Point management device, point management system, and program

Abstract

This provides users with a strong incentive to accumulate points. [Solution] The point management device 10 is connected to a user terminal 20 used by a user via a communication network NW and manages the balance of stock points distributed to the user. The point management device 10 includes a point management unit 17 that links the balance of stock points to the stock price by updating the balance of stock points according to the stock price of the stock pre-associated with the stock points, and a terminal processing unit 16 that receives an exchange instruction from the user terminal 20 to exchange at least a portion of the balance for the stock. Based on the exchange instruction received by the terminal processing unit 20, the point management unit 17 performs an exchange process to exchange the points corresponding to the stock price from the balance for the stock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a point management technique for managing the remaining point balance related to points distributed to users.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, points are distributed to users who purchase products handled by a company or use services, and depending on the remaining point balance of the points, users can receive benefits such as exchange for specific prizes or discount services, so-called point services are provided. As a result, users purchase products or use services to accumulate points in order to receive desired benefits, and it is possible to improve the purchase motivation and use motivation of users (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional point service, there is not enough ingenuity to make users feel like they want to own points, and it is difficult to give users a strong motivation to own points.

[0005] This invention aims to solve these problems and to provide users with a strong incentive to accumulate points. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) To achieve this objective, the point management device according to the present invention is connected to a user terminal used by a user via a communication network and is a point management device that manages the balance of points distributed to the user, and comprises a point management unit that links the balance to the price by updating the balance in accordance with the price of a product that has been pre-associated with the points in accordance with the price that changes over time, and a terminal processing unit that receives an exchange instruction from the user terminal to exchange the points for the product, and the point management unit performs an exchange process to exchange the points from the balance of the points corresponding to the price of the product for the product based on the exchange instruction received by the terminal processing unit.

[0007] The aforementioned product may be stock.

[0008] The aforementioned product may be cryptocurrency.

[0009] The aforementioned goods may be foreign currency.

[0010] The exchange process may include a first process of subtracting a number of points corresponding to the price of the product from the balance of the points, and a second process of transferring ownership of the product to the user for the number of points corresponding to the price.

[0011] The point management device may be able to communicate with an account management device that manages a service provider account, which is the account of a service provider that provides services using the points, and the point management unit may, as the second process, instruct the account management device to transfer the goods deposited in the service provider's account to the user's account.

[0012] The user's account may be managed by the account management device.

[0013] The point management unit may choose not to perform the process of linking the balance to the price during the exchange process.

[0014] The point management unit may perform the exchange process without involving currency.

[0015] (2) The point monitoring system according to the present invention comprises the point management device and the user terminal.

[0016] (3) The program according to the present invention is connected to a user terminal used by a user via a communication network and causes a computer that manages the balance of points distributed to the user to update the balance in accordance with the price of a product that has been pre-associated with the points and changes over time, thereby linking the balance to the price; and causes a terminal processing step to receive an exchange instruction from the user terminal to exchange the points for the product, and the point management step performs an exchange process to exchange the points from the balance of the points corresponding to the price of the product for the product, based on the exchange instruction received by the terminal processing unit.

[0017] (4) The point management device according to the present invention is connected to a user terminal used by a user via a communication network and manages the balance of points distributed to the user, and comprises a point management unit that links the balance to the price by updating the balance according to the price of a virtual currency or foreign currency that has been pre-associated with the points, and a terminal processing unit that notifies the user terminal of the new balance of the user updated by the point management unit in response to a balance inquiry request from the user terminal indicating an inquiry of the balance.

[0018] (5) The point monitoring system according to the present invention includes the above point management device and the above user terminal.

[0019] (6) The program according to the present invention is connected to a computer that manages the balance of points distributed to the user via a communication network with the user terminal used by the user, and updates the balance according to the price of virtual currency or foreign currency pre-associated with the points, thereby linking the balance with the price, a point management step; and a terminal processing step of notifying the user terminal of the new balance of the user updated by the point management step in response to a balance inquiry request from the user terminal indicating an inquiry of the balance.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the inventions of (1) to (3) above, points can be exchanged with linked target products, and a strong motivation to own the points is given to the user. Further, according to the inventions of (4) to (6) above, since the balance of points is linked with virtual currency or foreign currency, a strong motivation to own the points is given to the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a point management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of a point management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a configuration example of a point issuance table. [Figure 4] It is a configuration example of a point balance table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a point management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of a point management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an example screen of a balance inquiry of stock points. [Figure 8] This is an example of the configuration of a points balance table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operation of a point management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of a point management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of a point management system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the point management system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] This is an example of a screen displayed on a user's terminal when exchanging stock points for shares. [Figure 14] This diagram shows how shares are moved from the service provider's account to the user's account in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the main components of the hardware configuration of a point management device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments relating to the point management technology will be described as the first to third embodiments, and embodiments relating to the technology for exchanging the point balance managed by the point management technology described in the first to third embodiments for stocks, which are an example of a product whose price changes over time, will be described as the fourth embodiment.

[0023] [First Embodiment] First, with reference to Figure 1, a point management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the point management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the point management system according to the first embodiment.

[0024] This point management system 1 is a service system that manages point balances related to points distributed from a company to users, comprising multiple user terminals 20 used by users and a point management device 10 connected to the user terminals 20 via a communication network NW. Of these, the user terminals 20 consist of information processing terminals such as smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, and the point management device 10 consists of information processing equipment such as a server.

[0025] The points in this embodiment are points distributed to users who purchase products or use services handled by a company, but are characterized by being stock-linked points, where the point balance is linked to the stock price of a designated company, such as the distributing company that issued the points, or related or partner companies associated with the distributing company. Hereinafter, the stock-linked points in this embodiment will be referred to as stock points, and their quantity will be referred to as sp.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, when company A plans a promotion and distributes points to users, company A first requests point management system 1 to issue stock points. At this time, the purchase funds W for purchasing the shares that will serve as the source of the stock points and the point rate R, which indicates the amount per 1sp, are specified. The purchase funds W are changed for each promotion according to the scale of the promotion, but the point rate R is constant for each company (stock issue).

[0027] In response, the point management system 1 requests the trust company to purchase shares of company A using the purchase funds W, and the trust company purchases shares of company A from the stock market equivalent to the purchase funds W. After this, the trust company notifies the point management system 1 of the purchase result, including the base price P, which indicates the price of the purchased shares, and the number of shares N that were purchased. Based on this purchase result, the point management system 1 issues stock points to company A, using the purchased shares as the source.

[0028] In this case, the number of stock points issued using the purchased shares as the source of funds M is calculated based on the base stock price P, the number of shares purchased N, and the point rate R. For example, as shown in Figure 2, if the purchase funds W = 1 million yen and the stock price of company A is 8,000 yen, then ignoring fees and fractions, it is possible to purchase 125 shares (= W / P = 1 million yen / 8,000 yen). Therefore, if the point rate R is 1 yen per 1 sp, the number of points issued M will be 1 million sp (= P × N / R = 8,000 yen × 125 shares / 1).

[0029] Company A distributes the stock points issued from the point management system 1 to users by assigning them to products and services. For example, when assigning points to a plastic bottle, the point ID and the number of points to be assigned may be encrypted and attached to a sticker attached to the cap using a QR code (registered trademark). When assigning points to an online service, encrypted data including the point ID and the number of points may be distributed via email. By encrypting the point ID and the number of points related to the distributed stock points, fraudulent point registration is prevented.

[0030] The user obtains encrypted data regarding stock points assigned to goods and services using the user terminal 20, and requests registration of stock points by sending the point information, including the encrypted data, to the point management device 10 of the user terminal 20 point management system 1 using a protocol such as HTTP.

[0031] This means that stock points awarded for products and services will be registered as stock points for the user.

[0032] After this, the user's stock points are updated by the point management device 10 in accordance with the timing of the stock price linkage. The timing of the stock price linkage may be set at regular intervals, but since the processing burden increases with the number of users, it may be set to be executed once a day, once a week, or once a month after the closing price for that period has been determined.

[0033] As a result, the user's stock point balance will be linked to the stock price P of designated company A, and the user can check their point balance by exchanging point information with the point management device 10 using a protocol such as HTTP through a balance inquiry operation on the user terminal 20.

[0034] [Point Management Device] Next, with reference to Figure 1, the configuration of the point management device 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the point management device 10 is equipped with the following main functional units: a communication I / F unit 11, an operation input unit 12, a screen display unit 13, a point database 14, a stock price acquisition unit 15, a terminal processing unit 16, and a point management unit 17.

[0036] The communication interface unit 11 has the function of communicating data with the user terminal 20 and the stock price provision server 30 via the communication network NW.

[0037] The operation input unit 12 consists of operation input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel, and has the function of detecting the operator's actions.

[0038] The screen display unit 13 consists of a screen display device such as an LCD and has the function of displaying operation menus, setting data, and management data on the screen.

[0039] Point DB14 is a database consisting of storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor memory, which stores various processing information used for managing stock points. The main processing information stored in Point DB14 includes the point issuance table and the point balance table.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the point issuance table. The point issuance table is a table in which information indicating the details of point issuance requested by companies is registered. The point management unit 17 registers information regarding the stock points to be issued in the point issuance table in response to operator operations on the operation input unit 12 and various instructions notified from external devices.

[0041] In the example in Figure 3, for each point ID that identifies a stock point, the following are registered as a set: a company ID to identify the designated company, the purchase funds W related to the stock point, the point rate R, the reference date and time T0, the reference stock price P(T0), the reference number of shares N, and the number of points issued M. Of these, the reference date and time T0 indicates the date and time when the shares of the designated company were purchased, and the reference stock price P(T0) and the reference number of shares N indicate the purchase price and the number of shares purchased at the time of purchase on reference date and time T0.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the point balance table according to the first embodiment. The point balance table is a table in which information regarding the point balance of stock points held by the user is registered. The point management unit 17 registers and updates information regarding the point balance in response to various requests from the user terminal 20 and the arrival of stock price-linked timings.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 4, for each user ID used to identify a user, a set consisting of a point ID, point balance X(t), update date and time t when the point balance X(t) was updated, and the number of shares distributed Q corresponding to the point balance X(t) is registered.

[0044] The stock price acquisition unit 15 has the function of accessing the stock price provision server 30 via the communication network NW from the communication I / F unit 11 in response to the arrival of the stock price linkage timing T, and acquiring the new stock price P(T) of the company to which each stock point managed in the point DB 14 is linked.

[0045] The terminal processing unit 16 has the following functions: to receive various requests from the user terminal 20's web browser via the communication I / F unit 11 and the communication network NW based on a communication protocol such as HTTP; to instruct the point management unit 17 to register the specified stock points in response to a new registration request from the user terminal 20; and to retrieve the user's new point balance X(T) obtained by the update in the point management unit 17 from the point DB 14 and notify the user terminal 20 in response to a balance inquiry request from the user terminal 20.

[0046] The point management unit 17 has a function to link the point balance to the stock price by calculating and updating the new point balance X(T) at T based on the point rate R, which indicates the amount per 1sp (unit point) registered in the point DB 14, the number of shares distributed Q corresponding to the number of points distributed to the user, and the new stock price P(T) of the designated company, in response to the arrival of the stock price linkage timing T. In this case, the new point balance X(T) at T is calculated by the following formula (1). X(T) = Q × P(T) / R …(1)

[0047] [Operation of the first embodiment] Next, the operation of the point management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the point management system according to the first embodiment.

[0048] This section explains the process for registering new stock points, linking point balances to stock prices, and checking point balances.

[0049] [New Registration Process] First, let's explain the process for registering new stock points. This new registration process is executed when a user registers new distribution points with a point ID that they have not previously registered.

[0050] After the user obtains encrypted data of the point ID and the number of new points ΔX related to the distributed points on the user terminal 20, if the user accesses the point management device 10 using the web browser on the user terminal 20 and performs a new registration operation for stock points (step 100), a new registration request including the encrypted data related to the distributed points and the user's user ID is sent from the user terminal 20 to the point management device 10 (step 101).

[0051] The terminal processing unit 16 of the point management device 10 instructs the point management unit 17 to register new stock points in response to a new registration request from the user terminal 20.

[0052] In response, the point management unit 17 extracts the point ID and the number of new points ΔX(T0) from the encrypted data included in the new registration request, and obtains the point ID and the corresponding rate R, reference date and time T0, and reference stock price P(T0) from the point issuance table of the point DB 14.

[0053] Next, the point management unit 17 calculates the number of shares Q to be distributed corresponding to the newly registered stock points based on the new number of points ΔX(T0), the rate R, and the base stock price P(T0), using the following formula (2). Q = ΔX(T0) × R / P(T0) …(2)

[0054] Then, the point management unit 17 registers the new number of points ΔX(T0), reference date and time T0, and number of shares distributed Q in the point balance table of the point DB 14 as the point balance X(T0), update date and time T0, and number of shares distributed Q corresponding to the point ID of the user ID (step 102).

[0055] After this, the terminal processing unit 16 retrieves the point balance X(T0) of the user ID that made the new registration request from the point balance table of the point DB 14, and notifies the corresponding user terminal 20 that the new registration has been completed, including the point balance X(T0) (step 103). As a result, the point balance X(T0) will be displayed on the user terminal 20's web browser, and the user will confirm that the registration of the distributed stock points has been completed (step 104).

[0056] [Stock price linkage processing] Next, we will explain the stock price linkage process for point balances. This stock price linkage process is executed intermittently according to the stock price linkage timing.

[0057] When the timing for stock price linkage arrives (step 110), the point management unit 17 of the point management device 10 instructs the stock price acquisition unit 15 to acquire stock prices. In response, the stock price acquisition unit 15 acquires new stock prices P(T) from the stock price provision server 30 for each company to which each stock point managed in the point DB 14 is linked (step 111).

[0058] Next, the point management unit 17 calculates and updates the point balance X(T) for each user's stock points managed in the point DB 14 based on the new stock price P(T) (step 112).

[0059] Specifically, for each combination of user ID and point ID registered in the point balance table of point DB14, the point balance X(T) is calculated and updated based on the aforementioned formula (1). As a result, each user's point balance is automatically updated in conjunction with the stock price of the designated company at each stock price update timing.

[0060] [Balance inquiry process] Next, we will explain the process for checking the point balance. This balance inquiry process is executed in response to a balance inquiry request from the user.

[0061] When a user accesses the point management device 10 using the web browser on the user terminal 20 and performs an operation to inquire about the balance of stock points (step 120), a request for balance inquiry regarding the stock points held by the user is sent from the user terminal 20 to the point management device 10 (step 121).

[0062] The terminal processing unit 16 of the point management device 10, in response to a balance inquiry request from a user terminal 20, retrieves the point balance X(t) corresponding to the user ID specified in the balance inquiry request from the point balance table of the point DB 14 (step 122), and notifies the corresponding user terminal 20 of the balance inquiry result including the point balance X(t) (step 123).

[0063] As a result, the point balance X(t) is displayed on the user terminal 20's web browser, and the user can check the point balance of the stock points linked to the stock price of the designated company (step 124).

[0064] [Example of operation of the first embodiment] Next, an example of the operation of the point management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the point management system according to the first embodiment.

[0065] Here, as shown in Figure 2, we assume that stock points worth 1 million sp are distributed based on 125 shares purchased from company A at a base stock price P(T0) = 8,000 yen on date T0.

[0066] If user U purchases a product from company A and performs a new registration operation on user terminal 20 at date and time T1 to register 100 sp worth of stock points attached to the product, a new registration request including user ID=U, point ID=A, and the number of points to be registered ΔX(T0)=100sp is sent from user terminal 20 to point management device 10.

[0067] Accordingly, the point management unit 17 of the point management device 10 obtains the rate R, distribution date and time t=T0, and base stock price P(T0)=8000 yen / share for point ID=A from the point issuance table of the point DB 14, and calculates the number of shares to be distributed Q=100×1 / 8000=0.0125 shares corresponding to the newly registered stock points based on the formula (2) described above.

[0068] Then, the point management unit 17 registers the number of registration points ΔX(T0)=100sp, distribution date and time t=T0, and number of shares distributed Q=0.0125 shares specified in the new registration request as the point balance X(T0)=100sp, update date and time t=T0, and number of shares distributed Q=0.0125 shares for point ID=A of user ID=U, as specified in the new registration request, in the point balance table of the point DB 14.

[0069] Subsequently, if the stock price synchronization timing arrives at date and time T2, the point management unit 17 updates the point balance P(t) of each stock point registered in the point balance table of the point DB 14 based on the new stock price P(T2) of each company for date and time T2 acquired by the stock price acquisition unit 15.

[0070] For example, for stock points related to point ID=A for user ID=U, the number of shares to be distributed Q=0.0125 shares is obtained from the point balance table, and based on the new share price P(T2)=10,000 yen / share of company A, which is the designated company for these stock points, the new point balance X(T2)=0.0125×10,000 / 1=125sp is calculated using the formula (1) mentioned above.

[0071] As a result, in the point balance table, a new point balance X(T2)=125sp and T2 are registered as the point balance X(t) and update date and time t for point ID=A of user ID=U.

[0072] Therefore, if a balance inquiry request for user ID=U and point ID=A is subsequently received from user terminal 20, the corresponding point balance P(T2)=10,000 yen / share is retrieved from the point balance table and notified to user terminal 20.

[0073] Figure 7 shows an example of a stock point balance inquiry screen. Here, the balance inquiry screen is shown as an example when user U holds stock points from three companies, A, B, and C. For each stock point, the total number of points acquired at the time of registration, which indicates the number of points registered at the time of initial registration, and the current number of points, which indicates the latest point balance updated according to the stock price of the specified company at the time of balance inquiry, are displayed along with an icon representing the specified company.

[0074] [Effects of the First Embodiment] Thus, in this embodiment, points distributed to users are stock-linked points, where the point balance is linked to the stock price of the designated company that distributed the points. The point management unit 17 updates the point balance based on the stock price of the designated company at the time of updating and the new stock price of the designated company, thereby linking the point balance to the stock price. The terminal processing unit 16 notifies the user terminal 20 of the new point balance obtained through the update in response to a balance inquiry request from the user terminal 20 indicating a point balance inquiry.

[0075] Therefore, in this embodiment, the points (stock points) change in conjunction with the stock price of the designated company, so users who hold points become aware of the designated company's stock price. As a result, users develop a motivation and intention to support the designated company so that its stock price rises and its performance improves, which in turn increases user loyalty to the company itself.

[0076] [Second Embodiment] Next, a point management system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0077] In the first embodiment described above, we explained as an example the case in which the number of shares distributed is managed for each stock point of user U. In this embodiment, we will explain the case in which the stock price at the time of point balance update is managed instead of the balance stock price.

[0078] In this embodiment, the point management unit 17 has a function to link the point balance to the stock price by calculating and updating the new point balance X(T) at T based on the user's point balance P(T-1) registered in the point DB 14 at the stock price linkage timing T-1 immediately preceding T, the stock price P(T-1) of the designated company used for the update, and the new stock price P(T) of the designated company, in response to the arrival of the stock price linkage timing T. In this case, the new point balance X(T) at T is obtained by the following equation (3). X(T)=X(T-1)×P(T) / P(T-1) …(3)

[0079] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the point balance table according to the second embodiment. The point balance table is a table in which information regarding the point balance of stock points held by the user is registered. The point management unit 17 registers and updates information regarding the point balance in response to various requests from the user terminal 20 and the arrival of stock price-linked timings.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 8, for each user ID used to identify a user, the following are registered as a set: point ID, point balance X(t), update date and time t when the point balance X(t) was updated, and the stock price P(t) used to update the point balance X(t) at update date and time t.

[0081] Other configurations of the point management system 1 and point management device 10 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0082] [Operation of the second embodiment] Next, the operation of the point management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0083] The operation of the point management system 1 according to this embodiment is almost the same as the sequence shown in Figure 5 above, but the processing content in the point management device 10 is slightly different. Therefore, the differences in the new stock point registration process, the stock price linkage process for point balances, and the point balance inquiry process will be explained here.

[0084] [New Registration Process] First, let's explain the process for registering new stock points. This new registration process is executed when a user registers new distribution points with a point ID that they have not previously registered.

[0085] In this embodiment, the difference is that in step 102 of Figure 5, the stock price P(T0) at the time of update is registered in the point balance table of point DB14 instead of the number of shares distributed Q.

[0086] Specifically, the point management unit 17 extracts the point ID and the number of new points ΔX(T0) from the encrypted data included in the new registration request, obtains the reference date and time T0 and reference stock price P(T0) corresponding to the point ID from the point issuance table of the point DB 14, registers them in the point balance table of the point DB 14 as the update date and time T0 and update stock price P(T0) corresponding to the point ID of the user ID, and also registers the number of new points ΔX(T0) as the point balance X(T0) corresponding to the point ID of the user ID (step 102).

[0087] [Stock price linkage processing] Next, we will explain the stock price linkage process for point balances. This stock price linkage process is executed intermittently according to the stock price linkage timing.

[0088] In this embodiment, the difference is that in step 112 of Figure 5, the point balance X(T2) is calculated based on equation (3), which uses the stock price P(T0) at the time of update, instead of equation (1), which uses the point rate R and the number of shares distributed Q.

[0089] In other words, the point management unit 17 calculates and updates the point balance X(T) based on the aforementioned formula (3) for each combination of user ID and point ID registered in the point balance table of the point DB 14. As a result, each user's point balance is automatically updated in conjunction with the stock price of the designated company at each stock price update timing.

[0090] [Example of operation of the second embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 9, an example of the operation of the point management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the point management system according to the second embodiment.

[0091] Here, as shown in Figure 2, we assume that stock points worth 1 million sp are distributed based on 125 shares purchased from company A at a base stock price P(T0) = 8,000 yen on date T0.

[0092] If user U purchases a product from company A and performs a new registration operation on user terminal 20 at date and time T1 to register 100 sp worth of stock points attached to the product, a new registration request including user ID=U, point ID=A, and the number of points to be registered ΔX(T0)=100sp is sent from user terminal 20 to point management device 10.

[0093] In response, the point management unit 17 of the point management device 10 obtains the distribution date and time t=T0 and the reference stock price P(T0)=8000 yen / share for point ID=A from the point issuance table of the point DB 14, and registers the update date and time t=T0 and the update stock price (T0)=8000 yen / share for point ID=A for user ID=U, as specified in the new registration request, in the point balance table of the point DB 14, and also registers the number of registered points ΔX(T0)=100sp specified in the new registration request as the point balance X(T0)=100sp for point ID=A for user ID=U.

[0094] Subsequently, if the stock price synchronization timing arrives at date and time T2, the point management unit 17 updates the point balance P(t) of each stock point registered in the point balance table of the point DB 14 based on the new stock price P(T2) of each company for date and time T2 acquired by the stock price acquisition unit 15.

[0095] For example, for stock points related to point ID=A for user ID=U, the point balance X(T0)=100sp and the update stock price P(T0)=8000 yen / share are obtained from the point balance table. Based on the new stock price P(T2)=10000 yen / share of company A, which is the designated company for these stock points, the new point balance X(T2)=100 × 10000 / 8000 = 125sp is calculated using the aforementioned formula (1).

[0096] As a result, in the point balance table, a new point balance X(T2)=125sp, T2, and P(T2)=10,000 yen / share will be registered as point balance X(t), update date and time t, and update stock price P(t) for point ID=A with user ID=U.

[0097] Therefore, if a balance inquiry request for user ID=U and point ID=A is subsequently received from user terminal 20, the corresponding point balance P(T2)=10,000 yen / share is retrieved from the point balance table and notified to user terminal 20.

[0098] [Effects of the second embodiment] Thus, in this embodiment, points distributed to users are stock-linked points, where the point balance is linked to the stock price of the designated company that distributed the points. The point management unit 17 updates the point balance based on the stock price of the designated company at the time of updating and the new stock price of the designated company, thereby linking the point balance to the stock price. The terminal processing unit 16 notifies the user terminal 20 of the new point balance obtained through the update in response to a balance inquiry request from the user terminal 20 indicating a point balance inquiry.

[0099] Therefore, in this embodiment, the points (stock points) change in conjunction with the stock price of the designated company, so users who hold points become aware of the designated company's stock price. As a result, users develop a motivation and intention to support the designated company so that its stock price rises and its performance improves, which in turn increases user loyalty to the company itself.

[0100] Furthermore, it is sufficient to manage the stock price P(t) at the time of update for each user U's stock points, and since this stock price is data common to different users U, the stock price can be uniquely identified, for example, from the company ID corresponding to the point ID and the update date and time t. Therefore, it can be centrally managed among different users U, and in particular, when using the closing stock price, it is possible to acquire it sequentially from the stock price provision server 30 as needed without managing it in the point management device 10. For this reason, as in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to manage the individual number of shares distributed for each user U's stock points, so the size of the point balance table in the point DB 14 can be significantly reduced.

[0101] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 10, a point management system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the point management system according to the third embodiment.

[0102] In the first and second embodiments described above, when the point management device 10 centrally manages the point balance of each user and notifies the user terminal 20 of the point balance, the case where notification is made using a communication protocol such as HTTP was explained as an example. This embodiment describes a case where, instead of centrally managing each user's point balance at the point management device 10 using blockchain technology, each user terminal 20 manages the point balance in a distributed manner together with the point management device 10.

[0103] Blockchain technology, as described in Non-Patent Literature 2, for example, is a technology that stores transactions representing the details of a financial transaction in information called blocks, which are guaranteed to be continuous, broadcasts them to all participants, verifies the received blocks based on the blockchain composed of previous blocks, and executes transactions based on the transactions contained in the blocks that have been found to be legitimate.

[0104] This embodiment uses blockchain technology, rather than the HTTP protocol mentioned above, to exchange point balances between the point management device 10 and the user terminal 20, as shown in Figure 10. The procedure for issuing points is the same as in Figure 2 mentioned above.

[0105] Specifically, the terminal processing unit 16 has the function of notifying the user terminal 20 of the updated user's point balance by writing the details of the transaction related to the point balance update into a new block of the blockchain virtually constructed under the communication network NW, and broadcasting it to the communication network NW.

[0106] The user terminal 20 has the function of verifying blocks received from the communication network NW based on the blockchain, and presenting the user with an updated point balance based on the contents of the transactions included in the blocks that have been found to be valid.

[0107] The blockchain processing in these terminal processing units 16 and user terminals 20 can be implemented using general-purpose processing modules.

[0108] [Effects of the third embodiment] Thus, in this embodiment, blockchain technology is used to exchange point balances between the point management device 10 and the user terminal 20. This ensures high security while exchanging point balances, making it possible to circulate stock price-linked points more safely.

[0109] [Fourth Embodiment] The point management system 1A according to the fourth embodiment has, in addition to the functions of the point management system 1 of the first to third embodiments, a function to exchange the point balance of user U for shares of a designated company corresponding to those stock points. This exchange is performed at the request of user U. The shares of the designated company are, as described above, the shares that are the source of the stock points to be exchanged. The number of points per share required to exchange stock points for shares is determined by the price of the shares at the time of the exchange, i.e., the share price. The fourth embodiment will now be described, focusing on the exchange of stock points for shares. Among the elements of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for elements that are the same as those in the first to third embodiments.

[0110] As shown in Figure 11, the point management system 1A includes a point management device 10 and a number of user terminals 20, as well as a securities account management device 40 managed by a securities company SC. The securities company SC may be changed to the trust company described above as appropriate. The functions of the trust company described above, such as the purchase of stocks, may be realized by the functions of the securities company SC. The point management device 10 is managed directly or through a client by a service provider SM that provides point services using stock points.

[0111] The securities account management device 40 is a server computer or the like, and electronically manages securities accounts opened with securities company SC and the shares deposited in those securities accounts. The securities account management device 40 has a service provider account, which is the securities account of service provider SM, and a user account, which is the securities account of user U who owns stock points. The securities account management device 40 is configured to communicate with the point management device 10 via a network NW.

[0112] In the first to third embodiments, the shares purchased are initially owned by the service provider SM. In other words, the shares are deposited in the service provider's account. In the exchange of stock points owned by user U for shares owned by service provider SM, these shares are moved from the service provider's account to user U's user account. This transfer results in the transfer of ownership of the shares to user U.

[0113] The terminal processing unit 16 of the point management device 10 receives an exchange instruction from user U that instructs the exchange of stock points for shares.

[0114] Based on the exchange instruction received by the terminal processing unit 16, the point management unit 17 performs an exchange process to exchange points from the user U's stock point balance corresponding to the price of the stock to be exchanged for the stock to be exchanged for the stock to be exchanged.

[0115] The point management unit 17 may update the point balance when goods or other items are purchased using stock points, or when stock points are exchanged for other points with monetary value. Thus, stock points may be used to purchase goods or services through shopping, etc., and / or may be used to exchange them for other points with monetary value. Information on the number of stock points used Y for purchase or exchange is supplied to the point management device 10 from the user terminal 20 or a server (not shown) that processes the use of stock points. The information on the number of points used Y includes the number of points used, the user's user ID, and the point ID. Based on the supplied information, the point management unit 17 of the point management device 10 updates the point balance X(t) corresponding to the acquired user ID and point ID in the point balance table in Figure 4 or Figure 8 to a value obtained by subtracting the number of points used Y from X(t). When the point balance table in Figure 4 is used (in the case of point management according to the first embodiment), the point management unit 17 updates the number of shares to be distributed Q corresponding to the user ID and point ID to a new number of shares to be distributed calculated as Q × (X(t) - Y) / X(t).

[0116] When stock points are exchanged for shares, the terminal processing unit 16 and the point management unit 17 work together with the mobile terminal 20 to perform the process shown in Figure 12.

[0117] In the process shown in Figure 12, the mobile terminal 20 receives input from user U requesting to exchange their stock points for shares (step S11). Hereinafter, user U will also be referred to as user UA. Upon receiving the exchange request, the user terminal 20 sends a request for information to the point management device 10 regarding the point balance of each stock point owned by user UA and the number of stock points per share of the shares to which each stock point is applicable (step S12). This information request includes user UA's user ID. The user ID is assumed to be set on user UA's user terminal 20.

[0118] Information requests from the user terminal 20 are received by the terminal processing unit 16. After receiving this information, the point management unit 17 refers to the point balance table and obtains the point ID, point balance X(t), and the number of items distributed Q (when points are managed in the first embodiment where the table in Figure 4 is used) or the stock price P(t) at the time of update (when points are managed in the second embodiment where the table in Figure 8 is used) corresponding to the user ID included in the information request received by the terminal processing unit 16 (step S21). After obtaining this information, the point management unit 17 sets a prohibition setting to prohibit the execution of the stock price linkage process that links the point balance X(t) and the stock price for that user ID (step S22).

[0119] Subsequently, the point management unit 17 derives the number of points Xr per share for each acquired point ID (i.e., for each share) (step S23). If the table in Figure 4 is used, the point management unit 17 calculates the number of points Xr per share using, for example, the following formula (4). If the table in Figure 8 is used, the point management unit 17 calculates the number of points Xr per share using, for example, the following formula (5). Xr = X(t) / Q...(4) Xr = P(t) / R...(5)

[0120] Subsequently, the terminal processing unit 16 returns to the user terminal 20 each set of the point ID, the point balance X(t) corresponding to the point ID, and the number of points per share Xr corresponding to the point ID, which were obtained or derived by the point management unit 17 (step S24). In addition to the point ID, the company ID from the point issuance table in Figure 3 may also be used.

[0121] Based on the information from the terminal processing unit 16, the user terminal 20 generates and displays a notification image that displays the stock point balance X(t) and the number of points per share Xr for each point ID or company ID, i.e., for each stock (step S13). An example of this image is shown in Figure 13. In the example in Figure 13, the stock points corresponding to each stock of companies A to C are displayed, showing the point balance X(t) (e.g., "Point balance 1000SP") and the number of points per share Xr (e.g., "900SP per share"). Companies or stocks can be identified, for example, by their point ID (because there is a one-to-one correspondence between stock points and stocks (companies)). Companies may also be identified by their company ID.

[0122] User UA refers to the notification image displayed on user terminal U and performs a designation operation to specify the stocks and number of shares to be exchanged. User terminal 20 accepts this designation operation (step S14). It is preferable that user terminal 20 prevents the selection of stocks where the point balance X(t) is less than the number of points per share Xr. Furthermore, it is preferable that user terminal 20 prevents the selection of a number of shares greater than the number obtained by dividing the point balance X(t) by the number of points per share Xr.

[0123] When the user terminal 20 receives the specified operation, it generates an exchange instruction for stock points (at least a portion of the balance X(t)) and shares, and transmits it to the point management device 10 (step S15). The exchange instruction here includes the user ID of user UA, the point ID corresponding to the shares to be exchanged, the number of shares to be exchanged Z, and the number of points per share Xr.

[0124] The exchange instruction from the user terminal 20 is received by the terminal processing unit 16 (step S25). When the terminal processing unit 16 receives the exchange instruction, the point management unit 17 executes an exchange process based on this instruction to exchange the points corresponding to the stock price of the stock to be exchanged from the point balance X(t) for the stock to be exchanged (step S26).

[0125] The exchange process in step S26 includes a first process of subtracting a number of points corresponding to the stock price of the stock to be exchanged from the point balance X(t) corresponding to the stock to be exchanged, and a second process of transferring ownership of the stock to user UA for the number of points corresponding to the stock price. The order of the first and second processes is arbitrary.

[0126] As the first process described above, the point management unit 17 performs a process to subtract points from the point balance P(t) corresponding to the user ID and point ID in the point balance table by the number of points obtained by multiplying the number of points per share of the stock to be exchanged, Xr, by the number of shares to be exchanged, Z. Through this process, points corresponding to the stock price of the stock to be exchanged are subtracted from the point balance P(t). Furthermore, if the point balance table in Figure 4 is used, the point management unit 17 also subtracts the number of shares distributed Q corresponding to the user ID and point ID in the point balance table by the number of shares to be exchanged, Z.

[0127] The point management unit 17 includes, as the second process described above, the process of sending an instruction to the securities account management device 40 to transfer shares equivalent to the number of shares to be exchanged, Z, that is, shares equivalent to the number of points to be reduced in the first process described above, from the service provider account to the user account of user UA. The type of shares is identified by the point ID included in the exchange instruction. Account information that identifies the service provider account and the user account, respectively, is registered and used in the point management device 10, for example, associated with the user ID. The instruction sent from the point management unit 17 to the securities account management device 40 includes account information of the source and destination accounts, the type of shares to be exchanged, and information necessary for transferring shares to an account, such as the number of shares to be exchanged, Z.

[0128] Based on the information necessary for the account transfer from the point management unit 17, i.e., the point management device 10, the securities account management device 40 executes an account transfer process to move the number of shares to be exchanged, Z, from the service provider account to the user account of user UA, as shown in Figure 14 (step S31). This account transfer process includes, for example, a change of ownership of the shares. The transfer of shares between accounts results in a transfer of ownership of the shares. Returning to Figure 12, the securities account management device 40 notifies the point management device 10 of the completion of the transfer (step S32).

[0129] The point management unit 17 receives notification that the transfer has been completed. Upon receiving this notification, the point management unit 17 transmits to the user terminal 20 of the user UA that the exchange of stock points for shares has been completed, along with information such as the point balance X(t) after point deduction and the shares exchanged (step S27). The user terminal 20 displays the information that the exchange has been completed on its display unit, along with the aforementioned information, thereby notifying the user that the exchange has been completed, the point balance X(t) after the exchange, and the shares and number of shares exchanged (step S16).

[0130] After step S27, the point management unit 17 lifts the ban on stock price linkage processing (step S28). If the point management unit 17 has performed stock price linkage processing for point balances X(t) corresponding to other user IDs while stock price linkage processing was prohibited, it is advisable to perform stock price linkage processing for the point balances X(t) that were subject to the ban as well. This updates the point balance X(t) of user UA to reflect the latest stock price.

[0131] As described above, in this embodiment, the point management unit 17 links the point balance X(t), which is the balance of stock points distributed to the user, to the stock price of the stock pre-associated with the stock points, by updating the point balance X(t) according to the stock price that changes over time (see Embodiments 1 to 3). The terminal processing unit 16 receives an exchange instruction from the user terminal 20 to exchange the stock points owned by user UA (i.e., at least a portion of the point balance X(t)) for the stock corresponding to the point balance X(t). Furthermore, the point management unit 17 performs an exchange process based on the exchange instruction received by the terminal processing unit 16 to exchange the points corresponding to the stock price of the target stock from the point balance X(t) for the stock.Therefore, user U can exchange stock points for stocks that are linked to the stock price, and through this exchange, can actually own the stock.For this reason, user U has a stronger motivation to own stock points than points that cannot be exchanged in this way, because it is possible to exchange them for stocks.In this way, according to this embodiment, user U is given a strong motivation to own points.

[0132] The details of the exchange process are optional. As in this embodiment, the exchange process may include a first process of subtracting from the point balance X(t) a number of points corresponding to the stock price of the stock to be exchanged (for example, a number of points obtained by multiplying the number of points per share Xr by the number of shares to be exchanged Z), and a second process of transferring ownership of the stock to the user by the number of points corresponding to the stock price. These processes ensure that the exchange of stock points and stocks is carried out smoothly.

[0133] As in this embodiment, the point management unit 17 performs the exchange process without involving any of the currencies of the countries (especially the currency of the country where the stock points service is provided), thereby enabling direct exchange of stock points and shares, and simplifying the exchange process.

[0134] Furthermore, as a second step in the exchange process, the point management unit 17 instructs the securities account management device 40 to transfer the shares held in the service provider account to the user account of the user UA who applied for the exchange. This ensures that the transfer of ownership of the shares is smooth and easy. In addition, the user account is managed by the same securities account management device 40 as the service provider account. This facilitates the movement of shares between accounts. Note that the same securities account management device 40 may consist of multiple servers managed by the same securities company SC. Alternatively, the point management device 10 may manage the name of the shares to be exchanged, and the point management unit 17 may, as a second step, change the name of the shares from the service provider SM to the user UA.

[0135] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the point management unit 17 does not need to perform stock price linkage processing to link the point balance X(t) to the stock price, at least during the exchange process described above. This prevents the number of stock points per share from changing during the exchange of stock points for shares. The point management unit 17 does not need to perform stock price linkage processing from after deriving the number of points per share, or after transmitting the derived number of points per share to the user terminal 20, until the end of the exchange process (end of the first and second processes). This prevents exchanges with a number of points different from the number of stock points per share notified to the user UA. In addition, in the above embodiment, the execution of the above exchange process may be prohibited during the period in which the stock price linkage processing is being performed. In such a case, the stock price linkage processing may be performed periodically at predetermined times, such as when the closing price of the stock is determined, and the acceptance of the above exchange (for example, execution of step S11) may be prohibited at those times.

[0136] [Hardware configuration of the point management device 10 according to the first to fourth embodiments] The hardware configuration of the point management device 10 is arbitrary. The main part of the point management device 10 includes, for example, a processor 901, a storage unit 902 including main memory and a non-volatile storage device, and a network card 903 connected to a communication network NW, as shown in Figure 15. The processor 901 may consist of one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). The non-volatile storage device of the storage unit 902 stores the point issuance table and the point balance table. The processor 901 operates as the stock price acquisition unit 15, the terminal processing unit 16, and the point management unit 17 by executing a program stored in the non-volatile storage device of the storage unit 902. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium, such as a non-volatile storage device. At least a part of at least one of the above units 15 to 17 may be composed of one or more logic circuits. Examples of logic circuits include ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). Each device, such as the point management device 10, may be configured as a single device housed in a single enclosure, or it may be composed of multiple devices in which the components for each function are distributed and housed in multiple enclosures.

[0137] [Modified versions of the first to fourth embodiments] [Modified version 1] The point management device 10 only needs to link the point balance related to the points distributed to the user to the stock price of the designated company's shares. This linkage method may be carried out in a manner other than that of the above embodiment. In other words, the method of updating the point balance by the point management unit 17 and the contents of the point balance table can be changed as appropriate. As a process for transferring ownership of the shares to be exchanged to the user UA, the point management unit 17 may, for example, execute a process to change the name of the shares to be exchanged held by the Japan Securities Depository Center to the user UA (for example, a process to issue an instruction to the device at the Japan Securities Depository Center that manages the aforementioned name to change the name).

[0138] [Differentiation 2] In the embodiments described above, the stock points are linked to stock prices. However, the stock points may be linked to the price of any other product whose price (more specifically, the trading price) changes over time, other than stock prices (in particular, the price of the domestic currency when the country providing the point service is considered the domestic country). In this case, the user account and the service provider account become accounts into which the product is deposited. The securities account management device 40 may be any computer, such as a server computer that manages the aforementioned accounts. Furthermore, similar to stocks, the service provider may purchase a product as the source of stock points, and the purchased product may be deposited into the service provider account. Examples of products include financial instruments and financial derivatives. Examples of financial instruments include cryptocurrencies (also called crypto assets) and foreign currencies (for example, the currency of a foreign country when the country providing the point service is considered the domestic country). In this case, the stock point balance X(t) increases or decreases in accordance with the price of the cryptocurrency or foreign currency. The account becomes an account into which the cryptocurrency or foreign currency is deposited. As a financial product, ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), which are a type of stock, may be adopted. As a product, other financial products such as various bonds or investment trusts may be adopted.

[0139] Stock points may be exchangeable for pre-associated linked products. In other words, the target of the exchange process in the fourth embodiment may be any product, such as cryptocurrency or foreign currency, to which stock points are linked. Even with this modification, the exchange of stock points for products provides user U with a strong incentive to own stock points, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0140] Assuming that the shares in the first to third embodiments described above are replaced with virtual currency or foreign currency, the point management device 10 is a point management device that is connected to a user terminal used by a user via a communication network and manages the balance of points distributed to the user, and may include a point management unit that links the balance to the price by updating the balance according to the price of the virtual currency or foreign currency that is pre-associated with the points, and a terminal processing unit that notifies the user terminal of the new balance of the user updated by the point management unit in response to a balance inquiry request from the user terminal indicating an inquiry of the balance. With such a configuration, since the balance of points is linked to the price of virtual currency or foreign currency, the user will be inclined to try to own points, and a strong motivation to own points will be given to the user U.

[0141] [Expansion of the embodiment] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the configuration and details of the present invention can be made within the scope of the present invention as can be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, each embodiment can be arbitrarily combined and implemented without contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1,1A...Point management system, 10...Point management device, 11...Communication I / F unit, 12...Operation input unit, 13...Screen display unit, 14...Point DB, 15...Stock price acquisition unit, 16...Terminal processing unit, 17...Point management unit, 20...User terminal, 30...Stock price provision server, NW...Communication network.

Claims

1. A point management device that is connected to a user terminal used by a user via a communication network and manages the balance of points distributed to the user, A point management unit that links the balance to the price by updating the balance in accordance with the price of the product that is pre-associated with the points and changes over time, The system includes a terminal processing unit that receives an exchange instruction from the user terminal to exchange the points for the product, The point management unit performs an exchange process based on the exchange instruction received by the terminal processing unit, exchanging the points corresponding to the price of the product from the remaining points for the product. Point management device.

2. The aforementioned product is a stock. The point management device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned product is a cryptocurrency. The point management device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned product is a foreign currency. The point management device according to claim 1.

5. The exchange process includes a first process of subtracting the number of points corresponding to the price of the product from the balance of the points, and a second process of transferring ownership of the product to the user for the number of points corresponding to the price. A point management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The point management device is capable of communicating with an account management device that manages a service provider account, which is the account of a service provider that provides services using the points. The point management unit, as the second process, performs a process instructing the account management device to transfer the goods deposited in the service provider's account to the user's account. The point management device according to claim 5.

7. The user's account is managed by the account management device. The point management device according to claim 6.

8. The point management unit does not perform any process to link the balance to the price during the exchange process. A point management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The point management unit performs the exchange process without the use of currency. A point management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A point management device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The aforementioned user terminal, A point management system equipped with the following features.

11. A computer connected to the user's terminal via a communication network manages the balance of points distributed to the user. A point management step that links the balance to the price by updating the balance in accordance with the price of the product that is pre-associated with the points and changes over time, The terminal processing step is executed, which involves receiving an exchange instruction from the user terminal to exchange the points for the product. The point management step performs an exchange process based on the exchange instruction received by the terminal processing unit, in which the points corresponding to the price of the product from the balance of the points are exchanged for the product. program.

12. A point management device that is connected to a user terminal used by a user via a communication network and manages the balance of points distributed to the user, A point management unit that links the balance to the price by updating the balance according to the price of the virtual currency or foreign currency pre-associated with the points, In response to a balance inquiry request from the user terminal indicating an inquiry of the balance, the terminal processing unit notifies the user terminal of the new balance of the user, which has been updated by the point management unit. A point management device equipped with the following features.

13. The point management device according to claim 12, The aforementioned user terminal, A point management system equipped with the following features.

14. A computer connected to the user's terminal via a communication network manages the balance of points distributed to the user. A point management step that links the balance to the price by updating the balance according to the price of the virtual currency or foreign currency pre-associated with the points, In response to a balance inquiry request from the user terminal indicating an inquiry of the balance, a terminal processing step notifies the user terminal of the new balance of the user updated by the point management step, A program that executes the command.

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