Stamp card management device and stamp card management method

Abstract

To provide a stamp card management device and a stamp card management method for achieving a stamp card usable in common in offline and online.SOLUTION: In a communication system, a stamp card management server acquires a facility identification information for identifying facilities in which a stamp card can be used among facilities of a business operator who can allow a transaction using an online service, and stores the facility identification information and stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card, presses a stamp when a stamp card holder uses a facility indicated by facility identification information associated with stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card, and also, presses a stamp when the stamp card holder uses an online service in a mode associated with the business operator who operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card for identifying the stamp card.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for a user to stamp a stamp card on the condition that the user uses a facility.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a user uses a facility, a service for stamping a stamp card owned by the user is known. For example, an operator who operates a store issues a stamp card to a user. When the user uses the store, a stamp is stamped on the user's stamp card. Generally, when a certain number of stamps are accumulated, the user can receive some privilege from the operator's store. Also, as a stamp card, a technology for managing an electronic stamp card instead of a tangible stamp card such as a piece of paper is known.

[0003] Such stamp cards are usually different for each operator. Therefore, when a user uses stores of multiple operators, the user has to own multiple stamp cards. Also, the user cannot use the stamps stamped at a store of one operator at a store of another operator. In relation to such a situation, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for using a common stamp at multiple stores.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Some businesses that operate facilities use specific online services to conduct transactions with users. Examples of such services include online shopping and facility reservation services. It is expected that stamping stamp cards for users who use these services will stimulate transactions with the business. However, with conventional technology, users need to manage separate stamp cards for facilities and stamp cards for online services. As a result, facility stamp cards cannot be used for online services, and online service stamp cards cannot be used at facilities.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and one example of its objective is to provide a stamp card management device and a stamp card management method that realize a stamp card that can be used both offline and online. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a computer-based stamp card management method comprising: a facility identification information acquisition step of acquiring facility identification information for identifying a facility that allows the use of stamp cards, among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business operators that is capable of conducting transactions using online services available for business operators and consumers to conduct transactions; and a storage control step of associating the acquired facility identification information with stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and storing it in a storage means. A service usage information acquisition step that acquires service usage information that indicates that the owner of the stamp card has used the online service, including business identification information that identifies a business that is capable of conducting transactions using the online service and is related to the manner in which the owner used the online service; and a service usage determination step that determines whether the online service was used in a manner related to a business that operates the facility that makes the stamp card available, based on the business identification information included in the acquired service usage information, the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, and the facility business information stored in a facility business information storage means that stores facility business information that shows a second facility identification information that identifies a facility and a second business identification information that identifies a business that operates the facility in association with each other. The stamp step includes, when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the operator of the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card, a stamping step that performs a stamping process to stamp the owner's stamp card using a stamp card available at the facility. The stamp step executes the stamping process if it is determined that the online service has been used in a manner related to the operator of the facility that makes the stamp card available. It is characterized by the following:

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention isThe system includes: location information acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating the location of a user who will be the owner of a stamp card; facility identification information acquisition means for acquiring facility identification information for identifying a facility that can be used with the stamp card, among at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operators that can conduct transactions using an online service available for transactions between business operators and consumers, wherein the facility identification information acquisition means extracts a facility located within a predetermined travel range from the location indicated by the acquired location information from among the at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operators, and acquires facility identification information for identifying the extracted facility; storage control means for associating the acquired facility identification information and stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card and storing them in a storage means, wherein the storage control means stores the facility identification information for identifying the acquired facility, the stamp card identification information, and user identification information for identifying the user in association with each other and storing them in the storage means; and stamp means for executing a stamping process to stamp the owner's stamp card with a stamp card usable at the facility when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card. It is characterized by the following:

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is that the online service includes a service that enables the operator to operate an online store that sells the items to be traded, and the facility operated by the operator includes a physical store operated by the operator that operates the online store. Stamping method The system is characterized in that when the owner uses the online store operated by the business operator that operates the facility, which is indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, the stamp processing is performed.

[0010] According to this perspective, online services include services that enable businesses to operate online stores. These businesses also operate physical stores. If a facility where stamp cards can be used includes a physical store, stamps are awarded on the condition that the stamp card holder uses the online store of the business that operates the physical store. Therefore, users can earn stamps for using the physical store and for using the online store of the business that operates the physical store.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is that the online service includes a reservation service that enables the reservation of a facility, and the facility operated by the business operator includes a facility that can be reserved using the reservation service. Stamping method The system is characterized in that when the owner makes a reservation through the reservation service for any facility operated by the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, the system performs the stamping process.

[0012] According to this aspect, online services include reservation services that enable reservations for facilities operated by businesses. If the facilities where stamp cards can be used include facilities operated by businesses that also operate facilities that can be reserved through the reservation service, a stamp will be added to the stamp card when the holder makes a reservation for any of the facilities operated by that business through the reservation service. Therefore, users can earn stamps for both using a facility and making an online reservation for any of the facilities operated by the business that runs that facility.

[0013] A further aspect of the present invention is that the facility identification information acquisition means acquires facility identification information that identifies the facility designated by the creator of the stamp card.

[0014] According to this aspect, the creator of a stamp card can specify the facilities where the stamp card can be used.

[0015] A further aspect of the present invention is that facility operator information relating the facility to the operator operating the facility is stored in facility operator information storage means, and the invention further comprises operator identification information acquisition means for acquiring operator identification information that identifies the operator creating the stamp card, wherein the facility identification information acquisition means identifies a facility operated by the operator creating the stamp card based on the acquired operator identification information and the stored facility operator information, and acquires facility identification information that identifies the identified facility.

[0016] According to this aspect, if the creator of the stamp card is a business operator that manages a facility, the facilities operated by that business are identified as facilities where the stamp card can be used, based on the facility operator information. The facility identification information of the identified facilities is associated with the stamp card identification information. Therefore, a business operator can create a stamp card that can be used at facilities operated by that business operator without specifying the facility.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is the aforementioned Stamping methodWhen the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the operator of the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card and the user identification information for identifying the owner, the stamp processing is executed.

[0022] According to this aspect, when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the operator of the facility located within a predetermined moving range from the location of the owner, the stamp is pressed. Therefore, the user can obtain the stamp by using the online service for facilities that are relatively easy to move to.

[0025] Still another aspect of the present invention includes service use information acquisition means for acquiring service use information indicating the use of the online service in a manner that enables identification of the user who uses the online service and the operator related to the manner of use, and based on the acquired service use information, service use determination means for determining whether or not the owner has used the online service in a manner related to the operator of the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, and the Stamping method When it is determined by the service use determination means that the owner has used the online service in a manner related to the operator, the stamp processing is executed. According to this aspect, service usage information indicating the use of online services is obtained. From the service usage information, it is possible to identify the user who used the online service and the manner in which the online service was used in relation to which business operator. Based on the service usage information, it is determined whether the holder of the stamp card used the online service in a manner related to the business operator that operates the facility where the stamp card can be used.

[0026] Still another aspect of the present invention is characterized by further comprising giving means for automatically giving points of a point program to the owner when the stamp processing is executed.

[0027] According to this aspect, a stamp is pressed on the user's stamp card and points are automatically given to the user. Therefore, the use of the stamp card can be further promoted.

[0028] Still another aspect of the present invention further comprises awarding means for awarding points to the owner when an operation for obtaining points of a point program is received by the terminal device of the owner after the stamping process is executed.

[0029] According to this aspect, after a stamp is pressed on the user's stamp card, points are awarded to the user according to the user operation. Therefore, the use of the stamp card can be further promoted.

[0031] A further aspect of the present invention is a computer-based stamp card management method comprising: a facility identification information acquisition step of acquiring facility identification information that identifies a facility where a stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business that is capable of conducting transactions using an online service available for business operators and consumers to conduct transactions; a storage control step of associating the acquired facility identification information with stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and storing it in a storage means; a service usage information acquisition step of acquiring service usage information that includes business operator identification information that identifies a business operator that is capable of conducting transactions using the online service and is related to the manner in which the owner uses the online service, as service usage information indicating that the owner has used the online service; and the business operator identification information included in the acquired service usage information and the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information. The service usage determination step includes determining whether the online service was used in a manner related to the operator of the facility that makes the stamp card available, based on the facility operator information stored in a facility operator information storage means that stores facility operator information that shows facility operator information in association with second facility identification information that identifies a facility and second business operator identification information that identifies a business operator that operates the facility, and stamping the stamp card of the owner that is available at the facility when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the operator that operates the facility, as indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card, wherein the stamping step is performed when it is determined that the online service was used in a manner related to the operator that operates the facility that makes the stamp card available. Still another aspect of the present invention is a stamp card management method executed by a computer, Stamp card a location information acquisition step of acquiring location information indicating the location of the user who is the owner, and among at least one facility operated by each of at least one merchant where transactions can be made using an online service available for transactions between the merchant and the consumer, The aforementioned a facility identification information acquisition step of acquiring facility identification information for identifying a facility where the stamp card can be used The facility identification information acquisition step involves extracting from among the at least one facilities operated by each of the at least one businesses a facility located within a predetermined travel range from the location indicated by the acquired location information, and acquiring facility identification information to identify the extracted facility. and a storage control step of associating and storing the acquired facility identification information and stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card in a storage means, a storage control step which involves associating the facility identification information that identifies the acquired facility, the stamp card identification information, and the user identification information that identifies the user, and storing them in the storage means. and a stamp step of executing a stamping process of pressing a stamp on the stamp card of the owner, which is a stamp card available at the facility, when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the merchant operating the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card.

Advantages of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, a stamp card that can be commonly used offline and online can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the general configuration of a communication system S according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the concept of a stamp card. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an example of how stamps are applied to a stamp card. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of how stamps are applied to a stamp card. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of how stamps are applied to a stamp card. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows an example of the outline configuration of a stamp card management server 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the contents stored in the database of the stamp card management server 1. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of information stored in the database of the member information management server 2 according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 of a stamp card management server 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when creating a stamp card. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when a user uses a facility. [Figure 12] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when a user uses an online service. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of stamp card control processing by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of stamp processing by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] This diagram shows an example of the concept of a stamp card. [Figure 16]This figure shows an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 of a stamp card management server 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when creating a stamp card. [Figure 18] This block diagram shows an example of the outline configuration of a stamp card management server 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example of the contents stored in the stamp card DB14c and the stamp card association DB14i. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 of a stamp card management server 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] This figure shows examples of specific facilities. [Figure 22] This diagram shows an example of the concept of a stamp card. [Figure 23] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when issuing a stamp card. [Figure 24] This flowchart shows an example of stamp card control processing by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 25] This figure shows an example of a functional block of the system control unit 11 of a stamp card management server 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 26] This diagram shows an example of how points are awarded. [Figure 27] This shows an example of the point acquisition screen. [Figure 28] This is a diagram showing an example of a stamp card screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] [1. First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] [1-1. Communication System Configuration] First, the configuration and functional overview of the communication system S according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overview configuration of the communication system S according to this embodiment.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system S consists of a stamp card management server 1, a member information management server 2, multiple service servers 3, multiple stamp card creation terminals 4, multiple facility terminals 5, and multiple user terminals 6. These devices are connected to a network NW. The network NW is constructed using, for example, the internet, a dedicated communication line (e.g., a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line), a mobile communication network (including base stations, etc.), and a gateway.

[0037] The stamp card management server 1 may be a server device that performs processing related to a predetermined stamp card service. This stamp card service may be a service that provides users with electronic stamp cards and stamps those stamp cards for users who use facilities or online services. The stamp card management server 1 may perform processes such as creating stamp cards, issuing created stamp cards, and stamping stamp cards. Creating a stamp card may mean, for example, determining the specifications of the stamp card and putting the stamp card in a state where it can be issued. For example, creating a stamp card may correspond to creating a stack of stamp cards. A stamp card may have multiple stamp fields. Each stamp field is an area where a stamp can be placed. The number of stamp fields on a single stamp card is called the number of stamp fields. The number of stamp fields may be predetermined and common to all stamp cards, or it may be set by the stamp card creator for each stamp card. Issuing a stamp card may mean, for example, providing the created stamp cards to individual users. For example, issuing a stamp card may correspond to distributing each card from the stack of created stamp cards to individual users. The act of stamping a stamp card is also called "granting a stamp." Furthermore, when a user has a stamp added to their own stamp card, it is also called "earning a stamp."

[0038] The member information management server 2 may be a server device that manages information about members of a predetermined comprehensive internet service. The comprehensive internet service may be, for example, a collection of multiple services provided primarily using a computer network such as a network NW. These services may be provided using, for example, information and communication technology. When a user becomes a member of the comprehensive internet service, that user is assigned a user ID. The user ID may be identification information that identifies the user within the comprehensive internet service. A user who becomes a member of the comprehensive internet service may be able to use many of the services included in that comprehensive internet service. In order to use some services, the user may need to perform a separate membership registration that is conditional on being a member of the comprehensive internet service.

[0039] Each service server 3 may be a server device that performs processing to provide users with the service it corresponds to from among the multiple services included in the Internet Integrated Service. The multiple services included in the Internet Integrated Service may include, for example, services for businesses and services for consumers. At least one service may be a service for both businesses and consumers. A business that can use any of the services included in the Internet Integrated Service, or a business that partners with any of the services, is called a member business of that service. A facility operated by a member business is called a member facility of that service. The multiple services included in the Internet Integrated Service may also include online services. Online services may include services that businesses and consumers can use to trade transaction items. Transaction items may be anything that is the subject of commercial transactions. Examples of transaction items include goods and services. Such online services may be, for example, services that enable e-commerce. Online services may be provided, for example, through a website, or through an application that can be installed on the user terminal 6. Examples of online services included in the Internet Integrated Service include a goods sales brokerage service and a facility reservation service. A goods sales brokerage service mediates the buying and selling of goods between businesses and consumers. Examples of websites that provide a product buying and selling intermediary service include online shopping sites and online shopping malls. A product buying and selling intermediary service may also be a service that enables businesses to operate online stores. An online store may be, for example, a webpage or a collection of webpages for a specific business to sell products. An online shopping site may correspond to a single online store. An online shopping mall may be a collection of multiple online stores. In an online shopping mall, products are sold from multiple online stores.A product sales intermediary service may generate online store web pages based on information entered by businesses, notify businesses of product purchases made through online stores, and handle payment processing for product purchases. Some businesses that operate online stores also operate physical stores. Generally, businesses sell the same types of products in their physical stores as they sell in their online stores. A facility reservation service is a service that enables reservations for the use of facilities. There may be multiple facility reservation services corresponding to different types of facilities. Examples of facility reservation services include reservations for accommodations, restaurants, beauty salons, and golf courses.

[0040] The multiple services included in the comprehensive internet service may further include services that users can use when using a facility. Such services are called facility usage-related services. Facility usage-related services may include, for example, services that users can use when paying for services at a facility. Examples of facility usage-related services include point programs, electronic payment services, receipt / point exchange services, and check-in services. A point program may be a service that awards points to users who purchase items, based on a predetermined percentage of the purchase price, and also allows users to use the points they have to pay for purchases of items. Users may be able to earn and use points at online services and participating facilities of the point program. An electronic payment service allows users to pay for items purchased at a facility using electronic payment. There may be multiple electronic payment services with different payment methods. Examples of payment methods include credit cards, electronic money, and app payments. A receipt / point exchange service may be a service that awards points to users when they upload an image of a receipt they received from a facility after purchasing an item at that facility. The check-in service may be a service that awards points to a user on the condition that the user enters a designated spot area within a predetermined range from the participating facilities of the check-in service. Specifically, points may be awarded to a user when the user is located within the designated spot area and performs a check-in operation at the facility using the user terminal 6. Check-in using the check-in service may be a procedure to begin using the facility, a procedure to inform the check-in service that the user has visited the facility, or a procedure to inform the check-in service that the user has entered a predetermined spot area. Whether or not a user is located within the spot area can be determined from the location information of the user terminal 6 that the user possesses. Location information is information indicating the location of the user terminal 6. The stamp card service may be included in the comprehensive internet service.On the other hand, for convenience, the stamp card service will not be included in the facility usage-related services.

[0041] Each stamp card creation terminal 4 may be a terminal device used by a stamp card creator who creates a stamp card. The stamp card creator may be, for example, any business operator that operates a facility, an operator of an internet comprehensive service, an operator of any service included in the internet comprehensive service, or any other organization or group. The stamp card creation terminal 4 may be a terminal device used for creating stamp cards.

[0042] Each facility terminal 5 is a terminal device placed within a facility. Facility terminal 5 may also be a terminal device used by the facility operator or employees. Facility terminal 5 may be used to search for facility usage fees or product purchase amounts, or it may be used for facility start procedures (or check-in) or end procedures (or check-out). Examples of facility terminal 5 include personal computers, tablet computers, and POS (Point of Sale) registers.

[0043] Each user terminal 6 may be a terminal device used by a user who is a member of the Internet Comprehensive Service. Based on user operations, the user terminal 6 can send and receive information with any of the service servers 3, allowing the user to use the services corresponding to that service server 3. Furthermore, the user terminal 6 can send and receive information with the stamp card management server 1, allowing the user to use the stamp card service. Each user terminal 6 may be a portable terminal device. Examples of user terminals 6 include smartphones, tablet computers, mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), etc. Each user terminal 6 may have a dedicated application installed for using the stamp card service. This application is called the stamp card app. Additionally, each user terminal 6 may be capable of installing a dedicated application for at least one other service included in the Internet Comprehensive Service, in addition to the stamp card service. Each user terminal 6 may also have a web browser installed.

[0044] Each user terminal 6 may also have a function to acquire location information indicating its own location. For example, the latitude and longitude may be calculated as location information using a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System). Alternatively, for example, location information using a base station may be provided to the user terminal 6 by a mobile communications carrier. In this case, the user terminal 6 acquires the latitude and longitude, address, or postal code corresponding to the location of a base station near the user terminal 6 as location information. Alternatively, for example, location information may be acquired using a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). For example, when the user terminal 6 receives wireless signals from multiple access points, it measures the signal strength from each access point and acquires the SSID of each access point. The user terminal 6 transmits information including the signal strength and SSID to a predetermined server device (not shown). This server device stores the latitude and longitude of the access point locations, etc. The server device uses the information received from the user terminal 6 to calculate the location of the user terminal 6, for example, by triangulation.

[0045] [1-2. Stamp Card] Next, the mechanism of the stamp card service will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 4. The stamp cards provided by the stamp card service can be used both offline and online. Firstly, they can be used at facilities. When a user uses a facility, a stamp is placed on the user's stamp card. A user's use of a facility may be detected, for example, through facility use-related services or facility reservation services. For example, if a user uses a facility use-related service at a facility, a stamp may be placed on their stamp card. Also, for example, if a user uses a facility that can be reserved through a facility reservation service, a stamp may be placed on their stamp card. Examples of uses that result in a stamp being placed on the stamp card include using the facility itself, visiting the facility, purchasing goods sold at the facility, and receiving services from the facility. Examples of user actions that are determined to be facility use include starting the facility use procedure, ending the facility use procedure, earning points in the points program, using points, settling payments using electronic payment services, uploading images of receipts, and checking in using check-in services.

[0046] The facilities where users can use their stamp cards may be predetermined for each stamp card created. For example, a stamp card creator may specify the facilities where the stamp card can be used when creating the card. There is no particular limit to the number of facilities that can be specified. Examples of facilities that can be specified include stores selling specific types of goods, supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, other shops and businesses, offices, accommodations, restaurants, beauty salons, golf courses, gas stations, and other facilities that provide specific services. Furthermore, facilities that can be specified may include facilities operated by member businesses of at least one online service included in the comprehensive internet service. For example, if a business is a business that sells goods at a facility, that business may also operate an online store in an online shopping mall. Also, for example, if a business is a business that provides facilities or provides services at facilities, that business's facilities or services may be reservable through a facility reservation service. Also, for example, users may be able to use facility usage-related services at facilities operated by a business.

[0047] Secondly, stamp cards may be usable with online services. For example, if a facility operator designated by the stamp card creator uses any of the online services included in the comprehensive internet service, a stamp may be placed on the user's stamp card if the user uses that online service in a manner related to that operator. Using the online service in a manner related to a operator may, for example, be using the online service with that operator as the target. Alternatively, using the online service in a manner related to a operator may be using the online service with that operator as the user's trading partner. Examples of uses that result in a stamp being placed on a stamp card include viewing information such as the operator's web page or screen, entering into a contract for a transaction with the operator, and executing that transaction. Examples of contracts or executions for transactions include ordering or purchasing goods from the operator, reserving facilities operated by the operator, and reserving services provided by the operator. Hereafter, in the case of online shopping malls, a stamp will be placed on the stamp card when a product is purchased, and in the case of facility reservation services, a stamp will be placed on the stamp card when a facility or service is reserved. Note that some facility operators may not use the online services included in the comprehensive internet service. Furthermore, facilities operated by such businesses may be designated as places where the stamp card can be used. All designated facilities may, as a result, be facilities operated by such businesses. When a user uses a facility operated by such a business, a stamp will be placed on the stamp card. However, the user cannot use online services in a manner related to that business. Therefore, even if a user uses online services, they will not be able to get a stamp from that business.

[0048] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the concept of a stamp card. As shown in Figure 2, the stamp card creator creates a stamp card 110. In this case, the stamp card creator designates a sports goods store 210, a hotel 220, and restaurants 231 and 232 as facilities where the stamp card 110 can be used. The sports goods store 210 is operated by business operator 310. Business operator 310 operates an online store on the online shopping mall 410. Business operator 310 sells sports goods at its online store. The hotel 220 is operated by business operator 320. Business operator 320 requests the accommodation reservation site 420 to accept reservations for hotel 220. The accommodation reservation site 420 is a website that provides accommodation reservation services. Restaurants 231 and 232 are operated by business operator 330. Business operator 330 requests the restaurant reservation site 430 to accept reservations for facilities 231 and 232. The restaurant reservation site 430 is a website that provides restaurant reservation services. The creator of the stamp card could be any of the businesses listed in Figure 310-330, or it could be any other organization or group. In the example shown in Figure 2, facilities belonging to multiple businesses are designated. However, facilities belonging to only one business may also be designated.

[0049] The stamp card app screen may display information about the stamp card owned by the user. For example, user terminal 6 may display an image of the stamp card that includes multiple stamp fields. Each stamp field may display an image that identifies whether or not a stamp has been placed in that field. User terminal 6 may also display information about facilities where stamps can be earned for that stamp card. For example, a list of facilities where the user can earn stamps may be displayed. Alternatively, user terminal 6 may display a map and show markers on the map indicating the user's current location and the locations of facilities where stamps can be earned. User terminal 6 may also display information indicating the services to which each facility belongs. User terminal 6 may also display information about each online store where the user can earn stamps for that stamp card. When the user selects an online store, user terminal 6 may display, for example, the screen of an online shopping mall, showing the screen of the selected online store. User terminal 6 may also display information about each facility where the user can earn stamps by making a reservation for that stamp card. When the user selects a facility, user terminal 6 may display the screen of a facility reservation service, showing the screen for making a reservation for the selected facility.

[0050] Figures 3 to 5 illustrate an example of how stamps are applied to a stamp card. As shown in Figure 3, a user U1 is a user who uses user terminal 6-1 as user terminal 6. User U1 possesses a stamp card 110-1 issued as stamp card 110. No stamps have been applied to stamp card 110-1 yet. User U1 goes to a sporting goods store 210 and purchases goods, for example, using electronic money (step S1). At this time, user U1 may or may not be carrying user terminal 6-1. In response to the purchase of goods, the stamp card management server 1 applies a stamp to stamp card 110-1 (step S2). One week after the purchase of goods, user U1 operates user terminal 6-1 to access the online shopping mall 410 and visits an online store operated by business operator 310. User U1 purchases goods at this online store (step S3). In response to this purchase, the stamp card management server 1 applies another stamp to stamp card 110-1 (step S4). Examples of when stamps may be applied in response to product purchases include when the order is received, when payment for the purchase is completed, when the purchased product is shipped, and when the product is delivered. Alternatively, a cancellation period may be set during which the user can cancel the order. If the order is not canceled within that cancellation period, a stamp may be applied after the cancellation period has elapsed. Note that even if the products are purchased in the reverse order of the order shown in steps S1 to S4, a stamp will be applied for each purchase. After this, the user purchases products from an online store of a different business operator than any of the businesses 310 to 330 (step S5). In this case, the stamp card management server 1 does not stamp the stamp card 110-1 (step S6).

[0051] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 4, user U1 operates user terminal 6-1 to access the accommodation reservation site and reserves hotel 220 (step S11). In response to this reservation, stamp card management server 1 stamps stamp card 110-1 again (step S12). Examples of timing for stamping in response to a reservation include when the reservation is accepted, when payment for the accommodation is completed, when checking in to the reserved accommodation, and when checking out to the reserved accommodation. Subsequently, user U1 stays at the reserved hotel 220 and checks out of hotel 220 (step S13). In response to this check-out, stamp card management server 1 stamps stamp card 110-1 again (step S14). Note that stamps may also be applied when checking in to hotel 220. Furthermore, stamps may also be applied if user U1 uses hotel 220 without making a reservation through the accommodation reservation site 420. For example, if Hotel 220 is a member of any facility usage-related service, a stamp may be placed on User U1's passport depending on whether User U1 has used that facility usage-related service at Hotel 220.

[0052] Afterward, user U1 heads to restaurant 232 for a meal. Restaurants 231 and 232 are members of the check-in service. Specifically, operator 330 is a member of the check-in service. As shown in Figure 5, a spot area 710 is set up at restaurant 232. The spot area 710 may be, for example, an area enclosed by a circle of a predetermined radius centered on restaurant 232. When user U1 is located outside the spot area 710, user U1 cannot check in to restaurant 232 (step S21). Afterward, user U1 enters the spot area 710 and checks in to restaurant 232 by operating user terminal 6-1 (step S22). In response to this check-in, the stamp card management server 1 stamps the stamp card 110-1 again (step S23). This brings the total number of stamps to five. User U1 may also obtain stamps at restaurant 231 in a similar manner. Additionally, user U1 may also earn stamps if they make a reservation at a restaurant operated by business 330 through the restaurant reservation website 430.

[0053] [1-3.Device configuration] [1-3-1. Stamp Card Management Server] Next, the configuration of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the stamp card management server 1 includes a system control unit 11, a system bus 12, an input / output interface 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The system control unit 11 and the input / output interface 13 are connected via the system bus 12.

[0054] The system control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c, and the like.

[0055] The input / output interface 13 performs interface processing between the storage unit 14 and the communication unit 15 and the system control unit 11.

[0056] The storage unit 14 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive. This storage unit 14 may store databases such as a business DB 14a, a facility DB 14b, a stamp card DB 14c, a stamp card association DB 14d, an issued card DB 14e, a cardholder DB 14f, a stamp history DB 14g, and a benefits DB 14h. "DB" is an abbreviation for database. At least one database may be stored on a server device different from the stamp card management server 1. The stamp card management server 1 may be able to access the databases through its server device.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of the contents stored in the database of the stamp card management server 1. The business DB 14a may store business information for each business that is a member of at least one service included in the Internet comprehensive service. For example, the business DB 14a may store business information such as business ID, business name, and service list, linked together. The business ID is identification information that identifies the business. The service list is a list of service IDs for the services included in the Internet comprehensive service to which the business is a member. The service ID is identification information that identifies the service.

[0058] Facility DB14b may store facility information for each facility that is subscribed to at least one service included in the Internet Comprehensive Service. For example, facility DB14b may store facility information such as facility ID, business ID, facility name, address, and facility location information, all of which are associated with each other. The facility ID is identification information that identifies the facility. The business ID indicates the business that operates the facility. The facility location information indicates the geographical location of the facility. For example, the facility location information may indicate the latitude and longitude corresponding to the address of the facility.

[0059] Stamp card DB14c may store stamp card information for each stamp card created. For example, stamp card DB14c may store stamp card information such as stamp card ID, stamp card name, stamp card creator ID, description, reward setting information, campaign period, etc., in relation to each other. Stamp card ID is identification information that identifies the stamp card. Stamp card creator ID is identification information that identifies the creator who created the stamp card. Reward setting information indicates information about the reward. For example, reward setting information may include the number of reward stamps, reward name, start date of use, end date of use, end date setting flag, usage conditions, etc. The number of reward stamps indicates the number of stamps required to obtain the reward. The reward name indicates the name of the reward in a way that identifies the content of the reward that can be obtained. The start date of use indicates the start date of the period during which the reward can be used. The end date of use indicates the end date of the period during which the reward can be used. The end date setting flag indicates whether the setting of the end date of use is valid or not. The usage conditions indicate the conditions for using the reward. If multiple rewards are available for a single issued stamp card, multiple special selection settings may be stored in the stamp card DB14c. In this case, the number of reward stamps will differ for each reward. The campaign period indicates the period during which the stamp card can be used.

[0060] The stamp card association DB14d may store stamp card association information for each combination of stamp card and facility, indicating the association between a stamp card and a facility where the user can use that stamp card. For example, the stamp card association DB14d may store the stamp card ID of the stamp card and the facility ID of that facility, associated with each other, as stamp card association information.

[0061] The Issued Cards DB14e may store issued card information for stamp cards issued to users, for each combination of stamp card and the user to whom the stamp card was issued. For example, the Issued Cards DB14e may store issued card information such as the issued card number, issuance date and time, stamp card ID, user ID, number of cards issued, and number of stamps, associated with each other. The issued card number is a number that identifies the issuance of the stamp card. The issuance date and time indicates the date and time when the stamp card was issued to that user. The stamp card ID indicates the issued stamp card. The user ID indicates the user to whom the stamp card was issued. The number of cards issued indicates how many of that stamp card were issued to that user. The number of stamps indicates the number of stamps that have been stamped on that stamp card. For example, a list of available stamp cards may be displayed on the stamp card issuance screen of a stamp card application. When a user selects any stamp card from the list, the stamp card management server 1 may generate issued card information including the stamp card ID of the selected stamp card and the user ID of the user who made the selection, and store it in the Issued Cards DB14e. When the number of stamps on a single stamp card reaches the number of stamp slots, a new stamp card may be automatically issued. In this case, the number of issued cards increases by one, and the number of stamps is reset to zero.

[0062] The cardholder DB14f may store cardholder information for each user who possesses at least one stamp card. For example, the cardholder DB14f may store the user ID and the date and time of acquisition of the activity log as cardholder information, associated with each other. The user ID indicates the user who possesses the stamp card. The date and time of acquisition of the activity log may indicate the date and time when an activity log showing a record of that user's activity was acquired. Activity logs will be described later. For example, when a stamp card is issued to any user, the stamp card management server 1 may determine whether or not that user's user ID is stored in the cardholder DB14f. If the user ID is not stored, the stamp card management server 1 may store that user ID in the cardholder DB14f. In this case, the stamp card management server 1 may store the current date and time in the cardholder DB14f as the initial value for the date and time of acquisition of the activity log.

[0063] The stamp history DB14g may store a history of stamps being applied to stamp cards. For example, each time a stamp is applied, the stamp history DB14g may store the stamp log, including the stamp log number, stamp date and time, stamp card ID, user ID, service ID, business ID, and facility D, in association with each other. The stamp log number is a number that identifies the stamp log. The stamp date and time indicates the date and time the stamp was applied. The stamp card ID indicates the stamp card to which the stamp was applied. The user ID indicates the user who earned the stamp. The service ID indicates the service used by the user to earn the stamp. The business ID indicates which business the manner in which the user used the service relates to. The facility ID indicates the facility used by the user to earn the stamp. The facility ID is valid when the service used is a facility use-related service. The facility ID is also valid when the service used is a facility reservation service and the user's action is the procedure for starting or ending the use of the reserved facility.

[0064] Reward DB14h may store reward information regarding rewards obtainable through the use of stamp cards, for each combination of issued stamp card and the reward set on that stamp card. For example, reward DB14h may store reward information such as the issued card number, stamp card ID, user ID, number of cards issued, number of reward stamps, and reward status, all associated with each other. The issued card number identifies the issuance of the stamp card to which the reward is set. The stamp card ID indicates the issued stamp card. The user ID indicates the user to whom the stamp card was issued. The number of cards issued indicates which stamp card to which stamp card has been issued to that user. The number of reward stamps indicates the number of stamps required for the user to obtain the reward. The reward status indicates the status of the reward. The reward status may be set to, for example, "Not obtained," "Available," or "Used." "Not obtained" indicates that the user has not yet obtained the reward. "Available" indicates that the user has obtained the reward but has not yet used it. "Used" indicates that the user has already used the reward. For example, when a user requests the issuance of a stamp card, the stamp card management server 1 may store the stamp card information in the issued card DB 14e and the reward information in the reward DB 14h. At this time, the stamp card management server 1 may obtain the number of reward stamps from the reward setting information stored in the stamp card DB 14c. For each obtained number of reward stamps, the stamp card management server 1 may generate reward information that includes the same combination as the issued card number, stamp card ID, user ID, and number of issued cards included in the issued card information, the number of reward stamps, and a reward status indicating "unused".

[0065] Furthermore, the memory unit 14 may store a map database, a timetable database, etc. The map database includes information about maps. For example, the map database may store POI (Point of Interest) information for each spot. Spots that can be identified from the map database may include the facilities mentioned above, as well as other spots. Examples of other spots include train stations, airports, bus stops, public facilities, etc. The POI information may include the spot ID, spot name, spot category name, address, spot location information, etc. The spot ID is identification information that identifies a spot. The spot ID of a facility may match the facility ID of that facility. The spot location information may be information that indicates the coordinates of the place where the spot is located. For example, the spot location information may indicate the position of each vertex that constitutes the outer edge of the site of the spot in terms of longitude and latitude. The map database may also include the length and connection status of each road, the longitude and latitude of each connection point where roads connect, etc. The timetable database may include information showing timetables for transportation such as trains and buses.

[0066] The storage unit 14 further stores various programs such as an operating system, a DBMS (Database Management System), and a server program. The server program is a program that causes the system control unit 11 to execute various processes related to the stamp card service. The server program may be acquired from another device via a network NW, for example, or it may be recorded on a recording medium such as magnetic tape, optical disk, or memory card and read via a drive device.

[0067] The communication unit 15 is composed of, for example, a network interface card. The communication unit 15 connects to the member information management server 2, service server 3, stamp card creation terminal 4, facility terminal 5, or user terminal 6, etc., via the network NW, and controls the communication status with the connected devices.

[0068] [1-3-2. Member Information Management Server] Next, the configuration of the member information management server 2 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the database of the member information management server 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the member information management server 2, as a storage means, may store databases such as the member DB 21 and the behavior history DB 22. The member information management server 2 may, for example, provide the stamp card management server 1 and each service server 3 with an API (Application Programming Interface) for accessing the database stored in the member information management server 2. Each server device may be able to retrieve information from the database stored in the member information management server 2 and update the database through this API.

[0069] The Member DB21 may store member information for each member of the comprehensive internet service. For example, the Member DB21 may store member information such as user ID, name, gender, date of birth, telephone number, address, and email address, all of which are associated with each other.

[0070] The activity history DB22 may store a history of user actions resulting from the use of services included in the comprehensive internet service. The activity history may allow identification of the user who performed the action and the services used by the user for that action. If the user used a facility for that action, the activity history may allow identification of the facility used. If the user used an online service for that action, the activity history may allow identification of the manner in which the user used the online service in relation to which business operator. Examples of user actions for which activity history is stored include purchasing goods at an online shopping mall, reserving a facility on a facility reservation site, starting facility use procedures, ending facility use procedures, earning points, using points, making payments using electronic payment services, uploading receipt images, and checking in using check-in services. Each time an action is taken, the activity history DB22 may store an activity log, such as an activity log ID, user ID, service ID, business operator ID, facility ID, date and time of the action, and information about the action, all associated with each other. The activity log ID is identification information that identifies the activity log. The user ID indicates the user who performed the action. The Service ID indicates the service used by the user to perform their action. The Business ID indicates the business associated with the nature of the user's action. For example, the Business ID may indicate the counterparty to the transaction the user is conducting. If the user's action is performed at a facility, the Business ID indicates the business that operates the facility used by the user. If the user's action is performed using an online service, the Business ID indicates the business that is the counterparty to the transaction using that online service. For example, if the user purchases a product, the Business ID indicates the business of the online store where the product was purchased. If the user reserves a facility or service, the Business ID indicates the business that provides that facility or service. The Facility ID indicates the facility where the user performed their action. The Facility ID is valid when the service used is a facility-use related service.Furthermore, the facility ID is valid only if the service used is a facility reservation service and the user's action is either the procedure for starting or ending the use of the reserved facility. The action details information shows the details of the actions taken by the user. The content of the action details information may vary depending on the type of service and action.

[0071] Each service server 3 may, for example, generate and record an action log indicating a user's predetermined action when the service server 3 uses the service it corresponds to. The information and format included in the generated action log may be unique to that service.

[0072] For example, when an online shopping mall service server 3 makes a purchase, it may generate purchase information as an activity log. This purchase information may include the order number, the user ID of the user who made the purchase, the business ID of the business operator that sells the product at the online store, the date and time the product was ordered, information indicating the purchased product, the purchase amount, etc.

[0073] The service server 3 for each facility reservation service may generate reservation information as an action log when a facility is reserved. This reservation information may include, for example, the reservation number, the user ID of the user who made the reservation, the facility ID of the reserved facility, the date and time the reservation was made, the period when the facility is scheduled to be used, and the amount of the fee for using the facility or service. In addition, the service server 3 corresponding to each facility reservation service may generate usage procedure information as an action log in response to the facility usage start procedure or usage end procedure, respectively. For example, when a facility employee receives a request from a user to start or end the use procedure of that facility, they may operate the facility terminal 5 to have the service server 3 search for reservation information corresponding to that use. The employee may select the corresponding reservation information from the facility terminal 5 and select the usage start procedure or usage end procedure. The facility terminal 5 may send the reservation number and the facility ID of the selected reservation information to the service server 3. The service server 3 may identify the reservation information based on the reservation number and generate usage procedure information based on that reservation information. The usage procedure information may include, for example, information indicating whether the procedure is a usage commencement procedure or a usage termination procedure, the user ID of the user who performed the procedure, the facility ID of the facility used, and the date and time when the usage commencement procedure or usage termination procedure was performed.

[0074] The service server 3 of the points program updates the number of points held by the user when points are earned or used, and may also generate a point update log as an activity log. For example, when a user pays a fee at a facility, the user enters the card number of their points card into the facility terminal 5 located at the facility. For example, the facility terminal 5 may be equipped with a predetermined reader. This reader may be capable of reading information recorded on magnetic tape, information recorded on an IC card, or information codes that are printed or displayed on the screen of the user terminal 6. Examples of information codes include one-dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The facility terminal 5 may, for example, read the card number from the points card. Alternatively, for example, the user terminal 6 may display an information code indicating the card number on its screen according to an application for the points program. The facility terminal 5 may obtain the card number by decoding the information code displayed on the screen. The facility terminal 5 may transmit the card number, payment amount, and the facility ID of the facility to the service server 3. The service server 3 may obtain the user ID of the user from the card number. Service server 3 may perform a process to award points to a user or a process to use the user's points for payment, based on the user ID and payment amount. Service server 3 may also generate a point update log that includes the user ID of the user who earned or used points, the facility ID of the facility used, the date and time when points were earned or used, and the number of points increased or decreased.

[0075] Each electronic payment service's service server 3 may generate sales information as an activity log when a payment is made using the payment method supported by the service server 3. For example, the facility terminal 5 may read the card number from the user's credit card. Alternatively, the facility terminal 5 may read the electronic money card number from the user's electronic money card or from the IC chip on the user terminal 6. Alternatively, the user terminal 6 may display an information code on the screen indicating the app payment membership number according to the app payment application. The facility terminal 5 may obtain the membership number by decoding the information code displayed on the screen. The facility terminal 5 may transmit the read card number or membership number, payment amount, facility ID, etc. to the service server 3. Alternatively, the facility terminal 5 may display an information code indicating the facility ID, payment amount, etc. The user may take a picture of the information code with the user terminal 6. The user terminal 6 may obtain the facility ID and payment amount, etc. from the information code. The user terminal 6 may transmit the facility ID, payment amount, and app payment membership number to the service server 3. The service server 3 may generate sales information based on information transmitted from the facility terminal 5 or user terminal 6. For example, the service server 3 may identify the user ID of the user who made the payment from the card number or membership number. The sales information may include, for example, the user ID of the user who made the payment, the facility ID of the facility to which the payment was made, and the date and time the payment was made.

[0076] The service server 3 for the receipt and point exchange service may generate a receipt log as an activity log when an image of a receipt is uploaded. For example, the service server 3 may store information about participating facilities that are affiliated with the receipt and point exchange service. A user uses one of the facilities, pays a fee to that facility, and receives a receipt from that facility. The user takes a picture of the receipt with the user terminal 6. The user terminal 6 may send the image of the photographed receipt and the user's user ID to the service server 3. The service server 3 uses character recognition to identify the name of the facility that provided the receipt to the user, the date and time of payment, etc., from the image of the receipt. The service server 3 may determine whether the facility used by the user is an affiliated facility based on the facility name and affiliated facility information. If the facility used by the user is an affiliated facility, the service server 3 may execute a process to award points to the user and generate a receipt log. The receipt log may include, for example, the user ID of the user who used the facility, the facility ID of the facility used, the date and time of payment, etc.

[0077] The service server 3 of the check-in service may generate a check-in log as an activity log when a check-in is performed. For example, the service server 3 may store member facility information indicating member facilities of the check-in service. When a user starts the check-in service application, the user terminal 6 may periodically acquire location information and send it to the service server 3. The service server 3 may search for the nearest member facility to the user based on the location information. For example, the service server 3 of the check-in service may search for the nearest member facility based on member facility information and a map database. The service server 3 may display information on the user terminal 6 indicating the searched member facility and the distance from the user to the member facility. If there is a member facility among the searched member facilities that is within a predetermined distance from the user, the user terminal 6 may enable the check-in operation. When a user performs a check-in operation, the user terminal 6 may send a check-in request to the service server 3 including the user's user ID, the facility ID of a member facility within a predetermined distance range, etc. In response to receiving the check-in request, the service server 3 may execute a process to award points to the user and generate a check-in log. The check-in log may include, for example, the user ID of the user who checked in, the facility ID of the facility the user checked into, and the date and time the check-in took place.

[0078] Each service server 3 may send an action log to the member information management server 2 when it generates one. The member information management server 2, upon receiving the action log from the service server 3, may, for example, convert the format of the action log into a common format that can be stored in the action history DB 22, and store the converted action log in the action history DB 22. At this time, the member information management server 2 may identify the service used by the user based on the format of the received action log or which service server 3 the action log originated from. The member information management server 2 may also identify the type of action taken by the user based on the received action log. The member information management server 2 may include the service ID of the identified service in the action log stored in the action history DB 22. The member information management server 2 may also include information indicating the type of action identified in the action content information of the action log.

[0079] [1-4. Overview of System Control Unit Functions] Next, the functional overview of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. The system control unit 11 may function as a facility ID acquisition unit 1101, a stamp card creation unit 1102, a facility usage information acquisition unit 1103, a facility usage determination unit 1104, a first stamp unit 1105, a service usage information acquisition unit 1106, a service usage determination unit 1107, a second stamp unit 1108, a reward granting unit 1109, etc., as shown in Figure 9, by the CPU 11a reading and executing various program codes included in the server program.

[0080] The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the facility ID of a facility that enables users to use stamp cards. For example, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the facility ID from the stamp card creation terminal 4. For example, a stamp card creator selects to create a stamp card by operating the stamp card creation terminal 4. In response to this selection, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may display a stamp card creation screen for inputting various information for the stamp card. The stamp card creation screen may include user interface elements for selecting a facility. For example, if a stamp card creator selects to add a facility on the stamp card creation screen, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may display a search window. The search window may be a window for searching for facilities. In the search window, the stamp card creator can specify search conditions for facilities. Examples of search conditions include facility name, category, address, facility operated by the stamp card creator, business operator, etc. The stamp card management server 1 may search for facilities that meet the specified search conditions using, for example, the facility DB 14b or the map DB. The stamp card creation terminal 4 may display a list of the searched facilities in the search window. The stamp card creator selects the facility they wish to add from the list. Alternatively, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may display a map and show markers indicating the facilities on the map. The stamp card creator may then select the facility they wish to add from the map. Once a facility is selected, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may add and display the name of the selected facility on the stamp card creation screen. If the stamp card creator selects two or more facilities, this procedure is repeated. Once the necessary information has been entered on the stamp card creation screen, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may send the facility ID of the selected facility, along with any other information entered, to the stamp card management server 1. In this way, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may acquire the facility ID.

[0081] The stamp card creation unit 1102 may store a stamp card ID in the storage unit 14 that identifies the stamp card to be created, in association with the facility ID obtained by the facility ID acquisition unit 1101. For example, the stamp card creation unit 1102 may generate a new stamp card ID. The stamp card creation unit 1102 may generate stamp card information that includes the information transmitted from the stamp card creation terminal 4 and the stamp card ID. The stamp card creation unit 1102 may store the generated stamp card information in the stamp card DB 14c. The stamp card creation unit 1102 may associate the facility ID with the generated stamp card ID for each acquired facility ID and store it in the stamp card association DB 14d.

[0082] The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire facility usage information that identifies the user who used any of the member facilities of the services included in the comprehensive internet service and the facility that was used. The facility usage information may correspond to at least one of the following: information indicating the use of any facility usage-related service, information indicating the procedure for starting facility use, or information indicating the procedure for ending facility use. In this embodiment, facility use by a user is detected in accordance with the user's use of any of the services included in the comprehensive internet service. The facility usage information may be, for example, an activity log stored in the activity history DB 22. For example, the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire the activity log of each user who has at least one stamp card from the member information management server 2 at predetermined intervals. Users who have stamp cards can be identified from the cardholder DB 14f. Examples of activity log acquisition intervals include several seconds, tens of seconds, several minutes, etc. The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may, for example, send an activity log request to the member information management server 2. An activity log request may include a combination of the user ID and the activity log acquisition date and time stored in the cardholder DB14f. The member information management server 2 may retrieve from the activity history DB22 an activity log containing the user ID of the user whose activity log is to be acquired, which includes an activity date and time newer than the activity log acquisition date and time, and send the acquired activity log to the stamp card management server 1. In this way, the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire facility usage information. The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire the latest activity date and time among the activity dates and times included in the acquired activity log. The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may update the activity log acquisition date and time stored in the cardholder DB14f in association with the user ID of that user with the acquired date and time. The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may also acquire activity logs generated by each service server 3 as facility usage information. Alternatively, the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may acquire information transmitted from the facility terminal 5 or user terminal 6 in response to the user's use of the facility as facility usage information.

[0083] The facility usage determination unit 1104 may determine, based on the facility usage information acquired by the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103, whether the owner of the stamp card has used the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of that stamp card. For example, an activity log indicating that a user has used a facility includes the facility ID of the facility used by the user. Therefore, the facility usage determination unit 1104 can make this determination by comparing the facility ID included in the activity log with the facility ID stored in the stamp card DB 14c in association with the stamp card ID.

[0084] The first stamp unit 1105 may perform a stamping process to stamp the stamp card of the owner of the stamp card when the owner uses a facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of the stamp card. For example, the first stamp unit 1105 may identify issued card information from the issued card information stored in the issued card DB 14e that includes the user's user ID and the stamp card ID of that stamp card. The first stamp unit 1105 may increase the number of stamps included in the identified issued card information.

[0085] The service usage information acquisition unit 1106 may acquire service usage information that indicates the use of online services in a way that allows for the identification of users who have used online services included in the comprehensive internet service and the businesses that were targeted by those online services. The service usage information may be, for example, activity logs stored in the activity history DB 22. The method of acquiring activity logs by the service usage information acquisition unit 1106 may be the same as the method of acquiring activity logs by the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103. The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 may also function as the service usage information acquisition unit 1106.

[0086] The service usage determination unit 1107 may determine, based on the service usage information acquired by the service usage information acquisition unit 1106, whether the owner of the stamp card has used an online service targeting a business operator that operates a facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of that stamp card. For example, the activity log indicating that a user has used an online service includes the business operator ID of the business operator with whom the user transacted through the use of the online service. In addition, the business operator DB 14a stores business operator information that associates a facility with the business operator that operates that facility. Therefore, the service usage determination unit 1107 can make a determination based on the business operator ID included in the activity log, the business operator DB 14a, and the facility ID stored in the stamp card DB 14c in association with the stamp card ID.

[0087] The second stamp unit 1108 may perform a stamping process when the owner of a stamp card uses an online service provided by a business operator that operates a facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of that stamp card. The method of stamping by the second stamp unit 1108 may be the same as the method of stamping by the first stamp unit 1105. The first stamp unit 1105 may also function as the second stamp unit 1108.

[0088] The first stamp unit 1105 or the second stamp unit 1108 may restrict stamping on the same stamp card owned by the same user from the second time onwards. For example, stamping may be restricted to the use of each facility. Alternatively, stamping may be restricted to the use of online services that the business operator does business with. For example, the first stamp unit 1105 may stamp only the first use within a predetermined period. Examples of predetermined period lengths include 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, etc. Alternatively, the first stamp unit 1105 may stamp only the first use of each facility where the stamp card can be used within the campaign period. If this method is adopted, the first stamp unit 1105 may, for example, stamp only the first use of online services that the business operator operating any of the facilities where the stamp card can be used does business with within the campaign period. Alternatively, the first stamp unit 1105 may stamp a business when either a business uses a facility operated by that business or an online service that deals with that business is used. Once a business has been stamped, the first stamp unit 1105 does not need to stamp again when either a business uses a facility operated by that business or an online service that deals with that business is used. The first stamp unit 1105 can restrict stamping by using the stamp history DB 14g.

[0089] The reward granting unit 1109 may grant a reward to the user when the number of stamps pressed by the first stamping unit 1105 or the second stamping unit 1108 reaches a preset number of reward stamps. For example, the reward granting unit 1109 may change the reward status stored in the reward DB 14h, associated with the issued card number of the stamped stamp card, the number of cards issued, the user ID of that user, and the number of reward stamps, to "Available".

[0090] [1-5. Operation of the communication system] Next, the operation of the communication system S will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 14. The system control unit 11 executes the processing of the stamp card management server 1 shown in Figures 10 to 14 according to the program code included in the server program.

[0091] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when a stamp card is created. When the stamp creator selects to create a stamp card, the stamp card creation terminal 4 displays the stamp card creation screen. As shown in Figure 10, the stamp card creator then enters the information for the stamp card on the stamp card creation screen (step S101). For example, the stamp card name, description, and reward setting information are entered. Furthermore, the stamp card creator specifies the facility (step S102). Once the necessary information has been entered, the stamp card creation terminal 4 sends the entered stamp card information and a list of facility IDs for the specified facility to the stamp card management server 1 (step S103).

[0092] The stamp card creation unit 1102 of the stamp card management server 1, which receives information from the stamp card creation terminal 4, generates a stamp card ID (step S104). The stamp card creation unit 1102 also generates stamp card association information and stores it in the storage unit 14 (step S105). For example, the stamp card creation unit 1102 may associate each facility ID included in the list of facility IDs with the generated stamp card ID and store it in the stamp card association DB 14d. Next, the stamp card creation unit 1102 generates stamp card information and stores it in the stamp card DB 14c (step S106). For example, the stamp card creation unit 1102 may generate stamp card information that includes the generated stamp card ID and information entered by the stamp card creator. The stamp card creation unit 1102 may also store the stamp card information in the stamp card DB 14c. In this way, a new stamp card is created.

[0093] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when a user uses a facility. For example, a user uses a point card or electronic payment at one of the facilities. As shown in Figure 11, the facility terminal 5 located at that facility reads identification information, such as a card number or membership number, from the user's point card, electronic money card, or user terminal 6 to identify the user (step S201). The facility terminal 5 transmits usage information, including the facility ID and the user's identification information, to the service server 3 corresponding to the service used by the user (step S202). If the user uses the receipt / point exchange service or the check-in service, the user's user terminal 6 transmits the usage information.

[0094] Service server 3 obtains the user ID of the user indicated by the identification information contained in the received usage information as the user ID of the user who used the facility. Then, service server 3 generates an activity log that includes the user ID of that user, the facility ID of the facility used, the business ID of the business operator that operates the facility, and the date and time of use of the facility (step S203). Service server 3 sends the generated activity log to member information management server 2 (step S204).

[0095] The member information management server 2 converts the format of the received activity log to a common format and stores the activity log in the activity history DB 22 (step S205). At this time, the member information management server 2 includes the service ID of the service used by the user in the activity log.

[0096] The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 of the stamp card management server 1 periodically sends an activity log request to the member information management server 2 for each user whose user ID is stored in the cardholder DB 14f (step S206). The member information management server 2 obtains the user ID from the received activity log and obtains the activity log containing this user ID from the activity history DB 22. The member information management server 2 sends the obtained activity log to the stamp card management server 1 (step S207). Upon receiving the activity log, the stamp card management server 1 executes stamp control processing (step S208). In the stamp control processing, the stamp card management server 1 determines whether or not to stamp the stamp card and, if it determines that to stamp, executes the stamping process. The stamp control processing will be described later.

[0097] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when a user uses an online service. For example, the user operates the user terminal 6 to access the website of one of the online services. The user selects the product to purchase or the facility or service to reserve. Then, as shown in Figure 12, the user performs an operation to request a transaction (step S301). This operation may be, for example, an operation to confirm an order for a product or an operation to confirm a reservation for a facility or service. In response to this operation, the user terminal 6 sends a transaction request to the service server 3, including the user's user ID and the business ID of the business partner (step S302).

[0098] Based on the received transaction request, the service server 3 generates an activity log including the user ID of the user who placed the order or made the reservation, the business ID of the business partner, and the date and time the order or reservation was made (step S303). The service server 3 sends the generated activity log to the member information management server 2 (step S304).

[0099] The member information management server 2 converts the format of the received activity log into a common format and stores the activity log in the activity history DB 22 (step S305). At this time, the member information management server 2 includes the service ID of the service used by the user in the activity log. The member information management server 2 also includes activity content information indicating the type of user activity in the activity log. Subsequently, similar to steps S206 to S208, the service usage information acquisition unit 1106 of the stamp card management server 1 sends an activity log request to the member information management server 2 (step S306), the member information management server 2 sends the activity log to the stamp card management server 1 (step S307), and the stamp card management server 1 executes stamp control processing (step S308).

[0100] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of stamp card control processing by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, first the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 acquires issued card information, including the user ID of the user whose activity log has been acquired from the member information management server 2, from the issued card DB 14e. The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 acquires a stamp card ID from each acquired issued card information (step S401). Next, the facility usage determination unit 1104 acquires each facility ID associated with each acquired stamp card ID from the stamp card association DB 14d (step S402). Next, the facility usage determination unit 1104 determines whether or not the user has used the facility based on the service ID included in the acquired activity log (step S403). For example, the facility usage determination unit 1104 may determine that the user has used the facility if the service indicated by the service ID is a point program, any electronic payment service, a receipt / point exchange service, or a check-in service.

[0101] If a user uses a facility (step S403: YES), the facility usage determination unit 1104 determines whether there is a facility ID among the facility IDs obtained in step S402 that matches a facility ID included in the activity log (step S404). If there is no facility ID that matches a facility ID included in the activity log (step S404: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0102] If there is a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the activity log (step S404: YES), the facility usage determination unit 1104 identifies the issued card information that includes the stamp card ID associated with that facility ID from the issued card information obtained in step S401. The facility usage determination unit 1104 determines whether the activity date and time included in the activity log is later than the issue date and time included in the identified issued card information (step S405). If the activity date and time is earlier than the issue date and time (step S405: NO), the stamp control process ends. If the activity date and time is later than the issue date and time (step S405: YES), the first stamp unit 1105 performs the stamping process (step S406), and the stamp control process ends.

[0103] If the user is not using the facility (Step S403: NO), the service usage determination unit 1107 determines, based on the service ID and action content information included in the action log, whether the user has taken an action that qualifies for a stamp using the online service (Step S407). For example, if the service indicated by the service ID is a product buying and selling intermediary service or any facility reservation service, and the action indicated by the action content information is the purchase of a product or the reservation of a facility or service, the service usage determination unit 1107 may determine that the user has taken an action that qualifies for a stamp using the online service. If the user has not taken an action that qualifies for a stamp using the online service (Step S407: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0104] If a user takes an action that qualifies for stamping using the online service (step S407: YES), the service usage determination unit 1107 retrieves the business ID associated with each facility ID obtained in step S402 from the facility DB 14b (step S408). Next, the service usage determination unit 1107 determines whether there is a business ID among the retrieved business IDs that matches a business ID included in the action log (step S409). If there is no business ID that matches a business ID included in the action log (step S409: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0105] If there is a business ID that matches the business ID included in the activity log (step S409: YES), the service usage determination unit 1107 identifies the facility ID associated with the business ID that matches the business ID included in the activity log. The service usage determination unit 1107 identifies the issued card information, including the stamp card ID associated with the identified facility ID, from the issued card information obtained in step S401. The service usage determination unit 1107 determines whether the activity date and time included in the activity log is later than the issue date and time included in the identified issued card information (step S410). If the activity date and time is earlier than the issue date and time (step S410: NO), the stamp control process ends. If the activity date and time is later than the issue date and time (step S410: YES), the second stamp unit 1108 performs the stamping process (step S406), and the stamp control process ends.

[0106] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp processing by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, first the first stamp unit 1105 (or second stamp unit 1108) increments the number of stamps included in the identified issued card information by 1 (step S501). Next, the first stamp unit 1105 stores the stamp log in the stamp history DB 14g (step S507). For example, the first stamp unit 1105 may generate a stamp log that includes the stamp card ID included in the identified issued card information, the user ID, service ID, business operator ID and facility ID included in the activity log, and the stamp date and time indicating the current date and time.

[0107] Next, the first stamp unit 1105 retrieves the reward setting information stored in the stamp card DB 14c in association with the stamp card ID included in the identified issued card information. The first stamp unit 1105 determines whether the number of stamps matches any of the reward stamp counts included in the reward setting information (step S503). If the number of stamps matches any of the reward stamp counts (step S503: YES), the reward granting unit 1109 changes the reward status stored in the reward DB 14h to "Available" in association with the same combination as the reward stamp count that matches the number of stamps and the issued card number, user ID, and number of issued cards included in the identified issued card information (step S504).

[0108] After step S504, or if the number of stamps does not match any of the reward stamp counts (step S503: NO), the reward granting unit 1109 determines whether the number of stamps matches the number of stamp fields (step S505). If the number of stamps matches the number of stamp fields (step S50-5: YES), the first stamp unit 1105 increments the number of issued cards included in the identified issued card information by 1 (step S506) and changes the number of stamps included in the issued card information to zero (step S507). Next, the first stamp unit 1105 generates new reward information and stores it in the reward DB 14h (step S508). For example, the first stamp unit 1105 may obtain the number of reward stamps from the reward setting information. For each obtained number of reward stamps, the first stamp unit 1105 may generate reward information that includes the same combination as the combination of the issued card number, stamp card ID, user ID, and number of issued cards included in the issued card information, the number of reward stamps, and a reward status indicating "unused". The first stamp unit 1105 may store the reward information in the reward database 14h.

[0109] After step S508, or if the number of stamps does not match the number of stamp fields (step S505: NO), the first stamp unit 1105 sends a stamp notification to the user terminal 6 of the user whose activity log has been acquired (step S509), and the stamping process ends. The stamp notification may be a message indicating that a stamp has been placed on the stamp card owned by the user. The user terminal 6 that receives the stamp notification displays the notification message on its screen. When the user selects the displayed notification message, the user terminal 6 launches the stamp card app and displays an image of the stamped stamp card.

[0110] As described above, according to this embodiment, the stamp card management server 1 acquires the facility ID of a facility where the stamp card can be used. The stamp card management server 1 also stores the facility ID and the stamp card ID in the storage unit 14. Furthermore, the stamp card management server 1 executes a stamp process when the owner of the stamp card uses a facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of that stamp card. The stamp card management server 1 also executes a stamp process when the owner of the stamp card uses an online service in a manner related to the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID of that stamp card. Thus, a stamp card that can be used both offline and online can be realized. By increasing the opportunities for users to earn stamps, the use of facilities and online services can be promoted.

[0111] Here, the stamp card management server 1 may perform a stamping process when the owner of a stamp card uses an online store operated by the business operator that operates the physical store indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID. In this case, a stamp is applied on the condition that the owner of the stamp card uses the online store of the business operator that operates the physical store where the stamp card can be used. Therefore, the user can earn stamps for using the physical store and for using the online store of the business operator that operates that physical store.

[0112] Furthermore, the stamp card management server 1 may execute a stamp process if the stamp card holder makes a reservation through the facility reservation service for any facility operated by the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID. In this case, the user can earn a stamp for using the facility and for making an online reservation for any facility operated by the business operator that operates that facility. Also, if a facility where the stamp card can be used is a facility that can be reserved through the facility reservation service, the stamp card holder can earn a stamp twice by reserving that facility through the facility reservation service and using the reserved facility.

[0113] Alternatively, the stamp card management server 1 may obtain the facility ID of the facility specified by the stamp card creator. In this case, the stamp card creator can specify the facilities where the stamp card can be used.

[0114] The stamp card management server 1 may also acquire facility usage information. Furthermore, the stamp card management server 1 may determine, based on the facility usage information, whether or not the owner of the stamp card has used the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID.

[0115] The stamp card management server 1 may also acquire service usage information. Furthermore, the stamp card management server 1 may determine, based on the service usage information, whether or not the owner of the stamp card has used an online service in a manner related to the operator of the facility indicated by the facility ID associated with the stamp card ID.

[0116] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment may be identical to the first embodiment, except for the points described below. In this embodiment, the stamp card creator may be a business operator that subscribes to any of the services included in the comprehensive internet service. The stamp card management server 1 automatically registers the facilities operated by the stamp card creator as facilities where the created stamp cards can be used.

[0117] Figure 15 shows an example of the concept of a stamp card. As shown in Figure 15, the stamp card creator 340 is a business operator that runs a ramen chain. This ramen chain includes ramen shops 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246. The stamp card creator 340 is a member of the restaurant reservation site 430. Ramen shops 241-246 can be reserved through the restaurant reservation site 430. The stamp card creator 340 creates a stamp card 120. At this time, the stamp card creator 340 does not need to specify which facilities can use the stamp card 120. When the stamp card 120 is created, all of the ramen shops 241-246 are automatically registered as facilities that can use the stamp card 120. Therefore, no matter which of the ramen shops 241-246 the owner of the stamp card 120 uses, a stamp will be placed on the card. Furthermore, if the owner makes a reservation at any of the ramen restaurants 241-246 through the restaurant reservation website 430, a stamp will be placed on their stamp card.

[0118] [2-1. Overview of System Control Unit Functions] Next, the functional overview of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 16, the same elements as in Figure 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between Figure 16 and Figure 9 is that in Figure 16, the system control unit 11 also functions as a business ID acquisition unit 1110.

[0119] The business ID acquisition unit 1110 may acquire a business ID to identify the stamp card creator. For example, the business ID acquisition unit 1110 may acquire the business ID from the stamp card creation terminal 4. For example, on the stamp card creation screen, the stamp card creator may be able to select whether to specify the facilities where the stamp card can be used or to have them automatically registered. If the stamp card creator selects automatic registration, the stamp card creation terminal 4 may send the stamp card creator's business ID to the stamp card management server 1 as information identifying the business operator that operates the facilities where the stamp card can be used. In this way, the business ID acquisition unit 1110 may acquire the business ID.

[0120] The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may identify at least one facility operated by the stamp card creator based on the business ID acquired by the business ID acquisition unit 1110 and the facility information stored in the facility DB 14b. The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may then acquire the facility ID of the identified at least one facility.

[0121] [2-2. Operation of the communication system] Next, the operation of the communication system S will be explained with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when a stamp card is created. In Figure 17, the same reference numerals are used for processes that are the same as in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 17, the stamp card creator enters the stamp card information into the stamp card creation screen (step S101). Next, the stamp card creator selects automatic registration of facilities where the stamp card can be used (step S102). Upon completion of entering the necessary information, the stamp card creation terminal 4 sends the entered stamp card information, the stamp card creator's business ID, and information indicating automatic registration of facilities to the stamp card management server 1 (step S112).

[0122] The stamp card creation unit 1102 of the stamp card management server 1, which receives information from the stamp card creation terminal 4, generates a stamp card ID (step S104). The stamp card creation unit 1102 also obtains all facility IDs associated with the business ID received from the stamp card creation terminal 4 from the facility DB 14b (step S113). Next, for each facility ID obtained from the facility DB 14b, the stamp card creation unit 1102 associates the facility ID with the generated stamp card ID and stores it in the stamp card association DB 14d (step S114). Next, the stamp card creation unit 1102 generates stamp card information and stores it in the stamp card DB 14c (step S106).

[0123] As explained above, according to this embodiment, if the creator of the stamp card is a business operator that operates a facility, the facilities operated by that business operator are identified as facilities where the stamp card can be used, based on the stamp card association information. The facility ID of the identified facility is associated with the stamp card ID. Therefore, a business operator can create a stamp card that can be used at the facilities they operate without having to specify the facilities. For example, if a business operator operates many facilities, specifying all of these facilities would be a burden on the business operator. Such a troublesome task can be eliminated.

[0124] [3. Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the stamp card creator or the like does not need to specify a facility or business operator, and facilities that can use the stamp card may be automatically registered. The stamp card management server 1 may, for example, automatically extract facilities that are members of at least one service included in the comprehensive internet service as facilities that can use the stamp card. For example, facilities that can use the stamp card may be able to create personalized stamp cards for each user.

[0125] [3-1. Configuration of the stamp card management server] Next, the configuration of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the overview configuration of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 18, the same elements as in Figure 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between Figure 18 and Figure 6 is that in Figure 18, the storage unit 14 also stores the stamp card association DB 14i.

[0126] Figure 19 shows an example of the contents stored in the stamp card DB14c and the stamp card association DB14i. The difference between the stamp card DB14c shown in Figure 19 and the stamp card DB14c shown in Figure 8 is that the stamp card DB14c shown in Figure 19 also stores a personalization-enabled flag. The personalization-enabled flag indicates whether or not the stamp card supports facility personalization. For example, the personalization-enabled flag may be set to either "not supported" or "supported". "Not supported" indicates that the stamp card does not support personalization. For stamp cards that do not support personalization, the available facilities are predetermined at the time of creation, as described in the first and second embodiments. "Supported" indicates that the stamp card supports personalization. The stamp card creator may be able to choose whether or not to make the stamp card they create support facility personalization.

[0127] The stamp card association DB14i may store stamp card association information for stamp cards that support facility personalization, for each combination of stamp card, the user to whom the stamp card was issued, and the facilities where that user can use the stamp card. For example, the stamp card association DB14i may store stamp card ID, user ID, and facility ID as related information. The stamp card association DB14d stores stamp card association information for stamp cards that do not support facility personalization.

[0128] [3-2. Overview of System Control Unit Functions] Next, the functional overview of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 will be described with reference to Figure 20. Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 20, the same elements as in Figure 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between Figure 20 and Figure 9 is that in Figure 20, the system control unit 11 also functions as a location information acquisition unit 1111.

[0129] The location information acquisition unit 1111 may acquire location information indicating the location of the user who will be the owner of the stamp card. The user's location may be, for example, the place where the user is actually located, or a place the user frequently visits. For example, the location may be the user's address. The address can be obtained from the member database 21. Alternatively, the location may be the user's workplace or school. The address of the workplace or school may be stored in the member database 21. Also, for example, the location information acquisition unit 1111 may identify a place the user frequently visits as the location based on the location information of the user terminal 6. For example, each user terminal 6 may periodically send its location information and user ID to the stamp card management server 1 based on the control of the stamp card application. The stamp card management server 1 may store each combination of location information and user ID in the storage unit 14. Based on the history of location information stored in the storage unit 14, the stamp card management server 1 may identify a place the user frequently visits for each user. Alternatively, the location may be the user's current location.

[0130] The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may extract facilities that are located within a predetermined travel range from the location indicated by the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 1111, from among at least one facility operated by at least one business operator, as facilities where stamp cards can be used. The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may then acquire a facility ID to identify the extracted facilities. The predetermined travel range may be, for example, an area that is relatively easy for a user to travel to from that location. Facilities located within the predetermined travel range may be, for example, facilities that are within a predetermined range from the location. Examples of facilities within the predetermined range include facilities that are within a predetermined distance in a straight line from the location, facilities that are within a predetermined distance along the travel route from the location, facilities that are within a predetermined time along the travel route from the location, and facilities that are located in the same area as the location. Examples of areas include towns, wards, and villages. The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may determine the area of ​​the predetermined range based, for example, on a map database or a timetable database. When the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 uses travel time, it may consider the average speed of the mode of transportation that the user uses relatively often to travel from their location. Examples of modes of transportation include walking, cycling, trains, buses, and other vehicles. The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may identify the user's mode of transportation based on the history of location information. Furthermore, facilities located within a predetermined travel area may be facilities located within a predetermined range from the nearest station to the user's location. If there is a station nearby, the user is likely to use the train at that station. When using the train, the user is likely to go to the area around that station. For example, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may identify a station located within a first predetermined range from the user's location. Then, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may identify facilities located within a second predetermined range from the identified station. The second predetermined range may be narrower than the first predetermined range.

[0131] The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may extract facilities located within a predetermined travel range from the user's location from among the facilities designated by the stamp card creator, as described in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may extract facilities located within a predetermined travel range from the user's location from among all facilities operated by the stamp card creator, as described in the second embodiment.

[0132] Figure 21 shows an example of facility identification. The symbol 810 in Figure 21 indicates the location of user U1. Facilities 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, and 257 are located around location 810. For example, a predetermined travel area is a region 720 enclosed by a circle with a radius of 2 km centered on location 810. Facilities 251, 254, and 256 are located outside region 720. Facilities 252, 253, 255, and 257 are located within region 720. Therefore, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 may extract facilities 252, 253, 255, and 257 as facilities where stamp cards can be used.

[0133] The stamp card creation unit 1102 may associate the facility ID obtained by the facility ID acquisition unit 1101, the stamp card ID of the stamp card, and the user ID of the user who will own the stamp card, and store this association in the stamp card association DB 14i. This may result in the issuance of a personalized stamp card to that user.

[0134] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the concept of a stamp card. As shown in Figure 22, a stamp card creator has created a stamp card 130 that corresponds to the personalization of a facility. For example, the stamp card creator may be an operator of a stamp card service, an operator of an internet comprehensive service, or an operator of any service included in the internet comprehensive service. The stamp card 130 itself does not have to be associated with any facility.

[0135] Subsequently, user U1 requests the issuance of stamp card 130. In response to this request, stamp card 130-1, corresponding to stamp card 130, is issued. Stamp card 130-1 is associated with facilities 252, 253, 255, and 257. Facility 252 is operated by business operator 352. Business operator 352 operates an online store in online shopping mall 410. Facility 253 is operated by business operator 353. Business operator 353 also operates an online store in online shopping mall 410. Facility 255 is operated by business operator 355. Business operator 355 is affiliated with beauty salon reservation site 440. Beauty salon reservation site 440 is a website that provides reservation services for beauty salons. Reservations for facility 255 can be made on beauty salon reservation site 440. Facility 257 is operated by business operator 357. Business operator 357 is not affiliated with any online services. User U1 can earn stamps by using facilities 252, 253, 255, and 257, which are located near location 810. Additionally, User U1 can earn stamps by purchasing products from the online stores of businesses 352 and 353 at the online shopping mall 410. Furthermore, User U1 can earn stamps by making a reservation at a facility operated by business 355 through the beauty salon reservation site 440.

[0136] The first stamping unit 1105 may perform a stamping process when the owner of a stamp card uses a facility indicated by a facility ID stored in the stamp card association DB 14i, associated with the stamp card ID of the stamp card and the owner's user ID. The second stamping unit 1108 may perform a stamping process when the owner of a stamp card uses an online service in a manner related to a business operator that operates a facility indicated by a facility ID stored in the stamp card association DB 14i, associated with the stamp card ID of the stamp card and the owner's user ID. By using the user ID, the facilities where the stamp card can be used can be identified on an individual basis for each user.

[0137] [3-3. Operation of the communication system] Next, the operation of the communication system S will be explained with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system S when issuing a stamp card. For example, the user launches the stamp card application and displays a list of available stamp cards on the user terminal 6. As shown in Figure 23, the user selects a stamp card that corresponds to the personalization of the facility (step S601). In response to this selection, the user terminal 6 sends an issuance request to the stamp card management server 1, including the stamp card ID of the selected stamp card and the user's user ID (step S602).

[0138] The location information acquisition unit 1111 of the stamp card management server 1 acquires location information, for example, the address associated with the user ID included in the issuance request, from the member DB 21 (step S603). Next, the facility ID acquisition unit 1101 searches for facilities located within a predetermined travel range from that address, based on, for example, the facility DB 14b, map DB, timetable DB, etc. (step S604). The facility ID acquisition unit 1101 acquires the facility ID for each of the searched facilities. Next, the stamp card creation unit 1102 stores stamp card association information, including the stamp card ID and user ID included in the issuance request, as well as the acquired facility ID, in the stamp card association DB 14i for each searched facility (step S605). Next, the stamp card creation unit 1102 generates issued card information, including the stamp card ID and user ID included in the issuance request, and the issuance date and time indicating the current date and time, and stores this issued card information in the issued card DB 14e (step S606). Furthermore, the stamp card creation unit 1102 stores the reward information in the rewards database 14h, and, if necessary, stores the user ID included in the issuance request in the cardholder database 14f. In this way, the stamp card is issued.

[0139] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing an example of stamp card control processing by the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 24, the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 24, first the facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 acquires issued card information, including the user ID of the user whose activity log has been acquired from the member information management server 2, from the issued card DB 14e. The facility usage information acquisition unit 1103 acquires a stamp card ID from each of the acquired issued card information (step S401). Next, the facility usage determination unit 1104 acquires stamp card information, including that stamp card ID, from the stamp card DB 14c for each acquired stamp card ID (step S421). Next, the facility usage determination unit 1104 identifies stamp card information that includes a personalization support flag indicating "not supported" from among the acquired stamp card information. The facility usage determination unit 1104 retrieves the facility ID associated with each stamp card ID from the stamp card association DB 14d for each stamp card ID included in the identified stamp card information (step S422). Next, the facility usage determination unit 1104 identifies stamp card information that includes a personalized response flag indicating "response" from the retrieved stamp card information. The facility usage determination unit 1104 retrieves the facility ID associated with each stamp card ID included in each identified stamp card information, for each facility ID associated with the combination of that stamp card ID and the user ID from which the activity log was obtained, from the stamp card association DB 14i (step S423). Next, the facility usage determination unit 1104 determines whether or not the user has used the facility (step S403).

[0140] If a user uses a facility (step S403: YES), the facility usage determination unit 1104 determines whether there is a facility ID among the facility IDs obtained in steps S421 and S422 that matches a facility ID included in the activity log (step S424). If there is no facility ID that matches a facility ID included in the activity log (step S424: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0141] If there is a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the activity log (step S424: YES), the facility usage determination unit 1104 identifies the corresponding issued card information from the issued card information obtained in step S401. For example, if a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the activity log is obtained in step S421, the facility usage determination unit 1104 may identify issued card information including the stamp card ID associated with that facility ID. If a facility ID that matches the facility ID included in the activity log is obtained in step S422, the facility usage determination unit 1104 may identify issued card information including the stamp card ID associated with the combination of that facility ID and the user ID included in the activity log. The facility usage determination unit 1104 determines whether the activity date and time included in the activity log is later than the issue date and time included in the identified issued card information (step S425). If the activity date and time is earlier than the issue date and time (step S425: NO), the stamp control process ends. If the action date and time are later than the issuance date and time (step S425: YES), the first stamp unit 1105 performs the stamping process (step S406), and the stamp control process ends.

[0142] If the user is not using the facility (step S403: NO), the service usage determination unit 1107 determines whether the user has taken an action that qualifies for stamping using the online service (step S407). If the user has not taken an action that qualifies for stamping using the online service (step S407: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0143] If a user takes an action that qualifies for stamping using the online service (step S407: YES), the service usage determination unit 1107 retrieves the business operator ID associated with each facility ID obtained in steps S421 and S422 from the facility DB 14b (step S426). Next, the service usage determination unit 1107 determines whether there is a business operator ID among the retrieved business operator IDs that matches a business operator ID included in the action log (step S409). If there is no business operator ID that matches a business operator ID included in the action log (step S409: NO), the stamp control process ends.

[0144] If there is a business ID that matches the business ID included in the activity log (step S409: YES), the service usage determination unit 1107 identifies the corresponding issued card information from the issued card information obtained in step S401. For example, if a facility ID associated with a business ID that matches the business ID included in the activity log is obtained in step S421, the service usage determination unit 1107 may identify issued card information including the stamp card ID associated with that facility ID. If a facility ID associated with a business ID that matches the business ID included in the activity log is obtained in step S422, the service usage determination unit 1107 may identify issued card information including the stamp card ID associated with the combination of that facility ID and the user ID included in the activity log. The service usage determination unit 1107 determines whether the activity date and time included in the activity log is later than the issue date and time included in the identified issued card information (step S427). If the activity date and time is earlier than the issue date and time (step S427: NO), the stamp control process ends. If the action date and time are later than the issuance date and time (step S427: YES), the second stamp unit 1108 performs the stamping process (step S406), and the stamp control process ends.

[0145] As explained above, according to this embodiment, facilities located within a predetermined travel range from the user's location are extracted as facilities where the stamp card can be used. The facility ID of the extracted facility, the user's user ID, and the stamp card ID are associated. Therefore, a stamp card that can be used at facilities that are relatively easy for the user to travel to can be realized. The user can earn stamps by using the card at facilities that are relatively easy to travel to. Therefore, the use of facilities can be promoted more effectively. In addition, the user can earn stamps by using online services at facilities that are relatively easy to travel to. Therefore, the use of online services can be promoted more effectively.

[0146] [4. Fourth Embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25 and 26. Except for the points described below, the fourth embodiment may be identical to at least one of the first to third embodiments. In this embodiment, when the stamp card management server 1 stamps a user's stamp card in accordance with the use of the facility or online services, it awards points to the user in the points program.

[0147] Figure 25 shows an example of the functional blocks of the system control unit 11 of the stamp card management server 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 25, the same elements as in Figure 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference between Figure 25 and Figure 9 is that in Figure 25, the system control unit 11 also functions as a point awarding unit 1112.

[0148] The point awarding unit 1112 may automatically award points from the point program to the owner of the stamped stamp card when stamp processing is performed by either the first stamping unit 1105 or the second stamping unit 1108. For example, the point program service server 3 manages the number of points each user possesses. The number of points a user possesses is called the number of available points. For example, the service server 3 may store a user ID and the number of available points associated with each user. The point awarding unit 1112 may award points by, for example, sending a point update request to the point program service server 3. The point update request may include, for example, the user ID of the owner of the stamped stamp card, the number of points to be awarded, etc. The point program service server 3 may update the number of available points by adding the number of points included in the point update request to the number of available points stored in association with the user ID included in the point update request.

[0149] Figure 26 shows an example of how points are awarded. As shown in Figure 26, user U1 goes to the sporting goods store 210 and purchases an item (step S31). In response to the purchase, the stamp card management server 1 stamps user U1's stamp card 110-1 (step S32) and awards points to user U1 (step S33). Subsequently, user U1 operates the user terminal 6-1 to access the online shopping mall 410 and purchases an item from the online store operated by the business operator 310 (step S34). In response to this purchase, the stamp card management server 1 stamps the stamp card 110-1 again (step S35) and awards user U1 further points (step S36). In this embodiment, points are awarded for both the use of the facility and the use of the online service, but points may be awarded for only one of the two.

[0150] The timing for awarding points in response to a user's use of a facility may be, for example, the moment the use of the facility is detected. Examples of timing for awarding points in response to a user's use of an online service where goods can be purchased include when the order is received, when payment for the purchase is completed, after the cancellation period has elapsed, when the purchased goods are shipped, and when the goods are delivered. Examples of timing for awarding points in response to a user's use of an online service where services can be booked include when the booking is received, when payment for accommodation is completed, when the booked accommodation is checked in, and when the booked accommodation is checked out. The timing of stamping and the timing of awarding points may be the same or different. If the timings are different, the stamp may be applied first, or the points may be awarded first.

[0151] The number of points awarded may be predetermined, for example. For example, the number of points awarded may be the same for all stamp cards and all facilities. Alternatively, the number of points awarded may be set for each stamp card or each facility. Furthermore, the number of points awarded may be determined randomly each time points are awarded. Alternatively, whether or not points are awarded each time a stamp is applied may be determined by lottery.

[0152] As described above, according to this embodiment, a stamp is placed on the user's stamp card, and points are automatically awarded to that user. Therefore, the use of the stamp card can be further encouraged.

[0153] [5. Fifth Embodiment] Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 27 and 28. Except for the points described below, the fifth embodiment may be identical to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment as well, the stamp card management server 1 awards points.

[0154] In this embodiment, the point awarding unit 1112 awards points to the owner of a stamped stamp card if the user terminal 6 of the owner of the stamped stamp card receives a point acquisition operation after the stamping process has been performed by either the first stamping unit 1105 or the second stamping unit 1108. The point acquisition operation is an operation to acquire points. The difference from the fourth embodiment is that the user needs to perform a point acquisition operation in order to acquire points.

[0155] For example, when the first stamping unit 1105 and the second stamping unit 1108 perform a stamping process, they each send a stamping notification to the user terminal 6 of the owner of the stamped stamp card, and the user terminal 6 displays the stamping notification on its screen. This stamping notification may indicate that a stamp has been applied and that points can be earned. If the user selects the stamping notification, the user terminal 6 may launch the stamp card application and display the point earning operation screen. The point earning operation screen is a screen for accepting point earning operations. Figure 27 shows an example of the display of the point earning operation screen. As shown in Figure 27, the point earning operation screen 800 is displayed on the screen of the stamp card application. The point earning operation screen 800 may include, for example, an earn button 810 and a non-earn button 820. The earn button 810 is a button for earning points. The non-earn button 820 is a button for selecting not to earn points. If the user operates the earn button 810 as a point earning operation, the user terminal 6 may send a point granting request to, for example, the stamp card management server 1. The point granting request may include, for example, the user ID of the user of the user terminal 6. The point granting unit 1112 may grant points in response to receiving a point granting request from the user terminal 6. The point granting unit 1112 may grant points at the time the point acquisition operation is performed, or it may grant points after the point acquisition operation at the timing exemplified in the fourth embodiment.

[0156] The point acquisition operation screen may not be displayed only when a stamp is applied, but may be displayed at any time at the user's discretion. For example, in a stamp card app, the stamp card screen is displayed. On this stamp card screen, information is displayed for each stamp field of the stamp card selected by the user, indicating whether or not a stamp has been applied to that field. Elements for displaying the point acquisition operation screen 800 may be displayed in association with the stamped stamp fields. Alternatively, the stamp card screen itself may correspond to the point acquisition operation screen. Figure 28 is a diagram showing an example of a stamp card screen. As shown in Figure 28, the stamp card screen 900 may include a stamp card image 910. The stamp card image 910 is an image showing a stamp card. Multiple stamp fields are displayed on the stamp card image 910. Of these stamp fields, stamp fields 911, 912, and 913 indicate that a stamp has been applied. Of these stamp fields, point acquisition icons 920 are displayed in association with stamp fields 912 and 913, respectively. For example, a point acquisition icon 920 may be displayed overlaid on or near the stamp field. The point acquisition icon 920 indicates that points can be earned depending on whether a stamp has been placed in the stamp field associated with that icon. When the user interacts with the point acquisition icon 920, the user terminal 6 displays the point acquisition operation screen 800. For the stamp field 911, the point acquisition icon 920 is not displayed because the user has already earned points.

[0157] For example, the issued card information stored in the issued card DB14e may include a number of point acquisition statuses corresponding to the number of stamp fields. Each point acquisition status may indicate the user's point acquisition status for the stamp field corresponding to that status. The point acquisition status may be set to, for example, "Not obtainable," "Obtainable," and "Obtained." "Not obtainable" indicates a state where points cannot be acquired because no stamp has been placed in that stamp field. "Obtainable" indicates a state where points can be acquired because a stamp has been placed. "Obtained" indicates that point acquisition is complete. The initial value of the point acquisition status is "Not obtainable." For example, the first stamp unit 1105 or the second stamp unit 1108 may change the point acquisition status of the stamp field corresponding to the latest number of stamps to "Obtainable" each time a stamping process is executed.

[0158] When displaying the stamp card screen 900 according to the stamp card application, the user terminal 6 may, for example, send a stamp card information request to the stamp card management server 1. The stamp card information request may include, for example, the stamp card ID of the stamp card selected by the user and the user ID of that user. The stamp card management server 1 may send the issued card information stored in the issued card DB 14e to the user terminal 6, associated with the combination of stamp card ID and user ID included in the stamp card information request. The user terminal 6 may display each stamp field of the stamp card image 910 based on the number of stamps included in the issued card information. The user terminal 6 may also display a point acquisition icon 920 for stamp fields where the point acquisition status is "acquirable". The stamp card management server 1 may also generate a web page corresponding to the stamp card screen 900 and send it to the user terminal 6.

[0159] If the user ultimately awards points by operating the point acquisition icon 920, the point awarding unit 1112 may, for example, change the point acquisition status corresponding to the stamp field associated with the operated point acquisition icon 920 to "acquired".

[0160] As described above, according to this embodiment, after a stamp is placed on the user's stamp card, points are awarded to the user in response to user actions. Therefore, the use of the stamp card can be further encouraged.

[0161] (Note 1) A stamp card management device comprising: facility identification information acquisition means for acquiring facility identification information for identifying a facility that allows the use of stamp cards among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business operators that allows transactions using an online service available for business operators and consumers to conduct transactions; storage control means for associating the acquired facility identification information with stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and storing it in a storage means; first stamp means for executing a stamping process by stamping the owner's stamp card when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card; and second stamp means for executing the stamping process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card.

[0162] (Note 2) The stamp card management device according to Note 1, characterized in that the online service includes a service that enables the business operator to operate an online store that sells the items to be traded, the facility operated by the business operator includes a physical store operated by the business operator that operates the online store, and the second stamp means executes the stamping process when the owner uses the online store operated by the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information.

[0163] (Note 3) The stamp card management device according to Note 1 or 2, characterized in that the online service includes a reservation service that enables the reservation of facilities, the facilities operated by the business operator include facilities that can be reserved using the reservation service, and the second stamp means executes the stamping process when the owner reserves any facility operated by the business operator that operates the facilities indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information using the reservation service.

[0164] (Note 4) The stamp card management device according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, characterized in that the means for acquiring facility identification information acquires facility identification information that identifies the facility designated by the creator of the stamp card.

[0165] (Note 5) The stamp card management device according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein facility business information indicating the association between the facility and the business operator that operates the facility is stored in facility business information storage means, and further comprises business operator identification information acquisition means for acquiring business operator identification information for identifying the business operator that creates the stamp card, wherein the facility identification information acquisition means identifies a facility operated by the business operator that creates the stamp card based on the acquired business operator identification information and the stored facility business information, and acquires facility identification information for identifying the identified facility.

[0166] (Note 6) The stamp card management device according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, further comprising location information acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating the location of the user who will be the owner, the facility identification information acquisition means extracts a facility located within a predetermined travel range from the location indicated by the acquired location information from among the at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operator, and acquires facility identification information for identifying the extracted facility, and the storage control means stores in the storage means the facility identification information for identifying the acquired facility, the stamp card identification information, and the user identification information for identifying the user in association with each other.

[0167] (Note 7) The stamp card management device according to Note 6, characterized in that the first stamp means performs the stamping process when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and the user identification information that identifies the owner.

[0168] (Note 8) The stamp card management device according to Note 6 or 7, wherein the second stamp means performs the stamping process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to a business operator that operates the facility, as indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and the user identification information that identifies the owner.

[0169] (Note 9) A stamp card management device according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, further comprising: facility usage information acquisition means for acquiring facility usage information that indicates the use of a facility in a manner that can identify a user who has used any of the facilities and the facility that has been used; and facility usage determination means for determining whether or not the owner has used the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, based on the acquired facility usage information, wherein the first stamp means executes the stamping process when the facility usage determination means determines that the owner has used the facility.

[0170] (Note 10) A stamp card management device according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, further comprising: a service usage information acquisition means for acquiring service usage information indicating the use of the online service in a manner that can identify the user who used the online service and the business operator associated with the manner of use; and a service usage determination means for determining, based on the acquired service usage information, whether the owner used the online service in a manner related to the business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, wherein the second stamp means executes the stamping process when the service usage determination means determines that the owner used the online service in a manner related to the business operator.

[0171] (Note 11) A stamp card management device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, further comprising a means for automatically awarding points of the points program to the owner when the stamping process is performed.

[0172] (Note 12) A stamp card management device according to any one of Appendix 1 to 10, further comprising a means for awarding points to the owner when, after the stamping process has been performed, an operation to acquire points for the points program is received by the owner's terminal device.

[0173] (Note 11) A stamp card management method performed by a computer, comprising: a facility identification information acquisition step of acquiring facility identification information that identifies a facility where a stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business operators that is capable of conducting transactions using an online service available for business operators and consumers to conduct transactions; a storage control step of associating the acquired facility identification information with stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and storing it in a storage means; a first stamping step of performing a stamping process to stamp the owner's stamp card when the owner of the stamp card uses the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card; and a second stamping step of performing the stamping process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to a business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0174] 1. Stamp card management server 2. Member Information Management Server 3. Service Server 4. Stamp card creation terminal 5. Facility terminals 6. User terminals 11 System Control Unit 12 System Bus 13 Input / Output Interfaces 14 Storage section 14a Business DB 14b Facility Database 14c Stamp Card DB 14d Stamp card association DB 14e Issued Cards Database 14f Cardholder Database 14g Stamp History Database 14h Bonus DB 14i Stamp Card Association Database 15 Communications Department 21 Member Database 22. Activity History Database 1101 Facility ID Acquisition Department 1102 Stamp Card Creation Department 1103 Facility Usage Information Acquisition Department 1104 Facility Use Determination Department 1105 First Stamp Section 1106 Service Usage Information Acquisition Department 1107 Service Utilization Determination Unit 1108 Second Stamp Section 1109 Special Offer Department 1110 Business ID acquisition department 1111 Location information acquisition department 1112 Point Award Department NW Network S Communication System

Claims

1. Facility identification information acquisition means for acquiring facility identification information that identifies a facility where a stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business that is capable of conducting transactions using online services available for business and consumer transactions, A storage control means that associates the acquired facility identification information with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and stores them in a storage means, A service usage information acquisition means that acquires service usage information, which includes business identification information that identifies a business that is a business capable of conducting transactions using the online service and is related to the manner in which the owner uses the online service, as service usage information indicating that the owner has used the online service, A service usage determination means determines whether the online service was used in a manner related to the operator of the facility that makes the stamp card available, based on the operator identification information included in the acquired service usage information, the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, and the facility operator information stored in a facility operator information storage means that stores facility operator information that shows facility operator information in association with a second facility identification information that identifies a facility and a second operator identification information that identifies the operator that operates the facility. When the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the operator of the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card, a stamp means for performing a stamping process that stamps the owner's stamp card using a stamp card usable at the facility, Equipped with, A stamp card management device characterized in that the stamping means executes the stamping process when it is determined that the online service has been used in a manner related to a business operator that operates the facility where the stamp card can be used.

2. Location information acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating the location of a user who will be the owner of a stamp card, Facility identification information acquisition means for acquiring facility identification information that identifies a facility where the stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operators that is capable of conducting transactions using an online service available for transactions between business operators and consumers, the facility identification information acquisition means for extracting a facility located within a predetermined travel range from the location indicated by the acquired location information from among the at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operators, and acquiring facility identification information that identifies the extracted facility, A storage control means for storing the acquired facility identification information and the stamp card identification information for identifying the stamp card in association with each other in the storage means, wherein the storage control means for storing the acquired facility identification information, the stamp card identification information, and the user identification information for identifying the user in association with each other in the storage means, When the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the operator of the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card, a stamp means for performing a stamping process that stamps the owner's stamp card using a stamp card usable at the facility, A stamp card management device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

3. The aforementioned online service includes a service that enables the aforementioned business operator to operate an online store that sells the items being traded. The facilities operated by the aforementioned business operator include physical stores operated by the aforementioned business operator that operates the online store, The stamping means is characterized in that it performs the stamping process when the owner uses the online store operated by the business operator that operates the facility, which is indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information.

4. The aforementioned online service includes a reservation service that enables reservations for facilities, The facilities operated by the aforementioned business operator include facilities that can be reserved using the aforementioned reservation service, The stamping means is characterized in that when the owner makes a reservation through the reservation service for any facility operated by a business operator that operates the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, the stamping means performs the stamping process, as described in claim 1 or 2.

5. The stamp card management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for acquiring facility identification information acquires facility identification information that identifies the facility designated by the creator of the stamp card.

6. Facility operator information relating the aforementioned facility to the operator that operates the facility is stored in the facility operator information storage means. The system further comprises means for obtaining business identification information to identify a business that creates the stamp card, The stamp card management device according to claim 1, wherein the means for acquiring facility identification information identifies a facility operated by the business operator that creates the stamp card, based on the acquired business operator identification information and the stored facility business operator information, and acquires facility identification information that identifies the identified facility.

7. The stamping means is characterized in that it performs the stamping process when the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to a business operator that operates the facility, as indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and the user identification information that identifies the owner.

8. A means for acquiring service usage information that indicates the use of the online service in a manner that can identify the user who used the online service and the business operator related to the manner of use, A service usage determination means that determines, based on the acquired service usage information, whether the owner used the online service in a manner related to the business operator that operates the facility, as indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, Furthermore, The stamping means is characterized in that it performs the stamping process when the service usage determination means determines that the owner has used the online service in a manner related to the business operator.

9. The stamp card management device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a means for automatically awarding points of the points program to the owner when the stamping process is performed.

10. The stamp card management device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a means for awarding points to the owner when, after the stamping process has been performed, an operation to acquire points in the points program is received by the owner's terminal device.

11. A stamp card management method performed by a computer, A facility identification information acquisition step involves acquiring facility identification information to identify a facility that allows the use of a stamp card among at least one facility operated by each of at least one business that is capable of conducting transactions using online services available for business-to-consumer transactions, and A storage control step involves associating the acquired facility identification information with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card and storing them in a storage means; A service usage information acquisition step that acquires service usage information that indicates the owner of the stamp card has used the online service, including business identification information that identifies a business that is capable of conducting transactions using the online service and is related to the manner in which the owner has used the online service; A service usage determination step that determines whether the online service was used in a manner related to the operator of the facility that makes the stamp card available, based on the operator identification information included in the acquired service usage information, the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information, and the facility operator information stored in a facility operator information storage means that stores facility operator information that shows facility operator information in association with a second facility identification information that identifies a facility and a second operator identification information that identifies the operator that operates the facility; When the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the operator of the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card, a stamping step is performed to stamp the owner's stamp card using a stamp card that is usable at the facility. Includes, A stamp card management method characterized in that the stamp step is performed when it is determined that the online service has been used in a manner related to the operator of the facility that makes the stamp card usable.

12. In a computer-based stamp card management method, A location information acquisition step to obtain location information indicating the location of the user who will be the owner of the stamp card, A facility identification information acquisition step for acquiring facility identification information to identify a facility where the stamp card can be used, among at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operators that is capable of conducting transactions using online services available for transactions between business operators and consumers, the facility identification information acquisition step for acquiring facility identification information to identify the extracted facility, from among the at least one facility operated by each of the at least one business operators that is located within a predetermined travel range from the location indicated by the acquired location information, A storage control step that causes the acquired facility identification information and stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card to be associated and stored in a storage means, the storage control step of causing the acquired facility identification information that identifies the facility, the stamp card identification information, and user identification information that identifies the user to be associated and stored in the storage means, When the owner of the stamp card uses the online service in a manner related to the operator of the facility indicated by the facility identification information associated with the stamp card identification information that identifies the stamp card, a stamping step is performed to stamp the owner's stamp card using a stamp card that is usable at the facility. A stamp card management method characterized by including the following.

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