Apparatus, method, and program for managing employee benefit points

Abstract

Promote the use of employee benefit points. [Solution] A service providing server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is communicatively connected to a company terminal 20, a user terminal 30, and an external system 200 via a communication network NW, and provides welfare support services to company personnel using the company terminal 20 and users (company employees) using the user terminal 30. The service providing server 10 consumes welfare points associated with a payment card held by the user as the purchase amount of goods at a store paid for using the payment card, based on the terms of use applicable to the store. This allows each store to set appropriate terms of use for welfare points, thereby promoting the use of welfare points when purchasing goods at each store.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for managing benefit points. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, corporate employees have been able to use reward points with a set usage period for employee benefit services provided within that period (sometimes called a cafeteria plan) (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4836373 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional services described above, employees had to use points for employee benefit services at stores preset by the company, etc. As a result, for example, in stores that do not offer products and services that employees like, the use of employee benefit points may not be promoted.

[0005] One of the objects of the embodiment of the present invention is to promote the use of welfare points. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for managing welfare points, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors perform the steps of obtaining authorization data for settling the purchase amount of a product at a store using a payment card held by a user, and consuming the welfare points associated with the payment card as at least part of the purchase amount of the product based on the terms of use of the welfare points applicable to the store.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for managing welfare points, executed by one or more computers, and includes the steps of obtaining authorization data for paying the purchase amount of a product at a store using a payment card held by a user, and consuming the welfare points associated with the payment card as at least part of the purchase amount of the product based on the welfare point usage conditions applicable to the store.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for managing welfare points, which causes one or more computers to execute the steps of obtaining authorization data for paying the purchase price of a product at a store using a payment card held by a user, and consuming the welfare points associated with the payment card as at least part of the purchase price of the product based on the terms of use of the welfare points that apply to the store. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention facilitate the use of benefit points. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a service providing server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a user information table 1511. [Figure 3] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a card information table 1512. [Figure 4] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a point use condition information table 1513. [Figure 5] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a product information table 1514. [Figure 6] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a card usage management table 1515. [Figure 7] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a point history management table 1516. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the service providing server 10 when authorization data is received from the external system 200. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a top screen 50 of an employee welfare support service. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a shopping screen 60. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of details of an individual display area 661. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar components. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the entire specification.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network configuration including a service providing server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the service providing server 10 is communicatively connected to a company terminal 20, a user terminal 30, and an external system 200 via a communication network NW such as the Internet. While FIG. 1 illustrates only one company terminal 20, one user terminal 30, and one external system 200, the service providing server 10 is communicatively connected to multiple company terminals 20, multiple user terminals 30, and multiple external systems 200. The service providing server 10 provides employee benefits support services to company personnel using the company terminal 20 and users (employees) using the user terminal 30. The employee benefits support service is a service that supports companies in providing employee benefits and has a function for managing employee benefits points awarded to users. The service providing server 10 is an example of a device that implements all or part of the device of the present invention.

[0013] First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the service providing server 10. The service providing server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, it includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (storage device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0014] The computer processor 11 is configured with a CPU, GPU, FPGA, etc., or a circuit including any of them, and loads various programs stored in the storage 15, etc., into the main memory 12 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured with, for example, a DRAM, etc.

[0015] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0016] The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via a communication network NW or the like.

[0017] The storage 15 is configured, for example, by a magnetic disk or flash memory. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. For example, the storage 15 has various tables 151 that manage various information for providing employee welfare support services. The storage 15 also stores, for example, a server-side program 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program that causes the service providing server 10 to function as all or part of a device for providing employee welfare support services. At least a portion of the server-side program 40 can be configured to be executed on the company terminal 20 side or the user terminal 30 side via a company terminal-side program 42 or a user terminal-side program 44, which will be described later.

[0018] In this embodiment, the service providing server 10 may be configured using a plurality of computers each having the above-described hardware configuration. For example, the service providing server 10 may be configured by one or a plurality of server devices.

[0019] The service providing server 10 configured in this manner can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server, in which case it executes various processes in response to requests from a company terminal-side program 42 installed in the company terminal 20 or a user terminal-side program 44 installed in the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data according to the results of the processes to the company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30. The company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30 outputs a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0020] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the company terminal 20. The company terminal 20 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, it includes a computer processor 21, a main memory 22, an input / output I / F 23, a communication I / F 24, and a storage (storage device) 25, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0021] The computer processor 21 is configured with a CPU, GPU, FPGA, etc., or a circuit including any of them, and loads various programs stored in the storage 25, etc., into the main memory 22 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 22 is configured with, for example, a DRAM, etc.

[0022] The input / output I / F 23 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input / output I / F 23 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), audio input devices such as a microphone, and image input devices such as a camera. The input / output I / F 23 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0023] The communication I / F 24 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via a communication network NW or the like.

[0024] The storage 25 is configured, for example, by a magnetic disk or flash memory. The storage 25 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. The programs stored in the storage 25 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like. The storage 25 also stores the above-mentioned company terminal-side program 42. The program 42 can be configured as a web browser or other application (for example, a company application for an employee benefit support service), and can be configured to execute at least a part of the server-side program 40, as described above.

[0025] In this embodiment, the company terminal 20 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, or the like.

[0026] A user (company employee) operating a corporate terminal 20 configured in this manner can use the welfare support services provided by the service providing server 10 by communicating with the service providing server 10 via a corporate terminal side program 42 installed in storage 25 or the like.

[0027] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30. Like the above-mentioned company terminal 20, the user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, it includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input / output I / F 33, a communication I / F 34, and a storage (storage device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0028] The storage 35 stores the above-mentioned user terminal-side program 44. The program 44 may be configured as a web browser or other application (e.g., an application for employees of an employee benefits support service), and may be configured to execute at least a part of the server-side program 40 as described above.

[0029] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, or the like.

[0030] A user (corporate employee) who operates the user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the welfare support services provided by the service providing server 10 by communicating with the service providing server 10 via the user terminal side program 44 installed in storage 35 or the like.

[0031] Next, we will explain the functions of the service providing server 10 configured as above. As shown in Fig. 1, the computer processor 11 of the service providing server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 112 and a service provision control unit 114 by executing instructions included in a program (for example, at least a part of the server-side program 40) loaded into the main memory 12.

[0032] The management function control unit 112 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the management functions of the employee welfare support service. For example, the management function control unit 112 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the management functions to the company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screens output on the company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data according to the results of the processes to the company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 112 include, for example, login processing (user authentication) and management of user information.

[0033] The service provision control unit 114 is configured to execute various processes for controlling the provision of the welfare support service. For example, the service provision control unit 114 transmits screen data and control data of various screens for providing the welfare support service to the company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screen output on the company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data, control data, etc. according to the results of the processes to the company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30.

[0034] In this embodiment, the service provision control unit 114 is configured to acquire authorization data for settling the purchase amount of a product (including a service) at a store using a payment card held by the user. The payment card may include a credit card, a prepaid card, etc. The store may include a real store or a virtual store (e.g., an online shop, etc.). The authorization data may also be referred to as data for requesting authorization (credit approval), and may include, for example, a card number, affiliated store identification information for identifying the store as an affiliated store of the card, and the purchase amount of the product (payment amount). The authorization data is transmitted to the service provision server 10 from, for example, an external system 200 such as an EC server or a card payment terminal (or via a payment network corresponding to the payment card).

[0035] The service provision control unit 114 is also configured to consume benefit points associated with the user's payment card as at least a portion of the purchase price of a product, based on the benefit point usage conditions applied to the store. Benefit points are typically awarded by a company to employees in a specific amount, and the employees can exchange the points for products, etc. For example, benefit points are consumed based on first usage conditions applied to a first store in response to acquisition of authorization data for settling the purchase price of a product at the first store, and are consumed based on second usage conditions applied to the second store in response to acquisition of authorization data for settling the purchase price of a product at the second store. The quantity of benefit points associated with the payment card is managed, for example, in a specific table included in the various tables 151. The usage conditions of benefit points applied to a store may be set by the company (organization) to which the user belongs (i.e., the usage conditions of benefit points applied to a store may be set for each company). The setting information for making such settings may be input by a company employee via a screen displayed on the company terminal 20.

[0036] In this way, the service providing server 10 in this embodiment consumes the welfare points associated with the payment card held by the user as the purchase amount of goods at a store paid for using the payment card, based on the terms of use applicable to the store. This makes it possible to apply appropriate terms of use for welfare points at each store, thereby promoting the use of welfare points when purchasing goods at each store.

[0037] Furthermore, users will be able to purchase products using their benefit points at various stores that accept payment cards (member stores of the payment card), thereby expanding the scope of use of the points.

[0038] Furthermore, by allowing companies to set the terms and conditions for use of employee benefit points that apply to stores, it becomes possible, for example, for the company's intentions regarding employee benefits (human resources strategy) to be reflected in the setting of these terms and conditions.

[0039] In this embodiment, the terms of use of the benefit points include various conditions. For example, the terms of use may include an exchange rate for the benefit points. In this case, the service provision control unit 114 may be configured to consume a quantity of benefit points based on the purchase price of the product and the exchange rate for the benefit points. For example, when the purchase price of the product is 1,000 yen and the exchange rate is 1 point = 1 yen, the benefit points consumed are 1,000 points. However, when the exchange rate is 1 point = 2 yen, the benefit points consumed are 500 points. As described above, such exchange rates may be set via a screen displayed on the company terminal 20. This configuration enables each store to apply an appropriate exchange rate for the benefit points.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the conditions for using benefit points may include an upper limit for the use of benefit points. In this case, the service provision control unit 114 may be configured to consume benefit points within the upper limit. The upper limit may be set, for example, as an upper limit for a single purchase by a specific user, or as an upper limit for a specific period (e.g., one day, one month, or one year) by a specific user. Furthermore, such an upper limit may be set for each group to which multiple stores belong. Such groups may include corporate groups, brands, industries, etc. As described above, such an upper limit may be set via a screen displayed on the corporate terminal 20. This configuration enables each store to apply an appropriate upper limit for the use of benefit points.

[0041] In this embodiment, the terms and conditions for using welfare points may be set for each product or store category (genre). In this case, the service provision control unit 114 may be configured to determine the category corresponding to the store where the payment card was used and consume welfare points based on the terms and conditions for using welfare points set for that category. As described above, the terms and conditions for using welfare points for such categories may be set via a screen displayed on the company terminal 20. For example, if the terms and conditions for using welfare points are the above-mentioned upper usage limit, the use of welfare points at each store corresponding to the "self-improvement" category may be limited to "10,000 points" per year, while the use of welfare points at each store corresponding to the "health promotion" category may be limited to "20,000 points" per year. Furthermore, for example, the use of welfare points at each store corresponding to the "food and beverage" category may be limited to a tax-related usage limit (e.g., 50% of the purchase price of the product). This configuration enables the use of welfare points to be set appropriately for each category.

[0042] In this case, the determination of the category corresponding to the store can be realized by various methods. For example, the correspondence between the store and the category may be managed in a specific table included in the various tables 151 (such correspondence may be set, for example, via a screen output on the enterprise terminal 20). Also, for example, the category of the product at the store may be automatically determined based on the name of the store or the like (identified based on the authorization data). For example, a prompt instructing the presentation of the product category based on the name of the store may be input to the large-scale language model, and the corresponding category may be determined based on information output from the large-scale language model.

[0043] In this embodiment, an amount to be deducted from the user's payroll may be set as at least a portion of the product purchase price. For example, if the number of benefit points (associated with a payment card) held by the user is insufficient to cover the product purchase price, the service provision control unit 114 may be configured to set a deduction amount corresponding to the shortfall (i.e., to make up for the shortfall in benefit points by deducting from the user's payroll). The set deduction amount is provided to the user's company (e.g., the company's payroll system) for payroll deduction processing, either on an individual basis or all at once at a predetermined timing. A function for obtaining employee consent for such payroll deductions may also be provided. This configuration enables a user to purchase products by deducting from their payroll when they do not have enough benefit points.

[0044] In this case, the service provision control unit 114 may be configured to set the amount to be deducted from the user's salary so that it is within a credit limit (e.g., set for a payment card) based on the user's salary. For example, if the total amount to be deducted before settlement (e.g., before payment by the company) is within the credit limit (credit limit), the service provision control unit 114 sets the amount to be deducted as at least a portion of the purchase price of the product, while performing a predetermined error process if the total amount to be deducted before settlement exceeds the credit limit. The salary-based credit limit may be set, for example, as a predetermined percentage of the salary (e.g., 30%) (the percentage may be set, for example, via a screen displayed on the company terminal 20), or may be a specific value calculated according to various rules. The credit limit may also be set (e.g., reduced) by the user themselves (e.g., via a screen displayed on the user terminal 30). This configuration enables deductions from the user's salary within the credit limit based on the salary.

[0045] In this embodiment, rebate points may be set according to the amount of credit used (amount deducted from salary) set for the payment card, and the rebate points may be used to reduce the deduction amount. In other words, the service provision control unit 114 may be configured to subtract an amount corresponding to the number of rebate points to be rebated to the user based on the set deduction amount (amount used). The number of rebate points may be set, for example, as a predetermined percentage (e.g., 1%) of the amount used, and a predetermined exchange rate (e.g., 1 point = 1 yen) is applied when deducting from the deduction amount. For example, if the amount deducted from salary is 500 yen, 5 rebate points (1%) are set and used to reduce the amount at an exchange rate of 1 point = 1 yen. The amount deducted after the deduction will be 495 yen (5 yen reduction). The deduction of the amount corresponding to the number of rebate points may be performed, for example, each time a deduction is set or all at once at a predetermined timing. The redemption points may be configured as points different from the welfare points (for example, points that can be used for different purposes, etc.). Such a configuration makes it possible to reflect the redemption of points in the amount deducted from the salary.

[0046] Next, a specific example of one aspect of the service providing server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this specific example, a welfare support service distributes a credit card (payment card) for the welfare support service to a user who is an employee of a company. In this example, the operator of the welfare support service acts as the issuer of the credit card.

[0047] First, in this example, the information managed by each table included in the various tables 151 will be described. Fig. 2 illustrates information managed by the user information table 1511 in this example. The user information table 1511 in this example manages information about users (corporate employees) of the employee benefit support service, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as a "company ID" that identifies the company to which the user belongs, an "employee ID" that identifies the user as an employee of the company, and "basic information" including name, affiliation, contact information, etc., in association with a "user ID" that identifies an individual user.

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates information managed by card information table 1512 in this example. Card information table 1512 in this example manages information related to credit cards for employee benefit support services, and as shown, manages information such as a "user ID" identifying the user who owns the credit card, a "benefit point balance" which is the balance (number of benefits points held) of benefit points managed in association with the credit card, an "available credit limit" which is the credit limit (credit limit) granted to the credit card, and a "usage balance" which is the total amount (total amount) of unsettled usage (before payment by the company) in association with a "credit card number" which identifies an individual credit card. In this example, credit cards for employee benefit support services are issued and managed by the operator of the employee benefit support service, who serves as the issuer. Furthermore, in this example, a maximum of one credit card is distributed to each employee user.

[0049] In this example, a predetermined number of benefit points are awarded to each credit card at a predetermined timing (e.g., April 1st of each year) set for each company. The benefit points are set with an expiration date (e.g., March 31st of the following year), and will expire on that date.

[0050] In this example, the credit limit granted to the credit card is set based on the user's salary, and specifically, an amount corresponding to a predetermined percentage (e.g., 30%) of the salary (monthly wage) is set as the available credit limit. The available credit limit may be set manually by a company employee (e.g., via a screen displayed on the company terminal 20), or may be set automatically from the salary amount. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the credit card balance is settled through payments by the company.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates information managed by the point use condition information table 1513 in this example. The point use condition information table 1513 in this example manages information related to the use conditions of benefit points, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as a "point exchange rate" indicating the exchange rate of benefit points (the currency (Japanese yen) value of 1 point) in association with a combination of a "company ID" identifying an individual company and a "member store ID" identifying an individual member store (shop). As such, in this example, the use conditions of benefit points are the exchange rate, and are set for each combination of company and member store. This information is registered by a company employee, etc., specifically, via a screen displayed on the company terminal 20. Also, in this example, some or all of the member stores of the credit card can be set as stores where benefit points can be used, and information about stores where benefit points can be used is registered in the point use condition information table 1513. In other words, for each company, member stores not registered in the point use condition information table 1513 can be said to be stores where benefit points cannot be used. In other words, each company can easily set the stores where welfare points can be used by registering them in the point use condition information table 1513.

[0052] 5 illustrates information managed by product information table 1514 in this example. Product information table 1514 in this example manages information related to products introduced through the employee welfare support service, and as shown, manages information such as "basic information" including the product name, price, description, etc., and "purchase site information" which is information about an external website (EC site) where the product can be purchased, in association with a "product ID" that identifies the individual product. The purchase site information includes a URL for accessing the external website.

[0053] 6 illustrates information managed by the card usage management table 1515 in this example. The card usage management table 1515 in this example manages information related to credit card usage, and as shown in the figure, associates the information with a "usage ID" that identifies each individual usage, and manages information such as a "usage date and time," a "credit card number" that identifies the credit card in question, "usage information" including the affiliated store where the credit card was used and the payment amount (purchase amount), a "quantity of welfare points consumed" that is the number of welfare points consumed to pay the payment amount, a "converted welfare point consumption amount" that is the currency conversion value of the quantity of welfare points consumed, a "credit limit usage amount" that is the amount of the credit limit used to pay the payment amount, a "quantity of reward points awarded" that is the number of reward points awarded based on the amount of credit limit usage, and a "post-reduction usage amount" that is the amount of credit limit usage after deduction based on reward points.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates information managed by the point history management table 1516 in this example. The point history management table 1516 in this example manages information related to the history (granting or consumption) of benefit points managed in association with credit cards, and as shown in the figure, manages the "update date and time," the "credit card number" identifying the target credit card, "history information" which is information related to the granting or consumption of points, and the "expiration date" indicating the expiration date of the granted points, in association with a "history ID" which identifies an individual history. The history information includes the number of points granted or the number of points consumed. The expiration date is set when the history information corresponds to the granting of points.

[0055] The information managed by each table in this example has been described above. Next, the processing executed by the service providing server 10 and the screens output on the user terminal 30 in this example will be described.

[0056] In this example, when a credit card for the employee welfare support service is used at a merchant that accepts the credit card, authorization data requesting payment of the purchase price of the product is sent from an external system 200 that corresponds to the merchant (for example, a card payment terminal that corresponds to a real store, or an EC server that corresponds to a virtual store) via a corresponding payment network to the service providing server 10. The user can use the card at various stores that accept the credit card.

[0057] 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the service providing server 10 when authorization data is received from the external system 200. The authorization data includes a credit card number, merchant identification information that can identify the merchant, and a payment amount.

[0058] Upon receiving the authorization data, the service providing server 10 first determines whether the affiliated store where the credit card was used is a store where welfare points can be used, as shown in the figure (step S100). Specifically, if the combination of the company to which the user who holds the target credit card belongs (identified by referring to the user information table 1511 and the card information table 1512 based on the credit card number included in the authorization data) and the affiliated store (identified by the affiliated store identification information included in the authorization data) is registered in the point use condition information table 1513, it is determined that the store is a store where welfare points can be used, whereas if the combination is not registered in the point use condition information table 1513, it is determined that the store is not a store where welfare points can be used.

[0059] If the target affiliated store is a store where benefit points can be used (YES in step S100), the service providing server 10 determines whether payment can be made using the benefit points and the available limit (credit limit) (step S110). Specifically, the service providing server 10 calculates the currency equivalent of the benefit points held by the user based on the point exchange rate set for the target affiliated store (managed in the point use condition information table 1513) and the number of benefit points held by the user (managed in the card information table 1512). If the currency equivalent is equal to or greater than the payment amount included in the authorization data, or if the currency equivalent is insufficient for the payment amount, the current available balance of the credit card (calculated by subtracting the remaining balance from the available limit) is equal to or greater than the shortfall (i.e., the shortfall in benefit points can be made up by the credit limit), the service providing server 10 determines that payment is possible. On the other hand, if the currency-converted value of the benefit points held by the user is insufficient for the payment amount and the current available amount is less than the shortfall, it is determined that payment is impossible.

[0060] Next, if payment is possible (YES in step S110), the service providing server 10 consumes the welfare points (step S120). Specifically, the quantity of welfare points to be consumed is calculated based on the affiliated store's point exchange rate and the payment amount, and the welfare point consumption quantity and welfare point consumption conversion amount of the corresponding record are set in the card usage management table 1515, and the quantity consumed is subtracted from the welfare point balance of the corresponding credit card in the card information table 1512. Note that if the currency-converted value of the welfare points held by the user is insufficient to cover the payment amount, all of the welfare points held are consumed (the welfare point balance becomes 0). Note that the consumption of welfare points is also reflected in the point history management table 1516.

[0061] If the currency-converted value of the benefit points held by the user is insufficient for the payment amount (YES in step S130), the service providing server 10 sets the credit limit usage amount (step S140). Specifically, in the card usage management table 1515, the amount corresponding to the shortfall is set as the credit limit usage amount of the corresponding record, and in the card information table 1512, the set usage amount is added to the remaining balance of the corresponding credit card.

[0062] Then, the service providing server 10 transmits the result of the authorization (authorization OK) to the external system 200 (step S150).

[0063] On the other hand, if the affiliated store where the credit card was used does not allow the use of welfare points (NO in step S100), the service providing server 10 determines whether payment can be made within the available credit limit (step S160). Specifically, if the current available credit is equal to or greater than the payment amount, it is determined that payment is possible, whereas if the current available credit is less than the settlement amount, it is determined that payment is not possible.

[0064] If payment is possible (YES in step S160), the service providing server 10 sets the credit limit usage amount (step S140) and transmits the authorization result (authorization OK) (step S150).

[0065] On the other hand, if payment is not possible (NO in step S110 or NO in step S160), the service providing server 10 transmits the authorization result (authorization NG) to the external system 200 (step S150). If authorization NG, a predetermined notification may be sent to the user terminal 30 used by the corresponding user.

[0066] In this example, when a credit card for the employee benefit support service is used, the settlement amount (purchase price of the product) is paid by consuming employee benefit points, and if the employee benefit points cannot be used (the store does not allow the use of the points or there are insufficient points), the settlement is made within the available credit limit (credit limit based on salary). Note that the settlement may also be made within the available credit limit (credit limit based on salary) regardless of the employee benefit points.

[0067] In this example, reward points are awarded according to the credit limit usage amount, and the reward points are deducted from the credit card's usage balance. Specifically, in the card usage management table 1515, reward points corresponding to the credit limit usage amount (e.g., 1% of the usage amount) are set for the reward point award quantity of the corresponding record (the record in which the credit limit usage amount is set). In addition, the currency-converted amount of the reward points is deducted from the corresponding credit card's usage balance in the card information table 1512, and the amount obtained by deducting the currency-converted amount of the reward points from the credit limit usage amount is set as the usage amount after deduction in the card usage management table 1515. Such processing related to reward points may be performed after transmitting the authorization result.

[0068] As described above, the operator of the employee benefit support service acts as a credit card issuer, and the operator pays the sales amount at the affiliated store in advance in response to a request from the acquirer. The operator then bills the corresponding company (the company to which the user who holds the used credit card belongs) for the sales amount paid in advance. The company is billed, for example, at a predetermined time each month. Note that the amount equivalent to the deduction of reward points is excluded from the bill to the company (which is borne by the operator of the employee benefit support service). In addition, the operator may separately bill the company for a fee for using the employee benefit support service.

[0069] In this example, along with the billing to the company, the service providing server 10 provides the company with usage status data of the corresponding credit card. The usage status data includes the following information: ·User ID ·Date and time of use ·Credit Card Number Employee ID Usage information (merchant and payment amount) Benefit points consumption quantity Benefit points consumption equivalent amount Credit limit usage amount · Number of points awarded - Amount used after reduction Based on this information, each company deducts the amount from the salary paid to each employee. For example, the amount of usage after deduction is tallied for each employee, and the total amount is the amount of deduction, which is then deducted from each employee's salary. A screen for checking such usage data may be output on the company terminal 20. This screen has, for example, the following functions: - Ability to check employee benefit point usage status -A function to check the usage status of employee benefit points across the company - Ability to check credit limit usage status for each employee - Ability to check the credit limit usage status of the entire company

[0070] In this example, when a company makes a payment in response to a bill to the company, the outstanding balance of the corresponding credit card is updated. Specifically, in the usage data described above, the amount of use after deduction is tallied for each credit card, and the tallied amount is deducted from the outstanding balance of each credit card.

[0071] In this example, a function for using the welfare support service is provided to the user. FIG. 9 shows an example of a top screen 50 of the welfare support service that is output on a user terminal 30 that has accessed the service providing server 10. The screen 50 is the starting point for using the welfare support service, and as shown in the figure, has a shopping button 52 for shopping, a usage status display area 54 that displays credit card usage status, and a point information display area 56 that displays point information related to welfare points. The usage status display area 54 displays the credit card number, available credit limit, remaining balance, reduction amount of reward points (automatically calculated from the remaining balance), and current available balance of the credit card held by the corresponding user.

[0072] The point information display area 56 displays the remaining balance of welfare points, the number of points scheduled to expire within a predetermined period and the scheduled expiration date (expiry date), and the number of points scheduled to be awarded within a predetermined period and the scheduled award date, and has a history button 561 for referencing the history of welfare points. When the history button 561 is selected, a list of the history of the awarding or consumption of welfare points (managed in the point history management table 1516) is displayed.

[0073] When the shopping button 52 is selected, a shopping screen 60, as shown in FIG. 10, is displayed. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 has a top button 62 for returning to the top screen 50, and a list display area 66 for displaying a list of products. The user can select products to be displayed in the list display area 66 by searching using keywords, specifying a genre, etc. The products displayed in the list display area 66 are products that are preset in the employee welfare support service (managed in the product information table 1514), and can also be said to be products recommended by companies.

[0074] The list display area 66 is provided with a plurality of individual display areas 661, each corresponding to an individual product. FIG. 11 illustrates the details of the individual display area 661. As shown in the figure, the individual display area 661 displays information about the corresponding product, such as an image, product name, description, and price (benefit points), and includes an exchange rate object 662 that displays information about the point exchange rate set for the store selling the product. The object 662 displays the point exchange rate as a multiplier relative to the base rate of "1 point = 1 yen." For example, if the point exchange rate set for the corresponding store is "1 point = 3 yen," the exchange rate object 662 displays "3 times the points conversion." If the point exchange rate is not the base rate, the individual display area 661 displays the price when the actual point exchange rate is applied (4490 points in the example of FIG. 11) as well as the price when the base rate is applied (8980 points in the example of FIG. 11).

[0075] A link to an external site for purchasing the corresponding product is set in the individual display area 661. When the area 661 is selected, the user terminal 30 accesses the external site. When the product is purchased on the external site, authorization data is transmitted from the external system 200 corresponding to the external site to the service providing server 10, as described above.

[0076] Here, instead of or in addition to products, stores (for example, online shops) may be displayed in the list display area 66 of the shopping screen 60. In this case, a link to an external site (such as the top page of the online shop) corresponding to the store is set in the individual display area 661 corresponding to the store.

[0077] In the above example, the point exchange rate was used as an example of the condition for using the benefit points. However, in other examples of this embodiment, various other conditions may be applied. For example, an upper limit on the use of benefit points may be set as the condition for using the benefit points (for example, set via a screen displayed on the company terminal 20). In this case, for example, the upper limit on the use of benefit points per unit period (for example, one month or one year) for the user is managed in the point use condition information table 1513, and if the use (quantity consumed) of benefit points at the target affiliated store exceeds the upper limit, payment is determined to be impossible. In this case, the upper limit on the use may be set for each group (for example, brand) to which multiple affiliated stores belong, and if the use of benefit points at the target affiliated store exceeds the upper limit on the use of benefit points for the group to which the affiliated store belongs, payment is determined to be impossible.

[0078] In the above example, the rebate points awarded based on the amount used of the credit limit are used to reduce the remaining balance of the credit limit, but the rebate points may also be used for other purposes, in which case they may be accumulated in association with the credit card.

[0079] In the above example, the exchange rate for welfare points is set for each affiliated store, but the terms of use, such as the exchange rate, may also be set for each category (genre) of product (or affiliated store). In this case, for example, an exchange rate is set for a combination of company and category in the point use terms information table 1513 (for example, via a screen displayed on the company terminal 20). For example, by setting different exchange rates for multiple categories, each company can reflect its personnel strategy regarding welfare programs in its welfare point system.

[0080] In this case, for food and beverage-related categories, a usage limit may be set that takes into account the upper limit on welfare expenses for tax purposes (for example, 50% or less of the purchase amount and the monthly currency conversion amount is less than a specified value, etc.).

[0081] In this case, the correspondence between member stores and categories is managed in another table included in various tables 151, and the category of the member store where the credit card was used is identified by referring to that table. Furthermore, in this case, if the target member store is not managed in that table, the product category may be automatically determined based on the name of the member store identified based on the authorization data (for example, a prompt instructing output of the product category based on the name of the member store may be automatically generated, the prompt may be input to a large-scale language model, and the category may be determined based on the response from the large-scale language model).

[0082] The service providing server 10 according to the present embodiment described above consumes the welfare points associated with the payment card held by the user as the purchase amount of goods at a store paid for using the payment card, based on the terms of use applicable to the store (e.g., the exchange rate for welfare points, etc.). This makes it possible to apply appropriate terms of use for welfare points at each store, thereby promoting the use of welfare points when purchasing goods at each store.

[0083] In another embodiment of the present invention, the payment card is not associated with benefit points, and the purchase amount of goods paid for using the payment card is deducted from the salary paid to the user who holds the payment card, for example, within the credit limit set for the payment card.

[0084] In other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the functions possessed by the service providing server 10 in the above-described embodiments may be realized by the service providing server 10 and the company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30, or may be realized by the company terminal 20 or the user terminal 30.

[0085] The processes and procedures described herein, other than those explicitly described, may be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, the processes and procedures described herein may be implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and magnetic disks. The processes and procedures described herein may also be implemented as computer programs corresponding to the processes and procedures and executed by various computers.

[0086] Although processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, software, components, and / or modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by combining them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10 Service provider server 11. Computer Processor 112 Management function control section 114 Service provision control unit 15. Storage 1511 User Information Table 1512 Card Information Table 1513 Point Usage Condition Information Table 1514 Product Information Table 1515 Card usage management table 1516 Point History Management Table 20 Corporate terminals 30 User terminals 40 Server-side programs 42 Corporate terminal side program 44 User terminal side program 50 Top screen 60 Shopping Screen 200 External Systems

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for managing benefit points, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors comprising: obtaining authorization data for paying for the purchase amount of the product at the store using a payment card held by the user; In response to the acquisition of the authorization data, consuming the benefit points associated with the payment card as at least a part of the purchase amount of the product based on the terms and conditions of use of the benefit points applied to the store; determining whether the number of benefit points associated with the payment card is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product as the benefit points are consumed, and if it is determined that the number of benefit points is insufficient, setting an amount to be deducted from the user's salary that corresponds to the amount that is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product; The step of setting the deduction amount includes setting the amount of use of the payment card, which amount corresponds to the shortfall, as the deduction amount. Device.

2. 1. An apparatus for managing benefit points, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors comprising: obtaining authorization data for paying for the purchase amount of the product at the store using a payment card held by the user; In response to the acquisition of the authorization data, consuming the benefit points associated with the payment card as at least a part of the purchase amount of the product based on the terms and conditions of use of the benefit points applied to the store; determining whether the quantity of the benefit points associated with the payment card is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product as the benefit points are consumed, and if it is determined that the quantity is insufficient, setting a usage amount from the credit limit granted to the payment card that corresponds to the amount that is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product; Device.

3. 1. An apparatus for managing benefit points, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors comprising: obtaining authorization data for paying for the purchase amount of the product at the store using a payment card held by the user; In response to the acquisition of the authorization data, the benefit points associated with the payment card are consumed as at least a portion of the purchase amount of the product based on the benefit point usage conditions applied to the store; The conditions for using the benefit points are set for the category of the product or the store, The step of consuming the welfare points includes determining the category based on store identification information capable of identifying the store included in the authorization data and a correspondence relationship between the store identification information and the category managed in a storage device, identifying the usage conditions of the welfare points set for the determined category, and consuming the welfare points based on the usage conditions of the identified welfare points. Device.

4. The conditions for using the benefit points include an exchange rate for the benefit points; the step of consuming the welfare points includes consuming the welfare points in a quantity based on the purchase amount of the product and an exchange rate of the welfare points; 4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The conditions for using the benefit points include an upper limit for using the benefit points, The step of consuming the welfare points includes consuming the welfare points so that the welfare points are within a range of an upper limit value of the welfare points.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The payment card has a credit limit set based on the user's salary, The step of setting the deduction amount includes setting the deduction amount so that the deduction amount is within the credit limit set for the payment card.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

7. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of subtracting an amount corresponding to the number of redemption points to be redeemed to the user based on the deduction amount from the set deduction amount.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

8. The conditions for using the benefit points applicable to the store are set for each organization to which the user belongs.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of setting conditions for using the benefit points to be applied to the store based on setting information acquired from the organization.

9. The apparatus of claim 8.

10. 1. A method for managing benefit points, executed by one or more computers, comprising: obtaining authorization data for paying for the purchase amount of the product at the store using a payment card held by the user; In response to the acquisition of the authorization data, consuming the benefit points associated with the payment card as at least a part of the purchase amount of the product based on the terms and conditions of use of the benefit points applied to the store; a step of determining whether the quantity of the benefit points associated with the payment card is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product as the benefit points are consumed, and if it is determined that the quantity is insufficient, setting an amount to be deducted from the user's salary that corresponds to the amount that is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product; The step of setting the deduction amount includes setting the amount of use of the payment card, which amount corresponds to the shortfall, as the deduction amount. method.

11. 1. A method for managing benefit points, executed by one or more computers, comprising: obtaining authorization data for paying for the purchase amount of the product at the store using a payment card held by the user; In response to the acquisition of the authorization data, consuming the benefit points associated with the payment card as at least a part of the purchase amount of the product based on the terms and conditions of use of the benefit points applied to the store; a step of determining whether the quantity of the benefit points associated with the payment card is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product as the benefit points are consumed, and if it is determined that the quantity is insufficient, setting a usage amount from the credit limit granted to the payment card that corresponds to the amount that is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product; method.

12. 1. A method for managing benefit points, executed by one or more computers, comprising: obtaining authorization data for paying for the purchase amount of the product at the store using a payment card held by the user; and consuming the benefit points associated with the payment card as at least a part of the purchase price of the product based on the benefit point usage conditions applied to the store in response to acquisition of the authorization data, The conditions for using the benefit points are set for the category of the product or the store, The step of consuming the welfare points includes determining the category based on store identification information capable of identifying the store included in the authorization data and a correspondence relationship between the store identification information and the category managed in a storage device, identifying the usage conditions of the welfare points set for the determined category, and consuming the welfare points based on the usage conditions of the identified welfare points. method.

13. A program for managing employee benefit points, comprising: obtaining authorization data for paying for the purchase amount of the product at the store using a payment card held by the user; In response to the acquisition of the authorization data, consuming the benefit points associated with the payment card as at least a part of the purchase amount of the product based on the terms and conditions of use of the benefit points applied to the store; determining whether the number of the benefit points associated with the payment card is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product as the benefit points are consumed, and if it is determined that the number of benefit points is insufficient, setting an amount to be deducted from the user's salary that corresponds to the amount that is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product; The step of setting the deduction amount includes setting the amount of use of the payment card, which amount corresponds to the shortfall, as the deduction amount. program.

14. A program for managing employee benefit points, comprising: obtaining authorization data for paying for the purchase amount of the product at the store using a payment card held by the user; In response to the acquisition of the authorization data, consuming the benefit points associated with the payment card as at least a part of the purchase amount of the product based on the terms and conditions of use of the benefit points applied to the store; a step of determining whether the quantity of the benefit points associated with the payment card is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product as the benefit points are consumed, and if it is determined that the quantity is insufficient, setting a usage amount from the credit limit granted to the payment card that corresponds to the amount that is insufficient to cover the purchase price of the product; program.

15. A program for managing employee benefit points, comprising: obtaining authorization data for paying for the purchase amount of the product at the store using a payment card held by the user; In response to the acquisition of the authorization data, the benefit points associated with the payment card are consumed as at least a portion of the purchase amount of the product based on the terms and conditions of use of the benefit points applied to the store; The conditions for using the benefit points are set for the category of the product or the store, The step of consuming the welfare points includes determining the category based on store identification information capable of identifying the store included in the authorization data and a correspondence relationship between the store identification information and the category managed in a storage device, identifying the usage conditions of the welfare points set for the determined category, and consuming the welfare points based on the usage conditions of the identified welfare points. program.

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