Stamp card management device and stamp card management method

Abstract

To provide a stamp card management device and a stamp card management method for achieving a stamp card usable in common in offline and online.SOLUTION: In a communication system, a stamp card management server acquires a facility identification information for identifying facilities in which a stamp card can be used among facilities of a business operator who can allow a transaction using an online service, and stores the facility identification information and stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card, presses a stamp when a stamp card holder uses a facility indicated by facility identification information associated with stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card, and also, presses a stamp when the stamp card holder uses an online service in a mode associated with the business operator who operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card for identifying the stamp card.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for stamping a stamp card of a user on the condition that the user uses a facility. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a service that stamps a stamp card owned by a user when the user uses a facility. For example, a business operator that operates a store issues a stamp card to the user. When the user uses the store, a stamp is pressed on the user's stamp card. When a certain number of stamps are accumulated, the user is generally able to receive some kind of benefit from the store of the business operator. Also, a technology is known for managing electronic stamp cards, rather than tangible stamp cards such as pieces of paper.

[0003] Such stamp cards are usually different for each business. Therefore, when a user uses stores of multiple business operators, the user needs to have multiple stamp cards. Also, the user cannot use a stamp that is stamped at a store of one business operator at a store of another business operator. In relation to this situation, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for using a common stamp at multiple stores. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-91146 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Some facility operators use specific online services to conduct transactions with users. Examples of such services include online shopping and facility reservation services. By stamping the stamp cards of users who use such services, it is expected that the operator will increase transactions. However, in the case of conventional technology, the user must separately manage the stamp card for the facility and the stamp card for the online service. Therefore, the stamp card for the facility cannot be used with the online service, and the stamp card for the online service cannot be used at the facility.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and one example of an object of the present invention is to provide a stamp card management device and a stamp card management method that realize a stamp card that can be used both offline and online. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a facility identification information acquisition means for acquiring facility identification information identifying a facility where a stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business where transactions can be conducted using an online service available for transactions between businesses and consumers; a memory control means for associating the acquired facility identification information with a stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and storing it in a memory means; a first stamp means for executing a stamp process to stamp the stamp card of the owner when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card; and a second stamp means for executing the stamp process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the business that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card.

[0008] According to this aspect, facility identification information of a facility that allows a user to use a stamp card is acquired. The facility is operated by a business that is capable of conducting transactions with consumers using online services. The acquired facility identification information is associated with the stamp card identification information of the stamp card. When the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information of the stamp card, a stamp is pressed on the stamp card of the owner. Also, when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the business that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information of the stamp card, a stamp is pressed on the stamp card of the owner. Thus, a stamp card that can be used both offline and online can be realized.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the online service includes a service that enables the business operator to operate an online store that sells the object of transaction, the facility operated by the business operator includes a physical store operated by the business operator that operates the online store, and the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner uses the online store operated by the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information.

[0010] According to this aspect, the online service includes a service that enables an online store to be operated by a business operator. The business operator also operates a physical store. When a facility where a stamp card can be used includes the physical store, a stamp is stamped on the condition that the owner of the stamp card uses the online store of the business operator that operates the physical store. Therefore, a user can earn stamps for both using the physical store and using the online store of the business operator that operates the physical store.

[0011] Yet another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the online service includes a reservation service that enables reservations for facilities, the facilities operated by the operator include facilities that can be reserved using the reservation service, and the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner makes a reservation, using the reservation service, for any facility operated by an operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information.

[0012] According to this aspect, the online service includes a reservation service that allows reservations for facilities operated by a business operator. If the facilities for which the stamp card can be used include facilities of a business operator that operates facilities that can be reserved through the reservation service, a stamp is stamped when the owner of the stamp card reserves any of the facilities operated by the business operator through the reservation service. Therefore, the user can earn stamps for each of the use of the facility and the online reservation of any of the facilities of the business operator that operates the facility.

[0013] In still another aspect of the present invention, the facility identification information acquisition means acquires the facility identification information that identifies the facility designated by a creator of the stamp card.

[0014] According to this aspect, the creator of the stamp card can specify the facilities at which the stamp card can be used.

[0015] Yet another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that facility operator information indicating an association between the facility and the operator operating the facility is stored in a facility operator information storage means, and the present invention further includes an operator identification information acquisition means for acquiring operator identification information identifying the operator who creates the stamp card, the facility identification information acquisition means identifying a facility operated by the operator who creates the stamp card based on the acquired operator identification information and the stored facility operator information, and acquiring the facility identification information identifying the identified facility.

[0016] According to this aspect, if the creator of the stamp card is a business operator who operates a facility, the facility operated by the business operator is identified as a facility where the stamp card can be used based on the facility business operator information. The facility identification information of the identified facility is associated with the stamp card identification information. Therefore, the business operator can create a stamp card that can be used at the facility operated by the business operator without specifying the facility.

[0017] Yet another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the device further comprises a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating the location of the user who is the owner, wherein the facility identification information acquisition means extracts facilities located within a predetermined moving distance from the location indicated by the acquired location information from among the at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operators, and acquires the facility identification information identifying the extracted facility, and the memory control means associates the facility identification information identifying the acquired facility with the stamp card identification information and user identification information identifying the user and stores them in the memory means.

[0018] According to this aspect, facilities located within a predetermined travel distance from the user's location are extracted as facilities where the stamp card can be used. The facility identification information of the extracted facilities is associated with the user's user identification information and stamp card identification information. Therefore, it is possible to realize a stamp card that can be used at facilities that are relatively easy for the user to travel to.

[0019] Yet another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the first stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and the user identification information that identifies the owner.

[0020] According to this aspect, when the owner of the stamp card uses a facility located within a predetermined travel distance from the owner's location, the stamp is applied. Therefore, the user can obtain stamps by using facilities that are relatively easy to travel to.

[0021] Yet another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner associated with an operator of the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and the user identification information that identifies the owner.

[0022] According to this aspect, when the owner of the stamp card uses an online service in a manner related to a business that operates a facility located within a predetermined travel distance from the owner's location, a stamp is applied. Thus, the user can obtain stamps by using online services for facilities that are relatively easy to travel to.

[0023] Yet another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the device further comprises a facility usage information acquisition means for acquiring facility usage information indicating the usage of a facility in a manner that identifies a user who has used a facility and the facility that has been used, and a facility usage determination means for determining, based on the acquired facility usage information, whether or not the owner has used the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, and the first stamp means executes the stamp processing when the facility usage determination means determines that the owner has used the facility.

[0024] According to this aspect, facility usage information indicating the use of a facility is acquired. From the facility usage information, it is possible to identify the user who used the facility and the facility that was used. Based on the facility usage information, it is determined whether or not the owner of the stamp card has used a facility in which the stamp card can be used.

[0025] Yet another aspect of the present invention further comprises a service usage information acquisition means for acquiring service usage information indicating use of the online service in a manner that identifies the user who used the online service and the business associated with the manner of use, and a service usage determination means for determining, based on the acquired service usage information, whether the owner has used the online service in a manner associated with the business that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, and the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the service usage determination means determines that the owner has used the online service in a manner associated with the business.

[0026] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the electronic device further comprises an awarding unit that automatically awards points in a point program to the owner when the stamp process is executed.

[0027] According to this aspect, a stamp is applied to the user's stamp card and points are automatically awarded to the user, which can further encourage the use of the stamp card.

[0028] Yet another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the device further comprises an awarding means for awarding points to the owner when an operation to earn points in a point program is accepted by the owner's terminal device after the stamp process has been executed.

[0029] According to this aspect, after a stamp is applied to a user's stamp card, points are awarded to the user in response to the user's operation, which can further encourage the use of the stamp card.

[0030] According to this aspect, service usage information indicating the use of an online service is obtained. From the service usage information, it is possible to identify the user who used the online service and the manner in which the online service was used in relation to the business operator. Based on the service usage information, it is determined whether the owner of the stamp card used the online service in a manner related to the business operator that operates the facility where the stamp card can be used.

[0031] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a stamp card management method executed by a computer, comprising: a facility identification information acquisition step of acquiring facility identification information identifying a facility where a stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business where transactions can be conducted using an online service available for transactions between businesses and consumers; a storage control step of associating the acquired facility identification information with stamp card identification information identifying the stamp card and storing them in a storage means; a first stamp step of executing a stamp process to stamp the stamp card of the owner when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information identifying the stamp card; and a second stamp step of executing the stamp process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the business that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information identifying the stamp card. Effect of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a stamp card that can be used both offline and online. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a communication system S according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the concept of a stamp card. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a stamp being applied to a stamp card. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a stamp being applied to a stamp card. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a stamp being applied to a stamp card. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a stamp card management server 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents stored in a database of the stamp card management server 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a database of a member information management server 2 according to an embodiment; [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when creating a stamp card. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when a user uses a facility. [Figure 12] 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a communication system S when a user uses an online service. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp card control processing by a system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp processing by a system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the concept of a stamp card. [Figure 16] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17]10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when creating a stamp card. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a stamp card management server 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a diagram showing an example of contents stored in a stamp card DB 14c and a stamp card association DB 14i. FIG. [Figure 20] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of identifying a facility. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the concept of a stamp card. [Figure 23] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when issuing a stamp card. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp card control processing by a system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 25] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how points are awarded. [Figure 27] 13 shows an example of a display of a points acquisition operation screen. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a stamp card screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] [1. First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0035] [1-1. Communication system configuration] First, the configuration and functional overview of a communication system S according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a communication system S according to this embodiment.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 1, the communication system S includes a stamp card management server 1, a member information management server 2, a plurality of service servers 3, a plurality of stamp card creation terminals 4, a plurality of facility terminals 5, and a plurality of user terminals 6. These devices are connected to a network NW. The network NW is constructed, for example, by the Internet, a dedicated communication line (for example, a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line), a mobile communication network (including base stations, etc.), and a gateway, etc.

[0037] The stamp card management server 1 may be a server device that executes processing related to a predetermined stamp card service. This stamp card service may be a service that provides an electronic stamp card to a user and stamps the stamp card for the user who uses a facility, an online service, or the like. The stamp card management server 1 may execute processing such as, for example, creating a stamp card, issuing the created stamp card, and stamping the stamp card. Creating a stamp card may be, for example, determining the specifications of the stamp card and putting the stamp card in a state in which it can be issued. For example, creating a stamp card may correspond to creating a stack of stamp cards. A stamp card may have multiple stamp columns. Each stamp column is an area in which a stamp can be pressed. The number of stamp columns that one stamp card has is called the number of stamp columns. The number of stamp columns may be previously determined in common for all stamp cards, or may be set by the stamp card creator for each stamp card. Issuing a stamp card may be, for example, providing a created stamp card to an individual user. For example, issuing a stamp card may correspond to distributing each card in a stack of created stamp cards to an individual user. Putting a stamp on a stamp card is also called giving a stamp. Also, when a user has a stamp put on a stamp card that the user owns, it is also called acquiring a stamp.

[0038] The member information management server 2 may be a server device that manages information about members of a predetermined Internet comprehensive service. The Internet comprehensive service may be, for example, a collection of multiple services provided mainly using a computer network such as a network NW. These services may be provided using, for example, information and communication technology. When a user becomes a member of the Internet comprehensive service, the user is given a user ID. The user ID may be identification information that identifies the user in the Internet comprehensive service. A user who becomes a member of the Internet comprehensive service may be able to use many of the services included in the Internet comprehensive service. In order to use some of the services, the user may need to register as a separate member on the condition that he or she is a member of the Internet comprehensive service.

[0039] Each service server 3 may be a server device that executes a process for providing a service corresponding to the service server 3 to a user among the multiple services included in the Internet comprehensive service. The multiple services included in the Internet comprehensive service may include, for example, a service for business operators and a service for consumers. At least one service may be a service for both business operators and consumers. A business that can use any of the services included in the Internet comprehensive service or a business that is affiliated with any of the services is called an affiliate business of the service. A facility operated by an affiliate business is called an affiliate facility of the service. The multiple services included in the Internet comprehensive service may include an online service. The online service may include a service that can be used by business operators and consumers to trade objects of trade. The object of trade may be something that is the subject of commercial trade. Examples of objects of trade include goods and services. Such an online service may be, for example, a service that enables electronic commerce. The online service may be provided, for example, through a website or through an application that can be installed on the user terminal 6. Examples of online services included in the Internet comprehensive service include a product sales intermediation service, a facility reservation service, and the like. The product sales intermediation service mediates the buying and selling of goods between business operators and consumers. Examples of websites that provide a product buying and selling intermediation service include online shopping sites and online shopping malls. The product buying and selling intermediation service may be a service that enables a business operator to operate an online store. An online store may be, for example, a web page or a collection of web pages through which a specific business operator sells products. An online shopping site may correspond to one online store. An online shopping mall may be a collection of multiple online stores. In an online shopping mall, products are sold from each of the multiple online stores.The product buying and selling intermediary service may generate a web page for an online store based on information input by a business operator, notify the business operator of a product purchase through the online store, and settle the purchase price of the product on behalf of the business operator. Some business operators who operate online stores also operate physical stores. Generally, a business operator sells the same type of product in its physical store as the type of product that it sells in its online store. The facility reservation service is a service that enables reservations for the use of a facility. There may be multiple facility reservation services corresponding to multiple types of facilities. Examples of facility reservation services include a reservation service for accommodation facilities, a reservation service for restaurants, a reservation service for beauty salons, and a reservation service for golf courses.

[0040] The multiple services included in the Internet comprehensive service may further include services that can be used when a user uses a facility. Such services are called facility use related services. The facility use related services may include, for example, services that can be used when a user pays for a facility. Examples of facility use related services include a point program, an electronic payment service, a receipt and point exchange service, and a check-in service. The point program may be a service that grants points to a user who purchases a transaction object equal to a predetermined percentage of the purchase price, and allows the user to use the points he or she owns to pay for the purchase price of the transaction object. The user may be able to earn and use points at the online service and at affiliated facilities of the point program. The electronic payment service allows the user to pay the price when purchasing a transaction object at a facility by electronic payment. There may be multiple services with different payment methods as the electronic payment service. Examples of payment methods include credit cards, electronic money, and app payments. The receipt and point exchange service may be a service that grants points to a user when the user uploads an image of a receipt received from a facility when purchasing a transaction object at the facility. The check-in service may be a service that gives points to a user on the condition that the user enters a spot area within a preset range from a member facility of the check-in service. Specifically, points may be given to the user when the user performs an operation to check in to the facility using the user terminal 6 while the user is located within the preset spot area. Checking in using the check-in service may be a procedure to start using the facility, to inform the check-in service that the user has visited the facility, or to inform the check-in service that the user has entered a preset spot area. Whether the user is located within the spot area can be identified from the location information of the user terminal 6 possessed by the user. The location information is information indicating the location of the user terminal 6. The stamp card service may be included in an Internet comprehensive service.On the other hand, for the sake of convenience, the stamp card service is not included in the facility usage related services.

[0041] Each stamp card creation terminal 4 may be a terminal device used by a stamp card creator who creates a stamp card. The stamp card creator may be, for example, any business operator who operates a facility, an operator of a comprehensive Internet service, an operator of any service included in the comprehensive Internet service, or any other organization or group. The stamp card creation terminal 4 may be a terminal device used to create a stamp card.

[0042] Each facility terminal 5 is a terminal device placed in a facility. The facility terminal 5 may be a terminal device used by the operator or employees of the facility. The facility terminal 5 may be used to search for facility usage fees or product purchase amounts, and may be used for facility usage start procedures (or check-in) or facility usage end procedures (or check-out). Examples of the facility terminal 5 include a personal computer, a tablet computer, a POS (Point of Sale) register, etc.

[0043] Each user terminal 6 may be a terminal device used by a user who is a member of the Internet comprehensive service. The user terminal 6 transmits and receives information to and from any of the service servers 3 based on the user's operation, so that the user can use the service supported by that service server 3. The user terminal 6 transmits and receives information to and from the stamp card management server 1, so that the user can use the stamp card service. Each user terminal 6 may be a portable terminal device. Examples of the user terminal 6 include a smartphone, a mobile information terminal such as a tablet computer, a mobile phone, and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). A dedicated application for using the stamp card service may be installed in each user terminal 6. This application is called a stamp card app. In addition, a dedicated application for using at least one service included in the Internet comprehensive service other than the stamp card service may be installed in each user terminal 6. In addition, a web browser may be installed in each user terminal 6.

[0044] Each user terminal 6 may have a function to acquire location information indicating the location of the user terminal 6. For example, a satellite positioning system such as a global positioning system (GPS) may be used to calculate longitude and latitude as location information. For example, a mobile communication carrier may provide location information using a base station to the user terminal 6. In this case, the user terminal 6 acquires the longitude and latitude, address, or postal code corresponding to the location of a base station near the user terminal 6 as location information. For example, the location information may be acquired using a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). For example, when the user terminal 6 receives wireless signals from multiple access points, the user terminal 6 measures the radio wave intensity from each access point and acquires the SSID of each access point. The user terminal 6 transmits information including the radio wave intensity and the SSID to a predetermined server device (not shown). The server device stores the longitude and latitude of the installation location of the access point. The server device calculates the location of the user terminal 6 by, for example, triangulation using the information received from the user terminal 6.

[0045] [1-2. Stamp card] Next, the mechanism of the stamp card service will be described with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4. The stamp card provided by the stamp card service can be used both offline and online. First, it can be used at a facility. When a user uses a facility, a stamp is put on the stamp card of the user. The use of a facility by a user may be detected, for example, through a facility use-related service or a facility reservation service. For example, when a user uses a facility use-related service at a facility, a stamp may be put on the stamp card. Also, for example, when a user uses a facility that can be reserved through a facility reservation service, a stamp may be put on the stamp card. Examples of use that causes a stamp to be put on the stamp card include use of the facility itself, visiting the facility, purchasing a product sold at the facility, receiving a service from the facility, etc. Examples of user behavior that is determined to be use of a facility include a procedure to start using the facility, a procedure to end use of the facility, earning points in a point program, using points, settling a payment amount using an electronic payment service, uploading an image of a receipt, and checking in using a check-in service.

[0046] The facilities where the user can use the stamp card may be predefined for each stamp card to be created. For example, when creating a stamp card, the stamp card creator may specify the facilities where the stamp card can be used. The number of facilities that can be specified is not particularly limited. Examples of facilities that can be specified include stores that sell specific types of products, supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, other stores and shops, business offices, accommodation facilities, restaurants, beauty salons, golf courses, gas stations, and other facilities that provide specific services. In addition, the facilities that can be specified may include facilities operated by affiliated businesses of at least one online service included in the Internet comprehensive service. For example, if a business sells products at a facility, the business may operate an online store in an online shopping mall. For example, if a business provides a facility or provides a service at a facility, the business's facility or service may be available for reservation through a facility reservation service. For example, a user may be able to use a facility use-related service at a facility operated by a business.

[0047] Secondly, the stamp card may be used in an online service. For example, if a business operator of a facility designated by the stamp card creator uses any of the online services included in the Internet General Service, a stamp may be put on the stamp card of the user when the user uses the online service in a manner related to the business operator. The use of the online service in a manner related to the business operator may be, for example, using the online service with the business operator as the target. Also, for example, the use of the online service in a manner related to the business operator may be using the online service with the business operator as the user's trading partner. Examples of the use in which a stamp is put on the stamp card include viewing information such as the business operator's webpage or screen, entering into a transaction with the business operator, and executing the transaction. Examples of the contract or execution of a transaction include ordering or purchasing a product from the business operator, reserving a facility operated by the business operator, reserving a service provided by the business operator, etc. In the following, it is assumed that a stamp is put on the stamp card when a product is purchased in an online shopping mall, and when a facility or service is reserved in a facility reservation service, it is assumed that a stamp is put on the stamp card when a facility or service is reserved. It should be noted that some business operators who operate facilities may not use online services included in the Internet General Service. Facilities operated by such businesses may be designated as facilities where the stamp card can be used. All designated facilities may end up being facilities operated by such businesses. When a user uses a facility operated by such a business, a stamp is placed on the stamp card. However, the user cannot use an online service in a manner related to the business. Therefore, even if the user uses an online service, the user cannot receive a stamp for that business.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the concept of a stamp card. As shown in FIG. 2, a stamp card creator creates a stamp card 110. At this time, it is assumed that the stamp card creator specifies a sporting goods store 210, a hotel 220, and restaurants 231 and 232 as facilities where the stamp card 110 can be used. The sporting goods store 210 is operated by an operator 310. The operator 310 operates an online store in an online shopping mall 410. The operator 310 sells sporting goods at the online store. The hotel 220 is operated by an operator 320. The operator 320 requests an accommodation reservation site 420 to accept reservations for the hotel 220. The accommodation reservation site 420 is a website for providing a reservation service for accommodations. The restaurants 231 and 232 are operated by an operator 330. The operator 330 requests a restaurant reservation site 430 to accept reservations for the facilities 231 and 232. The restaurant reservation 430 site is a website for providing a reservation service for restaurants. The stamp card creator may be, for example, any one of the businesses 310 to 330, or may be another organization or group. In the example shown in Fig. 2, facilities of multiple businesses are specified. However, facilities of only one business may be specified.

[0049] The screen of the stamp card application may display information about the stamp card owned by the user. For example, the user terminal 6 may display an image including a plurality of stamp columns as an image of the stamp card. In each stamp column, an image that can identify whether or not a stamp is pressed in the stamp column may be displayed. The user terminal 6 may also display information about facilities where the user can earn stamps for the stamp card. For example, a list of facilities where the user can earn stamps may be displayed. For example, the user terminal 6 may display a map and also display marks or the like indicating the user's current location and the locations of the facilities where the stamps can be earned on the map. The user terminal 6 may display information indicating the services to which each facility belongs. The user terminal 6 may also display information about each online store where the user can earn stamps for the stamp card. When the user selects any online store, the user terminal 6 may display, for example, a screen of an online shopping mall, a screen of the selected online store. The user terminal 6 may also display information about each facility where the user can earn stamps by reserving the stamp card. When the user selects any facility, the user terminal 6 may display a screen of a facility reservation service, a screen for reserving the selected facility.

[0050] 3 to 5 are diagrams showing an example of a state in which a stamp is pressed on a stamp card. As shown in FIG. 3, a certain user U1 is a user who uses a user terminal 6-1 as a user terminal 6. The user U1 owns a stamp card 110-1 issued as a stamp card 110. No stamp cards are pressed on the stamp card 110-1. The user U1 goes to a sporting goods store 210 and purchases a product, for example, with electronic money (step S1). At this time, the user U1 may or may not carry the user terminal 6-1. In response to the purchase of the product, the stamp card management server 1 presses a stamp on the stamp card 110-1 (step S2). One week after the purchase of the product, the user U1 operates the user terminal 6-1 to access the online shopping mall 410 and visits an online store operated by the business operator 310. The user U1 purchases a product at this online store (step S3). In response to the purchase of this product, the stamp card management server 1 presses another stamp on the stamp card 110-1 (step S4). Examples of timings for stamping in response to the purchase of a product include when an order is received, when the payment for the purchase price is completed, when the purchased product is shipped, and when the product is delivered. In addition, for example, a cancellation period during which the user can cancel the order may be set. If the order is not canceled within the cancellation period, the stamp may be added after the cancellation period has elapsed. Even if the products are purchased in the reverse order to the order of purchase of the products shown in steps S1 to S4, a stamp is pressed for each purchase of the products. After this, the user purchases a product from an online store of a business operator other than any of the businesses 310 to 330 (step S5). In this case, the stamp card management server 1 does not stamp the stamp card 110-1 (step S6).

[0051] After that, as shown in FIG. 4, the user U1 operates the user terminal 6-1 to access the accommodation reservation site and reserve the hotel 220 (step S11). In response to this reservation, the stamp card management server 1 further stamps the stamp card 110-1 (step S12). Examples of timings for stamping in response to a reservation include when the reservation is accepted, when the payment for the accommodation fee is completed, when checking in at the reserved accommodation, and when checking out at the reserved accommodation. The user U1 then stays at the reserved hotel 220 and checks out of the hotel 220 (step S13). In response to this check-out, the stamp card management server 1 further stamps the stamp card 110-1 (step S14). Note that a stamp may be stamped in response to checking in at the hotel 220. A stamp may also be stamped when the user U1 uses the hotel 220 without making a reservation at the accommodation reservation site 420. For example, if the hotel 220 is affiliated with a facility usage-related service, a stamp may be affixed in response to the user U1 using the facility usage-related service at the hotel 220.

[0052] After that, the user U1 heads to the restaurant 232 for a meal. The restaurants 231 and 232 are affiliated with the check-in service. Specifically, the business entity 330 is affiliated with the check-in service. As shown in FIG. 5, a spot area 710 is set in the restaurant 232. The spot area 710 may be, for example, an area surrounded by a circle of a predetermined radius centered on the restaurant 232. When the user U1 is located outside the spot area 710, the user U1 cannot check in to the restaurant 232 (step S21). After that, the user U1 enters the spot area 710 and operates the user terminal 6-1 to check in to the restaurant 232 (step S22). In response to this check-in, the stamp card management server 1 further stamps the stamp card 110-1 (step S23). This accumulates a total of five stamps. The user U1 may also be able to acquire stamps from the restaurant 231 in a similar manner. In addition, user U1 may also be able to earn stamps when reserving a restaurant operated by business operator 330 through restaurant reservation site 430.

[0053] [1-3.Device configuration] [1-3-1. Stamp card management server] Next, the configuration of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the stamp card management server 1 includes a system control unit 11, a system bus 12, an input / output interface 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The system control unit 11 and the input / output interface 13 are connected via the system bus 12.

[0054] The system control unit 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11a, a read only memory (ROM) 11b, a random access memory (RAM) 11c, and the like.

[0055] The input / output interface 13 performs interface processing between the storage unit 14 and the communication unit 15 and the system control unit 11 .

[0056] The storage unit 14 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive. This storage unit 14 may store databases such as a business DB 14a, a facility DB 14b, a stamp card DB 14c, a stamp card association DB 14d, an issued card DB 14e, a cardholder DB 14f, a stamp history DB 14g, and a privilege DB 14h. "DB" is an abbreviation of database. At least one database may be stored in a server device different from the stamp card management server 1. The stamp card management server 1 may be able to access the database via the server device.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the database of the stamp card management server 1. The business DB 14a may store business information on each business that is affiliated with at least one service included in the Internet comprehensive service. For example, the business DB 14a may store business IDs, business names, and service lists used, etc., as business information, in association with one another. The business ID is identification information for identifying a business. The service list is a list of service IDs of services to which the business is affiliated, among the services included in the Internet comprehensive service. The service ID is identification information for identifying a service.

[0058] Facility DB 14b may store facility information regarding each facility affiliated with at least one service included in the Internet comprehensive service. For example, facility DB 14b may store facility ID, business ID, facility name, address, facility location information, and the like, in association with each other, as facility information. The facility ID is identification information for identifying a facility. The business ID indicates the business that operates the facility. The facility location information is information indicating the geographical location of the facility. For example, the facility location information may indicate the longitude and latitude corresponding to the address of the facility.

[0059] The stamp card DB 14c may store stamp card information on each stamp card created. For example, the stamp card DB 14c may store stamp card information such as a stamp card ID, a stamp card name, a stamp card creator ID, an explanation, privilege setting information, and a campaign period in association with one another. The stamp card ID is identification information for identifying a stamp card. The stamp card creator ID is identification information for identifying a creator who created the stamp card. The privilege setting information indicates information on a privilege. For example, the privilege setting information may include the number of privilege stamps, a privilege name, a use start date, a use end date, a use end date setting flag, and a use condition. The number of privilege stamps indicates the number of stamps required to acquire a privilege. The privilege name indicates the name of the privilege so that the contents of the privilege that can be acquired can be identified. The use start date indicates the start date of the period during which the privilege can be used. The use end date indicates the end date of the period during which the privilege can be used. The use end date setting flag indicates whether the use end date setting is valid or not. The use condition indicates the condition for using the privilege. If multiple benefits can be obtained from one issued stamp card, multiple special setting information may be stored in the stamp card DB 14c. In this case, the number of bonus stamps differs between those benefits. The campaign period indicates the period during which the stamp card can be used.

[0060] The stamp card association DB 14d may store stamp card association information indicating an association between a stamp card and a facility where the stamp card can be used by the user for each combination of the stamp card and the facility. For example, the stamp card association DB 14d may store the stamp card ID of the stamp card and the facility ID of the facility in association with each other as the stamp card association information.

[0061] In the issued card DB 14e, issued card information on stamp cards issued to users may be stored for each combination of the stamp card and the user to whom the stamp card was issued. For example, in the issued card DB 14e, the issued card information may be stored in association with each other, such as an issued card number, an issue date and time, a stamp card ID, a user ID, the number of issued cards, and the number of stamps. The issued card number is a number that identifies the issuance of the stamp card. The issue date and time indicates the date and time when the stamp card was issued to the user. The stamp card ID indicates the issued stamp card. The user ID indicates the user to whom the stamp card was issued. The number of issued cards indicates how many stamp cards were issued to the user. The number of stamps indicates the number of stamps pressed on the stamp card. For example, a list of stamp cards that can be issued may be displayed on a screen for issuing stamp cards of a stamp card application. When a user selects a stamp card from the list, the stamp card management server 1 may generate issued card information including the stamp card ID of the selected stamp card and the user ID of the user who made the selection, and store the generated information in the issued card DB 14e. When the number of stamps on one stamp card reaches the number of stamp columns, a new stamp card may be automatically issued. In this case, the number of issued cards is increased by 1 and the number of stamps is reset to zero.

[0062] The cardholder DB 14f may store cardholder information on each user who owns at least one stamp card. For example, the cardholder DB 14f may store a user ID and an action log acquisition date and time, etc., in association with each other, as cardholder information. The user ID indicates a user who owns a stamp card. The action log acquisition date and time may indicate the date and time when an action log showing a record of the user's actions was acquired. The action log will be described later. For example, in response to issuing a stamp card to a user, the stamp card management server 1 may determine whether or not the user ID of the user is stored in the cardholder DB 14f. If the user ID is not stored, the stamp card management server 1 may store the user ID in the cardholder DB 14f. At this time, the stamp card management server 1 may store the current date and time in the cardholder DB 14f as the initial value of the action log acquisition date and time.

[0063] The stamp history DB 14g may store a history of stamps being pressed on a stamp card. For example, each time a stamp is pressed, the stamp history DB 14g may store a stamp log in which a stamp log number, a stamp date and time, a stamp card ID, a user ID, a service ID, a business ID, a facility D, and the like are associated with each other. The stamp log number is a number that identifies the stamp log. The stamp date and time indicates the date and time when the stamp was pressed. The stamp card ID indicates the stamp card on which the stamp was pressed. The user ID indicates the user who obtained the stamp. The service ID indicates the service used by the user to obtain the stamp. The business ID indicates which business the mode of use of the service by the user is related to. The facility ID indicates the facility used by the user to obtain the stamp. The facility ID is valid when the used service is a facility use-related service. The facility ID is also valid when the used service is a facility reservation service and the user's action is a procedure for starting or ending use of the reserved facility.

[0064] The privilege DB 14h may store privilege information on a privilege that can be acquired by using a stamp card for each combination of an issued stamp card and a privilege set on the stamp card. For example, the privilege DB 14h may store, as privilege information, an issued card number, a stamp card ID, a user ID, the number of issued cards, the number of privilege stamps, and a privilege status, in association with one another. The issued card number identifies the issuance of a stamp card on which a privilege is set. The stamp card ID indicates the issued stamp card. The user ID indicates the user to whom the stamp card is issued. The issued number indicates which stamp card the stamp card on which the privilege is set is issued to the user. The number of privilege stamps indicates the number of stamps required for the user to acquire the privilege. The privilege status indicates the status of the privilege. The privilege status may be set to, for example, any of "not acquired", "available", and "used". "Not acquired" indicates a status in which the user has not yet acquired the privilege. "Available" indicates a status in which the user has acquired the privilege but has not yet used the privilege. "Used" indicates a status in which the user has already used the privilege. For example, when a request is made to issue a stamp card for a user, the stamp card management server 1 may store stamp card information in the issued card DB 14e and store benefit information in the benefit DB 14h. At this time, the stamp card management server 1 may obtain the number of benefit stamps from the benefit setting information stored in the stamp card DB 14c. For each obtained number of benefit stamps, the stamp card management server 1 may generate benefit information including the same combination of the issued card number, stamp card ID, user ID, and number of issued cards included in the issued card information, the number of benefit stamps, and a benefit status indicating "unused."

[0065] Further, the storage unit 14 may store a map DB, a timetable DB, and the like. The map DB includes information about the map. For example, the map DB may store POI (Point of Interest) information about each spot. The spots that can be identified from the map DB may include the above-mentioned facilities as well as other spots. Examples of other spots include stations, airports, bus stops, and public facilities. The POI information may include the spot ID of the spot, the spot name, the category name of the spot, the address, the spot position information, and the like. The spot ID is identification information that identifies the spot. The spot ID of the facility may match the facility ID of the facility. The spot position information may be information indicating the coordinates of the location where the spot is located. For example, the spot position information may indicate the positions of each vertex that constitutes the outer edge of the site of the spot in longitude and latitude. The map DB may also include the length and connection status of each road, the longitude and latitude of each connection point where the roads connect, and the like. The timetable DB may include information indicating the timetables of transportation such as trains and buses.

[0066] The storage unit 14 further stores various programs such as an operating system, a DBMS (Database Management System), and a server program. The server program is a program that causes the system control unit 11 to execute various processes related to the stamp card service. The server program may be obtained from another device via the network NW, or may be recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or a memory card and read via a drive device.

[0067] The communication unit 15 is configured, for example, by a network interface card, etc. The communication unit 15 is connected to the member information management server 2, the service server 3, the stamp card creation terminal 4, the facility terminal 5, the user terminal 6, etc. via the network NW, and controls the communication state with the connected devices.

[0068] [1-3-2. Membership information management server] Next, the configuration of the member information management server 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the database of the member information management server 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the member information management server 2 as a storage means may store databases such as a member DB21 and an action history DB22. The member information management server 2 may provide, for example, the stamp card management server 1 and each service server 3 with an API (Application Programming Interface) for accessing the database stored in the member information management server 2. Each server device may be able to obtain information from the database stored in the member information management server 2 and update the database through this API.

[0069] Member information regarding each member of the Internet comprehensive service may be stored in the member DB 21. For example, the member DB 21 may store, as member information, a user ID, name, sex, date of birth, telephone number, address, email address, and the like, in association with one another.

[0070] The behavior history DB22 may store a history of user behaviors resulting from the user's use of services included in the Internet comprehensive service. The behavior history may be used to identify the user who performed the behavior and the service used by the user for the behavior. If the user uses a facility for the behavior, the behavior history may be used to identify the facility used. If the user uses an online service for the behavior, the behavior history may be used to identify the manner in which the user used the online service in relation to which business operator. Examples of user behaviors for which behavior history is stored include purchasing a product at an online shopping mall, reserving a facility at a facility reservation site, starting the use of the facility, ending the use of the facility, earning points, using points, making a payment using an electronic payment service, uploading an image of a receipt, and checking in using a check-in service. The behavior history DB22 may store, for example, an action log ID, a user ID, a service ID, a business ID, a facility ID, the date and time of the behavior, and information on the behavior content, each time a behavior is performed, in association with each other, as an action log, for example. The action log ID is identification information for identifying the action log. The user ID indicates the user who performed the behavior. The service ID indicates the service used by the user to perform the action. The business ID indicates the business related to the mode of the action taken by the user. For example, the business ID may indicate the party with whom the user has made a transaction. If the user's action is an action taken at a facility, the business ID indicates the business operating the facility used by the user. If the user's action is an action taken with an online service, the business ID indicates the business with which the transaction using the online service is made. For example, if the user purchases a product, the business ID indicates the business of the online store where the product is purchased. If the user reserves a facility or service, the business ID indicates the business providing the facility or service. The facility ID indicates the facility at which the user performed the action. The facility ID is valid when the service used is a facility use-related service.The facility ID is valid when the service used is a facility reservation service and the user's action is a procedure to start or end use of the reserved facility. The action content information is information indicating details of the action taken by the user. The content of the action content information may differ depending on the type of service and action.

[0071] Each service server 3 may generate and record an action log indicating a predetermined action taken by a user, for example, when the user takes the predetermined action by using a service supported by the service server 3. The information and format included in the generated action log may be information and format unique to the service.

[0072] For example, when a product is purchased, the service server 3 of the online shopping mall may generate purchase information as a behavior log. This purchase information may include an order number, a user ID of a user who purchased the product, a business ID of a business operating an online store that sold the product, the date and time when the product was ordered, information indicating the purchased product, the purchase amount, etc.

[0073] The service server 3 of each facility reservation service may generate reservation information as an action log when a facility is reserved. This reservation information may include, for example, a reservation number, a user ID of the user who made the reservation, a facility ID of the reserved facility, the date and time when the reservation was made, the time when the facility is scheduled to be used, and the amount of the facility or service usage fee. In addition, the service server 3 corresponding to each facility reservation service may generate usage procedure information as an action log in response to the facility usage start procedure or usage end procedure being performed. For example, when an employee of the facility receives an application from a user for the usage start procedure or usage end procedure of the facility, the employee may operate the facility terminal 5 to cause the service server 3 to search for reservation information corresponding to the usage. The employee may select the corresponding reservation information from the facility terminal 5 and select the usage start procedure or usage end procedure. The facility terminal 5 may transmit the reservation number of the selected reservation information and the facility ID of the facility to the service server 3. The service server 3 may identify the reservation information based on the reservation number, and generate usage procedure information based on the reservation information. The usage procedure information may include, for example, information indicating whether the procedure is a start-of-use procedure or a termination-of-use procedure, the user ID of the user who performed the procedure, the facility ID of the facility used, the date and time when the start-of-use procedure or termination-of-use procedure was performed, etc.

[0074] When points are acquired or used, the service server 3 of the point program may update the number of points owned by the user and generate a point update log as an action log. For example, when a user pays for a facility at a facility, the user inputs the card number of the user's point card into a facility terminal 5 placed at the facility. For example, the facility terminal 5 may be equipped with a predetermined reading device. This reading device may be capable of reading information recorded on a magnetic tape, information recorded on an IC card, or an information code printed or displayed on the screen of the user terminal 6. Examples of information codes include one-dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The facility terminal 5 may read the card number from the point card, for example. Also, for example, the user terminal 6 may display an information code indicating the card number on the screen according to an application for the point program. The facility terminal 5 may obtain the card number by decoding the information code displayed on the screen. The facility terminal 5 may transmit the card number, the payment amount, and the facility ID of the facility to the service server 3. The service server 3 may obtain the user ID of the user from the card number. The service server 3 may execute a process for granting points to a user or a process for applying the user's points to payment, based on the user ID and the payment amount. The service server 3 may generate a point update log including the user ID of the user who acquired or used the points, the facility ID of the facility used, the date and time when the points were acquired or used, the increase or decrease in the number of points, etc.

[0075] When a payment is made with a payment method supported by the service server 3, the service server 3 of each electronic payment service may generate sales information as an action log. For example, the facility terminal 5 may read a card number from the user's credit card. For another example, the facility terminal 5 may read an electronic money card number from the user's electronic money card or an IC chip provided in the user terminal 6. For another example, the user terminal 6 may display an information code indicating a membership number for the app payment on a screen according to an application for the app payment. The facility terminal 5 may obtain the membership number by decoding the information code displayed on the screen. The facility terminal 5 may transmit the read card number or membership number, payment amount, facility ID of the facility, etc. to the service server 3. Alternatively, an information code indicating the facility ID of the facility, payment amount, etc. may be displayed on the facility terminal 5. The user may photograph the information code with the user terminal 6. The user terminal 6 may obtain the facility ID, payment amount, etc. from the information code. The user terminal 6 may transmit the facility ID, payment amount, and membership number for the app payment to the service server 3. The service server 3 may generate sales information based on information transmitted from the facility terminal 5 or the user terminal 6. For example, the service server 3 may identify the user ID of the user who made the payment from a card number or a membership number. The sales information may include, for example, the user ID of the user who made the payment, the facility ID of the facility to which the payment is made, the date and time of the payment, etc.

[0076] When an image of a receipt is uploaded, the service server 3 of the receipt / point exchange service may generate a receipt log as an action log. For example, the service server 3 may store affiliated facility information indicating affiliated facilities of the receipt / point exchange service. A user uses a facility, pays the fee to the facility, and receives a receipt from the facility. The user photographs the receipt with the user terminal 6. The user terminal 6 may transmit the photographed image of the receipt and the user ID of the user to the service server 3. The service server 3 identifies the facility name of the facility that provided the user with the receipt, the date and time of payment, etc., from the image of the receipt using character recognition. The service server 3 may determine whether the facility used by the user is an affiliated facility based on the facility name and the affiliated facility information. If the facility used by the user is an affiliated facility, a process of granting points to the user may be executed to generate a receipt log. The receipt log may include, for example, the user ID of the user who used the facility, the facility ID of the facility used, the date and time of payment, etc.

[0077] The service server 3 of the check-in service may generate a check-in log as an action log when a check-in is performed. For example, the service server 3 may store affiliated facility information indicating affiliated facilities of the check-in service. When a user starts an application of the check-in service, the user terminal 6 may periodically acquire location information and transmit it to the service server 3. The service server 3 may search for the nearest affiliated facility to the user based on the location information. For example, the service server 3 of the check-in service may search for the nearest affiliated facility based on the affiliated facility information and a map DB. The service server 3 may display information indicating the searched affiliated facility and the distance from the user in front of the affiliated facility on the user terminal 6. If there is an affiliated facility that is a predetermined distance or less from the user among the searched affiliated facilities, a check-in operation may be possible on the user terminal 6. When a user performs a check-in operation, the user terminal 6 may transmit a check-in request including the user ID of the user, the facility ID of the affiliated facility within a range of a predetermined distance or less, etc. to the service server 3. In response to receiving the check-in request, the service server 3 may execute a process of granting points to the user and generate a check-in log. The check-in log may include, for example, the user ID of the user who checked in, the facility ID of the facility where the user checked in, the date and time when the check-in occurred, and the like.

[0078] Each service server 3 may transmit the action log to the member information management server 2 in response to generating the action log. The member information management server 2, which receives the action log from the service server 3, may, for example, convert the format of the action log into a common format that can be stored in the action history DB22, and store the converted action log in the action history DB22. At this time, the member information management server 2 may identify the service used by the user based on the format of the received action log or which service server 3 is the sender of the action log. The member information management server 2 may also identify the type of action taken by the user based on the received action log. The member information management server 2 may include the service ID of the identified service in the action log stored in the action history DB22. The member information management server 2 may also include information indicating the type of the identified action in the action content information of the action log.

[0079] [1-4. Functional overview of the system control unit] Next, a functional overview of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the system control unit 11 may function as a facility ID acquisition unit 1101, a stamp card creation unit 1102, a facility usage information acquisition unit 1103, a facility usage determination unit 1104, a first stamp unit 1105, a service usage information acquisition unit 1106, a service usage determination unit 1107, a second stamp unit 1108, a privilege granting unit 1109, and the like, by the CPU 11a reading and executing various program codes included in the server program.

[0080] The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may acquire a facility ID of a facility that allows a user to use a stamp card. For example, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may acquire a facility ID from the stamp card creation terminal 4. For example, the stamp card creator selects creation of a stamp card by operating the stamp card creation terminal 4. In response to this selection, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may display a stamp card creation screen for inputting various information of the stamp card. The stamp card creation screen may include a user interface element for selecting a facility. For example, when the stamp card creator selects adding a facility on the stamp card creation screen, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may display a search window. The search window may be a window for searching for a facility. In the search window, the stamp card creator can specify search conditions for the facility. Examples of search conditions include a facility name, a category, an address, a facility operated by the stamp card creator, a business operator, etc. The stamp card management server 1 may search for a facility that satisfies the specified search conditions using, for example, the facility DB 14b or a map DB. The stamp card creation terminal 4 may display a list of the searched facilities in the search window. The stamp card creator specifies the facility they wish to add from the list. Alternatively, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may display a map and a mark indicating the facility on the map. The stamp card creator may specify the facility they wish to add from the map. When the facility is specified, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may add and display the facility name of the specified facility on the stamp card creation screen. This procedure is repeated when the stamp card creator specifies two or more facilities. When the input of the necessary information on the stamp card creation screen is completed, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may transmit the facility ID of the specified facility to the stamp card management server 1 together with other input information. In this manner, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the facility ID.

[0081] The stamp card creation unit 1102 may store in the storage unit 14 a stamp card ID that identifies the stamp card to be created in association with the facility ID acquired by the facility ID acquisition unit 1101. For example, the stamp card creation unit 1102 may generate a new stamp card ID. The stamp card creation unit 1102 may generate stamp card information including the information transmitted from the stamp card creation terminal 4 and the stamp card ID. The stamp card creation unit 1102 may store the generated stamp card information in the stamp card DB 14c. The stamp card creation unit 1102 may store in the stamp card association DB 14d, for each acquired facility ID, the facility ID and the generated stamp card ID in association with each other.

[0082] The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire facility usage information indicating the usage of a facility so as to identify a user who has used any of the affiliated facilities of the service included in the Internet comprehensive service and the used facility. The facility usage information may correspond to at least one of information indicating the usage of any facility usage related service, information indicating a procedure for starting the usage of the facility, and information indicating a procedure for ending the usage of the facility. In this embodiment, the usage of the facility by the user is detected in response to the user's usage of any service included in the Internet comprehensive service. The facility usage information may be, for example, an action log stored in the action history DB 22. For example, the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire an action log of each user who has at least one stamp card from the member information management server 2 at predetermined intervals. A user who has a stamp card can be identified from the card owner DB 14f. Examples of the interval for acquiring the action log include several seconds, tens of seconds, and several minutes. The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may transmit an action log request to the member information management server 2, for example. The action log request may include a combination of the user ID and the action log acquisition date and time stored in the cardholder DB 14f. The member information management server 2 may acquire, from the action history DB 22, an action log including an action date and time newer than the action log acquisition date and time among the action logs including the user ID of the user to be acquired, and transmit the acquired action log to the stamp card management server 1. In this way, the facility use information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire facility use information. The facility use information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire the latest date and time among the action dates and times included in the acquired action log. The facility use information acquisition unit 1103 may update the action log acquisition date and time stored in the cardholder DB 14f in association with the user ID of the user with the acquired date and time. The facility use information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire, as the facility use information, an action log generated by each service server 3. Alternatively, the facility use information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire, as the facility use information, information transmitted from the facility terminal 5 or the user terminal 6 in response to the user's use of the facility.

[0083] The facility usage determination unit 1104 may determine whether or not the owner of the stamp card has used the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of the stamp card, based on the facility usage information acquired by the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103. For example, an action log indicating that a user has used a facility includes the facility ID of the facility used by the user. Therefore, the facility usage determination unit 1104 can make a determination by comparing the facility ID included in the action log with the facility ID stored in the stamp card DB 14c in association with the stamp card ID.

[0084] When the owner of a stamp card uses a facility indicated by a facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of the stamp card, the first stamp unit 1105 may execute a stamp process to stamp the stamp card of the owner. For example, the first stamp unit 1105 may identify issued card information including the user ID of the user and the stamp card ID of the stamp card from among the issued card information stored in the issued card DB 14e. The first stamp unit 1105 may increase the number of stamps included in the identified issued card information.

[0085] The service usage information acquisition unit 1106 may acquire service usage information indicating the usage of an online service so as to identify a user who has used an online service included in the Internet comprehensive service and a business entity that has been the subject of use of the online service. The service usage information may be, for example, an action log stored in the action history DB 22. The method of acquiring the action log by the service usage information acquisition unit 1106 may be the same as the method of acquiring the action log by the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103. The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may also function as the service usage information acquisition unit 1106.

[0086] The service usage determination unit 1107 may determine whether the owner of the stamp card has used an online service targeting a business operator who operates a facility indicated by a facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of the stamp card, based on the service usage information acquired by the service usage information acquisition unit 1106. For example, an action log indicating that a user has used an online service includes a business operator ID of a business operator who became a transaction partner of the user by using the online service. In addition, the business operator DB 14a stores business operator information indicating a facility and a business operator that operates the facility in association with each other. Therefore, the service usage determination unit 1107 can make a determination based on the business operator ID included in the action log, the business operator DB 14a, and the facility ID stored in the stamp card DB 14c in association with the stamp card ID.

[0087] When the owner of a stamp card uses an online service targeted at a business operator that operates a facility indicated by a facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of the stamp card, the second stamp unit 1108 may execute a stamp process to stamp the stamp card of the owner. The method of stamp process by the second stamp unit 1108 may be the same as the method of stamp process by the first stamp unit 1105. The first stamp unit 1105 may also function as the second stamp unit 1108.

[0088] The first stamp unit 1105 or the second stamp unit 1108 may restrict stamping of the same stamp card owned by the same user from the second time onward. For example, stamps may be restricted for use of the facility for each facility. Also, stamps may be restricted for use of an online service with the business as a transaction partner for each business. For example, the first stamp unit 1105 may stamp only for the first use within a predetermined period. Examples of the length of the predetermined period include 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 1 day. Alternatively, the first stamp unit 1105 may stamp only for the first use of the facility within a campaign period for each facility where the stamp card can be used. When this method is adopted, the first stamp unit 1105 may stamp only for the first use of the online service with the business as a transaction partner within a campaign period for each business operating any of the facilities where the stamp card can be used. Alternatively, the first stamp unit 1105 may stamp, for each business operator, when either a facility operated by the business operator is used or an online service with the business operator is used. For a business operator for which the first stamp unit 1105 has once stamped, the first stamp unit 1105 may not stamp again even if either a facility operated by the business operator is used or an online service with the business operator is used. The first stamp unit 1105 can restrict stamps by using the stamp history DB 14g.

[0089] The privilege granting unit 1109 may execute a process of granting a privilege to a user when the number of stamps pressed reaches a preset number of privilege stamps as a result of the stamp process being executed by the first stamp unit 1105 or the second stamp unit 1108. For example, the privilege granting unit 1109 may change the privilege status stored in the privilege DB 14h in association with the issued card number of the stamped stamp card, the number of issued stamps, the user ID of the user, and the number of privilege stamps, to "available."

[0090] [1-5. Operation of communication system] Next, the operation of the communication system S will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. The system control unit 11 executes the processing of the stamp card management server 1 shown in Figures 10 to 14 in accordance with the program code included in the server program.

[0091] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when creating a stamp card. In response to the stamp creator selecting to create a stamp card, the stamp card creation terminal 4 displays a stamp card creation screen. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the stamp card creator inputs stamp card information to the stamp card creation screen (step S101). For example, the stamp card name, description, and privilege setting information are input. Furthermore, the stamp card creator specifies a facility (step S102). In response to completion of input of the necessary information, the stamp card creation terminal 4 transmits the input stamp card information and a list of facility IDs of the specified facility to the stamp card management server 1 (step S103).

[0092] The stamp card creation unit 1102 of the stamp card management server 1 that receives information from the stamp card creation terminal 4 generates a stamp card ID (step S104). The stamp card creation unit 1102 also generates stamp card association information and stores it in the storage unit 14 (step S105). For example, the stamp card creation unit 1102 may associate each facility ID included in the list of facility IDs with the generated stamp card ID and store it in the stamp card association DB 14d. Next, the stamp card creation unit 1102 generates stamp card information and stores it in the stamp card DB 14c (step S106). For example, the stamp card creation unit 1102 may generate stamp card information including the generated stamp card ID and information input by the stamp card creator. The stamp card creation unit 1102 may store the stamp card information in the stamp card DB 14c. In this way, a new stamp card is created.

[0093] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when a user uses a facility. For example, a user uses a point card or electronic payment at a certain facility. As shown in FIG. 11, a facility terminal 5 placed at the facility reads identification information for identifying the user, such as a card number or a membership number, from the user's point card, electronic money card, or user terminal 6 (step S201). The facility terminal 5 transmits usage information including the facility ID of the facility and the user's identification information to the service server 3 corresponding to the service used by the user (step S202). When a user uses a receipt-point exchange service or a check-in service, the user terminal 6 of the user transmits the usage information.

[0094] The service server 3 acquires the user ID of the user indicated by the identification information included in the received usage information as the user ID of the user who used the facility. The service server 3 then generates an action log including the user ID of the user, the facility ID of the facility used, the business ID of the business operating the facility, the date and time of use of the facility, etc. (step S203). The service server 3 transmits the generated action log to the member information management server 2 (step S204).

[0095] The member information management server 2 converts the format of the received action log into a common format and stores the action log in the action history DB 22 (step S205). At this time, the member information management server 2 includes the service ID of the service used by the user in the action log.

[0096] The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 of the stamp card management server 1 periodically transmits an action log request to the member information management server 2 for each user whose user ID is stored in the cardholder DB 14f (step S206). The member information management server 2 acquires the user ID from the received action log, and acquires an action log including this user ID from the action history DB 22. The member information management server 2 transmits the acquired action log to the stamp card management server 1 (step S207). The stamp card management server 1 that has received the action log executes a stamp control process (step S208). In the stamp control process, the stamp card management server 1 determines whether or not to stamp the stamp card, and executes stamp processing when it is determined that the stamp should be stamped. The stamp control process will be described later.

[0097] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when a user uses an online service. For example, the user operates the user terminal 6 to access a website of any of the online services. The user selects a product to purchase, or a facility or service to reserve. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the user performs an operation to request a transaction (step S301). This operation may be, for example, an operation to confirm an order for a product, or an operation to confirm a reservation for a facility or service. In response to this operation, the user terminal 6 transmits a transaction request including the user ID of the user and the business ID of the business with which the transaction will be made to the service server 3 (step S302).

[0098] The service server 3 generates an action log including the user ID of the user who placed the order or reservation, the business ID of the business with which the transaction is made, the date and time of the order or reservation, etc. based on the received transaction request (step S303). The service server 3 transmits the generated action log to the member information management server 2 (step S304).

[0099] The member information management server 2 converts the format of the received action log into a common format and stores the action log in the action history DB 22 (step S305). At this time, the member information management server 2 includes in the action log the service ID of the service used by the user. The member information management server 2 also includes in the action log action content information indicating the type of the user's action. Thereafter, similarly to steps S206 to S208, the service usage information acquisition unit 1106 of the stamp card management server 1 transmits an action log request to the member information management server 2 (step S306), the member information management server 2 transmits the action log to the stamp card management server 1 (step S307), and the stamp card management server 1 executes stamp control processing (step S308).

[0100] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp card control processing by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, first, the facility use information acquisition unit 1103 acquires issued card information including the user ID of the user whose action log is acquired from the member information management server 2 from the issued card DB 14e. The facility use information acquisition unit 1103 acquires the stamp card ID from each acquired issued card information (step S401). Next, the facility use determination unit 1104 acquires each facility ID associated with each acquired stamp card ID from the stamp card association DB 14d (step S402). Next, the facility use determination unit 1104 determines whether or not the user has used the facility based on the service ID included in the acquired action log (step S403). For example, the facility use determination unit 1104 may determine that the user has used the facility when the service indicated by the service ID is a point program, any electronic payment service, a receipt / point exchange service, or a check-in service.

[0101] If the user has used the facility (step S403: YES), the facility usage determination unit 1104 determines whether or not there is a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the action log among the facility IDs acquired in step S402 (step S404). If there is no facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the action log (step S404: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0102] If there is a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the action log (step S404: YES), the facility usage determination unit 1104 identifies issued card information that includes a stamp card ID associated with that facility ID from the issued card information acquired in step S401. The facility usage determination unit 1104 determines whether the action date and time included in the action log is later than the issue date and time included in the identified issued card information (step S405). If the action date and time is earlier than the issue date and time (step S405: NO), the stamp control process ends. If the action date and time is later than the issue date and time (step S405: YES), the first stamp unit 1105 executes stamp processing (step S406), and the stamp control process ends.

[0103] If the user has not used the facility (step S403: NO), the service usage determination unit 1107 determines whether the user has taken an action that is subject to stamping using an online service based on the service ID and action content information included in the action log (step S407). For example, if the service indicated by the service ID is a product buying and selling intermediary service or any facility reservation service, and the action indicated by the action content information is purchasing a product or reserving a facility or service, the service usage determination unit 1107 may determine that the user has taken an action that is subject to stamping using an online service. If the user has not taken an action that is subject to stamping using an online service (step S407: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0104] When the user uses an online service to perform an action that is the target of stamping (step S407: YES), the service usage determination unit 1107 acquires the business operator ID associated with each facility ID acquired in step S402 from the facility DB 14b (step S408). Next, the service usage determination unit 1107 judges whether or not there is a business operator ID that matches the business operator ID included in the action log among the acquired business operator IDs (step S409). If there is no business operator ID that matches the business operator ID included in the action log (step S409: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0105] If there is a business operator ID that matches the business operator ID included in the action log (step S409: YES), the service usage determination unit 1107 identifies a facility ID associated with the business operator ID that matches the business operator ID included in the action log. The service usage determination unit 1107 identifies issued card information including a stamp card ID associated with the identified facility ID from among the issued card information acquired in step S401. The service usage determination unit 1107 determines whether the action date and time included in the action log is later than the issue date and time included in the identified issued card information (step S410). If the action date and time is earlier than the issue date and time (step S410: NO), the stamp control process ends. If the action date and time is later than the issue date and time (step S410: YES), the second stamp unit 1108 executes stamp processing (step S406), and the stamp control process ends.

[0106] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp processing by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, first, the first stamp unit 1105 (or the second stamp unit 1108) increments the number of stamps included in the specified issued card information by 1 (step S501). Next, the first stamp unit 1105 stores the stamp log in the stamp history DB 14g (step S507). For example, the first stamp unit 1105 may generate a stamp log including the stamp card ID included in the specified issued card information, the user ID, service ID, business ID and facility ID included in the action log, and the stamp date and time indicating the current date and time.

[0107] Next, the first stamp unit 1105 acquires the privilege setting information stored in the stamp card DB 14c in association with the stamp card ID included in the specified issued card information. The first stamp unit 1105 judges whether the stamp number matches any of the privilege stamp numbers included in the privilege setting information (step S503). If the stamp number matches any of the privilege stamp numbers (step S503: YES), the privilege granting unit 1109 changes the privilege status stored in the privilege DB 14h in association with the same combination of the bonus stamp number matching the stamp number and the issued card number, user ID, and issued number included in the specified issued card information to "available" (step S504).

[0108] After step S504, or if the number of stamps does not match any of the number of bonus stamps (step S503: NO), the bonus granting unit 1109 judges whether the number of stamps matches the number of stamp columns (step S505). If the number of stamps matches the number of stamp columns (step S50-5: YES), the first stamp unit 1105 increases the number of issued cards included in the specified issued card information by 1 (step S506), and changes the number of stamps included in the issued card information to zero (step S507). Next, the first stamp unit 1105 generates new bonus information and stores it in the bonus DB 14h (step S508). For example, the first stamp unit 1105 may obtain the number of bonus stamps from the bonus setting information. For each obtained number of bonus stamps, the first stamp unit 1105 may generate bonus information including the same combination of the issued card number, stamp card ID, user ID, and number of issued cards included in the issued card information, the number of bonus stamps, and a bonus status indicating "unused." The first stamp unit 1105 may store the privilege information in the privilege DB 14h.

[0109] After step S508, or if the number of stamps does not match the number of stamp columns (step S505: NO), the first stamp unit 1105 transmits a stamp notification to the user terminal 6 of the user whose action log was acquired (step S509), and the stamp processing ends. The stamp notification may be a message indicating that a stamp has been placed on a stamp card owned by the user. The user terminal 6 that receives the stamp notification displays the notification message on the screen. When the user selects the displayed notification message, the user terminal 6 launches a stamp card application and displays an image of the stamp card with the stamp placed on it.

[0110] As described above, according to this embodiment, the stamp card management server 1 acquires the facility ID of the facility where the stamp card can be used. The stamp card management server 1 also stores the facility ID and the stamp card ID in the storage unit 14. The stamp card management server 1 also executes stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of the stamp card. The stamp card management server 1 also executes stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses an online service in a manner related to the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of the stamp card. Therefore, it is possible to realize a stamp card that can be used both offline and online. By increasing the opportunities for users to acquire stamps, it is possible to promote the use of facilities and online services.

[0111] Here, the stamp card management server 1 may execute a stamp process when the owner of the stamp card uses an online store operated by a business operator that operates a physical store indicated by a facility ID associated with the stamp card ID. In this case, a stamp is stamped on the condition that the owner of the stamp card uses an online store of the business operator that operates the physical store where the stamp card can be used. Therefore, the user can earn stamps for both using the physical store and using the online store of the business operator that operates the physical store.

[0112] In addition, the stamp card management server 1 may execute stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card reserves, through a facility reservation service, any facility operated by a business that operates a facility indicated by a facility ID associated with the stamp card ID. In this case, the user can acquire stamps for both using the facility and reserving online any facility operated by the business that operates the facility. In addition, when the facility for which the stamp card can be used is a facility that can be reserved through the facility reservation service, the owner of the stamp card can acquire stamps twice by reserving the facility through the facility reservation service and using the reserved facility.

[0113] The stamp card management server 1 may also acquire the facility ID of the facility designated by the stamp card creator. In this case, the stamp card creator can designate the facility at which the stamp card can be used.

[0114] The stamp card management server 1 may also acquire facility usage information. The stamp card management server 1 may also determine, based on the facility usage information, whether or not the owner of the stamp card has used the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID.

[0115] The stamp card management server 1 may also acquire service usage information. The stamp card management server 1 may also determine, based on the service usage information, whether or not the owner of the stamp card has used an online service in a manner related to the business operator operating the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID.

[0116] [2. Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Except for the points described below, the second embodiment may be the same as the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the stamp card creator may be a business operator that is a member of any service included in the Internet general service. The stamp card management server 1 automatically registers the facilities operated by the stamp card creator as facilities where the stamp card created can be used.

[0117] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the concept of a stamp card. As shown in FIG. 15, the stamp card creator 340 is a business operator who operates a ramen chain. This ramen chain includes ramen shops 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246. The stamp card creator 340 is affiliated with a restaurant reservation site 430. The ramen shops 241 to 246 can be reserved on the restaurant reservation site 430. The stamp card creator 340 creates the stamp card 120. At this time, the stamp card creator 340 does not need to specify the facilities at which the stamp card 120 can be used. When the stamp card 120 is created, all of the ramen shops 241 to 246 are automatically registered as facilities at which the stamp card 120 can be used. Therefore, when the owner of the stamp card 120 uses any of the ramen shops 241 to 246, a stamp is pressed on the stamp card. Also, when the owner makes a reservation at any of the ramen restaurants 241 to 246 on the restaurant reservation site 430, a stamp is placed on the stamp card.

[0118] [2-1. Functional overview of the system control unit] Next, a functional overview of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 16, the same elements as in Fig. 9 are given the same reference numerals. Fig. 16 differs from Fig. 9 in that in Fig. 16, the system control unit 11 further functions as a business ID acquisition unit 1110.

[0119] The business ID acquisition unit 1110 may acquire a business ID that identifies the stamp card creator. For example, the business ID acquisition unit 1110 may acquire the business ID from the stamp card creation terminal 4. For example, on the stamp card creation screen, it may be possible to select whether the stamp card creator specifies the facility at which the stamp card can be used or to automatically register it. If the stamp card creator selects automatic registration, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may transmit the business ID of the stamp card creator to the stamp card management server 1 as information identifying the business operator that operates the facility at which the stamp card can be used. In this way, the business ID acquisition unit 1110 may acquire the business ID.

[0120] The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may identify at least one facility operated by the stamp card creator based on the business ID acquired by the business ID acquisition unit 1110 and the facility information stored in the facility DB 14b. Then, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the facility ID of the identified at least one facility.

[0121] [2-2. Operation of communication system] Next, the operation of the communication system S will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when creating a stamp card. In FIG. 17, the same processes as those in FIG. 10 are given the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 17, the stamp card creator inputs stamp card information to the stamp card creation screen (step S101). Next, the stamp card creator selects automatic registration of facilities where the stamp card can be used (step S102). In response to the completion of inputting the necessary information, the stamp card creation terminal 4 transmits the input stamp card information, the stamp card creator's business ID, and information indicating automatic registration of the facility to the stamp card management server 1 (step S112).

[0122] The stamp card creation unit 1102 of the stamp card management server 1 that receives information from the stamp card creation terminal 4 generates a stamp card ID (step S104). The stamp card creation unit 1102 also acquires all facility IDs associated with the business ID received from the stamp card creation terminal 4 from the facility DB 14b (step S113). Next, for each facility ID acquired from the facility DB 14b, the stamp card creation unit 1102 associates the facility ID with the generated stamp card ID and stores it in the stamp card association DB 14d (step S114). Next, the stamp card creation unit 1102 generates stamp card information and stores it in the stamp card DB 14c (step S106).

[0123] As described above, according to this embodiment, if the creator of a stamp card is a business operator who operates a facility, the facility operated by the business operator is identified as a facility where the stamp card can be used based on the stamp card association information. The facility ID of the identified facility is associated with the stamp card ID. Therefore, the business operator can create a stamp card that can be used at the facility operated by the business operator without specifying the facility. For example, if a business operator operates many facilities, specifying all of these facilities would be a burden on the business operator. Such troublesome work can be omitted.

[0124] [3. Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the facilities that allow the use of the stamp card may be automatically registered without the stamp card creator or the like specifying the facility or the business. The stamp card management server 1 may automatically extract affiliated facilities of at least one service included in the Internet general service as the facilities that allow the use of the stamp card. For example, the facilities that allow the use of the stamp card may be capable of creating a stamp card that can be personalized for each user.

[0125] [3-1. Configuration of the stamp card management server] Next, the configuration of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 18, the same elements as in Fig. 6 are given the same reference numerals. Fig. 18 differs from Fig. 6 in that in Fig. 18, a stamp card association DB 14i is further stored in the memory unit 14.

[0126] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of contents stored in the stamp card DB 14c and the stamp card association DB 14i. The stamp card DB 14c shown in FIG. 19 is different from the stamp card DB 14c shown in FIG. 8 in that a personalization flag is further stored in the stamp card DB 14c shown in FIG. 19. The personalization flag indicates whether the stamp card supports personalization of the facility. For example, the personalization flag may be set to either "not supported" or "supported". "Not supported" indicates that the stamp card does not support personalization. As described in the first and second embodiments, for a stamp card that does not support personalization, available facilities are determined in advance when the stamp card is created. "Supported" indicates that the stamp card supports personalization. A stamp card creator may be able to select whether or not to make the stamp card he or she creates compatible with the personalization of the facility.

[0127] The stamp card association DB 14i may store stamp card association information for stamp cards that correspond to facility personalization for each combination of a stamp card, a user to whom the stamp card is issued, and a facility that the user can use the stamp card. For example, the stamp card association DB 14i may store a stamp card ID, a user ID, and a facility ID in association with each other as stamp card association information. The stamp card association DB 14d stores stamp card association information for stamp cards that do not correspond to facility personalization.

[0128] [3-2. Functional overview of the system control unit] Next, a functional overview of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 20, the same elements as in Fig. 9 are given the same reference numerals. Fig. 20 differs from Fig. 9 in that in Fig. 20, the system control unit 11 further functions as a location information acquisition unit 1111.

[0129] The location information acquisition unit 1111 may acquire location information indicating the location of the user who is the owner of the stamp card. The location of the user may be, for example, a place where the user actually exists, or a place where the user frequently visits. For example, the location may be the address of the user. The address can be acquired from the member DB 21. Alternatively, the location may be the user's place of work or school. The address of the place of work or school may be stored in the member DB 21. For example, the location information acquisition unit 1111 may specify a place where the user frequently visits as the location based on the location information of the user terminal 6. For example, each user terminal 6 may periodically transmit the location information and the user ID of the user terminal 6 to the stamp card management server 1 based on the control of the stamp card app. The stamp card management server 1 may store a combination of each piece of location information and the user ID in the storage unit 14. The stamp card management server 1 may specify a place where the user frequently visits for each user based on the history of the location information accumulated in the storage unit 14. Alternatively, the location may be the current location of the user.

[0130] The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may extract, from among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business operator, a facility located within a predetermined travel distance from the location indicated by the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 1111 as a facility where the stamp card can be used. Then, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may acquire a facility ID for identifying the extracted facility. The predetermined travel distance may be, for example, an area within a range in which the user can relatively easily travel from the location. The facility located within the predetermined travel distance may be, for example, a facility within a predetermined range from the location. Examples of facilities within the predetermined range include a facility within a predetermined straight line distance from the location, a facility within a predetermined travel distance along a travel route from the location, a facility within a predetermined travel time along a travel route from the location, and a facility located in the same area as the area where the location is located. Examples of areas include a town, a city, a ward, a town, and a village. The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may determine the area of ​​the predetermined range based on, for example, a map DB or a timetable DB. When using the travel time, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may take into consideration the average speed of a means of transportation that the user uses relatively frequently to travel from the location. Examples of the means of transportation include walking, bicycles, trains, buses, and other automobiles. The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may identify the user's means of transportation based on the history of location information. In addition, the facility located within a predetermined travel range may be a facility located within a predetermined range from the nearest station to the user's location. If there is a station nearby, the user may use the train at that station. When using the train, the user is likely to go to the vicinity of the station. For example, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may identify a station located within a first predetermined range from the user's location. Then, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may identify a facility located within a second predetermined range from the identified station. The second predetermined range may be narrower than the first predetermined range.

[0131] The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may extract facilities located within a predetermined travel distance from the user's location from among the facilities designated by the stamp card creator as described in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may extract facilities located within a predetermined travel distance from the user's location from among all facilities operated by the stamp card creator as described in the second embodiment.

[0132] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of identifying a facility. Reference numeral 810 shown in FIG. 21 indicates the location of user U1. Facilities 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, and 257 are located around the location 810. For example, a predetermined moving area is an area 720 surrounded by a circle with a radius of 2 km centered on the location 810. Facilities 251, 254, and 256 are located outside the area 720. Facilities 252, 253, 255, and 257 are located within the area 720. Therefore, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may extract facilities 252, 253, 255, and 257 as facilities where a stamp card can be used.

[0133] The stamp card creation unit 1102 may associate the facility ID acquired by the facility ID acquisition unit 1101, the stamp card ID of the stamp card, and the user ID of the user who will be the owner of the stamp card, and store them in the stamp card association DB 14i. This allows a personalized stamp card to be issued to the user.

[0134] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the concept of a stamp card. As shown in Fig. 22, a stamp card creator has created a stamp card 130 corresponding to the personalization of a facility. For example, the stamp card creator may be an operator of a stamp card service, an operator of an Internet comprehensive service, or an operator of any service included in the Internet comprehensive service. The stamp card 130 itself does not have to be associated with any facility.

[0135] After that, the user U1 requests the issuance of the stamp card 130. In response to this request, a stamp card 130-1 corresponding to the stamp card 130 is issued. The stamp card 130-1 is associated with facilities 252, 253, 255, and 257. The facility 252 is operated by a business operator 352. The business operator 352 operates an online store in an online shopping mall 410. The facility 253 is operated by a business operator 353. The business operator 353 also operates an online store in the online shopping mall 410. The facility 255 is operated by a business operator 355. The business operator 355 is affiliated with a beauty salon reservation site 440. The beauty salon reservation site 440 is a website for providing a reservation service for beauty salons. A reservation for the facility 255 can be made on the beauty salon reservation site 440. The facility 257 is operated by a business operator 357. The business operator 357 is not affiliated with the online service. User U1 can earn stamps by using facilities 252, 253, 255, and 257 located closest to the location 810. User U1 can also earn stamps by purchasing products from the online stores of businesses 352 and 353 at the online shopping mall 410. User U1 can also earn stamps by making a reservation at a facility operated by business 355 at the beauty salon reservation site 440.

[0136] The first stamp unit 1105 may execute stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses a facility indicated by a facility ID stored in the stamp card association DB 14i in association with the stamp card ID of the stamp card and the owner's user ID. The second stamp unit 1108 may execute stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses an online service in a manner related to a business that operates a facility indicated by a facility ID stored in the stamp card association DB 14i in association with the stamp card ID of the stamp card and the owner's user ID. By using the user ID, the facilities where the stamp card can be used can be identified for each user.

[0137] [3-3. Operation of communication system] Next, the operation of the communication system S will be described with reference to Fig. 23 and Fig. 24. Fig. 23 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when issuing a stamp card. For example, the user starts a stamp card application and causes a list of stamp cards that can be issued to be displayed on the user terminal 6. As shown in Fig. 23, the user selects issuing a stamp card corresponding to the personalization of the facility (step S601). In response to this selection, the user terminal 6 transmits an issuance request including the stamp card ID of the selected stamp card and the user ID of the user to the stamp card management server 1 (step S602).

[0138] The location information acquisition unit 1111 of the stamp card management server 1 acquires, as location information, for example, an address associated with the user ID included in the issuance request from the member DB 21 (step S603). Next, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 searches for facilities located within a predetermined travel distance from the address, for example, based on the facility DB 14b, the map DB, the timetable DB, etc. (step S604). The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 acquires the facility ID of each facility searched for. Next, the stamp card creation unit 1102 stores, for each facility searched for, the stamp card association information including the stamp card ID and user ID included in the issuance request and the acquired facility ID in the stamp card association DB 14i (step S605). Next, the stamp card creation unit 1102 generates issued card information including the stamp card ID and user ID included in the issuance request, the issuance date and time indicating the current date and time, etc., and stores this issued card information in the issued card DB 14e (step S606). Furthermore, the stamp card creation unit 1102 stores the privilege information in the privilege DB 14h, and stores the user ID included in the issuance request in the card owner DB 14f, if necessary. In this manner, the stamp card is issued.

[0139] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp card control processing by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 24, the same processes as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 24, first, the facility use information acquisition unit 1103 acquires issued card information including the user ID of the user whose action log is acquired from the member information management server 2 from the issued card DB 14e. The facility use information acquisition unit 1103 acquires a stamp card ID from each acquired issued card information (step S401). Next, the facility use determination unit 1104 acquires stamp card information including the stamp card ID for each acquired stamp card ID from the stamp card DB 14c (step S421). Next, the facility use determination unit 1104 identifies stamp card information including a personalization compatible flag indicating "non-compatible" from the acquired stamp card information. The facility use determination unit 1104 acquires each facility ID associated with the stamp card ID included in each identified stamp card information from the stamp card association DB 14d (step S422). Next, the facility use determination unit 1104 identifies stamp card information including a personalized flag indicating "compatible" from the acquired stamp card information. The facility use determination unit 1104 acquires each facility ID associated with the combination of the stamp card ID included in each identified stamp card information and the user ID whose action log was acquired from the stamp card association DB 14i (step S423). Next, the facility use determination unit 1104 judges whether the user has used the facility (step S403).

[0140] If the user has used the facility (step S403: YES), the facility usage determination unit 1104 determines whether or not there is a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the action log among the facility IDs acquired in steps S421 and S422 (step S424). If there is no facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the action log (step S424: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0141] If there is a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the action log (step S424: YES), the facility use determination unit 1104 identifies the corresponding issued card information from the issued card information acquired in step S401. For example, if a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the action log is acquired in step S421, the facility use determination unit 1104 may identify issued card information including a stamp card ID associated with the facility ID. If a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the action log is acquired in step S422, the facility use determination unit 1104 may identify issued card information including a stamp card ID associated with a combination of the facility ID and the user ID included in the action log. The facility use determination unit 1104 determines whether the action date and time included in the action log is later than the issue date and time included in the identified issued card information (step S425). If the action date and time is earlier than the issue date and time (step S425: NO), the stamp control process ends. If the action date and time is later than the issue date and time (step S425: YES), the first stamp unit 1105 executes the stamp process (step S406), and the stamp control process ends.

[0142] If the user has not used the facility (step S403: NO), the service usage determination unit 1107 determines whether the user has taken an action that is eligible for stamping using an online service (step S407). If the user has not taken an action that is eligible for stamping using an online service (step S407: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0143] When the user uses an online service to perform an action that is the target of stamping (step S407: YES), the service usage determination unit 1107 acquires the business operator ID associated with each facility ID acquired in steps S421 and S422 from the facility DB 14b (step S426). Next, the service usage determination unit 1107 judges whether or not there is a business operator ID that matches the business operator ID included in the action log among the acquired business operator IDs (step S409). If there is no business operator ID that matches the business operator ID included in the action log (step S409: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0144] If there is a business operator ID that matches the business operator ID included in the action log (step S409: YES), the service usage determination unit 1107 identifies the corresponding issued card information from the issued card information acquired in step S401. For example, if a facility ID associated with a business operator ID that matches the business operator ID included in the action log is acquired in step S421, the service usage determination unit 1107 may identify issued card information including a stamp card ID associated with the facility ID. If a facility ID associated with a business operator ID that matches the business operator ID included in the action log is acquired in step S422, the service usage determination unit 1107 may identify issued card information including a stamp card ID associated with a combination of the facility ID and the user ID included in the action log. The service usage determination unit 1107 determines whether the action date and time included in the action log is later than the issue date and time included in the identified issued card information (step S427). If the action date and time is earlier than the issue date and time (step S427: NO), the stamp control process ends. If the action date and time is later than the issue date and time (step S427: YES), the second stamp unit 1108 executes the stamp process (step S406), and the stamp control process ends.

[0145] As described above, according to this embodiment, facilities located within a predetermined travel distance from the user's location are extracted as facilities at which a stamp card can be used. The facility ID of the extracted facility is associated with the user ID of the user and the stamp card ID. Therefore, a stamp card that can be used at facilities that are relatively easy for the user to travel to can be realized. The user can acquire stamps by using the facility at a facility that is relatively easy to travel to. This makes it possible to more effectively promote the use of the facility. In addition, the user can acquire stamps by using online services at facilities that are relatively easy to travel to. This makes it possible to more effectively promote the use of online services.

[0146] [4. Fourth embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 25 and Fig. 26. Except for the points described below, the fourth embodiment may be the same as at least one of the first to third embodiments. In this embodiment, when a stamp is applied to a stamp card of a user in response to the use of a facility or an online service, the stamp card management server 1 gives points of a point program to the user.

[0147] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 25, the same elements as in Fig. 9 are given the same reference numerals. Fig. 25 differs from Fig. 9 in that in Fig. 25, the system control unit 11 further functions as a point granting unit 1112.

[0148] When the stamp process is executed by either the first stamp unit 1105 or the second stamp unit 1108, the point granting unit 1112 may automatically grant points of the point program to the owner of the stamp card on which the stamp is to be stamped. For example, the service server 3 of the point program manages the number of points owned by each user. The number of points owned by a user is called the number of available points. For example, the service server 3 may store a user ID and the number of available points for each user in association with each other. The point granting unit 1112 may grant points, for example, by sending a point update request to the service server 3 of the point program. The point update request may include, for example, the user ID of the owner of the stamp card on which the stamp is to be stamped, the number of points to be granted, and the like. The service server 3 of the point program may update the number of available points by adding the number of points included in the point update request to the number of available points stored in association with the user ID included in the point update request.

[0149] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of how points are awarded. As shown in FIG. 26, the user U1 goes to the sporting goods store 210 and purchases a product (step S31). In response to the purchase of the product, the stamp card management server 1 stamps the stamp card 110-1 of the user U1 (step S32) and awards points to the user U1 (step S33). After that, the user U1 operates the user terminal 6-1 to access the online shopping mall 410 and purchases a product at an online store operated by the business operator 310 (step S34). In response to the purchase of this product, the stamp card management server 1 further stamps the stamp card 110-1 (step S35) and awards further points to the user U1 (step S36). In this embodiment, points are awarded for both the use of the facility and the use of the online service, but points may be awarded for only one of the use of the facility and the use of the online service.

[0150] The timing of granting points in response to a user's use of a facility may be, for example, the time when the use of the facility is detected. Examples of the timing of granting points in response to a user's use of an online service that allows the purchase of a product include when an order is accepted, when the payment for the purchase price is completed, after the cancellation period has elapsed, when the purchased product is shipped, and when the delivery of the product is completed. Examples of the timing of granting points in response to a user's use of an online service that allows the reservation of a service include when a reservation is accepted, when the payment for the accommodation price is completed, when the user checks in at the reserved accommodation, and when the user checks out at the reserved accommodation. The timing of stamping and the timing of granting points may be the same or different. When the timings are different, the stamp may be pressed first, or the points may be granted first.

[0151] The number of points to be awarded may be, for example, predetermined. For example, the number of points to be awarded may be the same for all stamp cards and all facilities. Alternatively, the number of points to be awarded may be set for each stamp card or each facility. Furthermore, the number of points to be awarded may be determined randomly each time points are awarded. Alternatively, each time a stamp is pressed, whether or not points are awarded may be determined by lottery.

[0152] As described above, according to this embodiment, a stamp is applied to a user's stamp card and points are automatically awarded to the user, which can further encourage the use of the stamp card.

[0153] [5. Fifth Embodiment] Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 27 and Fig. 28. Except for the following points, the fifth embodiment may be the same as the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the stamp card management server 1 also awards points.

[0154] In this embodiment, when the user terminal 6 of the owner of the stamp card on which the stamp has been pressed receives a point acquisition operation after the stamp process is executed by either the first stamp unit 1105 or the second stamp unit 1108, the point granting unit 1112 grants points to the owner. The point acquisition operation is an operation for acquiring points. This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the user needs to perform the point acquisition operation in order to acquire points.

[0155] For example, when the first stamp unit 1105 and the second stamp unit 1108 execute the stamp process, they each transmit a stamp notification to the user terminal 6 of the owner of the stamp card on which the stamp is pressed, and the user terminal 6 displays the stamp notification on the screen. This stamp notification may indicate that the stamp has been pressed and that points can be earned. When the user selects the stamp notification, the user terminal 6 may start a stamp card application and display a points earning operation screen. The points earning operation screen is a screen for accepting a points earning operation. FIG. 27 shows an example of a display of the points earning operation screen. As shown in FIG. 27, a points earning operation screen 800 is displayed on the screen of the stamp card application. The points earning operation screen 800 may include, for example, an earn button 810 and a non-earn button 820. The earn button 810 is a button for earning points. The non-earn button 820 is a button for selecting not to earn points. When the user operates the earn button 810 as a points earning operation, the user terminal 6 may transmit a points granting request to, for example, the stamp card management server 1. The point granting request may include, for example, the user ID of the user of the user terminal 6. The point granting unit 1112 may grant points in response to receiving the point granting request from the user terminal 6. The point granting unit 1112 may grant points at the timing when a point acquisition operation is performed, or may grant points at the timing exemplified in the fourth embodiment after the point acquisition operation.

[0156] The point acquisition operation screen may not be displayed in response to the stamp being pressed, but may be displayed at any timing by the user's operation. For example, in a stamp card application, a stamp card screen is displayed. On this stamp card screen, for example, for each stamp column of a stamp card selected by a user, information indicating whether or not a stamp is pressed in that stamp column is displayed. An element for displaying the point acquisition operation screen 800 may be displayed in association with the stamp column in which the stamp is pressed. Alternatively, this stamp card screen itself may correspond to the point acquisition operation screen. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a stamp card screen. As shown in FIG. 28, the stamp card screen 900 may include a stamp card image 910. The stamp card image 910 is an image showing a stamp card. The stamp card image 910 displays a plurality of stamp columns. Among these stamp columns, stamp columns 911, 912, and 913 indicate that a stamp is pressed. Among these stamp columns, a point acquisition icon 920 is displayed in association with the stamp columns 912 and 913, respectively. For example, a point acquisition icon 920 may be displayed over the stamp column or near the stamp column. The point acquisition icon 920 indicates that points can be acquired in response to a stamp being placed in the stamp column associated with the icon. When the user operates the point acquisition icon 920, the user terminal 6 displays the point acquisition operation screen 800. For the stamp column 911, the point acquisition icon 920 is not displayed because the user has already acquired points.

[0157] For example, the issued card information stored in the issued card DB 14e may include a number of point acquisition states corresponding to the number of stamp columns. Each point acquisition state may indicate the state of points acquired by the user for the stamp column corresponding to the point acquisition state. The point acquisition state may be set to, for example, any of "cannot be acquired", "can be acquired", and "already acquired". "Cannot be acquired" indicates a state in which points cannot be acquired because no stamp has been pressed in the stamp column. "Can be acquired" indicates a state in which points can be acquired because a stamp has been pressed. "Already acquired" indicates that acquisition of points has been completed. The initial value of the point acquisition state is "cannot be acquired". For example, the first stamp unit 1105 or the second stamp unit 1108 may change the point acquisition state of the stamp column corresponding to the latest number of stamps to "can be acquired" each time stamp processing is executed.

[0158] When displaying the stamp card screen 900 according to the stamp card application, the user terminal 6 may transmit a stamp card information request to, for example, the stamp card management server 1. The stamp card information request may include, for example, the stamp card ID of the stamp card selected by the user and the user ID of the user. The stamp card management server 1 may transmit to the user terminal 6 the issued card information stored in the issued card DB 14e in association with the combination of the stamp card ID and the user ID included in the stamp card information request. The user terminal 6 may display each stamp field of the stamp card image 910 based on the number of stamps included in the issued card information. In addition, the user terminal 6 may display a point acquisition icon 920 for a stamp field in which the point acquisition status is "acquirable". In addition, the stamp card management server 1 may generate a web page equivalent to the stamp card screen 900 and transmit it to the user terminal 6.

[0159] When the user finally awards points by operating the point acquisition icon 920, the point awarding unit 1112 may, for example, change the point acquisition status corresponding to the stamp column associated with the operated point acquisition icon 920 to "earned."

[0160] As described above, according to the present embodiment, after a stamp is applied to a user's stamp card, points are awarded to the user in response to the user's operation. This can further encourage the use of stamp cards.

[0161] (Supplementary Note 1) A stamp card management device comprising: a facility identification information acquisition means for acquiring facility identification information identifying a facility where a stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by at least one business where transactions can be conducted using an online service available for transactions between businesses and consumers; a memory control means for associating the acquired facility identification information with stamp card identification information identifying the stamp card and storing it in a memory means; a first stamp means for executing a stamp process to stamp the stamp card of the owner when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information identifying the stamp card; and a second stamp means for executing the stamp process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the business that operates the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information identifying the stamp card.

[0162] (Appendix 2) The stamp card management device described in Appendix 1 is characterized in that the online service includes a service that enables the business operator to operate an online store that sells the object of transaction, the facility operated by the business operator includes a physical store operated by the business operator that operates the online store, and the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner uses the online store operated by the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information.

[0163] (Appendix 3) The stamp card management device described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the online service includes a reservation service that enables reservations for facilities, the facilities operated by the operator include facilities that can be reserved using the reservation service, and the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner makes a reservation, via the reservation service, for any facility operated by an operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information.

[0164] (Appendix 4) A stamp card management device as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the facility identification information acquisition means acquires the facility identification information that identifies the facility specified by the creator of the stamp card.

[0165] (Appendix 5) A stamp card management device as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that facility operator information indicating the association between the facility and the operator operating the facility is stored in a facility operator information storage means, and the device further comprises an operator identification information acquisition means for acquiring operator identification information identifying the operator who creates the stamp card, the facility identification information acquisition means identifying a facility operated by the operator who creates the stamp card based on the acquired operator identification information and the stored facility operator information, and acquiring the facility identification information identifying the identified facility.

[0166] (Appendix 6) A stamp card management device as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, further comprising a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating the location of the user who will be the owner, wherein the facility identification information acquisition means extracts facilities located within a specified moving distance from the location indicated by the acquired location information from among the at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operators, and acquires the facility identification information identifying the extracted facility, and the memory control means associates the facility identification information identifying the acquired facility, the stamp card identification information, and user identification information identifying the user, and stores them in the memory means.

[0167] (Appendix 7) The stamp card management device described in Appendix 6 is characterized in that the first stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and the user identification information that identifies the owner.

[0168] (Appendix 8) The second stamp means of the stamp card management device described in Appendix 6 or 7 is characterized in that it executes the stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the business operator operating the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and the user identification information that identifies the owner.

[0169] (Appendix 9) The stamp card management device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8 further comprises a facility usage information acquisition means for acquiring facility usage information indicating the usage of a facility in a manner that identifies a user who has used a facility and the facility that has been used, and a facility usage determination means for determining, based on the acquired facility usage information, whether or not the owner has used the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, wherein the first stamp means executes the stamp processing when it is determined by the facility usage determination means that the owner has used the facility.

[0170] (Appendix 10) The stamp card management device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 9 further comprises a service usage information acquisition means for acquiring service usage information indicating the use of the online service in a manner capable of identifying the user who used the online service and the business associated with the manner of use, and a service usage determination means for determining, based on the acquired service usage information, whether the owner has used the online service in a manner associated with the business that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, wherein the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the service usage determination means determines that the owner has used the online service in a manner associated with the business.

[0171] (Appendix 11) 11. The stamp card management device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an awarding means for automatically awarding points of a point program to the owner when the stamp process is executed.

[0172] (Appendix 12) A stamp card management device as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 10, further comprising an awarding means for awarding the points to the owner when an operation to earn points in a point program is accepted by the owner's terminal device after the stamp processing is executed.

[0173] (Appendix 11) A stamp card management method executed by a computer, comprising: a facility identification information acquisition step of acquiring facility identification information identifying a facility where a stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by at least one business where transactions can be conducted using an online service available for transactions between businesses and consumers; a storage control step of associating the acquired facility identification information with stamp card identification information identifying the stamp card and storing them in a storage means; a first stamp step of executing a stamp process to press a stamp on the stamp card of the owner when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information identifying the stamp card; and a second stamp step of executing the stamp process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the business that operates the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information identifying the stamp card. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 1. Stamp card management server 2. Membership information management server 3 Service Server 4. Stamp card creation terminal 5 Facility terminal 6 User terminals 11 System control section 12 System Bus 13 Input / Output Interface 14 Storage section 14a Business DB 14b Facility DB 14c Stamp Card DB 14d Stamp card association DB 14e Issued Card DB 14f Cardholder DB 14g Stamp History DB 14h Special Offer DB 14i Stamp card association DB 15 Communications Department 21 Member DB 22 Behavioral History DB 1101 Facility ID Acquisition Department 1102 Stamp Card Creation Department 1103 Facility Usage Information Acquisition Department 1104 Facility Utilization Assessment Department 1105 First Stamp Section 1106 Service usage information acquisition unit 1107 Service Usage Judgment Department 1108 Second Stamp Section 1109 Benefits Granting Department 1110 Business ID acquisition department 1111 Location information acquisition department 1112 Point Granting Department NW Network S Communication System

Claims

1. a facility identification information acquisition means for acquiring facility identification information for identifying a facility where the stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by at least one business that is capable of conducting a transaction using an online service available for a transaction between a business and a consumer; a storage control means for storing the acquired facility identification information and stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card in a storage means in association with each other; a first stamp means for executing a stamp process for stamping the stamp card of the owner when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card; a second stamp means for executing the stamp process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to a business operator that operates the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card; A stamp card management device comprising:

2. the online service includes a service that enables the business operator to operate an online store that sells trading objects; The facility operated by the business operator includes a physical store operated by the business operator that operates the online store, The stamp card management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner uses the online store operated by a business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information.

3. The online service includes a reservation service that enables reservations for facilities; The facilities operated by the business operator include facilities that can be reserved using the reservation service, The stamp card management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner makes a reservation using the reservation service for any facility operated by an operator of the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information.

4. 4. The stamp card management device according to claim 1, wherein the facility identification information acquisition means acquires the facility identification information that identifies the facility designated by a creator of the stamp card.

5. Facility operator information indicating the facility and a business operator operating the facility in association with each other is stored in a facility operator information storage means; A business identification information acquisition means for acquiring business identification information for identifying a business that creates the stamp card, The stamp card management device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the facility identification information acquisition means identifies a facility operated by the operator who creates the stamp card based on the acquired operator identification information and the stored facility operator information, and acquires the facility identification information that identifies the identified facility.

6. The information acquisition means further includes a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating a location of the user who is the owner, the facility identification information acquisition means extracts facilities located within a predetermined travel distance from the location indicated by the acquired location information from among the at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operators, and acquires the facility identification information that identifies the extracted facility; The stamp card management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the memory control means associates the facility identification information that identifies the acquired facility, the stamp card identification information, and the user identification information that identifies the user in the memory means.

7. The stamp card management device described in claim 6, characterized in that the first stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and the user identification information that identifies the owner.

8. The stamp card management device described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the operator operating the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and the user identification information that identifies the owner.

9. a facility usage information acquiring means for acquiring facility usage information indicating the usage of a facility in a manner that identifies a user who has used a facility and the facility that has been used; a facility usage determination means for determining whether or not the owner has used the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, based on the acquired facility usage information; Further comprising:

4. The stamp card management device according to claim 1, wherein the first stamp means executes the stamp process when the facility use determination means determines that the owner has used the facility.

10. a service usage information acquiring means for acquiring service usage information indicating the usage of the online service in a manner that identifies a user who has used the online service and a business operator related to the usage; a service usage determination means for determining, based on the acquired service usage information, whether or not the owner has used the online service in a manner related to the business operator that operates the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information; Further comprising: The stamp card management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second stamp means executes the stamp processing when the service usage determination means determines that the owner has used the online service in a manner related to the operator.

11. 4. The stamp card management device according to claim 1, further comprising an awarding unit that automatically awards points of a point program to the owner when the stamp process is executed.

12. A stamp card management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises an awarding means for awarding the points to the owner when an operation to earn points in a point program is accepted by the owner's terminal device after the stamp processing is executed.

13. 1. A stamp card management method executed by a computer, comprising: a facility identification information acquisition step of acquiring facility identification information for identifying a facility where the stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business where a transaction using an online service available for a business and a consumer to conduct a transaction; a storage control step of storing the acquired facility identification information and stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card in a storage means in association with each other; a first stamp step of executing a stamp process for stamping the stamp card of the owner when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card; a second stamp step of executing the stamp process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to a business operator that operates the facility identified by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card; A stamp card management method comprising:

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