Stamp card management system, stamp card management method and stamp card management program

Abstract

To provide a stamp card management system and management method allowing users to acquire stamps by using any of two or more settlement means.SOLUTION: A system control unit of a stamp card management server 1 in a stamp card management system S, includes a settlement-related information acquisition unit for acquiring settlement information representing that settlement has been made using settlement means for each of two or more predetermined settlement means usable for settlement of a price of a transaction. The settlement information includes settlement-means user information representing a user using the settlement means. The system control unit also includes an assignment unit for assigning a stamp on the basis of the settlement information and user information representing a user of the stamp card, regardless of whether the used settlement means is any of the two or more settlement means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of affixing a stamp to a stamp card of a user who has made a payment on condition that a payment means has been used.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique is known in which an electronic stamp card is issued to a user and a stamp is affixed on condition that the user takes a predetermined action. Also known is a technique of affixing a stamp on condition that the user settles the price using a payment means as the predetermined action. Further, a benefit acquisition means is known which enables the user to acquire some benefit on condition that the user presents it when settling the price. An example of the benefit acquisition means is a point card.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a stamp can be accumulated when settling a fee by a stamp accumulation function. Also, Patent Document 1 discloses that accumulation and use of points are possible at the time of settlement by a point accumulation / use function.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when only a stamp card in which the means for acquiring a stamp is defined only for a payment means can be provided, the user cannot acquire a stamp by using the benefit acquisition means.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an example of its problem is to provide a stamp card management system, a stamp card management method, and a stamp card management program that enable a user to obtain a stamp regardless of which of the payment means and the profit acquisition means is used.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using a settlement means that can be used for settlement of the price in a transaction, the settlement information including settlement means user information indicating a user who has used the settlement means; a profit acquisition means that can also be used in combination with the settlement means, wherein at least one of enabling a user of the profit acquisition means to acquire a profit and enabling the user of the profit acquisition means to use the profit acquired in the past for settlement of the price is possible, profit acquisition means use information acquisition means for acquiring profit acquisition means use information indicating that the profit acquisition means has been used and including profit acquisition means user information indicating a user who has used the profit acquisition means; and giving means for giving a stamp based on the acquired settlement information, the acquired profit acquisition means use information, and user information indicating a user of the digitized stamp card, regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used. A stamp card management system characterized by comprising.

[0008] According to this aspect, when either the settlement means or the profit acquisition means is used, a stamp is given to the user of the means that has been used and who is also a user of the stamp card. Here, regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means the used means is, a stamp is given. Therefore, it is possible to provide a stamp card that enables a user to obtain a stamp regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a stamp card management system characterized in that, when giving the stamp, the giving means gives a privilege different from the stamp to the user of the stamp card.

[0010] According to this aspect, a user who acquires a stamp can also acquire a privilege different from the stamp. Therefore, it is possible to further encourage the user of the stamp card to use at least one of the payment means and the profit acquisition means.

[0011] Still another aspect of the present invention is a stamp card management system characterized in that the granting means varies the value of the privilege to be granted depending on whether the payment means is used or the profit acquisition means is used.

[0012] According to this aspect, the value of the privilege separately acquired by the user who acquires the stamp differs depending on whether the payment means is used or the profit acquisition means is used. Therefore, it is possible to further encourage the use of a specific one of the payment means and the profit acquisition means.

[0013] Still another aspect of the present invention is a stamp card management system characterized in that the granting means varies the number of stamps to be granted depending on whether the payment means is used or the profit acquisition means is used.

[0014] According to this aspect, the number of stamps acquired by the user of the stamp card differs depending on whether the payment means is used or the profit acquisition means is used. Therefore, it is possible to further encourage the use of a specific one of the payment means and the profit acquisition means.

[0015] Still another aspect of the present invention is a stamp card management system characterized in that the granting means grants the stamp when the mode in which any one of the payment means and the profit acquisition means is used satisfies a predetermined granting condition, and the granting conditions are different depending on whether the payment means is used or the profit acquisition means is used.

[0016] According to this aspect, for each of the payment means and the profit acquisition means, in order to acquire a stamp by using the means, it is necessary for the user to satisfy a predetermined granting condition when using the means. Here, the granting conditions that the user should satisfy are different between the payment means and the profit acquisition means. Therefore, stamps can be granted according to the conditions corresponding to each of the payment means and the profit acquisition means.

[0017] Still another aspect of the present invention is a stamp card management system, characterized in that the payment means is provided by a predetermined first operator, and the profit acquisition means is provided by a predetermined second operator different from the first operator.

[0018] According to this aspect, by using the payment means provided by a predetermined first operator, the user can acquire a stamp. Also, by using the profit acquisition means provided by a second operator different from the first operator, the user can acquire a stamp.

[0019] Still another aspect of the present invention is a stamp card management system, characterized in that when the payment means and the profit acquisition means are used in combination in the same transaction, the stamp is granted only for either the use of the payment means or the use of the profit acquisition means.

[0020] According to this aspect, when the payment means and the profit acquisition means are used in the same transaction, the stamp is granted only for the use of either the payment means or the profit acquisition means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent double granting of stamps for a single transaction due to the combined use of the payment means and the profit acquisition means.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is that the acquired settlement information includes settlement means usage transaction information regarding the transaction in which the settlement means was used, the acquired profit acquisition means usage information includes profit acquisition means usage transaction information regarding the transaction in which the profit acquisition means was used, and the granting means determines whether the settlement means and the profit acquisition means were used in combination based on the settlement means usage transaction information and the profit acquisition means usage transaction information. A stamp card management system characterized by this.

[0022] According to this aspect, it is determined whether the means in which the settlement means was used and the transaction in which the profit acquisition means was used are the same. Therefore, it is possible to prevent double stamping of a single transaction due to the combined use of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is that the settlement means usage transaction information indicates the time when the settlement means was used, the profit acquisition means usage transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used, the granting means grants the stamp once per predetermined period at most, and the granting of the stamp for the use of either the settlement means or the profit acquisition means is included in the granting of the stamp for the predetermined period including the time when either was used. A stamp card management system characterized by this.

[0024] According to this aspect, a stamp is granted at most once per predetermined period for that period. Which period the stamp is granted for is determined according to the time when the settlement means or the profit acquisition means was used. When the settlement means and the profit acquisition means are used in combination, it is highly probable that the usage time of the settlement means and the usage time of the profit acquisition means are included in the same period. Therefore, it is possible to prevent double stamping of a single transaction due to the combined use of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention is that the payment means usage transaction information indicates the time when the payment means was used, the profit acquisition means usage transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used, and when the stamping means stamps either one of the payment means and the profit acquisition means, the stamping of the other of the payment means and the profit acquisition means within a predetermined period starting from the usage time of the one means is suppressed. A stamp card management system characterized by this.

[0026] According to this aspect, when a stamp is given for the use of either one of the payment means and the profit acquisition means, even if the other means is used within a predetermined period starting from the time when the one means was used, no stamp is given. When the payment means and the profit acquisition means are used in combination, the time when the other means was used is highly likely to be included in that period. Therefore, it is possible to prevent double stamping for a single transaction due to the combined use of the payment means and the profit acquisition means.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention is a stamp information storage control means for storing, in a stamp information storage means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been given, in association with user information indicating the user of the stamp card, the stamp information being capable of specifying the means used among the payment means and the profit acquisition means, and a stamp card screen information transmission means for transmitting, to the terminal device of the user of the stamp card, stamp card screen display information for displaying on the terminal device a screen of the stamp card including the given stamp, the stamp card screen information transmission means varying the display mode of the stamp on the screen of the stamp card according to the means used, based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card. A stamp card management system characterized by further comprising this.

[0028] According to this aspect, a stamp card screen is displayed on the user's terminal device. The stamp card on this screen includes the stamps that have been granted. These stamps are displayed in a manner corresponding to the means used among the payment means and the profit acquisition means. Therefore, it is possible to let the user recognize through the stamp card screen which of the payment means and the profit acquisition means the reason for obtaining the stamp is due to the use of.

[0029] Still another aspect of the present invention is that when the stamp is granted by the granting means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been granted is associated with user information indicating the user of the stamp card, and the stamp information capable of specifying the means used among the payment means and the profit acquisition means is stored in the stamp information storage means by the stamp information storage control means, and history screen information for causing the terminal device of the user of the stamp card to display a screen of the acquisition history of the stamp on the terminal device is transmitted by the history screen information transmission means, and based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, the history screen information transmission means for displaying utilization means information indicating the means used together with the history on the history screen. A stamp card management system, characterized by further comprising:

[0030] According to this aspect, a screen of the acquisition history of the stamp is displayed on the user's terminal device. On this screen, utilization payment means information indicating the means used among the payment means and the profit acquisition means is displayed together with the acquisition history of the stamp. Therefore, it is possible to let the user recognize through the screen of the acquisition history of the stamp which of the payment means and the profit acquisition means the reason for obtaining the stamp is due to the use of.

[0031] Yet another aspect of the present invention further includes corresponding store information acquisition means for acquiring at least one store corresponding to the stamp card, each of the at least one store being a store where at least one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means can be used, the at least one store including a store where the settlement means can be used and a store where the profit acquisition means can be used, the acquired settlement information including payment destination store information indicating the store where the payment for the price is made, and the giving means giving the stamp when any one of the at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is used as the payment destination for the price and at least one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used. This is a stamp card management system.

[0032] According to this aspect, at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is determined. When any one of the at least one store is used, the user can acquire a stamp. Therefore, the user can acquire a stamp regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used, and a stamp card that allows the user to pre-select the store where the user can acquire a stamp can be provided.

[0033] Yet another aspect of the present invention is that the stamp card is a card for a stamp rally that gives the user a privilege different from the stamp on the condition that the user pays the price at each of a plurality of stores and gives the user the stamp on the condition that the user acquires the stamp at the plurality of stores. The at least one store is the plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp rally card, and the giving means gives the stamp when any one of the plurality of stores is used as the payment destination for the price and at least one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used. This is a stamp card management system.

[0034] According to this aspect, the stamp card is a card for a stamp rally. A plurality of stores corresponding to the card for the stamp rally are defined. When any of the plurality of stores is used, the user can acquire a stamp. Also, when all of the plurality of stores are used, the user can acquire another privilege. Therefore, the user can acquire a stamp regardless of which of the payment means and the profit acquisition means is used, and a stamp rally can be held in which a plurality of stores where the user can acquire a stamp can be selected in advance.

[0035] Still another aspect of the present invention is a stamp card management method executed by a computer. A settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using a settlement means that can be used for settlement of the price in a transaction, the settlement information including settlement means user information indicating the user who used the settlement means; a settlement information acquisition step of acquiring the settlement information; a profit acquisition means that can also be used in combination with the settlement means, wherein at least one of enabling the user of the profit acquisition means to acquire a profit and enabling the user of the profit acquisition means to use the profit acquired in the past for settlement of the price is possible; a profit acquisition means use information acquisition step of acquiring profit acquisition means use information indicating that the profit acquisition means has been used and including profit acquisition means user information indicating the user who used the profit acquisition means; and an awarding step of awarding a stamp based on the acquired settlement information, the acquired profit acquisition means use information, and user information indicating the user of the electronic stamp card, regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used. The stamp card management method is characterized by including the steps.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention is settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using a settlement means that can be used by a computer for settlement of payment in a transaction, the settlement information including settlement means user information indicating a user who has used the settlement means; settlement information acquisition means for acquiring the settlement information; a profit acquisition means that can be used in combination with the settlement means, the profit acquisition means being configured to enable at least one of the user of the profit acquisition means to acquire a profit and the user of the profit acquisition means to use a profit acquired in the past for settlement of the payment; profit acquisition means use information acquisition means for acquiring profit acquisition means use information indicating that the profit acquisition means has been used and including profit acquisition means user information indicating a user who has used the profit acquisition means; and stamp awarding means for awarding a stamp based on the acquired settlement information, the acquired profit acquisition means use information, and user information indicating a user of the digitized stamp card, regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means has been used. A stamp card management program characterized by functioning as such.

Effect of the Invention

[0037] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a stamp card that allows a user to acquire a stamp regardless of whether the settlement means or the profit acquisition means is used.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] [1. First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0040] [1-1. Configuration of Communication System] First, the configuration and functional overview of the communication system S according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the communication system S according to the present embodiment.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system S may include a stamp card management server 1, a member information management server 2, a point program system 3, a plurality of payment systems 4, a plurality of store terminals 5, one or more e-commerce servers 6, a creator terminal 7, and a plurality of user terminals 8. These devices may be connected to a network NW. The network NW is constructed by, for example, the Internet, a dedicated communication line (e.g., a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line), a mobile communication network (including base stations, etc.), and a gateway, etc. Here, the stamp card management server 1 may correspond to an example of the stamp card management system of the present invention. Alternatively, a combination of the stamp card management server 1 and the member information management server 2 may correspond to an example of the stamp card management system. Alternatively, a combination of the stamp card management server 1 and one or more payment systems 4 may correspond to an example of the stamp card management system. In addition, it can be configured by appropriately combining into one device or further dispersing the devices more finely as needed.

[0042] 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 issues an electronic stamp card to a user and grants stamps to the user using a payment means. The payment means may be a means that can be used for settling the price in a transaction with a transaction target. The transaction target may be anything that can be commercially transacted. Examples of the transaction target include goods and services. Details of the payment means will be described later. Granting a stamp to a user may correspond to pressing a stamp on the stamp card owned by the user. The stamp card management server 1 may execute processing such as creation of a stamp card, issuance of the created stamp card, and granting of stamps. Creation of a stamp card may be, for example, determining the specifications of the stamp card and placing the stamp card in a state where it can be issued. For example, creation of a stamp card may correspond to creating a bundle of stamp cards. The stamp card may have a plurality of stamp columns. Each stamp column is an area where a stamp can be pressed. The number of stamp columns of one stamp card is referred to as the number of stamp columns. The number of stamp columns may be commonly predetermined for all stamp cards. Alternatively, the number of stamp columns may be settable by the creator of the stamp card for each stamp card. Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that the number of stamp columns is common for all stamp cards. Issuance of the stamp card may be, for example, providing the created stamp card to an individual user. For example, issuance of the stamp card may correspond to distributing each card in the bundle of created stamp cards to an individual user.

[0043] The stamp card management server 1 may distribute information that encourages the use of stamp cards to the user terminal 8. For example, the stamp card management server 1 may perform the distribution through a web page, an email, or other means. At this time, the stamp card management server 1 may select a stamp card that encourages use by the user based on the attributes of the stamp card and the attributes of the user and the history of past actions. For example, assume that a stamp card related to a predetermined store is created. The stamp card management server 1 may control whether to encourage the user to use the stamp card based on the history of the user's use of that store. The stamp card management server 1 may issue a stamp card in response to an entry operation by the user.

[0044] The member information management server 2 may be a server device that manages information regarding members of a predetermined service. The predetermined service may include an online service or a service that can be provided using information and communication technology. The predetermined service may be, for example, an Internet comprehensive service. The Internet comprehensive service may be, for example, a collection of a plurality of services including an online service as a main service. The online service may include a service provided through a website. The online service may include an e-commerce service. The e-commerce service may be a service that enables e-commerce between consumers and businesses or e-commerce between consumers. At least one e-commerce service may include a service that enables a business operator to operate an online store. The online store may be a virtual store on the Internet. Examples of services included in the Internet comprehensive service include an online shopping mall, a free market service, a reservation service for facility use, a reservation service for service use, online securities, online banking, web search, video distribution, a point program, a coupon service, a mobile communication service, carrier settlement, an optical fiber connection service, a credit card, app settlement, electronic money, online securities, online banking, a social networking service (SNS), a rich communication service (RCS) or an instant messaging service, an email service, etc. The above-described stamp card service may also be included in the Internet comprehensive service. For convenience, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the predetermined service is an Internet comprehensive service. A user ID may be assigned to each user who becomes a member of the Internet comprehensive service. The user ID is identification information for identifying a member in the Internet comprehensive service. The member information management server 2 may manage the information of each member using the user ID. 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.To use some services, the user may need to separately register as a member on the condition that they are a member of the comprehensive Internet service.

[0045] The point program system 3 may be a server device that executes processing related to a predetermined point program. The point program may be a service that, for example, gives a user who purchases a transaction target a certain percentage of the purchase price as points and enables the user to use the points held by the user for the purchase price of the transaction target. The user may be able to obtain and / or use points, for example, with each of an e-commerce service or a store that has joined the point program. A point card may be given to each user of the point program. The point card is an example of a profit acquisition means. The profit acquisition means may be available at the time of settlement in a transaction and may be a means that enables the user of the profit acquisition means to acquire profit and enables the user of the profit acquisition means to use the profit acquired in the past for the settlement of the price. At the time of settlement, it may be possible to use the settlement means and the profit acquisition means in combination. The combined use of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means may be at the same timing or at different timings. For example, after settlement is made by the settlement means, profit for the same settlement may be acquired using the profit acquisition means after a predetermined period. An information code indicating a membership number for identifying the user as a user of the point program may be printed on this point card. Examples of the information code include a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. The user may be able to obtain and use points at the store by using the point card. The point card may be usable by optically reading the information code printed on the point card by the store terminal 5. An application for the point card may be installable on the user terminal 8. The user terminal 8 may display the information code on the screen according to this application. The user's acquisition or use of points using the application of the point card may correspond to the use of the point card. The point program system 3 may store the number of available points for each user. The number of available points indicates the number of points currently held by the user.For example, the point program system 3 may store the available number of points in association with the user ID of each user. The point program system 3 may be configured to include, for example, one or more server devices. When a point card is used, information regarding the use of the point card and the settlement in the transaction may be received from the store terminal 5 of the store where the transaction is conducted. The point program system 3 may execute processing for awarding points to the user or processing for using points for settlement based on the received information. The settlement system 4 may generate point card usage information each time it executes processing for awarding or using points. The point card usage information may be information indicating that the point card has been used. The point card usage information may include information regarding the processing related to the use of the point card and the information regarding the transaction. The point program system 3 may transmit the generated point card usage information to the member information management server 2 or the stamp card management server 1.

[0046] Each of the plurality of payment systems 4 may be a system that executes processing for providing a predetermined payment service. The payment service may be a service that enables payment of a price using a payment means. The payment means may be means that can be used for payment of a price in a transaction. Each of the plurality of payment systems 4 may be a system related to a determination means corresponding to the payment system 4 among a plurality of predetermined payment means. At least one payment system 4 may correspond to two or more payment means. The plurality of payment means may include electronic payment. The plurality of payment means may not include cash. The plurality of payment means may include payment means that allow a user to select a payment method to be used from among a plurality of types of payment methods when making a payment for a price. Among the plurality of predetermined payment means, payment means having different identification information and types from each other are separate payment means. Also, even if the types of payment means are the same, payment means provided by different companies that provide payment services using those respective payment means are defined as separate payment means. Also, even if they are the same type of payment means provided by the same company, payment means having different brands from each other may be defined as separate payment means. Examples of types of payment means include credit cards, debit cards, IC type electronic money, online electronic money, code payment, ID payment, prepaid cards, point cards, and the like. Note that even if they are the same type of payment means, if the identification information of the payment means is different, they are different payment means. For example, when the same user has two credit cards, since their respective identification information (such as credit card numbers) is different, they are different payment means. The IC type electronic money may be electronic money of a type in which the balance is managed in an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip provided in a card or a user terminal 8. The online electronic money may be electronic money of a type in which the balance is managed online. The code payment may be means that enables payment in response to an electronic device optically reading code information indicating either the payer or the payee of the price in a transaction. The payer in the code payment may be a member of an Internet comprehensive service. The payee may be an offline store.An offline store is a physical store. When an electronic device reads code information indicating the payer, the code information may be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 8 used by the user as the payer. Alternatively, the information code indicating the payer may be printed on the card held by the payer for the payment means. The electronic device for reading the information code may be the store terminal 5. For example, the store terminal 5 may read the information code with a barcode reader provided in or connected to the store terminal 5. When an electronic device reads an information code indicating the payee, the information code may be displayed on the screen of the store terminal 5 of the store. Alternatively, the information code indicating the payee may be printed on paper or other objects prepared by the store. The electronic device for reading the information code may be the user terminal 8. For example, the user terminal 8 may read the information code by imaging with a camera built in the user terminal 8. The point card may also be included in the payment means or code settlement. When the user uses the points acquired in the past for the payment of the price, the point card may be included in the code settlement. The code information indicating the payer will also be printed on the point card. However, the processing related to the point card may be executed by the point program system 3 instead of the settlement system 4. The payment means and the point card as a means of obtaining profit are collectively referred to as settlement-related means for convenience. When hereinafter referred to as payment means or code settlement, the payment means or code settlement may or may not include a point card. When there is a mention of a point card together with the payment means or code settlement, the payment means or code settlement may not include the point card. When there is no mention of a point card together with the payment means or code settlement, the payment means or code settlement may include a point card. ID settlement is a payment means available for online e-commerce transactions. ID settlement may be a means that enables settlement in response to providing account identification information for identifying the user's account in a predetermined service to the e-commerce service. The predetermined service may be a service different from the e-commerce service in which the transaction is conducted.Examples of the predetermined services include the above-described comprehensive Internet service, a service enabling ID settlement, and the like. For example, a user may be able to associate a payment method other than ID settlement with ID settlement in advance. The user may input a user ID and password of a predetermined service in advance or at the time of settlement on the website of an e-commerce service, and may be authenticated by a settlement system 4 corresponding to ID settlement. As a result, the user may be able to settle the price with the payment method associated with ID settlement. Each settlement system 4 may receive information regarding the settlement from a store terminal 5 of a store where a transaction is conducted or an e-commerce server 6 of an e-commerce service where a transaction is conducted when a payment method corresponding to the settlement system 4 is used. The settlement system 4 may execute a process for settling the price based on the received information. The settlement system 4 may generate settlement information each time it executes a settlement process. The settlement information may be information indicating that the settlement has been made. The settlement information may include information regarding the executed settlement. The settlement system 4 may transmit the generated settlement information to the member information management server 2 or the stamp card management server 1.

[0047] Each store terminal 5 may be a terminal device placed in an offline store that subscribes to at least one service out of a plurality of services each enabling the use of a plurality of settlement-related means. The store terminal 5 may be a terminal device used by an operator or an employee of the store. The store terminal 5 may be used, for example, for calculating the usage fee of a service provided by the store or the purchase amount of a product. Examples of the store terminal 5 include a personal computer, a tablet computer, a POS (Point of Sale) register, and the like. At least one store terminal 5 may be provided with a predetermined reading device. This reading device may be able to read information recorded on a magnetic tape, information recorded on an IC chip, or an information code printed or displayed on a screen. The reading device may include a barcode reader.

[0048] Each e-commerce server 6 may be a server device that executes processing related to the e-commerce service corresponding to that e-commerce server 6. Each e-commerce server 6 may manage a website for conducting e-commerce. Each e-commerce server 6 may execute, for example, processing such as searching for a transaction target that satisfies conditions specified by a user, providing information about the transaction target, and establishing an order or reservation for the transaction target. The e-commerce service corresponding to each e-commerce server 6 may or may not be included in the Internet comprehensive service.

[0049] The creator terminal 7 may be a terminal device used by the creator of the stamp card. Examples of the creator of the stamp card include the operator of the stamp card service, the operator of the payment service, the operator of the e-commerce service, the business operator who operates a store, the business operator who operates a group of stores, a local government, the advertiser of the stamp card, a member of the Internet comprehensive service, etc. The operator of the stamp card service that has received a request for creating a stamp card from another business operator may operate the database stored in the stamp card management server 1 to create a stamp card. In this case, the creator of the stamp card may be the business operator that made the request. Alternatively, the stamp card management server 1 may provide a user interface for creating a stamp card to the creator terminal 7. As an example of this user interface, the stamp card management server 1 may provide a stamp card creation screen to the creator terminal 7. The stamp card creation screen may be configured by, for example, a web page. The stamp card management server 1 may create a stamp card by operating the database based on the information input on the stamp card creation screen. Statistical information about the created stamp card may be provided from the stamp card management server 1 to the creator terminal 7.

[0050] Each user terminal 8 may be a terminal device used by a user who is a member of the Internet comprehensive service. By transmitting and receiving information between the user terminal 8 and the stamp card management server 1, the user can use the stamp card service. Also, by transmitting and receiving information between the user terminal 8 and any of the e-commerce servers 6, the user can use the e-commerce service. Further, using the user terminal 8, the user may be able to use code settlement, a point program, or the like. Examples of the user terminal 8 include portable information terminals such as personal computers, smartphones, tablet computers, mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and set-top boxes. A web browser may be installed in each user terminal 8. Also, the portable type of user terminal 8 may be able to execute an application for using the stamp card service. This application may be a native application, a web application, or a mini application. The mini application may be a type of web application that can be executed from a predetermined native application. The portable type of user terminal 8 may be able to install an application for using code settlement, an application for using a point program or a point card, or the like.

[0051] [1-2. Device Configuration] [1-2-1. Stamp Card Management Server] Next, the configuration of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, 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.

[0052] The system control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c, and the like.

[0053] The input / output interface 13 performs interface processing between the storage unit 14 and the communication unit 15 and the system control unit 11.

[0054] The storage unit 14 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive or the like. In this storage unit 14, databases such as a settlement-related means DB 14a, a merchant DB 14b, a store DB 14c, a stamp card DB 14d, a stamp card corresponding store DB 14e, an issued card DB 14f, a settlement-related information DB 14g, a stamp acquisition history DB 14h, a privilege DB 14i, etc. may be stored. "DB" is an abbreviation for 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. Note that the stamp card DB 14d and the stamp card corresponding store DB 14e and the issued card DB 14f may be managed as the same database. In addition, it can be configured by appropriately collecting into one database or further dispersing the database more finely.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the content stored in the database of the stamp card management server 1. As shown in FIG. 3, in the settlement-related means DB14a, settlement-related means information regarding each of two or more predetermined settlement-related means among a plurality of predetermined settlement-related means may be stored. Each of the plurality of predetermined settlement-related means may be a settlement-related means by which the stamp card management server 1 or the member information management server 2 can acquire settlement information or point card usage information. As will be described later, each of the two or more predetermined settlement-related means may be a settlement-related means for which a stamp is given to the user when the user uses the settlement-related means. The two or more predetermined settlement-related means may be the same as the plurality of predetermined settlement-related means. Alternatively, the two or more predetermined settlement-related means may be a part of the plurality of predetermined settlement-related means. For example, in the settlement-related means DB14a, as the settlement-related means information, a settlement-related means ID, a settlement-related means name, etc. may be stored in association with each other. The settlement-related means ID is identification information for identifying the settlement-related means. The settlement-related means name indicates the name of the settlement-related means.

[0056] The business operator DB14b may store business operator information regarding each business operator that subscribes to the service of at least one payment-related means. Examples of business operators that subscribe to the service of payment-related means include business operators that operate specific offline stores, business operators that operate online stores, business operators that operate a chain of stores, business operators that operate franchises, and the like. There may be a business operator that operates both an offline store and an online store. Also, a business operator that operates an offline store and a business operator that operates an online store may be related parties to each other. For example, the business operator of the offline store may entrust the operation of the online store to another business operator. Also, for example, the business operator that operates an offline store and the business operator that operates an online store may be affiliated companies included in a predetermined corporate group. Also, for example, the business operator that operates an offline store and the business operator that operates an online store may be in a partnership relationship. In the business operator DB14b, for example, a business operator ID, a business operator name, etc. may be stored in association with each other as business operator information. The business operator ID is identification information that identifies the business operator. The business operator name indicates the name of the business operator.

[0057] The store DB 14c may store store information regarding each store operated by a business operator who subscribes to the service of at least one payment-related means. For example, in the store DB 14c, as store information, a store ID, a store name, a business operator ID, a store type, an address, an e-commerce service ID, payment-related service subscription status information, etc. may be stored in association with each other. The store ID is identification information for identifying a store. The store name indicates the name of the store. The business operator ID indicates the business operator who operates the store. The store type indicates whether the store is an offline store or an online store. The address is valid when the store is an offline store. The address indicates the location of the store. The e-commerce service ID is valid when the store is an online store. The e-commerce service ID is identification information for identifying the e-commerce service through which the store conducts transactions. The payment-related service subscription status information is information indicating whether the store has subscribed to the service of each of a plurality of predetermined payment-related means. Note that when the subscription status of the service of the payment-related means is determined for each business operator instead of for each store, the payment-related service subscription status information may be stored in the business operator DB.

[0058] The stamp card DB14d may store stamp card information regarding each created stamp card. For example, in the stamp card DB14d, as stamp card information, a stamp card ID, a stamp card name, a creator ID, a description text, privilege setting information, and granting conditions, etc. may be stored in association with each other. The stamp card ID is identification information for identifying the created stamp card. The stamp card name indicates the name of the stamp card. The creator ID is identification information for identifying the creator of the stamp card. The description text is a text indicating the description of the stamp card. The privilege setting information indicates information regarding a privilege granted to a user on the condition that the user acquires a predetermined number of stamps. The granted privilege may be a privilege physically or electronically provided by the creator of the stamp card. Alternatively, the granted privilege may be a privilege electronically provided by the stamp card management server 1 or other server devices. Examples of the granted privilege include coupons, prizes, points in a point program, electronic money, etc. The privilege setting information may include, for example, the number of privilege stamps, the privilege name, usage conditions, etc. The number of privilege stamps indicates the number of stamps required to acquire the privilege. The number of privilege stamps may match the number of stamp columns. The privilege name indicates the name of the privilege in a distinguishable manner to identify the content of the acquirable privilege. The usage conditions indicate the conditions for using the privilege. It may be possible to acquire multiple privileges for one issued stamp card multiple times. In this case, multiple privilege setting information may be stored in the stamp card DB14d. At this time, the number of privilege stamps may be different among multiple privileges. Here, the number of privilege stamps of any one of the multiple privileges may match the number of stamp columns. The number of other privilege stamps may be less than the number of stamp columns. The granting condition information may indicate additional granting conditions for granting stamps to the user. The granting condition may be a condition for the usage mode of the user's settlement-related means. Examples of the usage mode of the settlement-related means include, for example, the transaction target purchased, the settlement amount, the usage date or time of the settlement-related means, the number of points acquired by the user by using the settlement-related means, etc. The granting condition information may indicate multiple granting conditions.In this case, if the user satisfies all of those granting conditions, a stamp may be granted. Alternatively, if the user satisfies at least any one of those granting conditions, a stamp may be granted. At least one of the information included in the stamp card information may be information that can be set by the creator of the stamp card. As described above, the operator of the stamp card service who has received a request from the creator of the stamp card may register the stamp card information in the stamp card DB14d. Alternatively, on the stamp card creation screen provided to the creator terminal 7, it may be possible to input the stamp card name, description text, granting conditions, number of bonus stamps, content of the bonus, etc. The stamp card management server 1 may receive the input information from the creator terminal 7 and generate stamp card information including the received information.

[0059] In the stamp card corresponding store DB14e, stamp card corresponding store information regarding stores corresponding to the stamp card may be stored for each combination of the stamp card and the store corresponding to the stamp card. The store corresponding to the stamp card may be a store determined such that when a user of the stamp card uses a settlement related means at the store, the user is given a stamp. The store corresponding to the stamp card may include at least one of an offline store and an online store. For example, in the stamp card corresponding store DB14e, as the stamp card corresponding store information, a stamp card ID, a store ID, etc. may be stored in association with each other. The stamp card ID indicates the stamp card corresponding to the store. The store ID indicates the store. The stamp card corresponding store information may be information that can be set by the creator of the stamp card. For example, the creator may select one or more stores corresponding to the stamp card. For example, when a stamp card for a specific store is created, the store corresponding to the stamp card may be that specific store. Also, for example, when a stamp card for a specific business operator is created, the stores corresponding to the stamp card may be all the stores operated by the business operator, or may be some of those stores. It may be possible for the business operator to select the stores corresponding to the stamp card. Also, for example, a stamp card that can be commonly used in the stores of a plurality of business operators may be created. For example, when a local government creates a stamp card, a plurality of stores in the area subject to the administration by the local government may be selected. Each store corresponding to the stamp card may be a store where the user can use at least one of two or more predetermined settlement related means. When the store corresponding to the stamp card is one store, the store may be a store where all of two or more predetermined settlement related means are available. When the stores corresponding to the stamp card are a plurality of stores, the plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp card may include stores where the settlement related means can be used for each of the two or more settlement related means.Similarly to the above, the operator of the stamp card service that has received a request from the creator of the stamp card may register the stamp card corresponding store information in the stamp card corresponding store DB14e. Alternatively, on the stamp card creation screen provided to the creator terminal 7, it may be possible to select a store. Also, an operation for searching for a store on the stamp card creation screen may be possible. For example, it may be possible to input search conditions for the store. Examples of the search conditions for the store include keywords such as the store name and the business operator name, the category of the store, the address, the e-commerce service, the stores operated by the creator of the stamp card, and the like. The stamp card management server 1 may search for stores that meet the input search conditions based on, for example, the business operator DB14b and the store DB14c, etc. It may be possible to select a store corresponding to the stamp card from among the searched stores. The stamp card management server 1 may receive information indicating the selected store from the creator terminal 7 and generate the stamp card corresponding store information.

[0060] In the issued card DB 14f, issued card information regarding the stamp cards issued to the user may be stored for each combination of the stamp card and the user to whom the stamp card is issued. For example, in the issued card DB 14f, as the issued card information, an issued card number, an issue date and time, a stamp card ID, a user ID, the number of issued cards, the current number of stamps, etc. may be stored in association with each other. The issued card number is a number for identifying the issue of the stamp card. The issue date and time indicates the date and time when the stamp card was first issued to the user. The stamp card ID indicates the issued stamp card. The user ID indicates the user to whom the stamp card is issued. The number of issued cards indicates how many stamp cards have been issued to the user. The current number of stamps indicates the number of stamps stamped on the last issued stamp card among the stamp cards indicated by the number of issued cards. For example, on the screen or web page of the stamp card application, etc., information on one or more stamp cards that the user can enter may be held. When the user selects any of the stamp cards, 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 it in the issued card DB 14f. When the number of stamps stamped 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 may be increased by 1 and the number of stamps may be reset to 0.

[0061] In the settlement-related information DB 14g, for each of a plurality of predetermined settlement-related means, settlement-related information indicating that the settlement-related means has been used for payment of the price may be stored each time the settlement-related means is used. The settlement-related information may include information regarding the transaction in which the settlement-related means was used. Here, the settlement-related information regarding the use of the settlement means is settlement information. Also, the settlement-related information regarding the use of the point card is point card use information. In the settlement-related information DB 14g, for example, as settlement-related information, a settlement-related information ID, a user ID, a settlement-related means ID, a business operator ID, a store ID, a use date and time, a settlement amount, a transaction target ID, a number of points granted, a number of points used, and a storage date and time, etc. may be stored in association with each other. The settlement-related information ID is identification information for identifying the settlement-related information. The user ID indicates the user who used the settlement-related means. The settlement-related means ID indicates the settlement-related means that was used. The store ID indicates the store that is the destination of the use of the settlement-related means by the user. The transaction target ID indicates the transaction target that the user purchased using the settlement-related means. The use date and time indicates the date and time when the settlement-related means was used. The number of points granted indicates the number of points granted to the user for the use of the settlement-related means. When the user uses a point card, points are granted to the user. Also, even if the user uses a settlement means other than the point card that is predetermined, points may be granted to the user. When no points are granted, the number of points is set to 0. The number of points used indicates the number of points used for payment of the price. Depending on the settlement-related means, the settlement-related information may not include some information. For example, the settlement-related information of a certain settlement-related means may not include the transaction target ID. The stamp card management server 1 may obtain the settlement-related information of all the settlement-related means or at least the settlement-related information of one settlement-related means from the member information management server 2. Also, the stamp card management server 1 may obtain the settlement-related information of all the settlement-related means or at least the settlement-related information of one settlement-related means from the point program system 3 or the settlement system 4. The format of the settlement-related information may be different for each settlement-related means.In this case, the stamp card management server 1 may convert the format of the settlement-related information into a common format and store the settlement-related information in the settlement-related information DB 14g. Alternatively, instead of storing the settlement-related information DB 14g, the storage unit 14 may store a database of settlement-related information for each settlement-related means. Depending on the settlement-related means, among the information included in the settlement-related information, the information for identifying the user who used the settlement-related means may be different identification information from the user ID. In this case, the stamp card management server 1 may specify the user ID from the identification information based on, for example, a table showing the correspondence between the identification information and the user ID.

[0062] The stamp acquisition history DB 14h may store the history of stamp acquisitions by the user. For example, each time a stamp is granted, the stamp acquisition history DB 14h may store, as a stamp acquisition log, a stamp acquisition log ID, a stamp acquisition date and time, an issued card number, a stamp card ID, a user ID, the number of issued stamps, a stamp column number, a settlement-related means ID, a store ID, and a settlement-related information ID, etc., in association with each other. The stamp acquisition log ID is identification information for identifying the stamp acquisition log. The stamp acquisition date and time may indicate the date and time when the user used the settlement-related means as the reason for granting the stamp. The issued card number and the stamp card ID indicate the stamp card on which the stamp was pressed. The user ID indicates the user who acquired the stamp. The number of issued stamps indicates on which numbered issued stamp card the stamp was pressed. The stamp column number indicates which stamp column among the stamp columns included in the stamp card the stamp was granted to. The settlement-related information ID is identification information for identifying the settlement-related information used for the determination of stamp granting. The settlement-related means ID indicates the settlement-related means used by the user who acquired the stamp. The store ID indicates the store where the user used the settlement-related means.

[0063] In the privilege DB 14i, privilege information regarding the state of privileges granted to users who have acquired a predetermined number of stamps by using a stamp card may be stored for each combination of the issued stamp card and the privileges set for that stamp card. For example, in the privilege DB 14i, as privilege information, the issued card number, stamp card ID, user ID, number of issued cards, number of privilege stamps, and privilege state, etc. may be stored in association with each other. The issued card number identifies the issuance of the stamp card to which the privilege is set. 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 which numbered stamp card issued to the user is the one to which the privilege is set. The number of privilege stamps indicates the number of stamps required for the user to acquire the privilege. The privilege state indicates the state of the privilege. The privilege state may be set to any of, for example, "not acquired", "usable", and "used". "Not acquired" indicates a state where the user has not yet acquired the privilege. "Usable" indicates a state where the user has acquired the privilege but has not yet used it. "Used" indicates a state where the user has already used the privilege. For example, when a stamp card is issued to any user, the stamp card management server 1 may store the stamp card information in the issued card DB 14f and also store the privilege information in the privilege DB 14i. At this time, the stamp card management server 1 may acquire the number of privilege stamps from the privilege setting information stored in the stamp card DB 14d. The stamp card management server 1 may generate privilege information including a combination identical to the combination of the issued card number, stamp card ID, user ID, and number of issued cards included in the issued card information for each acquired number of privilege stamps, the number of privilege stamps, and a privilege state indicating "unused".

[0064] The storage unit 14 further stores various programs such as an operating system, a DBMS (Database Management System), and a stamp card management program. The stamp card management program is a program that causes the system control unit 11 to execute various processes related to the stamp card service. The stamp card management program may be acquired from another device via the network NW, for example, 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.

[0065] The communication unit 15 is configured by, for example, a network interface card or the like. The communication unit 15 connects to the member information management server 2, the point program system 3, the settlement system 4, the creator terminal 7, or the user terminal 8 via the network NW and controls the communication state with the connected device.

[0066] [1-2-2. Member Information Management Server] Next, the configuration of the member information management server 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the member information management server 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the member information management server 2 includes a system control unit 21, a system bus 22, an input / output interface 23, a storage unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The system control unit 21 and the input / output interface 23 are connected via the system bus 22.

[0067] The system control unit 21 is composed of a CPU 21a, a ROM 21b, a RAM 21c, etc.

[0068] The input / output interface 23 performs interface processing between the storage unit 24 and the communication unit 25 and the system control unit 21.

[0069] The storage unit 24 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive or the like. The storage unit 24 may store databases such as a member DB 24a and a settlement-related information DB 24b.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the content stored in the database of the member information management server 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the member DB 24a may store member information regarding each member of the Internet integrated service. For example, the member DB 24a may store, as member information, a user ID, name, gender, date of birth, telephone number, address, e-mail address, etc. in association with each other.

[0071] In the settlement-related information DB 24b, for each of a plurality of predetermined settlement-related means, settlement-related information indicating that the settlement-related means has been used at the time of settlement of the price may be stored each time the settlement-related means is used. The settlement-related information DB 24b may store settlement-related information corresponding to, for example, point card usage information obtained from the point program system 3 and settlement-related information corresponding to settlement information obtained from each settlement system 4. The storage unit 24 may store, instead of the settlement-related information DB 24b, a database of information indicating that each settlement-related means has been used, for each settlement-related means. In this case, the formats of the databases may be different from each other.

[0072] The storage unit 24 further stores various programs such as an operating system, a DBMS, and a member information management program. The member information management program is a program that causes the system control unit 11 to execute various processes related to the management of member information. The member information management program may be obtained, for example, 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.

[0073] The communication unit 25 is configured by, for example, a network interface card or the like. The communication unit 25 connects to the stamp card management server 1, the point program system 3, the settlement system 4, or the user terminal 8 or the like via the network NW, and controls the communication state with the connected device.

[0074] [1-3. System Control Unit Function Overview] [1-3-1. Stamp Management Server] Next, the function overview of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional block of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. The system control unit 11 may function as a settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101, a corresponding store information acquisition unit 1102, a granting unit 1103, a stamp information storage control unit 1104, a stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105, a history screen information transmission unit 1106, etc., as shown in FIG. 6, when the CPU 11a reads and executes various program codes included in the stamp card management program.

[0075] The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using a settlement means. The acquired settlement information may include settlement means user information. The settlement means user information may be information indicating a user who used the settlement means. The settlement means user information may be, for example, a user ID. Alternatively, the settlement means user information may be other information. For example, the settlement means user information may be information for identifying a user in a settlement service corresponding to the settlement means. Further, the settlement information may include settlement means usage transaction information regarding a transaction in which the settlement means was used. The settlement means usage transaction information may include, for example, information indicating the content of the transaction. The settlement means usage transaction information may or may not include information that can identify the transaction. For example, the settlement means usage transaction information may include at least one of information indicating the user who conducted the transaction, information indicating the business operator or store with whom the user conducted the transaction, the time when the transaction was conducted or the time when the settlement means was used, information indicating the transaction target, and the settlement amount. The time when the transaction was conducted or the time when the settlement means was used may include at least one of the date and the time. The information indicating the user who conducted the transaction may be the settlement means user information.

[0076] Here, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire settlement information indicating that each of two or more predetermined settlement means has been used. The two or more predetermined settlement means may be all of a plurality of settlement means from which settlement information can be acquired from their respective settlement systems 4 corresponding to those settlement means, or may be a part of those settlement means.

[0077] The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire point card usage information indicating that a point card has been used. The acquired point card usage information may include point card usage user information. The point card usage user information may be information indicating the user who used the point card. The point card usage user information may be, for example, a user ID. Alternatively, the point card usage user information may be other information. Also, the point card usage user information may include point card usage transaction information regarding the transaction in which the point card was used. The point card usage transaction information may include, for example, information indicating the content of the transaction. Also, the point card usage transaction information may or may not include information that can identify the transaction. For example, the point card usage transaction information may include at least one of information indicating the user who conducted the transaction, information indicating the merchant or store with which the user conducted the transaction, the time when the transaction was conducted or the time when the point card was used, information indicating the transaction target, and the settlement amount. The time when the transaction was conducted or the time when the point card was used may include at least one of the date and the time. Note that, as described above, the point card may or may not be included in the settlement means. The point card usage information when the point card is included in the settlement means may correspond to the settlement information.

[0078] In this embodiment, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire settlement-related information from the member information management server 2 as each of the settlement information and the point card usage information. Here, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the settlement information of at least one settlement means from the settlement system 4. Further, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the point card usage information from the point program system 3.

[0079] The corresponding store information acquisition unit 1102 may acquire stamp card corresponding store information indicating at least one store corresponding to the stamp card. For example, the corresponding store information acquisition unit 1102 may acquire all the stamp card corresponding store information including the stamp card ID of the stamp card from the stamp card corresponding store DB 14e.

[0080] The awarding unit 1103 may award a stamp to the user of the stamp card based on the settlement information acquired by the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 and the user information indicating the user of the stamp card. The user information may be, for example, a user ID. The awarding unit 1103 may award a stamp to the user of the stamp card when the user of the stamp card uses his or her own settlement means. Further, the awarding unit 1103 may also award a stamp to the user of the stamp card when, for example, a family member or the like of the user of the stamp card uses the settlement means of the user. The awarding unit 1103 does not necessarily have to award a stamp simply based on the fact that the user has purchased a transaction target. The awarding unit 1103 may award a stamp when the user uses a predetermined settlement means and the user is the user of the stamp card.

[0081] Here, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp on the condition that any one of two or more predetermined payment means is used. At this time, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp even if any one of the two or more predetermined payment means is used. For example, assume that the two or more payment means include a predetermined first payment means and a predetermined second payment means different from the first payment means. The conditions for granting a stamp to the user include at least a first condition of using the first payment means and a second condition of using the second payment means. The user can obtain a stamp when the first condition is satisfied. Also, the user can obtain a stamp when the second condition is satisfied. The granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp in real time according to the use of the payment means. Alternatively, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp in batches. Note that granting a stamp on the condition that any one of two or more payment means is used includes not only the case where only the use is the condition, but also the case where the use is combined with other conditions for granting. For example, although any one of the two or more payment means is used, a stamp is granted when the payment amount is equal to or more than a predetermined payment amount.

[0082] The granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp regardless of where the payment means is used. Alternatively, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp when the payment means is used at a store predetermined as the store corresponding to the stamp card for each stamp card. Alternatively, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp when the payment means is used in a predetermined e-commerce service regardless of the stamp card. Alternatively, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp when the payment means is used in a predetermined e-commerce service for each stamp card with respect to the stamp card.

[0083] For example, the awarding unit 1103 may award a stamp on the condition that any one of at least one store indicated by the stamp card corresponding store information obtained by the corresponding store information acquisition unit 1102 is used as a payment destination for the price, and any one of two or more predetermined payment means is used.

[0084] The rule for selecting a store corresponding to the stamp card may be determined in advance. For example, when there is one store corresponding to the stamp card, the store may be all franchise stores of two or more predetermined payment means. When there are a plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp card, each store may be all franchise stores of two or more predetermined payment means. Alternatively, each store may be at least one franchise store of two or more predetermined payment means. However, in order to ensure that a stamp is awarded to the user regardless of which of the two or more payment means is used, it may be determined that each franchise store of the two or more payment means needs to be included in the plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp card.

[0085] The two or more pre-determined payment methods may include a payment method available for settling the price of an offline transaction and a payment method different from this payment method and available for settling the price of an online transaction. For example, the two or more pre-determined payment methods may include code-based payment and ID-based payment. Code-based payment is available for offline transactions, and ID-based payment is available for online transactions. Here, the stores corresponding to the stamp card may include both an offline store and an online store operated by the same operator. Also, for example, the stores corresponding to the stamp card may include an offline store operated by a certain first operator and an online store operated by a second operator related to the first operator. At this time, the awarding unit 1103 may award a stamp when a predetermined first payment method is used at an offline store of the operator. Also, the awarding unit 1103 may award a stamp when a predetermined second payment method is used at an offline store operated by the operator or a related party of the operator. The first payment method and the second payment method may be different from each other. The first payment method may be, for example, code-based payment. The second payment method may be, for example, ID-based payment.

[0086] The two or more pre-determined payment methods may include two or more code-based payments. In this case, the two or more code-based payments may include payment using a point card. The difference between payment using a point card and normal code-based payment other than a point card may be whether points in a point program can be used for paying the price. In normal code-based payment, the price is paid using a pre-charged balance or a payment method pre-associated with the code-based payment.

[0087] Although partially overlapping with the above description, the awarding unit 1103 may award points to the user of the stamp card on the condition that the point card has been used, based on the point card usage information and user information acquired by the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101. For example, the awarding unit 1103 may award points regardless of whether the point card was used for the purpose of obtaining or using points. When the user of the stamp card uses his or her own point card, the awarding unit 1103 may award a stamp to that user. Also, for example, when a family member or the like of the user of the stamp card uses the user's point card, the awarding unit 1103 may also award a stamp to the user of the stamp card.

[0088] Here, the awarding unit 1103 may award a stamp based on the settlement information, the point card usage information, and the user information. The awarding unit 1103 may award points on the condition that either the settlement means or the point card has been used. At this time, the awarding unit 1103 may award points regardless of which of the settlement means and the point card was used. Therefore, the user of the stamp card can obtain a stamp by using the settlement means or by using the point card. The settlement means in this case may be a settlement means different from the point card. The number of settlement means for which a stamp is to be awarded may be one, or there may be two or more. When there are two or more settlement means for which a stamp is to be awarded, as described above, the awarding unit 1103 may award a stamp regardless of which of the two or more settlement means was used. Here, the operator providing the settlement means and the operator providing the point card may be the same or different.

[0089] Figs. 7(a) to (d) are diagrams showing examples of stamp grants. For example, assume that two or more predetermined payment means include a predetermined code settlement, a predetermined point card, and a predetermined ID settlement. As shown in Fig. 7(a), a stamp card 110 was issued to a certain user U1. As shown in Fig. 7(b), user U1 purchased goods at an offline sports goods store 210. At this time, user U1 caused the code information to be displayed on the screen of user terminal 8-1 held by user U1, and had the store terminal 5 read this code information, thereby settling the payment using code settlement. The sports goods store 210 corresponds to the stamp card 110. In response to this settlement, the granting unit 1103 grants a stamp to user U1. As a result, the number of stamps pressed on the stamp card 110 becomes 1. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 7(c), user U1 used a hair salon 220. At this time, user U1 settled the usage fee in cash and obtained points using the point card 310. The hair salon 220 corresponds to the stamp card 110. In response to this settlement, the granting unit 1103 grants a stamp to user U1. As a result, the number of stamps pressed on the stamp card 110 becomes 2. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 7(d), user U1 operated user terminal 8-1 and purchased goods at a sports goods store 230 within a predetermined online shopping mall. The operator of this online sports goods store 230 is the same as the operator of the offline sports goods store 210. User U1 settled the payment using ID settlement. The sports goods store 230 corresponds to the stamp card 110. In response to this settlement, the granting unit 1103 grants a stamp to user U1. As a result, the number of stamps pressed on the stamp card 110 becomes 3.

[0090] The awarding unit 1103 may award one stamp for each use of the payment means and the point card respectively. Alternatively, the awarding unit 1103 may award stamps according to the cumulative value of the payment amount. For example, it is assumed that one stamp is awarded for every 1,000 yen. For example, the user makes a payment of 500 yen using the payment means. In this case, no stamp is awarded. Subsequently, the user makes a payment of 800 yen. Since the cumulative value of the payment amount is 1,300 yen, one stamp is awarded.

[0091] The awarding unit 1103 may award stamps only when the usage mode of the payment-related means satisfies a predetermined awarding condition when the payment-related means is used. Therefore, in order to obtain a stamp, it may be necessary for the user to use the payment-related means and satisfy the awarding condition. The awarding condition may be common to all stamp cards. Alternatively, the awarding condition may be settable by the creator for each stamp card. For some stamp cards, the awarding condition may not be set. Examples of the awarding condition include that the purchased transaction target is a predetermined transaction target, the payment amount is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the usage date of the payment-related means is within a predetermined period (including a predetermined day of the week), the usage time of the payment-related means is within a predetermined time zone, the number of points obtained by the user through the use of the payment-related means is equal to or more than a predetermined number, etc. Regarding the awarding of stamps according to the cumulative value of the payment amount described above, the amount for which the stamp is awarded may also be determined. Note that using the payment-related means at the store or e-commerce service corresponding to the stamp card may be included in the awarding condition or may correspond to a condition separate from the awarding condition.

[0092] The point card can be used in combination with a payment method. For example, the user can pay the amount using a payment method and earn points with the point card. Also, the user can pay the amount using both the payment method and the point card. When the payment method and the point card are used in combination in the same transaction, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp only for either the use of the payment method or the use of the point card. That is, the granting unit 1103 may prevent double-stamping in the same transaction. Here, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp only for the use of the payment method, or may grant a stamp only for the use of the point card. Alternatively, the granting unit 1103 may determine whether to grant a stamp for either the use of the payment method or the use of the point card according to the situation at that time. The granting unit 1103 may determine whether the payment method and the point card are used in combination in the same transaction based on the payment method use transaction information included in the payment information and the point card use transaction information included in the point card use information. For example, when the payment method use transaction information and the point card use transaction information match, the granting unit 1103 may determine that the payment method and the point card are used in combination. When the payment method use transaction information and the use transaction information each include the use time of the payment method and the use time of the point card, the granting unit 1103 may determine that there is a possibility that the payment method and the point card are used in combination when the difference in the use times is less than a predetermined value. Note that the granting unit 1103 may allow double-stamping of the stamp.

[0093] Figs. 8(a) and (b) are diagrams showing examples of stamp awarding. For example, assume that a stamp is awarded in response to the use of a predetermined code settlement and also a stamp is awarded in response to the use of a predetermined point card. As shown in Fig. 8(a), a stamp card 120 was issued to a certain user U2. As shown in Fig. 8(b), user U2 purchased goods at a supermarket 240. At this time, user U2 caused the code information to be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 8-2 held by user U2 and had the store terminal 5 read this code information, thereby settling the payment using the code settlement. Also, user U2 obtained points using the point card 310. The supermarket 240 corresponds to the stamp card 120. Fig. 8(c) is a diagram showing an example of settlement information and point card usage information. As shown in Fig. 8(c), the settlement information corresponding to the use of the settlement means shown in Fig. 8(b) and the point card usage information corresponding to the use of the point card each include a user ID, a store ID, a use date and time, and a settlement amount. The user ID, store ID, use date and time, and settlement amount are the same for both the settlement means and the point card usage information. Therefore, the awarding unit 1103 determines that the code settlement and the point card are used in combination. As a result, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the awarding unit 1103 awards one stamp instead of two stamps. Note that it may be determined as the same transaction when a part of the settlement information and the point card usage information is the same. Also, in a store where the code settlement and the point card can be used in combination, it may be specified in advance to award a stamp only for one of them.

[0094] Note that in a situation where code settlement or ID settlement is used, there may be a case where as a result, two settlement means are substantially used simultaneously. For example, when a settlement means such as a credit card is associated with the code settlement or ID settlement, when the code settlement or ID settlement is used, ultimately, the payment is settled by the associated settlement means. In this case, the awarding unit 1103 may award stamps doubly or may not award them.

[0095] When the awarding unit 1103 awards a stamp to a user of a stamp card, in addition to awarding the stamp, it may also award a privilege different from the stamp to the user. This privilege is a privilege awarded on the condition that the user has a stamp card. It differs from the conventional privilege awarded on the condition that the user has used settlement-related means even if the user does not have a stamp card in terms of the conditions for awarding the privilege. Examples of the privileges to be awarded include points in a point program, coupons, electronic money, etc. If any of the settlement means included in two or more predetermined settlement means is used, the awarding unit 1103 may award a privilege regardless of which settlement means is used. Also, the awarding unit 1103 may award a privilege whether a settlement means or a point card is used. The value of the privilege to be awarded may be predetermined, for example. The awarding unit 1103 may award the privilege in real time in response to the use of a settlement means or a point card. Alternatively, the awarding unit 1103 may award the privilege in batches. Hereinafter, it will be described as if points in a point program are awarded.

[0096] Figs. 9(a) and (b) are diagrams showing examples of awarding points. For example, assume that a stamp is awarded in response to the use of a predetermined credit card and a stamp is also awarded in response to the use of a predetermined point card. As shown in Fig. 9(a), user U3 is a user who uses stamp card 130. User U3 purchased goods at convenience store 250. At this time, user U3 settled the payment using a credit card. In response to this settlement, the awarding unit 1103 awards a stamp to user U3. Also, the awarding unit 1103 awards 10 points to user U3. As shown in Fig. 9(b), user U3 purchased goods at bookstore 260. At this time, user U3 settled the payment using a combination of cash and point card 330. In response to this settlement, the awarding unit 1103 awards a stamp to user U3. Also, the awarding unit 1103 awards 10 points to user U3.

[0097] When a stamp is applied by the application unit 1103, the stamp information storage control unit 1104 may cause the storage unit 14 to store a stamp acquisition log indicating that the stamp has been applied, in association with user information indicating the user of the stamp card. The stored stamp acquisition log may be information capable of identifying the payment means used among two or more predetermined payment means. Also, the stamp acquisition log may be information capable of identifying the means used among the payment means and the point card. For example, it may be possible to identify the means used from the payment-related means ID included in the stamp acquisition log. The user information may be a user ID.

[0098] The stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 may transmit stamp card screen display information to the user terminal 8 of the user of the stamp card. The stamp card screen display information may be information for causing the user terminal 8 to display a screen of the stamp card including the stamp applied by the application unit 1103. The screen of the stamp card may be configured by, for example, a web page. In this case, the stamp card screen display information may be an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) document. Alternatively, the stamp card screen display information may be other information. Here, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 may vary the display mode of the stamp on the stamp card screen according to the means used, based on the stamp acquisition log associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card. Thereby, the user can recognize by what means the stamp was acquired. Examples of the display mode include the shape, color, and pattern of the stamp image, the characters themselves within the stamp image, the style, size, thickness, color, and pattern of the characters, and the like.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a stamp card screen. For example, on the initial screen of a stamp card application or the initial screen of a stamp card website, the user selects a stamp card for which to display the stamp card screen from among the stamp cards currently issued to that user. In response to this selection, as shown in FIG. 10, the user terminal 8 may display a stamp card screen 400. The stamp card screen 400 may include a stamp card name 410, a stamp card image 420, a stamp acquisition history display menu item 440, and the like. The stamp name 410 indicates the name of the selected stamp card. The stamp card image 420 is an image showing the stamp card. The stamp card image 420 may include, for example, stamp column images 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, and 430. Each stamp column image is an image showing a stamp column. The stamp column images 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, and 430 correspond to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth stamp columns, respectively. The stamp column images 421, 422, 423, 424, and 425 each include a stamp image. The stamp image is an image showing a stamp. The stamp column images 426, 427, 428, 429, and 430 do not include a stamp image. Accordingly, currently, 5 stamps are stored. The stamp images shown in FIG. 10 include characters indicating the name of the means used. For example, the stamp images included in the stamp column images 421 and 422 indicate that ID settlement was used. The stamp images included in the stamp column images 423 and 425 indicate that code settlement was used. The stamp image included in the stamp column image 424 indicates that a point card was used. The stamp acquisition history display menu item 440 is an operable element for displaying a screen of the stamp acquisition history for the selected stamp card.

[0100] The history screen information transmission unit 1106 may transmit the history screen information to the user terminal 8 of the user of the stamp card. The history screen information may be information for causing the user terminal 8 to display a screen of the stamp acquisition history. The screen of the stamp acquisition history may be composed of, for example, a web page. In this case, the history screen information may be an HTML document. Alternatively, the history screen information may be other information. Here, based on the stamp acquisition log associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 may display, on the screen of the stamp card history, the usage means information indicating the means used together with the stamp card history. The history screen information transmission unit 1106 may display the stamp acquisition history and the usage means information in a manner in which the usage means information is associated with each stamp acquisition log.

[0101] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a stamp card acquisition history screen. For example, on the initial screen of the stamp card application or the initial screen of the stamp card website, the user selects the display of the stamp acquisition history. In response to this selection, as shown in FIG. 11, the user terminal 8 may display the stamp acquisition history 500. The stamp acquisition history 500 may include one or more stamp acquisition log display columns 510. The stamp acquisition log display column 510 shows the stamp acquisition log corresponding to the acquisition of one stamp. The stamp acquisition log display column 510 may be displayed, for example, in the order of the latest use date and time of the used settlement-related means. Alternatively, the stamp acquisition log display column 510 may be displayed in the order of the proximity of the store where the settlement-related means was used from the current position of the user terminal 8. Each stamp acquisition log display column 510 may include a stamp card name 521, a stamp acquisition date and time 522, a place of use name 523, a means of use name 524, and a total number of acquired stamps 525. The stamp card name 521 indicates the name of the stamp that the user acquired. The stamp acquisition date and time 522 indicates the date and time when the stamp was acquired. The date and time when the stamp was acquired may correspond to the date and time when the settlement-related means was used. The place of use name 523 indicates the location where the user used the settlement-related means. When the location where the settlement-related means was used is a store, the place of use name 523 indicates the location of the store. When the location where the settlement-related means was used is an e-commerce service, the place of use name 523 may indicate the name of the e-commerce service or the name of the online store where the settlement-related means was used in the e-commerce service. The means of use name 524 indicates the name of the used settlement-related means. The total number of acquired stamps 525 indicates the total number of stamps that the user acquired with that stamp card. The current number of stamps indicates the number of stamps that are only pressed on the latest issued stamp card. In contrast, the total number of acquired stamps 525 indicates the number of stamps that are pressed on all the stamp cards issued up to the present time, including the stamp cards issued in the past.

[0102] When the user operates the stamp acquisition history display menu item 440 on the stamp card screen 400 shown in FIG. 10, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 may generate history screen information so that the user terminal 8 only displays the stamp acquisition history for the stamp card whose information is displayed on the stamp card screen 400 among the stamp cards issued to the user.

[0103] [1-3-2. Membership Information Management Server] Next, the functional overview of the system control unit 21 of the membership information management server 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of the system control unit 21 of the membership information management server 2 according to the present embodiment. The system control unit 21 may function as a settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101, a settlement-related information transmission unit 2102, etc., as shown in FIG. 12, when the CPU 21a reads and executes various program codes included in the membership information management program.

[0104] The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may acquire settlement information of the settlement means corresponding to each of the plurality of settlement systems 4 from each of the plurality of settlement systems 4. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may acquire settlement information from different settlement systems 4 for each settlement means. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may acquire settlement information in real time or in batches according to the use of the settlement means. The format of the settlement information acquired from the settlement system 4 may be the format unique to the settlement means. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may convert the format of the acquired settlement information into the format of the settlement-related information stored in the settlement-related information DB 24b. Then, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may store the settlement information in the settlement-related information DB 24b as settlement-related information. The settlement means user information included in the settlement information may or may not be the user ID. For example, the settlement means user information included in the credit card settlement information may be the credit card number. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may convert the settlement means user information into the user ID. For example, the conversion may be performed based on a table showing the correspondence between the settlement means user information and the user ID. This table may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 24 of the membership information management server 2 or in the settlement system 4. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may identify the settlement means, for example, based on from which settlement system 4 the settlement information is transmitted. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may add a settlement-related means ID indicating the identified settlement means to the settlement-related information. In addition, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may add a new settlement-related information ID to the settlement-related information.

[0105] The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may acquire point card usage information from the point program system 3. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may acquire the point card usage information in real time in response to the use of the point card, or may acquire it in batches. Also, similar to the case of settlement information, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may convert the format of the point card usage information into the format of settlement-related information and store it in the settlement-related information DB 24b. Further, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may convert the point card usage user information included in the point card usage information into a user ID. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may add a settlement-related means ID indicating the point card to the settlement-related information.

[0106] The settlement-related information transmission unit 2102 may transmit the settlement information acquired by the settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 to the stamp card management server 1. For example, the settlement-related information transmission unit 2102 may transmit the settlement information stored as settlement-related information in the settlement-related information DB 24b in response to a request from the stamp card management server 1.

[0107] Also, the settlement-related information transmission unit 2102 may transmit the point card usage information acquired by the settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 to the stamp card management server 1. For example, the settlement-related information transmission unit 2102 may transmit the point card usage information stored as settlement-related information in the settlement-related information DB 24b in response to a request from the stamp card management server 1.

[0108] [1-4. Operation of the Communication System] Next, the operation of the communication system S will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18. The system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 may execute the processes shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 according to the program codes included in the stamp card management program. The system control unit 21 of the member information management server 2 may execute the process shown in FIG. 13 according to the program codes included in the member information management program. The processes shown in these figures are examples, and any process may be executed as long as the objective is achieved. The order of the processes is not limited to the order shown in these figures. Also, at least one of the steps shown in these figures may not be executed.

[0109] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the settlement system 4 transmits settlement information to the member information management server 2 at any time or at a predetermined timing. Also, the point program system 3 transmits point card usage information to the member information management server 2 at any time or at a predetermined timing (step S1). The settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 of the member information management server 2 stores the received settlement information and point card usage information in the settlement-related information DB 24b as settlement-related information (step S2). At this time, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 2101 may add a settlement-related means ID to the settlement-related information.

[0110] The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 of the stamp card management server 1 transmits a settlement-related information request to the member information management server 2 at a predetermined time interval (step S3). The settlement-related information request indicates a request for settlement-related information. Examples of the transmission interval of the settlement-related information request include several seconds, several minutes, several hours, one day, and the like. The settlement-related information transmission unit 2102 of the member information management server 2 that has received the settlement-related information request transmits one or more settlement-related information newly stored in the settlement-related information DB 24b between receiving the previous settlement-related information request and receiving the current settlement-related information request to the stamp card management server 1 (step S4). The transmitted settlement-related information may include settlement information for each of two or more predetermined settlement means. Further, the transmitted settlement-related information may or may not include point card usage information. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 of the stamp card management server 1 that has received the settlement-related information stores the received settlement-related information in the settlement-related information DB 14g (step S5).

[0111] Next, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 selects one settlement-related information from among the settlement-related information received this time from the member information management server 2 (step S6). For example, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the settlement-related information with the oldest usage date and time. Next, the awarding unit 1103 executes stamp control processing on the selected settlement-related information (step S7).

[0112] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp control processing executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the granting unit 1103 determines whether or not a user who uses a payment-related means is a user of any stamp card based on the selected payment-related information (step S101). For example, the granting unit 1103 may acquire a user ID from the payment-related information. The granting unit 1103 may search the issued card DB 14f for issued card information including the user ID. If there is corresponding issued card information, the granting unit 1103 may determine that the user who uses the payment-related means is a user of the stamp card. If the user who uses the payment-related means is not a user of the stamp card (step S101: NO), the stamp control processing ends.

[0113] If the user who uses the payment-related means is a user of the stamp card (step S101: YES), the granting unit 1103 acquires stamp card information from the stamp card DB 14d (step S102). For example, the granting unit 1103 may acquire a stamp card ID from each of the retrieved issued card information. The granting unit 1103 may acquire stamp card information including the stamp card ID. Next, the granting unit 1103 acquires stamp card corresponding store information including the stamp card ID from the stamp card corresponding store DB 14e (step S103). Next, the granting unit 1103 determines whether or not the store where the payment-related means is used is a store corresponding to any of the stamp cards used by the user (step S104). For example, the granting unit 1103 may acquire a store ID from the payment-related information. If this store ID matches the store ID included in any of the acquired stamp card corresponding store information, the granting unit 1103 may determine that the store where the payment-related means is used is a store corresponding to the stamp card. If the store where the payment-related means is used is a store that does not correspond to any of the stamp cards (step S104: NO), the stamp control processing ends.

[0114] When the store where the settlement-related means is used is a store corresponding to any stamp card (step S104: YES), the granting unit 1103 specifies the stamp card information of the stamp card for which the settlement-related means was used at the corresponding store among the acquired stamp card information. The granting unit 1103 determines whether or not the granting conditions are satisfied based on the settlement-related information and the granting condition information included in the specified stamp card information (step S105). When the granting conditions are not satisfied (step S105: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0115] When the grant condition is satisfied (step S105: YES), the grant unit 1103 determines whether the payment-related means used by the user is a point card based on the payment-related means ID included in the payment-related information (step S106). When the payment-related means used by the user is a point card (step S106: YES), the grant unit 1103 searches the payment-related information DB14g for payment-related information indicating that the payment means was used in the same transaction as the transaction in which the point card was used (step S107). For example, the grant unit 1103 may obtain at least one piece of information determined in advance from among the user ID, store ID, payment amount, use date, and use time from the selected payment-related information. Further, the grant unit 1103 may search the stamp acquisition history DB14h for a stamp acquisition log including a combination of the user ID acquired in step S101 and the stamp card ID of the stamp card determined to satisfy the grant condition in step S105. The grant unit 1103 may obtain a payment-related information ID from each of the searched stamp acquisition logs. The grant unit 1103 may search the payment-related information DB14g for payment-related information including the obtained payment-related information ID, a payment-related means ID indicating a payment means other than the point card, and information that matches the information obtained from the selected payment-related information. As a result of the search, the grant unit 1103 determines whether there is corresponding payment-related information (step S108). When there is corresponding payment-related information (step S108: YES), the stamp control process ends. When there is no corresponding payment-related information (step S108: NO), the grant unit 1103 executes a stamp grant process (step S111). Details of the stamp grant process will be described later.

[0116] When the payment-related means used by the user is a payment means other than the point card (step S106: NO), the awarding unit 1103 searches the payment-related information DB14g for payment-related information indicating that the point card was used in the same transaction as the transaction in which the payment means was used (step S109). Except that the search target is payment-related information regarding the point card, step S109 may be the same as step S107. As a result of the search, the awarding unit 1103 determines whether there is corresponding payment-related information (step S110). If there is corresponding payment-related information (step S110: YES), the stamp control process ends. If there is no corresponding payment-related information (step S110: NO), the awarding unit 1103 executes the stamp awarding process (step S111).

[0117] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a stamp awarding process executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the awarding unit 1103 searches the issued card DB 14f for issued card information including a combination of the user ID of the user using the settlement related means and the stamp card ID of the stamp card determined to satisfy the additional conditions (step S201). Next, the awarding unit 1103 adds 1 to the current stamp count included in the retrieved issued card information and updates the current stamp count (step S202). Next, the stamp information storage control unit 1104 stores the stamp acquisition log in the stamp acquisition history DB 14h (step S203). At this time, the stamp information storage control unit 1104 may acquire the issued card number, the stamp card ID, the issued number, and the updated current stamp count from the retrieved issued card information. Further, the stamp information storage control unit 1104 may acquire the user ID, the settlement related means ID, the store ID, the use date and time, and the settlement related information ID from the selected settlement related information. Further, the stamp information storage control unit 1104 may set the stamp column number to the current stamp count. The stamp information storage control unit 1104 may generate a stamp acquisition log including the information acquired from the issued card information and the settlement related information, and the stamp column number. The stamp information storage control unit 1104 may include the use date and time in the stamp acquisition log as the stamp acquisition date and time.

[0118] Next, the awarding unit 1103 acquires the privilege setting information stored in the privilege DB 14d in association with the stamp card ID included in the retrieved issued card information. The awarding unit 1103 determines whether the updated stamp count matches any of the privilege stamp counts included in the privilege setting information (step S204). If the current stamp count matches any of the privilege stamp counts (step S204: YES), the awarding unit 1103 changes the privilege status stored in the privilege DB 14i in association with the same combination as the combination of the privilege stamp count that matches the current stamp count, the issued card number included in the retrieved issued card information, the user ID, and the issued number, to "usable" (step S205).

[0119] After step S205, or when the current stamp count does not match any of the privilege stamp counts (step S204: NO), the granting unit 1103 determines whether the current stamp count matches the number of stamp columns (step S206). When the current stamp count matches the number of stamp columns (step S206: YES), the granting unit 1103 adds 1 to the issued number included in the retrieved issued card information to update the issued number (step 207). Next, the granting unit 1103 changes the current stamp count included in the retrieved issued card information to 0 (step S208). Next, the granting unit 1103 generates new privilege information and stores it in the privilege DB 14i (step S209). At this time, the granting unit 1103 may obtain the privilege stamp count from the privilege setting information. The granting unit 1103 may generate privilege information including a combination identical to the combination of the issued card number, stamp card ID, user ID, and updated issued number included in the issued card information for each obtained privilege stamp count, the privilege stamp count, and a privilege status indicating "unused". After step S209, the stamp granting process ends.

[0120] Returning to FIG. 14, when the stamp granting process ends, the granting unit 1103 executes a point granting process (step S112).

[0121] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a point awarding process executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the awarding unit 1103 generates a point addition request (step S301). The point addition request indicates a request to add a set number of points to the available points of a certain user. For example, the awarding unit 1103 may generate a point addition request including the user ID of a user who used the settlement-related means and a predetermined number of points. Next, the awarding unit 1103 transmits the generated point addition request to the point program system 3 (step S302), and the point awarding process ends. The point program system 3 adds the number of points included in the point addition request to the available points associated with the user ID included in the point addition request among the available points stored in the point program system 3. Thereby, the available points are updated.

[0122] Returning to FIG. 14, when the point awarding process ends, the stamp control process ends. Returning to FIG. 13, when the stamp control process ends, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 of the stamp card management server 1 determines whether there is any settlement-related information that has not yet been selected among the settlement-related information received from the membership information management server 2 (step S8). If there is unselected settlement-related information (step S8: YES), the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 selects one piece of settlement-related information from the settlement-related information received from the membership information management server 2 that has not yet been selected. At this time, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the settlement-related information in the order of the oldest use date and time. When all the settlement-related information has been selected (step S8: NO), the process shown in FIG. 13 ends.

[0123] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp screen information transmission processing executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. For example, the user operates the user terminal 8 to select a stamp card for displaying a stamp screen. The user terminal 8 that has detected this selection may transmit a stamp screen information request to the stamp card management server 1. The stamp screen information request indicates a request for an HTML document of the stamp screen. The stamp screen information request may include the stamp card ID of the selected stamp card and the user ID of the user who made the selection. The system control unit 11 may execute stamp screen information transmission processing in response to receiving the stamp screen information request from the user terminal 8.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 17, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 acquires a template of the HTML document of the stamp screen from the storage unit 14 (step S401). This HTML document includes tag information for displaying the stamp card image. This tag information may include the URLs of the data of each stamp column image included in the stamp card image. The default URL included in this tag information may be the URL of the data of the stamp column image indicating that no stamp has been given. Next, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 searches the stamp card DB 14d for stamp card information including the stamp card ID included in the stamp screen information request. Also, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 searches the issued card DB 14f for issued card information including the combination of the stamp card ID and the user ID included in the stamp screen information request (step S402). Next, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 acquires the stamp name from the stamp card information. The stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 adds the acquired stamp name to the HTML document (step S403). Next, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 sets the stamp column number i to 1 (step S404). Next, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 searches the stamp acquisition history DB 14h for a stamp acquisition log including the combination of the stamp card ID and the user ID included in the stamp screen information request and the stamp column number indicating the i-th (step S405). As a result of the search, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 determines whether there is a corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S406). If there is a corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S406: YES), the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 acquires the payment-related means ID from the searched stamp acquisition log (step S407). Next, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 rewrites the URL of the data of the i-th stamp column image among the URLs of the stamp column images included in the HTML document of the stamp screen to the URL of the data of the stamp column image including the stamp image corresponding to the payment-related means indicated by the acquired payment-related means ID (step S408).After step S408, or if there is no corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S406: NO), the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 determines whether the stamp column number i is less than the number of stamp columns (step S409). If the stamp column number i is less than the number of stamp columns (step S410: YES), the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 adds 1 to the stamp column number i and updates the stamp column number i (step S410). Then, the process proceeds to step S405. If the stamp column number i matches the number of stamp columns (step S410: NO), the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 transmits the HTML document of the stamp screen to the user terminal 8 (step S411), and the stamp screen information transmission process ends.

[0125] The user terminal 8 that has received the HTML document from the stamp card management server 1 displays the stamp card screen based on this HTML document. At this time, the user terminal 8 displays the stamp card name included in the HTML document. Also, the user terminal 8 displays the stamp card image. For each stamp column, the user terminal 8 sends a stamp column image request to the stamp card management server 1. The stamp column image request includes the URL of the data of the stamp column image included in the HTML document. The stamp card management server 1 sends the image data corresponding to the URL included in the stamp column image request to the user terminal 8. The user terminal 8 displays the image of each stamp column on the stamp card image based on the image data received from the stamp card management server 1.

[0126] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp acquisition history screen information transmission processing executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. For example, the user operates the user terminal 8 to select the display of the stamp acquisition history screen. The user terminal 8 that has detected this selection may transmit a stamp acquisition history screen information request to the stamp card management server 1. The stamp acquisition history screen information request indicates a request for an HTML document of the stamp acquisition history screen. The stamp acquisition history screen information request may include the user ID of the user who made the selection. When the user selects a stamp card, the stamp acquisition history screen information request may further include the stamp card ID of the selected stamp card. In response to receiving the stamp acquisition history screen information request from the user terminal 8, the system control unit 11 may execute the stamp acquisition history screen information transmission processing.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 18, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 acquires a template of an HTML document of the stamp acquisition history screen from the storage unit 14 (step S501). Next, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 determines whether a stamp card has been selected based on whether the stamp acquisition history screen information request includes a stamp card ID (step S502). If a stamp card has been selected (step S502: YES), the history screen information transmission unit 1106 searches the stamp acquisition history DB 14h for a stamp acquisition log including a combination that matches the combination of the user ID and the stamp card ID included in the stamp acquisition history screen information request (step S503). If a stamp card has not been selected (step S502: NO), the history screen information transmission unit 1106 searches the stamp acquisition history DB 14h for a stamp acquisition log including a user ID that matches the user ID included in the stamp acquisition history screen information request (step S504).

[0128] After step S503 or step S504, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 selects any one of the retrieved stamp acquisition logs (step S505). For example, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 may select the stamp acquisition log with the most recent stamp acquisition date and time. Next, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 adds tag information for displaying the stamp acquisition log display column to the HTML document of the stamp acquisition history screen based on the selected stamp acquisition log (step S506). For example, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 may obtain the stamp card ID, stamp acquisition date and time, store ID, payment-related means ID, issued quantity, stamp column number, etc. from the stamp acquisition log. The history screen information transmission unit 1106 may search for the stamp card information including the obtained stamp card ID from the stamp card DB14d. The history screen information transmission unit 1106 may obtain the stamp card name from the stamp card information. Further, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 may search for the store information including the obtained store ID from the store DB14c. The history screen information transmission unit 1106 may obtain the store name from the store information. Also, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 may obtain the payment-related means name associated with the obtained payment-related means ID from the payment-related means DB14a. Further, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 may calculate the total number of acquired stamps based on the issued quantity, the number of stamp columns, and the current number of stamps. The history screen information transmission unit 1106 may generate tag information including the stamp card name, stamp acquisition date and time, store name, payment-related means name, and total number of acquired stamps.

[0129] Next, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 determines whether there is an unselected stamp acquisition log among the retrieved stamp acquisition logs (step S507). If there is an unselected stamp acquisition log (step S507: YES), the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 selects one stamp acquisition log from among the unselected stamp acquisition logs. At this time, the history screen information transmission unit 1106 may select the stamp acquisition logs, for example, in the order of the latest stamp acquisition date and time. When all the stamp acquisition logs have been selected (step S507: NO), the history screen information transmission unit 1106 transmits the HTML document of the stamp acquisition history screen to the user terminal 8, and the stamp acquisition history screen information transmission process ends.

[0130] The user terminal 8 that has received the HTML document from the stamp card management server 1 displays the stamp acquisition history screen based on this HTML document. At this time, the user terminal 8 displays each stamp acquisition log display column based on the tag information included in the HTML document. For example, the user terminal 8 displays the stamp card name, the stamp acquisition date and time, the store name, the settlement-related means name, and the total number of acquired stamps.

[0131] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the stamp card management server 1 may acquire settlement information for each of two or more predetermined settlement means. Further, the stamp card management server 1 may grant a stamp to the user of the stamp card on the condition that any of the two or more settlement means has been used, based on the settlement information and the user information indicating the user of the stamp card. At this time, the stamp card management server 1 may grant a stamp regardless of which of the two or more settlement means has been used. In this case, it is possible to provide a stamp card that allows the user to acquire a stamp regardless of which of the two or more settlement means is used.

[0132] In addition, the stamp card management server 1 may acquire point card usage information. Further, the stamp card management server 1 may grant a stamp on the condition that the point card has been used, based on the point card usage information and user information. In this case, even if the point card is used, the user of the stamp card can acquire a stamp. Therefore, in addition to two or more payment means, the use of the point card can be promoted to the user.

[0133] Here, when the stamp card management server 1 grants a stamp to the user of the stamp card based on the settlement information, the point card usage information, and the user information indicating the user of the stamp card, the stamp may be granted regardless of whether the payment means or the point card is used. In this case, the stamp is granted regardless of which of the used means is the payment means or the point card. Therefore, it is possible to provide a stamp card that allows the user to acquire a stamp regardless of which of the payment means and the point card is used.

[0134] Here, when the settlement means and the point card are used in combination in the same transaction, the stamp may be granted only for either the use of the settlement means or the use of the point card. In this case, it is possible to prevent double stamping for one transaction due to the combined use of the settlement means and the point card.

[0135] At this time, the stamp card management server 1 may determine whether the settlement means and the point card are used in combination based on the settlement means usage transaction information included in the settlement information and the point card usage transaction information included in the point card usage information. In this case, it is determined whether the means for which the settlement means is used and the transaction for which the point card is used are the same. Therefore, it is possible to prevent double stamping for one transaction due to the combined use of the settlement means and the point card.

[0136] Also, the business operator providing the payment means and the business operator providing the point card may be different. In this case, by using the payment means and the point card provided by different business operators respectively, the user can obtain stamps respectively.

[0137] Here, when the stamp card management server 1 grants a stamp, it may also grant points. In this case, the user who obtains a stamp can also obtain points. Therefore, for example, it is possible to further encourage the user of the stamp card to use at least one of two or more payment means. Also, for example, it is possible to further encourage the user of the stamp card to use the payment means and the point card.

[0138] Also, two or more payment means may include code payment and ID payment. In this case, the user of the stamp card can obtain a stamp regardless of whether they use code payment or ID payment. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the use of code payment and ID payment.

[0139] Also, two or more payment means may include two code payments. In this case, the user of the stamp card can obtain a stamp regardless of which of the two code payment means they use. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the use of the two code payment means.

[0140] Also, when the first payment means is used with a predetermined offline store as the payment destination for the price by the stamp card management server 1, a stamp may be granted. Also, when the second payment means is used with an online store operated by at least one of the same business operator as the business operator operating the offline store and the related parties of the business operator as the payment destination for the price by the stamp card management server 1, a stamp may be granted. In this case, the user of the stamp card can obtain a stamp regardless of whether they use the offline store or the online store operated by the same business operator. Here, even if the user uses different payment means for the offline store and the online store, they can obtain stamps for each use.

[0141] In addition, when the stamp card management server 1 grants a stamp, it may store a stamp acquisition log in the stamp acquisition history DB 14h in association with user information indicating the user of the stamp card. Further, the stamp card management server 1 may transmit stamp card screen display information to the user terminal 8 of the user of the stamp card. At this time, based on the stamp acquisition log associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, the stamp card management server 1 may vary the display mode of the stamp on the stamp card screen according to the means used. In this case, the stamps included in the stamp card on the stamp card screen are displayed in a manner corresponding to the means used. Therefore, the user can recognize through the stamp card screen for what means the stamp was acquired.

[0142] In addition, the stamp card management server 1 may transmit history screen information for displaying a stamp acquisition history screen to the user terminal 8. At this time, based on the stamp acquisition log associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, the stamp card management server 1 may display information indicating the means used together with the history on the stamp acquisition history screen. In this case, on this stamp acquisition history screen, information indicating the means used is displayed together with the history of stamp acquisitions. Therefore, the user can recognize through the screen of the history of stamp acquisitions for what means the stamp was acquired.

[0143] In addition, the stamp card management server 1 may acquire corresponding store information indicating at least one store corresponding to the stamp card. Also, when any one of at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is used as a payment destination for the price and any one of two or more payment means is used, stamps may be granted. In this case, when any one of the at least one store is used, the user can acquire stamps. Therefore, the user can acquire stamps regardless of which of the two or more payment means is used, and a stamp card that allows the user to pre-select a store where the user can acquire stamps can be provided.

[0144] In addition, when any one of at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is used as a payment destination for the price and any one of a payment means and a point card is used, stamps may be granted. In this case, when any one of the at least one store is used, the user can acquire stamps. Therefore, the user can acquire stamps regardless of which of the payment means and the point card is used, and a stamp card that allows the user to pre-select a store where the user can acquire stamps can be provided.

[0145] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 25. The second embodiment may be the same as the first embodiment except for the points described below. In this embodiment, the creator of the stamp card can select a payment-related means corresponding to the created stamp card. The payment-related means corresponding to the stamp card is a payment-related means by which the user of the stamp card can acquire stamps by using the payment-related means.

[0146] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the content stored in the stamp card DB 14d of the stamp card management server 1. As shown in FIG. 19, in the stamp card DB 14d, as stamp card information, in addition to the stamp card ID, stamp card name, creator ID, description text, privilege setting information, and granting conditions, selection settlement-related means information may be stored in association with the stamp card ID and the like. The selection settlement-related means information may be information indicating whether or not each of a plurality of predetermined settlement-related means is selected as a settlement-related means for which a stamp is to be given to the user of the stamp card indicated by the stamp card ID. Each of the plurality of predetermined settlement-related means may be a settlement-related means determined to be selectable as a settlement-related means for which a stamp is to be given to the user of the stamp card on the condition that it is used. The plurality of predetermined settlement-related means may be, for example, all of the settlement means from which the membership information management server 2 or the stamp card management server 1 can acquire settlement-related information from the settlement system 4, or may be a part of those settlement means. The plurality of predetermined settlement-related means may or may not include a point card. In response to a request from the creator of the stamp card, the operator of the stamp card service may set the selection settlement-related means information. Alternatively, on the stamp card creation screen provided by the stamp card management server 1 to the creator terminal 7, it may be possible to select the settlement-related means corresponding to the stamp card to be created. The stamp card management server 1 may acquire the selection settlement-related means information corresponding to the selection of the settlement-related means on the stamp card creation screen from the creator terminal 7 and store this selection settlement-related means information in the stamp card DB 14d. One of the plurality of predetermined settlement-related means may be selectable, or two or more settlement-related means may be selectable, or all of the settlement-related means may be selectable.

[0147] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of setting information on selection settlement related means. As shown in FIG. 20, it is assumed that a plurality of predetermined settlement related means include predetermined code settlement, a predetermined point card, a predetermined IC type electronic money, a predetermined credit card, and a predetermined ID settlement. For example, for the stamp card 601, only code settlement is selected. For the stamp card 602, only the point card is selected. For the stamp card 603, only the IC type electronic money is selected. For the stamp card 604, code settlement, credit card, and ID settlement are selected. For the stamp card 605, code settlement and point card are selected. For the stamp card 606, all of code settlement, point card, IC type electronic money, credit card, and ID settlement are selected.

[0148] FIG. 21 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 the present embodiment. In FIG. 21, the same elements as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 21, in addition to the settlement related information acquisition unit 1101, the corresponding store information acquisition unit 1102, the granting unit 1103, the stamp information storage control unit 1104, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105, and the history screen information transmission unit 1106, the system control unit 11 may function as a selection settlement related means information acquisition unit 1107.

[0149] The selection settlement related means information acquisition unit 1107 may acquire selection settlement related means information indicating at least one settlement means selected as a selection settlement means to which a stamp is to be attached to a created stamp card among a plurality of predetermined settlement means. The plurality of predetermined settlement means may or may not include a point card. The at least one selection settlement means may or may not include a point card. The selection settlement related means information acquisition unit 1107 may acquire the selection settlement related means information from the stamp card DB 14d or may acquire the selection settlement related means information from the creator terminal 7.

[0150] The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire settlement-related information indicating the use of at least one selected settlement method indicated by the selected settlement-related method information acquired by the selected settlement-related method information acquisition unit 1107 among a plurality of predetermined settlement methods. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire settlement-related information for each of the selected settlement methods. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire settlement-related information from the member information management server 2, or may acquire settlement information or point card usage information from the point program system 3 or the settlement system 4. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the settlement-related information of the selected settlement method even if the selected settlement method indicated by the selected settlement-related method information is any one of the plurality of predetermined settlement methods.

[0151] The granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp on the condition that any one of at least one selected settlement method indicated by the selected settlement-related method information acquired by the selected settlement-related method information acquisition unit 1107 is used. When there are two or more selected settlement methods, as in the case of the first embodiment, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp even if any one of the two or more selected settlement methods is used. The two or more settlement methods selected as the selected settlement methods may correspond to the two or more predetermined settlement methods described in the first embodiment.

[0152] Figs. 22(a) to (d) are diagrams showing examples of stamp grants. As shown in Fig. 22(a), assume that a stamp card 605 has been issued to user U4. As shown in Fig. 20, for the stamp card 605, code settlement and a point card have been selected. As shown in Fig. 22(b), user U4 purchased a product using code settlement with the user terminal 8-4 held by user U4. The granting unit 1103 grants a stamp according to the use of code settlement. As a result, the number of stamps pressed on the stamp card 605 becomes one. As shown in Fig. 22(c), user U4 purchased a product with cash. At this time, user U4 obtained points by using the point card 340. The granting unit 1103 grants a stamp according to the use of the point card. As a result, the number of stamps pressed on the stamp card 605 becomes two. As shown in Fig. 22(d), user U4 purchased a product with the credit card 350. The granting unit 1103 does not grant a stamp for the use of the credit card. As a result, the number of stamps pressed on the stamp card 605 remains two. Note that all of the stores where user U4 purchased products in Figs. 22(b) to (d) correspond to the stamp card 605.

[0153] The rules for selecting the stores corresponding to the stamp card may be determined in advance. For example, the stores corresponding to the stamp card may be stores where the selection settlement means indicated by the selection settlement related means information can be used. When there are two or more selection settlement means and the store corresponding to the stamp card is one store, that store may be a store where all the selection settlement means can be used. When there are two or more selection settlement means and there are a plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp card, each of those plurality of stores may be a store where at least one of those selection settlement means can be used. However, in order for a stamp to be granted to the user regardless of which of the two or more settlement means is used, it may be determined that each franchise of the two or more settlement means needs to be included in the plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp card.

[0154] The stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 may transmit the stamp card screen information to the user terminal 8 so that the stamp card screen includes corresponding payment-related means information indicating at least one selected payment means corresponding to the stamp card. The corresponding payment-related means information 450 may include the name of the selected payment means, or may include a symbol, an image, etc. indicating the selected payment means. For example, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 may cause the user terminal 8 to display the corresponding payment-related means information by transmitting the stamp card screen information including the corresponding payment-related means information.

[0155] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a stamp card screen. In FIG. 23, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 23, the stamp card screen 400 may include corresponding payment-related means information 450 in addition to the stamp card name 410, the stamp card image 420, and the stamp acquisition history display menu item 440. The corresponding payment-related means information 450 indicates the payment-related means by which the user of the stamp card indicated by the stamp card name 410 can acquire stamps. In the example shown in FIG. 23, it is shown that the user can acquire stamps by using any of predetermined code payment, a predetermined point card, a predetermined credit card, and predetermined ID payment.

[0156] FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 24, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as those in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 24, steps S1 and S2 are executed at any time or periodically. When the timing for acquiring settlement-related information arrives, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 of the stamp card management server 1 selects one stamp card from the created stamp cards based on the stamp card DB 14d (step S21). The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 acquires the stamp card information of the selected stamp card from the stamp card DB 14d. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 specifies the settlement-related means ID of the selected settlement-related means corresponding to the selected stamp card based on the selected settlement-related means information included in the stamp card information (step S22). Next, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 transmits a settlement-related information request to the member information management server 2 (step S23). At this time, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 may include the specified settlement-related means ID in the settlement-related information request. The settlement-related information transmission unit 2102 of the member information management server 2 that has received the settlement-related information request transmits one or more settlement-related information newly stored in the settlement-related information DB 24b between, for example, the last reception of the settlement-related information request and the current reception of the settlement-related information request to the stamp card management server 1 (step S24). At this time, the settlement-related information transmission unit 2102 may transmit only the settlement-related information including the settlement-related means ID for each settlement-related means ID included in the settlement-related information request. The settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 of the stamp card management server 1 that has received the settlement-related information stores the received settlement-related information in the settlement-related information DB 14g (step S6). Here, when the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 receives the same settlement-related information as the settlement-related information already stored in the settlement-related information DB 14g from the member information management server 2, it is not necessary to store the settlement-related information in the settlement-related information DB 14g again. Next, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 selects one settlement-related information from the settlement-related information received from the member information management server 2 (step S6). Next, the granting unit 1103 executes stamp control processing for the selected settlement-related information (step S7).Here, the stamping unit 1103 executes the stamp control process, limiting the stamp card on which a stamp may be given to the user to the stamp card selected in step S21. In other respects, the stamp control process may be the same as the process shown in FIG. 14. Next, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 determines whether there is any settlement-related information that has not yet been selected among the settlement-related information received from the membership information management server 2 (step S8). If there is unselected settlement-related information (step S8: YES), the process proceeds to step S6. When all the settlement-related information has been selected (step S8: NO), the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 determines whether there is any stamp card that has not yet been selected among the created stamp cards (step S25). If there is an unselected stamp card (step S25: YES), the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101 selects one stamp card from among the stamp cards that have not yet been selected. When all the stamp cards have been selected (step S25: NO), the process shown in FIG. 24 ends.

[0157] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the stamp screen information transmission process executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 25, the same processes as those in FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 25, first, steps S401 to 403 are executed. Next, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 identifies the settlement-related means ID of the selected settlement means corresponding to the stamp card selected by the user based on the selected settlement-related means information included in the retrieved stamp card information (step S421). Next, the stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 acquires the settlement-related means name associated with each identified settlement-related means ID from the stamp card DB 14d. The stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105 adds the acquired settlement-related means name to the HTML document of the stamp card screen (step S422). Thereafter, similar to FIG. 17, steps S404 to S411 are executed.

[0158] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the stamp card management server 1 may acquire selection settlement related means information. Further, the stamp card management server 1 may acquire settlement information indicating that settlement has been performed using any one of at least one selection settlement means indicated by the selection settlement related means information. Further, the stamp card management server 1 may assign a stamp to the user based on the settlement information and user information indicating the user of a predetermined stamp card. At this time, the stamp card management server 1 may assign a stamp on the condition that any one of at least one selection settlement means has been used. In this case, at least one of the several settlement means is selected as a selection settlement means for which a stamp is assigned to a predetermined stamp card. When any one of the selected at least one settlement means is used, a stamp is assigned to the user of the used settlement means who is also the user of the stamp card. Therefore, it becomes possible to select a settlement means for which a stamp is assigned by the created stamp card.

[0159] Further, at least one selection settlement means may include code settlement and ID settlement. In this case, the user of the stamp card can acquire a stamp regardless of which of code settlement and ID settlement is used. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the use of code settlement and ID settlement.

[0160] Further, at least one selection settlement means may include two code settlements. In this case, the user of the stamp card can acquire a stamp regardless of which of the two code settlement means is used. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the use of the two code settlement means.

[0161] In addition, at least one selection payment means may include a first payment means and a second payment means that are different from each other. Also, when the stamp card management server 1 uses the first payment means with a predetermined offline store as the payment destination, stamps may be granted. Further, when the stamp card management server 1 uses the second payment means with an online store operated by at least one of the same operator as the operator operating the offline store and the related parties of that operator as the payment destination, stamps may be granted. In this case, the user of the stamp card can obtain stamps regardless of whether they use an offline store or an online store operated by the same operator. Here, even if the user uses different payment means for the offline store and the online store, they can obtain stamps for each use.

[0162] In addition, the stamp card management server 1 may transmit stamp card screen display information to the user terminal 8 of the user of the stamp card. At this time, based on the stamp acquisition log associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, the stamp card management server 1 may vary the display mode of the stamps on the stamp card screen according to the payment means used among at least one selection payment means. In this case, the stamps included in the stamp card on the stamp card screen are displayed in a manner corresponding to the means used. Therefore, the user can recognize through the stamp card screen for which means the stamps were obtained.

[0163] In addition, the stamp card management server 1 may include in the stamp card screen information indicating at least one selection payment means indicated by the selection payment related means information as the payment means for which stamps are granted. In this case, on the stamp card screen, information indicating at least one payment means selected as the selection payment means for which stamps are granted is displayed. Therefore, through the stamp card screen, the user can recognize which of the plurality of payment means can be used to obtain stamps.

[0164] Further, the stamp card management server 1 may transmit history screen information for causing the user terminal 8 to display a stamp acquisition history screen. At this time, based on a stamp acquisition log associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, the stamp card management server 1 may cause information indicating the payment means used among at least one selected payment means to be displayed together with the history on the stamp acquisition history screen. In this case, on this stamp acquisition history screen, information indicating the used means is displayed together with the history of stamp acquisition. Therefore, the user can recognize through the stamp acquisition history screen for what reason the stamp was acquired by using which means.

[0165] Also, when any one of at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is used as a payment destination and any one of at least one selected payment means indicated by the selected payment related means information is used, a stamp may be granted. In this case, at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is determined. When any one of the at least one store is used, the user can acquire a stamp. Therefore, it is possible to provide a stamp card in which the user can acquire a stamp when the selected payment means is used and the stores where the user can acquire a stamp can be selected in advance.

[0166] [3. Third Embodiment] Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 29. The third embodiment may be the same as the second embodiment except for the points described below. In this embodiment, among a plurality of predetermined payment means, the payment means available at the store selected by the creator of the stamp card is automatically or selected by the creator as the selected payment means.

[0167] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 26, the same elements as those in FIG. 21 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 26, the system control unit 11 may function as an available payment-related means information acquisition unit 1108 and a selected payment-related means information generation unit 1109 in addition to a settlement-related information acquisition unit 1101, a corresponding store information acquisition unit 1102, a granting unit 1103, a stamp information storage control unit 1104, a stamp card screen information transmission unit 1105, a history screen information transmission unit 1106, and a selected payment-related means information acquisition unit 1107.

[0168] The available payment-related means information acquisition unit 1108 may acquire available payment means information indicating at least one payment means available at at least one store indicated by the stamp card corresponding store information acquired by the corresponding store information acquisition unit 1102 for the stamp card to be created among a plurality of predetermined payment means. The available payment means information may be, for example, payment-related service membership status information stored in the store DB 14c. For example, the available payment-related means information acquisition unit 1108 may search the store DB 14c for store information including the same store ID as the store ID included in the acquired stamp card corresponding store information for each acquired stamp card corresponding store information. The available payment-related means information acquisition unit 1108 may acquire payment-related service membership status information from the searched store information.

[0169] The selected payment-related means information generation unit 1109 may generate selected payment means information indicating at least one selected payment means as a payment means for which a stamp is to be granted to the stamp card to be created among at least one selected payment means indicated by the available payment-related means information acquired by the available payment-related means information acquisition unit 1108. The selected payment-related means information generation unit 1109 may store the generated selected payment means information in the stamp card DB 14d in association with the stamp card ID of the stamp card to be created.

[0170] The selection payment related means information generation unit 1109 may automatically determine the selection payment means and generate selection payment means information. For example, the selection payment related means information generation unit 1109 may determine all the payment means available at the store indicated by the stamp card corresponding store information as the selection payment means. When there are a plurality of stores indicated by the stamp card corresponding store information, the selection payment related means information generation unit 1109 may determine the selection payment means so that all the payment means available at each of the plurality of stores are included in the selection payment means. Alternatively, the selection payment related means information generation unit 1109 may determine one or more payment means that are commonly available at all of the plurality of stores as the selection payment means.

[0171] Alternatively, the selection payment related means information generation unit 1109 may enable the creator of the stamp card to select the selection payment means from among the payment means available at the store indicated by the stamp card corresponding store information. For example, it may be possible to select a payment means on the stamp card creation screen. The rules for selecting a store may be predetermined. For example, the selection payment related means information generation unit 1109 may generate an HTML document for the stamp card creation screen so that only the payment means available at at least one of the stores selected by the creator on the stamp card creation screen can be selected. When a plurality of stores are selected by the creator, until a payment means is selected so that the user can obtain a stamp at all of those stores, an operation for registering the information input on the stamp card creation screen may be prohibited, and the HTML document for the stamp card creation screen may be generated. For example, according to the script included in the HTML document, the user terminal 8 may control the permission and prohibition of the information registration operation. Alternatively, the stamp card management server 1 may control the permission and prohibition of the information registration operation based on the information input on the stamp card creation screen.

[0172] FIG. 27(a) is a diagram showing an example of store selection. Assume that a plurality of predetermined settlement-related means include predetermined code settlement, a predetermined point card, a predetermined IC type electronic money, a predetermined credit card, and predetermined ID settlement. As shown in FIG. 27(a), the creator of the stamp card 801 selected the store 701. In the store 701, only code settlement among the plurality of settlement-related means is available. FIG. 27(b) is a diagram showing an example of setting of selected settlement-related means information. As shown in FIG. 27(b), the stamp card management server 1 may automatically select code settlement for the stamp card 801.

[0173] FIG. 28(a) is a diagram showing an example of store selection. As shown in FIG. 28(a), the creator of the stamp card 820 selected the store 720. In the store 720, the point card and the credit card are available. FIGS. 28(b) and (c) are diagrams showing examples of setting of selected settlement-related means information. As shown in FIG. 28(b), the stamp card management server 1 may automatically select the point card and the credit card for the stamp card 820. When the creator selects a settlement-related means, at least one settlement-related means can be selected from among the point card and the credit card. For example, as shown in FIG. 28(c), the point card is selected for the stamp card 820.

[0174] FIG. 29(a) is a diagram showing an example of store selection. As shown in FIG. 29(a), the creator of the stamp card 830 selected stores 731, 732, and 733. At store 731, a point card and a credit card can be used. At store 732, a credit card and ID settlement can be used. At store 733, code settlement and a credit card can be used. FIGS. 29(b) to (c) are diagrams showing examples of setting selection settlement-related means information. For example, as shown in FIG. 28(b), the stamp card management server 1 may automatically select code settlement, a point card, a credit card, and ID settlement for the stamp card 830. When the creator selects settlement-related means, at least one settlement-related means can be selected from among code settlement, a point card, a credit card, and ID settlement. For example, as shown in FIG. 28(c), code settlement, a point card, and ID settlement are selected for the stamp card 830. For example, only the selection of code settlement may be prohibited. If stamps are only given for using code settlement, at stores 731 and 732, the user cannot obtain stamps. In this case, the creator may need to add other settlement-related means or delete stores 731 and 732. For example, as shown in FIG. 29(d), only a credit card may be selected for the stamp card 830. In this case, the user can obtain stamps at each of stores 731, 732, and 733. This selection of the credit card may be by the creator or by automatic selection by the stamp card management server 1.

[0175] The selection settlement-related means information acquisition unit 1107 may acquire the selection settlement-related means information generated by the selection settlement-related means information generation unit 1109. For example, the selection settlement-related means information acquisition unit 1107 may acquire the selection settlement-related means information from the stamp card DB 14d.

[0176] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the settlement means available at each of at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is determined such that it includes at least one of the settlement means to which stamps are added. Therefore, it is possible to create a stamp card in which the settlement means is selected so that stamps can be acquired at the store corresponding to the stamp card.

[0177] [4. Fourth Embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 32. Except for the points described below, the fourth embodiment may be the same as at least one of the first to third embodiments. In the present embodiment, as a stamp card, it is possible to create a stamp rally card (or a stamp rally sheet). The stamp rally may be an event in which a privilege is given to a user when the user uses all of a plurality of stores selected by the creator of the stamp rally card. The plurality of stores may include at least either an offline store or an online store.

[0178] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the content stored in the stamp card DB 14d and the stamp card corresponding store DB 14e of the stamp card management server 1. As shown in FIG. 30, in the stamp card DB 14d, as stamp card information, in addition to the stamp card ID, stamp card name, creator ID, description text, privilege setting information, and granting conditions, the stamp card type may be stored in association with the stamp card ID and the like. Similar to FIG. 19, the stamp card DB 14d may further store selection settlement related means information. The stamp card type indicates whether the stamp card indicated by the stamp card ID is a stamp rally card. For example, an operator of a stamp card service that has received a request from the creator of the stamp card may set the stamp card type. Alternatively, an operation of selecting the stamp card type may be possible on the stamp card creation screen.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 30, in the stamp card corresponding store DB 14e, as stamp card corresponding store information, in addition to the stamp card ID and the store ID, the stamp column number may be stored in association with the stamp card ID and the like. The stamp column number may be valid when the stamp card indicated by the stamp card ID is a card of the stamp rally. The stamp column number indicates the stamp column associated with the store indicated by the store ID among the stamp columns included in the card of the stamp rally. When the user uses the settlement related means in that store, a stamp is pressed on the stamp column associated with that store. The plurality of stamp columns included in the stamp card may correspond to different stores, for example. The stamp card management server 1 may automatically determine which store is associated with which stamp column. Alternatively, the creator of the stamp card may determine it. For example, on the stamp card creation screen, an operation of selecting a store may be selectable for each stamp column. The plurality of stores corresponding to the card of the stamp rally may be different stores from each other. Some of the plurality of stores may be the same store as each other. In this case, for that store, it may be associated with two or more stamp columns. The creator of the card of the stamp rally can select the plurality of stores corresponding to that card. Here, the number of stamp columns of the card of the stamp rally may be predetermined in common for all cards. In this case, the creator may need to select the number of stores corresponding to the number of stamp columns. Alternatively, the creator may be able to select the number of stores corresponding to the card of the stamp rally. In this case, the card of the stamp rally may include the number of stamp columns corresponding to the number of selected stores. The basic rule of store selection may be the same as the rule described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment or the third embodiment.

[0180] When the settlement-related means is used at any one of a plurality of stores indicated by the stamp rally card user's stamp card corresponding store information, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp to the user. Similar to the first embodiment, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp on the condition that any one of two or more predetermined settlement-related means is used. Similar to the second or third embodiment, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp on the condition that any one of at least one selected settlement means is used.

[0181] Here, when the settlement-related means is used at the same store as the store where the granting unit 1103 has already granted a stamp to the user of the stamp rally card, the granting of the stamp may be suppressed. That is, the granting unit 1103 may limit the granting of the stamp to once for each of the plurality of stores. This limitation may be effective only within one issued card. With this limitation, for each issued card, the user can obtain benefits by using the settlement means at all of the plurality of stores.

[0182] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp control processing executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 31, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 31, steps S101 to S105 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 14. When the granting condition is satisfied (step S105: YES), the granting unit 1103 determines whether the stamp card type included in the stamp card information of the stamp card for which it is determined that the granting condition is satisfied in step S105 indicates a card of the stamp rally (step S121). When the stamp card type does not indicate a card of the stamp rally (step S121: NO), the process proceeds to step S106. Then, steps S106 to S112 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 14. When the stamp card type indicates a card of the stamp rally (step S121: YES), the granting unit 1103 searches the stamp acquisition history DB 14h for a stamp acquisition log for the same store as the store where the settlement-related means was used (step S122). For example, the granting unit 1103 may select issued card information including the stamp card ID of the stamp card for which it is determined that the granting condition is satisfied among the issued card information searched in step S101. The granting unit 1103 may search for a stamp acquisition log including a combination of the issued card number and the number of issued cards included in the selected issued card information and the store ID included in the selected settlement-related information. As a result of the search, the granting unit 1103 determines whether there is a corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S123). When there is no corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S123: NO), the process proceeds to step S106. When there is a corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S123: YES), the stamp control process ends.

[0183] FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of a stamp - awarding process executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp - card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 32, the same processes as those in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 32, steps S201 and S202 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 15. Next, the awarding unit 1103 determines whether the stamp - card type included in the stamp - card information of the stamp card determined to satisfy the awarding condition indicates a card of the stamp rally (step S221). When the stamp - card type does not indicate a card of the stamp rally (step S221: NO), the stamp - information storage control unit 1104 stores a stamp - acquisition log including the stamp - column number that matches the current number of stamps updated in step S202 in the stamp - acquisition history DB 14h (step S222). Step S222 may be the same as step S203 shown in FIG. 15. When the stamp - card type indicates a card of the stamp rally (step S221: NO), the stamp - information storage control unit 1104 acquires the stamp - column number from the stamp - card corresponding store information including the stamp - card ID of the stamp card determined to satisfy the awarding condition among the stamp - card corresponding store information acquired in step S103 of the stamp control process (step S223). Next, the awarding unit 1103 stores a stamp - acquisition log including the stamp - column number acquired from the stamp - card corresponding store information in the stamp - acquisition history DB 14h (step S224). Except that the method of determining the stamp - column number is different, step S224 may be the same as step S222. After step S222 or step S224, steps S204 - S209 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 15.

[0184] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the stamp - card management server 1 uses any one of a plurality of predetermined payment methods with any one of a plurality of stores as the payment destination, stamps may be awarded. In this case, the user can acquire stamps regardless of which of the two or more payment methods is used, and a stamp rally in which a plurality of stores where the user can acquire stamps can be selected in advance can be held.

[0185] In addition, when the stamp card management server 1 designates any one of a plurality of stores as a payment destination for the price, and either a payment means or a point card is used, stamps may be awarded. In this case, the user can acquire stamps regardless of which of the payment means and the point card is used, and a stamp rally can be held in which a plurality of stores where the user can acquire stamps can be selected in advance.

[0186] In addition, when the stamp card management server 1 designates any one of a plurality of stores as a payment destination for the price, and any one of at least one selected payment means indicated by the selected payment-related means information is used, stamps may be awarded. In this case, the user can acquire stamps when the selected payment means is used, and a stamp rally can be held in which a plurality of stores where the user can acquire stamps can be selected in advance.

[0187] [5. Fifth Embodiment] Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36. Except for the points described below, the fifth embodiment may be the same as at least one of the first to fourth embodiments. In this embodiment, the value of another privilege given to the user of the stamp card when stamps are awarded may differ depending on the payment-related means.

[0188] FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 33, the same elements as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 33, in the storage unit 14, in addition to the payment-related means DB 14a, the merchant DB 14b, the store DB 14c, the stamp card DB 14d, the stamp card corresponding store DB 14e, the issued card DB 14f, the payment-related information DB 14g, the stamp acquisition history DB 14h, and the privilege DB 14i, a stamp card corresponding payment-related means DB 14j may be stored.

[0189] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the content stored in the stamp card corresponding payment related means DB14j of the stamp card management server 1. In the stamp card corresponding payment related means DB14j, stamp card corresponding payment related means information regarding payment related means associated with the stamp card may be stored for each combination of the stamp card and the payment related means corresponding to the stamp card. For example, as described in the case of the first embodiment, when a stamp is given on the condition that any one of two or more predetermined payment means has been used, for each stamp card, stamp card corresponding payment related means may be stored for each of the two or more predetermined payment means. Also, for example, as described in the second embodiment, when a stamp is given on the condition that any one of at least one selected payment means selected by the creator of the stamp card has been used, for each stamp card, stamp card corresponding payment related means may be stored for each of the selected payment means. In the stamp card corresponding payment related means DB14j, as the stamp card corresponding payment related means information, for example, a stamp card ID, a payment related means ID, and the number of points to be given, etc. may be stored in association with each other. The stamp card ID indicates the stamp card to which the payment related means corresponds. The payment related means ID indicates the payment related means. The number of points to be given indicates the number of points given to the user of the stamp card when the user uses the payment related means. The number of points to be given may be specifiable, for example, by the creator of the stamp card. For example, the operator of the stamp card service who has received a request from the creator may register the stamp card corresponding payment related means information in the stamp card corresponding payment related means DB14j. Alternatively, on the stamp card creation screen, it may be possible to input the number of points to be given for each payment related means. The stamp card management server 1 may generate stamp card corresponding payment related means information including the input number of points to be given.

[0190] As described in the first embodiment, when a stamp is given on the condition that any one of two or more predetermined payment means is used, these two or more payment means shall include a first payment means and a second payment means different from the first payment means. The combination of the first payment means and the second payment means may be any combination. As already described, when the granting unit 1103 gives a stamp to the user of the stamp card, it may give a privilege different from the stamp to the user. At this time, the granting unit 1103 may make the value of the privilege granted different between the case where the first payment means is used and the case where the second payment means is used. For example, when the privilege is points, the points granted may be different between the first payment means and the second payment means. When the privilege is a coupon, the discount amount or discount rate of the coupon granted may be different between the first payment means and the second payment means.

[0191] As described in the second embodiment, the granting unit 1103 may give a stamp on the condition that any one of at least one selected payment means selected by the creator of the stamp card is used. Here, there may be a case where two or more selected payment means are selected. Also in this case, those selected payment means shall include the first payment means and the second payment means. The granting unit 1103 may make the value of the privilege granted different between the case where the first payment means is used and the case where the second payment means is used.

[0192] Also, the granting unit 1103 may make the value of the privilege granted different between the case where a payment means is used and the case where a point card is used.

[0193] The value of the benefits given for the use of each payment-related means may be determined by the creator of the stamp card. Alternatively, the value of the benefits given for the use of each payment-related means may be predetermined and common to all stamp cards. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, the number of points to be given is stored in the payment-related means DB14j corresponding to the stamp card so that the creator of the stamp card can determine the number of points to be given. When the number of points to be given is determined commonly for all stamp cards, the number of points to be given may be stored in the payment-related means DB14a, for example.

[0194] FIG. 35 shows an example of setting the number of points to be given. As shown in FIG. 35, when code payment is used, 20 points are given. When a point card is used, 5 points are given. When IC-type electronic money is used, 10 points are given. When a credit card is used, 10 points are given. When ID payment is used, 10 points are given.

[0195] FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of a point awarding process executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 36, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as those in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 36, the awarding unit 1103 acquires the number of points to be awarded from the stamp card-corresponding payment-related means information of the payment-related means used by the user (step S321). For example, the awarding unit 1103 may search the stamp card-corresponding payment-related means DB 14j for stamp card-corresponding payment-related means information including a combination of the stamp card ID of the stamp card determined to satisfy the awarding condition in step S105 of the stamp control process and the payment-related means ID included in the selected payment-related information. The awarding unit 1103 may acquire the number of points to be awarded from the searched stamp card-corresponding payment-related means information. Next, the awarding unit 1103 generates a point addition request including the acquired number of points to be awarded (step S322). Next, the awarding unit 1103 transmits the generated point addition request to the point program system 3, and the point awarding process ends. The point program system 3 adds the number of points to be awarded included in the point addition request to the available number of points.

[0196] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the stamp card management server 1 may vary the value of the privilege to be awarded depending on whether the payment means used is the first payment means or the second payment means. In this case, depending on the payment means used, the value of the privilege separately acquired by the user who acquires the stamp may differ. Therefore, the use of a specific payment means can be particularly promoted.

[0197] Also, the stamp card management server 1 may vary the value of the privilege to be awarded depending on whether the payment means is used or the point card is used. In this case, the use of a specific one of the payment means and the point card can be further promoted.

[0198] [6. Sixth Embodiment] Next, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 39. Except for the points described below, the sixth embodiment may be the same as at least one of the first to fifth embodiments. In this embodiment, the number of stamps to be given may vary depending on the settlement-related means used.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 33, a stamp card corresponding settlement-related means DB14j may be stored in the storage unit 14 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of the content stored in the stamp card corresponding settlement-related means DB14j of the stamp card management server 1. As shown in FIG. 37, in the stamp card corresponding settlement-related means DB14j, as stamp card corresponding settlement-related means information, for example, a stamp card ID, a settlement-related means ID, and the number of stamps to be given may be stored in association with each other. The stamp card ID indicates the stamp card corresponding to the settlement-related means. The settlement-related means ID indicates the settlement-related means. The number of stamps to be given indicates the number of stamps given to the user of the stamp card when the user uses the settlement-related means.

[0200] As described in the first embodiment, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp on the condition that any one of two or more predetermined settlement means has been used. Similarly to the above, it is assumed that the two or more settlement means include a first settlement means and a second settlement means. The granting unit 1103 may vary the number of stamps to be granted depending on whether the first settlement means or the second settlement means is used among the two or more settlement means.

[0201] As described in the second embodiment, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp on the condition that any one of at least one selected payment means selected by the creator of the stamp card is used. Here, there may be a case where two or more selected payment means are selected. Also in this case, it is assumed that the two or more payment means include a first payment means and a second payment means. Similar to the fifth embodiment, the granting unit 1103 may vary the number of stamps to be granted depending on whether the first payment means or the second payment means is used among the two or more selected payment means.

[0202] Also, the granting unit 1103 may vary the number of stamps to be granted depending on whether a payment means or a point card is used.

[0203] Similar to the fifth embodiment, the number of stamps to be granted for the use of each payment-related means may be determined by the creator of the stamp card, or may be predetermined and common to all stamp cards.

[0204] FIG. 38 shows an example of setting the number of granted stamps. As shown in FIG. 38, when code payment is used, one stamp is granted. When a point card is used, two stamps are granted. When IC type electronic money is used, three stamps are granted. When a credit card is used, one stamp is granted. When ID payment is used, one stamp is granted.

[0205] FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of a stamp awarding process executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 39, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as those in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 39, first, the awarding unit 1103 searches for issued card information (step S201). Next, the awarding unit 1103 acquires the number of stamps to be awarded from the stamp card-corresponding payment-related means information of the payment-related means used by the user (step S241). For example, the awarding unit 1103 may search the stamp card-corresponding payment-related means DB 14j for the stamp card-corresponding payment-related means information including the combination of the stamp card ID of the stamp card determined to satisfy the awarding condition in step S105 of the stamp control process and the payment-related means ID included in the selected payment-related information. The awarding unit 1103 may acquire the number of stamps to be awarded from the searched stamp card-corresponding payment-related means information. Next, the awarding unit 1103 then adds the acquired number of stamps to be awarded to the current number of stamps included in the searched issued card information to update the current number of stamps (step S242). Next, the stamp information storage control unit 1104 stores the stamp acquisition log in the stamp acquisition history DB 14h (step S243). At this time, the stamp information storage control unit 1104 may store the number of stamp acquisition logs corresponding to the number of stamps. Alternatively, the stamp information storage control unit 1104 may store one stamp acquisition log including the number of stamps to be awarded. In other respects, step S243 may be the same as step S203 shown in FIG. 15.

[0206] Next, the awarding unit 1103 acquires the privilege setting information stored in the stamp card DB 14d in association with the stamp card ID included in the retrieved issued card information. The awarding unit 1103 determines whether the number of stamps before update is less than any of the privilege stamp numbers included in the privilege setting information (step S244). If the number of stamps before update is less than any of the privilege stamp numbers (step S244: YES), the awarding unit 1103 determines whether the number of stamps after update is equal to or more than that privilege stamp number (step S245). If the number of stamps after update is equal to or more than the privilege stamp number (step S245: YES), the awarding unit 1103 changes the privilege status of the privilege corresponding to that privilege stamp number to "usable" (step S205).

[0207] After step S205, if the number of stamps before update is equal to or more than all the privilege stamp numbers (step S244: NO), or if the number of stamps after update is less than the privilege stamp number (step S245: NO), the awarding unit 1103 determines whether the current number of stamps after update is equal to or more than the number of stamp columns (step S246). If the current number of stamps is less than the number of stamp columns (step S246: NO), the stamp process ends. If the current number of stamps is equal to or more than the number of stamp columns (step S246: YES), the awarding unit 1103 adds 1 to the number of issued sheets (step S207). Next, the awarding unit 1103 subtracts the number of stamp columns from the current number of stamps after update and updates the current number of stamps included in the retrieved issued card information (step S247). Next, the awarding unit 1103 stores the new privilege information in the privilege DB 14i (step S209), and the stamp process ends.

[0208] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the stamp card management server 1 may vary the number of stamps to be awarded depending on whether the used payment means is the first payment means or the second payment means. In this case, depending on the used payment means, the number of stamps acquired by the user of the stamp card may differ. Therefore, the use of a specific payment means can be further promoted.

[0209] In addition, the stamp card management server 1 may vary the number of stamps given depending on whether a payment means or a point card is used. In this case, it is possible to particularly encourage the use of a specific one of the payment means and the point card.

[0210] [7. Seventh Embodiment] Next, the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 40 to 42. Except for the points described below, the seventh embodiment may be the same as at least one of the first to sixth embodiments. In this embodiment, the granting conditions may vary depending on the payment-related means used.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 33, a stamp card corresponding payment-related means DB 14j may be stored in the storage unit 14 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of the content stored in the stamp card DB 14d and the stamp card corresponding payment-related means DB 14j of the stamp card management server 1. As shown in FIG. 40, the granting condition information may not be stored in the stamp card DB 14d. In the stamp card corresponding payment-related means DB 14j, for example, a stamp card ID, a payment-related means ID, granting condition information, etc. may be stored in association with each other as stamp card corresponding payment-related means information. The stamp card ID indicates the stamp card to which the payment-related means corresponds. The payment-related means ID indicates the payment-related means. The granting condition information may indicate additional conditions for granting a stamp to the user of the stamp card when the user uses the payment-related means.

[0212] As described in the first embodiment, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp on the condition that any one of two or more predetermined payment means is used. Similarly to the above, assume that the two or more payment means include a first payment means and a second payment means. Assume that a first condition is defined as a granting condition for the first payment means. Therefore, when the first payment means is used, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp if the mode of use of the first payment means satisfies the first condition. Assume that a first condition is defined as a granting condition for the second payment means. Therefore, when the second payment means is used, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp if the mode of use of the second payment means satisfies the second condition. Here, the first condition and the second condition may be different from each other.

[0213] In the granting conditions, for example, the conditions of the transaction target purchased by the user may be different. Also, the conditions of the payment amount may be different. Also, for example, the conditions of the date or period when the user uses the payment-related means may be different. Also, for example, the conditions of the time or time zone when the user uses the payment-related means may be different. Also, for example, the conditions of the number of points acquired by the user through the use of the payment-related means may be different. Also, when a stamp is granted according to the cumulative value of the payment amount, the amount for which a stamp is granted per yen may be different. Also, the types of granting conditions may be different depending on the payment means. For example, conditions for the transaction target may be defined for the first payment means, and conditions for the payment amount may be defined for the second payment means.

[0214] As described in the second embodiment, the granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp on the condition that any one of at least one selected payment means selected by the creator of the stamp card is used. Also in this case, assume that the two or more payment means include a first payment means and a second payment means. A first condition is defined as a granting condition for the first payment means. A second condition is defined as a granting condition for the second payment means. Also in this case, the first condition and the second condition may be different from each other.

[0215] Also, the awarding unit 1103 may have different awarding conditions for the payment means and the point card.

[0216] FIG. 41 shows an example of setting the awarding conditions. For example, assume that the awarding conditions are determined based on the payment amount. As shown in FIG. 41, when code payment is used, a stamp is awarded regardless of the payment amount. When a point card is used, a stamp is awarded when the amount paid is 1,000 yen or more. When IC-type electronic money is used, a stamp is awarded when the amount paid is 2,000 yen or more. When a credit card is used, a stamp is awarded when the amount paid is 2,000 yen or more. When ID payment is used, a stamp is awarded when the amount paid is 500 yen or more.

[0217] FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp control processing executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 42, the same processes as those in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 42, first, steps S101 to S104 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 14. When the store where the settlement-related means is used is a store corresponding to any stamp card (step S104: YES), the granting unit 1103 acquires the granting condition information from the stamp card corresponding settlement-related means information of the settlement-related means used by the user (step S141). For example, the granting unit 1103 may acquire the stamp card ID from the stamp card information of the stamp card for which the settlement-related means was used at the corresponding store among the stamp card information acquired in step S102. The granting unit 1103 may acquire the stamp card corresponding settlement-related means information including the combination of the acquired stamp card ID and the settlement-related means ID included in the selected settlement-related information from the stamp card corresponding settlement-related means DB 14j. The granting unit 1103 may acquire the granting condition from the acquired stamp card corresponding settlement-related means information. Next, the granting unit 1103 determines whether or not the granting condition is satisfied based on the selected settlement-related information and the acquired granting condition information (step S142). If the granting condition is not satisfied (step S142: NO), the stamp control processing ends. If the granting condition is satisfied (step S142: YES), steps S107 to S112 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 14.

[0218] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the granting conditions may be different between the first settlement means and the second settlement means. In this case, depending on the settlement means, the granting conditions that the user should satisfy are different. Therefore, stamps can be granted under different conditions according to the settlement means.

[0219] Also, the granting conditions may be different between the settlement means and the point card. In this case, stamps can be granted under conditions according to each of the settlement means and the point card.

[0220] [8. Eighth Embodiment] Next, the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 43 to 44. Except for the points described below, the eighth embodiment may be the same as at least one of the first to seventh embodiments. In this embodiment, the method for suppressing double stamping when the payment means and the point card are used in combination is different from the method described in the first embodiment.

[0221] The granting unit 1103 may grant a stamp once per predetermined period, with the limit of once per period. The predetermined period may be a period that appears repeatedly in succession. Examples of the length of the predetermined period include 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, etc. Here, the granting of a stamp by the granting unit 1103 due to the use of either the payment means or the point card may be included in the granting of a stamp for a predetermined period including the time when either the payment means or the point card was used. When the payment means and the point card are used in combination, the use date and time of the payment means and the use date and time of the point card either match, or the difference between the use date and time of the payment means and the use date and time of the point card is relatively short. Therefore, the use date and time of the payment means and the use date and time of the point card are highly likely to be included in the same period. By granting a stamp once per period with the limit of once, double granting of stamps can be prevented. The use time of the payment means and the use time of the point card may be indicated, for example, by the use date and time included in the payment-related information. Also, for example, the use time of the payment means and the use time of the point card may be indicated by the stamp acquisition date and time included in the stamp acquisition log. When a stamp is granted, the use date and time included in the payment-related information will be included in the stamp acquisition log as the stamp acquisition date and time. Within the period in which a stamp is granted once due to the use of the payment means or the point card, the granting unit 1103 does not necessarily have to grant a stamp even if any other payment-related means is used separately. Alternatively, within the period in which a stamp is granted once for the use of the payment means, the granting unit 1103 does not grant a stamp for the use of the point card, but may grant a stamp when a payment means other than the point card is used. Also, within the period in which a stamp is granted once for the use of the point card, the granting unit 1103 does not grant a stamp for the use of a payment means other than the point card, but may grant a stamp when the point card is used.

[0222] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of stamp application. For example, assume that the length of a predetermined period is one day. Each period may start at 0:00 and end at 0:00 of the next day, for example. The user of the stamp card used both code settlement and a point card at 10:00 on October 1. As a result, settlement-related information indicating that code settlement was used and settlement-related information indicating that the point card was used are stored in the settlement-related information DB 24b. For example, the granting unit 1103 grants a stamp for the use of code settlement based on the settlement-related information of code settlement. Therefore, from the use date and time included in the settlement-related information of code settlement, it can be said that one stamp was granted for October 1. Since the use date and time included in the settlement-related information of the point card is included in October 1 and a stamp has already been granted for October 1, the granting unit 1103 does not grant a stamp for the use of the point card. After that, the user used the point card at 18:00 on October 1. Also in this case, the granting unit 1103 does not grant a stamp. After that, the user used the point card at 7:00 on October 2. Since the period has changed, the granting unit 1103 grants a stamp for the use of the point card.

[0223] FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp control processing executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 44, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 44, first, steps S101 to S105 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 14. When the granting condition is satisfied (step S105: YES), the granting unit 1103 specifies the start date and time and the end date and time of the period including the use date and time based on the use date and time included in the selected settlement-related information and the length of the predetermined period (step S161). Next, the granting unit 1103 searches the stamp acquisition history DB 14h for a stamp acquisition log including the stamp acquisition date and time within the same period as the specified period (step S162). At this time, the granting unit 1103 may search for a stamp acquisition log including the stamp card ID of the stamp card determined to satisfy the granting condition in step S105 and the user ID included in the selected settlement-related information. As a result of the search, the granting unit 1103 determines whether there is a corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S163). If there is a corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S163: YES), the stamp control processing ends. If there is no corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S163: NO), steps S111 and 112 are executed.

[0224] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a stamp is granted at most once per period for that period. Which period the stamp is granted corresponds to the timing when the payment means or the point card is used. When the payment means and the point card are used in combination, there is a high probability that the use timing of the payment means and the use timing of the point card are included in the same period. Therefore, it is possible to prevent double granting of stamps for one transaction due to the combined use of the payment means and the point card.

[0225] [9. Ninth Embodiment] Next, the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 45 to 46. Except for the points described below, the ninth embodiment may be the same as at least one of the first to eighth embodiments. In this embodiment, the method for suppressing double stamping when a payment means and a point card are used in combination is different from both the method described in the first embodiment and the method described in the eighth embodiment.

[0226] When the granting unit 1103 grants a stamp for the use of either one of the payment means and the stamp card, which are settlement-related means, it may suppress the granting of a stamp for the use of the other settlement-related means among the payment means and the stamp card within a predetermined period starting from the usage time of that settlement-related means. Examples of the length of the predetermined period include 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, and the like. As described above, when the payment means and the point card are used in combination, the usage date and time of the payment means and the usage date and time of the point card either match or the difference between the usage date and time of the payment means and the usage date and time of the point card is relatively short. Therefore, the period starting from the usage date and time of either one of the payment means and the point card is highly likely to include the usage date and time of the other among the payment means and the point card. By suppressing the granting of a stamp within that period, double stamping of the stamp can be prevented. During the period in which a stamp is granted once due to the use of the payment means or the point card, the granting unit 1103 may not grant a stamp even if any other settlement-related means is used separately. Alternatively, during the period in which a stamp is granted once for the use of the payment means, the granting unit 1103 may not grant a stamp for the use of the point card, but may grant a stamp when a settlement means other than the point card is used. Also, during the period in which a stamp is granted once for the use of the point card, the granting unit 1103 may not grant a stamp for the use of a settlement means other than the point card, but may grant a stamp when the point card is used.

[0227] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of stamp application. For example, assume that the length of a predetermined period is 6 hours. As shown in FIG. 45, the user of the stamp card used a credit card and a point card together at 10:00 on October 1. For example, the granting unit 1103 grants a stamp for the use of the point card based on the settlement-related information of the point card. Therefore, the granting of the stamp is suppressed from 10:00 to 16:00 on October 1, which is the usage date and time included in the settlement-related information of the point card. The usage date and time included in the settlement-related information of the credit card is included in October 1, and this usage date and time is included in the period during which the granting of the stamp is suppressed. Therefore, the granting unit 1103 does not grant a stamp for the use of the credit card. After that, the user used the credit card at 15:00 on October 1. Also in this case, the granting unit 1103 does not grant a stamp. After that, the user used the credit card at 18:00 on October 1. Since the period during which the granting of the stamp is suppressed has ended, the granting unit 1103 grants a stamp for the use of the credit card.

[0228] FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp control processing executed by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 46, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 46, first, steps S101 to S105 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 14. When the granting condition is satisfied (step S105: YES), the granting unit 1103 subtracts a predetermined time defined as the length of the period during which the granting of the stamp is suppressed from the use date and time included in the selected settlement-related information, and calculates the start date and time of that period. The granting unit 1103 specifies the period from the calculated start date and time to the use date and time (step S181). Next, the granting unit 1103 searches the stamp acquisition history DB 14h for a stamp acquisition log including the stamp acquisition date and time within the same period as the specified period (step S182). At this time, the granting unit 1103 may search for a stamp acquisition log including the stamp card ID of the stamp card determined to satisfy the granting condition in step S105 and the user ID included in the selected settlement-related information. As a result of the search, the granting unit 1103 determines whether there is a corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S183). If there is a corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S183: YES), the stamp control processing ends. If there is no corresponding stamp acquisition log (step S183: NO), steps S111 and 112 are executed.

[0229] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a stamp is granted for the use of either the settlement means or the point card, even if the other means is used within a predetermined period starting from the time when the means is used, the stamp is not granted. When the settlement means and the point card are used in combination, the probability that the time when the other means is used is included in that period is high. Therefore, it is possible to suppress double granting of stamps for one transaction due to the combined use of the settlement means and the point card.

[0230] (Appendix 1-1) For each of two or more predetermined payment methods that can be used for payment in a transaction, payment information indicating that payment has been made using the payment method, the payment information including payment method user information indicating the user who used the payment method, and a payment information acquisition means for acquiring the payment information, and based on the acquired payment information, user information indicating the user of the digitized stamp card, and an awarding means for awarding a stamp regardless of which of the two or more payment methods was used. A stamp card management system characterized by comprising:

[0231] (Appendix 1-2) The awarding means, when awarding the stamp, awards a privilege different from the stamp to the user of the stamp card. The stamp card management system according to Appendix 1-1, characterized by this.

[0232] (Appendix 1-3) The two or more payment methods include a first payment method and a second payment method that are different from each other, and the awarding means makes the value of the privilege awarded different when the used payment method is the first payment method and when it is the second payment method. The stamp card management system according to Appendix 1-2, characterized by this.

[0233] (Appendix 1-4) The two or more payment methods include a first payment method and a second payment method that are different from each other, and the awarding means makes the number of stamps awarded different when the payment method used for payment is the first payment method and when it is the second payment method. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 1-1 to 1-3, characterized by this.

[0234] (Appendix 1-5) The two or more payment methods include a first payment method and a second payment method that are different from each other, and the awarding means awards the stamp when the mode in which any of the two or more payment methods is used satisfies a predetermined awarding condition, and the awarding conditions are different when the payment method used is the first payment method and when it is the second payment method. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 1-1 to 1-4, characterized by this.

[0235] (Appendix 1-6) A profit acquisition means that can be used in combination with at least one of the two or more payment means, enabling at least one of the following: the user of the profit acquisition means to acquire a profit, and the user of the profit acquisition means to use the profit acquired in the past for payment of the price. A profit acquisition means utilization information acquisition means for acquiring profit acquisition means utilization information indicating that the profit acquisition means has been used is further provided. The acquired profit acquisition means utilization information includes profit acquisition means utilization user information indicating the user who used the profit acquisition means. The stamping means stamps the stamp on the condition that the profit acquisition means has been used, based on the acquired profit acquisition means utilization information and the user information. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 1-1 to 1-5, characterized in that.

[0236] (Appendix 1-7) The acquired payment information is such that when the payment means and the profit acquisition means are used in combination in the same transaction, the stamping means stamps the stamp only for either the use of the payment means or the use of the profit acquisition means. The stamp card management system according to Appendix 1-6, characterized in that.

[0237] (Appendix 1-8) The acquired payment information includes payment means utilization transaction information regarding the transaction in which the payment means was used, and the acquired profit acquisition means utilization information includes profit acquisition means utilization transaction information regarding the transaction in which the profit acquisition means was used. The stamping means determines whether the payment means and the profit acquisition means were used in combination based on the payment means utilization transaction information and the profit acquisition means utilization transaction information. The stamp card management system according to Appendix 1-7, characterized in that.

[0238] (Supplementary Note 1-9) The settlement means usage transaction information indicates the time when the settlement means was used, the profit acquisition means usage transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used, the granting means grants the stamp once per predetermined period at most, and the granting of the stamp for the use of either the settlement means or the profit acquisition means is included in the granting of the stamp for the predetermined period including the time when either was used. The stamp card management system according to Supplementary Note 1-8, characterized in that.

[0239] (Supplementary Note 1-10) The settlement means usage transaction information indicates the time when the settlement means was used, the profit acquisition means usage transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used, and when the granting means grants the stamp for the use of either one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means, the granting of the stamp for the use of the other of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means within a predetermined period starting from the time of use of the one means is suppressed. The stamp card management system according to Supplementary Note 1-8 or 1-9, characterized in that.

[0240] (Supplementary Note 1-11) The two or more settlement means include a code settlement means that enables settlement in response to an electronic device optically reading code information indicating either the payer or the payee of the consideration in a transaction, and an online transaction settlement means that is available for transactions in an e-commerce service and enables settlement in response to providing account identification information for identifying the user's account in a settlement service different from the e-commerce service to the e-commerce service. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1-10, characterized in that.

[0241] (Supplementary Note 1-12) The two or more settlement means include different first code settlement means and second code settlement means that are each capable of settlement in response to an electronic device optically reading code information indicating either the payer or the payee of the consideration in a transaction. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-11, characterized in that.

[0242] (Appendix 1-13) The above two or more payment means include a first payment means and a second payment means that are different from each other. The acquired payment information includes payment destination store information indicating the store that is the payment destination of the price. When the first payment means is used with a predetermined offline store as the payment destination of the price, the stamping means grants the stamp. When the second payment means is used with an online store operated by at least one of the operator of the offline store and the related parties of the operator as the payment destination of the price, the stamping means grants the stamp. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 1-1 to 1-12, characterized in that.

[0243] (Appendix 1-14) When the stamp is granted by the granting means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been granted is associated with user information indicating the user of the stamp card. Stamp information storage control means for storing in the stamp information storage means the stamp information capable of specifying the used payment means among the two or more payment means, and the terminal device of the user of the stamp card. Stamp card screen information transmitting means for transmitting stamp card screen display information for displaying on the terminal device a screen of the stamp card including the granted stamp, and based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, the display mode of the stamp on the screen of the stamp card. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 1-1 to 1-13, further comprising stamp card screen information transmitting means for making the display mode different according to the used payment means.

[0244] (Supplementary Note 1-15) When the stamp is applied by the applying means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been applied is associated with user information indicating the user of the stamp card, and the stamp information is capable of specifying the payment means used among the two or more payment means. Stamp information storage control means for storing the stamp information in the stamp information storage means; and history screen information transmission means for transmitting, to the terminal device of the user of the stamp card, screen information of the history of obtaining stamps to be displayed on the terminal device, wherein, based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, utilization payment means information indicating the payment means used for the settlement is displayed together with the history on the history screen. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-14, further comprising: history screen information transmission means.

[0245] (Supplementary Note 1-16) The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-15, further comprising corresponding store information acquisition means for acquiring corresponding store information indicating at least one store corresponding to the stamp card, wherein each of the at least one store is a store capable of using at least one payment means among the two or more payment means, the at least one store includes stores capable of using each of the two or more payment means, the acquired settlement information includes payment destination store information indicating the store that is the payment destination of the price, and the applying means applies the stamp when any one of the at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is used as the payment destination of the price and any one of the two or more payment means is used.

[0246] (Appendix 1-17) The stamp card is a card for a stamp rally that grants stamps to the user on the condition that the user settles the payment at the store, and grants a privilege different from the stamp to the user on the condition that the user obtains the stamp at a plurality of stores. At least one of the stores is the plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp rally card. The granting means grants the stamp when any one of the plurality of stores is used as the payment destination of the payment by any one of the two or more payment means. The stamp card management system according to Appendix 1-16, characterized in that.

[0247] (Appendix 1-18) In a stamp card management method executed by a computer, for each of two or more predetermined payment means that can be used for payment in a transaction, a payment information indicating that payment has been made using the payment means, and including payment means user information indicating the user who used the payment means. A payment information acquisition step of acquiring payment information, and a granting step of granting a stamp based on the acquired payment information and user information indicating the user of the digitized stamp card, regardless of which of the two or more payment means the used payment means is. A stamp card management method characterized by including.

[0248] (Appendix 1-19) A computer is configured to, for each of two or more predetermined payment means that can be used for payment in a transaction, a payment information indicating that payment has been made using the payment means, and including payment means user information indicating the user who used the payment means. A payment information acquisition means for acquiring payment information, and a granting means for granting a stamp based on the acquired payment information and user information indicating the user of the digitized stamp card, regardless of which of the two or more payment means the used payment means is. A stamp card management program characterized by functioning as.

[0249] (Appendix 2-1) A settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using a settlement means that can be used for settlement of payment in a transaction, the settlement information acquisition means for acquiring settlement information including settlement means user information indicating a user who has used the settlement means, and a profit acquisition means that can also be used in combination with the settlement means, enabling at least one of the user of the profit acquisition means to acquire profit and the user of the profit acquisition means to use the profit acquired in the past for settlement of the payment. A profit acquisition means utilization information acquisition means for acquiring profit acquisition means utilization information including profit acquisition means user information indicating a user who has used the profit acquisition means, and based on the acquired settlement information, the acquired profit acquisition means utilization information, and user information indicating a user of the digitized stamp card, a granting means for granting a stamp regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used. A stamp card management system characterized by comprising.

[0250] (Appendix 2-2) The granting means according to Appendix 2-1, wherein when granting the stamp, a privilege different from the stamp is granted to the user of the stamp card.

[0251] (Appendix 2-3) The granting means according to Appendix 2-2, wherein the value of the granted privilege is made different between the case where the settlement means is used and the case where the profit acquisition means is used.

[0252] (Appendix 2-4) The granting means according to any one of Appendices 2-1 to 2-3, wherein the number of stamps to be granted is made different between the case where the settlement means is used and the case where the profit acquisition means is used.

[0253] (Supplementary Note 2-5) When the mode in which any one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used satisfies a predetermined granting condition, the stamp is granted. The granting conditions are different between the case where the settlement means is used and the case where the profit acquisition means is used. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-4.

[0254] (Supplementary Note 2-6) The settlement means is provided by a predetermined first operator, and the profit acquisition means is provided by a predetermined second operator different from the first operator. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-5.

[0255] (Supplementary Note 2-7) When the settlement means and the profit acquisition means are used in combination in the same transaction, the stamp is granted only for either the use of the settlement means or the use of the profit acquisition means. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2-1 to 2-6.

[0256] (Supplementary Note 2-8) The acquired settlement information includes settlement means usage transaction information regarding the transaction in which the settlement means was used, and the acquired profit acquisition means usage information includes profit acquisition means usage transaction information regarding the transaction in which the profit acquisition means was used. The granting means determines whether the settlement means and the profit acquisition means were used in combination based on the settlement means usage transaction information and the profit acquisition means usage transaction information. The stamp card management system according to Supplementary Note 2-7.

[0257] (Supplementary Note 2-9) The settlement means usage transaction information indicates the time when the settlement means was used, and the profit acquisition means usage transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used. The granting means grants the stamp once every predetermined period, and the granting of the stamp for the use of either the settlement means or the profit acquisition means is included in the granting of the stamp for the predetermined period including the time when either was used. The stamp card management system according to Supplementary Note 2-7 or 2-8.

[0258] (Appendix 2-10) The settlement means utilization transaction information indicates the time when the settlement means was used, the profit acquisition means utilization transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used, and when the stamping means stamps for the use of either one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means, the stamping for the use of the other one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means within a predetermined period starting from the use time of the one means is suppressed. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 2-7 to 2-9.

[0259] (Appendix 2-11) When the stamp is stamped by the stamping means, stamp information storage control means for storing, in stamp information storage means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been stamped, which is associated with user information indicating the user of the stamp card and which can identify the means used among the settlement means and the profit acquisition means, and stamp card screen information transmission means for transmitting, to the terminal device of the user of the stamp card, screen information of the stamp card including the stamped stamp, and for causing the screen of the stamp card to be displayed on the terminal device, and for varying the display mode of the stamp on the screen of the stamp card according to the means used, based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 2-1 to 2-10.

[0260] (Appended Note 2-12) When the stamp is applied by the applying means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been applied is associated with user information indicating the user of the stamp card, and the stamp information is capable of identifying the means used among the settlement means and the profit acquisition means. Stamp information storage control means for storing the stamp information in the stamp information storage means, and history screen information transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device of the user of the stamp card a screen of the history of acquisition of the stamp to be displayed on the terminal device. The history screen information transmission means, based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, displays utilization means information indicating the means used on the history screen together with the history. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appended Notes 2-1 to 2-11, further comprising:

[0261] (Appended Note 2-13) The stamp card management system further comprises corresponding store information acquisition means for acquiring corresponding store information indicating at least one store corresponding to the stamp card. Each of the at least one store is a store where at least one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means can be used. The at least one store includes a store where the settlement means can be used and a store where the profit acquisition means can be used. The acquired settlement information includes payment destination store information indicating the store where the payment for the price is made. The applying means applies the stamp when any one of the at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is used as the payment destination for the price by any one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appended Notes 2-1 to 2-12.

[0262] (Supplementary Note 2-14) The stamp card is a stamp rally card that grants stamps to the user on the condition that the user settles the payment at each of a plurality of stores, and grants a privilege different from the stamp to the user on the condition that the user obtains the stamp at the plurality of stores. At least one of the stores is the plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp rally card. The granting means grants the stamp when any one of the plurality of stores is used as the payment destination of the payment by any one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means. The stamp card management system according to Supplementary Note 2-13, characterized in that.

[0263] (Supplementary Note 2-15) In a stamp card management method executed by a computer, a settlement information acquisition step of acquiring settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using settlement means that can be used for settlement of payment in a transaction, the settlement information including settlement means user information indicating the user who used the settlement means, and a profit acquisition means that can be used at the time of settlement in a transaction and can also be used in combination with the settlement means, enabling the user of the profit acquisition means to acquire a profit and enabling the user of the profit acquisition means to use the profit acquired in the past for settlement of the payment. A profit acquisition means utilization information acquisition step of acquiring profit acquisition means utilization information indicating that the profit acquisition means has been used and including profit acquisition means user information indicating the user who used the profit acquisition means, and an granting step of granting a stamp based on the acquired settlement information, the acquired profit acquisition means utilization information, and user information indicating the user of the digitized stamp card, regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used. A stamp card management method characterized by including.

[0264] (Appendix 2-16) Settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using a computer with a settlement means that can be used for payment settlement in a transaction, the settlement information acquisition means for acquiring settlement information including settlement means user information indicating the user who used the settlement means, and a profit acquisition means that can be used at the time of settlement in a transaction and can also be used in combination with the settlement means, enabling the user of the profit acquisition means to acquire a profit and enabling the user of the profit acquisition means to use the profit acquired in the past for the payment settlement, and a profit acquisition means utilization information acquisition means for acquiring profit acquisition means utilization information including profit acquisition means user information indicating the user who used the profit acquisition means, and based on the acquired settlement information, the acquired profit acquisition means utilization information, and user information indicating the user of the digitized stamp card, a stamp card management program characterized by functioning as an awarding means for awarding a stamp regardless of whether the settlement means or the profit acquisition means is used.

[0265] (Appendix 3-1) Selection settlement means information acquisition means for acquiring selection settlement means information indicating at least one selected settlement means selected as a settlement means to which a stamp is to be applied to a predetermined stamp card among a plurality of settlement means that can be used for payment settlement in a transaction, settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using any one of the at least one selected settlement means indicated by the acquired selection settlement means information, the settlement information acquisition means for acquiring settlement information including settlement means user information indicating the user who used the selection settlement means, and based on the acquired settlement information and user information indicating the user of the predetermined stamp card, an awarding means for awarding a stamp on the condition that any one of the at least one selected settlement means among the plurality of settlement means is used, a stamp card management system characterized by comprising.

[0266] (Supplementary Note 3-2) The stamp card management system according to Supplementary Note 3-1, wherein when the giving means gives the stamp, a privilege different from the stamp on the predetermined stamp card is given to the user of the predetermined stamp card.

[0267] (Supplementary Note 3-3) The at least one selectable settlement means includes a first settlement means and a second settlement means that are different from each other, and the giving means varies the value of the privilege given depending on whether the settlement means used is the first settlement means or the second settlement means. The stamp card management system according to Supplementary Note 3-2.

[0268] (Supplementary Note 3-4) The at least one selectable settlement means includes a first settlement means and a second settlement means that are different from each other, and the giving means varies the number of stamps given depending on whether the settlement means used for settlement is the first settlement means or the second settlement means. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 3-1 to 3-3.

[0269] (Supplementary Note 3-5) The at least one selectable settlement means includes a first settlement means and a second settlement means that are different from each other, and the giving means gives the stamp when the mode in which any one of the at least one selectable settlement means is used satisfies a predetermined giving condition, and the giving conditions are different depending on whether the settlement means used is the first settlement means or the second settlement means. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 3-1 to 3-4.

[0270] (Appended Note 3-6) A profit acquisition means that can be used for settlement in a transaction and can also be used in combination with at least one of the at least one selected settlement means, enabling the user of the profit acquisition means to acquire profits and use the profits acquired in the past for settlement of the price by the user of the profit acquisition means. It further includes a profit acquisition means utilization information acquisition means for acquiring profit acquisition means utilization information indicating that such a profit acquisition means has been used. The acquired profit acquisition means utilization information includes profit acquisition means utilization user information indicating the user who used the profit acquisition means. The stamping means stamps the stamp on the condition that the profit acquisition means has been used, based on the acquired profit acquisition means utilization information and the user information. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appended Notes 3-1 to 3-5, characterized in that.

[0271] (Appended Note 3-7) When the selected settlement means and the profit acquisition means are used in combination in the same transaction, the stamping means stamps the stamp only on either the use of the selected settlement means or the use of the profit acquisition means. The stamp card management system according to Appended Note 3-6, characterized in that.

[0272] (Appended Note 3-8) The acquired settlement information includes settlement means utilization transaction information regarding the transaction in which the settlement means was used. The acquired profit acquisition means utilization information includes profit acquisition means utilization transaction information regarding the transaction in which the profit acquisition means was used. The stamping means determines whether the selected settlement means and the profit acquisition means were used in combination based on the settlement means utilization transaction information included in the acquired settlement information and the profit acquisition means utilization transaction information included in the acquired profit information. The stamp card management system according to Appended Note 3-7, characterized in that.

[0273] (Appendix 3-9) The settlement means usage transaction information indicates the time when the selected settlement means was used, and the profit acquisition means usage transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used. The stamping means stamps the stamp once per predetermined cycle at most. The stamping of the stamp for the use of either the selected settlement means or the profit acquisition means is included in the stamping of the stamp for the predetermined cycle including the time when either of them was used. The stamp card management system according to Appendix 3-8, characterized in that.

[0274] (Appendix 3-10) The settlement means usage transaction information indicates the time when the selected settlement means was used, and the profit acquisition means usage transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used. When the stamping means stamps the stamp for the use of either one of the selected settlement means and the profit acquisition means, the stamping of the stamp for the use of the other means among the selected settlement means and the profit acquisition means within a predetermined period starting from the time of use of the one means is suppressed. The stamp card management system according to Appendix 3-8 or 3-9, characterized in that.

[0275] (Appendix 3-11) The at least one selected settlement means includes a code settlement means that enables settlement in response to the electronic device optically reading code information indicating either the payer or the payee in the transaction, and an online transaction settlement means that enables settlement in response to providing account identification information for identifying the user's account in a settlement service different from the e-commerce service and that can be used in transactions in the e-commerce service. The stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 3-1 to 3-10, characterized in that.

[0276] (Supplementary Note 3-12) The at least one selectable payment means includes a first code payment means and a second code payment means that are different from each other and are each capable of making a payment in response to the electronic device optically reading code information indicating either the payer or the payee in the transaction. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 3-1 to 3-11, characterized in that it includes the above.

[0277] (Supplementary Note 3-13) The at least one selectable payment means includes a first payment means and a second payment means that are different from each other, the acquired payment information includes payee store information indicating the store where the payment for the price is made, and the granting means grants the stamp when the first payment means is used with a predetermined offline store as the payee for the price, and grants the stamp when the second payment means is used with an online store operated by at least one of the operator of the offline store and the related parties of the operator as the payee for the price. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 3-1 to 3-12, characterized in that it includes the above.

[0278] (Supplementary Note 3-14) When the stamp is granted by the granting means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been granted, which is associated with user information indicating the user of the stamp card and is capable of specifying the selected payment means used among the at least one selectable payment means, is stored in the stamp information storage means by the stamp information storage control means, and stamp card screen information transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device of the user of the stamp card a screen of the stamp card including the granted stamp, and the display mode of the stamp on the screen of the stamp card is made different according to the selected payment means used, based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card. The stamp card management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 3-1 to 3-13, characterized in that it further includes the above.

[0279] (Appendix 3-15) Stamp card screen information transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device of the user of the stamp card stamp card screen display information for causing the terminal device to display a screen of the stamp card including the applied stamp, wherein as a payment means for which the stamp is applied, stamp target payment means information indicating the at least one selected payment means indicated by the acquired selected payment means information is included in the screen of the stamp card, and the stamp card screen information transmission means further includes the stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 3-1 to 3-14.

[0280] (Appendix 3-16) When the stamp is applied by the applying means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been applied, associated with user information indicating the user of the stamp card, and capable of specifying the selected payment means used among the at least one selected payment means is stored in the stamp information storage means by the stamp information storage control means, and history screen information transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device of the user of the stamp card history screen information for causing the terminal device to display a screen of the history of stamp acquisition, and based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, utilization payment means information indicating the selected payment means used for the payment is displayed together with the history on the history screen, and the stamp card management system according to any one of Appendices 3-1 to 3-15.

[0281] (Supplementary Note 3-17) The stamp card management system further includes corresponding store information acquisition means for acquiring corresponding store information indicating at least one store corresponding to the stamp card. Each of the at least one store is a store where at least one of the at least one selected payment means can be used. The at least one store includes stores where each of the at least one selected payment means can be used. The acquired payment information includes payment destination store information indicating the store where the payment for the price is made. When any one of the at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is used as the payment destination for the price and any one of the at least one selected payment means indicated by the acquired selected payment means information is used, the giving means gives the stamp. The stamp card management system according to Supplementary Note 3-1 described above is characterized in this way.

[0282] (Supplementary Note 3-18) The stamp card management system further includes available payment means information acquisition means for acquiring available payment means information indicating the payment means available at each of the at least one store indicated by the acquired corresponding store information among the plurality of payment means, and selection payment means information generation means for generating selection payment means information indicating at least one payment means as the selected payment means among the payment means indicated by the acquired available payment means information. The giving means acquires the generated selection payment means information. The stamp card management system according to Supplementary Note 3-17 described above is characterized in this way.

[0283] (Appended Note 3-19) The specified stamp card is a stamp rally card that, for each of a plurality of stores, grants the stamp to the user on the condition that the user settles the payment at the store, and grants a privilege different from the stamp to the user on the condition that the user obtains the stamp at the plurality of stores. The at least one store is the plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp rally card. The granting means grants the stamp when any one of the plurality of stores corresponding to the stamp rally card is used as the payment destination for the payment and any one of the at least one selected payment means indicated by the acquired selected payment means information is used. The stamp card management system according to Appended Note 3-17 or 18, characterized in that

[0284] (Appended Note 3-20) In a stamp card management method executed by a computer, a selected payment means information acquisition step of acquiring selected payment means information indicating at least one selected payment means selected as a payment means to which a stamp is to be applied to a predetermined stamp card among a plurality of payment means that can be used for settling the payment in a transaction; a settlement information acquisition step of acquiring settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using any one of the at least one selected payment means indicated by the acquired selected payment means information, the settlement information including settlement means using user information indicating the user who used the selected payment means; and a granting step of granting a stamp on the condition that any one of the at least one selected payment means among the plurality of payment means is used based on the acquired settlement information and user information indicating the user of the predetermined stamp card. A stamp card management method characterized by including

[0285] Selection settlement means information acquisition means for acquiring selection settlement means information indicating at least one selected settlement means selected as a settlement means for which a stamp is to be affixed to a predetermined stamp card among a plurality of settlement means that can be used for payment in a transaction; settlement information acquisition means for acquiring settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using any one of the at least one selected settlement means indicated by the acquired selection settlement means information, the settlement information including settlement means using user information indicating the user who used the selection settlement means; and, based on the acquired settlement information, user information indicating the user of the predetermined stamp card, granting means for granting a stamp on the condition that any one of the at least one selected settlement means among the plurality of settlement means has been used. A stamp card management program characterized by functioning as such.

Explanation of Signs

[0286] 1 Stamp card management server 2 Member information management server 3 Point program system 4 Settlement system 5 Store terminal 6 E-commerce server 7 Creator terminal 8 User terminal 11 System control unit 12 System bus 13 Input / output interface 14 Storage unit 14a Settlement-related means DB 14b Business operator DB 14c Store DB 14d Stamp card DB 14e Stamp card corresponding store DB 14f Issued card DB 14g Settlement-related information DB 14h Stamp acquisition history DB 14i Privilege DB 14j Stamp card corresponding settlement-related means DB 15 Communication unit 21 System Control Unit 22 System Bus 23 Input / Output Interface 24 Memory Unit 24a Member DB 24b Settlement-Related Information DB 25 Communication Unit 1101 Settlement-Related Information Acquisition Unit 1102 Corresponding Store Information Acquisition Unit 1103 Granting Unit 1104 Stamp Information Memory Control Unit 1105 Stamp Card Screen Information Transmission Unit 1106 History Screen Information Transmission Unit 1107 Selected Settlement-Related Means Information Acquisition Unit 1108 Available Settlement-Related Means Information Acquisition Unit 1109 Selected Settlement-Related Means Information Generation Unit 2101 Settlement-Related Information Acquisition Unit 2102 Settlement-Related Information Transmission Unit NW Network S Communication System

Claims

1. Settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using settlement means that can be used for settlement of consideration in a transaction, the settlement information acquisition means for acquiring settlement information including settlement means user information indicating the user who used the settlement means, Benefit acquisition means that can also be used in combination with the settlement means, indicating that at least one of the user of the benefit acquisition means obtaining a benefit and the user of the benefit acquisition means using the benefit obtained in the past for settlement of the consideration is possible, and the benefit acquisition means use information acquisition means for acquiring benefit acquisition means use information including benefit acquisition means user information indicating the user who used the benefit acquisition means, Based on the acquired settlement information, the acquired benefit acquisition means use information, and user information indicating the user of the digitized stamp card, the granting means for granting a stamp regardless of which of the settlement means and the benefit acquisition means is used, A stamp card management system characterized by comprising the above.

2. The granting means according to claim 1, wherein when granting the stamp, a privilege different from the stamp is granted to the user of the stamp card.

3. The stamp card management system according to claim 2, wherein the granting means varies the value of the granted privilege depending on whether the settlement means is used or the benefit acquisition means is used.

4. The stamp card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the granting means varies the number of stamps to be granted depending on whether the settlement means is used or the benefit acquisition means is used.

5. The granting means grants the stamp when the mode in which any one of the settlement means and the benefit acquisition means is used satisfies a predetermined granting condition, The stamp card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the granting conditions are different depending on whether the settlement means is used or the benefit acquisition means is used.

6. The stamp card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the settlement means is provided by a predetermined first operator, and the benefit acquisition means is provided by a predetermined second operator different from the first operator.

7. When the granting means uses the settlement means and the profit acquisition means in the same transaction, the stamp is granted only for either the use of the settlement means or the use of the profit acquisition means. The stamp card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

8. The acquired settlement information includes settlement means usage transaction information regarding the transaction in which the settlement means was used. The acquired profit acquisition means usage information includes profit acquisition means usage transaction information regarding the transaction in which the profit acquisition means was used. The granting means determines whether the settlement means and the profit acquisition means are used in combination based on the settlement means usage transaction information and the profit acquisition means usage transaction information. The stamp card management system according to claim 7, characterized in that.

9. The settlement means usage transaction information indicates the time when the settlement means was used. The profit acquisition means usage transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used. The granting means grants the stamp once per predetermined period at most, The granting of the stamp for the use of either the settlement means or the profit acquisition means is included in the granting of the stamp for the predetermined period including the time when either was used. The stamp card management system according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. The settlement means usage transaction information indicates the time when the settlement means was used. The profit acquisition means usage transaction information indicates the time when the profit acquisition means was used. When the granting means grants the stamp for the use of either the settlement means or the profit acquisition means, the granting of the stamp for the use of the other means among the settlement means and the profit acquisition means within a predetermined period starting from the usage time of the one means is suppressed. The stamp card management system according to claim 8, characterized in that.

11. When the stamp is granted by the granting means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been granted, which is associated with user information indicating the user of the stamp card and which can identify the means used among the settlement means and the profit acquisition means, is stored in the stamp information storage means by the stamp information storage control means. Stamp card screen information transmission means for transmitting, to the terminal device of the user of the stamp card, stamp card screen display information for causing the terminal device to display a screen of the stamp card including the stamped stamp, the stamp card screen information transmission means being based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, and causing the display mode of the stamp on the screen of the stamp card to differ according to the means used. The stamp card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the above.

12. Stamp information storage control means for storing, in the stamp information storage means, stamp information indicating that the stamp has been applied, in association with user information indicating the user of the stamp card, when the stamp is applied by the applying means, and the stamp information being capable of specifying the means used among the payment means and the profit acquisition means. History screen information transmission means for transmitting, to the terminal device of the user of the stamp card, history screen information for causing the terminal device to display a screen of the acquisition history of the stamp, the history screen information transmission means being based on the stamp information associated with the user information of the user of the stamp card, and causing utilization means information indicating the means used to be displayed together with the history on the history screen. The stamp card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the above.

13. Further comprising corresponding store information acquisition means for acquiring corresponding store information indicating at least one store corresponding to the stamp card. Each of the at least one store is a store where at least one of the payment means and the profit acquisition means can be used, and the at least one store includes a store where the payment means can be used and a store where the profit acquisition means can be used. The acquired payment information includes payment destination store information indicating the store where the payment for the price is made. The applying means applies the stamp when any one of the at least one store corresponding to the stamp card is used as the payment destination for the price and any one of the payment means and the profit acquisition means is used. The stamp card management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The stamp card is a card for a stamp rally that grants the user the stamp on the condition that the user settles the payment at the store for each of a plurality of stores, and grants the user a privilege different from the stamp on the condition that the user obtains the stamp at the plurality of stores. The at least one store is the plurality of stores corresponding to the card for the stamp rally. The stamp card management system according to claim 13, wherein the granting means grants the stamp when any one of the plurality of stores is used as a payment destination of the payment by any one of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means.

15. In a stamp card management method executed by a computer, A settlement information acquisition step of acquiring settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using settlement means that can be used for settlement of payment in a transaction, the settlement information including settlement means user information indicating a user who has used the settlement means; A profit acquisition means that can also be used in combination with the settlement means, indicating that at least one of the user of the profit acquisition means obtaining a profit and the user of the profit acquisition means using the profit obtained in the past for settlement of the payment has occurred, and including profit acquisition means user information indicating a user who has used the profit acquisition means. A profit acquisition means use information acquisition step of acquiring profit acquisition means use information; An awarding step of awarding a stamp based on the acquired settlement information, the acquired profit acquisition means use information, and user information indicating a user of the digitized stamp card, regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used; A stamp card management method characterized by including the above.

16. A computer, A settlement information acquisition means for acquiring settlement information indicating that settlement has been made using settlement means that can be used for settlement of payment in a transaction, the settlement information including settlement means user information indicating a user who has used the settlement means; A profit acquisition means that can be used in combination with the settlement means, indicating that at least one of the following is possible: the user of the profit acquisition means acquires a profit, and the user of the profit acquisition means uses the profit acquired in the past for the settlement of the price. A profit acquisition means utilization information acquisition means that acquires profit acquisition means utilization information including profit acquisition means utilization user information indicating the user who has used the profit acquisition means. An awarding means for awarding a stamp based on the acquired settlement information, the acquired profit acquisition means utilization information, and user information indicating the user of the digitized stamp card, regardless of which of the settlement means and the profit acquisition means is used. A stamp card management program characterized by functioning as such.

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