Aggregation program, aggregation system, and aggregation method

Abstract

To provide an aggregation program, an aggregation system, and an aggregation method, which can make better use of utilization certificate data.SOLUTION: An aggregation program causes a computer to realize: a first certificate data acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of pieces of first certificate data, which are generated based on a plurality of pieces of utilization data relating to the utilization of an affiliated store by a user; and a second certificate data generation unit configured to generate, based on the plurality of pieces of first certificate data, second certificate data in which the plurality of pieces of first certificate data are aggregated and which is different from the plurality of pieces of first certificate data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aggregation program, an aggregation system, and an aggregation method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a service for issuing a certificate of use (for example, points) to a customer according to the use of the customer's franchise store has been known.

[0003] For example, the system described in Patent Document 1 reads point data of a point card of a first specification that can be commonly used in the first to Nth shopping street groups or a point card of a second specification that can be used only in one shopping street group in the first to Nth shopping street groups, and moves the converted points of the point data to the point card of the first specification or the second specification.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, it only aggregates the points of the point card of the first specification and the point card of the second specification, which are the same type of point cards, and the range of utilization of the point card associated with the aggregation is limited.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an aggregation program, an aggregation system, and an aggregation method that can make better use of the certificate of use data.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An aggregation program according to one aspect of the present invention enables a computer to implement: a first certificate data acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of first certificate data, each generated based on a plurality of usage data relating to a user's use of a merchant; and a second certificate data generation unit that generates a second certificate data different from the plurality of first certificate data by aggregating the plurality of first certificate data.

[0008] An aggregation system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first certificate data acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of first certificate data, each generated based on a plurality of usage data relating to a user's use of a member store; and a second certificate data generation unit that generates a second certificate data different from the plurality of first certificate data by aggregating the plurality of first certificate data.

[0009] An aggregation method according to one aspect of the present invention involves a computer acquiring a plurality of first certificate data, each generated based on a plurality of usage data relating to a user's use of a merchant, and generating a second certificate data, different from the plurality of first certificate data, by aggregating the plurality of first certificate data.

[0010] In this invention, "part" does not merely mean a physical means, but also includes cases where the functions of that "part" are realized by software. Furthermore, even if the functions of one "part" or device are realized by two or more physical means, devices, or software modules, the functions of two or more "parts" or devices may be realized by one physical means, device, or software module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aggregation program, an aggregation system, and an aggregation method that enable better utilization of user certificate data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overview of the processing in an aggregation system 100, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an aggregation system 100, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of usage data stored in the memory unit 110. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of condition information stored in the memory unit 110. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the first certificate data stored in the memory unit 110. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of aggregated record information stored in the memory unit 110. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of second certificate data stored in the memory unit 110. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the aggregation system 100. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the aggregation system 100. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the processing in an aggregation system 100, which is one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The aggregation system 100 is an information processing system implemented by an aggregation program, and is an information processing system that generates user certificate data (second certificate data) that is different from the first certificate data, based on multiple user certificate data (first certificate data) which are aggregated from the multiple user certificate data.

[0015] First, the aggregation system 100 acquires first certificate data (e.g., first certificate data A and B) (S101a, S101b). Subsequently, the aggregation system 100 receives from the user a setting of items serving as criteria for aggregating the first certificate data (S102), aggregates the first certificate data based on the setting, and generates second certificate data (second certificate data α) (S103). Then, the second certificate data is provided to the user (S104).

[0016] Also, the aggregation system 100 receives, for example, an instruction to cancel aggregation from the user and cancels the aggregation of the first certificate data (S105). Note that the instruction to cancel aggregation may be received from someone other than the user (e.g., an administrator of the aggregation system 100 or an operator corresponding to the usage certificate data).

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an aggregation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aggregation system 100 is communicably connected via a network such as the Internet to a user terminal 200 and an information processing system 300. Details of the aggregation system 100 will be described later.

[0018] The user terminal 200 is a computer used by the user, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0019] The user can access the aggregation system 100 through the user terminal 200 and acquire the second certificate data. Also, the user can select and set items serving as criteria for aggregating the first certificate data through the user terminal 200. Further, the user can give an instruction to cancel the aggregation of the first certificate data to the aggregation system 100 through the user terminal 200.

[0020] The information processing system 300 is an information processing system that generates usage data related to the usage by the user of a franchise store and provides the usage data to the aggregation system 100.

[0021] Specifically, a user purchases, for example, goods at a participating store. The information processing system 300 generates usage data (in this case, purchase data) related to the user's use and stores it in the storage unit of the information processing system 300. The information processing system 300 provides the usage data to the aggregation system 100. In other words, the information processing system 300 may be, for example, an information processing system managed by a participating store.

[0022] In Figure 2, one user terminal 200 and one information processing system 300 are shown, but there may be multiple user terminals 200 and information processing systems 300.

[0023] Next, the details of the aggregation system 100 will be described. The aggregation system 100 comprises a storage unit 110, a usage data acquisition unit 120, a first certificate data acquisition unit 130, an aggregation item setting unit 140, a value conversion unit 150, a second certificate data generation unit 160, a user provision unit 170, and an aggregation cancellation unit 180. Each of the units shown in Figure 2 can be realized, for example, by using a storage area or by having a processor execute an aggregation program stored in the storage area.

[0024] The storage unit 110 stores information processed in the aggregation system 100. The storage unit 110 can store, for example, usage data, condition information, first certificate data, aggregation record information, and second certificate data, as described later.

[0025] The usage data acquisition unit 120 acquires usage data related to the use of affiliated stores by users from the information processing system 300 and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0026] Furthermore, the usage data acquisition unit 120 may acquire usage data by, for example, performing image analysis on photographic data taken by the user. In this case, the usage data acquisition unit 120 may acquire usage data by, for example, performing image analysis on photographic data of receipts or ticket stubs acquired by the user in accordance with their use of the affiliated store.

[0027] Here, usage data refers to data relating to a user's use of a participating store, and indicates the content of the user's use of the participating store. Usage data includes, for example, information about the participating store used by the user (e.g., business information indicating the business operator, marketplace information indicating the marketplace (e.g., shopping street or e-commerce site, etc.), business brand information indicating the business brand, and store information indicating the store), date and time information indicating the date and time the participating store was used, and amount information indicating the amount spent at the participating store (e.g., the price of goods purchased at the participating store).

[0028] Furthermore, if the usage data is purchase data, it may include information indicating the contents of the goods purchased at the merchant. In addition, the usage data may include information about the user (such as the user's terminal number or the number of the payment card used by the user).

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example of usage data stored in the storage unit 110. The usage data stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, user ID, business information, marketplace information, business brand information, store information, date and time information, and amount information. Here, the user ID is information that identifies the user using the aggregation system 100.

[0030] The first certificate data acquisition unit 130 acquires the first certificate data generated based on the usage data and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0031] Here, the first certificate data is usage certificate data related to a user's use of a merchant, which is generated in response to that use. In other words, the first certificate data is, for example, data that shows how the user is using the merchant.

[0032] The first certificate data may include, for example, information showing a record of payment at a participating store (e.g., information printed on a receipt), information showing that a participating store has been used a certain number of times (one or more times), information showing the number of times or the amount of purchase of a specific product at a participating store, or information showing value information (e.g., points) awarded according to the payment amount or purchased product at a participating store. The value information may include, for example, points, electronic money, coupons, prizes, or the right to enter a lottery in which value information can be obtained.

[0033] Furthermore, the first certificate data may also include user behavior data that indicates specific actions taken by users at participating stores. User behavior data may also include information that indicates environmentally conscious actions taken by users at participating stores. Environmentally conscious actions taken by users at participating stores may include, for example, purchasing products that are nearing their expiration date, purchasing environmentally friendly products, bringing a reusable shopping bag when making a purchase, or bringing empty cans or plastic trays to the store to cooperate with recycling.

[0034] The first certificate data acquisition unit 130 can acquire the first certificate data from the information processing system that generates the first certificate data. As a result, the aggregation system 100 can generate the second certificate data based on the first certificate data that has not yet been generated in the aggregation system 100.

[0035] Specifically, for example, the information processing system that generates the first certificate data acquires usage data from the information processing system 300 (or the aggregation system 100 that acquires usage data from the information processing system 300), and generates the first certificate data based on the acquired usage data. Then, the first certificate data acquisition unit 130 acquires the first certificate data from the information processing system that generates the first certificate data.

[0036] Furthermore, the first certificate data acquisition unit 130 can acquire the first certificate data by generating the first certificate data based, for example, on usage data stored in the storage unit 110 and condition information regarding the conditions for generating the first certificate data. As a result, the aggregation system 100 can function as a platform for generating usage certificate data (first certificate data and second certificate data described later) based on usage data.

[0037] Specifically, the first certificate data acquisition unit 130 refers to the condition information and identifies usage data that matches the conditions indicated by the condition information. Then, based on the usage data that matches the conditions indicated by the condition information, the first certificate data acquisition unit 130 generates and acquires the first certificate data in accordance with those conditions.

[0038] Figure 4 shows an example of condition information stored in the storage unit 110. The condition information stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, a condition ID, a certificate ID, generation condition information, and usage condition information.

[0039] The condition ID is information that identifies the condition information processed in the aggregation system 100. The certificate ID is information that identifies the user certificate data (first certificate data and second certificate data described later) that is generated when the corresponding condition is met.

[0040] The generation condition information indicates the conditions for user data that generate user certificate data. In other words, user certificate data is generated when the user data meets the conditions indicated by the generation condition information.

[0041] The generation condition information includes, for example, merchant information, amount information, and product information. Merchant information is information indicating the merchant used by the user, and may correspond to, for example, business information, marketplace information, business brand information, or store information. Amount information is information indicating the amount used (e.g., purchased) by the user at the merchant, and corresponds to the amount information included in the first certificate data. Product information is, for example, information indicating the product used (e.g., purchased) by the user at the merchant.

[0042] The terms of use information indicates the conditions for using the user certificate data generated based on usage data. In other words, a user who has received user certificate data can use that user certificate data within the scope of the conditions indicated in the terms of use information.

[0043] The terms of use information includes, for example, period information. Period information indicates the period during which the certificate data can be used.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms of use information may include, for example, monetary information indicating the purchase amount for which the usage certificate data can be used, or product information indicating the products for which the usage certificate data can be used. In other words, in this case, the user can use the usage certificate data when using a merchant for a purchase exceeding the amount indicated by the monetary information, or when purchasing the products indicated by the product information.

[0045] Here, the use of user certificate data refers, for example, to receiving discounts or benefits corresponding to the user certificate data. The content of the discounts or benefits that can be received according to the user certificate data may be set by the administrator of the aggregation system 100, or by the business operator accessing the aggregation system 100 (for example, the business operator corresponding to the user certificate data). Here, the business operator corresponding to the user certificate data may be, for example, the business operator indicated in the business operator information included in the usage data that is the source of the user certificate data.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of first certificate data stored in the storage unit 110. The first certificate data stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, a user ID and owned certificate information (owned certificate information 1, etc.). The owned certificate information includes, for example, a certificate ID, business information, marketplace information, business brand information, store information, number of owned information, and usage conditions information for each first certificate data.

[0047] The certificate ownership information is information managed for each first certificate data. The certificate ownership information may also be managed for each identification information that identifies the first certificate data (for example, "C0001" and "C0002" in Figure 5). In addition, the number ownership information is information that indicates the number of identical first certificate data being owned.

[0048] The aggregation item setting unit 140 selects and sets at least one item included in the multiple first certificate data to serve as the basis for aggregating the multiple first certificate data (aggregation item), based on the user's operation on the user terminal 200. In other words, the aggregation item setting unit 140 accepts the user's setting of the aggregation item from the user terminal 200.

[0049] The aggregated items can be any items that correspond to the first certificate data. In other words, the aggregated items may be items that correspond to, for example, business information, marketplace information, business brand information, or store information.

[0050] Specifically, if the aggregation item setting unit 140 sets, for example, a business brand as an aggregation item based on user operation, the second certificate data generation unit 160, described later, aggregates multiple first certificate data with the same business brand.

[0051] Furthermore, the items that can be aggregated may be selectable by the user within the range set by the administrator of the aggregation system 100 or the business operator corresponding to the user certificate data. That is, for example, if the administrator of the aggregation system 100 or the business operator corresponding to the user certificate data allows aggregation by business brand but does not allow aggregation by marketplace, the user may be able to set business brand as an aggregation item, but not marketplace as an aggregation item.

[0052] The value conversion unit 150 converts the value units of the user certificate data (first certificate data or second certificate data described later) to generate converted user certificate data (first certificate data or second certificate data described later). The value conversion unit 150 converts the value units of the user certificate data by referring to conversion standard information that indicates the conversion standard (rate), for example.

[0053] The value conversion unit 150 can convert the unit of value of the user certificate data in response to an operation performed by the user on the user terminal 200, for example. That is, the value conversion unit 150 receives a specification from the user regarding the user certificate data to be converted and the target unit of conversion, and converts the unit of value of the user certificate data to the accepted unit.

[0054] The conversion standard (rate) may be set by the administrator of the aggregation system 100, or it may be a standard determined according to predetermined conditions. That is, the conversion standard may be set by the administrator of the aggregation system 100 as a rate of 5 yen per point for a specific point (for example, point A), or it may be a rate corresponding to, for example, the stock market, foreign exchange market, wholesale market, etc. This enables value conversion that better reflects market trends and broadens the range of uses for user certificate data.

[0055] Furthermore, the conversion criteria may be a standard for converting specific points (e.g., A points) into other value information (e.g., yen) based on the price of an item that can be exchanged for a specific number of points. That is, if 500 A points can be exchanged for one stuffed animal, then 1 A point may be converted to 10 yen based on the relationship between 500 A points and the price of the stuffed animal (e.g., 5,000 yen). In this case, the value conversion rate may fluctuate in accordance with fluctuations in the price of the item (e.g., stuffed animal). This enables value conversion that more closely reflects market trends and broadens the range of uses for the user certificate data.

[0056] Furthermore, the conversion criteria may differ for each user. That is, for example, users who use the aggregation system 100 more frequently may be given more favorable conversion criteria, or users who possess a larger number of specific points may be given more favorable conversion criteria. Here, favorable conversion criteria refer to criteria with a high conversion rate, for example. This can encourage user use and broaden the range of uses for certificate data.

[0057] Conversion criterion information is, for example, information that shows the correspondence between the value of the source unit and the value of the target unit. Conversion criterion information may be information set and managed in the aggregation system 100, or it may be information obtained from an external information processing system. Specifically, if the conversion criterion information is, for example, conversion criterion information that shows the conversion criteria according to an index in a financial instrument market (e.g., a stock market) or an exchange rate in a foreign exchange market, the conversion criterion information may be information obtained from an external information processing system (e.g., an information processing system of a stock exchange or a securities company) that has the index information or exchange rate information.

[0058] The second certificate data generation unit 160 generates a second certificate data that is different from the multiple first certificate data by aggregating the multiple first certificate data, based on the multiple first certificate data, and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0059] Here, the second certificate data is different from the first certificate data. That is, if the first certificate data is, for example, points usable at brand A1 operated by business A, the second certificate data may not be points usable at brand A1, but rather points usable at brand A2, which is operated by business A but is different from brand A1, or brand B, which is operated by business B, which is different from business A.

[0060] The second certificate data may include, for example, information showing a record of payment at a participating store (e.g., information printed on a receipt), information showing that a participating store has been used a certain number of times (one or more times), information showing the number of times or the purchase amount of a specific product at a participating store, or information showing value information (e.g., points) awarded based on the payment amount or purchased products at a participating store. The value information may include, for example, points, electronic money, coupons, prizes, or the right to enter a lottery in which value information can be obtained.

[0061] Furthermore, the second certificate data may include user behavior data that indicates specific actions taken by users at participating stores. User behavior data may also include information that indicates environmentally conscious actions taken by users at participating stores. Environmentally conscious actions taken by users at participating stores may include, for example, purchasing products that are nearing their expiration date, purchasing environmentally friendly products, bringing a reusable shopping bag when making a purchase, or bringing empty cans or plastic trays to the store to cooperate with recycling.

[0062] The second certificate data generation unit 160 may aggregate multiple first certificate data and then generate second certificate data based, for example, on condition information stored in the storage unit 110. That is, the second certificate data generation unit 160 may generate corresponding user certificate data (i.e., second certificate data) if, as a result of aggregating multiple first certificate data, the conditions indicated by the generation condition information included in the condition information are met.

[0063] Furthermore, the second certificate data generation unit 160 can generate second certificate data by aggregating multiple first certificate data based on the configured aggregation items.

[0064] Furthermore, the second certificate data generation unit 160 can generate second certificate data that is expressed in a unit of value different from the unit of value indicated by the multiple first certificate data. That is, for example, based on multiple first certificate data in which the unit of value is "A points", the second certificate data generation unit 160 can generate second certificate data in which the unit of value is "B points".

[0065] For example, the value conversion unit 150 converts the units of value of the multiple first certificate data to be aggregated into the units of value of the second certificate data to be generated. Then, the second certificate data generation unit 160 generates the second certificate data based on the converted multiple first certificate data.

[0066] In this case, after the generation process by the second certificate data generation unit 160, the value conversion unit 150 may convert the unit of value of the second certificate data. That is, the second certificate data generation unit 160 may, for example, generate user certificate data with a unit of value of "A points" based on multiple first certificate data with a unit of value of "A points," and then the value conversion unit 150 may convert the unit of value of the certificate data from "A points" to, for example, "B points."

[0067] Furthermore, the second certificate data generation unit 160 can generate second certificate data based on multiple first certificate data with different units of value. That is, it can generate second certificate data based on first certificate data with a unit of value of "A points" and first certificate data with a unit of value of "B points".

[0068] The unit of value of the generated second certificate data may be one of the units of value of the original first certificate data ("A points" or "B points"), or it may be a different unit of value (for example, "C points").

[0069] Specifically, the value conversion unit 150 converts the units of value of multiple first certificate data, each having a different unit of value, so as to unify them. At this time, the value conversion unit 150 may convert them to unify them to one unit of value (i.e., for example, "A points" or "B points"), or to unify them to another unit of value (i.e., for example, "C points"). Then, the second certificate data generation unit 160 generates second certificate data based on the multiple first certificate data with unified units of value.

[0070] Furthermore, the second certificate data generation unit 160 can generate second certificate data containing value information (e.g., points) that can be exchanged for a predetermined financial instrument (e.g., stocks) based on a plurality of first certificate data. That is, the value information contained in the second certificate data can be exchanged for a predetermined financial instrument (e.g., stocks) in an amount (e.g., number of shares) corresponding to the value indicated by the value information, according to the market price. This allows users to convert their user certificate data into financial instruments (e.g., financial instruments traded in small lots), expanding the range of applications for user certificate data.

[0071] Furthermore, the units of value for the source and destination of the user certificate data (first certificate data and second certificate data) are not limited to points, but may also be units of financial instruments (e.g., number of shares, number of units), units of currency (e.g., yen), or any other unit.

[0072] Furthermore, the second certificate data generation unit 160 may generate second certificate data based on multiple first certificate data sets, each generated based on different usage data sets from users who have used the affiliated store. In other words, the first certificate data sets that form the basis of the second certificate data sets may be first certificate data sets generated based on different usage data sets from different users.

[0073] In this case, in a system where first certificate data can be transferred between users, user A, who intends to generate second certificate data, obtains the first certificate data necessary for generating the second certificate data from another user. The second certificate data generation unit 160 can then generate the second certificate data based on multiple first certificate data held by user A (including first certificate data obtained from other users). This facilitates the exchange of certificate data between users and broadens the scope of use of user certificate data.

[0074] Furthermore, the second certificate data generation unit 160 may generate second certificate data based on multiple first certificate data held by different users.

[0075] In this case, for example, each of several different users selects a first certificate data on their respective user terminal 200. Then, the second certificate data generation unit 160 generates second certificate data based on the selected first certificate data. In this way, multiple different users can collaborate to bring together first certificate data to generate second certificate data, which can then be used by those same users or provided (or given as a gift) to another specific user.

[0076] Multiple first certificate data used to generate the second certificate data may remain with the user without being deleted (specifically, for example, without the association between the user and the first certificate data being dissolved), or they may be deleted (specifically, for example, the association between the user and the first certificate data being dissolved) and become unavailable to the user.

[0077] In this case, whether or not the first certificate data is deleted may differ depending on the first certificate data or the second certificate data being aggregated. Furthermore, whether or not the first certificate data is deleted may differ depending on the settings of the administrator of the aggregation system 100 or the business operator corresponding to the certificate data. This allows for setting how multiple first certificate data used to generate the second certificate data are handled according to the nature of the certificate data, thereby broadening the range of uses for the certificate data.

[0078] Furthermore, the second certificate data generation unit 160 can generate a certificate data that is different from the multiple second certificate data by aggregating the multiple second certificate data. This allows users to sequentially aggregate their user certificate data, expanding the range of uses for user certificate data.

[0079] The second certificate data generation unit 160 stores aggregated record information related to the second certificate data generation process in the storage unit 110, in accordance with the process of generating the second certificate data.

[0080] Aggregated record information is information relating to the process of generating the second certificate data. Aggregated record information may include information indicating the date and time the process of generating the second certificate data was performed, information indicating the first certificate data aggregated in the process of generating the second certificate data, and information indicating the status of the aggregated first certificate data (deletion or retention).

[0081] Figure 6 shows an example of aggregated record information stored in the storage unit 110. The aggregated record information stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, a user ID, a second certificate data ID, aggregated date and time information, and first certificate information.

[0082] The second certificate data ID is information that identifies the second certificate data processed in the aggregation system 100. The aggregation date and time information is information that indicates the date and time the processing for generating the second certificate data was performed. The first certificate information is information that indicates the first certificate data aggregated when generating the second certificate data, for example, the certificate data ID corresponding to the aggregated first certificate data.

[0083] Figure 7 shows an example of second certificate data stored in the storage unit 110. The second certificate data stored in the storage unit 110 includes, for example, a user ID and owned certificate information (owned certificate information 1, etc.). The owned certificate information includes, for example, a certificate ID, business information, marketplace information, business brand information, store information, number of held information, and usage conditions information for each second certificate data.

[0084] Furthermore, the information contained in the certificate information of the second certificate data may be partially incomplete if necessary. That is, for example, among the information contained in the certificate information of the second certificate data, information corresponding to the aggregated items aggregated during generation by the second certificate data generation unit 160 may be missing.

[0085] The user provision unit 170 provides user certificate data (first certificate data and second certificate data) to the user terminal 200.

[0086] The user provision unit 170 may provide the first certificate data to the user terminal 200 in response to the acquisition of the first certificate data by the first certificate data acquisition unit 130. This allows the user to acquire and use the first certificate data in accordance with their use of the merchant.

[0087] Furthermore, the user provision unit 170 may provide the second certificate data to the user terminal 200 in response to the generation of the second certificate data by the second certificate data generation unit 160. This allows the user to obtain and use the second certificate data.

[0088] Furthermore, the user provision unit 170 may refer to the storage unit 110 and refrain from providing user certificate data that does not meet the conditions indicated by the usage conditions information (i.e., user certificate data whose usage period has expired) to the user terminal 200. This ensures that the user receives only usable user certificate data.

[0089] Furthermore, the user provision unit 170 may provide user certificate data to the user terminal 200 in response to instructions from the user (for example, an instruction to inquire about or update user certificate data). This allows the user to understand the status of their possession of the latest user certificate data.

[0090] The aggregation cancellation unit 180 refers to the storage unit 110 that records the aggregation record information and cancels the process of generating the second certificate data.

[0091] The aggregation cancellation unit 180 can cancel the process of generating the second certificate data, for example, in response to instructions from the user via the user terminal 200. The user can issue a cancellation instruction if, for example, they want to cancel the process of generating the second certificate data and obtain the first certificate data before aggregation.

[0092] Furthermore, the aggregation cancellation unit 180 can cancel the process of generating the second certificate data, for example, in response to instructions from the administrator of the aggregation system 100 or the business operator corresponding to the certificate data.

[0093] The administrator of the aggregation system 100 or the business operator corresponding to the certificate data can, for example, cancel the process of generating the second certificate data if an unauthorized user has processed the second certificate data or if there is an error in the process of generating the second certificate data.

[0094] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the aggregation system 100. The flowchart shown in Figure 8 is a flowchart of the processing related to the generation of the second certificate data in the aggregation system 100.

[0095] First, the first certificate data acquisition unit 130 acquires multiple first certificate data (S801). The first certificate data acquisition unit 130 may acquire multiple first certificate data by generating each of the multiple first certificate data based on each of the multiple usage data acquired by the usage data acquisition unit 120, or it may acquire multiple first certificate data from another information processing system.

[0096] Next, the aggregation item setting unit 140 accepts the setting of aggregation items in response to the user's operation on the user terminal 200 (S802). The value conversion unit 150 converts the units of value of the multiple first certificate data so that the units of value of the multiple first certificate data are unified (S803).

[0097] Then, the second certificate data generation unit 160 generates second certificate data based on the multiple first certificate data (S804). The user provision unit 170 provides the second certificate data to the user terminal 200 (S805).

[0098] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the aggregation system 100. The flowchart shown in Figure 9 is a flowchart of the process related to the cancellation of the generation of the second certificate data in the aggregation system 100.

[0099] First, the aggregate cancellation unit 180 receives an instruction to cancel the generation of the second certificate data, for example, from a user (S901). Then, the aggregate cancellation unit 180 performs the cancellation process for the generation of the second certificate data based on the aggregated record information (S902). The aggregate cancellation unit 180 may also receive an instruction to cancel the generation of the second certificate data from, for example, the administrator of the aggregation system 100 or the business operator corresponding to the certificate data.

[0100] The present invention has been described above. The aggregation system 100 can generate a second certificate data, which is different from the first certificate data, by aggregating the first certificate data based on a plurality of first certificate data generated from a plurality of usage data. As a result, users can use the first certificate data to obtain a second certificate data that is different from the first certificate data, and make better use of their usage certificates.

[0101] Furthermore, the aggregation system 100 can generate second certificate data expressed in units of value different from those expressed by multiple first certificate data, and can also generate second certificate data based on multiple first certificate data each with different units of value. As a result, users can obtain second certificate data even when the units of value differ between the user certificate data, and can make better use of their user certificates.

[0102] Furthermore, the aggregation system 100 can generate a second certificate data by aggregating multiple first certificate data based on aggregation items set in response to user operations on the user terminal 200. This allows users to aggregate the items they desire and obtain the second certificate data.

[0103] Furthermore, the aggregation system 100 can provide the second certificate data to the user terminal 200. This allows the user to use the second certificate data to, for example, receive discounts or preferential treatment corresponding to the second certificate data.

[0104] Furthermore, the aggregation system 100 can cancel the process of generating the second certificate data by referring to the storage unit 110 that stores the aggregation record information. This makes it possible to cancel the generation of fraudulent second certificate data, cancel the generation of second certificate data with errors, or cancel the aggregation of first certificate data according to the user's wishes.

[0105] This embodiment is provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents thereof are also included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 100 Aggregation system, 110 Storage unit, 120 Usage data acquisition unit, 130 First certificate data acquisition unit, 140 Aggregation item setting unit, 150 Value conversion unit, 160 Second certificate data generation unit, 170 User provision unit, 180 Aggregation cancellation unit, 200 User terminal, 300 Information processing system

Claims

1. On the computer, A first certificate data acquisition unit that acquires from an information processing system multiple first certificate data, each generated based on multiple usage data related to a user's use of a merchant and containing information that identifies the user, or generates and acquires multiple first certificate data based on the multiple usage data acquired by the usage data acquisition unit, An aggregation item setting unit selects and sets at least one item included in the plurality of first certificate data, which serves as the criterion for aggregating the plurality of first certificate data, based on the user's operation of the user terminal. A second certificate data generation unit that generates second certificate data different from the plurality of first certificate data, wherein the second certificate data generation unit generates the second certificate data when the conditions for generating the second certificate data are met as a result of aggregating the plurality of first certificate data which contain the same information in at least one of the set items, An aggregation program that makes this possible.

2. The aggregation program according to claim 1, wherein the second certificate data generation unit generates the second certificate data, which is expressed in units of value different from the units of value indicated by the plurality of first certificate data.

3. The aforementioned plurality of first certificate data includes a plurality of first certificate data each having a different unit of value, The aggregation program according to claim 1, wherein the second certificate data generation unit generates a second certificate data which aggregates a plurality of first certificate data, each having a different unit of value.

4. The aforementioned plurality of first certificate data includes a plurality of first certificate data each having a different unit of value, The aggregation program according to claim 2, wherein the second certificate data generation unit generates a second certificate data which aggregates a plurality of first certificate data, each having a different unit of value.

5. The computer is further equipped with a value conversion unit that, by referring to conversion reference information indicating the criteria for converting units of value, converts the unit of value of at least one of a plurality of first certificate data sets, each having a different unit of value. The second certificate data generation unit generates the second certificate data by aggregating the plurality of first certificate data, which are represented by a unified unit of value and include the at least one first certificate data whose unit of value has been converted by the value conversion unit. The aggregation program according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The aggregation program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the generated second certificate data comprises value information exchangeable for a predetermined financial instrument.

7. The aggregation program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further enabling the computer to implement a user provision unit that provides the second certificate data to the user's user terminal.

8. The aggregation program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: an aggregation cancellation unit that receives an instruction from the computer to cancel the process of generating the second certificate data and cancels the process of generating the second certificate data based on aggregated record information relating to the process of generating the second certificate data recorded in the storage unit.

9. A first certificate data acquisition unit that acquires from an information processing system multiple first certificate data, each generated based on multiple usage data related to a user's use of a merchant and containing information that identifies the user, or generates and acquires multiple first certificate data based on the multiple usage data acquired by the usage data acquisition unit, An aggregation item setting unit selects and sets at least one item included in the plurality of first certificate data, which serves as the criterion for aggregating the plurality of first certificate data, based on the user's operation of the user terminal. A second certificate data generation unit that generates second certificate data different from the plurality of first certificate data, wherein the second certificate data generation unit generates the second certificate data when the conditions for generating the second certificate data are met as a result of aggregating the plurality of first certificate data which contain the same information in at least one of the set items, An integrated system equipped with the following features.

10. Computers Multiple first certificate data, each generated based on multiple usage data related to a user's use of a merchant, and containing information that identifies the user, are obtained from the information processing system, or multiple first certificate data are generated and obtained based on the multiple usage data obtained by the usage data acquisition unit. Based on the user's operation of the user terminal, at least one item included in the plurality of first certificate data is selected and set as the criterion for aggregating the plurality of first certificate data. If, as a result of aggregating the multiple first certificate data containing identical information in at least one of the configured items, the conditions for generating a second certificate data different from the multiple first certificate data are met, then the second certificate data is generated. Aggregation method.

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