient smaller than the weighting coefficient of the periodic scheduled point. decide. In this case, since the upper limit value is set based on the weighted periodic scheduled points and the weighted irregular scheduled points, it is possible to reduce the upper limit value from becoming too small as compared with the first method described above. Since a weight smaller than the weight of the periodic scheduled points is attached to the irregular scheduled points, it is possible to reduce the setting of an upper limit of a value larger than the points actually given within a predetermined period in the future. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bad debt of the lent points.

Further, in the fifth method, the determination unit 124 identifies points periodically given to the grant target as regular points from the point grant history, and points to be periodically granted to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future. Is estimated based on the regular points as regular scheduled points. Further, the determination unit 124 determines the periodic scheduled points at fixed points, which are points estimated based on the points where the fluctuation of the points given periodically to the award target is less than a predetermined amount, and points other than the fixed points. Divide into certain fluctuation points. Further, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given irregularly to the grant target as irregular points from the point grant history, and schedules the points granted irregularly to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future. Estimate based on irregular points as points. Then, the determination unit 124 has a fixed point multiplied by a first weighting coefficient, a variable point multiplied by a second weighting coefficient smaller than the first weighting coefficient, and an irregular scheduled point second. The upper limit value is determined based on the value obtained by multiplying the third weighting coefficient smaller than the weighting coefficient of.

Specifically, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given periodically in association with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set as the periodic points from the point giving history. Then, the determination unit 124 estimates the points that are periodically given within a predetermined period in the future in association with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set, as the periodic scheduled points, based on the periodic points. Further, the determination unit 124 associates the periodic scheduled points with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set, and estimates the points whose fluctuations of the points given periodically are less than a predetermined amount. Divide into a fixed point and a variable point that is a point other than the fixed point. Further, the determination unit 124 identifies the points given irregularly in association with the point management identifier for which the upper limit value is set as irregular points from the point grant history. Then, the determination unit 124 estimates the points given irregularly within a predetermined period in the future in association with the point management identifier to be set as irregular scheduled points based on the irregular points.

Then, the determination unit 124 has a fixed point multiplied by a first weighting coefficient, a variable point multiplied by a second weighting coefficient smaller than the first weighting coefficient, and an irregular scheduled point second. The upper limit value is determined based on the value obtained by multiplying the third weighting coefficient smaller than the weighting coefficient of. That is, in the fifth method, the second weighting coefficient of the variable point among the periodic scheduled points is made smaller than the first weighting coefficient of the fixed point among the periodic scheduled points. Therefore, in the fifth method, the upper limit determined by using fixed points, variable points, and irregular scheduled points is the difference in the amount of points given due to the difference in time between the electricity bill in spring and the electricity bill in winter. You can reduce the impact. As a result, the upper limit can be set appropriately, and the bad debt of the lent points can be reduced.

[2. Second Embodiment]
The main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment described above is that the processing apparatus 120 also functions as a collection unit 127 for collecting the unpaid portion of the loan points.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a payment system 10A including a point lending device (point lending server 100A) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same or similar elements as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The payment system 10A is the same as or similar to the payment system 10 shown in FIG. 1, except that it has the point lending server 100A instead of the point lending server 100 shown in FIG. For example, the payment system 10A includes a point lending server 100A, a network NW, and a store terminal device 200 that accepts payment using points. The number of store terminal devices 200 is not limited to one. The point lending server 100A is an example of a point lending device.

The point lending server 100A has the same or the same configuration as the point lending server 100 shown in FIG. For example, the point lending server 100A is realized by a computer system including a processing device 120, a storage device 140, a communication device 160, and a timekeeping device 180. The storage device 140 shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the storage device 140 shown in FIG. 1 except that the control program PR1A is stored in place of the control program PR1 shown in FIG. Each element of the point lending server 100A is connected to each other by a single unit or a plurality of buses. Further, each element of the point lending server 100A may be composed of a single or a plurality of devices, and some elements of the point lending server 100A may be omitted.

The processing apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 5 is the same as or similar to the processing apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 1, except that the control program PR1A is executed in place of the control program PR1 shown in FIG. The management unit 122, the determination unit 124, the lending unit 126, the collection unit 127, and the point settlement unit 128 shown in the processing device 120 of FIG. 5 are examples of functional blocks for executing point lending. The point settlement unit 128 may be omitted from the functional block that executes the lending of points. For example, the function of the point settlement unit 128 may be realized by a settlement device or the like different from the point lending server 100A.

The processing device 120 functions as a management unit 122, a determination unit 124, a lending unit 126, a collection unit 127, and a point settlement unit 128 by reading and executing the control program PR1A from the storage device 140, for example. The management unit 122, the decision unit 124, the lending unit 126, and the point settlement unit 128 are the same as the management unit 122, the determination unit 124, the lending unit 126, and the point settlement unit 128 shown in FIG. When the points to be given to the grant target for which the repayment of the lent points has not been completed are generated, the collection unit 127 collects at least a part of the points for which the repayment has not been completed from the generated points.

For example, in the point management table TBL shown in FIG. 2, for the use of Super ABC on April 4, 2018, after March 26, 2018, when the points were lent in association with the card ID "Q12345". Points will be awarded. In this case, the collection unit 127 will use a part of the unpaid portion "290" of the points "290" lent by April 4, 2018 to the points "44" generated on April 4, 2018. Collect from. In addition, for example, the collection department 127 was granted continuous thanks points "500" on April 5, 2018, so the unpaid portion "246" of the points "290" lent by April 4, 2018. All of the above are collected from the generated point "500". As a result, the repayment of the points lent in association with the card ID "Q12345" is completed.

That is, when the points to be given are associated with the card ID "Q12345" of the point card PCD to be granted for which the repayment of the lent points has not been completed, the generated points are associated with the card ID "Q12345". It is used preferentially to repay the points lent. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the bad debt of the points lent in association with the card ID "Q12345".

As described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained in the second embodiment. Further, in the second embodiment, when the points to be given to the grant target for which the repayment of the lent points has not been completed occurs, the collection unit 127 has at least one of the points for which the repayment has not been completed from the generated points. Collect the part. That is, in the second embodiment, each time a point to be granted is generated in association with the point management identifier to be granted for which the repayment of the lent point has not been completed, the generated point can be used for the repayment of the lent point. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the bad debt of the lent points.

[3. Modification example]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified above. Specific modes of modification are illustrated below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be merged.

[First modification]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an example in which the upper limit value is periodically updated is shown, but the upper limit value may be updated irregularly. For example, the determination unit 124 may determine the upper limit each time the lending unit 126 determines that the point balance is less than the settlement amount. That is, when it is determined in the determination of step S120 of the sequence chart shown in FIG. 4 that the point balance is less than the settlement amount, the determination unit 124 determines the upper limit value before the determination in step S140 is executed. You may. Even in this case, the determination unit 124 may determine the upper limit value by any of the methods of Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4, and Example 5 described with reference to FIG.

[Second modification]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the future predetermined period is one month of the month following the upper limit update date, but the future predetermined period is the upper limit update date. Not limited to one month of the following month. For example, the predetermined period in the future may be two months from the month following the update date of the upper limit, or may be one week of the week following the update date of the upper limit. Alternatively, the predetermined period in the future may be one month from the renewal date of the upper limit or the day after the renewal date, or one week from the renewal date or the day after the renewal date of the upper limit.

[Third modification example]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the owner of the point card PCD has been described as an example of the point awarding target, but the point awarding target is not limited to the owner of the point card PCD. For example, when an application having the same function as a point card PCD is downloaded and used by a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, the user of the application is also an example of a point grant target. In this case, the ID that identifies the user of the application is an example of the point management identifier. When points are managed using a point account, the owner of the point account is an example of a point grant target, and identification information such as an account number that identifies the point account is an example of a point management identifier. .. For example, when a plurality of point card PCDs are assigned to one point account, the owner of the point account is an example of a point grant target, and identification information such as an account number for identifying the point account is point management. It is an example of an identifier.

[Fourth variant]
The point lending servers 100 and 100A in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above have an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse that accepts input from the outside, and a display device such as a display that displays information such as an image. You may. Further, the input device and the display device may have an integrated configuration (for example, a touch panel).

[Fifth variant]
In FIG. 3 described above, the points given for the use of Super ABC are not included in the regular points, but the points given for the use of Super ABC may be included in the regular points. .. For example, the determination unit 124 refers to a plurality of unit periods when a period having the same length as or approximately the same length as a predetermined period in the future is set as a unit period, and an event that occurs each time in the referenced plurality of unit periods. The points given to the person may be specified as regular points.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the interval of occurrence of points given to the use of Super ABC is about 2 weeks or about 3 weeks, which is not a constant interval. However, the points awarded for the use of Super ABC are generated every month. In this case, the determination unit 124 may include the points given for the use of the super ABC in the regular points. In Example 5 described with reference to FIG. 3, since the fluctuation amount of the points given to the use of Super ABC in a plurality of months is 10 or more, it is based on the points given to the use of Super ABC. The estimated points are included in the fluctuation points of the regular scheduled points.

[Sixth variant]
In FIG. 4 described above, an example is shown in which points are not lent when the sum of the shortage and the unpaid portion exceeds the upper limit, but the lending unit 126 shows the upper limit of the sum of the shortage and the unpaid portion. Even if it exceeds, points may be lent as long as the total with the unpaid points does not exceed the upper limit. In this case, for example, the owner of the point card PCD can pay the shortfall with cash and the lent points, and can purchase the product or the like even if he / she has little cash. That is, it is possible to suppress a decrease in convenience.

[7th variant]
The determination unit 124 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above may change the point lending conditions according to the amount or period of the point grant history stored in the point management table TBL. The lending condition means a condition for lending points to a point grant target (for example, the owner of a point card PCD), and corresponds to, for example, a predetermined period in the future and a weighting coefficient. For example, the determination unit 124 changes the value of the weighting coefficient for multiplying the scheduled points (points given in a predetermined period in the future) according to the amount of history included in the point granting history, and multiplies the scheduled points by the weighting coefficient. The upper limit may be determined based on the value obtained. Specifically, the larger the amount of the point grant history referred to when estimating the points given in the future predetermined period (or the longer the period of the point grant history), the more the decision unit 124 determines in the future. You may increase the value of the weighting factor to multiply the points estimated to be given during the period.

[8th variant]
The determination unit 124 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above may change the loan conditions of points depending on the reason for granting points. The reason for granting means the content of the event for which points are awarded. For example, if there are events that will almost certainly occur in the future, such as regular credit card payments and electricity bill payments, relax the loan terms (for example, set the future predetermined period to a longer period than usual). May be good. Specifically, when the determination unit 124 searches the point grant history for the reason for granting points given to the grant target and detects the grant of points for the event that occurs periodically based on the reason for granting, it periodically. The predetermined period in the future may be longer than in the case where the awarding of points for the event that occurs in the event is not detected.

[4. others]
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the storage device 140 is a recording medium that can be read by the processing device 120, and examples thereof include a ROM and a RAM. Discs, Blu-ray® discs), smart cards, flash memory devices (eg cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable discs, hard disks, floppy (registered trademarks). ) Disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers and other suitable storage media. The program may also be transmitted from the network via a telecommunication line. The program may also be transmitted from the communication network via a telecommunication line.

(2) The above-described embodiments include LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G, 5G, FRA (Future Radio Access), and W-CDMA (registered trademark). , GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth (registered trademark) ), Other systems that utilize suitable systems and / or next-generation systems that are extended based on them.

(3) In the embodiments described above, the information, signals, and the like described may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description are voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or photons, or any of these. It may be represented by a combination of.
The terms described in the present specification and / or the terms necessary for understanding the present specification may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the input / output information and the like may be stored in a specific place (for example, a memory) or may be managed by a management table. Information to be input / output may be overwritten, updated, or added. The output information and the like may be deleted. The input information or the like may be transmitted to another device.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the determination may be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1) or by a boolean value (Boolean: true or false). , May be done by numerical comparison (eg, comparison with a given value).

(6) The order of the processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. exemplified in the above-described embodiment may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. For example, the methods described herein present elements of various steps in an exemplary order and are not limited to the particular order presented.

(7) Each function illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 is realized by any combination of hardware and software. Further, each function may be realized by a single device, or may be realized by two or more devices configured as separate bodies from each other.

(8) The program exemplified in the above-described embodiment is called an instruction, an instruction set, a code, a code segment, regardless of whether it is called a software, firmware, middleware, microcode or hardware description language, or by another name. It should be broadly interpreted to mean program code, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures or functions, etc.
Further, software, instructions, and the like may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, the software may use wired technology such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twist pair and digital subscriber line (DSL) and / or wireless technology such as infrared, wireless and microwave to website, server, or other. When transmitted from a remote source, these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission medium.

(9) In each of the above-mentioned forms, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

(10) In the embodiments described above, the term "connected", or any variation thereof, means any direct or indirect connection or connection between two or more elements and to each other. It can include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two "connected" elements. The connection between the elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the two elements are by using one or more wires, cables and / or printed electrical connections, and, as some non-limiting and non-comprehensive examples, radio frequencies. It can be considered to be "connected" to each other by using electromagnetic energies such as electromagnetic energies having wavelengths in the region, microwave region and light (both visible and invisible) regions.

(11) In the embodiments described above, the statement "based on" does not mean "based on" unless otherwise stated. In other words, the statement "based on" means both "based only" and "at least based on".

(12) As long as "inclusion," "comprising," and variations thereof in the embodiments described above are used herein or within the scope of the claims, these terms are terms. As with "preparing", it is intended to be inclusive. Moreover, the term "or" as used herein or in the claims is intended to be non-exclusive.

(13) In the whole of the present application, if articles are added by translation, for example a, an and the in English, unless the context clearly indicates that these articles are not. Includes multiple.

(14) It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented as modifications and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is determined based on the description of the scope of claims. Therefore, the description herein is for purposes of illustration and has no limiting implications for the present invention. In addition, a plurality of embodiments selected from the embodiments exemplified herein may be combined.

10, 10A ... payment system, 100, 100A ... point lending server, 120 ... processing device, 122 ... management unit, 124 ... decision unit, 126 ... lending department, 127 ... collection unit, 128 ... point payment unit, 140 ... storage device , 160 ... communication device, 180 ... timekeeping device, 200 ... store terminal device.

Claims (7)

The management unit that manages the point grant history, which is the history of points granted to the point grant target,
A decision unit that estimates points given to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future as scheduled points based on the point grant history, and determines an upper limit of points that can be lent to the grant target based on the scheduled points . When,
When the balance of points granted to the grant target is less than the settlement amount indicated by the settlement request from the grant target, the lending unit that lends points equal to or less than the upper limit, and the lending unit.
Equipped with
The decision-making part
The points given periodically to the grant target are specified from the point grant history as regular points, and the points periodically given to the grant target within the predetermined period in the future are set as regular scheduled points. Estimate based on points,
The points given irregularly to the grant target are specified as irregular points from the point grant history, and the points given irregularly to the grant target within the predetermined period in the future are defined as irregular scheduled points. Estimate based on irregular points,
The upper limit is determined based on a value obtained by multiplying the periodic scheduled point by a weighting coefficient and a value obtained by multiplying the irregular scheduled point by a weight coefficient smaller than the weighting coefficient of the periodic scheduled point.
A point lending device characterized by that . The management unit that manages the point grant history, which is the history of points granted to the point grant target,
A decision to estimate points given to the grant target within a predetermined period in the future as scheduled points based on the point grant history, and to determine an upper limit of points that can be lent to the grant target based on the scheduled points. Department and
When the balance of points granted to the grant target is less than the settlement amount indicated by the settlement request from the grant target, the lending unit that lends points equal to or less than the upper limit, and the lending unit.
Equipped with
The decision-making part
The points given periodically to the grant target are specified from the point grant history as regular points, and the points periodically given to the grant target within the predetermined period in the future are set as regular scheduled points. Estimate based on points,
The periodic scheduled points are fixed points, which are points estimated based on points in which the fluctuation of points periodically granted to the grant target is less than a predetermined amount, and variable points, which are points other than the fixed points. Divided into
The points given irregularly to the grant target are specified as irregular points from the point grant history, and the points given irregularly to the grant target within the predetermined period in the future are defined as irregular scheduled points. Estimate based on irregular points,
A value obtained by multiplying the fixed point by a first weighting coefficient, a value obtained by multiplying the variable point by a second weighting coefficient smaller than the first weighting coefficient, and an irregular scheduled point multiplied by the second weighting. The upper limit is determined based on a value multiplied by a third weighting coefficient smaller than the coefficient .
A point lending device characterized by that. The determination unit estimates the scheduled points based on the history of the predetermined period in the past year corresponding to the future predetermined period among the histories included in the point grant history .
The point lending device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The determination unit estimates the scheduled points based on the history of the most recent fixed period among the histories included in the point grant history.
The point lending device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. When points to be granted to the grant target for which the repayment of the lent points has not been completed occurs, a collection unit is provided for collecting at least a part of the points for which the repayment has not been completed from the generated points.
The point lending device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the point lending device is characterized by the above. The determination unit changes the point lending conditions according to the amount of history included in the point grant history.
The point lending device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the point lending device is characterized by the above. The determination unit changes the loan conditions of points depending on the reason for granting points granted to the grant target.
The point lending device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the point lending device is characterized by the above.

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