Stamp rally server and method of providing stamp rally services

Abstract

To build a system that links multiple stamp rallies and provide a stamp rally server that motivates participants to take part in other stamp rallies. [Solution] The stamp rally server 10 comprises a control unit 12 that controls the operation of the stamp rally server 10, a communication unit 16 that performs communication, and a database 14 that stores the stamp cards of stamp rally participants. The communication unit 16 sends arrival messages from participant terminals 20 to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 retrieves the participant's stamp card, indicated by the participant ID in the arrival message, from the database 14, adds a stamp to the stamp card of the target rally, indicated by the stamp rally ID in the arrival message, and adds a stamp to the master rally stamp card if the stamp acquisition conditions of the master rally linked to the target rally in which the participant is participating are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stamp rally server and a stamp rally service providing method capable of coordinating a plurality of stamp rallies.

Background Art

[0002] Stamp rallies are widely used for events in shopping districts and town development in local areas. Participants in a stamp rally visit predetermined checkpoints and obtain stamps at those checkpoints. If all or some of the stamps at the checkpoints are collected, the participants can obtain predetermined prizes or benefits.

[0003] In recent years, a method in which participants in a stamp rally participate in the stamp rally using their own smartphones (or tablet computers, various other computers, the same hereinafter) has been widely used. Such a method of holding a stamp rally using a smartphone enables easy acquisition of stamps at checkpoints using the smartphone, so that participants can easily participate, and the organizer of the stamp rally can also easily hold the stamp rally. Therefore, the number of stamp rallies held using smartphones has been increasing year by year. Acquisition of a stamp at a checkpoint is often performed by reading a QR code (registered trademark) or other optical code arranged at the checkpoint, GPS (Global Positioning System) authentication, or the like.

[0004] Basic operation of the stamp rally In a conventional stamp rally, a participant can obtain a benefit according to the stamp acquisition status of the participant, and the participant can enjoy the stamp rally. In addition, the organizer of a stamp rally in a local shopping district or shopping mall can promote its own service and attract participants to the shopping district or the like, and the business merit is great.

[0005] Explanation of Terms, Part 1 This section provides explanations of basic terminology used in the text. "Stamp Rally": This refers to an event where participants travel around to various checkpoints, collecting stamps at each location. Many such events offer various rewards based on the number of stamps collected. It is sometimes simply called a "rally." "Stamp Rally Organizer": This refers to the person who plans and holds a stamp rally. This can be a company, an individual business owner, a shopping district group, a neighborhood association, etc. They may also simply be called the "organizer." "Stamp rally operator": This refers to a party that provides the organizers with various mechanisms for conducting a stamp rally. Sometimes, they are simply referred to as an "operator." "Stamp rally participation app": This refers to an app that allows participation in a stamp rally. This "stamp rally participation app" is computer software, a computer program that is installed on a designated device (a participant's smartphone, tablet computer, or various other computers) and operates as a "participant device" as described below. This "stamp rally participation app" refers not only to apps specifically for participating in stamp rallies, but to all apps that allow participation in stamp rallies. In this text, it may also simply be referred to as "app". "Participant": A person who participates in the stamp rally, and is generally an individual. Participants may also be referred to as "stamp rally participants" or "users." Participants primarily use the participant terminal described below to participate in the stamp rally.

[0006] "Participant terminal": This refers to the terminal used by participants when taking part in the stamp rally. This terminal is a computer, and for example, personal information devices owned and used by individuals (participants taking the stamp rally) (e.g., smartphones, tablet devices, and various other computers) can be used as participant terminals. In addition, terminals that have the aforementioned stamp rally participation application installed and configured to operate for the stamp rally can also be used as participant terminals. Participant terminals may also be called "stamp rally terminals" or simply "terminals."

[0007] Prior patent documents (background technology for reference) No prior patent documents similar to or related to the present invention could be found. Therefore, we will provide some general background information on the technology of conventional, very common stamp rallies. Many conventional patents concern the operation of obtaining a stamp upon arrival at a stamp spot (checkpoint). For example, the following patents have been published. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when a participant in a stamp rally visits a stamp spot, information identifying the stamp spot is transmitted from a stamp spot terminal (digital signage device) to a user terminal (communication device), and a stamp corresponding to the stamp spot is selected from among the stamp candidates pre-stored in the user terminal.

[0008] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which a participant who visits a stamp spot is photographed by a camera installed at the stamp spot, facial recognition is performed based on the captured image, and if facial recognition is successful, information about the stamp created based on the participant's captured image is transmitted to the user's terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-134626 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-5278 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Traditional stamp rallies are typically one-off events, making it difficult to link and utilize participant data across multiple rallies. This is because, in the first place, there is no system in place to link multiple stamp rallies. Therefore, even if multiple stamp rallies are held in a region, they are held individually, leaving little incentive for participants in the spring stamp rally to participate in the autumn stamp rally. In this case, if there were some kind of motivation for participants in the spring stamp rally to participate in the autumn stamp rally, it would contribute to the revitalization of the region, but neither such motivation nor a mechanism to create such motivation exists yet.

[0011] If there were a system to link multiple stamp rallies, it would create such motivation and contribute to regional revitalization, but such a linking system is not yet known.

[0012] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and its purpose is to provide a stamp rally system that can link multiple stamp rallies and motivate participants in one stamp rally to participate in other stamp rallies. In other words, the goal is to build a stamp rally server that can link multiple stamp rallies and to implement a method for providing stamp rally services using that server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To solve the above problems, the inventor of this application created the concept of a master rally system and built a mechanism (stamp rally server) to realize it.

[0014] overview The Master Rally System is a new stamp rally system that links multiple independent stamp rally events together, allowing participants to enjoy them as one large, unified rally. The Master Rally System introduces a new stamp rally called the Master Rally, in addition to the traditional stamp rallies (target rallies). In the Master Rally System, participants can take part in multiple stamp rallies (target rallies) and collect one or more stamps in each rally to obtain a stamp in the main "Master Rally."

[0015] Glossary Part 2 "Master Rally": This is a stamp rally, but it differs from conventional stamp rallies in that the conditions for obtaining stamps are either participating in a designated target rally or obtaining a predetermined number of stamps in a designated stamp rally. Also, while conventional stamp rallies require obtaining a stamp at each checkpoint, in a Master Rally, you must participate in a target rally or obtain a stamp for each target rally. Aside from this, it is the same as a conventional stamp rally, and various rewards can be obtained depending on the number of stamps collected. "Target Rally": In the Master Rally System, this refers to a rally that is associated with a Master Rally and used as a condition for obtaining stamps in the Master Rally. The Target Rally itself is the same as a conventional stamp rally. A regular stamp rally can become a Target Rally for a designated Master Rally, thereby enabling it to link with the Master Rally and other Target Rallies associated with the same Master Rally. "Stamp Rally Information": This refers to the information that makes up a stamp rally. It is sometimes simply called "Rally Information." It may include various types of information depending on the rally. In the case of a target rally, it may include the stamp rally ID, which is the identifier of the stamp rally, information on checkpoints, information on stamps that can be obtained, etc. It may also include information on rewards that can be obtained. It may also include information on the master rally that the target rally is linked to (e.g., stamp rally ID, etc.). In the case of a master rally, the information is almost the same as that of a target rally, but it does not include information about checkpoints. Instead of checkpoint information, it includes information about the conditions for awarding stamps (such as participating in the target rally or obtaining a stamp for each target rally). It also includes information indicating that the rally is a master rally. The inclusion of this information allows one to know that the rally is a master rally. If this information is not present, it can be assumed that it is a target rally. Note that information about target rallies linked to the master rally (for example, the stamp rally ID of that target rally) may be included in the stamp rally information of the master rally. Stamp rally information may be stored in a designated database (for example, database 14 described later), but it may be stored anywhere, or in multiple locations. For example, it may be stored in the participant stamp card 100 described later.

[0016] For example, if a stamp rally is held 10 times in a year at different times and locations, each is set as the "target rally" of a predetermined master rally. When participants collect one or more stamps in each event (target rally), the results may be reflected in the "master rally" as well. That is, a mechanism is realized in which by collecting stamps in multiple events, the stamps of the "master rally" also automatically increase. Also, in the "master rally", since benefits can be obtained according to the number of stamps collected, for participants, in addition to the benefits in each event, they can also obtain the benefits of the master rally, getting double chances, which is of great benefit to the participants. Note that the stamp acquisition conditions for the master rally can be set arbitrarily. As described so far, it may be just participating in the target rally, or obtaining one or more stamps in the target rally, or obtaining two or more stamps, etc. The specific configuration for realizing such a master rally system is as follows.

[0017] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a stamp rally server that provides a stamp rally service, comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the stamp rally server, a communication unit that executes communication with the outside, and a database that stores the stamp cards of participants who participate in the stamp rally. The communication unit receives an arrival message transmitted from an external participant terminal and sends it to the control unit. The control unit retrieves the stamp card of the participant indicated by the participant ID in the arrival message from the database, grants a stamp to the stamp card of the target rally indicated by the stamp rally ID in the arrival message, determines whether the participant is participating in a master rally linked to the target rally, and if the participant is participating in the master rally, determines whether the stamp acquisition conditions of the participating master rally are satisfied. If the stamp acquisition conditions of the master rally are satisfied, a stamp is granted to the master rally stamp card. This is a stamp rally server characterized by the above.

[0018] (2) Further, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a stamp rally server that provides a stamp rally service, comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of the stamp rally server; a communication unit that communicates with the outside; and a database that stores stamp cards of participants who participate in the stamp rally. The communication unit receives an arrival message transmitted from an external participant terminal and sends it to the control unit. The control unit retrieves the stamp card of the participant indicated by the participant ID in the arrival message from the database, and grants a stamp to the stamp card of the target rally indicated by the stamp rally ID in the arrival message. The control unit determines whether or not the participant satisfies the stamp acquisition conditions of the master rally in which the participant participates and that is coordinated with the target rally. If the participant satisfies the stamp acquisition conditions of the master rally, a stamp is granted to the master rally stamp card. The present invention is a stamp rally server characterized by the above.

[0019] (3) Further, the present invention is the stamp rally server according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the stamp acquisition conditions of the master rally include any one of participating in the target rally and acquiring one or more stamps in the target rally. The present invention is a stamp rally server characterized by the above.

[0020] (4) Further, the present invention is the stamp rally server according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the participant satisfies the privilege granting conditions of the master rally in which the participant participates. If the participant satisfies the privilege granting conditions, a privilege is granted to the master rally stamp card. The present invention is a stamp rally server characterized by the above.

[0021] (5) Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a stamp rally service using the stamp rally server described in (1) above, comprising the steps of: the communication unit receiving an arrival message transmitted from an external participant terminal and sending it to the control unit; the control unit retrieving the participant's stamp card indicated by the participant ID in the arrival message from the database and affixing a stamp to the stamp card of the target rally indicated by the stamp rally ID in the arrival message; and the control unit determining whether the participant is participating in a master rally, and if so, determining whether the stamp acquisition conditions of the master rally being participated in are met, and if so, affixing a stamp to the master rally stamp card.

[0022] (6) Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a stamp rally service using the stamp rally server described in (1) above, comprising the steps of: the communication unit receiving an arrival message transmitted from an external participant terminal and sending it to the control unit; the control unit retrieving the participant's stamp card, indicated by the participant ID in the arrival message, from the database and adding a stamp to the stamp card of the target rally indicated by the stamp rally ID in the arrival message; and the control unit determining whether the stamp acquisition conditions of the master rally in which the participant is participating and which is linked to the target rally are met, and if the stamp acquisition conditions of the master rally are met, adding a stamp to the master rally stamp card.

[0023] (7) The present invention is a method for providing a stamp rally service as described in (5) or (6) above, characterized in that the conditions for obtaining a stamp in the master rally include either participating in the target rally or obtaining one or more stamps in the target rally.

[0024] (8) The present invention also relates to a method for providing a stamp rally service as described in (5) or (6) above, wherein the control unit determines whether the conditions for granting a reward in the master rally in which the participant is participating are met, and if the conditions for granting a reward are met, grants a reward to the master rally stamp card. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a stamp rally mechanism that allows multiple stamp rallies to be linked together, and that motivates participants in stamp rallies to participate in other stamp rallies as well. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This is a general overall diagram of a stamp rally system that provides stamp rallies. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram of a participant stamp card. [Figure 4] This is another flowchart illustrating the operation of this embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the app screen used by participants to register for the stamp rally. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the app screen when the explanation for the "Patent Town Forest Town Stamp Rally" pops up. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the top page of the website for the stamp rally you intend to participate in. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the user interface of the app used for the stamp rally in which the participant took part. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the stamp card screen (app screen) for a stamp rally in which a participant took part. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the top page of the app screen for the target rally. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the list screen (app screen) for the target rallies. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The overall configuration and operation of a stamp rally when implementing a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] 1. Configuration Figure 1 shows an overall configuration diagram of the stamp rally according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the configuration for realizing the stamp rally consists of a stamp rally server 10 and multiple participant terminals 20 that communicate with the stamp rally server 10. The stamp rally server 10 is managed by the business operator and provides the stamp rally service. The participant terminals 20 are terminals owned by general participants who take part in the stamp rally. The stamp rally according to this embodiment is called a "master rally system" and is characterized by supporting a stamp rally called a master rally in addition to conventional stamp rallies (referred to as target rallies).

[0029] (1) Stamp rally server 10 The stamp rally server 10 is configured as a computer and executes stamp rally processing, providing stamp rally services to the participant terminals 20 and other devices of the stamp rally participants.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the stamp rally server 10 includes a control unit 12, a database 14, and a communication unit 16. The control unit 12 is a device that controls the stamp rally server 10 and includes a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 12 controls the operation of the stamp rally server 10 by executing a predetermined program. The operation of the control unit described in this document is defined by this program. The database 14 is a storage device that stores stamp rally information, participant information, various stamp cards, etc. It can be made of a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The communication unit 16 is a communication interface with the outside world and can communicate with external participant terminals 20, etc. via this communication unit 16. This communication unit 16 can use various types of communication and communication networks. It may be the so-called internet, a public network such as a mobile phone line, or various other communication networks.

[0031] (2) Participant terminal 20 Participant terminal 20 is a device owned by a participant who wishes to participate in the stamp rally. According to the rules of the stamp rally, when a participant arrives at a designated checkpoint, they send an arrival message to the stamp rally server 10. The stamp rally server 10 then sends a message to participant terminal 20 informing them that the corresponding stamp has been obtained. Furthermore, the participant terminal 20 also receives a message indicating that various rewards have been earned based on the number of stamps collected. Participant terminal 20 can be any computer equipped with communication capabilities, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet computer.

[0032] 2nd.Operation The operation of providing the stamp rally service in this embodiment will be described below based on a flowchart. Figure 2 shows an example of the operation of providing a stamp rally service when using the stamp rally system of this embodiment. In particular, Figure 2 shows an example of the operation when a participant (participant terminal 20) arrives at a checkpoint and obtains a stamp. Figure 2 is a flowchart representing the operation of the control unit 12, the database 14, and the participant terminal 20 of the stamp rally server 10, as well as the transmission and reception of data between them.

[0033] First, in step S2-1, an arrival message is sent from the participant's terminal 20 to the stamp rally server 10 indicating that the participant has arrived at a designated checkpoint. The arrival message includes a checkpoint ID indicating the checkpoint, a participant ID indicating the participant, a stamp rally ID indicating the stamp rally being participated in, and so on.

[0034] In step S2-2, the communication unit 16 of the stamp rally server 10 receives an arrival message and sends it to the control unit 12. Based on the arrival message, the control unit 12 stamps the stamp card of the corresponding rally (indicated by the stamp rally ID) in the participant stamp card 100 of that participant (indicated by the participant ID above) in the database 14. The conceptual diagram of the participant stamp card 100 is shown in Figure 3.

[0035] Database 14 contains a participant stamp card 100 for each participant. This participant stamp card 100 stores data on the stamp cards collected by the participant in the rally they are participating in.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the participant stamp card 100 stores data for two types of stamp cards 100: one for the target rally, similar to a conventional stamp rally, and another for the master rally. In the example shown in Figure 3, the target rally stamp cards 100 are shown as A rally stamp card 102, B rally stamp card 104, and C rally stamp card 106. The master rally stamp card 100 is shown as X rally stamp card 108. This participant is taking part in these stamp rallies.

[0037] The stamp cards for the target rallies contain the same data as traditional stamp cards. In the example in Figure 3, the participant has collected 4 stamps for Rally A, 3 stamps for Rally B, and no stamps for Rally C. In the example shown in Figure 3, the Master Rally stamp card is the X Rally stamp card 108.

[0038] Furthermore, the stamp cards for the target rallies are pre-printed with data from the associated master rally. For example, in Figure 3, stamp card 102 for rally A, a target rally, is pre-printed with information from rally X, the associated master rally. This clearly indicates which master rally each target rally is linked to.

[0039] Now, returning to step S2-2, the control unit 12 determines the participant from the participant ID in the received arrival message and determines which rally it is from the stamp rally ID. Here, for example, in the example in Figure 3, the participant is the participant indicated by the participant ID as described above, and the stamp rally ID represents rally A in Figure 3. The control unit 12 stamps the checkpoint indicated by the checkpoint ID in the arrival message on the A rally stamp card 102. Furthermore, the control unit 12 transmits a message to the participant terminal 20 via the communication unit 16 indicating that the stamp has been applied.

[0040] Next, in step S2-3, the control unit 12 looks up the participant's stamp card 100 from the database 14 and determines whether the conditions for granting the reward are met. If the conditions for granting the reward are met, the reward is granted in the next step S2-4. If the conditions for granting the reward are not met, the system proceeds to step S2-5 without granting the reward. In step S2-4, the control unit 12 adds the reward to the participant's stamp card 100. The control unit 12 also transmits a message to the participant terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 indicating that the reward has been added.

[0041] Next, in step S2-5, the control unit 12 retrieves the participant's stamp card 100 from the database 14, views its contents, and determines whether the participant is participating in the master rally. As mentioned above, the target rally is identified from the stamp rally ID in the arrival message, so if the master rally associated with that target rally is found in the participant's stamp card 100, it is determined that the participant is participating. In this embodiment, as will be described later, we do not assume that the user is not participating in the master rally, so (if error checking is not considered) step S2-5 may be omitted. That is, after the processing in step S2-4, the process may proceed directly to step S2-6.

[0042] If the participant is participating in the master rally, the process proceeds to step S2-6. On the other hand, if the participant is not participating in the master rally, the process ends, but this embodiment does not assume such a case. The reason for this will be explained in the next paragraph. In the example in Figure 3, the participant is participating in the master rally, which is Rally X, so the process proceeds to step S2-6.

[0043] <Reasons for not assuming participation in the Master Rally> In this embodiment, when participating in a predetermined first target rally, the system is designed to simultaneously participate in the master rally for that target rally. Therefore, this embodiment does not assume a scenario where a player is participating in a target rally but not in the master rally. As a result, in this embodiment, there are two ways for participants to participate in the Master Rally. (A) Participate in the Master Rally, then participate in the target rally. (B) Even if you are unaware of the existence of a Master Rally, when you participate in a target rally, a pop-up will appear saying "Participate in the Master Rally," and you will automatically participate in the Master Rally. However, the methods for participating in the rally are not limited to these, and other methods may be used.

[0044] Now, returning to the flowchart, in step S2-6, the control unit 12 retrieves the participant's X-rally stamp card 108 from the database 14, examines its contents, and determines whether the participant meets the stamp acquisition conditions for the master rally (X-rally) in which they are participating. In the example in Figure 3, the participant is participating in the master rally, the X-rally, so the control unit 12 determines whether the participant meets the stamp acquisition conditions for the X-rally. If the stamp acquisition conditions are met, the control unit 12 then adds a stamp to the X-rally stamp card 108 in the next step S2-7. This X-rally stamp card 108 corresponds to a preferred example of the master rally stamp card of the claims.

[0045] The conditions for obtaining stamps for the Master Rally can be arbitrarily set, and various conditions can be adopted. For example, it could be "participating in Rally A" or "obtaining one or more stamps in Rally A," or "obtaining two or more stamps in Rally B." Alternatively, it could be "completing Rally A (visiting all checkpoints)," or "a total of five or more stamps obtained from Rally A and Rally C," etc.

[0046] Furthermore, the conditions for obtaining stamps for the Master Rally may be recorded (stored) anywhere, but they may be recorded in the stamp card 100, and especially in the Master Rally stamp card. In this embodiment, for example, they may be recorded in the X Rally stamp card 108.

[0047] In step S2-7, the control unit 12 stamps the X-rally stamp card 108 in the participant's participant stamp card 100. This is illustrated in the conceptual diagram in Figure 3. In the example shown in Figure 3, two stamps have been added to the X-rally stamp card 108. The control unit 12 also transmits a message to the participant terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 indicating that a stamp has been added to the X-rally stamp card 108.

[0048] Next, moving to Figure 4, in step S4-1, the control unit 12 examines the X-rally stamp card 108 in the participant's stamp card 100 and determines whether the participant meets the conditions for granting a reward in the master rally (X-rally) in which they are participating. If the conditions for granting a reward are met, the master rally reward is granted in the next step S4-2. If the conditions for granting a reward are not met, the process ends without granting a reward. The conditions for granting these rewards can also be arbitrarily determined, just like with traditional stamp rallies.

[0049] In step S4-2, the control unit 12 grants the Master Rally (X Rally) reward to the X Rally stamp card 108 in the participant's stamp card 100. In this embodiment, the reward is granted by writing the reward data on the X Rally stamp card 108, but it may be written anywhere. By writing it on the stamp card 100, participants can check their rewards by viewing their stamp card 100 at any time. The control unit 12 also transmits to the participant terminal 20 via the communication unit 16 that the reward has been granted to the X Rally stamp card 108.

[0050] Furthermore, the conditions for granting rewards for the Master Rally, like the conditions for obtaining stamps, may be recorded (stored) anywhere, but for example, they may be recorded on the X Rally Stamp Card 108. After the above processing is complete, the process will be terminated.

[0051] As explained above, this embodiment introduces a new concept of stamp rallies called a "master rally," in which stamps are acquired based on the stamp acquisition status of other stamp rallies, and allows multiple stamp rallies to be linked and interconnected. As a result, it is possible to motivate participants to take part in stamp rallies and to more strongly appeal to the attractions of the region.

[0052] Section 3. Setup Method (Linking the Master Rally with the Target Rally) In the example shown in Figure 3, we see the master rally, Rally X, and the three target rallies (Rally A, Rally B, and Rally C) linked to Rally X. The operation of these links is explained below.

[0053] Figure 5 shows the app screen for participants to register for their desired stamp rally. This app screen is from participant device 20, which has the stamp rally participation app installed. Here, we explain using the example of participant device 20 being a smartphone, but it could also be a personal computer or tablet device. Note that if you do not use the app, a list screen like the one in Figure 5 may not be available. If you do not use the app, you may adopt a configuration where you can register to participate directly from a special website on the web, as shown in Figure 7, which will be discussed later.

[0054] Figure 5 shows the TOP screen of the stamp rally participation app, as described above. As shown in this figure, information on multiple stamp rallies is displayed, and when a participant taps anywhere in the stamp rally section that interests them, they are taken to the page with detailed information about that stamp rally, i.e., the TOP screen of that stamp rally. In Figure 5, the icon with the flag mark 200 represents the master rally. Stamp rallies without the flag mark 200 are regular stamp rallies and are rallies that could be the target rally.

[0055] In Figure 5, tapping the flag mark 200 for the "Patent Town Forest Town Stamp Rally" at the top will bring up Figure 6, which will be explained next. If you tap a stamp rally frame other than the flag mark, you will be taken to Figure 8, which will be described later. Figure 6 shows how the explanation of the "Patent Town Forest Town Stamp Rally" pops up on the app screen. As shown in Figure 6, the pop-up screen explains that (a) this stamp rally is a master rally, and (b) if you participate in the target rallies that are linked to the master rally (listed on the master rally stamp card) and obtain stamps, you can also obtain stamps for the master rally.

[0056] You can close this pop-up by tapping the "x" mark at the bottom of the screen in Figure 6. Since the participant is interested in the "Patent Town Stroll Digital Stamp Rally," they will move to the operation screen in Figure 8 by tapping the entire stamp rally frame of the "Patent Town Stroll Digital Stamp Rally" except for the flag mark. The website for the "Patent Town Stroll Digital Stamp Rally" is shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a special website explaining the master rally. The top page of this website is shown in Figure 7, where participants can view the details of the "Patent Town Stroll Digital Stamp Rally" and consider participating in it. To participate, you must use the app and perform various operations using the operation screen (app screen) (Figure 8) of the "Patent Town Forest Machifurari Digital Stamp Rally".

[0057] In the app's operation screen shown in Figure 8, a coupon button 202 and a stamp card button 204 are displayed. If you are not participating in the Master Rally, the "Participate" button will be displayed instead of the stamp card button 204. Participants can tap this "Participate" button, and after joining, the stamp card button 204 will be displayed as shown in Figure 8.

[0058] Furthermore, even in cases where the stamp rally is performed by accessing the website via a web browser without using an app, it is preferable to have an operation screen like the one shown in Figure 8. The system may be configured to transition directly to the stamp card screen without providing an operation screen. In this embodiment, for the sake of clarity, the explanation focuses on the app version and describes an example that includes a TOP screen, operation screen, stamp card screen, etc. However, whether using an app or a web browser, an embodiment without a TOP screen or an embodiment that omits the operation screen may also be adopted. In cases where the number of stamps in a stamp rally is small, it may be sufficient to omit the TOP screen and other elements, and only allow the stamp card screen to be viewed.

[0059] Furthermore, if an app is not used, the Master Rally may be configured to allow users to check the status and other information via a dedicated website on the web, as shown in Figure 7 above.

[0060] A distinctive feature of this embodiment is the realization of a new concept of stamp rally called a "master rally," in which stamps can be obtained by participating in a target rally or by obtaining stamps in a target rally. This master rally allows for the linking of target rallies that are connected to the master rally. Therefore, as long as it has these features, the embodiment is not particularly limited, and an application or a web browser may be used. Also, a top screen and operation screen may or may not be provided. In particular, if the number of stamp rallies is small, it may be sufficient to simply be able to view the stamp card. However, as the number of target rallies increases, it is desirable to provide a top screen and operation screen for viewing the entire list.

[0061] Now, when a participant taps the stamp card 204 button on the screen shown in Figure 8, the stamp card screen for the "Patent Town Stroll Digital Stamp Rally" is displayed. This is shown in Figure 9. The stamp card screen in Figure 9 is an app screen within the app. The stamp card screen in Figure 9 corresponds to stamp card 100 in Figure 3. Since the "Patent Town Stroll Digital Stamp Rally" is a master rally, it corresponds specifically to the X rally stamp card 108 in Figure 3. As explained in Figure 3, the stamp card for a master rally is given stamps corresponding to the target rally. In the example shown in Figure 9, four target rallies are shown, but since no stamps have been given for any of the target rallies yet, "Number of stamps acquired: 0" is displayed at the top of Figure 9. Note that tapping the special site button 210 in Figure 9 will take you to the special website shown in Figure 7 above.

[0062] Participants become interested in the "Intellectual Property Town Halloween 2024 Stamp Rally" from Figure 9. In this case, participants find the "Intellectual Property Town Halloween 2024 Stamp Rally" from the list of target rallies (described later in Figure 11) and tap its icon to transition to the app screen (described later in Figure 10), which will be explained later.

[0063] In this embodiment, direct transition from the stamp card screen in Figure 9 to the desired stamp rally screen (app screen) is not permitted. However, although it differs from the operation in this embodiment, it may be possible to configure the system to allow direct transition from the stamp card screen in Figure 9 to the desired stamp rally screen (app screen) in some cases.

[0064] As shown in Figure 10, the TOP screen (app screen) of the "Intellectual Property Town Halloween 2024 Stamp Rally" displays a checkpoint button 206 and a participate button 208. Participants tap the participate button 208 to join the "Intellectual Property Town Halloween 2024 Stamp Rally". This allows participants to join the target rally, the "Intellectual Property Town Halloween 2024 Stamp Rally," and simultaneously link the "Intellectual Property Town Halloween 2024 Stamp Rally" as the target rally of the master rally they are participating in, the "Patent Town Mori Machifurari Digital Stamp Rally." Specifically, a stamp card for the "Intellectual Property Town Halloween 2024 Stamp Rally" is created within the participant's stamp card 100 (see Figure 3).

[0065] The stamp card for this "Intellectual Property Town Halloween 2024 Stamp Rally" is the target rally card shown in Figure 3, and it has data attached indicating that it is the target rally of the master rally, the "Patent Town Mori Machifurari Digital Stamp Rally." This operation is performed by the control unit 12 of the stamp rally server 10. In this way, the existence of the master rally can be determined from the data on the target rally's stamp card, and it becomes possible for participants to link the master rally with the target rally.

[0066] Linking method from the target rally side The example explained above illustrates how participating in a master rally can link you to the target rally of that master rally. On the other hand, participating in any of the target rallies can also link you to a Master Rally. For example, (although there is no specific diagram) an "List of Target Rallies" icon is located in the lower right corner of the app's TOP screen. Tapping this icon takes you to an app screen showing a list of target rallies. This list of target rallies screen (app screen) is shown in Figure 11. If you select and participate in a rally from this list, you will automatically be linked to that master rally.

[0067] Specifically, this is done by attaching data of the master rally linked to the stamp card of the target rally. This operation is performed by the control unit 12 of the stamp rally server 10. By attaching this data, it is possible to know the master rally linked to the target rally (from the stamp card of the target rally). In other words, it is possible to determine whether or not the participant is participating in the master rally (step S2-5 above). However, it is likely that many participants will automatically become eligible to participate in the master rally if the stamp rally they participated in is the target rally, as shown in the list of stamp rallies in Figure 5.

[0068] The effects of section 4. The effectiveness of data linkage Traditional stamp rallies are typically one-off events, making it difficult to integrate and utilize participant data. However, by introducing the master rally system described in this embodiment, organizers can integrate participant data from multiple events and manage and utilize it efficiently. Furthermore, if the stamp rally is implemented as an app, the app's push notification function can be used to notify participants of earlier events about upcoming events, encouraging continued participation.

[0069] Benefits for local governments and commercial facilities By introducing the master rally system described in this embodiment to municipalities and commercial facilities that conduct multiple stamp rallies throughout the year, as well as to stamp rally events that were previously hosted individually by different shopping districts at different times, coordinated event management across the entire region can be achieved. This allows for the effective promotion of the region's attractions and contributes to regional revitalization, while simultaneously providing participants with even more enjoyment. Organizers can make maximum use of participant data to conduct targeted promotions and manage events that involve the entire community.

[0070] Section 5: Variations The embodiments described above are merely examples of means for realizing the present invention, and should be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, as mentioned above, step S2-5 in Figure 2 may be omitted in some cases.

[0071] Furthermore, various embodiments of the stamp rally may be adopted. An application installed on the participant terminal 20 may be used, or the participant terminal 20 may access the stamp rally server 10 using a web browser. The screen visible to the participant may also include a TOP screen for the entire stamp rally, an operation screen for the stamp rally, or it may be configured so that only the stamp card can be viewed. Any embodiment is acceptable as long as it provides the master rally, which is a characteristic feature of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 10 Stamp Rally Server 12 Control Unit 14 Databases 16 Communications Department 20 Participant terminals 100 stamp card 102 A Rally Stamp Card 104 B Rally Stamp Card 106 C Rally Stamp Card 108 X Rally Stamp Card 200 Flag Marks 202 Coupon Button 204 Stamp Card Button 206 Checkpoint Buttons 208 Participation button 210 Special Site Button

Claims

1. A stamp rally server that provides stamp rally services, A control unit that controls the operation of the stamp rally server, A communications unit that performs communication with the outside world, A database that stores the stamp cards of participants in the stamp rally, Equipped with, The communication unit receives an arrival message transmitted from an external participant terminal and sends it to the control unit. The control unit retrieves the participant's stamp card, indicated by the participant ID in the arrival message, from the database, places a stamp on the stamp card of the target rally, indicated by the stamp rally ID in the arrival message, determines whether the participant is participating in a master rally linked to the target rally, determines if the participant is participating in the master rally, determines whether the stamp acquisition conditions for the master rally are met, and places a stamp on the master rally stamp card if the stamp acquisition conditions for the master rally are met. A stamp rally server characterized by the following features.

2. A stamp rally server that provides stamp rally services, A control unit that controls the operation of the stamp rally server, A communications unit that performs communication with the outside world, A database that stores the stamp cards of participants in the stamp rally, Equipped with, The communication unit receives an arrival message transmitted from an external participant terminal and sends it to the control unit. The control unit retrieves the participant's stamp card, indicated by the participant ID in the arrival message, from the database, and places a stamp on the stamp card of the target rally, indicated by the stamp rally ID in the arrival message. The control unit determines whether the conditions for obtaining a stamp in the master rally in which the participant is participating and which is linked to the target rally are met, and if the conditions for obtaining a stamp in the master rally are met, it places a stamp on the master rally stamp card. A stamp rally server characterized by the following features.

3. A stamp rally server according to claim 1 or 2, A stamp rally server characterized in that the conditions for obtaining a stamp in the master rally include either participating in the target rally or obtaining one or more stamps in the target rally.

4. A stamp rally server according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit determines whether the participant meets the conditions for granting a reward in the Master Rally in which they are participating, and if the conditions for granting a reward are met, it grants the reward to the Master Rally stamp card. A stamp rally server characterized by the following features.

5. A method for providing a stamp rally service using the stamp rally server described in claim 1, The communication unit receives an arrival message transmitted from an external participant terminal and sends it to the control unit. The control unit takes the steps of retrieving the participant's stamp card, indicated by the participant ID in the arrival message, from the database and adding a stamp to the stamp card of the target rally, indicated by the stamp rally ID in the arrival message. The control unit determines whether the participant is participating in a master rally, and if so, determines whether the participant meets the stamp acquisition conditions for the master rally, and if so, adds a stamp to the master rally stamp card. A method for providing a stamp rally service, characterized by including the following:

6. A method for providing a stamp rally service using the stamp rally server described in claim 2, The communication unit receives an arrival message transmitted from an external participant terminal and sends it to the control unit. The control unit takes the steps of retrieving the participant's stamp card, indicated by the participant ID in the arrival message, from the database and adding a stamp to the stamp card of the target rally, indicated by the stamp rally ID in the arrival message. The control unit determines whether the conditions for obtaining a stamp in the master rally in which the participant is participating and which is linked to the target rally are met, and if the conditions for obtaining a stamp in the master rally are met, it adds a stamp to the master rally stamp card. A method for providing a stamp rally service, characterized by including the following:

7. A method for providing a stamp rally service according to claim 5 or 6, A method for providing a stamp rally service, characterized in that the conditions for obtaining a stamp in the master rally include either participating in the target rally or obtaining one or more stamps in the target rally.

8. A method for providing a stamp rally service according to claim 5 or 6, The control unit determines whether the participant meets the conditions for granting a reward in the Master Rally in which they are participating, and if the conditions for granting a reward are met, it grants the reward to the Master Rally stamp card. A method for providing a stamp rally service, characterized by including the following:

Images