Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

We provide an information processing system that allows gift-giving to recipients in a cashless manner, as an alternative to tips or donations. [Solution] The information processing system is an information processing system for sending a gift from a giver to a recipient, and comprises a medium that can be delivered from the giver to the recipient and has medium identification information embedded in it for identifying the medium, and a server that can connect to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network, wherein the server is configured to display a first screen to a first terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, for registering the gift to be sent from the giver to the recipient in association with the medium identification information, and to display a second screen to a second terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, for receiving the gift associated with the medium identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for cashless transfer of a gift from a giver to a recipient.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in restaurants, hotels, etc., there is a habit of giving a small amount of cash to store clerks or performers as a token of gratitude for the service, and in street performances, etc., as a token of gratitude or support. The cash thus transferred is called a tip or a gratuity.

[0003] In recent years, in response to the trend towards cashless transactions, systems for online transfer of tips and gratuities are also known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a transfer method in which, for the purpose of protecting the privacy of a tip payer, a server obtains recipient identification information, payer identification information, and tip amount information indicating the tip amount output from a first terminal possessed by a recipient who receives a tip to a second terminal located within a predetermined distance from the first terminal, and performs a charging process for electronic money corresponding to the tip amount information on an account corresponding to a first settlement means specified by the payer identification information, and a transfer process for electronic money corresponding to the tip amount information on an account corresponding to a second settlement means specified by the recipient identification information.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses an information processing method for improving the usability of service users when receiving a predetermined chip provided online. This method involves registering collection identification information, individually assigned to a service user, in association with user identification information used to identify the service user, in response to a request from a service user of an electronic payment service that allows person-to-person digital money exchange. When a remittance request is received with the collection identification information as the recipient, the method automatically processes the remittance instruction transaction corresponding to the remittance request without requiring the recipient service user to perform a receiving operation in response to the remittance request.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a method in which a service user receiving a transaction item from a store makes a payment using a terminal device, using a two-dimensional code that indicates store identification information to identify the store (see paragraph 0016). In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for sending money between service users of a payment service, which includes a method in which the terminal device used by the sending service user reads user identification information that identifies the recipient service user (see paragraph 0022), and a method in which the telephone number or user ID of the recipient service user is entered into the sending user's terminal device (see paragraph 0023). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-174162 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-174321 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The information processing method disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a method for tipping creators online, and therefore cannot be applied to tipping for street performances or similar events in real-world spaces.

[0009] Furthermore, in conventional cashless money transfer systems, the sending user must obtain information about the receiving user (personal information such as user identification and phone number) in advance. As a prerequisite, the receiving user must have registered for a specific payment service beforehand.

[0010] For example, in Patent Document 1, recipient identification information must be transmitted from the recipient's terminal and displayed on the payer's terminal. In other words, Patent Document 1 does not consider the privacy of the recipient of the chip.

[0011] Furthermore, by utilizing a payment service that uses a 2D code indicating store identification information to identify a store (paragraph 0016 of Patent Document 2), recipients (stores, etc.) can receive money electronically by providing the 2D code to the payer. However, in this case, the recipient must register with the payment service in advance and prepare the 2D code.

[0012] The act of giving gifts such as tips or donations is done as an expression of gratitude or support from the giver. Nevertheless, requiring givers to provide personal information or requiring recipients to prepare a means of receiving gifts in advance may actually become a burden on the recipient.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program that can send a cashless gift to a recipient in lieu of a tip or donation, without requiring the recipient to provide personal information or to prepare a means of receiving the gift in advance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To solve the above problems, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system for sending a gift from a giver to a recipient, comprising: a medium that can be delivered from the giver to the recipient and in which medium identification information for identifying the medium is embedded; and a server that can be connected to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network, wherein the server is configured to display a first screen to a first terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, for registering a gift to be sent from the giver to the recipient in association with the medium identification information, and to display a second screen to a second terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, for receiving the gift associated with the medium identification information.

[0015] In the above-described information processing system, one or more electronically readable codes associated with media identification information may be displayed on the medium, and the first and second terminal devices may be able to access the server by reading the one or more codes.

[0016] In the above-described information processing system, the medium may be configured to display two distinct electronically readable codes associated with the medium identification information, and the server may be configured to display the first screen to a first terminal device that accesses the system by reading one of the two codes, and to display the second screen to a second terminal device that accesses the system by reading the other of the two codes.

[0017] In the above-described information processing system, the server may be configured to store gift information indicating the presence or absence of a gift associated with the media identification information, update the gift information associated with the media identification information to a gift-present state when a gift registration operation is performed by the first terminal device, and update the gift information associated with the media identification information to a gift-absent state when a gift-receiving operation is performed by the second terminal device.

[0018] In the above-described information processing system, an electronically readable code associated with the media identification information is displayed on the medium, the server stores gift information indicating the presence or absence of a gift associated with the media identification information, and when the gift information associated with the media identification information indicates a no-gift state, the server displays the first screen to a first terminal device that has accessed the system by reading the code, and when the gift information associated with the media identification information indicates a gift-present state, the server displays the second screen to a second terminal device that has accessed the system by reading the code.

[0019] In the above-described information processing system, the server may be configured to update the gift information associated with the media identification information to a gift-given state when the first terminal device performs an operation to register a gift, and to update the gift information associated with the media identification information to a gift-receiving state when the second terminal device performs an operation to receive a gift.

[0020] In the above-described information processing system, the medium is provided with a circuit that stores information including medium identification information, the first and second terminal devices can access the server by reading the information stored in the circuit via short-range wireless communication, the server stores gift information indicating the presence or absence of a gift associated with the medium identification information, and when the gift information associated with the medium identification information indicates a no-gift state, the server displays the first screen to the first terminal device that accessed it by reading the information stored in the circuit, and when the gift information associated with the medium identification information indicates a gift-present state, the server displays the second screen to the second terminal device that accessed it by reading the information stored in the circuit.

[0021] In the above information processing system, when an operation to register a gift is performed by the first terminal device, the server may be configured to update the gift information associated with the medium identification information to a state with a gift, and when an operation to receive a gift is performed by the second terminal device, update the gift information associated with the medium identification information to a state without a gift.

[0022] In the above information processing system, the medium may be a card.

[0023] In the above information processing system, the gift may be points exchangeable with electronic money or digital points issued by a third party, points exchangeable with an online digital gift card issued by a third party, or points exchangeable with a coupon usable when purchasing goods or services.

[0024] In the above information processing system, the server further stores a user information database for storing information about the recipient, which is configured to store at least user identification information for identifying the recipient and the number of points held associated with the user identification information. When an operation to receive a gift is performed by the second terminal device, if the user information of the recipient is not stored in the user information database, the server may be configured to display a screen for user registration on the second terminal device.

[0025] In the above information processing system, when an operation to receive a gift is performed by the second terminal device, if the user information of the recipient is stored in the user information database, the server may be configured to add a predetermined number of points to the number of points held associated with the user identification information of the recipient.

[0026] In the above information processing system, the operation of registering the gift includes an operation of selecting a virtual letter or stamp to be displayed on the second terminal device, and the predetermined number of points may be determined according to the type of the selected virtual letter or stamp.

[0027] In the above information processing system, the user information database is further configured to store a rank according to the number of virtual letters or stamps received by the recipient or the cumulative number of points received by the recipient, and the predetermined number of points may be further determined according to the rank.

[0028] In the above information processing system, the operation of receiving the gift includes an operation of drawing a lottery, and the predetermined number of points may be determined according to the result of the lottery.

[0029] In the above information processing system, the server may be configured to display, to a terminal device that has accessed based on the user identification information registered in the user information database, a screen for exchanging points associated with the user identification information for electronic money or digital points issued by a third party, a screen for exchanging the points for an online-use digital gift card issued by a third party, or a screen for exchanging the points for a coupon that can be used when purchasing goods or services.

[0030] In the above-described information processing system, the gift is a point exchangeable for electronic money or digital points issued by a third party, a point exchangeable for an online digital gift card issued by a third party, or a point exchangeable for a coupon usable when purchasing goods or services, and the operation to register the gift includes the operation to charge the points, and the server may be configured to store the number of points charged in association with the media identification information when the first terminal device performs the operation to register the gift, and to display a screen on the second terminal device for exchanging the points associated with the media identification information for the electronic money or digital points, the digital gift card, or the coupon when the second terminal device performs the operation to receive the gift.

[0031] In the above-described information processing system, the operation to register the gift includes the operation to purchase an online-usable digital gift card issued by a third party, and the server may be configured to store a code for using a digital gift card for the amount corresponding to the registered gift, associated with the media identification information, when the operation to register the gift is performed by the first terminal device, and to cause the second terminal device to display a screen for receiving the code associated with the media identification information when the operation to receive the gift is performed by the second terminal device.

[0032] In the above-described information processing system, the server stores a member information database that stores information about registered gift givers, configured to store at least member identification information for identifying a member and the point balance held by the member; and a media information database that stores information about the media, configured to store at least media identification information, member identification information associated with the media identification information, and gift information indicating whether or not there is a gift associated with the media identification information. The server may also be configured to deduct a predetermined number of points from the point balance of the member corresponding to the member identification information associated with the media identification information when the second terminal device performs an operation to receive the gift.

[0033] In the above-described information processing system, the server may be configured to add a number of points corresponding to the paid membership fee to the member's point balance in the member information database when a payment of membership fees by a registered member is processed.

[0034] In the above-described information processing system, the member information database may further be configured to store information regarding means of payment for membership fees, and the server may be configured to periodically collect membership fees based on the information regarding the means of payment.

[0035] In the above-described information processing system, the operation to register the gift includes the operation to select a virtual letter or stamp to be displayed on the second terminal device, and the number of points to be deducted from the point balance when the second terminal device receives the gift may be determined according to the type of virtual letter or stamp selected.

[0036] In the above-described information processing system, the server may be configured to send a membership fee payment request to the first terminal device when the operation to register the gift is performed on the first terminal device, and the point balance of the member corresponding to the member identification information associated with the media identification information is less than the number of points corresponding to the selected virtual letter or stamp type.

[0037] In the above-described information processing system, the server may be configured to acquire member identification information from a first terminal device that has accessed it via media identification information embedded in the medium, and to associate the member identification information with the media identification information of the medium.

[0038] In the above-described information processing system, the server may be configured to issue a grouping code for grouping and managing multiple media identification information, obtain member identification information from a first terminal device that has accessed the system via the grouping code, and associate the member identification information with each of the multiple media identification information grouped by the grouping code.

[0039] In the above-described information processing system, the server may be configured to release the association of member identification information associated with the media identification information when a second terminal device that has accessed the system via media identification information embedded in the medium performs an operation to receive the gift.

[0040] In the above-described information processing system, the first screen includes an input screen for a message from the giver to the recipient, the second screen includes a display screen for a message from the giver to the recipient, and the operation to register the gift may include the operation to create or modify a message from the giver to the recipient.

[0041] In the above-described information processing system, the first screen may be configured such that the server further displays a message input screen for the first terminal device, and when the first terminal device performs a message input operation on the message input screen, the server stores the input message in association with the media identification information and displays the message associated with the media identification information to the second terminal device.

[0042] In the above-described information processing system, the server may also be configured to display a screen on the second terminal device for sending a thank-you stamp or message from the recipient to the giver when the second terminal device performs an operation to receive a gift.

[0043] In the above information processing system, the server may be configured to store the sender's identification information and contact information including at least one of the sender's mobile phone number, email address, and SNS registration account, and when the first terminal device performs an operation to register a gift, the server may store the sender's identification information in association with the media identification information, and when the second terminal device performs an operation to send a thank-you stamp or message on the screen for sending the thank-you stamp or message, the server may be configured to send the thank-you stamp or message using the contact information of the sender's identification information associated with the media identification information.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing device used in an information processing system for sending a gift from a giver to a recipient, which is connectable to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network, wherein the information processing system includes a medium that can be delivered from a giver to a recipient and has identification information for identifying the medium embedded in it, and is configured to display a first screen to a first terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, for registering a gift to be sent from the giver to the recipient in association with the medium identification information, and to display a second screen to a second terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, for receiving the gift associated with the medium identification information.

[0045] Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed in an information processing system for sending a gift from a giver to a recipient, the information processing system comprising: a medium that can be delivered from a giver to a recipient and in which medium identification information for identifying the medium is embedded; and a server that can be connected to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network, the method comprising: displaying a first screen to a first terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, for the purpose of registering a gift to be sent from a giver to a recipient in association with the medium identification information; and displaying a second screen to a second terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, for the purpose of receiving a gift associated with the medium identification information.

[0046] Another aspect of the present invention is a program to be executed by a computer in an information processing system for sending a gift from a giver to a recipient, the information processing system comprising a medium that can be delivered from a giver to a recipient and in which medium identification information for identifying the medium is embedded, and a plurality of terminal devices connected to the computer via a communication network, the program to execute the following steps: display a first screen to a first terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, causing the first terminal device to register a gift to be sent from a giver to a recipient in association with the medium identification information; and display a second screen to a second terminal device that has accessed the system via the medium identification information embedded in the medium, causing the second terminal device to receive a gift associated with the medium identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0047] According to the present invention, it is possible to send a gift that replaces tips or donations to a recipient in a cashless manner, without requiring the recipient to provide personal information or to prepare a means of receiving the gift in advance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of the medium (card) shown. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of the terminal device. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the general functional configuration of an information processing server. [Figure 5] This table illustrates the information stored in the member information database (DB). [Figure 6] This table illustrates the information stored in the letter information database (DB). [Figure 7] This table illustrates the information stored in the card information database (DB). [Figure 8] This table illustrates the information stored in the user information database (DB). [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation (card dispatch process) of the information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (top screen) displayed on the member's terminal. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the operation (card activation) of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (activation screen) displayed on the member's terminal. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the member's terminal (activation completion screen). [Figure 14] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation (gift registration) of the information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the member's terminal (virtual letter selection screen). [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (message input screen) displayed on the member's terminal. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (preview screen) displayed on the member's terminal. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention (in the case of insufficient point balance). [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the member's terminal (the insufficient balance notification screen). [Figure 20] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation (gift receipt) of the information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (message display screen) that appears on the recipient's device. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the recipient's terminal (point redemption screen). [Figure 23]This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the recipient's terminal (the screen showing completion of point receipt). [Figure 24] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (completion screen) displayed on the recipient's terminal. [Figure 25] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation (point exchange) of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (point exchange screen) displayed on the recipient's terminal. [Figure 27] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the lottery screen displayed in the second embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stamp selection screen displayed in the third embodiment. [Figure 29] This table illustrates the information stored in the stamp information database. [Figure 30] This table illustrates the information stored in the points information database. [Figure 31] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a card used in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 32] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen (virtual letter selection screen) displayed on the member terminal in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 33] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (preview screen) displayed on the member terminal in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 34] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen (payment screen) displayed on a member terminal in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 35] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen (stamp selection screen) displayed on a member terminal in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 36] The eighth embodiment is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (point charge screen) displayed on the member terminal in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 37] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen (digital gift card purchase screen) displayed on the recipient's terminal in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 38]This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (gift receipt screen) displayed on the recipient's terminal in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 39] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the recipient's terminal (gift code redemption screen) in the ninth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] Hereinafter, information processing systems, information processing devices, information processing methods, programs, and media according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0050] (Overview of the Information Processing System) The information processing systems in each embodiment described below are systems for sending cashless gifts from a giver to a recipient, as an alternative to tips or donations. The gifts can be sent in the form of points exchangeable for electronic money or digital points issued by a third party, points exchangeable for online digital gift cards issued by a third party, or points exchangeable for coupons usable when purchasing goods or services. In this case, the recipient can exchange the received points for electronic money or digital points, digital gift cards, or coupons and use them for shopping, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, in the information processing system of each embodiment, a message from the giver to the recipient can be sent online. Hereinafter, the screen containing the message from the giver to the recipient will also be referred to as a virtual letter.

[0052] (First embodiment) (Configuration of the information processing system) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes a card 4 as an example of a medium that can be transferred from a giver 2 to a recipient 3, and an information processing server 10 that can connect to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network N. In Figure 1, two terminal devices are shown as examples: a terminal device 20 used by the giver 2 and a terminal device 30 used by the recipient 3, but the number of terminal devices that can connect to the information processing server 10 is not particularly limited. In addition, any number of payment service servers 40A and cooperation service servers 40B, 40C may be connected to the communication network N.

[0053] In the following, the terminal device 20 used by the giver 2 will also be referred to as the member terminal 20. Similarly, the terminal device 30 used by the recipient 3 will also be referred to as the recipient terminal 30.

[0054] The communication network N is comprised of, for example, communication lines such as the Internet, telephone lines, LAN, dedicated lines, mobile communication networks, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a combination thereof, and may be wired, wireless, or a combination thereof.

[0055] In the first embodiment, a card-type medium (card 4) is given as an example of a medium that can be passed from the giver 2 to the recipient 3, but the form of the medium is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a small envelope, a keychain, an accessory, stationery such as a ballpoint pen or clear file, or a container such as a plastic bottle.

[0056] The medium (card 4) that can be delivered from the giver 2 to the recipient 3 has medium identification information embedded in it to identify the medium. The manner in which the medium identification number is embedded in the medium is not particularly limited. For example, one or more electronically readable codes associated with the medium identification information may be displayed on the medium. In this case, terminal devices 20 and 30 can access the information processing server 10 by reading the codes with cameras provided in each device. The codes are not particularly limited as long as they are electronically readable codes, and may be one-dimensional codes such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademarks), sequences of numbers or letters, or other codes.

[0057] Furthermore, the medium may be provided with a circuit that stores information including medium identification information. In this case, terminal devices 20 and 30 can access the information processing server 10 by reading the information stored in the circuit via near-field communication (NFC).

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of card 4. Card 4 is a card-shaped backing 41 on which a single electronically readable identification code 42 is displayed (printed), which is associated with a card ID, which is media identification information for identifying each individual card 4. The identification code 42 has a URL embedded in it that allows terminal devices 20 and 30 to access the information processing server 10 and retrieve information about the card ID of that card 4.

[0059] The information processing server 10 is an information processing device that performs processing and management for sending a cashless gift from the giver 2 to the recipient 3, and can be configured, for example, by a host computer with high computing power. Although Figure 1 illustrates one information processing server 10, the various functions of the information processing server 10 may be realized by multiple hardware components.

[0060] The terminal devices 20 and 30 are devices used by the giver 2 and the recipient 3, respectively, and can be made up of general-purpose devices such as smartphones, tablet terminals, personal computers, and notebook PCs. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of the terminal devices 20 and 30. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal devices 20 and 30 include a communication interface 21, a camera 22, a display unit 23, an operation input unit 24, a storage unit 25, and a processor 26.

[0061] The communication interface 21 connects the terminal devices 20 and 30 to the communication internet N and communicates with other devices connected to the communication network N (for example, the information processing server 10). The communication interface 21 may also be equipped with a modem (antenna and controller) for performing near-field communication (NFC).

[0062] Camera 22 is a camera built into the terminal device 20, 30, or an external camera, and has the function of reading the identification code 42 displayed on card 4.

[0063] The display unit 23 is a display that includes a display panel formed by, for example, liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) and a drive unit.

[0064] The operation input unit 24 is an input device such as a touch panel, operation buttons, keyboard, or mouse provided on the display unit 23, and inputs signals corresponding to operations performed from the outside to the processor 26.

[0065] The storage unit 25 includes a computer-readable storage medium such as semiconductor memory, ROM, or RAM. The storage unit 25 stores operating system programs and driver programs, as well as application programs that execute various processes and various parameters used during the execution of these programs. For example, the storage unit 25 of the member terminal 20 used by the giver 2 may store a dedicated application program for using the information processing system 1.

[0066] The processor 26 is configured using, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and by reading various programs stored in the memory unit 25, it realizes various functions as a terminal device 20, 30.

[0067] The payment service server 40A is a server device that provides online payment services. Online payments include, for example, credit card payments, debit card payments, digital wallet payments, and bank transfer payments. Specific examples of digital wallet payments include PayPay®, LINE Pay®, Merpay®, Rakuten Pay®, au PAY®, PayPal®, Apple Pay®, Google Pay®, and Amazon Pay®.

[0068] The linked service servers 40B and 40C are server devices that work in conjunction with the information processing system 1 to provide various services that enable recipients 3 to use the received gifts. Examples of linked services include digital point services and digital gift card services.

[0069] The linked service server 40B is a server device that provides a digital point service. A digital point service is a service that awards points to users for specific actions (such as purchasing activities, using public transportation, answering surveys, or exchanging points with other users). Accumulated points can be used to pay for shopping or services. Specific examples of digital point services include the point service provided by PayPay (registered trademark), LINE Points (registered trademark), Rakuten Points (registered trademark), and Ponta Points (registered trademark). Alternatively, the linked service server 40B may provide a service that issues coupons that can be used when purchasing goods or services.

[0070] The integrated service server 40C is a server device that provides digital gift card services. A digital gift card is a gift card (prepaid card) that can be used for payments on a specific platform within a pre-set range of purchase points. It can be used as a physical card or via a code to identify the digital gift card. Specific examples of digital gift card services include Amazon® gift cards, Apple® gift cards, and Google Play® gift cards.

[0071] In addition, a service server for a social networking service (SNS) may be connected to the information processing system 1 as a linked service server. Examples of SNS include LINE (registered trademark) and Facebook (registered trademark).

[0072] (Configuration of the information processing server) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of the information processing server 10. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing server 10 has a communication interface 11, a storage unit 12, and a processor 13.

[0073] The communication interface 11 connects the information processing server 10 to the communication network N and communicates with other devices connected to the communication network N. The communication interface 11 can be configured using, for example, a soft modem, cable modem, wireless modem, ADSL modem, etc.

[0074] The storage unit 12 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium such as semiconductor memory like ROM or RAM, or a hard disk. The storage unit 12 stores operating system programs and driver programs, application programs that perform various functions, and various parameters used during the execution of these programs. The storage unit 12 also stores an information processing program 121 that causes the computer to function as an information processing server 10 that performs various processes for sending a gift from the giver 2 to the recipient 3, and various databases used during the execution of the information processing program 121. Examples of databases include a member information database (DB) 122, a card information database (DB) 123, a letter information database (DB) 124, and a user information database (DB) 125.

[0075] The member information database 122 stores information about the registered giver 2 (member information). Figure 5 is a table illustrating the information stored in the member information database 122. The member information database 122 is configured to store at least the member ID, which is member identification information for identifying the member, and the point balance held by the member. The member information database 122 may also store information such as the passcode for logging into the information processing server 10, the member's name, address, contact information, membership fee payment date and amount (e.g., monthly fee), payment method for membership fees (e.g., credit card number), membership rank, and membership registration date. Examples of contact information include email address, mobile phone number, and SNS account linked to the information processing system 1 (linked account).

[0076] Here, when a member uses the gift-giving service via the information processing system 1, they are generally required to register for a subscription, which involves paying a fixed membership fee for regular use of the service. Among the member information, the amount of the membership fee, the payment date, and the payment method are used when automatically settling the membership fee.

[0077] The points balance represents the number of points currently held by the member. Points are added when the member pays their membership fee, and deducted when recipient 3, who receives card 4 from the member, receives a gift (points) through the information processing system 1. The number of points added to the points balance is determined according to the amount of membership fee paid by the member. The number of points deducted is determined according to the content of the gift given to recipient 3.

[0078] Membership ranks are awarded based on factors such as the length of membership, the amount of membership fees paid, and the number of gifts sent. For example, they can be defined as Gold (G), Silver (S), Bronze (B), Platinum (P), etc. Membership ranks can be used, for example, to select members who are eligible for bonus points added to their point balance.

[0079] The letter information database 123 stores information (letter information) related to a screen (virtual letter) containing a message from the sender 2 to the recipient 3. Multiple types of virtual letters are available, differing in message background and maximum number of characters per message. Figure 6 is a table illustrating the information stored in the letter information database 123. As shown in Figure 6, the letter information database 123 stores, for example, a code indicating the type of virtual letter, the number of points required to purchase the gift, a base point count, the maximum number of characters per message, and the address of the memory area where the background image is stored.

[0080] The number of points required for a gift purchase is the number of points that will be deducted from the point balance of the member who sent the gift (sender 2). The base point amount is the number used to calculate the points that the recipient 3 will receive. The base point amount may be determined based on the type of virtual letter, the number of points purchased, etc.

[0081] The card information database 124 stores information about individual cards 4 (card information). Figure 7 is a table illustrating the information stored in the card information database 124. The card information database 124 is configured to store at least the card ID, which is media identification information, the member ID associated with the card ID, and gift information indicating whether or not a gift is associated with the card ID.

[0082] Gift information may be, for example, a flag indicating whether or not a gift has been registered for the card ID in question. Alternatively, gift information may be the type of virtual letter registered for the card ID, the number of points purchased, the base number of points, or whether or not a message has been registered from the giver 2 to the recipient 3. In other words, if the gift information flag is "present" in the data for a certain card ID, or if the letter type, number of points purchased, base number of points, or message is registered, it can be determined that a gift has been registered for the card 4 corresponding to that card ID. Conversely, if the gift information flag is "absent" in the data for a certain card ID, or if none of the letter type, number of points purchased, base number of points, or message are registered, it can be determined that no gift has been registered for the card 4 corresponding to that card ID.

[0083] Furthermore, the card information database 124 may also store grouping codes for managing multiple card IDs in a grouped manner. For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the same grouping code "zzzabc" is associated with multiple card IDs "yyyyy001" to "yyyyy005".

[0084] The user information database 125 stores information about recipient 3 (user information). Figure 8 is a table illustrating the information stored in the user information database 125. The user information database 125 stores at least the user ID to identify recipient 3 and the number of points associated with that user ID. In addition, the user information database 125 may also store the username, user rank, cumulative points (the total number of points held), gift receipt history, etc.

[0085] Here, the user information of recipient 3 is created when recipient 3 reads the identification code 42 displayed on card 4 with recipient terminal 30 and accesses the information processing server 10 for the first time. The user ID may be an ID uniquely generated by the information processing server 10, or it may be an account that recipient 3 has already registered with the linked service server 40B. The username may be a real name, a nickname, or registration of a username may not be required.

[0086] User rank is a rank assigned to recipient 3 based on factors such as the number of times they have received gifts and the total number of points they have received. For example, it can be defined as Gold (G), Silver (S), Bronze (B), Platinum (P), etc.

[0087] The points held are the number of points currently held by the recipient 3. Points are added when the recipient 3 reads the identification code 42 displayed on card 4 with the recipient terminal 30, accesses the information processing server 10, and performs the operation to receive points. The operation to receive points can be set as appropriate, for example, by displaying a virtual letter or performing a login operation to receive points. The points awarded in a single access may be the base number of points for the virtual letter, or it may be determined based on the base number of points according to the user rank. For example, rules can be set such that if the user rank is Bronze, the points are 1x the base number of points, if the user rank is Silver, the points are 1.5x the base number of points, and if the user rank is Gold, the points are 2x the base number of points.

[0088] Furthermore, the points held by recipient 3 are deducted when recipient 3 accesses the linked service servers 40B and 40C from recipient terminal 30 through information processing system 1 and exchanges them for digital points, digital gift cards, or coupons in the linked service. The cumulative points represent the total number of points that recipient 3 has received to date.

[0089] The processor 13 is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and by reading programs stored in the memory unit 12, it comprehensively controls each part of the information processing server 10, and by sending and receiving information with terminal devices 20, 30 and other servers connected to the information processing server 10 via the communication network N, it realizes various functions for cashless gift delivery from the giver 2 to the recipient 3. The functions realized by the processor 13 reading the information processing program 121 include the screen display control unit 131, the member information management unit 132, the card information management unit 133, the message management unit 134, the user information management unit 135, and the cooperation processing unit 136.

[0090] The screen display control unit 131 reads the identification code 42 displayed on card 4 and executes control to display a predetermined screen to terminal devices 20 and 30 that have accessed the information processing server 10. For example, for a terminal device (e.g., member terminal 20) that has accessed the system when there is no gift associated with the card ID of card 4, the screen display control unit 131 displays a screen for selecting a virtual letter or a screen for entering a message to recipient 3 as a screen for registering a gift (first screen). On the other hand, for a terminal device (e.g., recipient terminal 30) that has accessed the system when there is a gift associated with the card ID of card 4, the screen display control unit 131 displays a screen (second screen) for receiving a gift, such as a virtual letter (message display screen) or a gift receiving screen transitioning from the virtual letter.

[0091] The Member Information Management Unit 132 manages member information stored in the Member Information Database 122 and performs subscription services such as member registration, payment of membership fees, and sending cards 4 to members. Specifically, the Member Information Management Unit 132 performs processes such as new member registration (issuance of member ID and passcode), payment processing of membership fees on a set date, adding a predetermined number of points to the point balance when the membership fee is paid, deducting a predetermined number of points from the member's point balance when the recipient 3 receives points as a gift, and notifying the member if the point balance is insufficient.

[0092] The card information management unit 133 manages the card information stored in the card information database 124 and performs predetermined processing when a gift is registered or received for each card 4. Specifically, the card information management unit 133 associates the member ID with the card ID, and when a member terminal 20 accessing the information processing server 10 registers a gift, it updates the gift information associated with the card ID to a gift-receiving state. Furthermore, when a recipient terminal 30 accessing the information processing server 10 accepts a gift, the card information management unit 133 notifies the member information management unit 132 of the member ID and the number of points purchased associated with the card ID to deduct the member's point balance, updates the gift information associated with the card ID to a gift-free state, and removes the association of the member ID with the card ID.

[0093] The message management unit 134 manages messages associated with the card ID. Specifically, the message management unit 134 saves virtual letter messages entered on the member terminal 20 to the card information database 124, and when a message modification operation is performed on the member terminal 20, it rewrites the message stored in the card information database 124.

[0094] The user information management unit 135 manages user information stored in the user information database 125. Specifically, it performs processes such as issuing a new user ID to a user who has not registered, or obtaining the user's account information from the linked service server 40B, adding points to the user's balance according to the user rank and base point count when a gift is received via the recipient terminal 30, and subtracting points when points are exchanged via the recipient terminal 30.

[0095] The linkage processing unit 136 works in conjunction with the payment service server 40A and the linkage service servers 40B and 40C to execute various processes for delivering a gift from the giver 2 to the recipient 3. Specifically, it performs processes such as payment for virtual letters, point exchange, and sending stamps using SNS accounts.

[0096] (Operation of the information processing system) Next, the information processing method according to the first embodiment will be described. First, in order to use the service provided by the information processing system 1, the giver 2 registers as a member. Specifically, the giver 2 downloads a dedicated member application to the member terminal 20, accesses the information processing server 10, and applies for member registration. As a result, a member ID and passcode are issued. Furthermore, the giver 2 registers member information. Member information includes personal information such as the member's name, address, and contact information, as well as the membership fee payment date, the amount of the membership fee (e.g., monthly fee), and the payment method for the membership fee. Of these, the membership fee amount may be freely set by the member, or the member may choose from several options provided by the information processing server 10, or there may be only one fixed amount. As a result, the information processing server 10 starts a so-called subscription process, which involves processing the payment of membership fees on the membership fee payment date that comes regularly.

[0097] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing system 1 (card dispatch process). Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen (top screen) displayed on the member terminal 20.

[0098] After member registration is complete, when the member application is launched on the member terminal 20 (step S101), the member terminal 20 requests login by sending the member ID and passcode to the information processing server 10 (step S102). If authentication is successful on the information processing server 10 (step S103), the member terminal 20 displays the top screen A1 as illustrated in Figure 10 (step S104). The top screen A1 displays information such as the member's name, member rank, and point balance, and also has buttons a01 to a03 for performing various processes such as requesting card delivery, activating the card, and accessing My Page.

[0099] When the member terminal 20 detects an operation (e.g., a tap operation; the same applies hereafter) on button a01 for executing a card dispatch request (step S105), it sends a card dispatch request to the information processing server 10 (step S106). The number of cards 4 that can be requested at one time may be fixed, or it may be freely set by the member, or it may be determined by the amount of the membership fee.

[0100] In response, the information processing server 10 accepts the request to send card 4 (step S107) and issues a grouping code for card 4 (step S108). The issued grouping code is associated with the card ID of card 4 to be sent. Subsequently, the information processing server 10 executes the process to send card 4 to the registered member's address (step S109). The sent card 4 includes a medium (e.g., a document such as a shipping label) displaying an identification code (e.g., a QR code®) with the grouping code embedded in it. In this way, the member can obtain card 4. Of course, in addition to sending card 4 to the member's address, card 4 may also be handed over to the member at a designated store or other location.

[0101] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system 1 (card activation). Here, card activation is the process of associating the card ID of each card 4 with the member ID of the member concerned. Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams illustrating the screens displayed on the member terminal 20. Note that the processes in steps S121 to S124 in Figure 11 are the same as the processes in steps S101 to S104 in Figure 9.

[0102] When the member terminal 20 detects an operation (e.g., a tap) on button a02 for activating the card on the top screen A1 (see Figure 10) (step S125), it activates the camera 22 (step S126) and displays the card activation screen A2 as illustrated in Figure 12 (step S127). The card activation screen A2 is provided with a frame a21 that displays the field of view of the camera 22. The giver 2 can have the member terminal 20 read the identification code 42 (see Figure 2) displayed on the card 4 by aligning it with frame a21.

[0103] When the member terminal 20 successfully reads the identification code 42 (step S128), it transmits the card ID embedded in the identification code 42 to the information processing server 10 (step S129).

[0104] In response, the information processing server 10 associates the received card ID with the logged-in member ID (step S130). Specifically, it registers the member ID in the card information database 124 shown in Figure 7 with the data for the card ID. After that, the information processing server 10 sends an activation completion report to the member terminal 20 (step S131). In response, the member terminal 20 displays the card activation completion screen A3 illustrated in Figure 13 (step S132).

[0105] The activation completion screen A3 displays a message indicating that the card has been activated, and also includes a button a31 to execute the card activation process and a button a32 to return to the top screen. The user can continue activating the card by operating button a31 (see steps S126-S127).

[0106] In step S128, instead of reading the identification code 42 displayed on each card 4, the identification code with the embedded grouping code may be read. In this case, the member terminal 20 transmits the grouping code embedded in the identification code to the information processing server 10. In response, the information processing server 10 associates the member ID with each of the multiple card IDs associated with the grouping code.

[0107] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of Information Processing System 1 (gift registration). Figures 15 to 17 are schematic diagrams illustrating the screens displayed on the member terminal.

[0108] When the gift giver 2 has the member terminal 20 read the identification code 42 displayed on the activated card 4 (step S141), the member terminal 20 accesses the information processing server 10 via the URL embedded in the identification code 42 and sends the card ID (step S142). Note that logging in to the information processing server 10 as a member is not required for the gift registration process.

[0109] The information processing server 10 searches the card information database 124 based on the received card ID and determines the gift information associated with that card ID (step S143).

[0110] When the gift information associated with the card ID indicates that there is no gift, the information processing server 10 sends a virtual letter selection screen to the member terminal 20 as a screen for selecting a gift from among the screens for registering a gift (step S144). In response, the member terminal 20 displays the virtual letter selection screen illustrated in Figure 15 (step S145).

[0111] The virtual letter selection screen A4 is provided with buttons a41 for selecting various virtual letters and a button a12 for transitioning to the message input screen. The sender 2 can select the desired virtual letter by selecting one of the selection buttons a41.

[0112] When any of the selection buttons a41 are pressed on the member terminal 20 (step S146), the information processing server 10 extracts member information from the member information database 122 based on the member ID associated with the card ID and checks the member's point balance (step S147).

[0113] If the member's point balance is sufficient to cover the purchase price of the selected virtual letter, the information processing server 10 sends a message input screen to the member terminal 20 (step S148). In response, the member terminal 20 displays the message input screen A5 as illustrated in Figure 16 (step S149).

[0114] The message input screen A5 is provided with a message input area a51 and a button a52 to transition to the preview screen. The sender 2 can enter the desired message as text in the message input area a51.

[0115] When a message is entered on the member terminal 20 and the transition button a52 is operated (step S150), the information processing server 10 sends a preview screen to the member terminal 20 (step S151). In response, the member terminal 20 displays the preview screen A6 as illustrated in Figure 17 (step S152).

[0116] Preview screen A6 includes a preview display area a61 in which the message entered in step S150 is embedded in the background of the selected virtual letter, as well as a modify button a62 and a confirm button a63. By operating the modify button a62, the sender 2 can return to the message input screen A5 to modify the message, or even return to the virtual letter selection screen A4 to re-select the letter.

[0117] When the confirmation button a63 is pressed on the preview screen A6 (step S153), the information processing server 10 saves the entered message (step S154), and further, Register the gift information associated with the card ID (step S155). This updates the gift information to reflect that a gift is available.

[0118] Subsequently, the information processing server 10 sends a confirmation screen to the member terminal 20 (step S156), and the member terminal 20 displays the confirmation screen (step S157). This completes the gift registration process.

[0119] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of Information Processing System 1 (in the case of insufficient point balance). Figure 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the member terminal (insufficient balance notification screen).

[0120] On the other hand, in step S147 of Figure 14, if the point balance is less than the number of points required to purchase the selected virtual letter, the information processing server 10 displays the insufficient balance notification screen A7, as illustrated in Figure 19, on the member terminal 20 (steps S171, S172). The insufficient balance notification screen A7 displays a message informing the member that their point balance is insufficient, and also includes a button a71 for selecting another virtual letter and a button a72 for adding membership fees.

[0121] If the selection button a71 for another virtual letter is pressed on the insufficient balance notification screen A7, the information processing server 10 displays the virtual letter selection screen A4 again on the member terminal 20 (S144, S145 in Figure 14). On the other hand, if the additional membership fee button a72 is pressed (step S173), the information processing server 10 sends and displays the membership fee payment screen on the member terminal 20 (steps S174, S175). If payment is processed on the member terminal 20 through this membership fee payment screen (steps S176, S177), the number of points corresponding to the amount paid is added to the member's point balance (step S178). The payment method for the membership fee may be the same as the payment method registered in the member information database 122, or it may be a different method. After that, the process proceeds to step S148 in Figure 14.

[0122] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing system 1 (receiving a gift). Figures 21 to 25 are schematic diagrams illustrating the screens displayed on the recipient terminal 30.

[0123] The gift giver 2 hands the card 4, on which the gift information is registered, to the recipient 3. When the recipient 3 has the recipient terminal 30 read the identification code 42 displayed on the received card 4 (step S201), the recipient terminal 30 accesses the information processing server 10 via the URL embedded in the identification code 42 and transmits the card ID (step S202).

[0124] The information processing server 10 searches the card information database 124 based on the received card ID and determines the gift information associated with that card ID (step S203).

[0125] When the gift information associated with the card ID indicates that a gift is available, the information processing server 10 sends a message display screen (virtual letter) to the recipient terminal 30 as a screen for receiving the gift (step S204). In response, the recipient terminal 30 displays the message display screen B1 illustrated in Figure 21 (step S205).

[0126] The message display screen B1 includes the letter itself (b11) containing a message from the sender (2), a point redemption button (b12), and a checkbox (b13) for saving the letter. By checking checkbox (b13), the recipient (3) can save the virtual letter as an image to their terminal (30).

[0127] When the point redemption button b12 is pressed on the message display screen B1 (gift redemption operation: step S206), the information processing server 10 sends the point redemption screen to the recipient terminal 30 (step S207). In response, the recipient terminal 30 displays the point redemption screen B2 as illustrated in Figure 22 (step S208).

[0128] The points redemption screen B2 includes a points information display area b21, a new user registration button b22, and a login button b23. The points information display area b21 shows the number of points that recipient 3 can receive and their expiration date.

[0129] When the login button b23 is pressed (login operation) on the points redemption screen B2 (step S209), the information processing server 10 adds a predetermined number of points to the recipient 3's data in the user information database 125 (step S210). The number of points added can be determined according to the base number of points and the user's rank. Bonus points may also be awarded depending on the user's gift redemption history. For example, 20 points may be added as a bonus for the 5th redemption, and 50 points for the 10th redemption.

[0130] On the other hand, if the new user registration button b22 is pressed on the recipient terminal 30, the information processing server 10 determines that the recipient 3's user information is not stored in the user information database 125 and displays the user registration screen on the recipient terminal 30. After registering as a user on this user registration screen and logging in, the recipient 3 can receive points.

[0131] The information processing server 10 adds points to recipient 3's data and, based on the member ID associated with the card ID, extracts member information from the member information database 122 and subtracts the number of points from the member's point balance (step S211). The number of points to be subtracted can be the number of points required to purchase the virtual letter. The information processing server 10 then sends a notification to the member terminal 20 that recipient 3 has received the points and that the member's point balance has been subtracted (step S212). In response, the member terminal 20 displays the notification (step S213).

[0132] Furthermore, once the information processing server 10 has finished adding points to the recipient 3's data, it sends a point receipt completion screen to the recipient terminal 30 (step S214). In response, the recipient terminal 30 displays the point receipt completion screen B3 as illustrated in Figure 23 (step S215).

[0133] The point receipt completion screen B3 includes a point information display area b31, a stamp send button b32, a message send button b33, and an exit button b34. The point information display area b31 shows the number of points received by recipient 3 and their expiration date. The stamp send button b32 and the message send button b33 are used by recipient 3 to express their gratitude to sender 2. Here, a stamp refers to an illustration or image sent and received online. Stamps may include text information and may also include animation.

[0134] If the stamp send button b32 is pressed on the point redemption completion screen B3 (step S216), the information processing server 10 retrieves the member's contact information from the card information database 124 based on the member ID associated with the card ID, and sends a stamp expressing gratitude (for example, a stamp containing the words "Thank you") to the contact (step S217). Also, if the message send button b33 is pressed on the point redemption completion screen B3 (step S216), the information processing server 10 displays a screen on the recipient terminal 30 for inputting a thank-you message to the giver 2, and sends the entered message to the member's contact (step S217). The stamp or message may be sent via Short Message Service (SMS), email, or to a linked SNS account. Depending on these processes, the stamp or message is displayed on the member terminal 20 (step S218). Furthermore, if, on the point receipt completion screen B3, neither the stamp send button b32 nor the message send button b33 is operated, but the exit button b34 is operated, steps S216 to S218 are omitted.

[0135] Subsequently, the information processing server 10 sends a completion screen to the recipient terminal 30 (step S219). Furthermore, the information processing server 10 updates the gift information associated with the card ID to a state of no gift and removes the association of the member ID with the card ID (step S220). That is, in the card information database 124, the gift information flag for the data related to the card ID is changed to "none", information such as letter type and messages are deleted, and the member ID is deleted.

[0136] Furthermore, the recipient terminal 30 displays the completion screen B4, as illustrated in Figure 24 (step S221). The completion screen B4 displays instructions on how to use card 4 (see display field b41). As described above, the information processing server 10 updates the gift information related to the card ID of card 4 to a state of no gift. Therefore, recipient 3 can send gifts to others via card 4 by registering as a new member, associating their own member ID with the same card 4, and registering a new gift. When the completion button b42 is pressed on the completion screen B4, the gift receiving operation ends.

[0137] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the operation (point exchange) of the information processing system 1. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the recipient terminal 30.

[0138] When the recipient terminal 30 accesses the information processing server 10 (step S241), the information processing server 10 obtains a user ID from the recipient terminal 30 and performs authentication (step S242). If authentication is successful, the information processing server 10 sends the point exchange screen to the recipient terminal 30 (step S243). In response, the recipient terminal 30 displays the point exchange screen B5 as illustrated in Figure 26 (step S244).

[0139] The point exchange screen B5 includes a point information display area b51 and a point exchange button b52. The point information display area b51 shows the number of points held and the expiration date of the recipient 3 (user).

[0140] When the point exchange button b52 is pressed on the point exchange screen B5 (step S245), the information processing server 10 executes the point exchange process (step S246). Specifically, the information processing server 10 displays on the recipient terminal 30 a screen for exchanging the user's points for electronic money or digital points issued by a third party, a screen for exchanging them for an online digital gift card issued by a third party, or a screen for exchanging them for a coupon that can be used when purchasing goods or services. The exchange destination for points (electronic money, digital points, digital gift card, or coupon) may be predetermined in the information processing system 1, or the user may be allowed to select from multiple options.

[0141] When a predetermined operation (for example, selecting a point exchange destination or specifying the number of points to exchange) is performed on the screen for exchanging points, the information processing server 10 accesses the linked service server 40B or 40C and executes a process to exchange the user's points for electronic money, digital points, digital gift cards, or coupons.

[0142] When the linked service servers 40B and 40C accept the point exchange (step S247), the information processing server 10 updates the points held by the user (step S248).

[0143] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the giver 2 accesses the member terminal 20 by reading the identification code 42 displayed on the card 4, a screen is displayed to allow the giver 2 to register the gift to be sent from the giver 2 to the recipient 3 in association with the card ID. At the same time, when the recipient 3 accesses the recipient terminal 30 by reading the identification code 42, a screen is displayed to allow the recipient 3 to receive the gift (points) associated with the card ID. Therefore, by handing over the card 4 with the registered gift from the giver 2 to the recipient 3, it becomes possible to send a gift from the giver 2 to the recipient 3 cashless without requiring the recipient 3 to provide personal information or prepare a means of receiving the gift in advance.

[0144] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the giver's (member's) point balance is reduced after recipient 3 has received the points. In other words, as long as recipient 3 has not actually received the gift, such as by forgetting to receive the points or losing card 4, the giver's point balance is not reduced. In short, the points used by giver 2 to purchase the virtual letter are not wasted, so giver 2 can confidently use the information processing system 1 to send a gift to recipient 3.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the giver 2 can send a virtual letter to the recipient 3, and the recipient 3 can send a thank-you stamp or message to the giver 2. This makes it possible to communicate indirectly via the information processing server 10 without acquiring each other's personal information.

[0146] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the points that recipient 3 can receive are determined not only by the selected virtual letter, but also by the recipient 3's user rank. This makes it possible to encourage recipient 3 to take further action to receive card 4 and to improve their motivation.

[0147] In the first embodiment, the member terminal 20 first displayed the virtual letter selection screen A4, and then the message input screen A5, but the display order of each screen is not limited to this. For example, the message input screen A5 may be displayed first, and then the virtual letter selection screen A4 may be displayed. Also, the virtual letter selection screen A4 may only display the selection buttons a41 for selectable virtual letters according to the member's point balance, or a button for adding membership fees may be provided on the virtual letter selection screen A4.

[0148] (Second embodiment) Next, an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment is generally the same as that described in the first embodiment, but the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the points awarded to recipient 3 (user) are determined by lottery.

[0149] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating the lottery screen displayed in the second embodiment. The lottery screen B7 shown in Figure 22 is provided with a button (start button b71) for drawing a lottery ticket. This screen B7 can be set to be displayed on the recipient terminal 30 of the recipient 3 when, for example, the point receipt button b12 is operated on the message display screen B1 shown in Figure 21.

[0150] When the start button b71 is pressed on the recipient terminal 30, the information processing server 10 executes a lottery and determines the number of points to be awarded to the recipient 3 (user) according to the lottery result. The information processing server 10 may then send a screen notifying the recipient terminal 30 of the lottery result.

[0151] (Third embodiment) Next, an information processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the information processing system according to the third embodiment is generally the same as that described in the first embodiment, but the third embodiment differs in that a stamp is sent instead of a virtual letter. In this case, the operation of registering a gift includes the operation of selecting a stamp.

[0152] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating the stamp selection screen. In the third embodiment, instead of the virtual letter selection screen (see steps S144 and S145 in Figure 14), the stamp selection screen C1 shown in Figure 28 is displayed on the sender's member terminal 20.

[0153] The stamp selection screen C1 includes buttons c11 for selecting various stamps, a button c12 for transitioning to the message input screen, and a confirmation button c13. The stamp selection screen C1 may also display the member's point balance and the member's distribution history of card 4.

[0154] The type of stamp can be set arbitrarily, and in Figure 28, three types of stamps with different designs and amounts are available: "Good Job Stamp," "Very Good Job Stamp," and "Excellent Stamp." The giver 2 can select the desired stamp by selecting one of the selection buttons c11.

[0155] Furthermore, the giver 2 can register a message addressed to the recipient 3 by operating the button c12 on the stamp selection screen C1, which transitions to the message input screen (see, for example, Figure 16). Alternatively, the giver 2 can register the gift without entering a message by operating the confirmation button c13 on the stamp selection screen C1.

[0156] In the third embodiment, instead of displaying a message display screen (see Figure 21) on the recipient terminal 30 (see steps S204 and S205 in Figure 20), a stamp selected by the sender 2 is displayed on the recipient terminal 30. In this case, if a message from the sender 2 has been registered, the stamp displayed may be a combination of the selected stamp and the registered message, or the message may be displayed on the same screen as the selected stamp.

[0157] In the third embodiment, the storage unit 12 of the information processing server 10 stores a stamp information database that stores information related to stamps and point information that stores information related to point regulations.

[0158] Figure 29 is a table illustrating the information stored in the stamp information database. As shown in Figure 29, the stamp information database stores information such as the type of stamp, the number of points required to purchase the stamp, the base number of points, and the address of the memory area where the stamp image is stored.

[0159] Figure 30 is a table illustrating the information stored in the points information database. As shown in Figure 30, the points information database stores information such as the rank-up conditions for each user rank and the number of points required for exchange for each user rank for various stamps. The number of points required for exchange may be set separately for each linked service's points (for example, "ABC points").

[0160] For example, rank-up conditions could be set so that receiving 10 stamps upgrades the user rank from Bronze to Silver, receiving 100 stamps upgrades the rank from Silver to Gold, and receiving 10 Excellent stamps upgrades the rank from Gold to Platinum. Furthermore, for exchange points, for example, when exchanging for "ABC points," a Good Job stamp (base point value 390) could be exchanged for 195 points (exchange rate 50%) if the user rank is Bronze, and 205 points if the user rank is Silver. Of course, depending on the linked service, it may also be possible to exchange stamps for specific coupons depending on the stamp type and user rank.

[0161] According to the third embodiment, the giver 2 can easily register the gift by selecting the desired stamp.

[0162] (Fourth embodiment) Next, an information processing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment is generally the same as that described in the first embodiment, but the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the card handed over from the giver 2 to the recipient 3 displays two electronically readable, distinct identification codes associated with identification information (card ID).

[0163] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating a card used in the fourth embodiment. The card 4A shown in Figure 31 displays an identification code 43 for reading by the recipient terminal 30 of the recipient 3, and an identification code 44 for reading by the member terminal 20 of the giver 2. One of the identification codes 43 has a URL embedded in it for the recipient 3 to access the information processing server 10 and read information about the card ID of card 4. The other identification code 44 has a URL embedded in it for the giver 2 to access the information processing server 10 and read information about the card ID of the same card 4.

[0164] Therefore, the information processing server 10 displays a screen for registering a gift, such as a virtual letter selection screen (see Figure 15) or a stamp selection screen (see Figure 28), to the member terminal 20 that accessed the system by reading the identification code 43. On the other hand, the information processing server 10 displays a screen for receiving a gift, such as a message display screen (virtual letter, see Figure 21), to the recipient terminal 30 that accessed the system by reading the identification code 44.

[0165] In the fourth embodiment, the card information database 124 also stores gift information indicating whether or not a gift is associated with the card ID. When a member terminal 20 registers a gift, the information processing server 10 updates the gift information to indicate that a gift is available. When a recipient terminal 30 accepts a gift, the information processing server 10 updates the gift information to indicate that no gift is available and also removes the association between the card ID and the member ID.

[0166] Here, if the recipient terminal 30 accesses the information processing server 10 via identification code 44 when the gift information indicates that there is no gift, the server may send a message to the recipient terminal 30, for example, "No gift has been registered." Also, if the member terminal 20 accesses the information processing server 10 via identification code 43 when the gift information indicates that there is a gift (for example, when a virtual letter has already been registered), the server may skip displaying the virtual letter selection screen and instead display a preview screen or a message input screen to the member terminal 20.

[0167] (Fifth embodiment) In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the giver 2 registers the gift by activating card 4, selecting a virtual letter, and entering a message. However, card 4 with a predetermined virtual letter and a general message (for example, "Thank you.") already registered may be sent to the giver 2. In this case, the giver 2 can use card 4 (give it to the recipient) simply by activating it.

[0168] Furthermore, even in this case, the giver 2 may be allowed to change the pre-selected virtual letter or modify the message. Specifically, when the member terminal 20 accesses the information processing server 10 via the identification code 42 of the card 4 on which the gift is already registered, the member terminal 20 will display a message display screen (see Figure 21), which is the virtual letter. A button to transition to the virtual letter selection screen (see Figure 15) or the message input screen (see Figure 16) is provided on this message display screen. Preferably, this button is made inconspicuous (i.e., difficult for the recipient 3 to recognize), for example, small, in the corner of the screen, or with a color scheme similar to the background color. This allows the giver 2 to re-select the desired virtual letter or register an original message. In this case, the number of points deducted from the giver 2's point balance when the recipient 3 receives the gift will also be changed according to the changed virtual letter.

[0169] (Sixth embodiment) In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the giver 2 can send a gift to the recipient 3 by registering as a member, paying a membership fee, and registering the virtual letter on card 4. However, instead of a membership fee system (subscription), the giver 2 may pay for the virtual letter each time. In this case, the giver 2's membership registration is not required, and activation of card 4 (see Figure 11) is also unnecessary. Furthermore, in this case, the letter information database (see Figure 6) 123 may store the purchase amount of each virtual letter, either in place of the number of purchase points or in conjunction with the number of purchase points.

[0170] Figures 32 to 34 are schematic diagrams illustrating the screens displayed on the member terminal in the sixth embodiment. The gift registration process in the sixth embodiment is generally the same as the process described in the first embodiment (see Figure 14), but in the sixth embodiment, the confirmation of the giver's point balance (step S147) is not performed, and the payment process is executed instead.

[0171] When registering a gift, first, the giver 2 who obtained card 4 has the member terminal 20 read the identification code 42 displayed on card 4. The member terminal 20 then transmits the card ID of card 4 to the information processing server 10. The information processing server 10 searches the card information database 124 based on the received card ID and identifies the gift information associated with that card ID. If the gift information associated with that card ID indicates no gift, the information processing server 10 sends a virtual letter selection screen to the member terminal 20 as a screen for selecting a gift to be sent to recipient 3. In response, the member terminal 20 displays the virtual letter selection screen D1, as illustrated in Figure 32.

[0172] The virtual letter selection screen D1 includes selection buttons d11 for various virtual letters and a button d12 for transitioning to the message input screen. The selection buttons d11 display the purchase price corresponding to the type of virtual letter. The sender 2 can select the desired virtual letter by selecting one of the selection buttons d11.

[0173] When one of the selection buttons d11 is selected on the member terminal 20, and the transition button d12 is also operated, the information processing server 10 sends a message input screen (see Figure 16) to the member terminal 20. In response, the member terminal 20 displays the message input screen.

[0174] When a message is entered on the member terminal 20 and the button to transition to the preview screen is operated, the information processing server 10 sends the preview screen to the member terminal 20. In response, the member terminal 20 displays the preview screen D2 as illustrated in Figure 33.

[0175] The preview screen D2 includes a preview display area d21 with the entered message embedded in the background of the selected virtual letter, as well as a modify button d22 and a purchase button d23. By operating the modify button d22, the sender 2 can return to the virtual letter selection screen D1 or the message input screen to select a letter or modify the message.

[0176] When the purchase button d23 is pressed on the member terminal 20, the information processing server 10 saves the entered message and then sends the payment screen to the member terminal 20. In response, the member terminal 20 displays the payment screen D3 as illustrated in Figure 34.

[0177] The payment screen D3 includes a display field d31 for information about the virtual letter being purchased (letter type, base points, amount, etc.), a credit card information input field d32, a field d33 for selecting other payment methods, and a payment button d34. The sender 2 can select payment methods other than credit card payment, such as debit card, digital wallet, or bank transfer.

[0178] When a payment operation is performed on the member terminal 20 according to the selected payment method, the payment service server 40A executes the payment process and sends the payment information to the information processing server 10. In response, the information processing server 10 registers the gift information associated with the card ID. As a result, the gift information is updated to a state where a gift is available.

[0179] The process for receiving a gift and the method for calculating the points that recipient 3 can receive are the same as in the first embodiment. However, in the sixth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the card ID of card 4 is not associated with the member ID of giver 2. Therefore, when points are received at the recipient terminal 30 (see step S220 in Figure 20), the gift information is updated to a state of no gift, but the association between the card ID and the member ID is not broken. Also, when registering a gift, the execution order of the virtual letter selection process, the message input process, and the payment process is not limited to the above. For example, the virtual letter may be selected after the message is entered, or the payment process may be performed before the message is entered. The fact that card 4, whose gift information has been updated to a state of no gift, can be reused is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0180] According to the sixth embodiment, the giver 2 can send a gift without registering for a subscription. In addition, in the sixth embodiment as in the first embodiment, the giver 2 may register their contact information in order to receive thank-you messages or stamps from the recipient 3.

[0181] (Seventh Embodiment) As in the third embodiment described above, in the embodiment in which a stamp is sent to the recipient terminal 30 instead of a virtual letter, the sender 2 may be allowed to make a payment each time, similar to the sixth embodiment described above. In this case, the stamp information database (see Figure 29) may store the purchase price of each stamp, either in place of the number of purchase points or in conjunction with the number of purchase points.

[0182] Figure 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen displayed on a member terminal in the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, in order to register a gift, the giver 2 has the member terminal 20 read the identification code 42 displayed on the card 4, and the member terminal 20 displays a stamp selection screen as a screen for selecting a gift to be given to the recipient 3. The stamp selection screen D4 illustrated in Figure 35 is provided with buttons d41 for selecting various stamps, a button d42 for transitioning to a message input screen, and a button d43 for transitioning to a payment screen. The stamp selection button d41 displays the base points and the number of stamps, as well as the purchase price of the stamps. On this stamp selection screen D4, the giver 2 can register a message addressed to the recipient 3 by operating the button d42 for transitioning to the message input screen (see Figure 16). In this case, the giver will proceed to the payment screen after registering the message. On the other hand, the giver 2 can skip registering a message and proceed to the payment process by operating the button d43 for transitioning to the payment screen.

[0183] The process for receiving a gift and the method for calculating the points that recipient 3 can receive are the same as in the third embodiment. Also, the execution order of the stamp selection process, message input process and payment process when registering a gift is not limited to the above; for example, the message input may be performed after the payment process.

[0184] (Eighth embodiment) In the sixth embodiment described above, the giver 2 purchases a virtual letter and sends it to the recipient 3, and the recipient 3 receives points according to the base number of points of the virtual letter received. However, instead of the giver 2 purchasing a virtual letter, the giver 2 may charge points that can be exchanged for electronic money or digital points issued by a third party, points that can be exchanged for online digital gift cards issued by a third party, or points that can be exchanged for coupons that can be used when purchasing goods or services, and these points are sent to the recipient 3. In this case, the operation of registering the gift includes the operation of charging points.

[0185] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the member terminal 20 in the eighth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, in order to register a gift, the giver 2 has the member terminal 20 read the identification code 42 displayed on the card 4, and the member terminal 20 displays a point charge screen as a screen for selecting the gift to be given to the recipient 3.

[0186] The point charge screen D5 illustrated in Figure 36 is provided with a button d51 for selecting the number of points (amount) to charge and a button d52 for transitioning to the message input screen. The giver 2 can select the desired number of points by selecting either of the selection buttons d51. In addition, the point charge screen D5 may also allow the user to select the design of the virtual letter along with the number of points to charge. After selecting the points, the message input process and payment process are executed in the same manner as in the sixth embodiment.

[0187] In the eighth embodiment, the payment process is executed for an amount corresponding to the number of points charged. In this case, the information processing server 10 stores the number of points charged in association with the card ID.

[0188] In the eighth embodiment, when recipient 3 has recipient terminal 30 read the identification code 42 displayed on card 4 in order to receive the gift, a screen (see, for example, Figure 26) for exchanging the received points for electronic money, digital points, a digital gift card, or a coupon is displayed on recipient terminal 30, following a virtual letter. As a result, recipient 3 who has received card 4 can receive the charged points and use them by exchanging them.

[0189] (Ninth embodiment) In the sixth embodiment described above, the giver 2 purchases a virtual letter and sends it to the recipient 3, and the recipient 3 receives points according to the base number of points of the virtual letter received. However, instead of the giver 2 purchasing a virtual letter, they may purchase an online-usable digital gift card issued by a third party, and this digital gift card may be sent to the recipient 3. In this case, the operation of registering the gift includes the operation of purchasing an online-usable digital gift card issued by a third party.

[0190] Figure 37 is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the member terminal 20 in the ninth embodiment. Figures 38 and 39 are schematic diagrams illustrating the screen displayed on the recipient terminal 30 in the ninth embodiment.

[0191] To register a gift, the giver 2 has the member terminal 20 read the identification code 42 displayed on card 4. The member terminal 20 then displays a digital gift card purchase screen, which allows the giver to select the gift to be sent to recipient 3.

[0192] The digital gift card purchase screen D6 illustrated in Figure 37 is provided with a button d61 for selecting the amount of the digital gift card and a button d62 for transitioning to the message input screen. The giver 2 can purchase a digital gift card of the desired amount by selecting either of the selection buttons d61. The digital gift card purchase screen may also allow the user to select the design of the virtual letter along with the amount of the digital gift card. After selecting the amount of the digital gift card, the message input process and payment process are executed, similar to the sixth embodiment. Of course, the message input process may be executed after the payment process.

[0193] In the ninth embodiment, payment processing for the digital gift card is performed between the member terminal 20 and the linked service server 40C. Once the payment processing is complete, the linked service server 40C sends a code for using the purchased digital gift card to the information processing server 10. The information processing server 10 stores the code for using the digital gift card in association with the card ID. As a result, the gift information associated with the card ID of the card 4 is updated to a gift-received state.

[0194] In the ninth embodiment, in order to receive the gift, recipient 3 has recipient terminal 30 read the identification code 42 displayed on card 4, and the recipient terminal 30 displays the gift receipt screen E1 illustrated in Figure 38. The gift receipt screen E1 is provided with a gift information display field e11, a new user registration button e12, and a login button e13. The gift information display field e11 displays the amount and expiration date of the digital gift card that recipient 3 can receive. When the new user registration button e12 is operated on the gift receipt screen E1, the screen of recipient terminal 30 transitions to the user registration screen. Recipient 3 can register as a user on the user registration screen.

[0195] On the other hand, when a login operation is performed on the recipient terminal 30, the information processing server 10 sends and displays the gift code receipt screen E2, as illustrated in Figure 39, to the recipient terminal 30. The gift code receipt screen E2 includes a card display area e21 showing the code (gift code) and expiration date for using the digital gift card, and a checkbox e22 for saving the gift card. By checking the checkbox e22, the recipient 3 can save the card image to the recipient terminal 30. Once the card image is saved to the recipient terminal 30, the information processing server 10 erases the gift code associated with the card ID. As a result, the gift information associated with the card ID of the card 4 is updated to a state of no gift.

[0196] The present invention is not limited to the first to ninth embodiments described above, and various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the first to ninth embodiments. For example, the invention may be formed by excluding some components from all the components shown in the first to ninth embodiments, or by appropriately combining the components shown in the first to ninth embodiments.

[0197] For example, the configuration of the card displaying the two identification codes described in the fourth embodiment may be applied to the second to third and fifth to ninth embodiments. Also, as described in the third embodiment, when a stamp is sent, the recipient 3 may be able to draw a lottery ticket, as in the second embodiment. Furthermore, for example, the first and third embodiments may be combined to allow the sender 2 to choose whether to send a virtual letter or a stamp. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0198] 1…Information processing system, 2…Giver, 3…Recipient, 4·4A…Card, 10…Information processing server, 11·21…Communication interface, 12·25…Storage unit, 13·26…Processor, 20…Terminal device (member terminal), 22…Camera, 23…Display unit, 24…Operation input unit, 30…Terminal device (recipient terminal), 40A…Payment service server, 40B…Linkage service server (digital point service), 40C…Linkage service server (digital gift service), 41…Card holder, 42·43·44…Identification code, 121…Information processing program, 122…Member information database, 123…Letter information database, 124…Card information database, 125…User information database, 131…Screen display control unit, 132…Member information management unit, 133…Card information management unit, 134…Message management unit, 135…User information management unit, 136…Linkage processing unit

Claims

1. An information processing system for sending gifts from the giver to the recipient, A medium that can be transferred from the giver to the recipient, and which has medium identification information embedded in it for identifying the medium, A server that can connect to multiple terminal devices via a communication network, Equipped with, The aforementioned server, To a first terminal device that has accessed the media via media identification information embedded in the aforementioned medium, a first screen is displayed that causes the device to register a gift given by the giver to the recipient in association with the said media identification information. To a second terminal device that has accessed the medium via the medium identification information embedded in the aforementioned medium, a second screen is displayed to allow it to receive a gift associated with the said medium identification information. An information processing system configured in such a way.

2. The aforementioned medium displays one or more electronically readable codes associated with the medium identification information. The first and second terminal devices can access the server by reading one or more of the codes. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The medium displays two distinct, electronically readable codes associated with the medium identification information. The aforementioned server, The first screen is displayed to the first terminal device that accessed the system by reading one of the two codes mentioned above. The second screen is displayed to the second terminal device that accessed the system by reading the other of the two codes. The information processing system according to claim 2, configured as described above.

4. The aforementioned server, The system stores gift information indicating the presence or absence of a gift associated with the aforementioned media identification information. When the first terminal device performs an operation to register a gift, the gift information associated with the media identification information is updated to a state where a gift is available. When the second terminal device performs an operation to receive a gift, the gift information associated with the media identification information is updated to a state of no gift. The information processing system according to claim 3, configured as described above.

5. The medium displays an electronically readable code associated with the medium identification information. The aforementioned server, The system stores gift information indicating the presence or absence of a gift associated with the aforementioned media identification information. When the gift information associated with the media identification information indicates a state of no gift, the first screen is displayed to the first terminal device that accessed the system by reading the code. When the gift information associated with the aforementioned media identification information indicates that a gift is available, the second screen is displayed to the second terminal device that accessed the system by reading the code. The information processing system according to claim 2, configured as described above.

6. The aforementioned server, When the first terminal device performs an operation to register a gift, the gift information associated with the media identification information is updated to a state where a gift is available. When the second terminal device performs an operation to receive a gift, the gift information associated with the media identification information is updated to a state of no gift. The information processing system according to claim 5, configured as described above.

7. The aforementioned medium is provided with a circuit that stores information including medium identification information. The first and second terminal devices can access the server by reading the information stored in the circuit via short-range wireless communication. The aforementioned server, The system stores gift information indicating the presence or absence of a gift associated with the aforementioned media identification information. When the gift information associated with the aforementioned media identification information indicates a state of no gift, the first screen is displayed to the first terminal device that accessed the circuit by reading the information stored in the circuit. When the gift information associated with the aforementioned media identification information indicates that a gift is available, the second screen is displayed to the second terminal device that accessed the circuit by reading the information stored in the circuit. The information processing system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

8. The aforementioned server, When the first terminal device performs an operation to register a gift, the gift information associated with the media identification information is updated to a state where a gift is available. When the second terminal device performs an operation to receive a gift, the gift information associated with the media identification information is updated to a state of no gift. The information processing system according to claim 7, configured as described above.

9. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the medium is a card.

10. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gift is points that can be exchanged for electronic money or digital points issued by a third party, points that can be exchanged for online digital gift cards issued by a third party, or points that can be exchanged for coupons that can be used when purchasing goods or services.

11. The aforementioned server, A user information database for storing information about recipients, further storing a user information database configured to store at least user identification information for identifying recipients and the number of points held associated with said user identification information, When a gift is received via the second terminal device, and the recipient's user information is not stored in the user information database, the second terminal device is instructed to display a screen for user registration. The information processing system according to claim 10, configured as described above.

12. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the server is configured to add a predetermined number of points to the number of points held by the recipient associated with the user identification information when the second terminal device performs an operation to receive a gift and the recipient's user information is stored in the user information database.

13. The operation to register the gift includes the operation to select a virtual letter or stamp to be displayed on the second terminal device. The predetermined number of points is determined according to the type of virtual letter or stamp selected. The information processing system according to claim 12.

14. The user information database is further configured to store a rank corresponding to the number of virtual letters or stamps received by the recipient or the cumulative number of points received by the recipient. The predetermined number of points is further determined according to the rank. The information processing system according to claim 13.

15. The operation of receiving the aforementioned gift includes the operation of drawing a lottery ticket, The predetermined number of points is determined according to the result of the lottery. The information processing system according to claim 12.

16. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the server is configured to display to a terminal device that has accessed the user information database based on user identification information, a screen for exchanging points associated with said user identification information for electronic money or digital points issued by a third party, a screen for exchanging them for an online-usable digital gift card issued by a third party, or a screen for exchanging them for a coupon usable when purchasing goods or services.

17. The aforementioned gift is a point exchangeable for electronic money or digital points issued by a third party, a point exchangeable for an online digital gift card issued by a third party, or a point exchangeable for a coupon usable when purchasing goods or services. The operation to register the aforementioned gift includes the operation to charge the aforementioned points, The aforementioned server, When the first terminal device performs the operation to register the gift, the number of points charged is stored in association with the media identification information. When the second terminal device performs the operation to receive the gift, the second terminal device is instructed to display a screen for exchanging the points associated with the media identification information for the electronic money or digital points, the digital gift card, or the coupon. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, configured as described above.

18. The operation to register the aforementioned gift includes the operation to purchase an online-usable digital gift card issued by a third party, The aforementioned server, When the first terminal device performs an operation to register the gift, the system stores a code for using a digital gift card of the amount corresponding to the registered gift, associated with the media identification information. When the second terminal device performs the operation to receive the gift, the second terminal device is instructed to display a screen for receiving the code associated with the media identification information. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, configured as described above.

19. The aforementioned server, A member information database that stores information about registered gift givers, and is configured to store at least member identification information for identifying a member and the point balance held by the member, A media information database for storing information about the aforementioned media, configured to store at least media identification information, member identification information associated with the media identification information, and gift information indicating whether or not a gift is associated with the media identification information, Remember this, When the second terminal device performs the operation to receive the gift, the member information database subtracts a predetermined number of points from the point balance of the member corresponding to the member identification information associated with the media identification information. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, configured as described above.

20. The information processing system according to claim 19, wherein the server is configured to add the number of points corresponding to the paid membership fee to the member's point balance in the member information database when the payment of membership fees by a registered member is processed.

21. The aforementioned member information database is further configured to store information regarding the means of payment of membership fees. The information processing system according to claim 20, wherein the server is configured to periodically collect membership fees based on information regarding the payment means.

22. The operation to register the gift includes the operation to select a virtual letter or stamp to be displayed on the second terminal device. The number of points deducted from the point balance when the second terminal device performs the operation to receive the gift is determined according to the type of virtual letter or stamp selected. The information processing system according to claim 19.

23. The information processing system according to claim 22, wherein the server is configured to send a request for payment of membership fees to the first terminal device when an operation to register the gift is performed on the first terminal device, and the point balance of the member corresponding to the member identification information associated with the media identification information is less than the number of points corresponding to the selected virtual letter or stamp type.

24. The information processing system according to claim 19, wherein the server is configured to acquire member identification information from a first terminal device that has accessed it via media identification information embedded in the medium, and to associate the member identification information with the media identification information of the medium.

25. The aforementioned server, We issue a grouping code to group and manage multiple media identification information. The system obtains member identification information from the first terminal device that accessed it via the grouping code, and associates the member identification information with each of the multiple media identification pieces grouped by the grouping code. The information processing system according to claim 19, configured as described above.

26. The information processing system according to claim 19, wherein the server is configured to release the association of member identification information associated with the media identification information when a second terminal device that has accessed the medium via the medium identification information embedded in the medium performs an operation to receive the gift.

27. The first screen mentioned above includes a screen for entering a message from the giver to the recipient, The second screen includes a screen displaying a message from the giver to the recipient. The operation to register the aforementioned gift includes the operation of creating or modifying a message from the giver to the recipient. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

28. The first screen includes a screen for selecting a gift to be given to the recipient, The aforementioned server, Furthermore, the first terminal device is made to display an input screen for a message from the giver to the recipient. When a message input operation is performed on the message input screen by the first terminal device, the input message is stored in association with the media identification information. The second terminal device is instructed to display a message associated with the media identification information. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, configured as described above.

29. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the server is further configured to cause the second terminal device to display a screen for sending a thank-you stamp or message from the recipient to the giver when the second terminal device performs an operation to receive a gift.

30. The aforementioned server, The system stores the sender's identification information and contact information, including at least one of the sender's mobile phone number, email address, and SNS registration account. When the first terminal device performs an operation to register a gift, the sender's identification information is stored in association with the media identification information. When the second terminal device performs the operation to send a thank-you stamp or message on the screen for sending the thank-you stamp or message, it sends the thank-you stamp or message using the contact information of the giver's identification information associated with the media identification information. The information processing system according to claim 29, configured as described above.

31. An information processing device used in an information processing system for sending gifts from a giver to a recipient, which is capable of connecting to multiple terminal devices via a communication network, The aforementioned information processing system includes a medium that can be transferred from the giver to the recipient, and which has identification information embedded in it for identifying the medium. To a first terminal device that has accessed the media via media identification information embedded in the aforementioned medium, a first screen is displayed that causes the device to register a gift given by the giver to the recipient in association with the said media identification information. To a second terminal device that has accessed the medium via the medium identification information embedded in the aforementioned medium, a second screen is displayed to allow it to receive a gift associated with the said medium identification information. An information processing device configured in such a way.

32. An information processing method performed in an information processing system for sending a gift from a giver to a recipient, The aforementioned information processing system comprises a medium that can be delivered from the giver to the recipient, the medium having embedded medium identification information for identifying the medium, and a server that can connect to multiple terminal devices via a communication network. The first step is to display a first screen to a first terminal device that has accessed the media via media identification information embedded in the aforementioned medium, causing it to register a gift given by the giver to the recipient in association with the said media identification information. The steps include displaying a second screen to a second terminal device that has accessed the media via media identification information embedded in the aforementioned medium, allowing it to receive a gift associated with the said media identification information, Information processing methods, including those mentioned above.

33. A program to be executed by a computer in an information processing system for sending a gift from the giver to the recipient, The information processing system comprises a medium that can be transferred from the giver to the recipient, the medium having embedded medium identification information for identifying the medium, and a plurality of terminal devices that can be connected to the computer via a communication network. The first step is to display a first screen to a first terminal device that has accessed the media via media identification information embedded in the aforementioned medium, causing it to register a gift given by the giver to the recipient in association with the said media identification information. The steps include displaying a second screen to a second terminal device that has accessed the media via media identification information embedded in the aforementioned medium, allowing it to receive a gift associated with the said media identification information, A program that executes the command.

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